HomeMy WebLinkAboutCanoe River Comm Minutes 02/02/2006CANOE RIVER AQUIFER ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Meeting Minutes
February 2, 2006
Minutes of the meeting held by the Canoe River Aquifer Advisory Committee'bu '
February 2, 2006 at 1:00 PM at Mansfield Town Hall, Mansfield, MA.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Wayne Southworth, Easton; Leonard Flynn, Mansfield;
Suzanne Erikson, Norton; Frederick Watson, Norton; John Fresh, Jr., Easton; Leo Potter,
Foxborough; Robert Boette, Foxborough.
ALSO PRESENT: Steve Bishop, Mansfield and Michael Minx, Norton.
I. CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Southworth called the meeting to order at
1:00 PM.
II. REVIEW MINUTES OF JANUARY 5,2006: The minutes of the
January 5, 2006 were motioned approved by Bob Boette and the motion was
seconded by Leo Potter.
III. OPEN SPACE MAP & GREENBELT UPDATE: Leonard Flynn gave an
update of the Greenbelt Project and presented the Committee with an updated
map within the 500 buffer of the Canoe. River in Mansfield.
Jenn Carlin was unable to attend the meeting and she had sent Wayne an e -mail
regarding a grant she was interested in pursuing for a G.P.S. unit to be used in
Norton's Wildlife Habitat Evaluation.
Leonard Flynn discussed the grant that was available through the Taunton River
Watershed and felt we should apply for a habitat of the whole Watershed. Wayne
suggested that he discuss this with Jenn Carlino and complete the application. The
e -mail address is www.savethetaunton.ora.
IV. ANNUAL AWARENESS DAY — TENTATIVE DATE AND LOCATION:
JUNE 3, 2006 AT THE MANSFIELD WATER TREATMENT PLANT: The
annual Awareness Day, scheduled for June 3, 2006 at the Mansfield Water
Treatment Plant, is all set. Steve Bishop, Chief Operator from the Mansfield
Water Division will be available for tours of the new treatment plant. They will
provide refreshments.
V. FUTURE CRAAC WEBSITE OPTIONS: Website options were discussed. The
potential cost was approximately $200.00 per year. Leonard Flynn spoke of the
importance of keeping the site current.
VI. PHOTOS OF THE RIVER: Photos of the River would be necessary for a
website. Wayne showed examples of pictometry that would be available.
VII. NEW BUSINESS: Suzanne Erikson discussed a 40B affordable housing project
on Bay Road in Norton.
Leonard Flynn spoke on the need for affordable housing in Massachusetts but felt
40B was not the answer.
Each community must have 10% affordable homes. Mansfield approved a 256
unit 40B on West Street. Suzanne explained that the original plan called for six
homes.
Michael Minx, an abutter from Norton, spoke about the project and his concerns
for the homes in the area.
Wayne suggested that the abutters be vigilant and attend the hearings at the Board
of Appeals.
Leonard Flynn presented the Committee with a draft Senate Bill 2104 and House
Bill 4143, an act relative to the recovery of attorneys' fees for restriction
enforcement. He listed the expenses that land trusts have incurred defending
construction restrictions.
Leonard has asked for our support. Bob Boette made a motion and it was
seconded by Leonard Flynn for the CRAAC to send a letter to our state
representatives and senators in support of this legislation.
Janet Simolari from Easton has prepared a press release from the recent cable TV
production which she will send to the local papers.
The meeting was adjourned at 2:30 PM. The next meeting will be held Thursday,
March 2, 2006 at 1:00 PM at the Easton Water Department, 417 Bay Road, South
Easton.