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News/Events - Meeting Minutes

WATERWAYS COMMISSION

April 1, 2009

MEMBERS PRESENT: Howie Kreutzberg, Chairperson; John Murphy, Vice Chair; Steve Smith; Larry Niland; Geoff Gaughan; Peter Toppan; Bill Schmid . ALSO PRESENT: Bob McHugh, Associate Member; Fran McMillen, Associate Member; Keith Walo, Associate Member; Rick Murray, Board of Selectmen liaison; Mary McLaughlin; Dick Eckhouse; Dan Hodgkins; Chuck Toohey; Anne Sweeney; Kieli Storm Dooley; .

1. Chairperson Howie Kreutzberg called the meeting to order at 7:20 PM at the NOAA Annex at Edward Foster Road.

Mr. Smith made a MOTION to accept the agenda as written, Mr. Gaughan SECONDED the motion, all were in favor and the motion passed unanimously 7-0.

2. Mr. Toppan made a MOTION to accept the Minutes of the March 4 meeting, Mr. Schmid SECONDED the motion, all were in favor and the motion passed unanimously 7-0.

3. Harbormaster’s Report. In the Harbormaster’s absence, Mr. Kreutzberg reported that the Harbormaster is currently reconfiguring existing piers at SMP , same number of slips available but with different configuration. Ultimately would like to see three rows, this year there will be two. Mr. Murphy said that $35-$50,000 potential revenue for an outside leg of the pier to be added Dredging allows for a third leg to be put in, Mr. Patterson will be making that decision. BIG grant calls for an 80 foot ADA ramp that can reach all the docks. The intention is to develop a fairway to get people to the marina more safely. Mr. Murray mentioned the bungee-cord-style moorings that were discussed at a past meeting and there was a discussion about this, as a way of opening up the fairway. It was agreed to pursue this as an option. RFP for travel lift piers needs to go out soon, DCR might be able to provide funds for some of this. Mr. Kreutzberg also said that the Harbormaster thanks everyone who participated in the NSRWA Kayak Expo last weekend.

Financial update: The Town appropriated $1.63 m for project, $1.3 million has been borrowed, $900,000 has been spent. we will get 75% of the dredging costs back; travel lift legs will cost c $300,000, $500,000 for piers and pilings.

4. Old Business. a. Scituate Maritime Center Update. 1) Construction Status. 8 AM tomorrow meeting at VoTech to discuss progress of project, intent is to complete the building by the end of May although there is a lot to be done in a short time. Joseph’s Hardware provided all the decking, three quarters has been laid. Tomorrow windows will begin going in. Saturday rough plumbing begins, HVAC is being done by the High School. Security system was donated by Atlas Alarm. White cedar dipped shingles are being supplied by Joseph’s Hardware, question of who will install them. ADA ramp 60 feet with two platforms, stairs to building and railing around deck all need to be done, also inside trim. Mr. Toohey said the VoTech students can build the rails if the ramp is in. After tomorrow’s meeting Mr. Kreutzberg will send out an email letting people know what still needs to be done. Mr. Kreutzberg thanked everyone who has helped with recent projects at the Marine Park. On Saturday April 11 sewer connection will be done. There was a discussion about propane.

2) BIG Grant Status: Mr. Niland reported that the effective date should be tomorrow. Reimbursement grant of 75%, he said he will look into whether the work done gratis can count as inkind toward the total.

Re Open Space Plan: Mr. Murray said that he sent a letter of approval and the Planning Board and Town Administrator also need to send letters of approval for it to be finalized.

3) Ongoing Building Operations: Mr. Kreutzberg said he has looked into how the Cohasset Lightkeepers House is run because it is similar to our new facility. He asked if the Commission thought that creating a nonprofit 501-c3 would be a good way to run the building, this is how GAR Hall is handled. There was a discussion about this including potential uses for the building, and how the building will be run. It was agreed to take this up again at the May meeting.

b) Marine Park Upland Update: Mr. Toppan said he has spoken to three landscape designers and two people about beautification aspects. Three aspects: Hardscape (walkways etc), removal of phragmites and placement of replacement plants, design features (planters, flowerbeds). All take place during different seasons. Mr. Toppan said remediation appears to be a priority although some of this will have to wait until after this boating season. Mr. Smith said that he thinks the phragmite removal should be done soon. There was a discussion about phragmite removal, how it might be done and when. Mr. Smith suggested getting proposals for this right away; Mr. Murray added that bids are not needed if the cost is under $25,000. Mr. Kreutzberg added that phragmite removal is only one aspect of this task, restoration is the next step. Parking lot needs to be filled and leveled out (which part of the budget does this come out of?)

c) Waterways Management Plan Update: Mr. Gaughan reported that he and Mr. Patterson have gone over notes from the public meetings but the meeting with CZM has been postponed, target for completion is June 1.

In other old business, Mr. Kreutzberg said that the RFPs for boatyard lease have been received.

5) New Business: Mr. Murphy brought up education and awareness on pumpout facilities, those who have these facilities could be responsible for bringing awareness to the public and that pumpout is mandatory. Signs at marinas, handouts. Possibility of sending out information with bills.

The next meeting was scheduled for May 6, 2009.

6. Mr. Niland made a MOTION to adjourn the meeting at 8:50 PM, Mr. Smith SECONDED the motion, all were in favor and the motion passed unanimously 7-0.

Respectfully submitted,

Jean Martin