07/17/2023 SELECT BOARD Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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9 Mashpee Select Board Minutes July 17, 2023 APPOINTMENTS & HEARINGS Discussion and Approval of Expenditure of ARPA Funds for Purchase of Electronic Voting Systems: (continued) Motion made by Selectman Sherman to approve the expenditure of available ARPA Funds to purchase the Merida Electronic Voting System for the Town of Mashpee. Motion seconded by Selectman O’Hara. VOTE: Unanimous. 5-0. Roll Call Vote: Selectman Cotton, yes Selectman O’Hara, yes Selectman Sherman, yes Selectman Weeden, yes Selectman Wyman-Colombo, yes Opposed, none Discussion with Regard to Mashpee Pickleball: Earnest Barrows: The Select Board met with Earnest Barrows to review his concerns regarding the pickleball courts on Ashumet Road. Mr. Barrows indicated the repetitive noise emanating from the courts is like a machine gun being fired from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., one hit per quarter second and constant. The noise is now affecting the health of Mr. Barrows who requested the Select Board shut the park down until a solution can be determined. Mr. Barrows indicated he has complained about the noise for several years. The sheeting installed by the Town in his opinion is not soundproofing, it escalates the noise. After discussing this concern with a soundproofing specialist, it was suggested that a 20’ wall be constructed with a roof with proper absorbing insulation to enclose the courts and eliminate the noise disturbance. Mr. Barrows was in attendance with a resident from the Town of Falmouth who also resides in close proximity to the pickleball courts located near the Lawrence School. With an injunction, the courts were shut down. The matter is still pending with a pretrial hearing scheduled in mid-October. In support of Mr. Barrows, the Falmouth resident indicated the frequency of the impulse noise created by the hits, 9,000 per hour, 100,000 per day raises blood pressure. Mr. Barrows requested the Select Board stop the playing or at least limit the days of play. This has been going on for the past five years, and it is truly a health issue. Mr. Barrows was amicable to work with the Town on this matter. If the Select Board does not take action, Mr. Barrows stated he will take this matter to court, and he will win. The Select Board recommended that further discussions and deliberations be held to avoid litigation. Constructing walls and a roof in not an immediate fix. To give Mr. Barrows a day of rest it was recommended the courts be closed on Sundays. This gives both parties a start to begin constructive dialogue to develop options and to begin a start of good faith.