HomeMy WebLinkAboutCanoe River Comm Minutes 06/02/2005Canoe River Aqu feir'?A 'ry Committee
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Minutes of the meeting held by the Canoe River Aquifer Advisory Committee on Thursday June 2, '
2005 at 1:00 p.m. at the Foxborough Town Hall, 40 South Street, Foxborough, MA 02035.
Members Present: Wayne P. Southworth, Easton; John Fresh, Jr., Easton;
Leo Potter, Foxborough; Robert Boette, Foxborough; Leonard Flynn,
Mansfield; Dave Masclarelli, Sharon
Others Present: Jenn Carlino, Norton Conservation Agent
t. Call to Order
Meeting called to order at 1:00 p.m. by Wayne Southworth.
II. Review Minutes of May 5, 2005
Committee members reviewed a revised copy of the minutes of May 5, 2005. R. Boette motioned
to accept the minutes of May 5, 2005 as revised. L. Flynn seconded the motion. The minutes as
revised were unanimously accepted.
III. Recap of Annual Awareness Day Held May 7, 2005 at the Mansfield Fish and Game
The Annual Awareness Day was held on May 7, 2005 at the Mansfield Fish and Game despite
the rainy weather. Due to the streak of bad weather on Awareness Day over the last several
years, L. Flynn suggested holding the day in early June, before the end of the school year. W.
Southworth felt late May would be a good time, although the last weekend in May is Memorial
Day, so the third weekend might be a better date.
The turnout of 25 -30 people in the rain was good, and Leslie Luchonok was a good speaker. The
only downside was the weather. The same location might be good because there is shelter if it
does rain. L. Flynn said that changing the location makes people realize that the Canoe River is
in more than just one town. A tent could be used at other locations.
W. Southworth will review next year's calendar for a date for the Annual Awareness Day.
IV. Discuss Water Conservation Forum —Dave Masclarelli
D. Masclarelli updated the Committee on his efforts to create a water conservation forum. He left
a message with Duane LeVangie at DEP. He has not called back yet, but, according to Terry
Martin, Mr. LeVangie has given some talks recently and might be interested in talking at this
forum. He has been giving these talks in order to clarify some of the new rules and regulations.
D. Masclarelli also said that he spoke with a Foxborough resident that works for a company that
does water audits. They charge $110 per home audit. She would be interested in speaking. W.
Southworth felt that this type of audit for an individual home would probably not be cost - effective
unless the home was on sewer. He has known audits to be helpful for companies, colleges and
condominiums.
L. Flynn suggested videotaping a talk on how the audit is conducted, rather than conducting
Individual audits. W. Southworth suggested that a videotape with Duane LeVangie and the
superintendents of the CRAAC towns might be a better choice. L. Flynn agreed, noting that the
superintendents also have a recognition factor in each of their towns. W. Southworth suggested
finding a date before the next meeting, since the CRAAC will not be meeting until August. D.
Masclarelli will talk to D. LeVangie to see if he or someone from DEP can attend.
V. Open Space Map & Greenbelt Update
L. Flynn said that the Open Space Map now Includes Foxborough's input and is up -to -date.
Copies of the map are available.
J. Carlino said that there was no discussion and the vote was unanimous to purchase both
parcels of land in Norton. She has not yet heard back from Mr. Opatka. L. Flynn said he would
like to have this considerable effort recognized, perhaps through a press release. He
emphasized that this required a significant cooperative effort from State agencies, State and local
politicians, town officials and the CRAAC. W. Southworth added his thanks on behalf of the
CRAAC to J. Carlino and L. Flynn for their great effort and tenacity.
L. Flynn noted that it has become increasingly difficult for local communities to have a say in use
of state surplus land. DCAM seems to be selling to the highest bidder, and now the Legislature is
out of the loop. He would like to look into some way to turn this around.
L. Flynn stated that research is still being done on a parcel of land near the Canoe River in
Mansfield. The deeds for the property have still not been located. They may recommend that the
property owners stop paying taxes so that the Town of Mansfield can take the property for tax
title. A deed could then be written for it.
VI. Vote to Suspend July Meeting
L. Potter motioned to suspend the July Canoe River Aquifer Advisory Committee Meeting, and to
hold the next meeting on August 4, 2005. R. Boette seconded the motion. The motion passed
unanimously.
VII. New Business
The next meeting of the CRAAC will take place on Thursday August 4, 2005 at 1:00 p.m. in the
Norton Library. W. Southworth would like to keep the agenda short, so that the committee
members will have time to visit the emu farm that is right on the Canoe River. The owner has
Invited the committee to take a tour. W. Southworth noted that Easton is required to monitor this
farm as part of Its recent well permit from the State.
W. Southworth said that he received a call from a Foxborough resident regarding development of
homes along the Little Canoe River. R. Boette said that the Foxborough Conservation
Commission is aware of this and are watching what is going on there.
L. Flynn requested a current e-mail address listing for all of the CRAAC members