08/25/2025 SELECT BOARD Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Select Board August 25,2025 Minutes Jonathan Small of Sturgis Lane, co-founder of the Save Mashpee Alliance, spoke in strong support of the proposed plan, emphasizingthe urgent need to address the declining health of Mashpee's waters. He explained that the deterioration begins at the top of Wakeby Pond, continuing through Mashpee Pond, into the Mashpee River, and ultimately affecting Popponesset Bay. Small described the proposed solution as both innovative and elegant, noting that it does not rely on massive infrastructure projects. He acknowledged the concerns raised by opponents, addressing them point by point. First, regardingthe impact on open space, he expressed empathy but stated that there is no other responsible alternative at this time.The necessaryfunding is already in place, and the town faces a clear choice: move forward or do nothing. Susan Dangel of Cotuit Road, speaking both as a resident and as President of the Save Mashpee Pond Alliance, expressed strong support for the proposed adaptive wastewater plan, aligning her remarks with those of Jonathan Small. She emphasized that the current plan has been developed through extensive public input. Dangelhighlightedthe challenges of sewering homes around Pinnacle Pond,describingthem as extremely difficultto connect using traditional methods. She emphasized that the town's water is polluted and urgently needs intervention. Acknowledging concerns about the use of forested land, Dangel stated that while the decision is difficult, the reality of the situation demands action. Mary Adams Oleksak spoke in support of the proposed wastewater project. She noted that this facility is designed to address both phosphorus and nitrogen and described it as an innovative solution—particularly because it enables the treatment of wastewater from clusters of homes that currently lack access to sewer infrastructure. The system works by pumping waste into a larger treatment facility, offering a scalable and efficient approach. Oleksak concluded by urging the town to support the project, stating that it represents a responsible,forward-thinking solution and that residents owe itto the communityto accept and moveforward with this plan. Lynne Barbee of 73 Surf Drive spoke in opposition to the proposed sewer project, expressing concern that the town is putting the"cart before the horse."She emphasized the importance of preserving open space and protecting prime forested land. Barbee stated her opposition to sewering in the proposed location, arguing that the process feels rushed and creates a Lack of trust in both the project and the town's procedures. While acknowledging that everyone wants clean water, she cautioned against sacrificing valuable forested land that plays a critical role in supporting the local environment. Barbee also raised concerns about the transparency of the project, statingthat residents have notbeen fullyinformedaboutthe nature and impacts of the proposed wastewater treatment. She warned that the project 3