Tisbury selectmen updated on dredging projects

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Tisbury selectmen Geoghan Coogan and Tristan Israel sprang through a short agenda on Tuesday, the first day of spring. Selectman Jeff Kristal was absent.

Harbor dredge committee member Nevin Sayre reported that Tisbury’s application to dredge the small entrance to Vineyard Haven harbor is finally finished and has been submitted for state approval. Mr. Sayre said the harbor entrance is almost closed and in danger of closing completely. Sand from the dredging project would be used to replenish the town’s public beaches off Owen Little Way and Grove Avenue, as well as some private property owners’ beaches.

In regard to dredging at Tashmoo, harbormaster Jay Wilbur said a Department of Environmental Protection representative said the town could get a waiver from an environmental closure for winter flounder, in order to start the work in early April. He was also told that Mass Audubon has approved activity in the area, provided that no plovers decide to nest there.

Mr. Wilbur said he hopes the state will contribute funds to the project as it has in the past. In the meantime, he put an article on the upcoming town meeting warrant asking for $72,000 for the dredging. If approved, it would be enough in combination with $78,000 already available to pay for dredging to at least open the channel to navigation this summer, Mr. Wilbur said.

In other reports, town administrator John Bugbee gave the selectmen a draft inter-municipal agreement regarding shared animal control services with Oak Bluffs. They also received proposed regulations for the renovated Tashmoo Spring Building’s use. The selectmen postponed discussion on both until Mr. Kristal is present.

In other business, they approved a beer and wine license application for David Spooner for Mon Amour, a new French/American restaurant he plans to open April 19 at 395 State Road. The selectmen also approved a vendor’s license for Ashley Gilbert, who will open Free Bird Market, a new sales and consignment shop, at 29 Main Street.