02/25/2019 BOARD OF SELECTMEN Agenda Packet

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DRAFT #1 MAY 2019 SPECIAL & ANNUAL TOWN MEETING WARRANT Page 3 Explanation: This article seeks to re-authorize funding that is encumbered from the Community Preservation Fund to purchase 4.212 acres on a small freshwater pond for open space and passive recreation purposes and to authorize the Town to acquire title to the subject property by gift, purchase or eminent domain taking. Town Meeting had previously authorized this appropriation at the May 4, 2015 Special Town Meeting; however, due to issues beyond the Town's control,the transfer was not consummated within three years, thus, the appropriation lapsed under the Town's Bylaws. Acquisition of the property by eminent domain taking will address any title issues with respect to the property and assure that the Town will obtain clear title to the property upon transfer. The calculated wetland is.216 acres and includes a 20'wide buffer zone around the wetlands. The remainder, 3.996 acres is upland. The land is located in a R-5 zoning district which would allow the property to be subdivided into (2) Approval Not Required (ANR) subdivision lots. The acquisition of the property conforms to the Town of Mashpee Local Comprehensive Plan (LCP) five-year Open Space & Recreation Plan for the protection of, and access to, Washburn Pond, for agricultural preservation and for the protection of BioMap Core Habitat. The vacant lot is accessible by public road. The property is wooded. The rear of the site lot fronts Washburn Pond. The Board of Selectmen recommends approval of Article by a vote of The Finance Committee recommends approval of Article by a vote of Article To see if the Town will vote to appropriate and transfer from the Community Preservation Fund Budgeted for Appropriation Reserve in accordance with the provisions of M.G.L. Chapter 44B, §5 $320,000 for the purpose of funding the Restoration of the Upper Quashnet River System in the John's Pond Conservation Land including necessary costs and expenses related thereto, as recommended by the Community Preservation Committee, or take any other action relating thereto. Submitted by the Community Preservation Committee The Community Preservation Committee recommends approval of Article _by a vote of 8-0. Explanation: The goal of this project is to improve water quality, aquatic and riverbank habitat associated to the headwaters of the Quashnet River. This undertaking would restore fish passage and re-establish a once prolific cold-water fishery for Sea Brook Trout. The project, a part of the Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge would support increased recreational activities such as fishing, hiking, biking, bird and wildlife viewing as well as other passive recreational opportunities. The Upper Quashnet River was once a pristine river system. It has been heavily degraded over time from manmade activities including groundwater contamination. Funding has been secured from the Air Force Civil Engineering Center in the amount of $844,000 for remediation which would include the actual construction of the restoration project. CPA funding would support the planning and permitting phases. The revitalization project in combined effort would restore the Quashnet River to its historic condition. The Board of Selectmen recommends approval of Article by a vote of The Finance Committee recommends approval of Article by a vote of