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News/Events - Meeting Minutes

MEMBERS PRESENT: Howie Kreutzberg, Chairperson; Bill Schmid, Vice-Chairperson; Mark Patterson, Harbormaster; Geoff Gaughan; Bob McHugh; Don Hourihan; John Murphy; Steve Smith. ALSO PRESENT: Peter Toppan, Associate Member; Rick Murray, Board of Selectmen Liaison; Kevin Maguire; John and Marita Cronin; Mary McLaughlin; Joy Kreutzberg; Dan Hodgkins; Joe Urbanski, Conservation Commission Liaison; Chris Roberts, Recreation Department Liaison; David Waldrip; Chuck Toohey; Joe Noble; Larry Niland.

1. Waterways Commission Chairman Howie Kreutzberg called the meeting to order at 7:20 P.M. in the annex meeting room of the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuaries offices on Edward Foster Road.

2. On a MOTION by Mr. McHugh, SECONDED by Mr. Smith, the agenda was accepted by unanimous vote (8-0).

3. On a MOTION by Mr. McHugh, SECONDED by Mr. Smith, the Minutes of the April 2, 2008 and April 16, 2008 meetings were accepted as written by unanimous vote (8-0).

4. HARBORMASTER’S REPORT. Mr. Patterson reported that he is working with Wally Foster on the lease and details of the building construction at Scituate Marine Park. He referred to the Cohasset dredging project, and mentioned the Memorial Day wreath-laying ceremony. He said that Mass Audubon has said that they are not adequately staffed for a piping plover watch on Third Cliff. Mr. Patterson also said that he attended a grant workshop offered by Sen Delahunt’s office. He thanked the Recreation Department for making it possible to display plans and offer information to the public about the Scituate Maritime Center at the upcoming Summer Recreation signup.

5. Old Business: A) Harbor Clean Up Day May 24 10:00. Mr. Noble gave an overview of this. There will also be a NSRWA cleanup day on May 17, and the Beautification Commission is holding a Shipshape Day on May 31. B) Proposed Pier and Float, 5 Dartmouth Street, Humarock/J. Cronin. WWC members reviewed plans submitted by Mr. Cronin. Members were also able to review marker floats in the river prior to the meeting. Mr. Patterson said that he agrees with the peer review; he finds that the floats provide enough depth (except at minus tide) and that the distance from the channel is adequate; and that the pier and float are in compliance with the majority of performance standards. Mr. Urbanski of the Conservation Commission said that they also found that the plans are in compliance with the majority of standards, and the Conservation Commission meeting was continued until May 19 in the hope that a recommendation from the Harbormaster would be forthcoming before a vote was taken. Mr. Smith made a MOTION that the WWC accept the plan as presented and make this recommendation to the Harbormaster and Conservation Commission; Mr. Murphy SECONDED the motion. Discussion: type of boats that will be docked at the pier; consider parameter on size and type of boat that can be docked there. All voted in favor of the motion and the motion passed unanimously (8-0). C) Scituate Marine Park Update. Direct mailing went out last Friday thanks to Dick Eckhouse and Liz George. Also stuffer went into the Mariner last week. To date more than $7300 has been collected in donations. Mr. Kreutzberg said that the Friends of Scituate Recreation funded the mailing. The ew painting of the property is complete. Mr. Kreutzberg and Mr. Toohey met with the manager of Lowe’s in Pembroke last week and Lowe’s are very interested in pursuing two or three grants for this project. West Marine in Watsonville, CA will also look at the project. Mr. Kreutzberg said that he has met with the president and sales manager of National Lumber, they are prepared to provide $3,000 worth of material. Jeld-wen Foundation gives windows for lighthouses and other marine projects and National Lumber will assist with this connection. Mr. Toohey said that National Lumber will also work on helping with moldings via their suppliers; more may also be forthcoming from various suppliers. Regarding permits, the Chapter 91 permit was signed last Thursday; CZM and federal consistency is done, next is Army Corps of Engineers and this might be possible by next week. Start of construction on June 1 is possible. The Village Market is selling pennants. Mr. Kreutzberg asked everyone to continue to spread the word re donations of labor and materials. Mr. Murphy said that he has contacted several retailers locally and that they all are very positive and will donate something. A fundraiser could be held at Barker Tavern if one was wanted. Heritage Days: Mr. Smith suggested selling t shirts or sweatshirts as a fundraiser; Mr. Roberts said he could help with this. (Put park coordinates on t shirts.) Other ideas for Heritage Days: run shuttle from Harbor to Park; get a booth on Front Street; REMax hot air balloon at Marine Park? Mr. Schmid has created thank you notes for sponsors/donors and also will keep a list of donors and amounts. Include amount of donation and that it will be used for public improvement, for tax deduction purposes. The local TV show was postponed. Mr. Schmid asked for other suggestions for “Recognition Rock”: Mr. Waldrip suggested a buoy for the front of the Maritime Center. Consider making reproductions of the SMC for sale; Mrs. Kreutzberg said that local artists have expressed interest in painting the existing building at the Marine Park. Mr. Niland reported re: Urban Self Help and Boating Infrastructure grants: application deadline July 15. Open Space plan is due to be completed by June 1. A May 21 grant writing seminar run by the State will be attended by himself, Mr. Patterson etc. The Urban Self Help grant could be worth $490,000, the State reimburses the Town. A question was asked about powerwashing. BIG is for infrastructure that needs to be built: showers, washrooms, wireless access, ADA compliant docks, etc.

D) NDZ Update: Mr. Schmid reported that the EPA site visit went well and nomination is on track for Spring 2008 designation. Mr. Murphy suggested inviting pumpout providers to the next meeting. Ask them for a schedule of hours of operation to post on Harbormaster’s website. Mrs. McLaughlin expressed concern about the situation in Humarock, and there was a discussion about this. Mr. Murphy suggested posting NDZ signs in marinas. Public education re requirements will be necessary. A suggestion was made to do another mailing.

E) Harbor/Waterways Management Plan/G. Gaughan. Mr. Gaugan and Mr. Patterson said that Mr. Kalishes of the Conservation Commission is editing the document and will take it to Mr. Duggan (Building Inspector) and Ms. Harbottle (Town Planner) for further comment. Mr. Kalishes will supply GIS maps. He suggested revisiting goals and objectives (short, medium and long term). Mr. Patterson said he would like to receive comments from WWC members within a couple of weeks so that the next draft may be ready by the June WWC meeting. Mr. Gaughan said that he will extract the portion regarding goals and objectives, and Mr. Kreutzberg said that he will get it out to members for review. Mr. Gaughan suggested putting the draft on the Waterways web page for public comment, keeping in mind compliance re public meetings. Mr. Kreutzberg said that a grant may be available for an economic development survey, this could be added one of the goals.

In other old business, Mr. Murray reported on Jericho ramp, and on maintenance/public use issues at the Spit and said a suggestion had been made for a multiagency meeting re the Spit, which worked well last time it was held three years ago.

6. New Business. Mr. Waldrip said that the Stellwagen Bank Advisory Council report has been published and is available online. The public comment period closes on August 4. Mr. Hourihan said that the council has discussed implementing a speed limit and has attempted to outlaw spotter planes and balloons that are used in tuna fishing; and that the council should be watched. Mr. Murray said that he will suggest that the Selectmen comment on the document from an economic standpoint and that the WWC may be asked for feedback. There was a discussion about the report, Scituate’s needs and points of view, etc.

Annual Appointment Process. Mr. McHugh will step down to Associate member, therefore there is an opening on the WWC for a full time member, interested parties may fill out application at the Selectmen’s office by May 20.

Mr. Schmid asked if the Town slips would be fully booked and Mr. Patterson said that they will be, and there is a waiting list of about 90.

Next meeting = June 4.

7. On a MOTION by Mr. Smith, SECONDED by Mr. McHugh, the meeting was adjourned at 9:15 PM by unanimous vote.

Respectfully submitted,

Jean Martin