08/28/2023 SELECT BOARD Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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2 Mashpee Select Board Minutes August 28, 2023 Present: Selectman Thomas F. O'Hara, Selectman Carol A. Sherman, Selectman David W. Weeden, Selectman Michaela Wyman-Colombo Town Manager Rodney C. Collins Assistant Town Manager Wayne E. Taylor Absent: Selectman John J. Cotton Meeting Called'to Order by Vice-Chairman O'Hara at 6:30 p.m. Mashpee Town Hall, Waquoit Meeting Room APPOINTMENTS& HEARINGS Public Comment: Comment was received from Reverend Nell Fields,Minister of the Waquoit Congregational Church in support of the Tribe's request for land adjacent to their cemetery to expand its burial grounds. The cemetery serves as a religious culture,a marker in history to help us preserve their traditions. Ken Debrowski, Great Field Landing indicated the Town Manager was gracious to arrange his schedule to meet with him this afternoon to respond to his comments. Richard DeSorgher a resident of 65 Shields Road made note of a recent article which appeared in the Boston Globe on What it takes to make a town alive and successful. One of the successes is to focus on its uniqueness. In Mashpee we have our Wampanoag history and culture. Mr. DeSorgher indicated this is an opportunity to show vision and leadership. The proposed village is envisioned to become a keystone, in the midst of Mashpee's center which includes the Town Archives,the One Room Schoolhouse,the Veterans Garden, and War Memorials,the vast majority of which is the Wampanoag. A village surrounding these sites would give the Town of Mashpee the opportunity to create additional historic features for the sense of the community. This also includes the Land at the Old Indian Burial Ground for historic purposes and because is the right thing to do. Pamela McCarthy of Lemington Lane voiced support for the warrant articles to respect our Wampanoag friends and neighbors stating it is good for spiritual and cultural reasons. A Wampanoag Village would become a historical place for those to come to learn of our history. Mashpee has a strong cultural identity that we should encourage and nurture. Ava Costello, Santuit Pond Rd spoke as a citizen of Mashpee encouraging all to support the cemetery a historical landmark as this is another place for the Tribe to go and be with their ancestors. The living museum, a Wampanoag Village in the 1700's is something that people can learn from, and share with others. Ms. Costello stated this is the unique experience the Town has and she is hopeful the project follows through.