~~~~ SUMMER RESIDENTS ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Chatham, Massachusetts
Minutes of Meeting of July 11, 2008
Present: Bob Champlin, Don Edge, Kay Flynn, Jill MacDonald, Bill McGagh, Kathy Malfa, Hugh Moulton, Nell Pinckert, Peter Tarrant, and Arnold Trebach.~
Also present: Dan Tobin, Director, Parks and Recreation
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Don Edge at precisely 9:00 AM.
1. The committee approved the minutes of the previous meeting, that of June 27, 2008.
2.~~ Dan Tobin provided a comprehensive review of the major issues facing his department: erosion of the main beaches is a continuing problem that requires frequent attention. Cockle Cove Beach has virtually disappeared (documented~with photos taken that morning).~~On a positive note,~Ridgevale Beach has taken on the aspects of a bird sanctuary due to the plovers,~terns, and other birds attracted to that area.~ Lighthouse Beach is managed by the Harbormaster, and Dan is looking into providing a drop-off zone for drivers--probably the area now occupied by the four parking places closest to the street. This would of course be coordinated with the Public Safety Department. ~Dan said he was pleased with the progress on the new Community Center and he would like to see it used more and be open for longer hours.
He had earlier mentioned that hiring lifeguards was a matter of importance and concern, in part because many l local~youngsters do not learn to swim at a high enough level of skill.~ The closest place to obtain certification as a lifeguard is at the YMCA in Hyannis--training lasts three weeks or so and costs $300.~ As a consequence, guards are usually recruited from summer resident families.~ Arnold suggested that the BOS provide funds to help local youngsters get certified during winter months at the Hyannis Y.~ Kay and Nell expressed support for that idea.
Hugh complimented Dan on the completion and maintenance of the bike path.~ Don suggested~that there be some warning, perhaps bright~reflective rumble paint, at the dangerous intersection of Queen Anne, Stepping Stones, and the Wilfred Drive bike path.~ Jill also suggested that~flashing warning signs would alert~drivers when schools are in session.~~This suggestion will be forwarded to Chatham Police.
3.~ In his Chairman's Report, Don said that at the last BOS meeting, our request for Town Meeting signs was approved, and that he had proposed that the BOS consider soliciting Summer Residents for town committees, such as Public Ceremonies.
4.~ Our August 8th speaker remains to be identified, probably someone from ZBA, Charter Review, Planning, Public Safety.
5.~ Jill MacDonald reviewed the status of a search for new members:~ Bill McGagh and Bob Champlin are being considered for reappointment, and Kathy Abib, Kathy Malfa,~Philip Richardson, and~Bob Young~are new applicants. Interviews will be completed later today, and the BOS will make a final determination in the very near future.
6.~ The committee structure was discussed.~ Arnold and Kathy Malfa joined the Streetscape Committee.
7.~ There was a discussion of the issue of the name of the committee.~ It was recalled that four original members of the committee had appeared at the previous meeting and, before the meeting formally commenced, had expressed concern about the current name.~ The~original name was the Non-Voting Taxpayers Advisory Committee.~ There was a brief discussion of the reasons for the change to the current name, including the matter of “merchandising” the work of the committee, in Peter’s terms, to community residents.~ A motion was made and seconded and it was unanimously agreed to retain the present name. Arnold volunteered to come up with a term that encapsulates the committee’s non-voting status for use when appropriate.~
8.~ Kathy Malfa expressed~concern about the proposed Christies mini-market/gas station at the rotary and its impact on traffic/safety.~ The matter was referred to the Transportation & Public Safety sub-committee.
9.~ Don referred to a Cape Cod Times article reporting a surprisingly~large number of Hyannis children receiving food assistance.~ He said that there is a remarkably detailed Barnstable County database describing human needs, and he asked for a volunteer to take on the task of describing Chatham assistance groups and an unduplicated count of Chatham residents receiving assistance, and said that he would offer a good head start to that volunteer.
10.~ A Streetscape brainstorm list was discussed briefly, and members were asked to submit ideas to the Streetscape sub-committee.
11.~ Hugh reviewed the goals of the BOS for FY 2009 and it was agreed that many of the "goals" are not goals~ as most organizations know them, differentiating goals, objectives, activities, together with timelines and a designated responsible party. Hugh distributed~ a simplified, prioritized listing of the Selectmen's 2009 "Goals" (see attachments).
12.~~The Summer Town Meeting was discussed, and it was decided that the main agenda topics would be in this order: Bill Hinchey on the status of~ town finances, Ted Keon on the breach and coastal issues, Bob Duncanson on sewering, and Hugh's~town scorecard .~~ The meeting will be held at the new Community Center, in an air-conditioned auditorium, August 5, 2009, 7-9 PM.~ Town Moderator Bill Litchfield will preside, Don will make technical and accommodations arrangements and ask that a stage be provided. Kathy Malfa volunteered to arrange~refreshments.~~
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The meeting ended at~10:49.23 AM.
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Respectfully submitted, Arnold Trebach, Recording Secretary
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