10/17/2022 Annual Town Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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as of July 1, 2022, the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners has recognized the Mashpee Public Library as serving a community with a population of 15,060 residents (per the 2020 Census), which moves the Library into a different service category and changes the requirements necessary to maintain state certification. Specifically, the required hours of operation for the Library now increase from a minimum of 40 open hours per week to 50 open hours per week. The Board of Selectmen recommended approval of Article 13 by a vote of 4-0 The Finance Committee recommended approval of Article 13 by a vote of 7-0 Motion made by Select Board Member Sherman: I move that the Town vote to approve the first sentence of Article 13 as printed in the warrant. Motion passes unanimously at 7:19 p.m. Article 14 To see if the Town will vote to approve an amendment to the Use of Waterways Bylaw, Chapter 170, by adding § 170-19 to prohibit the use of motorboats within Santuit Pond to limit potential disturbance and resuspension of sediment into the water column to preserve water quality in the Pond that will support other forms of recreation and be protective of public health and safety. §170-19 Santuit Pond Prohibited Uses A. Use of motorized boats within Santuit Pond is prohibited except for vessels owned or operated by an agency of the United States Government, Tribal Government, or by a State, County, City, or Town. This prohibition is intended to limit potential disturbance and resuspension of sediment into the water column resulting from use of motorized boats to protect and preserve water quality in the Pond, facilitate other forms of recreational use and preserve public health and safety. B. For purposes of this Bylaw, the term "motorized boat" shall be defined as any vessel propelled by machinery, whether or not such machinery is the principal source of propulsion, but not a vessel which has a valid marine document issued by the Bureau of Customs of the United States Government or any federal agency successor thereto, or take any other action relating thereto. Submitted by the Department of Natural Resources Explanation: Santuit Pond's depth is less than 10 feet throughout the pond and cannot support motors of excessive horsepower. Through the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Program (MVP) and the completion of a Watershed Management plan both consultants from Fuss & O'Neill and The Southeast New England Program recommend a horsepower restriction on Santuit Pond to enhance water quality. The recommended change to the Waterways Bylaw is intended to restrict boat use to minimize turbidity and protect water quality, in accordance with recommended changes to Mashpee Boating Rules and Regulations. INN