Beach Department Minutes
Beach Department Minutes for: 08-21-2008
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Beach Committee Meeting Minutes
Meeting Minutes For August 21, 2008
Present Absent Other
Joe Brodsky Amy Sellers Don Hoffer
Carolyn Cabral Jim fox Bruce Mogardo
Charlie Silva Greg Contos
Paul Breslin
Einar Ruud
Maureen Soutter
Jerry Howell
Winifred Grant
Rena Chappel
Jason Chorches
Meeting called to order at 7:00 PM by Joe Brodsky, Chairman.
Motion to accepting minutes of July 17, 2008, Charlie. Second by Carolyn. So voted, unanimous.
Discussion on Amy’s email regarding her disappointment with the decline of beach raking at Chapoquoit Beach, shower towers not being installed and that beach trash bags are not being distributed any longer. Don stated that, although he funded the original 10,000 bags, he sought donations for the second printing and Mr. Bob Volosevich, owner of “Spiral Cone” stepped forward to fund the purchase of beach trash bags for next year. Problems coordinating the “Spiral Cone” logo prevented a second distribution this summer. Don also explained that the DPW was not able to install the shower towers for this beach season but would install the base units this fall in anticipation of the next summer beach season. Charlie would like the funding of beach bags be requested in the next budget. Don stated that a request of this nature will likely be cut, but will inquire as to the potential funding for this request.
Motion by Charlie to move to Public Forum, second by Carolyn. So moved, unanimous.
Public Forum: Mr. Breslin and Mr. Ruud offered to build and maintain a raft for Megansett Beach. They explained that since the dock is now off limits for jumping and diving, the raft would offer a safe substitute for people to dive from. The raft would be built to Beach Committee specifications. Rena suggested that the raft be constructed of plastic rather than wood so as to increase user safety. Joe explained that since this concept involves questions regarding liability and insurance issues, he requested that any further discussion be tabled to the next meeting. Don will speak to Heather Harper and Greg Fraser regarding a possible raft for Megansett Beach. Mr. Ruud also requests a parking bumper in front of the stairs to the dingy dock at Megansett Beach parking lot. Additionally, he requests that the parking space in front of the stairs to the dingy dock be crossed out for next beach season.
Ms Soutter commented on the staff at Menauhant, Bristol and Heights beaches for their attention to cleanliness. However, she inquired why flotation devices and skim boards are still being used when rules prohibit their use. Don explained that these items are allowed at Woodneck creek and Surf Drive kiddie pool, with parental oversight. Most lifeguards enforce the rules correctly, but added that with 50 plus lifeguards, consistency sometimes suffers.
Mr. Howell inquired about the potential use of Manduano funds for other beach projects. Don explained that Manduano funds were used to purchase a shower tower and a memorial bench for Ms. Manduano at Chapoquoit Beach and a seagull deterrent system for the bathhouse at Surf Drive. Mr. Howell also commented on how much better the beach looks when the seaweed is raked.
Rena reported that the Mutt Mitts are being used and that many dogs can be seen on the beach before the lifeguards arrive. Don stated that if he were provided with the registration number of any violators of the “No Dogs” policy, he would call the information into the dog officer. Rena also complimented the lifeguard staff at Old Solver Beach but add that trash was not being picked up regularly on the beach.
Ms. Grant requested that the beach committee consider paving the Falmouth Heights parking lot and replacing the parking lot fence with a fence similar to the fence surrounding the Heights ball field. She further suggested using Messina money to fund these two projects. Joe asked Don to contact Bob Whritenour, Heather Harper, as well as the Board of Selectman, Ray Jack and the ConCom regarding this request. The membership present was in support of these requests. Joe stated that he will ask the Board of Selectman to reschedule the Beach Committee Report to the following month. Charlie remarked that the Beach Management Plan calls for upgrading the Heights parking lot with a permeable surface material.
Greg Contos distributed a handout on the topic of establishing a Beach Personnel Management Plan. This plan would help identify the total number of staff needed at each beach and develop a list of the responsibilities for each job description. The effort would help ensure continuity of performance of all personnel. A discussion followed with the membership forming a subcommittee of Greg Contos, Jason Chorches and Carolyn Cabral to work on this project. This project is slated for a December 2008 completion.
Discussion of Heights lot closing: Don explained that after several failed attempts to organize a meeting to discuss options to towing vehicles after 11:00 PM at the Heights lot, a meeting has been scheduled for August 27, 2008 in the Town Manager’s office. The invitees include Ray Jack, John Lyons, the two restaurants managers, Don Hoffer, Ahmed Mustafa, Bob Whritenour and Heather Harper.
Discussion on the Order of Conditions: Charlie inquired if there were any requests in the NOI that were not granted. Don explained that Leslie Fields from the Woods Hole Group had relinquished on some contentious issues. Bruce stated that for the most part, almost all items requested were contained in the Order of Conditions.
Memorial Benches: In response to an E-mail suggestion by Jim Fox, Don stated that any inclusion of a “Sunset Clause” would need to be determined by the Town committee overseeing memorial benches. Don will get a copy of the Town’s Bench Policy for the next meeting. The topic of memorial benches was on the agenda because of a request by a person to install a bench on the east end of Surf Drive parking lot. Don explained that he had obtained authority from Brian Dale to install memorial benches on Beach Department property, and he (Don) thought it would be a good idea to replace existing benches in poor condition with these memorial benches. Motion by Charlie to authorize the replacement of a bench at the east end of Surf Drive parking lot with a memorial bench. Second by Carolyn, so voted, unanimous.
Haddad Demolition: Don explained that Cavossa Inc. was the low bidder to demolish the old building on the Haddad property. Don further stated that a fence defining the limit of work has been erected and only a ConCom site visit and approval is needed, to allow the work to begin.
Update on the Woods Hole Dredge Project: Bruce stated that the Notice of Intent for this project was recently discussed at the last ConCom meeting. The major issues are preserving eelgrass beds and shellfish beds in the vicinity of the proposed dump site. Leslie Fields, from the Woods Hole Group, stated that underwater surveys were made to obtain data in order to pick a dumping zone that would exclude any eelgrass beds and further stated that a shellfish harvest would precede any dumping of materials. The ConCom tabled the decision to the next meeting until September 3, 2008 to allow public comment and obtain more data. They would then meet on September 5, 2008 to approve the OOC.
FY09 Capital Plan: Don explained the major items listed in the Capitol Plan included completion of the design of the Ellen Mitchell Bathhouse and sand nourishment. A copy of the Plan was distributed. Don noted that an item for new storage tombs was in keeping with a requirement of the Beach Management Plan. It was noted that the septic system at Old Silver Resident was not on the Capital Plan. Regarding a security system for the Ellen Mitchell Bathhouse, Don will meet with the Chief of Police for possible funding of this system.
Miscellaneous: Don announced the results of the swim meet. Stoney Beach won the small beach category and Menauhant Beach won the large beach category. Don also shared the results of the lifeguard competitions that were attended by the Falmouth Lifeguards. Joe inquired about having the competition in Falmouth. Don explained that he had attempted to do just that, but the beaches in Falmouth did not lend themselves to the requirements of the competition events.
Don stated that a five acre parcel of land was for sale in Isreal’s cove on Bournes Pond. Don has written the 300 Committee to apprise them of this land for sale.
Don detailed some up coming events including the Town Report on the beaches, due September 5, 2008 and the Selectman’s Report on the beaches. (Note: The Selectmen’s Report will be held on September 29, 2008
New Business: Charlie distributed a handout listing items from section 4.0 of the Beach Management Plan. It is his desire to have items listed as “High Priority” reviewed and acted on quickly.
Joe would like to see the parking space in front of the stairs at Chapoquoit set aside for people taking equipment onto or off of the beach. This would reduce the likely hood of vehicles being scratched with chairs and boardsailing equipment. Also, a discussion of possible board sailing in the vicinity of Mill Road was discussed.
Charlie would like to have all Beach Committee meetings at the same location, preferably at Town Hall. Don will check to see if this is possible.
Next meeting will be September 18, 2008 at 7:00 PM in the Civil Defense Room (Downstairs) at Town Hall.
Motion to adjourn by Carolyn, second by Charlie. So voted, unanimous, 9:35 PM
Beach Department Minutes for: 08-21-2008
Hard to read? Click here to view Minutes alone. (Opens in a new window)
Beach Committee Meeting Minutes
Meeting Minutes For August 21, 2008
Present Absent Other
Joe Brodsky Amy Sellers Don Hoffer
Carolyn Cabral Jim fox Bruce Mogardo
Charlie Silva Greg Contos
Paul Breslin
Einar Ruud
Maureen Soutter
Jerry Howell
Winifred Grant
Rena Chappel
Jason Chorches
Meeting called to order at 7:00 PM by Joe Brodsky, Chairman.
Motion to accepting minutes of July 17, 2008, Charlie. Second by Carolyn. So voted, unanimous.
Discussion on Amy’s email regarding her disappointment with the decline of beach raking at Chapoquoit Beach, shower towers not being installed and that beach trash bags are not being distributed any longer. Don stated that, although he funded the original 10,000 bags, he sought donations for the second printing and Mr. Bob Volosevich, owner of “Spiral Cone” stepped forward to fund the purchase of beach trash bags for next year. Problems coordinating the “Spiral Cone” logo prevented a second distribution this summer. Don also explained that the DPW was not able to install the shower towers for this beach season but would install the base units this fall in anticipation of the next summer beach season. Charlie would like the funding of beach bags be requested in the next budget. Don stated that a request of this nature will likely be cut, but will inquire as to the potential funding for this request.
Motion by Charlie to move to Public Forum, second by Carolyn. So moved, unanimous.
Public Forum: Mr. Breslin and Mr. Ruud offered to build and maintain a raft for Megansett Beach. They explained that since the dock is now off limits for jumping and diving, the raft would offer a safe substitute for people to dive from. The raft would be built to Beach Committee specifications. Rena suggested that the raft be constructed of plastic rather than wood so as to increase user safety. Joe explained that since this concept involves questions regarding liability and insurance issues, he requested that any further discussion be tabled to the next meeting. Don will speak to Heather Harper and Greg Fraser regarding a possible raft for Megansett Beach. Mr. Ruud also requests a parking bumper in front of the stairs to the dingy dock at Megansett Beach parking lot. Additionally, he requests that the parking space in front of the stairs to the dingy dock be crossed out for next beach season.
Ms Soutter commented on the staff at Menauhant, Bristol and Heights beaches for their attention to cleanliness. However, she inquired why flotation devices and skim boards are still being used when rules prohibit their use. Don explained that these items are allowed at Woodneck creek and Surf Drive kiddie pool, with parental oversight. Most lifeguards enforce the rules correctly, but added that with 50 plus lifeguards, consistency sometimes suffers.
Mr. Howell inquired about the potential use of Manduano funds for other beach projects. Don explained that Manduano funds were used to purchase a shower tower and a memorial bench for Ms. Manduano at Chapoquoit Beach and a seagull deterrent system for the bathhouse at Surf Drive. Mr. Howell also commented on how much better the beach looks when the seaweed is raked.
Rena reported that the Mutt Mitts are being used and that many dogs can be seen on the beach before the lifeguards arrive. Don stated that if he were provided with the registration number of any violators of the “No Dogs” policy, he would call the information into the dog officer. Rena also complimented the lifeguard staff at Old Solver Beach but add that trash was not being picked up regularly on the beach.
Ms. Grant requested that the beach committee consider paving the Falmouth Heights parking lot and replacing the parking lot fence with a fence similar to the fence surrounding the Heights ball field. She further suggested using Messina money to fund these two projects. Joe asked Don to contact Bob Whritenour, Heather Harper, as well as the Board of Selectman, Ray Jack and the ConCom regarding this request. The membership present was in support of these requests. Joe stated that he will ask the Board of Selectman to reschedule the Beach Committee Report to the following month. Charlie remarked that the Beach Management Plan calls for upgrading the Heights parking lot with a permeable surface material.
Greg Contos distributed a handout on the topic of establishing a Beach Personnel Management Plan. This plan would help identify the total number of staff needed at each beach and develop a list of the responsibilities for each job description. The effort would help ensure continuity of performance of all personnel. A discussion followed with the membership forming a subcommittee of Greg Contos, Jason Chorches and Carolyn Cabral to work on this project. This project is slated for a December 2008 completion.
Discussion of Heights lot closing: Don explained that after several failed attempts to organize a meeting to discuss options to towing vehicles after 11:00 PM at the Heights lot, a meeting has been scheduled for August 27, 2008 in the Town Manager’s office. The invitees include Ray Jack, John Lyons, the two restaurants managers, Don Hoffer, Ahmed Mustafa, Bob Whritenour and Heather Harper.
Discussion on the Order of Conditions: Charlie inquired if there were any requests in the NOI that were not granted. Don explained that Leslie Fields from the Woods Hole Group had relinquished on some contentious issues. Bruce stated that for the most part, almost all items requested were contained in the Order of Conditions.
Memorial Benches: In response to an E-mail suggestion by Jim Fox, Don stated that any inclusion of a “Sunset Clause” would need to be determined by the Town committee overseeing memorial benches. Don will get a copy of the Town’s Bench Policy for the next meeting. The topic of memorial benches was on the agenda because of a request by a person to install a bench on the east end of Surf Drive parking lot. Don explained that he had obtained authority from Brian Dale to install memorial benches on Beach Department property, and he (Don) thought it would be a good idea to replace existing benches in poor condition with these memorial benches. Motion by Charlie to authorize the replacement of a bench at the east end of Surf Drive parking lot with a memorial bench. Second by Carolyn, so voted, unanimous.
Haddad Demolition: Don explained that Cavossa Inc. was the low bidder to demolish the old building on the Haddad property. Don further stated that a fence defining the limit of work has been erected and only a ConCom site visit and approval is needed, to allow the work to begin.
Update on the Woods Hole Dredge Project: Bruce stated that the Notice of Intent for this project was recently discussed at the last ConCom meeting. The major issues are preserving eelgrass beds and shellfish beds in the vicinity of the proposed dump site. Leslie Fields, from the Woods Hole Group, stated that underwater surveys were made to obtain data in order to pick a dumping zone that would exclude any eelgrass beds and further stated that a shellfish harvest would precede any dumping of materials. The ConCom tabled the decision to the next meeting until September 3, 2008 to allow public comment and obtain more data. They would then meet on September 5, 2008 to approve the OOC.
FY09 Capital Plan: Don explained the major items listed in the Capitol Plan included completion of the design of the Ellen Mitchell Bathhouse and sand nourishment. A copy of the Plan was distributed. Don noted that an item for new storage tombs was in keeping with a requirement of the Beach Management Plan. It was noted that the septic system at Old Silver Resident was not on the Capital Plan. Regarding a security system for the Ellen Mitchell Bathhouse, Don will meet with the Chief of Police for possible funding of this system.
Miscellaneous: Don announced the results of the swim meet. Stoney Beach won the small beach category and Menauhant Beach won the large beach category. Don also shared the results of the lifeguard competitions that were attended by the Falmouth Lifeguards. Joe inquired about having the competition in Falmouth. Don explained that he had attempted to do just that, but the beaches in Falmouth did not lend themselves to the requirements of the competition events.
Don stated that a five acre parcel of land was for sale in Isreal’s cove on Bournes Pond. Don has written the 300 Committee to apprise them of this land for sale.
Don detailed some up coming events including the Town Report on the beaches, due September 5, 2008 and the Selectman’s Report on the beaches. (Note: The Selectmen’s Report will be held on September 29, 2008
New Business: Charlie distributed a handout listing items from section 4.0 of the Beach Management Plan. It is his desire to have items listed as “High Priority” reviewed and acted on quickly.
Joe would like to see the parking space in front of the stairs at Chapoquoit set aside for people taking equipment onto or off of the beach. This would reduce the likely hood of vehicles being scratched with chairs and boardsailing equipment. Also, a discussion of possible board sailing in the vicinity of Mill Road was discussed.
Charlie would like to have all Beach Committee meetings at the same location, preferably at Town Hall. Don will check to see if this is possible.
Next meeting will be September 18, 2008 at 7:00 PM in the Civil Defense Room (Downstairs) at Town Hall.
Motion to adjourn by Carolyn, second by Charlie. So voted, unanimous, 9:35 PM