Minutes – Critical Planning Sub-Committee on Bay Beaches
Wednesday, June 7, 2006, 10 AM
Eastham Town Hall
Present: Ed Sedlock, Fred Rollinson, Loretta Nielson, Joan Sullivan, Gerry Mistretta, Frank Dobek
Emily Sussman, Provincetown Banner
Joan said she had attended a meeting of the Coastal Hazard Commission with several Selectmen the previous week. Sen. O’Leary and other state officials were there to explain that the state was looking into problems related to the vast and economically important Massachusetts coast line. They wanted public input from town residents.
Joan explained that the Critical Planning Committee has suggested that this sub-committee expand its study of the bay beaches to include the ponds, the Eastham section of Rock Harbor and Nauset Light.
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The CPC has also suggested a name change to reflect the enlarged scope of the Committee. Various names including “Water Recreation Committee” were discussed and ultimately Loretta’s suggestion of “Fresh & Salt Water Beach Committee was adopted.
Ed Sedlock showed us photos taken at Thumpertown Beach within the last few days. These indicated the flooded parking lot, the damaged staircase, sand piled in front of the staircase (a liability hazard) and stones and other debris on the beach. Fred stated that there are old piles, tires, abandoned moorings, etc. on the beaches and these should be cleaned up before the opening to the townspeople and the public on June 24th. There was a discussion of the responsibility for dealing with these problems. It is a question of public safety and aesthetics. Ed and Joan will visit Mark Powers, the Recreation Director, after the meeting to discuss the situation.
Some members felt that this committee should be a separate town committee in order to act directly in dealing with problems like the above. Loretta made a motion that we do so and a vote taken favored this action 4 to 1. Joan said that this was difficult to do as the town is trying to cut down on the number of committees but she would look into the possibility.
Joan said Henry Lind has agreed to meet us at Rock Harbor on Thursday, June 8th for a survey of the area. Fred, Ed and Joan will meet him there.
A list of proposed beaches for monitoring to determine if problems exist was distributed. Monitoring will be done 2 or 3 times a week or more at various times. Notation will be indicated on a chart (attached). Date, time of visit, tide, weather, parking lot, signage and comments will be noted. Committee members volunteered for the following assignments.
First Encounter – Gerry Mistretta
Kingsbury – Loretta Nielson
Campground and Thumpertown – Fred Rollinson and Ed Sedloch
Cooks Brook and South Sunken Meadow – Joan Sullivan
Wiley Park – Loretta Nielson
Great Pond – Frank Dobek
Herring Pond – Gerry Mistretta
Nauset Light Beach – Frank Dobek
Rock Harbor – Loretta Nielson, Joan Sullivan
There being no further business, the committee adjourned.
The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 12th at the Town Hall.
Respectfully submitted,
Joan Sullivan
Secretary
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