08/24/2023 CONSERVATION COMMISSION Minutes

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d Mashpee Conservation Commission Minutes Town of Mashpee 16 Great Neck Rd North Mashpee, MA 02649 th For Thursday, August 24 , 2023 Waquoit Meeting Room 16 Great Neck Road North MEMBERS PRESENT MEMBERS ABSENT ALSO PRESENT Paul Colombo, Chair Charles Dalton, Member Daniel Kent, Alexandra Zollo, Vice Chair Chad Smith, Associate Member Assistant Conservation Agent Steven Cook, Secretary Sandra Godfrey, Member Erin Copeland, Member Marjorie Clapprood, Member Paul Colombo, Chair, called the meeting into session at 6:04 pm. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE PUBLIC COMMENT Brian Weeden (133 Main Street). Mr. Weeden discussed Article 9, a citizen’s petition. Article 9 seeks to authorize the Selectboard release title of the Old Indian Cemetery to Wampanoag Tribe. In addition, Article 9 would authorize the Selectboard to lease a parcel to the Wampanoag Tribe. The transfers’ purpose is to allow for the dignified burial of Wampanoag Tribe members with their loved ones. The current Wampanoag Tribe members number about 4,000 with an increasing need for cemetery plots that cannot be met by purchasing individually. Article 9 will not interfere with the IGA since the IGA does not preclude the Town and the Tribe to enter into mutually acceptable land transfers. Mr. Weeden explained the Conservation Commission has first rights to the land under Commonwealth law and expressed hope that if the matter came before the Commission the Commission would support Article 9. Mr. Weeden indicated he would send the parcel’s map to the Commissioners. Mr. Colombo indicated once the map is provided, he would put the land as a discussion item on the next agenda. RECOGNITION OF ANDREW KELLEY – 2023 CONSERVATION DEPARTMENT INTERN Mr. Colombo expressed thanks to Mr. Kelley, a Mashpee High School student, for his work over the Summer. A certificate of appreciation signed by all the Commissioner’s was presented to Mr. Kelley along with a gift bag.