HomeMy WebLinkAbout1991-11-01
BEACH VEHICLE COMMITTEE
TOWN AND COUNTY BUILDING
NANTUCKET MA 02554
MINUTES OF MEETING NOVEMBER 1, 1991 IN SELECTMEN'S MEETING ROOM
Present: Kevin Dale, Debbie Deeley, Ron Glidden, Chris Lewis,
Roland Picard, Bill Sherman, Henry Wasierski, Wendy Watts.
Absent: Dave Fronzuto
Interim Chairman Kevin Dale opened the meeting at 11 a.m., noting
likelihocd that various members may have particular concerns for
beach owners, for 4WD drivers, etc. To avoid unnecessary issues
as to possible conflict of interest, the committee could request
~hat the Selectmen give the committee members status as Special
Municipal Employees.
Motion was made, seconded and passed that the comIlli ttee recrlest
such status.
Kevin Dale then read the charge. Committee members expressed
confidence that a program of education and regulations could be
worked out fairly balancing all interests.
Concerns included who owns the beaches; 4WD access to beaches for
locals, summer residents, tourists renting jeeps; access around
shore of Sesachacha Pond for fishing; emergency vehicle access,
e.g., to smith's Point if 4WD access restricted; need to mark
travelled ways as is done beyond Wauwinet gatehouse; need for
better parking areas near beaches to encourage walking to beach;
need for information brochures and current island map color-
coded keyed to signage and showing time and other limits of beach
access for distribution to 4WD users and to NHS students;
difficulty of citizen enforcement, possibility of enforcement by
college-age environmental deputies with ATVs for beach transport;
and environmental issues.
A concern requiring further study is the enforcement process. Any
enforcement officer on the beach needs to be sensitive to the
balance struck between owners and users, locals and tourists.
citizens who complain of violations should be ready to back up
their complaint in a due process hearing before a vehicle is
barred from beaches. Details of that process need to be spelled
out, kept simple. The violator might accept an alternative of
losing beach access, e.g., for a month and/or having to pay a new
sticker fee. Separate provisions are needed for violations with
jeeps from island rental agencies.
The sticker fee might be higher for rental vehicles. Fees would
go for on-beach enforcement but also for strong education effort
and for gates or other access controls. Some summer residents are
willing to pay a higher fee, but would that be fair?
NEXT MEETING TUESDAY NOVEMBER 12, 4:30 TO 5:30 P.M. BdSel ROOM
~tt/ I;/II~