10/03/2022 SELECT BOARD Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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5 Mashpee Select Board Minutes October 3, 2022 APPOINTMENTS & HEARINGS Fiscal Year 2023 Snow Plow Contractor Rates: To remain competitive with surrounding towns and Mass DOT it is recommended the Select Board increase the FY23 Snow Plow Contractor rates by adding an addiional $15.00 per hour for vehicles and equipment to include a $5.00 per hour incentive for contractors who provided this service in FY22. Rationale for the increase would remain comparable with other towns, and compensate for increased fuel costs and insurance requirements. The additional incentive would show appreciation to returning contractors for their service. Failure to hire a sufficient number of contractors would delay the Town's response during snow storm and weather related events. Motion made by Selectman O'Hara to support the recommendation of the DPW Director and raise the FY23 Snow Plow Contractor Rates as identified. Motion seconded by Selectman Sherman. Roll Call Vote: Selectman Weeden, yes Selectman Cotton, yes Selectman O'Hara, yes Selectman Sherman, yes Opposed, none Water (.9u ilyjft sentation;. Brian Howes_- University °wwof Massachusetts„Dartmouth: Dr. Brian L. Howes was in attendance to review the annual update of the Town of Mashpee Water Quality Monitoring program. Prior to the presentation Dr. Howes acknowledged the work of Waterways Commission member Don MacDonald who is stepping down. Ashley Fisher, the Director of Natural Resources is expected to assume his responsibilities. The Town if fortunate to have Ms. Fisher's knowledge to bring forth a seamless transition. The Town of Mashpee and Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe were also acknowledged for their assistance in collaborating with The School for Marine Science and Technology (SMAST) and UMass Dartmouth. The study is based on the summer of 2021 monitoring which includes averages and data from previous years to assist in the documentation and research review. (enclosure) Dr. Howes indicated that increased nitrogen loading is the major threat to estuaries world-wide. Goals of the Mashpee Water Quality Monitoring Program include assessing the current nutrient related water quality of each estuary to support management, the tracking of long and short-term changes in embayment health and the validation of the effectiveness of nitrogen management alternatives and regulatory TMDL compliance. Nitrogen enrichment is causing significant impairments to Waquoit and Popponesset Bays and portions of many Cape Cod estuaries. Controlling the sources through nitrogen management is the only way to restore degraded estuarine habitat. Sewering is necessary to remove nitrogen in transport. Additional management control measures include increased tidal exchange, shellfish propagation, and cranberry bog filtration as well as alternative systems. Positive effects have been seen with oyster aquaculture.