11/14/1995 ECONOMIC DEV AND INDUSTRIAL COMMITTEE Minutes

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 1¢, 1995 Members Present: Tom Potts , Ted Lewis, Steve Innis , Paul Reynolds (Sharon Koblinsky was absent) . Also Present: Wayne Duchemin, E.D. Coordinator The meeting was called to order at 7: 05 p.m. Jane Coogan of the Beautification Council was present to discuss the update on the maintenance of the Rotary. She reported that money has been allocated for the construction and maintenance of a Memorial Park. A committee comprised of Tom Fudala, Wayne Duchemin, Greg Taylor, Nancy Caffyn, and Bob Whritenour support this project. Ms. Coogan stated that Tom Cahir feels this is important. She feels it should be addressed as a two-phase project: ( 1 ) acquiring sculpture and ( 2) rotary beautification. Ms. Coogan feels the project could be done for $1, 500 . She suggested using art that reflects the "spirit" of Mashpee ( i .e. Indian heritage, sea, etc. ) . She further suggested tapping into the well for irrigation for Market Street and acquiring a flagpole with the correct size flag. Discussion regarding burying the utility wires occurred with comparisons to Needham. Ms. Coogan suggested reducing the number of signs in Mashpee and also keeping a canopy of trees to preserve the value of real estate. There is grant money available but Mashpee would need to hire a tree warden. Ms . Coogan asked EDC for help in acquiring a water buffalo for plantings around the Welcome signs. Mr. Potts noted that DPW has $1 , 000 available for taking care of the Welcome signs . The State has a beautification program budget and $250, 000 is available. Ms. Coogan stated that Beautification is looking for $5, 000 from the Town for mulch and annuals, and EDC' s support would be appreciated. EDC thanked Ms. Coogan for coming and will take this matter under advisement. Rick York, Shellfish Warden, gave a presentation on shellfish farming in Mashpee. He stated that farming can bring upwards of $50 million. There is high risk involved since it is not predictable, and there are capital costs for pumping water, airation, nature events , ice and disease. Quohogs are the most reliable and also softshell clams. Finfish and seaweed harvesting are potential areas to explore. There is a push State wide for aquaculture, and grant money is available. Mr. York cited Wellfleet ' s clam farming industry as an example. Potential sites for farming in Mashpee would be Waquoit Bay ( 50 acre potiential ) and Popponesset ( 5 acres ) . Mr. York has seeded for the Town, and Mashpee is leasing at $25 per acre to interested parties. (Mashpee residents ) . There is competition with the fishermen and recreational usage. Mr. York stated