Town River Stewards Committee
Meeting Minutes
May 12, 2005
Location: Bridgewater Public Library
Attendees: Michael Enos, Ralph Galante, Kent Kreutler, Jim Revil, Warren Turner
Discussion centered on efforts to develop canoe launch areas at the Scotland Street bridge in West Bridgewater and Stiles and Hart Parkland in Bridgewater.
Scotland Street Bridge:
Warren Turner drafted maps of the existing layout and conditions of the area abutting the bridge and river as well as plans for the proposed canoe launch area in the northeast side of the bridge. Warren had already presented these maps to the West Bridgewater town officials and to Kitty Doherty of the NRTB. Warren suggested, and the committee agreed, that he should contact and meet with state officials in Lakeville to present the proposal for a canoe launch area for inclusion in the plans to replace the Scotland Street bridge.
Warren also drafted a letter to the West Bridgewater Conservation Commission proposing a canoe launch area for the Scotland Street bridge. The TRS committee reviewed the draft letter and agreed that Warren should sign the letter and present it to the West Bridgewater Conservation Commission as a representative of the Town River Stewards.
It was noted in the letter that in order to receive state funds for development of the canoe launch area, the ramp to the river must comply with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) guidelines of using a slope no steeper than one inch drop in vertical elevation per one foot horizontal distance. This requirement would greatly enlarge the area for the proposed canoe launch.
Warren also reported that it is unclear as to who owns the land abutting the Town River in the area of the proposed canoe launch. Ralph Galante offered to approach a lawyer aquaintance of his to see if they could investigate records regarding ownership of this land.
Stiles and Hart Parkland:
Jim Revil presented a proposal for a parking and canoe launch area to the Bridgewater Conservation Commission. The ConCom scheduled a site-walk for Saturday, May 14, 2005 at 9:00 A.M. to view the area.
Other Business:
The Lincoln Club has not selected a date for a river cleanup.
The next TRSC meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 9, 2005 @ 6:30 P.M. in the Bridgewater Public Library.
Submitted by Kent Kreutler
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