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with environmental protection, particularly in light of recent public <br /> comments <br /> o The potential for bike paths was debated, with varying opinions on <br /> their necessity and impact on community character <br /> ■ Operational Updates: <br /> o The board noted delays due to staff and the need to integrate <br /> changes to the draft plans presented to the Planning Board. <br /> o Discussions highlighted the importance of public safety in high- <br /> traffic areas, and concerns were reiterated, especially regarding <br /> wastewater management and its impact on local water bodies. <br /> ■ Committee Decisions and Actions: <br /> o The committee agreed to prioritize the revision of the HPP, <br /> focusing on addressing public concerns about environmental <br /> impacts and housing strategies <br /> o Plans were made to hold a workshop to discuss the HPP further <br /> and gather additional public comments <br /> o The committee acknowledged the need for a more integrated <br /> approach to planning, potentially considering a master plan that <br /> encompasses various community aspects, including housing, <br /> environment, and infrastructure <br /> COMMITTEE UPDATES <br /> ➢ Water Quality Updates <br /> o Overview: Key updates regarding water quality initiatives were discussed, <br /> including the finalized alum treatment contract with SMAST for Ashumet Pond's <br /> Phase 1, which covers dosing and permitting, although concerns about future <br /> federal funding for Phase 2 were raised. The committee also addressed the HPP <br /> document review process, emphasizing the importance of individual reviews prior <br /> to the next meeting. Additionally, a funding opportunity may be either seeking <br /> grant funding or approaching CPC. No formal proposals have been submitted at <br /> this time. A potential citizen science program modeled after Cohasset's Student <br /> Coastal Research Program was discussed, aiming to engage high school students <br /> in water quality testing. Finally, the meeting confirmed the next committee <br /> meeting is April 21 st and planned ongoing meeting schedules. Action items were <br /> assigned to various members, focusing on securing funding, volunteer <br /> recruitment, and program implementation. <br /> o Notes <br /> ■ Alum Treatment Contract Update <br /> • Contract with SMS Ashumet Pond alum treatment has been <br /> finalized for Phase 1 <br /> • Phase 1 includes dosing and permitting of alum treatment <br /> • Phase 2 funding is questionable, as the federal government may <br /> not fund its 50% share <br /> • CPC has already approved its funding portion <br /> 5 <br />