Sound View Commission
Meeting Minutes — Unapproved
28th January, 2014
Town Hall 7.30 pm
Present: Frank Pappalardo (Chair), Michaelle Pearson (Secretary), Frank Maratta (Alternate) Harry Plaut, Joann Reis Lishing, Sandra Ziemba (Alternate).
Absent: David Kelsey, Russ Carlo (Alternate),
Also present: Selectwoman Mary Jo Nosal (ex-officio)
7.30pm Call to Order: Meeting called to order by Chairman Frank Pappalardo. Frank Maratta seated for David Kelsey
7.33pm Approval of November Minutes: Joann Lishing moved to approve November minutes. Michaelle Pearson seconded. All in favor. Minutes approved.
7.34pm Nomination of Officers
Harry Plaut nominated Chairman Frank Pappalardo and Secretary Michaelle Pearson to continue in their current positions. No other nominations were put forth. Joann Lishing seconded the nominations. All in favor. Motion carried.
Correspondence: None
Public Comment: None
7.40pm: Sound View Improvements Progress Report:
Chairman Pappalardo explained that the architect quotes for renderings have been very high: between 32 and 42K. Committee included a 35K placeholder and submitted to CT-DOT, which objected, stating even 35K was too high. There will be a mini-RFP developed by BSC to several design firms to work with a prefab restroom manufacturer to bring the cost down and ensure that the facilities are code-compliant. Committee requested BSC Group look at local architects and see if they can submit a lower bid. Next meeting of the Committee is Thurs 1/30 at 4 pm. Selectwoman Nosal added that the Committee is awaiting the results of the Town Attorney’s review of the work, and the architects’ RFQ. The Town Attorney is reviewing the draft Agreements provided for between the Town and the State and the Town and the Consultant.
Consultant group has approved the work. Next steps include a public informational session before the town meeting vote for approval.
Sandra Ziemba asked how close to completion are we, on a scale of 1- 10 ? Frank Pappalardo said the endpoint 1 of Phase 1 is approving the design cost estimates, and he estimates we are probably at 8 on that scale. Endpoint 2 is completion of the final project, which is still quite a few steps away.
Frank Maratta asked if Inland Wetlands was involved at all. Frank Pappalardo explained that there were no Inland Wetlands issues, as the only marked wetlands are well outside the 100’ wetland zone. First Selectwoman Reemsnyder, Kurt Prochorena of BSC and Frank Pappalardo made a presentation to the Inland Wetlands Commission, per that Commission’s request, and discussed the scope of the project with them. Inland Wetlands concluded that they have no jurisdiction over the project.
Joann Lishing asked about the transfer of the Sound View Development Company parcel of Parking Lot land. Mr. Pappalardo reported that at the Annual Town Meeting, the Town accepted the donation of land from the SVDC. Town now owns the entire parking lot.
7.54pm Update on Hartford Ave. Buildings
In December 2013, the SVC held an open informal meeting with the new owners of the Hartford avenue buildings formerly owned by Claude Brouillard and sold at Auction. Bob Jose and Joe Camean of Economic Development were also present. Discussion of residential vs. commercial or mixed-use development.
Frank Pappalardo said that the new owners seem to want to wait for the Sewer vs. Community Septic issue to be resolved before they make any plans for development. However, it was pointed out that if the owners don’t plan to renovate immediately, they must secure those buildings and mitigate any hazards present. The SVC will try to set up another informal meeting with the owners in February.
Harry Plaut said that Old Colony Beach plans to go ahead with sewers, tied into the New London system, regardless of any Community Septic opportunities which may arise.
Frank Maratta said he had heard that the reason Cherrystones had not yet opened was due to sewage issues. Selectwoman Nosal said that was not true. There were other issues, and the new owners of Cherrystones have actually been very receptive to the idea of Community Septic and the proposed location.
8.20 pm 2014 SVC Goals:
A suggested list of 2014 goals to be further developed in subsequent meetings:
Repair/ Paint Bocce Court, and get Bocce League started. Lenny Corto Jr. and Tom Larsen have volunteered to help with this.
Addition of Kiosk for Parking Lot. The kiosks were well received by the public last summer.
Setup of porta-potties, beach garbage cans and seasonal signage and mowing schedule for alleyways. Painting of streets and signs should be done early in the season, by May 1st. Prep for flowers by May 15th. Talk to SVBA about flowers and flags.
Harry Plaut said he would have the swim lines installed this year by May 15.
Street sweeping schedule should be coordinated with garbage schedule and painting road schedule, so road is swept, then painted, not vice versa, and so sweeper will not have to dodge garbage cans. Frank Pappalardo said he would look into this.
Concerts in the Town Lot. Hope to obtain some seed money from the town. Maybe Thursday night of Midsummer Festival week, or early/ late in the season.
Meet with Public Safety to organize timing and strategy for the upcoming beach season.
8.44pm Other New Business: Frank Pappalardo asked if the SVC should elect a Vice-Chair, who would be designated to run our meetings in the event of his absence. The Commission unanimously agreed that we would prefer to choose a vice-chair on an ad hoc, as needed basis, rather than designating one person in advance.
Next meeting will be Monday, February 24
7.30 pm at Town Hall
8.48 pm Harry Plaut motioned to adjourn. Joann Lishing seconded. All in favor.
Meeting adjourned at 8.48pm
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