1975-Annual Town Report - Laserfiche WebLink

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TOWN REPORT - 1975 This has been an interesting, productive and sometimes frustrating 1975. A major new project is our (HUD)Housing Urban Development Block Grant which approved$43,780.00 for the rehabilitation of an Otis Building as a Senior Citizen Center-. It will be completed during the Spring of 1976. We extend our thanks to all that made this possible and especially Paul Doane of the CCPEDC, who spent endless time and effort to help us make this project a reality. In November, a second Otis building was acquired by the Town to act as a Recreation Center for Mashpee's younger citizens. With the aid of CETA employ- ees and volunteer help, the doors were opened in February. The addition of this facility finally made it possible for our younger citizens to have a supervised center of their own. In addition, our recreation program, once limited to the Town Hall, is substantially expanded. In another area, and in connection with the Bicentennial Commission, the New Seabury Corporation donated the ancient Ockway Chapel, (which dates back to the early 1700's)to the Town. The Chapel is now located near the Old Meeting House by the Indian Cemetery and restora- tion is underway. Five Town Meetings were conducted during this year. The meeting of April 3, 1975, was brought to order by the Moderator and a motion was made and sec- onded to adjourn, "since die". (The business of the Warrant concerned bids for the municipal buildings of Police, Fire and Highway). The lowest general contracting bid of$1.65 million was received; and it was$400,000 over the estimated project cost. The Building Committee and Selectmen could not support this; and therefore, all bids were rejected. The need is still extreme, and the Committee will request Town Meeting action to enable them to proceed with the project. Mashpee citizens also voted to transfer to the Wampanoag Indian Tribal Council 55 acres of town-owned land as a holding under their control. The LEX (Learning Experience)Vocational program for Mashpee High School juniors and seniors was another plus from our voters. This program is conducted at Otis Air Force Base and instruction is on a one-to-one basis (one student, one instructor). OTHER IMPORTANT TOWN MEETING ACTION: Funds were approved for "Data Processing" of the Assessors" records. Approved installation of a well and pump at Attaquin Park. Changed Election Day to the first Saturday following Annual Toxin Meeting. A five per cent salary increase to all Town employees and elected officials. Harbormaster - to be appointed by the Board of Selectmen. Constable - to be appointed by the Board of Selectmen. Six thousand dollars was voted for a comprehensive study of the water quality of Mashpee lakes and ponds and to monitor same. This study resulted in the need to request$27,500 (approved at Special Town Meeting)for equipment, materials and the services of a registered engineer(s) and the licensed applicators required to take emergency action to control pollutants in Mashpee lakes and ponds, if such conditions ever occur. The transfer to the custody and care of the Conservation Commission the Town Forest containing 210 acres. 15