Food Waste Composting Program Begins

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Town of Barnstable begins new Food Waste Collection/Composting Program at Marstons Mills Transfer Station and Recycling Center

From kitchen scraps to black gold!

The Office of the Town Manager and the Department of Public Works is pleased to announce the start of a new Food Waste Collection/Composting program at the Transfer Station and Recycling Center, 45 Flint St., Marstons Mills.

The goal of the program is to reduce the amount of food waste that gets thrown away with the trash, thereby reducing trash disposal costs for Transfer Station customers. According to the Mass. Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), as much as 25% of household trash is food waste that could be diverted from landfills and incinerators, and composted.

Residents with a current Trash Disposal or Recycling Only sticker may now drop off their household kitchen scraps and food waste for composting at no additional cost. The collection barrels are located in one of the sheds used to contain recycled materials.

The town is partnering with Watts Family Farms, located in Forestdale, which will pick up the kitchen waste on a weekly basis, transporting it to their facility, where it will be turned into high quality compost.

Residents are advised that while most kitchen scraps may be composted, including meat and bones, and paper towels and napkins, such items as kitty litter, plastics, cardboard, and Styrofoam are excluded, and may not be disposed of for composting.

The Barnstable Food Waste Composting program is, in part, being funding through a grant from MassDEP.

For further information, please call P.J. Kelliher, Solid Waste Division Supervisor (508-420-2258).

Good Pesach

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The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb Altarpiece was unveiled in St Bavo’s Cathedral, Ghent. The Catholic altarpiece which has been called “the most influential painting ever” has been restored after four years of work.

The altarpiece is thought to have been begun by Hubert van Eyck, (c. 1385–90 – 18 September 1426) and subsequently completed in 1432 by his brother Jan van Eyck (c. 1390 – 9 July 1441)

Its features 100 figures with various Biblical scenes, including the Annunciation. Its central panel shows a sacrificial lamb, representing Christ, on an altar bleeding into a grail.

The piece has had an eventful history having been stolen six times including once during the Napoleonic wars and the First and Second World Wars.

It was very nearly destroyed in the 16th century by iconoclasts and in 1934, one of its 12 panels was stolen and never found.

The restoration began after the Getty Foundation allocated a £1.3m grant for co-ordinators to remove the varnish and adjust the colours.

“The surprises begin with the frame itself,” says Bart Devolder, onsite co-ordinator of the project. “Not all of it survived, but the portions that did were cleaned to reveal silver leaf topped by transparent glazes that imitate stonework.”

On the frame of the piece is a famous inscription naming the painting’s donors and stating that the altar was begun by Hubert van Eyck.

“Our restoration confirmed that the inscription was original,” says Devolder. “It can now be said with certainty that the Ghent Altarpiece is by Hubert and Jan van Eyck, though it is still unclear whether any of Hubert’s paint is visible on the surface.”

Cotuit Fire District Public Meetings

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Residents of the Cotuit Fire District will notice on the first line of the tax summary of your tax bill it reads “COTRES” meaning Cotuit Residents. This assessment is collected by the Cotuit Fire District to maintain the public water system, provide emergency ambulance and fire services, maintain & manage Freedom Hall and provide streetlights throughout the District.

Monthly meetings of the Prudential, Water and Fire Commissions are held at Freedom Hall. The Annual election for Commissioners and Clerk take place on the fourth Tuesday in May, 4-8pm Freedom Hall. The Annual District Meeting is held on the following Wednesday in May, 7pm Freedom Hall. Eligible voters are encouraged to attend to help decide how the Cotuit Fire District tax revenues are spent.

As a service to residents of the Cotuit Fire District below are links to Fire, Water and Prudential Committee meetings to keep you up to date and informed.

Fire Commissioners – Agendas & Minutes

Water Commissioners – Agendas & Minutes

Prudential, ByLaws & Policy Advisory Committees – Agendas & Minutes

 

For the Record

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The following article is from the Cape Cod Times April 1, 2017

THIS IS NOT AN APRIL FOOL’S JOKE.

Compare the $85,000 that Cotuit was hoping to receive from Borrego to install a larger solar array to the monies that Falmouth will be receiving from their project. Perhaps this is why Borrego wouldn’t answer the question “what’s in it for you”?

Falmouth solar project connection delayed

Town officials express frustration with Eversource, saying work was slated to be done Jan. 1

By Christine Legere
FALMOUTH – The 4.8-megawatt solar array on the town’s closed landfill off Thomas B. Landers Road has been ready to operate for about four months, but to date not a kilowatt has been produced nor a penny made for the town.

The problem is that Eversource Energy, which was expected to have the solar panels connected to an electrical substation by Jan. 1 so electricity could flow to the grid, hasn’t completed its work.

Since that deadline passed, Falmouth officials have become increasingly frustrated with the utility, which says it will have the work done by next week.

“When they were working on their connection from Falmouth to Martha’s Vineyard, Eversource had 20 trucks with 50 workers on Mill Road around the clock,” said James Fox, a member of the Falmouth Economic Development and Industrial Corporation, the agency handling the solar project for the town.

The vast solar array is owned and operated by Citizens Energy Corp., a nonprofit organization founded by Joseph Kennedy II.

The Economic Development and Industrial Corporation arranged a lease of the landfill to Citizens Energy for about $60,000 per year. Citizens Energy also pays the town another $60,000 or so in annual taxes.

On top of those amounts, profits from the generated electricity is expected to net the town $500,000 annually, once power is flowing to the grid.

Local officials say the town is losing more than $40,000 for each month the array remains unconnected.

Last Monday, selectmen discussed denying three requests by Eversource to install electrical service at a handful of locations, holding the company up until Eversource made good on its commitment to connect the solar array.

Ultimately the board approved Eversource’s requests, deciding a denial would only hurt residents waiting for their electric lines. The situation was still “unbelievably frustrating,” Selectman Megan English Braga said.

Falmouth’s public works Deputy Director Peter McConarty assured the board that night that Eversource promised the solar connection would be completed by March 31. He later received a letter formally confirming that commitment.

But the date has since passed.

“I talked to Citizens Energy and the contractor, and there is no evidence there was any work done there at all this week,” Fox said Friday.

This week, an Eversource spokeswoman provided new deadlines to the Times.

“Weather dependent, we’re on pace to complete our work late next week,” Rhiannon D’Angelo wrote in an email. “Strong winds and winter weather impacted our work schedule late this winter, causing us to fall slightly behind, but our plan is to finish the interconnection work on Tuesday and complete the necessary witness tests at the facility on Thursday.”

That would make the new completion date April 6.

Brian O’Connor, spokesman for Citizens Energy, just wants to see the panels hooked up.

“We look forward to the interconnection being completed and electricity finally flowing for the town, the ratepayers and the environment,” O’Connor said.

— Follow Christine Legere on Twitter: @ChrisLegereCCT

Upcoming Precinct 7 & Town Council Meetings April

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Town Council Committee to Assess Homelessness – Monday April 3, 6pm, Town Hall

Town Council Zoning & Regulation Review Committee – Thursday April 6, 6pm, Town Hall

Town Council Meeting – Thursday April 6, 7pm, Town Hall

Precinct 7 Monthly Meeting – Wednesday April 12, 3-5pm, Cotuit Library

Town Council Appointments Committee – Tuesday April 18, 5:30pm, Town Hall

Town Council Zoning & Regulation Review Committee – Thursday April 20, 5:30pm, Town Hall

Town Council Committee to Assess Homelessness – Monday April 23, 6pm, Town Hall

Town Council Asset Management Advisory Committee – Thursday April 27, 5:30pm, Town Hall

Town Council Meeting – Thursday April 27, 7pm, Town Hall

Cotuit Water District’s Proposed Solar Farm

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Contract for Proposed Leased Project Solar 1 & Solar 2 awarded to Borrega Solar by the Cotuit Prudential Committee dated September 29, 2016.

Information to be Submitted to MassDEP for Proposed Wind and Solar Energy Projects on Lands Owned or Controlled By Public Water Systems for Drinking Water Purposes See Guideline Bureau of Resource Protection Drinking Water Program BRP 2011-1

National Heritage of Endangered Species Response_16-36131

National Resource Inventory of 2 Leased Parcels

Cotuit Water District Well Distribution System Map 2010

ATTENTION ALL COTUIT RESIDENTS

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CHECK BACK for NEW INFORMATION

PROPOSED SOLAR PROJECT NOTIFICATION UPDATE

There is an Electric Generating Solar project being proposed by the Cotuit Fire District & Cotuit Water Commissioners on 30+ acres of forested District land. 

Having received so many inquiries on where the public may give comment on this significant project, the next public meeting of the Cotuit Water Commissioners is Wednesday March 15, 6pm at Freedom Hall, Main Street, Cotuit. See agenda HERE.

On February 13, 2017, with no public comment, the Barnstable Planning Board unanimously voted to approve TC Agenda # 2017-051. See MAP.  This necessary zoning change would add two parcels of land owned by the Cotuit Fire District. 1.) Map 023, Lot 023: 56.5 acres and 2.) Map 038, Lot 004 158.42 acres  to the “Ground Mounted Solar Photovoltaic Overlay District”.  Final approval for the zoning change is required by the Barnstable Town Council (2/3 vote or 9 of 13) at a Public Hearing on March 23, 2017,  7 pm Town Hall, 367 Main Street, Hyannis.  If you can not attend and wish to comment submit it HERE.

The significant impact of this proposed project will require clear cutting of approximately 30 acres of old growth forest. The location surrounds, borders and is down gradient to zones of contributions of Cotuit Water Supply Wells. Prior to securing required permits, the company contracted to permit, design and construct the facilities, Borrego Solar, was found to be prematurely initiating road clearing, ground testing and marking outside of the proposed location.  The company has issued a letter of “apology” view HERE. Updated Letter of Apology view HERE.

Existing Conditions MAP

solar-aerial

Project Overview including Maps

 Natural Resource Inventory of 30 Acres Sampson’s Mill Road by GZA Environmental 10/06 & 11/23/16

 RED KNOT Assessment GZA GeoEnvironmental 10/06/16 

 NORTHERN LONG EARED BAT Assessment by GZA 10/06/16

NEWS RELEASES 

Barnstable Patriot 12/16/16 Cotuit Water District floats solar proposal

Cotuit Santuit Civic Association 3/10/17  Direct Mailer on Solar Farms Proposal

Cape Cod Times 3/10/17 Article , 3/16/17 Article

Cape Cod Broadcasting 3/16/17 Cotuit Residents Blast Planned Solar Project

Cape Cod Times 3/16/17 Article

 Barnstable Land Trust Opposes Solar Installation on Cotuit Water District Land 3/20/17

 Cape Cod Times My View Brendan Annett, Conservative on Water 3/22/17

Cape Cod Times 3/23/17 Article

BLT’s Executive Director Janet Milkman 3/23/17 Listen

Cape Cod Times 3/24/17 Post Meeting Article
Cape Cod Broadcasting Post Meeting Article

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Paul Moro, Floral Bounty by the Bay, Dennis, MA, 1936, oil on board, 24 x 36 inches
THE CAHOON MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART 
RE-OPENING MARCH 15
 
Paul Moro: A Painter’s Journey
March 15 – April 30, 2017
 
Opening Reception – Saturday, March 18 from 4:30 to 6:00pm 
The Cahoon Museum of American art presents Paul Moro: A Painter’s Journey. This landmark exhibition is a retrospective of artist Paul Moro (1886-1953), whose oil paintings showcase a masterful vision of Cape Cod in the early twentieth century. Cape Cod was an important influence and inspiration to Moro and where he created some of his most memorable works. This exhibit is the most comprehensive and scholarly survey of the expansive body of work Moro created and presents 85 original paintings, which have never before been exhibited on Cape Cod and rarely shown elsewhere, installed in 5 galleries of the Museum. The exhibition opens to the public on Wednesday, March 15 and continues through Sunday, April 30.
Three related programs are planned in conjunction with Paul Moro: A Painter’s Journey. Programs are free with admission unless otherwise specified.
  • Sunday, March 19, 1:00pm – Gallery Talk “A Painter’s Life: Paul Moro” with Valerie Ann Leeds, PhD.  Join independent curator, scholar, and art historian, Valerie Ann Leeds, as she conducts a tour of the Paul Moro exhibit and explores Moro’s colorful life and creative legacy.
  • Friday, April 7, 11:00am – Lecture “Conversation on Conservation” with Christina Zuccari of Moro Studio Inc. Paul Moro’s granddaughter, Christina Zuccari, discusses her family’s multi-generational involvement in art conservation and describes various materials, treatments, and techniques for the proper care and conservation of works of art.
  • Friday April 21, 4:30 – 6:30pm – Talk & Tasting with John F. Carafoli.   John Carafoli, author of Great Italian American Food in New England, shares his insights into Italian enclaves and the evolution of Italian-American cuisine. Carafoli’s illustrated travelogue, highlighting the Cape’s Italian communities and cuisine, is followed by a book signing and a savoring of some delectable Italian food and wine prepared by an acclaimed local chef. $25/$20 members. RSVP required.
Sponsorship of Paul Moro: A Painter’s Journey was provided by a Trustee of the Cahoon Museum of American Art.
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 4pm & Sunday 1pm to 4pm.
Admission: $10 general, $8 seniors and students, and free for museum members and children under 12.
Cahoon Museum of American Art
4676 Falmouth Road (Rte 28), Cotuit, MA 02635
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1853, Cotuit, MA 02635
(508) 428-7581  www.cahoonmuseum.org
email: news@cahoonmuseum.org
Hours: Tues – Sat 10am – 4pm & Sun 1-4pm
Admission: General $10; Seniors & Students $8
Free for Members and Children under 12

Upcoming Precinct 7 & Town Council Meetings March 2017

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Town Council Asset Management Advisory Committee – Thursday March 2, 5:30pm, Town Hall

Town Council Charter Review Committee – Thursday March 2, 6pm Town Hall

Town Council Meeting – Thursday March 2, 7pm, Town Hall

Town Council Committee to Assess Homelessness – Monday March 6, 6pm, Town Hall

Town Council Charter Review Committee – Tuesday March 7, 6pm Town Hall

Precinct 7 Monthly Meeting – Wednesday March 8, 3-5pm, Cotuit Library

Town Council Appointments Committee – Tuesday March 21, 5:30pm, Town Hall

Town Council Meeting – Thursday March 23, 7pm, Town Hall

Project Update: Community Helps Guide Route 28, Cotuit Congestion Options

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ecc2b3c7-85bc-4407-bf47-961ae95ff280

2017-01-30-cotuit-roundabout-proposed-1024x723Route 28 in Cotuit/Santuit is a major east-west transportation corridor on Cape Cod. The section of Route 28 from Santuit-Newton Road to Route 130 was identified as a priority for investigation.

View Cape Cod Commission Update Here

A brief presentation on the project is anticipated at the Cape Cod Metropolitan Planning Organization’s (MPO) scheduled meeting on Monday, February 27th at the Cape Cod Commission Conference Room, 3225 Main Street, Barnstable at 1:00 p.m. The Cape Cod MPO is the regional governing body that oversees regional transportation planning and recommends the distribution of funds for major transportation projects.

Troop #52 Spaghetti Supper

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Back by popular demand! Please join Boy Scout Troop #52 for a special Spaghetti Supper on Saturday, March 4th from 4:30 – 7:30 PM in Bruce Hall of the Cotuit Federated Church. Guests will be seated as soon as possible upon arrival, last seating at 7:30 PM. The scouts will be serving up a complete meal with crisp garden salad, spaghetti and meatballs, fresh baked bread from Pain D’Avignon, and dessert for only $10.00. Please make a reservation in advance via email (preferred) to Bruce Cole at wineman@capecod.net or by calling him at 508-367-7853 and leaving a message. All guests may settle up at the door via cash or check payable to Troop #52 – Cotuit. The Troop thanks everyone in advance for your consideration and we hope to see a big crowd March 4th!

Storm Updates

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WINTER STORM Niko UPDATE

Impacts:

Widespread power outages were  reported however crews have restored power and are nearly complete in Barnstable. As of 1:30pm, all but 9 or .03% of the Town of Barnstable Eversource customers have power.

Eversource Info Here

Click Here to Track Town Snowplow Fleet

T  H  I  N  K     S  P  R  I  N  G!

February 10, 2017 07:30 AM –The accumulating snow ended around 3:00AM. DPW main road crews are scraping and treating their routes, and then will treat their roads a final time with material during the morning commute. Secondary road crews have cleaned up and pushed back their routes. The vast majority of the crews will be at the 24 hour mark when the above is completed. A limited crew will be leading final clean-up efforts, addressing complaints and preparing for sidewalk snow plowing.

February 9, 2017 8:30 PM – All crews are continuing to plow. It appears that the worst of the snow is behind us. Gusting winds will continue throughout the night. Please continue to stay off the roads if possible.

February 9, 2017 4:30 PM – We are entering the height of the storm with heavy snow, gusting winds up to 50 mph, and limited visibility for the next few hours. The plows are all out, working hard to keep the roads passable. The Barnstable Police Department has requested that the DPW focus their efforts on the hospital and other emergency routes. There are multiple trees and power lines down throughout the Town. If you are able to, please stay off the roads.

February 9, 2017 11:00 AM – Good morning, our second  large storm of the season is at our doorstep. With predictions of over a foot of snow and high winds,  the DPW has mobilized and is pretreating the main roads. The secondary road contractors are being called in, and all trucks should be on the roads by noon. Utility companies stand ready to immediately address areas of lost power. With the predicted intensity of the storm this afternoon, it is likely roads will become snow filled. Please assist the emergency, utility and plow crews by staying off the roads.  If you are an essential worker please take care and refrain from parking on the main streets of Hyannis, Barnstable and Osterville villages. Stay Safe!