07/13/2020 BOARD OF SELECTMEN Agenda Packet

Home Browse Search

*DRAFT BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES JUNE 295 2020* 4 Board of Selectmen Minutes June 29, 2020 APPOINTMENTS & HEARINGS Discussion Relative to the Pickleball Co-urts.- Earnest Barrow (continued) ...... so 1 In support of the Town's efforts to mitigate the sound Town Manager Rodney C. Collins indicated the sound barrier is an acoustic barrier that is used for pickleball courts. In particular, the Town received an engineering study from the Town of Punta Gorda, FL relative to the use of the canvas sheeting, and it was believed this would mitigate sound at the Mashpee court, The Town's Recreation Director also had conversations with Punta Gorda representation, and based on input it was thought this action would alleviate the noise. In further addressing this matter, the hours of the pickleball court were modified until the barrier was 0 installed in April of 2020. The courts have been closed during the pandernic and have recently opened in a modified format and it was assumed the sound barrier was presumably mitigating the 1 noise, not aggregating the sound, Mr. Barrows indicated he conducted several personal interviews it visiting the pickleball site in Punta Gorda, FL, He made a video of the games, and in his opinion, the sheeting has not made any difference in terms of noise levels, Mr. Barrows noted that in Mashpee, the sheeting is vcry thin and has actually increased the volume of noise. Mr. Barrows also stated the noise has'started to affect hi r s health. He equested the court be closed until the Town can develop a way to mitigate the sound. Discussion followed regarding the greenery surrounding the courts as it relates to the lessening of sound as additional vegetation may augment this concern. It was agreed the process may take some time., and Mr. Barrows may not be completely satisfied with the results. A reduction in hours without closing the park was given consideration. Mr. Barrows indicated he is mainly concerned that a wall has not been constructed.. After considering this matter the Board of Selectmen recommended that a consultant/engineer be engaged to further address mitigation measures to offset the volume of noise originating from the pickleball court. This matter would be further reviewed by the Town Manager with the assistance of the Department Heads at their next meeting. There was no action to close the pickleball courts, Motion made by Selectmen Sherman to conduct an independent assessment in ail effort to mitigate the noise emanating from the pickleball courts. The Town Manager is authori*zed to engage an engineer/consultant for the sound assessment uzing legal, engineering and consulting funds for thi's purpose, Motion seconded by Selectman O'Hara. VOTE. Unanimous. 5 08 Roll Call Vote. Selectman Gottlieb, yes Selectman Cotton, yes Selectman O'Hara,yes Selectman Sherman,yes Selectman Weeden,yes Opposed, none Mr. Barrows requested to modify the hours of play from 10-00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Town Manager Rodney C. Collins indicated,he would have a conductive conversation with Mr. Barrows on Tuesday. If necessary, the Town Manager as the Operations Manager of the Town of Mashpee would have the I ability to modify hours if it,is so required.