05/01/2023 ANNUAL TOWN MEETING - Laserfiche WebLink

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Article 42 To see if the Town will vote to approve the following additions pertaining to Santuit Pond to the Waterways Regulations Ch.170: Prohibit the use of any engine or motor over 10 horsepower, and regulate speed to "headway speed." Specific language below: Ch. 170 § 19: Santuit Pond Prohibited Uses A. The operation and use of any engine or motor greater than 10 horsepower in or upon the waters of Santuit Pond is prohibited; further no powered recreational vehicle shall operate at speeds greater than "headway speed." Exceptions include vessels owned or authorized by an agency of the United States Government, Tribal Government, or by a State, County, City, or Town. Each violation shall make a person liable to a penalty of not more than $300.00. This restriction is intended to limit the disturbance and resuspension of phosphorous laden sediment into the water column resulting from deep mixing caused by use of motorized boats, to protect and preserve water quality in the Pond, prevent shoreline erosion, and limit noise pollution. B. "Headway Speed" shall be defined as the minimum speed at which a vessel may be operated to maintain safe steerage, but not to exceed six miles per hour. C. Time to compliance - All "direct abutters" to Santuit Pond will be allowed a 1 year grace period to come into compliance once this regulation is approved by the Attorney General, Office of Fishing Boating Access, and the Massachusetts Environmental Police. D. A "Direct Abutter" shall be defined as any resident or homeowner within 300 feet of Santuit Pond. Said resident or homeowner shall receive a pass from the Department of Natural Resources' Harbormaster Division to operate outside of the above horsepower restrictions for a 1 year period after regulatory approval, or take any other action relating thereto. Submitted by Petition (Lead Petitioner -Matthew Jalowy) Explanation: Santuit Pond's depth is under I I feet throughout, with an average depth of only 6.5 feet. Due to its shallowness and elevated phosphorus levels, the Pond cannot support motors of more than 10 horsepower. Through the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Program and the completion of a Watershed Management Plan, our experts from Fuss & O'Neil and The Southeast New England Partnership Program recommend this horsepower restriction for Santuit Pond to improve water quality and reduce shoreline erosion. This is one important change necessary for the Pond's long term health. The Select Board takes no position on Article 42 by a vote of 5-0 The Finance Committee recommends approval of Article 42 by a vote of 5-0 Motion made by the petitioner Matthew Jalowy Motion: I move the Town vote to indefinitely postpone Article 42 Motion to indefinitely postpone passes unanimously at 9:02 PM