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Explanation: The goal of this project is to update the Town’s Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP). The OSRP Plan has not been updated since 2009. With an approved OSRP, the Town would be eligible to receive and leverage grant funding that has not been previously available. The Plan is also essential for the success of conservation and recreation efforts supported by the Planning Department and approved Town plans as applicable. Broad-based support and collaboration in the planning process would provide the fundamental framework to identify the needs of open space, and recreational areas to ensure alignment with the community’s vision. Unexpended funds would return to the coffers of the Community Preservation Committee. The Community Preservation Committee recommends approval of Article 8 by a vote of 7-0. The Select Board recommends approval of Article 8 by a vote of 4-0 The Finance Committee recommends approval of Article 8 by a vote of 6-1 Motion made by Select Board Member Sherman Motion: I move that the Town vote to approve Article 8 as printed in the Warrant, with the exception of the phrase “or take any other action relating thereto.” Motion passes unanimously at 7:35PM Article 9 To see if the Town will vote to appropriate and transfer the sum of $550,000 from the Community Preservation Fund 10% Open Space/Recreation Reserve in accordance with the provisions of M.G.L. Chapter 44B §5, for the purpose of funding the Ashumet Pond Restoration & Rehabilitation project including necessary costs and expenses related thereto, as recommended by the Community Preservation Committee, and to apply for, accept and expend any reimbursement funds which are anticipated from Joint Base Cape Cod, through an Environmental Services Agreement, to defray the costs. All reimbursement funds would return to the coffers of the Community Preservation Committee. And further, to authorize the Select Board and/or Community Preservation Committee to enter into all agreements and execute any and all instruments on behalf of the Town as may be necessary to effect this project and obtain reimbursement funding in the best interest of the Town, or take any other action relating thereto. Submitted by the Community Preservation Committee Explanation: The goal of this project is to reduce public health risks associated with cyanobacteria blooms by completing the third aluminum sulfate (alum) treatment to Ashumet Pond to reduce the phosphorus release from bottom sediments. This is three-year project and a strong initiative for clean waters. Phase I includes permitting, engineering, and monitoring by a hired consultant to conduct the aluminum sulfate dosage assessment. A structured work plan would be required in Phase II with a contractor conducting the treatment application with a buffer solution. In Year III an expanded monitoring program would be created to track improvements. The success of the treatment will be measured by future phosphorus release and the treatment longevity lasting 10-15 years, as well as best management practices. Joint Base Cape Cod (JBCC) fully funded the alum treatment on Ashumet Pond in 2001 and in 2010. JBCC has shown a willingness to contribute 50% of the cost of this treatment, to include the permitting and monitoring. Cost sharing funds would be submitted to the Town and deposited into the coffers of the Community Preservation Committee. Aluminum sulfate is a water-soluble salt used in the purification of drinking water and wastewater facilities. Alum has a high capacity to absorb phosphates and it is the recommended treatment by the federal government. Alum has been used in several Cape Ponds including Mystic Lake, Hamblin Pond, Lovells Pond, Long Pond, Cliff Pond, Lovers Lake, Stillwater Pond, Herring Pond and Great Pond.