Sound View Commission
Meeting Minutes — Unapproved
28th March, 2016
7.30 pm
Town Hall Meeting Room
Present: Frank Pappalardo (Chair), Michaelle Pearson, Frank Maratta (Alternate), Harry Plaut, Joann Reis Lishing, David Kelsey, Sandra Ziemba (alternate)
Also Present: First Selectwoman Bonnie Reemsnyder, Selectman Skip Sibley, Selectwoman Mary Jo Nosal
Absent: none
7.33 Meeting called to order
7.34 Approval of January minutes. Joann Lishing motioned to approve. David Kelsey seconded. All in favor. Minutes Approved.
7.42 pm Correspondence: Moved down agenda.
Sound View Historic District:
Michaelle Pearson reported that she met with Jill Enersen, the Architectural Historian on this project, and walked around the district, citing properties of a historic nature. Ms. Enersen said that Sound View seemed like a good candidate for historic recognition, as there are some distinctive architectural consistencies throughout the district. One of the main obstacles was that many buildings had enclosed their original porches, but the original line of the building was still visible. If there is town support, that weighs into the consideration of one district over another.
It is important to keep in mind that a National Historic District designation does not obligate property owners in any way. It is not the same as the town historic district…more of an honor roll to recognize areas of historic significance. May also make it easier to apply for grants in future. There is no downside.
David Kelsey asked if it would be helpful to have a formal vote of support from the board of Selectmen, indicating that the town was supportive of the historic designation. Ms. Pearson said she would ask Ms. Enersen and report back to the Commission.
Correspondence: Frank Pappalardo reviewed correspondence sent and received:
A letter was sent to the Zoning Commission regarding the proposed request from Dr. Bassam Awwa, owner, and Kayla LeDuc, operator, for Outdoor Seating & Business Street Parking at 37 Hartford Avenue (formerly Figs & Olives) for a new deli/ market. Presented by Lenny Corto, Jr.
which the Sound View Commission was asked to comment upon. The SVC presented an accommodation for on-street business parking spaces, cited the proposed tables on Bocce Lane as inappropriate and dangerous to pedestrians and vehicle traffic, and suggested conditions by which 4-6 tables could be placed on the front patio, as long as they did not encroach onto the public sidewalk. ZEO Keith Rosenfeld was also sent a letter.
A letter was sent to Zoning Commission re: the Sugar Shack Special Permit Parking Application, which had been referred to the SVC for comment. The SVC does not support any part of this proposal, citing pedestrian, design and safety concerns and is inconsistent with Sound View Village District zoning regulations. Zoning Enforcement Officer Keith Rosenfeld reviewed and agreed with the SVC’s comments. Sound View resident and former SVC Commission member Paul Orzel also sent a letter opposing this proposal, CCing the SVC. Frank Pappalardo also gave testimony at the zoning meeting. 4 additional comments were heard at the meeting, all opposed to this proposal. Public hearing open for 1 more month.
In addition to the issues cited above, another major obstacle is that this proposal would require a curb cut on Hartford Avenue, which isn't in the improvements plan. Its in zonings hands now.
7.43 pm: Sound View Bikeway Approvals Grant Process:
Design meeting today. Submitted design to DOT for approval. Public informational meeting planned for April 25th at 7.30 pm. Possibly at Sound View Beach Community Center. Location TBA.
The project will hopefully go out to bid by 4/22. There will be a town meeting in early July to approve, and groundbreaking is projected for just after Labor Day.
Lighting may or may not be eligible for 80/20 split, but town is planning to implement a full led program, so lights could be included under that. Decorative street signs, and posts.
Sandy Ziemba asked what the process was for getting the markings placed on RTE 156. Frank Pappalardo said after the plan is submitted to DOT, they incorporate it into their work. The Black Hall River bridge is scheduled for widening, etc., so town won’t have to pay for that phase. Just the markings from RTE156 to the beach.
Motion to move SVC meeting to April 26th 7.30pm. Joann Lishing moved. Sandra Ziemba seconded. All in favor. Motion carried.
8.10 pm Sound View Summer 2015 Assessment Review Letter to Board of Selectmen.
Frank Pappalardo met with First Selectwoman Reemsnyder, TFC Gary Inglis, State Police Sergeant Mesham, and David Kelsey to discuss residents’ complaints regarding unsatisfactory policing last summer and ways to ensure that the same problems and issues do not recur this summer. The major issues were: alcohol on beach, coolers, Rangers’ enforcement action, traffic/ parking enforcement (lack thereof).
CT State Police/ TFC Gary Inglis spoke about training Rangers to deal with the alcohol situation on the beach in a more assertive, but still nonconfrontational manner. Old Lyme Officer Domenic Solari will be assigned as the Sound View Ranger liaison. Some concern has been expressed because the access points to the beach are so open. There was talk of implementing some kind of construction fencing to restrict access and allow every cooler/ backpack to be searched in an impartial way. Michaelle Pearson urged that some thought be put into this before it is implemented, as construction fencing is very unattractive and the entrances to the beach are already far from aesthetically pleasing. It will also be inconvenient to residents.
David Kelsey reported that at the meeting, the State Police were concerned about their inability to enforce cooler size policy. The Rangers will be expected to be more of a presence this year. Officer Solari is going to be the point person for Sound View Beach. There is cautious optimism for the coming year. Also, the idea of having “Ranger Chairs” like Lifeguard chairs on the beach was mentioned.
Harry Plaut asked if Officer Solari is going to take over the operational issues at Sound View Beach? What if he has a day off? Can this be taken into account when scheduling?
David Kelsey explained that Officer Solari will not be taking it over, just in charge of Ranger scheduling, etc. If he’s assigned for the day, he’ll be at Sound View. There will not be officers pulled away from the area as there had been last year. Officer Solari will be in charge administratively, and his focus will be Sound View. As opposed to the Resident State Trooper (Gary Inglis) who has the entire town to deal with.
Frank Pappalardo stated that there was a lot of talk about communications. How do we get information to people and allow for feedback. There is major concern from residents that the positive changes in quality of life seen in recent years were lacking last year. There was a suggestion that cards be printed up with contact information for residents, so they will know which numbers to call when there are complaints. Also talked about realigning some of the scheduling of assigned police, to allow for a police presence later in the day. Also, Sgt. Meacham said that Sound View has now been put on the Troopers’ official patrol list, so they now have the beach as part of their regular patrols.
There are still some issues we need to discuss, and there will be another meeting with The First Selectwoman and the Resident State Trooper to work out some of the details, so we can let area residents know more about expectations for the coming season. The object is to “hit the ground running” by Memorial Day weekend, with Traffic control and beach policies in place.
The Rangers cannot do traffic control, but they will close the gates when the town lot is full, which proved to be very effective in regulating traffic.
8.15 pm Proposed SVVD Zoning Subcommittee:
The town ZEO, Keith Rosenfeld, proposed that the SVC form a subcommittee to take a look at the zoning in the SVDD and make suggestions re any possible changes that might help owners develop their property. This was in response to communications from Hartford Avenue building owners Frank Noe and Bill Randazzo who have expressed their concerns conforming to SVDD regulations and the new FEMA requirements. Frank Pappalardo contacted Jane Cable and asked if Zoning would be supportive of such an effort. She responded that she thought it was a good idea, so Mr. Pappalardo drafted a charge for the subcommittee.
8.21 Osprey Festival:
Will take place June 18th
Frank Pappalardo met with Mark Griswold, Doug LoPresti, First Selectwoman Reemsnyder, and Resident State Trooper Gary Inglis regarding logistical issues: street parking, traffic control, etc. Traffic, etc. will also be addressed at BOS mtg on 4/4. Trooper Inglis was supportive of the Festival. Mr. Pappalardo reminded everyone that for several years there had been a very successful SVBA Family Festival in mid-July with no issues. Braiden Sunshine will perform that evening.
Harry Plaut posed many questions regarding the permitting of food, securing of tents, electricity, generators, insurance, etc., which are not within the responsibility of the Sound View Commission. Joann Lishing responded that this festival is sponsored by the Old Lyme Chamber of Commerce, and any such questions should be directed to Mark Griswold, the Chamber President. This festival is the new version of what used to be “Taste of Old Lyme”.
David Kelsey offered to speak with Mark Griswold about obtaining a copy of the guidelines for Niantic Festival.
Frank Maratta asked if there would be a beer tent at the festival. Frank Pappalardo assured him that there would be no alcohol served at the event.
8.35 pm Events subcommittee: Sandy Ziemba will head this subcommittee. Members are the same as last year: Joann Lishing, Michaelle Pearson, Sandra Ziemba, Frank Pappalardo. Would like to produce a Sound View event calendar: a single calendar of all events occurring in Sound View, such as the Osprey festival, LOLEF race, SVBA events, etc. Looking for a graphic artist to help with this. Frank Pappalardo will contact printer Brian Cole. Michaelle Pearson will contact the Bocce instructor.
8.37: Parking Fees:
Discussion took place at BOS meeting. They are not inclined to change, except to expand the hours of paid parking. The Commission had no objection to expanding the pay hours to 9am-7pm.
Selectwoman Mary Jo Nosal said that Nicole Stadjuhar had run files of people swiping at various times during the day. Joann Lishing expressed her concern that the lot must be closed at night, as she had witnessed all manner of questionable activity occurring there after dark.
SVBA DEEP/ WPCA Update: The WPCAs of privately-chartered beach associations Old Colony, Old Lyme Shores and Miami Beach have asked First Selectwoman Reemsnyder to place the pump station for their proposed sewer systems in the Sound View Parking Lot. (Alternative sites are the Miami Beach Parking Lot or a privately owned lot on Pond Road.)
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder, Sound View Commission Chair Frank Pappalardo , Old Colony WPCA Chair and Miami Beach WPCA Chair Scott Boulanger discussed the following: To put together a partnership that would lease from the town a portion of the Sound View Parking Lot for placement of a sewerage pump station. In return, the partnership would agree to build restrooms for the town in the parking lot. If and when sewers are installed in the public Sound View area, the Old Lyme WPCA would become an equal partner in the maintenance and ownership of this pump house and attendant areas.
David Kelsey asked if the bathrooms cost and the pump station, essentially the triumvirate would be responsible for 1/3 each? Then the town would reimburse for 1/4 of the cost? Will the pump station be built with enough capacity for all future users? Frank Pappalardo said it would be worked out on a proportional basis.
Michaelle Pearson expressed concern regarding design specifications. If restrooms are to be built, there must be a guarantee that construction will match the SVIC’s original specs, and will be flood-proof and aesthetically pleasing as specified for the original Sound View Park Project. This must be agreed upon in advance, costs put forward, and money set aside by the private associations to ensure compliance to the original design standards specified in the park project documents.
First Selectwoman Bonnie Reemsnyder said the cost of the bathrooms is a 99-year lease. This is just a preliminary discussion.
Sandra Ziemba asked if the pump house will be constructed and housed in the same building as the restrooms, and how large an area will it take up in the parking lot? Frank Pappalardo said that while the pump station is underground, there is also a 20x20 above ground poured concrete pad. There is also a generator above ground, on stilts, but we have designed a restroom facility that is already flood-proof so generator could likely be inside.
Ms. Pearson said it is essential to let residents know about these plans as soon as possible. Many people will have concerns regarding noise, vibration, odor, sewerage overflow, etc., and they must be given time to weigh in on this project, and whether it has any benefit to area residents, many of whom do not care whether there are restrooms in the parking lot or not, and who would not be happy about three private beaches funneling their waste into Sound View.
Harry Plaut said the pump stations of today are odor controlled and noise proofed. Ms. Pearson expressed her doubts, wondering if this is true, why are the other beaches so interested in sending their waste to Sound View rather than keeping it closer to home?
Frank Pappalardo said the town has to be involved when maintenance takes place, such as generator testing, etc., if there’s an emergency. There must be assurances re noise and odor and the private beach partnership must provide public informational meetings. Mr. Pappalardo will send a summary of the proposal to be posted as Appendix A to these minutes. (enclosed)
Frank Noe (Chair of Old Colony Beach WPCA) said we look at this as a joint venture and welcome the town to be part of it.
Other Business:
David Kelsey asked another question about the Osprey Festival, whose property is the music tent on? Frank Pappalardo said it’s on private property and of the legal issues have been addressed by the festival sponsor.
Mr. Pappalardo noted the resignation of Old Lyme Police Officer Thomas Heinssen, effective as of 3/ 31.
Public Comment: None
Motion to adjourn: Joann Lishing, Sandra Ziemba
Appendix A: Sewerage Pump Station in Sound View Parking Lot
To; Sound View Commission members
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As discussed in our SVC meeting March 28, 2016, Bonnie and I were approached by Frank Noe representing the 3 Chartered Beach Association WPCA’s regarding a sewerage pump station location in the Town lot. As I stated in the SVC meeting this is very preliminary. This concept and communications have been shared by Bonnie with Richard Prendergast, Chair, Old Lyme WPCA and the Town attorney has stated that such a lease is possible. Below is the summary of discussion regarding the sewerage pump station location concept.
Frank Pappalardo, Chairman
Sound View Commission
Concept:
The town will lease a portion of the town parking lot to the three beach associations for the purpose of constructing and operation a sewerage pump station and associated force main pipes. The term of the lease will be 99 years. The three beach associations will form a partnership (or other type entity) to manage the pump station. The area to be leased will be at the discretion of the town and will be solely for the construction and ongoing operation and maintenance of the pump station, no other activities will be allowed without specific town approval. In return for the lease, the Three Association partnership will construct an adjacent restroom facility for the town. The cost for all construction will be 100% paid for by the partnership. At such time the town constructs sewers for Sound View/Hawks Nest the town WPCA
will become an equal partner in the pump station managing partnership and the propionate EDU share of the construction will be passed through to the town WPCA at actual cost. Should the Hawks Nest portion of the sewer project be delayed, the HN proportionate share will be actual cost plus interest, with the subsequent cost reductions passing through to the existing EDU’s. Operation, maintenance and emergency services will be allocated by the Partnership on a proportionate EDU basis.
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Additional conditions:
Town WPCA and all other town approvals and requirements are met.
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The pump station and restroom design must be consistent with preliminary plans as already prepared for the restroom and aesthetically pleasing, with final approval by the area residents and town. All construction will be to the standards set by or as approved by the town.
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The Partnership MUST provide necessary engineering and assurances regarding odor and noise of the pump station to be approved.
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The Partnership will provide necessary public informational meetings for area residents and town and consider relevant concerns regarding design and operations.
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Operation and maintenance by the Partnership shall occur at predetermined times as approved by the town.
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Emergency services by the Partnership shall be as needed and the town will be notified immediately if such services are to occur.
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Any damage or other occurrence which may take place to town property or adjacent private properties as a result of the pump station operation shall be the responsibility of the Partnership for full restoration and/or monetary damages. (Hold harmless)
NOTICE: Messages to or from the Town of Old Lyme domain are subject to the Freedom of Information statutes and regulations.
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