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Sound View Commission Minutes 08/22/2011
Sound View Commission
Meeting Minutes — Unapproved
22 August 2011
Sound View Community Center, 7.30 pm

Present: David Kelsey, Frank Pappalardo (Chair), Joann Reis Lishing, Russ Carlo (Alternate), Bonnie Reemsnyder (selectwoman)

Absent: Michaelle Pearson (Secretary); Harry Plaut; Frank Maratta (Alternate); Joseph Camean (Alternate)

Meeting called to order at 7.35pm by Frank Pappalardo (Chair).  In the absence of Michaelle Pearson, (Secretary), Mr. Pappalardo appointed Joann Reis Lishing to record the minutes.  In addition, Mr. Pappalardo made a motion to appoint alternate Russ Carlo in Ms. Pearson’s absence, 2nd by David Kelsey and passed.
Members of the Commission introduced themselves and welcomed the public attendees.

Meeting Minutes of July 25th, 2011 were unanimously approved through a motion by Russ Carlo and seconded by Joann Reis.

Public comments:

7: 40 pm:  Vic Dellaripa:  complained of noise from the bars on the beach.  He asked why the Town isn’t supporting residents on this issue.  He stated that music used to be confined to inside of buildings, now it is outside the building.  According to a Yale study, loud music causes heart attacks and high blood pressure.  Mr. Dellaripa said he had sent letters to the Town regarding the noise issue, and that the Town has not responded.  Frank Pappalardo responded that Zoning said the properties have a right to have outside music.  Mr. Dellaripa mentioned that there is an ordinance from 1972 stating that music must be indoors.  Several other public attendees made similar comments regarding the noise from the music on the beach.  Mr. Pappalardo said he would look up the ordinance and site plans.

7:58 pm:  Carol Zitani said a renter complained of inability to get thru Liberty St. due to barriers that were recently installed.  Mr. Pappalardo said he will address this item later on the agenda.

7:58:  Angelo Faenza mentioned on a positive note that the traffic pattern is working well.

7:59 pm:  Frank Lishing mentioned on a positive note that a police SUV was spotted on the beach patrolling in the evening.

7:59:  SVB Merchants Meeting occurred on July 28th 2011. Frank Pappalardo reviewed the issues that are of concern to the merchants, specifically:
  • Eliminate free on-street parking, while allowing for specific spaces for free short term business parking
  • Installation of permanent restrooms in the town parking lot
  • Renovation of the Brouillard property (aka, old arcade building)
Also identified was a need for stepped-up zoning enforcement, and in addition if coolers are eliminated it would help businesses:  less trash, less alcohol.

8:09:  Restrooms:  Mr. Pappalardo informed the Commission that prefab restrooms exist with holding tanks.  There is a company in CT that will design whatever we need-- ~$65,000 for 2 male and 2 female; on-going maintenance includes pumping, cleaning;  replacing demographics on beach—restrooms would be more inviting for families to come to Sound View.  

Frank Pappalardo:  approached Harry Plaut requesting that he pursue the prefab restrooms information and Gail Fuller’s background work in this area and prepare a business plan for the Commission that can be presented to the Board of Finance.  Proposal should be ready by next Commission meeting to vote on it and move forward.

Bonnie Reemsnyder reminded the Commission that there are funds of $2500.00 available from the previous background work to develop a landscaped area in the parking lot.  Frank Pappalardo will speak with Skip Sibley re: using this funding for a landscape architect.

8:34:  Parking:  Frank Pappalardo provided info re: kiosk parking systems, eg, Free-standing kiosk, solar—Wi-Fi powered card system- $10,000/ea.  Frank discussed other systems available, but which are not as efficient.  Pros and cons of each system were presented.  This needs to be researched on how this works and what system would be best for use at Sound View (Duncan and Pom systems).  Discussion re: design, etc. from previous beach improvement committee.

Dave Kelsey suggested that we discuss with a parking consultant and see what plans are available.  Selectwoman Reemsnyder suggested that for the money available, a landscape architect may be able to provide a plan or 2 re: design.  Frank will discuss with Skip the best use of the funding and which consultant to start with.

Mr. Pappalardo reassured attendees that the Commission will bring all proposals to the community at large.

Coolers on the Beach:  No coolers on the beach suggested by a Commission member.  Frank Pappalardo suggested that we use a cooler pass process for residents.  Non-residents not allowed with coolers.  They could use their car in the picnic area.  Mr. Pappalardo said he would call several other town beaches re: their policy of coolers on the beach.

9:23:  Beach Association meetings:  beach accesses to Miami Beach are owned and managed by Miami Beach—closed down access point on Liberty to stop motor scooter racing.  Frank P suggested that off-set rails could be used.  Both on SVB side and Miami Beach side

9:27:  Mr. Pappalardo met with the Black Hall Association. They are willing to support the Commission’s plans by attending zoning meetings.

9:29 Frank Pappalardo will send out thoughts on standard operating procedure manual (SOP).  He also reported that the Impound lot on Rt 156 was approved by the Zoning Commission then withdrawn, though the Impound lot still is being used.  Mr. Pappalardo said he will look into it.

Zoning:  meeting on Sept 12 will discuss revising R-10 issues

It was suggested that residents review WPCA minutes and attend meetings to learn about what’s being planned specifically re community septic systems to support or to advise why you don’t support it.

Meeting ended 9:41 with a motion to adjourn by Joann Reis and 2nd by Russ Carlo.

Next meeting:  26th September, 2011 at 7.30 pm at Shoreline Community Center.


Respectfully submitted,
Joann Reis Lishing