01/09/2023 SELECT BOARD Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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6 Mashpee Select Board Minutes January 9, 2023 Presentation and Discussion of Potential BylawAmendment Warrant Article with Regardw to Horsepower and Speedm_Restrictions on Santuit Pond Defartment of Natural Resources vDirector wAshler Fisher Fuss &wwO'Neill Representatives: (continued) Joe Appleman a resident of Edgewater Road commented on the New York Times article. The problem lies with climate change, septic systems, and over population. There was nothing stated about boating. In reality, what makes Santuit Pond so special, it's the 3-5 boaters on the pond, fishing and enjoying the scenery. The pond was noted to be beautiful with fish, turtles, swans and otters. Its an amazing place to live. Boating, fishing, and recreation are important when living on the pond. Mr. Appleman noted there may be other viable solutions to consider. Perhaps, reducing engine speed and possibly with sewer line the Town would grandfather those who live on the pond. Regular septic maintenance is important. Mr. Appleman stated he is willing to work with the town to develop solutions. In closing he said the pond is tough, it keeps coming back and it is not as bad as those who are making it out to be. Edgewater Road resident Paul Cononi indicated if the boats are eliminated it would devalue property. There are approximately 8-10 docks on the pond. In his opinion traffic is minimal. The survey did not state how much boat traffic is on the pond. Santuit Pond is an outlet for bass tournaments held twice per year with an estimated 7-8 boats. It is believed the cranberry bogs have been a contributing factor to the degradation of the pond. With the enforcement to re -do his septic Mr. Cononi indicated he complied and in his opinion the water quality has improved. It was recommended the town defer action on the horsepower for two years to determine the water quality results of the upgrades and system replacements. Nathan Adams also residing on Edgewater Road stated it is unfortunate we are all concerned about the pond. He was not aware the town is making strides in septic and road runoff. Mr. Adams stated if the horsepower is kicking up the sediment, then why don't we limit the horsepower. The concern is water quality. At the most recent bass tournament more than 20 boats participated. Mr. Adams conducted water sampling at various times per day, and believes there is no correlation between boat traffic and phosphorus. The report states that each lake will be different, it depends on the sediment and boat traffic. On a normal weekend Santuit Pond has about 5 boats in the water. In his opinion we are scapegoats to make people feel better. Mr. Adams stated let's go for the real solutions and not just the feel good stuff. Paul Pocins deferred comment. Eric Horme of Timberlane Drive indicated that he is a newcomer residing in Mashpee for the past 1.5 years. He realizes there is a problem with the pond. However, the treatment guidance for the homeowners on the pond has been minimal. Mr. Horme stated he has not received any information from the town such as guidelines for fertilizer to see how he can help. Mr. Horme has grown up on the Cape, and has fished this pond with his father. The pond is a good recreational resource for the town, and Mr. Horme desires to raise his children boating on the pond. Andrew McManus, Park Place Way offered comment regarding the horsepower restriction. Mr. McManus indicated the pond is infested with invasive species. If the invasives are disbursed in the water column, it would only take one seed for it to disburse itself. There are also impacts to the erosion on the banks from exceeding boat wakes. Mr. McManus indicated he is in favor of the restriction. It is not a ban. How much is this really impacting the fishing on the pond? There is no impact to the fish, it is just restricting the horsepower.