05/20/2024 SELECT BOARD Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Select Board Minutes May 20, 2024 APPOINTMENTS & HEARINGS Department „of Natural Resources Director AshleyLL Fisher: DiscusDiscussion and Approval of the Following,:, Municipal Vulnerability Prearedness„Grant: Santuit Pond Town Landin Desib;, Ashley Fisher, Director of Natural Resources was in attendance with Eric Moss of Fuss & O'Neill to update the Select Board on the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Grant for the Santuit Pond Town Landing to include Stormwater and Water Quality Improvements. Fuss & O'Neill has been working with the Town on the grant funded project. Discussion followed with regards to the nutrient sources of Santuit Pond, completed and ongoing work as well as proposed improvements for the Town landing. It was disclosed that 80% of the annual phosphorus inputs are from phosphorus released from bottom sediments. External sources derive from stormwater runoff, 13% and from septic systems 5%. Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) grants for the past three years have funded the Initial Stormwater Retrofit Concept in FY22, the Stakeholder Engagement and Refined Concept Design in FY23 and the Permit Level Design and Permitting in FY24. Through the MassDEP Water Quality Management Planning Grant Wetland Restoration Assessment and Preliminary Design was funded in FY24. The conceptual Town Landing Design was reviewed. This includes stormwater improvements, an enhanced shoreline buffer, a pollinator garden, relocated parking, a gated entrance and paved drive, a kayak/canoe launch, the boat ramp, a fishing platform, signage/art and trails. The FY25 MVP Action Grant Application is pending the Select Board's approval. If the grant is attained, the Town would be reimbursed for 90% of the project cost. With construction documents and the public bid process as well as community engagement between the Town, Tribe and residents, construction would begin in the Spring - Fall of 2025. Discussion followed with regards to the proposed paved drive. The surface would be porous to control erosion. Bioretention areas would capture the runoff that is not managed by the surface. The parking lot is proposed to accommodate spaces for trailers and boats as well as parking. In discussing this concept gravel is the preferred option for a porous surface to address runoff. Permeable pavers for the parking lot were also suggested. Because the area is steep traditional asphalt is being considered. The goal of this project is to infiltrate as much water as possible into bioretention. Motion made by Selectman Sherman to approve the FY25 MVP Action Grant Application. Motion seconded by Selectman Wyman -Colombo. VOTE: Unanimous. 5-0. Roll Call Vote: Selectman Cotton, yes Selectman O'Hara, yes Selectman Sherman, yes Selectman Weeden, ves Selectman Wyman -Colombo., yes Opposed, none