Sound View Commission
Meeting Minutes — Unapproved
28th August, 2016
7.30 pm at Shoreline Community Center
Present: David Kelsey, Michaelle Pearson, Joann Reis Lishing, Harry Plaut, Frank Maratta (alternate), Jackie Miano (alternate), Sandra Ziemba (alternate)
Also Present: First Selectwoman Bonnie Reemsnyder, Selectman Skip Sibley, Selectwoman Mary Jo Nosal.
Absent: Frank Pappalardo (Chair) (prior notice),
7.30pm Meeting called to order
David Kelsey appointed Chairman in Frank Pappalardo’s absence.
Alternate Frank Maratta seated for David Kelsey.
7.38pm Sound View Improvements Project update: bids were received. Now in the process of approving low bidder. DOT will contact First Selectwoman about approval. Got all of the paperwork from the low bidder and its all in order, so construction in September is still on track.
SVVD Subcommittee: Last meeting was here on Hartford Avenue to take a look at some of the buildings in question. David Kelsey and David Noe used a laser level to get an approximation of building heights Next meeting will be after Labor Day due to scheduling conflicts.
7.43 pm David Kelsey spoke about the Public presentation by the State re designation of Sound View as a National Historic District. Would like the Commission to consider a letter to the community that directs them to various documents that allow them to understand the historic district designation. Strongly recommend a neutral letter citing the appropriate resources for people to make up their own minds. Frank Maratta asked that contact info be included for residents if they have questions.
Motion to approve letter as written for Frank Pappalardo to send this letter on behalf of the commission.
Joann Lishing motion. Michaelle Pearson seconded. Vote: All in favor, motion carried. Letter text approved. Will be sent to Sound View residents.
Events and Facilities: Concert coming up Thursday 8/25, Four Barrel Billy
Ms. Pearson mentioned the mosquito spraying, letting people know to watch for more info on when/ if Sound View would be sprayed. Right now just Mile Creek area.
7.57: Clean beach issues. Miami Beach Association.
We have no info from MBA as to their plans, other than what was stated at the joint svba/mba meeting. Frank Pappalardo has made a request for more info.
Parking lot and Ordinance review subcommittees:
Seeking volunteers to staff these committees.
Parking Lot Subcommittee: (Attach Charge to Subcommittee.)
Motion to accept:Joann Lishing, Michaelle Pearson second.
In favor: Lishing, Pearson, Plaut. Opposed: Maratta. Motion carries.
Ordinance Review Subcommittee (Attach Charge to Subcommittee)
Motion to accept C: JL / MP 2nd
MP suggest March deadline.
Frank Maratta asked if this sub commission will be able to invalidate ordinances that are outdated.
David Kelsey explained that there are some specific ordinances we would like to review pertaining to the Sound View area, quality of life, etc. Review will include identification of existing ordinances that may no longer have present application. Makeup of the subcommittee was discussed. Suggested: One Sound View resident (non-business), One Commission member (non-business), 2 Old Lyme business owners and one town resident (non-SV, non-business).
Harry Plaut asked if a private parking lot would be considered a business?
David Kelsey said yes.
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder said it is the purview of the Board of Selectmen to appoint a wholesale ordinance review, not the Commission.
Ms. Pearson suggested tabling this until next meeting. Ask that everyone review the ordinances specifically pertaining to the Sound View/ Beach area.
Motion to Table: Pearson, Lishing second.
All in favor. Motion carried. Item tabled.
8.16pm Bus Waiver request: Lenny’s On the Beach requested a waiver to the Bus Ordinance to allow one motorcoach for the 43rd Precinct, NYPD on Tuesday,August 30th. The motor coach would arrive mid morning and return for pickup midafternoon.
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder said this decision rests with her, but that she would like to hear input from the Commission.
Mr. Plaut asked how many people would be attending?
Mrs. Reemsnyder said approximately 45.
Frank Maratta moved to recommend to the First Selectwoman that she approve the waiver.
Harry Plaut Seconded. All in Favor. Motion carried.
8.30: Miami Beach “Clean Beach Proposal”
Harry Plaut asked if Miami Beach had sent the First Selectwoman their proposal. She replied in the affirmative. Mr. Plaut stated that it was his understanding that they are planning to put up a fence, set up a booth, and charge admission to the beach. Isn't there a court case they lost that would prevent them from doing this?
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder responded that there were three cases. All decided against fencing the beach.
Harry Plaut said, don’t they need a permit from the state for a fence on the beach?
Mrs. Reemsnyder stated that she had asked the ZEO who said he doesn’t have access. She is waiting to hear from the town attorney . Mr. Plaut asked what the Board of Selectmen’s stance is on this issue. The First Selectwoman replied that they had not yet discussed it.
Public Comment:
John Grande, Portland Ave. asked about the benefits to homeowners with the historic register process.
David Kelsey responded that it doesn't really do anything to to your property. It’s different from a local historic district like the one on Lyme Street which has its own rules and regulations. It’s an honor to live in a historic district. If you have issues, you may register your disapproval is with the state. This process has nothing to do with the SVC.
Paula Melillo, Portland Avenue noted that Mr. Grande’s property, like her own, was not in the proposed historic district.
First Selectwoman Reemsnyder said that these types of designations offer a layer of protection that can help with zoning, fema, and in fighting eminent domain or other seizures like the effort to stop the railroad from coming through the center of town.
Lenny Corto asked where did this application come from. Ms. Pearson explained that it was started by the Connecticut State Historic Preservation Office, as part of a coastal recognition project that was begun after Hurricane Sandy to identify and document historic properties and areas along the shoreline.
Joann Lishing motioned to adjourn. Harry Plaut Seconded. Meeting adjourned just before 9pm.
| 
