01/08/2026 CONSERVATION COMMISSION Minutes

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Town of Mashpee Conservation Commission 16 Great Neck Road North Mashpee, MA 02649 Regarding funding, all monies that were secured prior to recent budgetary changes remain locked in and unaffected. However, for projects that are transitioning from design and permitting into construction specifically noted was the Mashpee River replacement—future funding availability is not yet certain and will need to be reassessed at the time construction begins. On the positive side, staff noted the availability of a large infrastructure funding program, with approximately $1.2 billion expected to be allocated statewide. Individual project awards could be up to approximately $4 million, and the Town intends to pursue this funding to support construction phases of eligible projects. At this stage, however, outcomes remain uncertain pending the application and award process. • Communication/Correspondence: (Public Comment solicited for each update): None discussed. • Additional Topics: (This space is reserved for topics that the Chairman did not reasonably anticipate would be discussed). Pledge of Allegiance—Agenda Placement & Procedure Staff recommended placing an item on a future agenda to formally decide whether the Pledge of Allegiance should be included permanently on Conservation Commission agendas. It was clarified that: • The Pledge has never been formally voted on by the Commission. • If approved by vote, it would remain on the agenda unless removed by a future vote of the full Commission. • Any Commissioner may decline to recite the Pledge. • If the Chair chooses not to lead it, the Chair may designate another Commissioner to do so. • A vote must be publicly noticed on an agenda before it can occur. Next steps: The Commission agreed to place this item on the February 5th agenda for discussion and a formal vote. Dock Moratorium—Preliminary Discussion A Commissioner raised a question regarding reports that Falmouth implemented a dock moratorium, and whether a similar action could be considered locally. Staff advised that: • This would require legal review and background research, including understanding how similar moratoria in Falmouth and Sandwich were handled and how the state became involved. • The topic should be discussed at a quarterly meeting, allowing time to consult Town Counsel on the legal process, authority, and requirements (e.g., Commission vote vs. Town Meeting action). Next steps: • Add the topic to the April quarterly meeting agenda(noted as April 16). • Staff will seek legal counsel's opinion in advance on whether a moratorium is permissible and what procedures would be required. The Commission agreed this would be a worthwhile exploratory discussion, recognizing the issue is complex and potentially contentious. 4