Chilmark Beach Committee
October 8th, 2009
Present: Clarissa Allen, Steve McQuiggan, Kristin Maloney, Wayne Iacono, Chief Cioffi, ~and Fire Chief David Norton
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Meeting called to order at 5:10
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Voted to accept the minutes of previous meeting.
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Kristin asked that we discuss the Selectmen’s request for an emergency protocol concerning potential beach closings.
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The Selectmen are requesting the creation of a sub-committee to explore these issues and make recommendations.
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It was suggested that the beach and pond associations enclose information about protocol in case of emergency in their membership mailings.
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Assessors will be responsible for providing info on all South and North beach locations.
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It was agreed that when the pond associations do pond openings they should alert Chief Cioffi
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Committee discussed the possibility of having the Jet Ski available at Vincent Beach.~ Maybe a portable steel structure, maybe a small building. How does this fit with our lease agreement.
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It was voted that the Beach Committee recommends that the town “life guards” not be asked to respond to emergency situations on private beaches. If they choose to respond, it is their own decision.~ Beach Committee employees can not be told to respond.
Steve MaQuiggan suggested this language: “The Beach Committee does not endorse or condone the use of Beach personnel for emergencies on private property.”
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Martina said at the Selectmen’s meeting on October 6th that there are “dead spots” at Squibby where she is not able to get service.~ Chief Choiffi said that because of the repeater on top of Peaked Hill, the town beach at Squibby is well covered.~ He has found that he has a clear signal at that location.~ The police have coverage at Squibby.
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The beach guards have access to the “229” band.
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The committee will discuss hand held radio usage and the amount of sound emanating form these devices. It was agreed to let them have the accessibility to call the police on a direct line, one call.~ There should be a direct line to communication center.
Clarissa suggested that we review and refine “chains of command”.~ Perhaps we should review some of the policies of ~
Edgartown.
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There was much discussion about a policy for closing beaches.~ Committee opted for a policy of strongly suggesting no swimming when the seas are high and dangerous.~ We are an appointed committee, so the Selectmen have authority over the beach committee; we decided to pursue a case by case basis.~ Kristin suggested that the Superintendent call the chair of the beach committee, and that the chair makes a recommendation to the selectmen on a case by case basis.
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Meeting adjourned at 6:35
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Our next meeting is scheduled for Nov. 12th at 5PM
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