Sound View Commission
Meeting Minutes — Unapproved
28th October, 2013
Shoreline Community Center 7.30 pm
Present: Frank Pappalardo (Chair), Michaelle Pearson (Secretary), Harry Plaut, Russ Carlo (Alternate), Sandra Ziemba (Alternate).
Absent: David Kelsey, Joann Reis Lishing, Frank Maratta (Alternate)
Also present: Selectwoman Mary Jo Nosal
Russ Carlo seated for Joann Lishing, Sandra Ziemba seated for David Kelsey
7.32p Call to Order: Meeting called to order by Chairman Frank Pappalardo.
7.33 Approval of August Minutes: Harry Plaut moved to approve August minutes. Russ Carlo Seconded. Minutes approved.
7.35 Correspondence:
Letter from SVBA President Dennis Melluzzo, regarding Connecticut Water. Will be addressed under “Business”.
7.51pm: Sound View Park Project Progress Report:
The project estimates are progressing, there is only one number that seemed high: Silver-Petrocelli Architects quote for the restroom: $42,600 for architecture/design of restroom. Quote was revised downward to $33K, which still seems too high. The Committee asked BSC to get a second quote elsewhere for this part of the project.
The next meeting of the Committee is 11/6. It is hoped the new estimate will be available by then. The Committee has a 19-page list of tasks and a spreadsheet by person-hours.
Sandy Ziemba asked if there are other companies who can bid.
Frank Pappalardo said BSC will provide a list of their subcontractors. However, regardless of which architectural firm is chosen, the Town has control over the aesthetics and the final outcome. Chris Faulkner is hired by CT DOT to make sure that we are moving in the right direction to implement. He has a lot of experience working with the CT DOT and feds to move projects forward. We do not pay him, he is a consultant to the CT DOT, to provide professional guidance to see the project to its completion. It’s a very methodical approach. We need to ensure that it meets our needs and the community has input into the design. As for timing, if we move forward on 11/6, we have to wait until the next Selectmen’s meeting to set a meeting date, which means the vote could take place in mid-December.
8.07 Budget Items:
Survey:
Russ Carlo spoke to Pete Parisi, a professional surveyor who has worked in the area. Mr. Parisi said he was willing to give an estimate as to what the survey might cost. The scope would be all town property within the Sound View area. Ms. Pearson and Mr. Carlo agreed to enumerate which streets, etc. would likely be surveyed this week, and forward the list to Mr. Pappalardo.
Main Street Gateway Study:
Harry Plaut will contact First Selectwoman Reemsnyder about this.
Michaelle Pearson mentioned that there is a growing group of Mile Creek parents interested in biking or walking to school along Rte. 156 and Mile Creek Road. They were very interested to hear of the proposed bike path and Gateway study. Mr. Plaut asked Ms. Pearson to forward his contact info to this group so he could get their input regarding crosswalks, etc., which might come under the scope of the Gateway study.
Hartford Avenue Vacant Building Update: Winning bidders were preparing to close on their properties. Just prior to these scheduled closings, Mr. Brouillard filed for bankruptcy on the LLCs that own the properties, which has resulted in yet another delay. The Courts will decide whether the bankruptcy or foreclosure shall take precedence. Sandy Ziemba asked if any of the property bidders had withdrawn their bids due to these delays. Mr. Pappalardo said, No. All were still interested in closing on the properties.
Russ Carlo commented that the Dance Hall building is a menace and a fire hazard, and stated that in his view, the Fire Marshall should condemn it. Mr. Pappalardo agreed that it was an eyesore, but said the building should be secured rather than condemned, as once it is torn down it would be a lot less attractive for development. There’s nothing to be done right now, except wait for the matter to wend its way through the courts.
Property Revaluation:
Beginning this year. The federation of Old Lyme Beaches has expressed some concern, saying they felt that shoreline properties were significantly raised in the last revaluation. Scott Boulanger is the President of the FOB and the contact for these issues.
CT water Company: Dennis Melluzzo submitted a letter to the Commission. Chairman Pappalardo said he would like to summarize the letter and elevate this issue to the Selectmen for Review.
Harry Plaut motioned to summarize the CT Water Company issues and elevate the matter to the to Selectmen for decision. Russ Carlo seconded, urging that the Town move expeditiously on this matter. Vote taken. Approved, 5-0.
Old Colony Beach Adverse Possession suit. Russ Carlo said he had been contacted by Wayne Gineo regarding a property dispute between the Gineos and Old Colony Beach. Mr. Carlo, a retired engineer, attended the court hearing as a witness, and was asked to give a description of Sound View Beach.
Water Quality: test results have been good all season, and continue as same.
WPCA Update:
Selectwoman Nosal stated that wastewater management task force/WPCA gave a presentation in early October. WPCA voted unanimously to pursue the local option, and the Town is pursuing a grant for this. Draft cost is similar to sewers to New London. The detailed report is available on the WPCA website. Selectwoman Nosal urged everyone to to read the WPCA minutes and attend meetings, which are open to the public.
Frank Pappalardo noted that East Lyme was once again raising its water and sewer rates. Selectwoman Nosal stated, rather than dumping the waste into the Thames River, we would be able to reuse the water and preserve our local aquifer.
Parking Statistics:
Mr. Pappalardo stated that he had been checking the Parks & Rec website but they haven’t posted their minutes regarding the Sound View parking lot revenues. The 2013 parking lot revenues as obtained from the Board of Selectmen are @4770 vehicles, down from 5426 in 2012. 14% decrease. 656 resident 2013. This appears to validate what the private parking lot owners have been saying regarding the excess parking capacity. Additional revenues from on-street parking totals 2012 were aprox. 32K. Street parking totals for 2013 were 38,141K.
There were 305 tickets issued in Sound View this season. 155 were alcohol related, the rest were parking violations. $9433.00 in revenues
Harry Plaut asked how this compares to the rest of the town?
Frank Pappalardo said he would ask for more detailed statistics
8.57: Public Comment:
Lenny Corto, Jr. of Lenny’s on the Beach asked what will happen to kiosks in winter?
Frank Pappalardo said that Public works and Public Safety are deciding whether to build a hard box for winter or to take them out for winter storage.
Mr. Larsen of Shore Road said he would like to Sponsor the Bocce Court.
Harry Plaut asked him to write a letter to this effect, as the court is under the purview of the Town. Frank Pappalardo said that volunteers could paint it, etc. He will check with selectmen and have an answer by next month.
Tani Faenza of Portland Avenue asked if the townspeople are aware of the amount of revenue generated each year by Sound View parking? As this money is used for the benefit of the entire town, not Sound View, people should be made aware of this before the vote on the park project.
9.10 pm Motion to Adjourn: HP moved to adjourn. Harry Plaut Seconded. Meeting adjourned.
Next meeting: November 25th at Town Hall. 7.30 pm
Please note venue change for winter season.
Respectfully submitted,
Michaelle Pearson, Secretary
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