Scituate Select Board Opposes Bill to Dissolve North River Commission, Implements Water Restrictions
Board votes unanimously against House Bill 4110 while acknowledging need for discussion on commission improvements; Tier 2 water restrictions take effect due to declining reservoir levels
SCITUATE - July 8 - The Scituate Select Board voted unanimously July 8 to oppose House Bill 4110, which would abolish the North River Commission and transfer its enforcement authority to local conservation agencies and town councils.
The board agreed to draft a letter expressing opposition to the legislation while acknowledging that further discussion among all stakeholders is needed to address concerns raised by state Representative Patrick Kearney, who filed the bill.
"I think we should just have that discussion," said Select Board Chair Andrew Goodrich. "Whether or not this, as a board, we want to say that we're supportive or not supportive of legislation."
The North River Commission, established in 1978, oversees environmental protection for the scenic river that flows through six towns including Scituate. Representative Kearney's bill argues the commission "lacks basic administrative capacity" and operates "without the professional support and legal expertise needed to carry out its important mission effectively."
In testimony supporting the legislation, Kearney stated that local conservation agents and commissions "do have professional staff, full-time access to municipal legal counsel" and "are better equipped to apply the law consistently and fairly."
However, Select Board member Susan Harrison, who submitted individual written testimony opposing the bill, expressed concerns about the potential financial impact on the town. "I'm really frustrated that this puts it on the map in a time when we don't have a whole lot of resources," Harrison said.
The board's opposition aligns with other local entities. The Scituate Conservation Commission voted unanimously against the bill, and Harrison noted that during the July 1 legislative hearing, "not one individual supported it."
State Senator Patrick O'Connor also opposes the bill and has filed an amendment to provide $50,000 in annual funding to address the commission's resource concerns, according to correspondence shared with the board.
The board expressed concerns about taking on additional responsibilities without adequate funding or staffing. "We have two independent boards in town who voted, but the Conservation Committee and then members that we appoint to the commission, the part of me saying, this is an issue," Goodrich said.
In a separate matter, the town is implementing Tier 2 water restrictions effective immediately due to declining reservoir levels and increased summer water usage.
Town Administrator Jim Boudreau reported that average daily demand reached 1.837 million gallons per day, with reservoirs at minus 3 feet compared to minus 7.5 feet the previous week. "This is our busiest time of the year," Boudreau said.
The restrictions limit residents to handheld hose watering only between 5 p.m. and 9 a.m. All irrigation systems are prohibited, along with washing of vehicles, cars, boats or motorcycles. Swimming pools and hot tubs cannot be filled.
"We've been holding our own with water. You might know what we're doing. Usually, we put these restrictions in before July 4th. We've been holding out as long as we can," said Eric Langlan, the Water Superintendent.
The town will provide a one-week grace period with warnings before issuing fines for violations. Staff members already have warning cards in their vehicles and will begin enforcement patrols.
Water treatment plant issues have compounded the supply challenges. The facility recently experienced problems with manganese contactors, requiring temporary repairs and equipment replacement.
In other business, the board approved several major contracts including a $3.5 million award to SumCo Eco-Contracting for foreshore protection repairs at three storm-damaged sites: Glades Road, Surfside Road, and Seaside Road. The project addresses damage from multiple storm events and is expected to take 16 months to complete.
The board also approved Heritage Days special event permits for the Chamber of Commerce, covering festivities from Aug. 2-4. Event organizers presented updated plans featuring expanded shaded areas, improved traffic flow, and a consolidated beer garden area to address previous congestion issues.
The board accepted a $500 donation from the Leach family for fire department use and approved air-source heat pump installation at the wastewater treatment plant for $165,017.
For the Bates House restoration project, the board awarded a $59,000 contract to Spencer Preservation Group for Phase 3 architectural services. The project will include removal of a dormer addition from the 1980s that has caused structural problems throughout the historic building.
The Scituate Harbor Business Association also received approval for a duck drop fundraising event scheduled for Aug. 2 at 9 a.m., featuring 200 numbered rubber ducks dropped from the harbor area.