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News/Events - Meeting Minutes

MINUTES OF MEETING, March 20, 2008

MEMBERS PRESENT: Howie Kreutzberg, Chairman; Bill Schmid, Vice-Chairman; Mark Patterson, Harbormaster; Bob McHugh; Steve Smith; John Murphy; Don Hourihan, Geoff Gaughan. ALSO PRESENT: Peter Toppan, Associate Member; Frank Mirarchi; Dick Eckhouse; Rick Murray, Board of Selectmen Liaison; Chick Fagan, Planning Board Liaison; Chris Roberts, Recreation Department Liaison; Chuck Toohey.

1. Chairman Howie Kreutzberg called the MEETING TO ORDER at 7:20 PM, at Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuaries office annex at Edward Foster Road.

2. On a MOTION by Mr. McHugh, SECONDED by Mr. Murphy, the agenda was unanimously approved 8-0.

3. Scituate Marine Park Project.

1. Permit status. Mr. Kreutzberg said that the Army Corps of Engineers (ACE) permit is pending, the public comment period ended yesterday and a decision can be expected at the end of April. Mr. Murray commented that the Selectmen have kept the ACE very well informed and he feels this as been helpful. Mr. Kreutzberg said construction will not be underway before the start of the boating season. There was a brief discussion about an abutter who has had a comment about the project. Mr. Patterson said the Chapter 91 license can be expected shortly and gave the following schedule: March 26 bids are due, April 8 award bid, April 30 permit process completed, May 1 notice to proceed issued, June 14 contractor begins work, August 15 work completed; no work takes place on weekends. Mr. Patterson said that in addition to razing the red building and doing the infrastructure work, the hope is that the pilings can also be placed for the SMP building in this scope of work. There was a discussion about availability of the pilings, and that suitable alternatives exist if the specified pilings are not available within the time frame.

2. Construction status. South Shore VoTech has planned to begin construction on September 10. Mr. Kreutzberg said that he and others involved in the SMP project have been looking to Town Hall for much-needed technical support. Mr. Murray said he has sent a memo to the Selectmen and Town Administrator to this effect, and that having someone on site (a “clerk of the works”) who can liaise with CLE Engineering, the DPW, the Harbormaster’s Office, the WWC etc. would be desireable to facilitate the transition from planning to implementation. Mr. Smith recommended Mr. Toohey for this position. There was a discussion about procedure for determining the scope of the position, who might be recommended, etc. Mr. Kreutzberg suggested taking this matter up again at the next regular WWC meeting on April 2.

3. Park Rendition – Peter Whitman. Mr. Kreutzberg said that a larger conceptual painting can be commissioned in addition to the two existing paintings of the building, that will show more of the site from an aerial or elevated point of view. The consensus was to pursue this. Mr.McHugh made a MOTION to pursue the third conceptual rendition of the Marine Park and building, this motion was SECONDED by Mr. Hourihan, all votedin favor and the motion passed 8-0.

4. Grants/Donations. Mr. Kreutzberg said that Mr. Eckhouse has been working on small grants via the Humane Society, electric, and gas companies; the MA Department of Fisheries BIG grant is being pursued by Larry Niland. Mr. Eckhouse gave a brief overview of his work so far and his plans for going forward, and Mr. Kreutzberg spoke about the BIG grant, saying that possibly $90,000 has been earmarked for Scituate based on the Marine Park being able to support transients of over 26 feet. Mr. Murray mentioned the Urban Self Help grant and Mr. Kreutzberg said that the open space plan may be ready in time to apply for this grant again. Regarding donations, Mr. Kreutzberg brought up the need for fundraising. Mr. Murray talked about setting up an account specifically for receiving donations for this project. There was a discussion about the wish to make this happen in time for Town Meeting.

5. Construction materials. Mr. Kreutzberg said that the roof will be provided by Tom Gaffey. Mr. Toohey said that National Lumber will be able to help with some materials. Mr. Kreutzberg said that some more specifics will be helpful to flesh out how much material will be needed for the 1200-foot building. Mr. Toppan said that he can provide drywall. Mr. Murphy said he spoke with a Scituate resident from Sagamore Plumbing who will donate plumbing supplies and HVAC. He also said that Doug Smith has been looking at grants and that a Scituate resident may be interested in donating funds toward the historical mossing aspect of the park. He also said he spoke with the firefighters’ union and that a small amount could be donated by them.

6. “Recognition Rock”. Mr. Murphy also talked about a donation board with suggested amounts. Mr. Toppan suggested brick walkway donations. There was a discussion about other ways to attract donors, including having the donor’s name on a benefactor board inside and engraved on the rock outside for larger donors.

7. Vo Tech Update. Mr. Toohey said that they will meet with Cape Cod Lumber and that he also plans to meet with Home Depot on Monday and that Lowe’s has a grant for $30,000 plus grants of $500. Mr. Smith said that this grant and a Home Depot grant for $3000 can be applied for online, but that there has to be an account set up. Mr. Toppan said he will pursue setting up an account at Hingham Institution for Savings. Harvey Industries could be a source for decking. Mr. Kreutzberg said that he wrote to the Plymouth store, West Marine and Sailor’s World. Mr. Murray suggested contacting the Scituate Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Gaughan suggested using nautical flags on plaques for donors.

8. Public Relations. a. Town Meeting. Mr. Smith is working on a table to set up at Town Meeting with materials to hand out about the project. Mr. Murray mentioned that this might be confusing with votes being taken at the meeting. It was agreed to hand out materials to people as they leave the meeting. b. Globe article. Mr. Kreutzberg referred to a recent very positive article in the Globe South portion of the Boston Globe regarding the project. c. Rep. Hynes offered a spot on public TV. D. WATD radio: the Capt. Lou show on Sunday can interview someone about the project. e. Ledger. Mr. Murray said he can work on coverage by the Ledger.

9. Other: Mr. Mirarchi is giving a talk at the library next week.

Mr. Patterson brought the commission up to date on:

· Ericsons Marina permit was postponed for 1 week pending the Harbormaster;s final decision

· Mad Fish Marina permit was postponed for 1 week pending the Harbormasters final decision

· Mr. Murray asked the board to consider the 1.5 parking space to boat slip ratio currently required by the Town . He suggested the WWC compare this regulation with other towns and report back to the Selectmen with a recommendation. Additional concerns were how the regulation applies to transient boaters and should different zones be established with different parking ratios

The next regular meeting of the WWC is scheduled for Wednesday April 2.

10. Adjournment. Mr. Smith made a MOTION to adjourn the meeting at 9:00 PM, Mr. McHugh SECONDED the motion, the motion passed unanimously and the meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

Jean Martin