Minutes
Shellfish Advisory Board
Minutes
October 27, 2014
7:00 pm Town Hall Hearing Room
Present: Barbara Austin, Barbara Brennessel, John Duane, Joel Fox, James O’Connell, Jacob Puffer (Alternate), Helen Miranda Wilson
Regrets: Rebecca Taylor
Others in Attendance: John Brawley, John Riehl, Harry Terkanian, John Mankevetch, Andy Koch, Fred Richard, Ed Tesson.
Convened at 7:08 pm
Minutes from September 29 were approved after revision (5-0).
Access at Omaha Beach: John Riehl explained that the NRAB is concerned with citizen access to Omaha Beach.The use of Omaha Beach and access to the beach is under the indulgence of the local homeowners association.John Riehl asked if there was anything that needed to be done to assure continued access. The Sterling Family has allowed access.There was discussion about who has the right to drive on the roads and beach and whether the roads are private or public..John Riehl will follow up with additional research about whether the landing was part of another parcel that was further subdivided.Barbara A. also brought up the ownership by HDYLTA Trust up to mean high water. Helen MW will send John R. the map of the HDYLTA Trust subdivision.
Harbor Management Plan: John Riehl explained that a new Harbor Management Plan, which is in the works, will focus on climate change and how that will affect Wellfeet Harbor.And also about what to do about it. Barbara B. and John Brawley explained how SERI will be producing a document that will cover this issue.Helen MW advised John R. to review the Shellfish Management Plan.
Jacob Puffer provided an update about the Mayo Creek Restoration Project.He explained about potential problems with abutters, drinking water and septic systems. Before the duck bill is opened, some test wells will be put in place to monitor groundwater levels.There are no expected problems with shellfishing areas.20 acres of marsh restoration may affect septic systems but the number of systems is not known. Helen MW reminded everyone that there are some heavy water users in the area for the restoration and that there may be contaminants in the sediments that might be released into the Harbor.Apparently, some of these substances are already making their way into the Harbor.Barbara A. asked how long it would take for the phragmites to disappear. Joel Fox noted that April is not the best time to start this type of project because the shellfish are pumping heavily at this time.Butnearby shellfishing beds are closed during this time of year.
Liability Insurance: Helen distributed the Marina regulations regarding liability, her draft of a possible regulation, and a draft of the regulation about the height of equipment. Barbara A. announced that Farm Family insurance and that $700 would provide product and general liability insurance.Harry T. explained that the Town does not require grant holders to have insurance that protects the Town.Harry Terkanian explained that the Town could not allow a regulation that other Town departments recommend against.Helen MW asked if the Town is liable if a regulation is not being enforced and someone gets hurt.Harry Terkanian seemed to suggest that it was possible.
The discussion of liability led to discussion about the height of gear.The Harbormaster recommends 18 inches.John Mankovitch measured equipment that is currently in use and said that some of the gear, including the condos, is within the 18 inch limit but some of it is up to 23 inches tall.Andy K. suggested that all gear is removed in winter and that all gear is checked before it goes out again in the spring.
Barbara A. and Helen MW brought up the issue of a group email list to notify shellfishermen and growers about regulations and changes to regulations.
Jim O’Connell moved that the Town require all growers to have general liability insurance. The motion was seconded by Helen MW.Harry Terkanian. explained that the Town’s requirements for liability insurance for different activities are inconsistent.(The vote was 2 in favor, 3 against, 1 abstention). Barbara A. would like to find a way to suggest this to the growers.
Barbara A. said she will go to the Harbormaster to talk to him about the height of the gear.
Barbara A. will try to get an email list of growers from Jeanne MacLauchlan. Folks have to be notified about the dates for obtaining permits.
Barbara A. is concerned that some folks get their commercial permits for Jan.-March, then turn them in and get licenses for petites.
Next meeting:Nov. 10, 2014, 6:00 pm
Meeting adjourned at 9:30
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara Brennessel