Sound View Commission
Meeting Minutes — Unapproved
23 March 2015
7.30 pm
Present: Frank Pappalardo (Chair), Michaelle Pearson (Secretary), Joann Reis Lishing, David Kelsey, Sandra Ziemba, Frank Maratta (Alternate)
Absent: Harry Plaut
Also Present: Selectwoman Bonnie (ex officio), Selectman Skip Sibley, Officer Thomas Heinssen (OLPD)
7.32 pm Call to Order: Meeting called to order by Chairman Frank Pappalardo.
Alternate Sandra Ziemba seated for the absent Harry Plaut.
Approval of February Minutes: Joann Lishing motioned to approve. Sandra Ziemba seconded.
All in favor.
Correspondence: NONE
At the October meeting, this Commission voted to send a letter to the Selectmen commending the OLPD. Letter was sent. (Attached as pdf.)
7.35pm
Business: Sound View Improvements Grant Progress Report:
BSC Engineering will present us an outline for a Parking Safety study which will then need to be vetted by FHB and CT-DOT.
A 10% contingency has been built in, so as long as study is under, won’t be a problem. The timeline of Spring 2016 completion is still a reality. Informational meeting should be able to present not only 30 % completion plan but also study data. This meeting is not a vote, but an opportunity for comments. Specific criteria for advertising that meeting. Mailer will go out to all residents on 156 and in the Sound View area.
Sandra Ziemba asked about the bike path from the bridge to Route 156, regarding road signs, markings, etc.
Frank Pappalardo said the signage and markings will be included as part of the whole process.
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder added that its all part of the same package and nothing would be started until the whole project goes out to bid.
Frank Maratta asked if every property owner on Route 156 will get a notice.
Frank Pappalardo explained that because the project will not take any property, those notices aren’t obligatory, but the town wants to be as informative as possible, so it was decided to send them to every property owner along the bike route. The Old Lyme Federation of Beaches will also be given notice, and there will be a posting in the newspaper as well.
Private Parking Lot Recommendations:
In 2012, SVC suggested that private permitted lot fees should be raised from $20 to $40 per space. The Selectmen reviewed the recommendation and set the rate at $30 per space. This fee is up for review again this year. There have also been two signs regarding beach rules and coolers required to be placed in the private lots. Frank Pappalardo reviewed the statute, which states that all private permitted lots must be graveled, lined, etc.
Sandra Ziemba (who is a private lot owner) stated that last year was one of the worst as far as parking revenues. During the week, she charges between $10-15 dollars per space. She said she abides by all the rules, keeps the lot clean, and informs her customers of the rules on the signs.
Frank Pappalardo said he felt we should keep the rates at $30 again this year.
First Selectwoman Bonnie Reemsnyder said this is a discussion we want to have every year, so we can let lot owners know in advance of the season what the fee will be. We might also consider having this discussion at the end of each season, rather than in the Spring.
David Kelsey asked about assessment of fees to lot owners for the town signage. Frank Pappalardo said the fees are for replacement signage only. The original signs were provided free of charge by the Town. Signs lost through negligence must be paid for by the lot owners. Signs lost through theft or vandalism may be replaced at the Town’s discretion if a proper Police Report has been filed by the lot owner and submitted to the Town. Officer Heinssen added that owners need to be made aware that signs must be posted or their permit will be revoked.
Public Comment:
Lenny Corto (of Lenny’s on the Beach) asked why the parking fees change every year. Frank Pappalardo said they hadn’t. The private permitted lot fees went from $20 to $30 in 2012. They have remained at $30 since.
Motion: Joann Lishing motioned to recommend to the Board of Selectmen that the private parking lot fees remain at the current level of $30 per space for the 2015 Season. Further, it is recommended that the cost of initial signage be borne by the town, but any replacement signage must be paid for by the lot owners.
Michaelle Pearson: second. All in favor. Motion Carried.
There was some discussion as to the pricing of kiosk parking, and its potential impact on the private permitted lots. Michaelle Pearson said the kiosk parking should be a bit higher to match the pricing at other beaches, and also to avoid undercutting the private lots. Frank Maratta strongly disagreed.
Events Committee: Met two weeks ago and decided to keep the same event day as last year for concerts. Events will be tentatively scheduled for every other Thursday 7-8.30pm 6/25, 7/9, 7/23, 8/6, 8/20.
Ms. Pearson will look into having a bocce exhibition or class as one of the events.
Trash Receptacles:
Selectman Sibley suggested bringing Ed Adanti and Gary Yuknat into the conversation to see if there’s a possibility of having an automated-friendly can. David Kelsey agreed to pursue this. Our objective is to find a can that is both aesthetically pleasing and extremely heavy/immovable, to act as a barrier to prevent people from driving onto the beach, where necessary. Whether this is possible with an automated can requires further research. Possibly there could be automated cans around the park area, and immovables where they are needed.
Gateway Discussion:
Frank Pappalardo will discuss with BSC to have sidewalks on the North side of Shore Road from Cross Lane to the Police Station. Also look into the challenges regarding a crosswalk from the North Side of Shore Road at Cross Lane. There will be a crosswalk at Hartford Avenue, leading to a sidewalk.
Other New Business:
WPCA/ Sewers: The next WPCA meeting is on 4/14 at 7.30. The town has currently paused all sewer programs with the DEEP. DEEP has been invited to address the plan the town presented, and which was then withdrawn.
Parking Kiosks:
The machines will be up and running in May to check status. We are currently looking for attachable flags to make the kiosks more visible.
Streetlights: Sandra Ziemba reported that the streetlights on Swan have been fixed. There was discussion as to whether the extremely bright replacement at the end of Swan was dark-sky compliant, as required.
PortaPotties: Sandra Ziemba will take on the task as key contact for the PortaPotties for the season.
Motion to adjourn: Joann Lishing. Michaelle Pearson seconded. All in favor.
Meeting adjourned at 9.20pm
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