1996-Annual Town Report - Laserfiche WebLink

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it Com- Cod Commission. The Selectmen have agreed to host and public access; Chairman of the Waterways a public hearing in early 1997 to consider these mat- mission Ben Gordon, for providing storage for our ters and to take public input. fiber-rolls, for providing transportation of them to the River and for"sweating" with the rest of us (twice)in The Commission has been active in developing moving them; Water Commissioner Diane Rom- cooperative agreements with the Installation Remedi- melmeyer for being an effective"liaison"between her ation Program (IRP)and the Jacobs Engineering Commission and ours; Herring Warden Leigh Potter Group, who are involved in the ongoing analysis and for his tireless devotion to "his fish" and the Rivers; planning of treatment for the various toxic plumes Tom Fudala, for guiding our land acquisition efforts; enamating from the Mass. Military Reservation. This and last (but not least) Joyce Mason (Administrative involvement will deepen as sampling/analysis expands Assistant to the Executive Secretary) for her problem- and treatment facilities will come "on line". Though solving ability and prompt(and accurate)answers to a emerging awareness of the extent of plumes is dis- myriad of questions! turbing, there has been a "fringe" benefit to some of the associated studies. The first round of sampling of Respectfully submitted, water bodies,vernal pools and sediments has provided John J. Fitzsimmons, Chairman some excellent information on various (measured) Elliot Rosenberg, Vice Chairman physical/chemical parameters, the knowledge of John Johansen, Clerk which will be most helpful. Inherent to the Commis- Harry Desrosiers sion's mandated mission of protecting fisheries, water David Sharpe quality and wildlife habitat is an on-going assessment Ralph Shaw of the"health"of these resources.The baseline knowl- George F. Green, Jr. edge provided by this sampling (and three other Robert A. Lopez,Associate rounds of sampling to follow)provides us with a most Susana Lannik,Associate valuable"baseline"from which to monitor these areas Paul Averett,Associate and plan for their protection. The Mashpee Nature Tours Program was expanded Report of the this year due to its success since its inception in Spring Department of Public Works of 1994.This year, Renee King Fudala, who serves as the interpretive tour guide coordinator was assisted by tour guides, Cynthia Bryden and Donald Dyer. Both To the Honorable Board of Selectmen came to the program with qutstanding experience and and the Citizens of the Town of Mashpee: ' backgrounds and are an asset to the tours program. Yvonne Coursey served as the alternate tour guide. The year started with the "Blizzard of 96". An Although some programs drew more participants than extended period of two storms over four days brought r others, tours averaged eight persons each including 18 inches of snow. We had a 12 inch storm on Febru- t visitors from as far away as France,Germany,England ary 3rd. In total, the winter season was comprised of and Canada. Popular tours included family-orientated 30 "snow and ice events" with the last event on April Programs, natural and cultural history tours, sunset 10, 1996.The seasonal snowfall was a record 86 inch- and full moon walks and owl prowls. Canoe trips were es. The cost of snow and ice operations was $221, also offered once again for the first time and will be 221.00 which was offset by a successful State Aid and offered once again in 1997. We were also able this Federal reimbursement of $84, 232.00. The cost for Year to offer field lessons at South Cape Beach State the season was $43.00 per dwelling or $1.45 per park for Mashpee students grades 1 through 3. Student house/event. s and teacher response was very favorable and reward- ing.The Mashpee Nature Tours Program was a great Great Oak Rd. was reconstructed. The project was success in 1996 and we look forward to an even better substantially completed at a cost of$540, 602.09. The Year ahead. road was constructed with two four foot bike lanes to facilitate shared use along its two mile length. The The Commission would like to thank the other D.P.W. assisted the Department of Environmental d Town Departments for their extraordinary assistance, Management in completing the paving of the Com- cooperation and professionalism. (It is not like this in monwealth of Massachusetts section of Great Oak Rd. every town!) We continue to work closely and effec- to the Town Beach. During the Fall, the D.P.W. fol- e tively with the Building Department and health lowed up with repaving to the South Cape Beach park- Department. Virtually every town department ing lot. e deserves praise, but a few special accolades go to some individuals: Perry Ellis, for help with the fiber- In March was assisted in moving Town Hall records 'e rolls and for his commitment for resource-protection and offices into trailers behind Town Hall to provide 123