Chilmark Board of Selectmen January 6, 2015 Meeting Minutes
Present: Chairman William Rossi, Jonathan Mayhew, Warren Doty, Tim Carroll,
Dan Greenbaum, Bill Megan, Janet Weidner, Chuck Hodgkinson, Anthony Orphanos,
Charlie Parker, David Damroth, Rosalie Hornblower, Willits Sawyer, Jay Walsh,
Lynn Christoffers, Alex Elvin,
At 7:00 PM Chairman Rossi called the meeting to order in the Selectmen’s Meeting Room.
Squibnocket Committee:
Committee member Janet Weidner presented the recommended plan with Dan Greenbaum and Bill Megan. Jim Malkin arrived during the presentation.
The Committee’s Recommended Solution is as follows:
Build an at-grade road with low causeway
Located far enough inland to avoid impacts of waves and major wash overs
Minimizes the wetlands approval issues
Follows the contours of the land, higher on the ends and lower in the middle
Height of the causeway to be at a level that limits the projected wash overs to several a year, based upon engineering considerations
Roadway and low causeway to be one lane with turnouts at the at-grade sections
Parking on Combined Orphanos/Jeffers and Weldon non-conforming lots
Parking lot would incorporate the present Squibnocket Road
Accommodates approximately 45-50 vehicles (about the same as currently
available)
Beach parking separate from homeowner access increases safe access for pedestrians
Parking plan incorporates drop-off and turn around, with ample room for small VTA buses, as well as guard shack and port-a-potties
Potential for re-use of boulders from revetment for retaining walls of parking lot
The Committee recommends that the Town use its best efforts to reach agreements to proceed with the Committee’s Recommended Solution so as to have appropriate implementing warrant articles for the Annual Town Meeting.
The complete report may be found in the following link:
Then click on the December 18, 2014 Committee Recommendation Power Point.
Mr. Greenbaum discussed the importance of moving expediently on this project if the Town votes to approve as there are a lot of steps to complete in the allotted time of the Coastal Zone Management Grant.
Discussion ensued. Ms. Hornblower and Mr. Sawyer spoke of the possibility that the Squibnocket Association may not approve the causeway construction. Chairman Rossi said that the consensus from the president of the association was that it would be supported.
Mr. Mayhew said he wanted to be sure there will be beach access. Mr. Malkin said that the president of the Squibnocket Farm Homeowners Association told the committee “If there is an acceptable access, the SFHA continues to support the additional beach opportunity”
Mr. Doty moved to accept this report from the Town Committee on Squibnocket and to bring it to Special Town Meeting for a vote. Mr. Mayhew seconded the motion. SO VOTED: 3 Ayes
Mr. Mayhew said it will be important for the SFHA to meet and agree to a plan. Mr. Malkin said during the project meetings it was clear that the SFHA members are not unanimous in the support of this Town Committee on Squibnocket recommendation. But the majority of members are in support of it.
Mr. Doty moved that prior to the Selectmen’s February 2, 2015 meeting the Selectmen pursue preliminary negotiations to acquire the two lots clearly marked in the plan for beach access parking. Mr. Mayhew seconded the motion. SO VOTED: 3 Ayes
Mr. Doty said the Selectmen do not intend to borrow to purchase these lots that the intention is to use Community Preservation Committee Open Space funds. Mr. Doty said the funds would have to be released through town meeting vote.
Invoice for consultant to the Town Committee on Squibnocket:
Mr. Carroll asked the Selectmen to approve payment of invoice for consultant to the Town Committee on Squibnocket. Mr. Doty moved to pay this invoice. Mr. Mayhew seconded the motion. SO VOTED: 3 Ayes
Mr. Doty moved to adjourn, Mr. Mayhew seconded the motion. SO VOTED: 3 Ayes
At 7:43PM meeting was adjourned.
Minutes respectfully submitted by Diana DeBlase.
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