Sound View Commission REVISED minutes
October 22, 2012
7.30 pm, Shoreline Community Center
Present: Frank Pappalardo (Chair), Joann Reis Lishing, Michaelle Pearson (Secretary), Russ Carlo (Alternate)
Absent: David Kelsey, Harry Plaut, Joseph Camean (Alternate), Frank Maratta (Alternate)
Also present: First Selectwoman Bonnie Reemsnyder, Selectwoman Mary Jo Nosal; members of the public.
7.37p Chairman Frank Pappalardo called meeting to order.
Alternate Russ Carlo seated for David Kelsey.
7.38p Joann Lishing moved to approve tabled minutes of August 27, pending attachments. Seconded by Russ Carlo. Motion carried. 4-0
7.40p Russ Carlo moved to approve minutes of September 24. Seconded by Joann Lishing. Motion carried. 4-0
7.45p Public Comment: None
7.46p Parking Subcommittee Update: Mr. Pappalardo said several people had verbally expressed interest but only two applications had been received so far. He outlined the Parking Subcommittee’s responsibilities and encouraged interested parties to apply asap. Once established, the subcommittee should plan to present its findings and recommendations by the SVC’s February meeting.
7.54 Critique of Presentation: Frank Maratta wrote to say that he had received questions about the “flood plain” in the Town Lot, and whether this project would make flooding worse.
Mr. Pappalardo stated that the Town lot is not a flood plain. It is mostly in the 100-year flood zone. A portion of the lot is wetlands, but as that section will be used for parking, there shouldn’t be an issue there. Mr. Pappalardo warned against speculation and rumors, and emphasized that there must be clarity regarding the scope of the informational meetings: further development of the plan, including grade levels, can only be implemented after the funding is received. The preliminary information the engineers have used is extensive.
Mr. Pappalardo presented a question he had received from Commission Member Harry Plaut (who could not attend tonight’s meeting) asking if there would be no tax money involved in funding the project. To clarify, Mr. Pappalardo explained that there would be an initial outlay of town funds to cover the small percentage of the project not financed by grants, which would be promptly repaid to the town within 5-7 years. So there would be no cost to the town in the end.
Mr. Pappalardo announced that there would be two upcoming presentations about the Sound View Park Project. The first will be on 10/29, as part of the Special Town Meeting, at 7.30pm in the Middle School Auditorium. (NB: This meeting was rescheduled to November 14, due to Hurricane Sandy.)
First Selectwoman Bonnie Reemsnyder presented the agenda for the upcoming Special Town Meeting: voting on accepting 2 town roads, Woodcrest and Village Lane; and the election of a Board of Education member to fill a vacancy on the Board. The Sound View presentation will take place after the results for the Board of Education election are announced.
Mr. Pappalardo said there will also be a cable access show on channel 14 about the Sound View Park Project, which will be taped on November 1st. Airtime TBD.
8.04p Correspondence: Donna Brown of Portland Avenue wrote commending the Commission for its work, and expressing her concerns re: fencing at the pass-throughs and scooter access.
Paula Melillo of Portland Avenue wrote commending the Commission and the Town for improving living conditions at Sound View. She also expressed her support for the upcoming park project, along with concerns that the businesses have been a very vocal and self-centered group, focused only on the number of parking spaces and attempting to undermine the good work of the Commission and Selectmen. Ms. Mellillo wrote that this summer has been most enjoyable because the Commission, the Police and town officials have worked together for the benefit of everyone.
8.09: Budget Requests: Digital recorder request was denied last year, as town was to provide one, but we did not receive one. Will budget again. Barricades budget was approved. Fencing will be here 11/2, Miami Beach will install. $1490. (10 dollars under budget) Center road stop signs will be in place for next season.
Budget for 2013: Discussion whether to request funds for kiosks should grant not come through in time. Further discussion needed with Selectmen and Board of Finance. Study for Main Street or other type of grant re: the gateway to the beach. On 11/2 there’s a seminar in Hartford “implementing complete streets”. Budget request for $4K
Harry Plaut asked about marketing Sound View as a destination. Discussion of various attractions, such as craft show, chowder fest, etc.
8.33pm: Various Updates:
Mr. Pappalardo discussed the Town’s Task Force on Wastewater, saying there are 7 people on it so far. It will be a focused group to look at alternatives to sewers. Waste effluent system pumped to a leaching field, or community septic field.
WPCA/ Blight Update:
Mrs. Reemsnyder said the Blight Committee will likely have a recommendation in November.
8.37: 2013 SVC Meeting Dates:
The Commission meets on the 4th Monday of each month, with the following exceptions: May 27th is Memorial Day. SVC will meet on Tuesday, 5/28.
There is no SVC meeting in December.
Meeting location shifts seasonally as follows:
April –October at Community Center. January – March, Town Hall. November TBD.
Public Works: Signs need to be removed and stored for the winter. Frank Pappalardo sent an email to Ed Adanti requesting this.
Safety: First Selectwoman Reemsnyder said the Estuary transit district is planning to erect two bus shelters, one across the street from the church, and one at Halls Road. Estuary transit will pay for these.
New Business:
Gail Fuller asked what was happening with the buildings across the street (former dance hall, etc.). Discussion re upcoming auction sale on December 1.
8.49 Motion to Adjourn
Russ Carlo motioned to adjourn.
Joann Lishing seconded. Motion carried. 5-0
Meeting adjourned.
Next meeting: Monday, 11/26/12 at Town Hall.
Respectfully Submitted,
Michaelle Pearson
Secretary
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