1991-Annual Town Report - Laserfiche WebLink

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Ten Acre Site - Waquoit Bay ing, Supervisor of the Park, was presented to the"Com- mittee." It appears that during the 1990-1991 hunting Pursuant to the provisions of the June 1981 Agreement season there had not been any major problems or in- between the Town and "DEM" ten (10) acres on Great cidents nor injuries to persons; that the number of hunters River,Waquoit Bay,have been reserved for the construc- averaged between 75 and 100 during the season , and that tion of a boat launch facility with access to and from there was little or no environmental impact; that the Park Wills Work Road. "DEM"is obliged to improve the ac- was well supervised, not only by the Park staff, but by cess road and to seek on behalf of the Town such funds additional area patrols made on a daily basis by the newly as are available for municipal boat launching facilities. formed"State Division of Environmental Law Enforce- "DEM"is further obliged to support legislation transfer- ment." Hunter "safety zone" signs were again placed in ring title to said site to the Town. In the event such legisla- prominent areas to protect the public, and the situation tion fails, "DEM" will lease said site to the Town for a was basically unchanged from the prior year. period of ninety-nine (99) years, for the nominal con- sideration of one dollar. It was the consensus of the majority of the members that the Park is not yet developed to a point where the In the Spring of 1991, there was some discussion "Committee"could foresee any conflict between regulated relative to the development of the site as a boat launch hunting and current Park use and activities. This recom- facility. Proponents contended that the Town was in dire mendation is again probational, and will be reviewed and need of a deep water facility, and that such site would reconsidered each year as the Park develops. be ideal. Representatives of the State Divisions of Public Access and Waterways had also expressed their deep in- Regular meetings of the"Committee" are held on the terest in such facility, and that State funds were readily fourth Tuesday-of each month at the Town Hall. As in available for its construction, the past, the public is urged to attend and express its opi- nions and views as to all phases of the overall develop- It appears, however,that the State contemplated a boat ment and management of the Park. ramp with a minimum of 35 spaces, up to 55 spaces. The ramp itself would be two clean twenty-foot lanes with Barbara Gannon has been the secretary to the"Com- float systems on the side, building and parking lot for mittee"for the past six years. She has most capably and the use of the general public, but controlled by the Town. efficiently performed all her responsibilities, and her in- terest and performance in behalf of the"Committee"have There were a number of meetings held on this proposal been outstanding. by the"Committee,"the public, the Board of Selectmen. "Committee" members expressed their deep concerns Thomas Abbott, Falmouth representative of the"Com- relative to the construction of a full scale boat launch mittee"continues as the"Committee's"representative to facility. The need for another launch site facility was also the Coastal Zone Management Advisory Committee. questioned. There were serious concerns relative to ex- cessive boating and resulting pollution and the contamina- 1, in behalf of the"Committee"take this opportunity tion of fish beds and other major environmental issues. to thank both Senator Henri Rauschenbach and There was also discussion as to whether these facilities, Representative Thomas Cahir for their overall efforts and if and when developed, should be limited to use,by Town cooperation. Representative Cahir has been particularly residents only. active and his efforts and contributions have been invaluable, The"Committee" noted, prior to making its decision particularly with reference to the December 1990 that the boat launch facility, contemplated by the 1981 Agreements relative to the improvement of Great Oak Agreement, would be very small and limited use facility Road and the construction of the new Town Beach. The and that the construction would first address the deep "Committee" also expresses its thanks and gratitude to concerns of pollution,water contamination, adverse en- the Selectmen, Executive Secretary, Kevin Harrington, vironmental impact, etc. The "Committee," by Town Offices and personnel, and Town Counsel for their unanimous vote, recommended against the State cooperation, and to the many public-spirited citizens who proposal. have been of invaluable assistance to the "Committee." In 1991,the"Committee"again considered whether or I also take this opportunity to express my appreciation not hunting should be permitted within the Park during to Mark Cullinan, Chief Engineer of"DEM", Nicholas the 1991-1992 season. Hunting is not a permitted use A. Vontzalides, Attorney for"DEM"and the ex-officio under the terms of the June 19, 1981 Agreement, but non-voting members, as well as other"DEM"and State Town by-laws do not prohibit such activity. Again, as Representatives. The "Committee" expresses its in the past eight years, the "Committee" considered the gratefulness to Peter C. Webber, present Commissioner, sensitive issue as to whether or not hunting was compati- for his assurance that the purposes, policies and provi- ble and consistent with the current use of the Park in its sions of the 1981 Agreement pertaining to the develop- present undeveloped state. The report of Richard Flem ment of the Park will be vigorous1hy pursued and enforc- ed by him. Again, as in the past, I cannot say enough for the members of the"Committee', present and past, who have unselfishly and devotedly given their time and con- 93