Sound View Commission
Meeting Minutes — Unapproved
23 July 2012
Sound View Community Center, 7.30 pm
Present: Frank Pappalardo (Chair), Joann Reis Lishing Harry Plaut, Russ Carlo (Alternate)
Absent: Michaelle Pearson (Secretary); David Kelsey; Frank Maratta (Alternate); Joseph Camean (Alternate)
Meeting called to order at 7:31pm 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 appointed alternate Russ Carlo in Mr. Kelsey’s absence.
Meeting Minutes of June25th, 2012 were unanimously approved through a motion by Russ Carlo and seconded by Harry Plaut.
Public comments:
Lori May: Reported that kids are starting to congregate in front of the community center. Discussion re why, e.g., they are congregating? For Wi Fi service. Mr. Pappalardo will bring this to police attention especially to insure there is no rowdiness after 10.
Shirley Grande: Wonders if there is a way to shut off young drinkers in the bars earlier so that they are not walking down the street drunk and using loud foul language.
Dee Vowles: expressed a concern on behalf of some business owners that there is not enough short term parking to allow businesses to have opportunity for pedestrian customers and complaints of parking fees maybe too high. Chairman Pappalardo reported some data indicating that many areas are experiencing lower volume than in the past years, e.g., Rocky Neck has had no closures this year and the same is true for RI with no beach closures so far this year. According to Vowels the free business spaces only occasionally get use but more street short term parking and fee adjustment is needed. Further discussion regarding the concerns was not agreeable to Vowels and accordingly her statement was for the record.
Business:
Park and Grant: It is preliminarily approved; however, no news yet about when the actual money will be received. State is waiting for the grant money from Fed Gov’t. When it does happen, a town referendum will be necessary for approval. If it is received out of season, then many summer residents will not be available. Several information meetings will be scheduled in August to inform as many residents as possible about the grant. Discussion regarding the referendum process and the best dates possible were discussed by those Commission members present. Chairman Pappalardo asked Commission members for dates they were not available in August. Mr. Pappalardo will discuss with First Selectwoman re dates that are compatible
Suggestion was made to tape the PowerPoint presentation and put it on the TV cable station and also to send the presentation to each beach association to add to their website. Town meeting (show of hands) vs. referendum—referendum (allows an absentee ballot) was discussed. Details of the process will be explored.
Parking:
A sign was put at Martino and Hartford Ave with arrow pointing toward Left for parking. It is noted that an arrow should also be pointed toward the right in fairness to all parking lots. Officer Heinssen will add the arrow
Shirley Grande reported that Henderson’s Parking Lot on Pond Rd does not have rules posted. Mr. Pappalardo will ask Public Works to provide the sign.
Joan Byers (Old Colony Beach): mentioned that parking owners’ fees per space has quadrupled in the past 10 years. Mr. Pappalardo reminded her that the commission does not have jurisdiction over Old Colony Beach. Discussion regarding illegal parking lots: Chairman Pappalardo recommended that folks need to speak up regarding this issue and report it to the police.
Officer Heinssen reported that the parking fee collections by the rangers are going smoothly.
Updates:
Beach Front: Harry Plaut received a report that a resident complained about the noise from the beach cleaning equipment. Beach cleaning starts at 8:00 and is over by 9:30 AM.
Doug Whelan: commended the OL police and the Ranger program for doing a great job this summer. Things are much better, cleaner, etc.
Budget Items
Mr. Pappalardo showed the meeting attendees fences types that will be put up between Miami Beach and Portland Ave. to prevent the motor bikes racing through.
Vertical Panel Barricade: It was agreed that Chairman Pappalardo will work it out and choose the appropriate barricade with the OL police.
Bocce Court: Frank Teti and Harry Plaut will work together to make them ready for next season.
Safety:
Street Lights:
Officer Heinssen reported that he notified the town regarding 5 street lights that are out. Officer Heinssen will be checking with the Board of Selectmen regarding progress with Zelek. He noted that some of the lights need the whole light mechanism replaced due to aging.
Fire Hydrants: Selectwoman Reemsnyder sent a letter to OL fire chief re old Kiddie Land and how a fire would be fought there since there is no floor. Mr. Pappalardo read the letter to the Commission and attendees. Response from the OL Fire Chief: Only fight the fire from the outside. Regarding Hydrants in the Sound View area: they put out 700 gal/min and then an alarm sets off if it gets too low. At that time, then, a 3rd pressure pump kicks in.
A concern re abandoned structures that could cause possible harm to others’ property was brought up. It was mentioned that a Blight Committee was formed for this very concern.
Meeting ended at 9:53pm with a motion to adjourn by Russ Carlo and 2nd by Harry Plaut. All in favor.
Next meeting: 27th August, 2012 at 7.30 pm at Shoreline Community Center.
Respectfully submitted,
Joann Reis Lishing
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