08/25/2025 SELECT BOARD Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Select Board August 25,2025 Minutes make a hard decision in order to protect something larger. He emphasized the need for better outreach, including more effective mailings or public notices to increase awareness. Selectman Cotton echoed the sentiment that this is a case of"environment vs. environment" and confirmed that the Town did seek legal opinion regarding the process. He referenced historical permitting issues and commented on the difficulties of clearing Land, expressing hope that anytrees removed would be done thoughtfully and with ecological consideration. He suggested including a simple map of the impacted lots— highlighting that the total site is 26 acres, with only5-7 acres directly impacted—to help residents clearly understand the scope of the work. Selectwoman Kelley-Wilson stressed the importance of both land and water protection, noting thatwhile both sides agree on environmental priorities, the lack of transparency in the project's rollout has undermined public confidence. She called for improved engagementwith the communityto ensure people understand the pros and cons and feel heard throughoutthe process. She also raised concern thattheTown has yetto meet nutrient reduction goals in certain areas and warned that relying solely on alum treatments is not a sustainable path forward. Town Manager Rodney Collins reminded the Board that protecting the Mashpee-Wakeby Pond watershed has been a longstanding goal. The current site was vetted by the EPA and awarded SRF funding based on its merits. While he admitted the timeline was tight due to SRF deadlines and acknowledged communication gaps, he emphasized that all actions have been taken in good faith. He clarified that no statements have been made blaming homeowners for not paying taxes and that any such interpretation is a mischaracterization of his remarks. Returning to the urgency of the project, Wyman-Colombo reiterated that the Town is up against funding deadlines and must act now to secure financing. She acknowledged the hardship placed on nearby homeowners and stressed that Mashpee, like other Cape towns, is facing difficult choices. She also highlighted plans for post-construction habitat restoration, stating that the land could eventually be improved and repurposed for ecological benefit. Selectman Weeden concluded by calling for more frequent public updates on water qualityand infrastructure progress. He also urged the Town to engagewith entities likethe Water District, Sewer Commision, and Joint Base Cape Cod (JBCC) to explore additional future discharge options and ensure regional alignment. Town Manager Rodney Collins confirmed that formal discussions are underwaywith the Water District. Weeden emphasized the importance of ensuring everyone is on the same page and that ongoing collaboration with the Water District should be prioritized moving forward. 11