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�04%k1M { <br /> Town of Mashpee Shellfish Commission <br /> : z 16 Great Neck Road North <br /> Mashpee,MA 02649 <br /> Mr. Cook continued to question whether additional seed was necessary when the Division already <br /> possessed substantial oyster inventory, including both larger oysters and smaller seed. Mr. Avis <br /> acknowledged those concerns but stated that he was not prepared to make an immediate recommendation <br /> regarding cancellation of the order. He explained that he wished to conduct additional review and <br /> discussions with the DNR Director, restoration partners, and the hatchery before determining whether the <br /> order should proceed. Mr. Avis stated that he did not want to make a "knee-jerk" decision regarding <br /> cancellation and noted that he wanted to understand whether the hatchery was relying upon the Town's <br /> order and whether cancellation could affect future relationships with oyster seed suppliers. <br /> Discussion also included the source of funding for the oyster seed purchase. It was noted that the seed <br /> would be purchased through a county-funded program rather than through a direct Town appropriation. <br /> Members discussed whether shellfish propagation funds and related resources should be utilized for <br /> restoration efforts when existing oyster inventory may already be available to support those projects. <br /> Mr. Cook reiterated his concern that the Division already possessed sufficient oysters to contribute to <br /> restoration efforts and questioned the need for additional purchases. Mr. Avis stated that the matter would <br /> remain under review and that additional information would be gathered before a final determination was <br /> made. <br /> Mr. Thomas expressed appreciation for the collaborative discussions that had occurred during the site <br /> visit and throughout the meeting. He noted the value of seeking input from individuals with significant <br /> shell fishing experience and encouraged continued cooperation between staff and Commission members <br /> to ensure that shellfish propagation, restoration, and management efforts remain effective and <br /> sustainable. Mr. Thomas further noted that the Division continues to operate with limited staff and <br /> resources and emphasized the importance of balancing restoration goals with operational responsibilities. <br /> Discussion also included observations from the site visit to the Department's facility on Red Brook Road. <br /> Members expressed support for the facility and noted that the additional space would help staff manage <br /> equipment, shellfish inventory, gear, and ongoing operations more effectively. <br /> No formal action was taken. <br /> Discussion Regarding the Removal of the Shellfish Constable as a <br /> Voting Member of the Shellfish Commission <br /> Mr. Tomaino stated that, in his professional opinion, the Shellfish Constable should not serve as a voting <br /> member of the Shellfish Commission. He explained that the Shellfish Constable's role is focused on day- <br /> to-day operations of the Shellfish Division, while the Commission's role is advisory and policy-oriented. <br /> Mr. Tomaino stated that he intended to recommend a bylaw change that would remove the Shellfish <br /> Constable as a voting member of the Commission and replace that position with a member-at-large. He <br /> noted that his recommendation was based on organizational and professional considerations and was not <br /> related to the Commission's recent discussion or vote concerning Mr. Quiterio's aquaculture grant. <br /> Mr. Tomaino reported that he had discussed the matter with Town management and requested a legal <br /> opinion regarding the proposed bylaw amendment. He explained that implementation would require <br /> approval through a Town Meeting warrant article because the change would involve an amendment to the <br /> Town's bylaws. Mr. Tomaino stated that warrant articles for the October Town Meeting were due July 13, <br /> 7 <br />