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