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News/Events - Meeting Minutes

WWC MEMBERS PRESENT: Howie Kreutzberg, Chairman; Bill Schmid, Vice-Chairman; Mark Patterson, Harbormaster; Don Hourihan; Bob McHugh; Steve Smith; John Murphy; Geoff Gaughan; John Shea. SMPC MEMBERS PRESENT: Howie Kreutzberg; Dan Hodgkins; Peter Toppan; Frank Mirarchi. ALSO PRESENT: Rick Murray, Selectmen Liaison; Peter Toppan, Associate Member WWC; Joe Urbanski, Conservation Commission; Ed Vachon, Recreation Department; Bill Limbacher, Planning Board; Kathy Donahue, Advisory Committee; Russell Clark, Board of Health.

1. Chairman Howie Kreutzberg called the meeting to order at 7:20 PM at the Little Red Schoolhouse on Cudworth Road.

3. Mr. McHugh made a MOTION to accept the agenda as written, Mr. Smith SECONDED the motion, all were in favor and the motion passed unanimously.

4. Mr. McHugh made a MOTION to accept the Minutes of the August 1, 2007 meeting as written, Mr. Schmid SECONDED the motion, all were in favor and the motion passed unanimously.

5. Harbormaster’s Report. Mr. Patterson reported that Heritage Days held in early August went very well this year; he said that the popularity of events would bear consideration for next year, to address the increased need for restrooms etc with the Board of Health. Dick Ladd, son of Bob Ladd, has offered to make a donation to augment the brick walkway program to improve landscaping etc around the Harbormaster’s Office on Cole Parkway. Mr. Patterson also commended one of his assistants who helped save a 39 foot sailboat from sinking. He also said that a diver went missing in 40 ft of water off Humarock about two weeks ago; Harbormaster boats were there four minutes after they were notified and rescue divers also were quickly there but despite the quick dispatch the diver has not been recovered.

6. Old Business. A) Revised TK O’Malley’s Marina Plan. Mr. Ohrenberger, attorney to TK O’Malley’s, gave an overview of the background of the proposed marina plans. He said that twelve slips will be available as transient slips under the revised plans, out of a total of 18 slips (four would be seasonal and two would be allotted to abutters). He said they have made efforts not to impact the Federal channel. He said that the float structure has been moved 7 ½ feet closer to the shore in the revised plans, which will help accommodate boats up to 30 feet, although boats over 30 feet will not be permitted in the marina. Mr. Rod Gaskell of CLE Engineering said the channel is at a bottleneck (150 feet wide) at TK’s and it is supposed to be 10 feet deep although this varies somewhat. He showed the public access area at the dock and piers. A finger pile on the north corner was removed from previous plans. The small finger piers have been pushed off 15 feet rather than 10. He showed the turning radius for a 25 foot boat and for a 30 foot boat to show how the shifting of the float structure would accommodate the larger boats. He said there are some minor changes to the revised plans that were submitted and that he will give these to the Harbormaster. Ms. Donahue asked how the larger beam has been accounted for; she also asked about swim platforms and who would determine if that would count in the total length. Mr. Walter Collins of TK O’Malley’s said that staff will oversee the length of vessels which will be docking. Ms. Donahue also asked for a definition of “transient”. Mr Ohrenberger said that this would include those staying up to two nights. Ms. Donahue asked about the right of way; and Mr. Ohrenberger has said that he thinks there is no right of way, although Ms. Donahue said that the property in question’s deed does show a right of way. Mr. Toppan asked about handicap accessibility on the ramp system. Mr. Ohrenberger said that this marina complies with ADA requirements for marinas of under 40 boats. Mr. Kreutzberg said that public access is a positive for the WWC. Safety is a concern entering and exiting the marina. He recommended that the WWC take this information under advisement and make a recommendation at the next WWC meeting. Mr. Gaskell said that because of safety concerns they have limited the marina to boats of 30 feet and under. Mr. Murray suggested a dinghy tieup area to accommodate the many boaters who keep vessels on moorings in the Harbor. Mr. Smith commented on alcohol and boating safety; and cleanup after storms. Mr. Collins said there will be a no open container rule on the docks; and that there will be constant monitoring of the marina. Mr. McHugh made a MOTION to put this matter on the next agenda, Mr. Smith SECONDED the motion, all were in favor.

B) SMP Update. Mr. K said that they are cautiously optimistic that biological testing results due in two weeks that offshore disposal will be possible. Meeting with EPA last Wednesday. Target is permits in place by end December so work can begin on the rip rap, sea wall, backfill and demolition of the existing building to make way for a new facilities building. Mr. Kreutzberg said that CPA funding will be explored, as various recreational and historical uses of the park are planned. Mr. McHugh brought up insurance issues for the lessee. Mr. Limbacher said that the Community Preservation Committee is putting together a five-year plan and suggested that the WWC submit their five-year plan for the SMP. Mr. Smith suggested considering the purchase of the parcel of land that goes up to the pier. Mr. Murray said that the CPC’s deadline for March Town Meeting is October 15. Mr. Murray said that the Frostbiters would consider coming to Scituate if a warm building and restroom facilities were available. Ms. Donahue said that when the SMP land was purchased the Town was told that no further monies would be requested. Ed Vachon said that a number of things will be needed from a recreation standpoint for the sailing program. Mr. Schmid made a MOTION to pursue CPA funds for the SMP; Mr. McHugh SECONDED the motion; all voted in favor. Mr. Patterson said that the test pits were dug and there was positive news on this. Mr. Hodgkins asked about the status of the SMPC. Mr. Murray said that this will be on an upcoming Selectmen’s agenda. Mr. Murray said Mr. Vachon asked for wood furniture to put in the lifesaving building that he is using for the sailing program. Mr. Murray said that the building has been done very well. Mr. Kreutzberg said that he would like to address the waterside needs of the sailing program at a future WWC meeting. Mr. Vachon said that he now has funding for sailboats and there will be an advanced sailing program of 420s as well as a beginner program using Mercurys. Mr. Kreutzberg asked for a wish list from the Recreation Department for the sailing program.

C. No Discharge Zone. Mr. Schmid reported that a nomination for formal submission to the EPA is being drafted by Coastal Zone Management (CZM) and that the formal designation would be made in March 2008. Mr. Murray asked about the infrastructure for pumpouts; Mr. Schmid said that the Town is in compliance now.

6. NEW BUSINESS. A) Proposed Marina South River Mad Fish Restaurant. Mr. Kreutzberg said that at the last WWC meeting a subcommittee consisting of Mr. Hourihan, Mr. Smith, Mr. Urbanski was formed to look at this. Mr. Hourihan said that there is a public launching ramp in Humarock and that it would be good to keep it. Mr. Toppan said that there are some discrepancies in the plans. Mr. Patterson suggested the Mad Fish engineer be invited to the October meeting. He said that an actual photograph would be useful. Mr. Hourihan suggested that buoys be used. Mr. Urbanski suggested asking the engineer to provide more definitive plans. Mr. Patterson asked if the new configuration meets the setbacks. Mr. Cronin, 5 Dartmouth Street, said that the current plans ask for 18 to 20 slips, as opposed to the original plans for 72 slips, and that he endorses these plans. He said that his mooring is in the middle of the 25 foot area and that he would like to see something showing existing moorings. Mr. Limbacher said that eventually these plans will come to the Planning Board but not soon.

B) Proposed Docks South River 238/242 Central Street. Mr. Bob Crowell, engineer, presented plans for these two piers. Mr. Patterson asked if the existing docks shown on the plans are permitted, and Mr. Crowell said that he did not know. It was requested that marker buoys be put out to show the proposed extent of the docks; Mr. Crowell said that he will have this done. Mr. Hourihan mentioned concerns about the channel markers on the east side. Mr. Murray clarified that it is the added length rather than the geometry that is troubling about the T configuration at the end of the docks. Mr. Kreutzberg asked for revised, detailed plans to distribute for discussion at the next WWC meeting. Mr. Crowell said that abutters have been renotified. Mr. Smith said that he has researched avenues of action should a dock be altered to cause an impedence.

There was a brief discussion about dinghy docks. A number of locations were suggested and discussed.

Mr. Smith suggested making Harbor information more accessible to boaters.

The next meeting was scheduled for Wednesday October 3.

7. Mr. McHugh made a MOTION to adjourn the meeting at 9:05 PM, Mr. Smith, SECONDED the motion, all were in favor and the motion passed unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,

Jean Martin