HomeMy WebLinkAbout05142012 Coastal Management Plan Work Group MinutesMINUTES: Coastal Management Plan (CMP) Work Group, May 14, 2012
PRESENT: Sarah Oktay, Bob DeCosta, John Stover, Carl Borchert, Bam LaFarge, Emily MacKinnon
ALSO PRESENT: Dave Fronzuto, Jeff Carlson, Kara Buzanoski, Public: Jamie Feeley, Whitey Willauer, Bert
Ryder and D Anne Atherton.
Meeting called to order at 5:05pm
APPROVAL OF AGENDA: The agenda was approved with a motion by Bob and a second by Sarah.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The minutes from April 23, 2012 were approved as drafted with a motion by
Bob and a second by Carl.
Jamie Feeley recused himself from the Committee for the duration of this meeting and participated only
as a member of the public.
OLD BUSINESS:
Dave announced that Steve McKenna was unable to attend this meeting, but will plan to meet with
Sarah and Bob on Friday to discuss CZM’s involvement. He will also attend the next scheduled CMP work
group meeting on Tuesday 5/29.
(a) Sarah provided an update on the presentation she made to the BOS on the Committee’s process for
drafting the coastal management plan.
Dave presented the updated Nantucket map showing Town owned properties and the coastal sectors
that the Committee delineated at the last meeting. He clarified that Nantucket Islands Land Bank (NILB)
properties are included on the map. He has not heard back from the NILB regarding their interest in
participating on the Committee. Sarah will try to attend the next NILB meeting to discuss this with them
further.
Sarah introduced “Coastal Services” which is a publication put out by NOAA highlighting coastal
management issues. She has hard copies available and it may be available on line.
Bam asked if we have a list of the specific Town owned properties that would be impacted by the CMP
including ends of public roads and public access points in each sector so that the public will know what
areas are involved prior to the hearings. Dave and Jeff confirmed that this information is available.
(b) The Committee discussed organizing the public hearings for each of the 10 sectors. After much
discussion it was decided that the Committee will meet May 29th and twice in June. One or two public
hearings will be held over the summer (July and August) in order to gather input from summer residents
on the entire island. Regular Committee meetings and public hearings specific to each of the 10 sectors
of the island will resume in September. The meeting on May 29th will serve to introduce Steve McKenna
from MA Coastal Zone Management and discuss the process moving forward. The meetings in June will
be used to continue vetting the Matrix of CMP topics and/or having guest speakers to present
information on various coastal management issues.
The Committee discussed an advertising program to educate the public about the coastal management
plan and to encourage involvement. Bob reminded the Committee that there is no budget for such a
program, however it may be possible to request some funding from the BOS to advertise the public
hearings over the summer. Dave suggested an appearance on Whitey Willauer’s show to educate the
public and to encourage involvement.
Dave and Jeff suggested that when the CMP is complete it will serve as a type of checklist for applicants
by identifying standards for management of Town owned coastal properties. It will give applicants an
idea of what kind of information will be expected from regulatory agencies for any work or erosion
control methods proposed on coastal properties.
D. Anne suggested that the goals of the CMP work group should be to help the Town establish public
policy and not solely benefit potential applicants.
(c) The Committee briefly reviewed Carl’s preliminary list of erosion control methods.
Bam suggested that retreat be added as an alternative method. Bob suggested offshore stabilizers such
as artificial kelp beds. Sarah encouraged more minimal impact alternatives.
Whitey suggested that rain water and surface runoff erosion issues also be considered.
Bam provided documents on erosion control that Sarah will scan in to send around prior to the next
meeting. D. Anne also said she would provide a link to the Committee for a relevant website.
(d) The Committee discussed the Matrix topics and how specific issues, such as water quality, would be
covered within each sector. Sarah and Dave suggested that the CMP can reference state agencies and
other sources of information without actually including raw data. Also, the CMP will not need to address
all matrix topics the same in each sector.
Dave will get an overlay made of CZM’s coastal change maps.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
D. Anne commented on the importance of public education and that in order to provide informed input
and comments, the public needs to understand the issues. She also asked what the main purpose of the
public hearings was?
The Committee commented that the hearings will allow the public to give their input on specific issues
in different parts of the island and are likely to bring up information about the sectors that has not been
considered. They will allow the Committee to answer any questions and will also be a great source of
local knowledge.
Jamie Feeley suggested that over the next three meetings prior to the summer break, the Committee
may wish to invite speakers such as Jo Farrell or Peter Rosen to present information on erosion control
issues.
Bob suggested inviting an expert on artificial reefs to speak to the Committee. Dave thinks Steve
McKenna may be able to work through the state agencies to arrange other experts to meet with the
Committee as needed.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:45pm with a motion from Bob and a 2nd from Carl.
The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 29th from 6-8pm at the 2 Fairgrounds Road
Conference Room.
Respectfully Submitted,
Emily MacKinnon