Sound View Commission
Meeting Minutes — Unapproved
May 28, 2013
Shoreline Community Center, 7.30 pm
Present: Frank Pappalardo (Chair), Harry Plaut, Michaelle Pearson (Secretary), Frank Maratta (Alternate), David Kelsey, Joann Reis Lishing, Sandra Ziemba (Alternate).
Absent: Russ Carlo (Alternate),
7.36 Call to Order: Meeting called to order by Chairman Frank Pappalardo
7.40 Approval of Minutes of April 22, 2013 & March 26, 2013 Motion to accept: Joann Lishing, 2nd Harry Plaut. Minutes approved.
3) Correspondence: SVBA – CT Water
Frank Pappalardo read a letter from the Sound View Beach Association to the CT Water Company regarding CT Water’s failure to make promised improvements to the water system at Sound View. These improvements were a condition of the approval of CT water to take over the Sound View Water Company, yet years have gone by and no improvements have been made. The SVBA took particular exception to the fact that CT Water is presently making improvements at Hawk’s Nest, while the promised improvements at Sound View remain undone.
4) Public Comment: Clayton Corto of Lenny’s on the Beach asked why there was no flag at the flagpole on Hartford Avenue in time for Memorial Day. Mr. Pappalardo stated that it was not the SVC nor the Town that maintained the flag/ flagpole, but the SVBA, a volunteer organization. Joann Lishing added that the volunteers who usually take care of putting up all the flags in the SV area have had recent back surgeries and this, coupled with the inclement weather, resulted in the delay. She asked Mr. Corto if he would be willing to help raise the flags in future, and also asked for other volunteers to help. Frank Pappalardo said he would consult with the SVBA president, Dennis Melluzzo re flag placement and maintenance.
Dino DiNino of Hartford Avenue said that he was opposed to the reduction in parking spaces on Hartford Avenue, and had several concerns regarding the new angled parking. He urged the return of the free business spaces in front of each business, rather than grouping the free spaces at upper/lower Hartford Avenue.
Frank Maratta strongly agreed with Mr. DiNino, and asked that parking be increased.
Lenny Corto, Jr. of Lenny’s on the Beach raised some points regarding safety and traffic on Hartford Avenue. He remains concerned that any further reduction in parking may negatively impact his family’s business. Mr. Corto also stated that he thought the new striping was confusing, particularly at night when the older reflective stripes are visible under the blackout paint.
Doug Whelan, President of Old Colony Beach Association praised the new parking plan and stated that he felt it was safer and kept traffic under control. He also spoke favorably about the Sound View Improvements plan, saying that he hoped people would support it as a positive change for the area.
Sandra Ziemba of Swan Avenue spoke out against the fluctuating prices in the Town Parking lot, stating that the town should not be undercutting the private lot owners. The fluctuating prices are also confusing to beachgoers who are never sure what it will cost to park at Sound View. The subcommittee on parking made this their chief priority, yet the practice continues.
First Selectwoman Bonnie Reemsnyder said that the issue had been considered, but it was felt that Don Bugbee should retain discretion of the fees on inclement weather days. Next year, the parking lot will be fully automated, with kiosks, so this shouldn’t be an ongoing problem.
Business
* Sound View Improvements Grant: RFQ progress report
Mr. Pappalardo said that there had been 6 packages submitted and all six applicants would be interviewed by the Grant Selection Committee. There is a process by which this must be done, incuding RFQ and actual bids. There will be an informational meeting at the Shoreline Community Center of Friday, June 14th at 7:30 pm to explain the grant process and the next steps going forward.
Bocce Court repair: update
Harry Plaut stated that the Bocce Court resurfacing was complete, for less than our budget amount. Mr. Pappalardo suggested that the extra funds be used to have the wood sides of the courts and the benches sanded and painted.
Street parking – weekend review
Mr. Pappalardo stated that reports from residents regarding the parking were very positive, with the exception of two business owners. Public Safety and the Selectmen agreed that the weekend traffic was assisted by the new pattern, and was manageable throughout the weekend.
Budget - approved items:
Mr. Pappalardo listed the budget items approved by the town for the upcoming year, including new trash cans, a recorder for taking minutes, new signage, maintenance items for the flower planters, an appropriation for a consulting engineer to do a Main Street business/residential study,etc.
Joann Lishing made a motion to explore allowing the Business Development Commission to assist with the Main Street, Business/Residential development study. Michaelle Pearson seconded. Motion carried. Mr. Pappalardo will make contact with the Business Development Commission
* New item – Connecticut’s Office of Tourism
Suggestion was made by Mr. Pappalardo to explore the use of the Connecticut’s Office of Tourism web site and services to assist with Sound View tourism. Sandra Ziemba said she would work with Pappalardo on this project.
Motion to Adjourn
Harry Plaut motioned to adjourn.
Sandy Ziemba seconded. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Michaelle Pearson, Secretary
| 
