FINAL
Present for the Park & Recreation Committee and attending the meeting were: Andy Goldman, Chairman, Jane Slater, Julie Flanders, Jim Malkin, Warren Doty and Chuck Hodgkinson. Wes Brighton also attended. Tim Carroll did not attend.
The meeting came to order at 8:00 AM.
2019 lot renewal update: Chuck H. reviewed the following status of the 2019 lease renewals.
- Scott McDowell, Wes Brighton Lot 1A: Both leases returned with payments.
- Stanley Larsen Lot 2A: Lease returned with payment.
- Tim Broderick Lot 3A: Lease returned with payment and insurance rider.
- Betsy Larsen Lot 4A: Lease returned with payment.
- Alec Gale Lot 5A: Lease returned with payment.
Matt Mayhew Lot 6A: Andy update.
Karsten Larsen Lot 7A: Lease, payment and insurance rider still outstanding.
Marshall Carroll Lot 9A: Lease returned with payment.
When all the leases are returned, Chuck H. will send them to the Selectmen for final signatures.
Lot 1A Discussion: The Committee thanked Mr. Brighton for attending the meeting to discuss the storage of his lobster traps on Lot 1A. Mr. Brighton explained he has 250 conch pots and 350 lobster pots. He usually drops the lobster pots in the 3rd week of June and the conch pots are fished earlier than that. He added he has investigated several options for storing his pots when they are not being fished and unfortunately there is not a viable alternative at this time. He asked when the planned fishing gear storage space at the land fill will be available. In summary, Mr. Brighton said he is open to other ideas.
The Committee said the use of the 8-acre parcel abutting the land fill is planned for several uses such as: fire fighter training, fishing gear storage, shellfish department gear storage and highway department use and storage. Unfortunately the design and layout of the lot for these purposes is behind schedule and has not yet been prepared. There are also several neighbors with concerns over some of these uses. Ms. Slater asked how this might be given more priority. The Town’s Master Plan specifies how Menemsha should support the commercial fishing industry. After much discussion the Committee agreed this storage option will not be available this year or maybe next year. Additionally, as there are only four months left until the lobster season commences a motion was made to
allow Wes to store his pots in their current location until they are soaked this coming June. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously with five in favor. Mr. Brighton thanked the Committee again for all the support they are giving to the local fishing industry and fishermen. Ms. Slater was democratically volunteered and appointed to consider ways of accelerating the pace of the land fill storage design.
Lot 5A Discussion: Mr. Goldman summarized his meeting with Alec Gale who informed him that Red’s Best is abandoning the retail fish market at the airport. The Committee discussed that as Alec promised, this airport operation greatly reduced the need for truck storage on the lot and reduced the truck delivery traffic on Basin Road. After much discussion it was agreed Mr. Goldman will send a letter to Alec explaining the Committee’s support for keeping the airport operation open and outline the congestion problems its closing will cause. Chuck H. and Mr. Goldman will speak with Alec at the next convenient time about possible storage alternatives and how the Committee can support him to help solve the problem.
Lot 3A turnover update: Chuck H. explained the shack is empty and the power has been disconnected. Chuck H. has the door key and explained he initiated the process to bring a power line to the building and install a 220 amp service panel inside the shack. Tim Broderick will have the outlets and lighting wired to code as he sees fit and open an account with Eversource for power service.
Lot 6A Discussion: Mr. Goldman read an email from Matt Mayhew about his family’s study abroad and how he supports the Committee’s decision on the use of his lot. After much discussion a motion was made to keep the lot for Matt for the 2019 calendar year. They will address his planned return to the island next year. The motion was seconded and unanimously approved with five in favor. Chuck H. was instructed to have Jonathan sign the lease and pay the 2019 rent.
Administration:
The January 17, 2019 meeting minutes were reviewed and approved as presented by consensus.
The 2018 annual report was reviewed and approved with the scallop fishing visual.
With no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 9:15 AM.
The next meeting will be Thursday, March 21, 2019 @ 8:00 AM.
Respectfully submitted, Chuck Hodgkinson, CAS
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