HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-05-10
Beach Management Advisory Committee
Land Bank Conference Room
10 May 2007
4:00 pm
Members Present: Maureen Beck, Chair, Tom Dickson, Edie Ray, Colin Leddy,
John Johnson; Beach Manager Jeff Carlson
Mrs. Beck convened the meeting at 4:00 pm. The Minutes of3 May 2007 were
unanimously approved.
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Mrs. Beck reported some news from the Assistant Town Manager, who in.J.:~ly to a-.J
query from Mrs. Beck, sent word that the BOS had not voted to keep do~om ~
lifeguarded beaches at their 2 May meeting. In his report from the Board gf Health tttat
evening Director Ray had only referred to Parks & Recreation Director Mfinchester' gx;
wish to do so. In fact, Mr. Manchester was preparing an ad for the paper$J"equestingpnly
that owners keep dogs offlifeguarded beaches as a health concern. Most Massachusetts
beaches, especially State Parks and conservation properties, do ban dogs, according ~
Mrs. Beck, who added that Crane's Beach does allow dogs on leash from October
through March.
The Assistant Town Manager also urged all Committees and Commissions to take
attendance of members seriously. It is important to be sure there is a quorum for every
scheduled meeting.
The Beach Manager's Report:
The plovers are back. Mr. Carlson is busy with several meetings to organize all
the aspects ofthe beach season, the bird monitors, and the inventory and restoring of
emergency signs and other items lost to the recent storms, especially on the South Shore.
The Sconset Bluff Project has asked for a postponement of its hearings before the
Conservation Commission so that it may review its options in the light of the recent
storm damage. They may meet again in June. If they do not meet before July, the terms
of three of the Commissioners expire; then for the benefit of new Commissioners the
hearings must start over if the three are not reappointed.
Mr. Carlson spoke briefly about the use of concrete railroad ties for the Project as
one of the mitigation issues being discussed in the State's Chapter 91 fact-finding
process, which is not as complex as the local hearings of the Conservation Commission.
Mrs. Beck noted that the railings at Fisherman's Beach were not very sturdy.
Mr. Carlson and Mr. Fronzuto have decided to open Smith's Point for driving to a
fenced turn -around barrier at its broadening tip in order to see the new cut to Esther's
Island. This decision will impact the Beach Driving Map. Mrs. Ray agreed that vehicles
were already swarming out there and suggested that a copy of the Map be posted at the
Police Station above Mrs. Burns' head to indicate this change in the areas allowing
driving. Barriers will also be placed by the shack at Smith's Point to block driving on the
inside beach of the point.
Mr. Carlson commented also on the recent extremely high tides followed by
extremely low tides, which the Harbormaster believed were the most notable in his long
tenure.
The members discussed some work and truck activity ongoing at the end of Hummock
Pond Road where it abruptly drops off.
Discussion of the latest draft of the letter to the Town Manager was postponed to next
week because Mrs. Beck had inadvertently sent the wrong draft to the members.
The meeting was adjourned at 4:55 pm. The next meeting will be 17 May 2007.
Respectfully submitted, with notes from John Johnson,
Maureen Beck, Chair