HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-05-17
Beach Management Advisory Committee
Land Bank Conference Room
17 May 2007
4:00 p.m.
Members Present: Maureen Beck, Chair, Tom Dickson, Edie Ray, John Johnson
Mrs. Beck convened the meeting at 4:05 pm. The members unanimously approved the
Minutes of 10 May 2007.
Because the Beach Manager was not able to attend, there was no Beach Report.
The members discussed the BOS meeting of the previous evening when Mr. Ben Shelton
applied for a license to make stops around the island with his ice cream truck. The Parks
& Recreation Commission has already permitted him to make a brief stop at Dionis
Beach but reminded him not to stop at any beaches where concessions serve the public.
Mr. Johnson worried about his presence at Miacomet Beach, but again Mr. Shelton
indicated only a brief stop on the west side of the pond if at all. Mrs. Beck assured the
Selectmen that such an endeavor would not encroach on the recent ruling for no
commercial activity at the ponds.
The members discussed further the issue of dogs on the guarded beaches. Jimmy
Manchester has placed signs on these beaches urging dog owners not to bring their pets
to the beaches because of health concerns. Since there is no law forbidding their
presence, the request cannot be enforced but perhaps dog owners will understand that
they should pick up their pets' droppings. Any trash on the beaches is a serious issue and
should be picked up wherever possible. Because the issue is so controversial, BMAC
may have to hold a Public Hearing at some point to assess the problem.
Mrs. Beck passed around an article from The Wall Street Journal of Friday, 11 May,
reporting on the Sconset Project. The members discussed the tax write-off possibilities
for the investors, the use ofFEMA public funds in case of a hurricane destroying the
Project, and the long-term problem its destroyed parts may create on beaches where they
wash ashore. The heavy traffic to the sites of trucks with materials and construction
equipment and barges will become another concern for the whole island. At areas where
the piping plovers are nesting the trash must be picked up by hand, not by backhoe.
Mrs. Beck showed the notes of a talk she has been giving, BMAC in Ten Minutes, as a
possible resource for summer information meetings.
The members completed a final draft of the letter to Town Manager Gibson requesting
she meet with them to discuss ways to improve the interdepartmental operations of the
Beach Management Plan. Mr. Leddy, unable to attend this meeting, phoned in some
suggestions. Mrs. Beck will hand deliver it to the Town Manager on Friday, 18 May.
In New Business the members agreed to start preparation of the 2006-2007 Annual
Report, due 31 July. Mr. Dickson and Mrs. Beck will provide the reports ofthe last two
years for guidance. The members will also begin a discussion of ways to educate the
public island-wide regarding respectful caretaking of beaches and important regulations
to observe. Addressing the summer meetings ofthe area associations, Rotary, etc. as well
as letters to the papers and interviews by reporters were suggested. Mrs. Ray
will ask Mr. Ray for his list oflocal organizations BMAC might approach.
Mr. Johnson brought up issues with the new telephone directory, in which the Beach Map
and other bits of information regarding beaches are incorrect. He will visit the publishers
to point out these errors. Mrs. Beck suggested that he check out other island tourist
publications for errors also.
The members made a note to ask the Beach Manager about the placement of signs on
certain beaches. Mrs. Ray noted that the Town is not in compliance at Smith's Point for
the endangered species regulations. She is concerned because the Bird Count is
scheduled for June 1-8 and state and federal officials may come to the island at that time.
Respectfully submitted, with notes from John Johnson,
Maureen Beck, Chair