HomeMy WebLinkAboutCanoe River Comm Minutes 09/07/2006CANOE RIVER AQUIFER ADVISORY COMMITTEE
l Minutes of the meeting held by the Canoe River Aquifer Advisory Committee on Thursday,
September 7, 2006, beginning,at 1:08 P.M. at the Water Division, 417 Bay Road, South
Easton, MA. Members present: Wayne Southworth, Easton; Susan Mims, Norton; Jack
Marsh, Easton; Robert Boette, Foxboro; Joan Sozio, Foxboro; David Masciarelli, Sharon.
Also present: Jennifer Carlino, Norton; Tom Hunt, Norton; Liz Sorenson, DCR/ACEC
Program; Susan F. Beede, DCRIACEC Program.
I. CALL TO ORDER - Meeting called to order at 1:08 P.M. by Wayne Southworth, who
noted the resignation of Janet Simolari, Easton, as she has moved out of state.
II. REVIEW OF MINUTES - August 3, 2006 - to be held for a motion by members
present.
III. ELIZABETH SORENSON, DIRECTOR ACEC PROGRAM
Wayne Southworth introduced Elizabeth Sorenson, who has been the Director of the ACEC
Program for a couple of years.
Ms. Sorenson then introduced Susan Beede, the inland ACEC Coordinator, noted the Coastal
ACEC staff member; noted their website has the most recent information; next step is to get
maps on line; here today to listen and introduce themselves to the CRAAC members.
Southworth explained the makeup of the Committee, which is about to reach the twentieth
year point.
Ms. Beede noted her focus is on stewardship. Southworth responded that the Committee is
fortunate because it was formed by legislation with the purpose of protecting the aquifer. The
Committee has brought not only the issues we deal with, but others before the public; it has
become a melting pot; overall there are a lot of benefits that are not realized. Over the years,
the Committee has held seminars on land use, land management and irrigation, He feels one
thing that has made CRAAC successful is the fact the Committee has no budget, Mr.
Southworth also noted the work that has been done along the greenbelt of the Canoe River.
Jennifer Carlino has been working hard on the acquisition of land along Route 495. There is a
lot of dedication in this group.
Ms. Sorenson stated that she knew the Committee was formed by legislation but was not sure
how much power the Committee has. Mr. Southworth explained that our legislation gives us
direction to comment on projects within our communities; Ave have no power but can
comment and recommend. The members of each community would bring their concerns to
us; we would vote; and the vote would be placed on our letterhead.
A short discussion ensued with regards to Massachusetts Highway Snow & Ice removal;
monitoring wells; aquifer testing; Zone 2 studies; and conflict between state agencies with the
`Smart Growth'.
September 7, 2006
IV. OPEN SPACE MAP & GREENBELT UPDATE - no one present.
Jennifer Carlino noted the acquisition of tax title land by transfer in the Hockomock Swamp
and Canoe River Aquifer ACECs; that a grant has been received for equipment (Laptop; GPS
unit, possible wetland cameras); there is a class at Wheaton College that will be doing testing
along the Canoe River; the last nature walk of the season is Sunday, September 101h at 9:30
AM on the Subon property off Foundry Street.
V. CRAAC WEBSITE PROJECT
Mr. Southworth noted that Jack Marsh has been working on the website and has made the
recommendation that a domain name is needed. This would incur a small cost for a 10 year
period. This topic is to be placed on the next agenda for discussion.
VI. ELECTION OF OFFICERS
Boette/Masciarelli motioned to maintain the current slate of officers (that being Chairman,
Wayne Southworth; Vice Chairman, Edward Tartufo; Secretary, Suzanne Erikson). VOTED.
VII. 20TH ANNIVERSARY EVENT
Mr. Southworth: feels this event is a way to promote the Committee; need to confirm the
location ( Southworth, Tartufo and Carlin to check out location); should be an evening event;
possible price range of $30 -50; need to be thinking about the invitation list; suggestion was
made to consider a program book with donor's names.
VIII. UPCOMING WATER CONSERVATION WORKSHOP THURSDAY,
SEPTEMBER 14TH AT THE EASTON WATER DIVISION
Jack Marsh noted this is part of a grant; Amy Vickers will be speaking; he will try and keep
the classes fairly small.
Mr. Southworth: the purpose of this training is to train water development personnel so they
can go out and assist the public in water conservation.
IX. NEW BUSINESS
Masciarelli inquired if any other Towns had feedback or had sent letters on the Town of
Sharon's Water Permit. The answer was no.
X. OLD BUSINESS
Mr. Hunt noted there is nothing new; the developer is still trying to put the road through the
middle of the river in an ACEQ may be 22 house lots; to date no state permits have been
requested.
Next meeting is in the Sharon Town Hall on October 5, 2006.
BoettelMasciarelli moved to adjourn.
Meeting adjourned at 2:40 PM.