HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-01-11
Beach Management Advisory Committee
Land Bank Conference Room
11 January 2007
4:00 p.rn.
Members Present: Maureen Beck, Tom Dickson, Edie Ray, Colin Leddy; Beach Manager
Jeff Carlson; Chief of Police William Pittman, Guest
Mrs. Beck convened the meeting at 4:05 p.m. The Minutes of 11 December 2006 were
approved.
Mrs. Beck handed out copies of the new Beach Driving brochure and pointed out changes
the Committee had indicated for the 2007 map.
Chief Pittman stated that an important addition needed for the text of the map is a
reference to the Beach Driving By-Law, Chapter 56, Section 3, in order for officers to
issue tickets citing a violation of the law. We must remember to include that statement in
next year's brochure. The Chief observed that he did not know where a copy of the
Beach Management Plan was.
Chief Pittman also noted that the small number of violations recorded may indicate that
some drivers could not be cited, that some may have accumulated violations, which ATV
officers do not always track to previous infractions, and that, once warned, some may not
violate a regulation again. He believes it is important to caution people to be compliant
rather than enforce rules before a warning. Maybe after five years the public is
respecting the rules. The Beach Manager agreed that most people comply once told
about a violation.
When the station receives calls about violations, a police car is dispatched. The ATV
officers have been told to concentrate on beach activity rather than on parking violations
on the beach access roads. This year the officer group was good, their training was
successful, and there were no problems in the maintenance of the vehicles.
Problems at 40th Pole are better because some of the people have moved to Eel Point.
The trouble really comes from a culture clash there. Mr. Dickson commented on some
people's lack of respect for their neighbors on the beaches, with loud music, crowding,
and offensive language. The Chief suggested putting the Beach Manager on the police
radio system so that stopping such misbehavior could be coordinated.
Mrs. Ray asked the Chief if the lifeguards' request for a rescue vehicle on the beaches
was being considered. The Chief does not like having regular vehicles on the beaches
because of the public, but Parks & Recreation is considering the purchase of a gator type
A TV to which a litter could be attached to transport victims.
Mrs. Beck noted that the emergency location signs were really helpful for locating beach
sites and mentioned that Mrs. Ray was developing a "party" map that could direct new
police staff to the locations of illegal festivities. The Chief said that all he needed was a
list of the GPS coordinates for such sites. His cars are equipped to find the places. Mrs.
Ray will look into this plan.
Mrs. Beck asked if the Committee could help the Police Department in any other ways.
The Chief mentioned his hope that permits can soon be purchased for $100 bye-mail.
He intends to move permit sales to the building adjacent to the station. It is interesting
that while more permits have been sold, there are fewer cars on the beach.
The housing shortage limits the number of ATV officers the Chief may hire. He is
making an effort to interest local people in the job because they already have housing.
Regarding parties, the police are now calling parents when a minor is held for a
misdemeanor. Previously, the officers did not notifY parents until the charge was made;
cooperation with the families and the minors has improved considerably.
Mrs. Ray asked about the problem of keeping dogs on the leash and off the beaches.
Susie Gayle is the new officer in charge of animal control. Someone who will extend the
coverage to more hours of the day and weekends will assist her. The summer specials
will be trained also to be mindful of bird and animal violations.
Mrs. Ray asked ifBMAC might meet with Chris Carnevale just before the summer
training in order to learn about their obligations. He agreed, adding that the Beach
Manager was an important part of the ATV training program.
The Committee thanked the Chief for his information and expressed pleasure at his
readiness to improve the beach safety.
Mrs. Beck announced that the BOS would establish at its next meeting on January 17 at 6
p.m. the recommendations by BMAC regarding commercial use of ponds.
Mr. Carlson reported no clarity yet regarding the parking and building situation at
Jackson Point. He will also pursue the parking situation at the end of Hummock Pond
Road. Mr. Leddy hopes the ATV's will be better trained in the beach laws this summer.
Mr. Carlson will make sure they get copies ofthose laws.
The Committee voted to eliminate the 25 January meeting and put in place meetings for 8
and 22 February. Mrs. Beck will ask Mr. Manchester and Jeff Allen from Parks and
Recreation to speak about lifeguard planning on the 8th.
Issues in progress: Party Map, visits with the Harbormaster and the Lifeguards, By-Law
citations for brochure and police, locations of copies of Beach Management Plan
The meeting was adjourned at 5:20 p.m.
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Respectfully submitted,
Maureen Beck, Chair, with notes from Edie Ray
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