Harbor Committee Meeting January 14, 2004

Members Present: Gerry Irmer, Chair, Heather Bruce, Kerry Adams, Me! Cote

Beverly Dwyer Ormston

Advisory Staff: Rex McKinsey, Pier Manager
Sub Committee members: Alice Brock, Bob Steinberg

Gerry Irmer called the meeting to order at 4:40 P.M. in the Juge Welsh Room, as the Caucas Hall had a meeting of another Town committee.

Gerry Irmer, Chair discussed the Ameri Corp grant and resume of Bill Shepa Jr.. Gerry passed out Bill's resume and a copy of the grant proposal. Mr. Shepa could not attend the meeting tonite so he was taken off the agenda and the committee will meet with him next week.

Heather Bruce made a motion to review the minutes of the last meeting during the week and
approve or disapprove at the next meeting. Kerry Adams seconded the motion All
in favor 5-0

Bev Ormston passed out revisions to land section of Harbor Plan for review

Jim McGowen, from the public requested the opportunity to speak. He received a bill from the DEP for $80.00 for (1) unit, his building has (8) unites which equals $880.00 per year. He feels the Harbor Plan has created a revenue stream for the town, and it is double taxation. He also said the Pier cost 18 million and still does not have public restrooms, has a $200,000 defecit, there is no insurance on the Pier, and we were told it would be insured. The Pier Corp cannot pay its bills, and Mr. McGowan says the results will be a taxpayers association.

Discussion of town landings involved signs, tiles, bike racks and cedar posts. The land subcommittee has physically reviewed all of these landings. Kerry Adams suggested the committee invite David Guertin DPW for discussion.

Rex McKinsey said files of the previous Harbor Committee have assesments of the landings and that the tiles were put in by the Harbor Committee, the cedar posts were put in with the help of Ameri Corp to mirror visitors signs, national symbol sign used.

Gerry recommended taking an inventory of town landings on a yearly basis. Beverly Ormston made a motion to to have Jon Gilmore's notes at the next meeting, Kerry Adams seconded the motion 5-0

Rex McKinsey said Sandy Turner was to do an assesment regarding storm water problems, especially Atlantic Ave, and that the Harbor Committee should work hand in hand with Sandy.

Alice Brock suggested the DPW review access areas with thoughts of tax benefits, Heather Bruce felt there is enough access , Alice felt the discussion was more about the East End. Kerry Adams said guidelines should be set up for access. Heather Bruce felt there were more cruicial things i(han access, that the committee should get rid of the bad parts of the plan, and make the plan people friendly or there should be no plan at all.

Gerry suggested that we have a vote on the finalized changes to the Harbor Plan and have it available for viewing and for a vote.

Harbor Committee reviewed item by item recommendations of the Land Sub-Committee which will be re-worked and presented at the next meeting

Heather Bruce has key questions to ask regarding Chapter 91, especially legal questions. Gerry will call Ben Lynch at the DEP to inquire if they can send someone down to meet with the group.

Kerry Adams reviewed public facilities recommendations from his sub committee group and recommendations were made,

Heather Bruce made a motion to review the re-work of Land and Public Facilities at the next meeting, seconded by Beverly Ormston 5-0

Gerry Irmer gave all members a current member list of the committee. Gerry tabled harbor regs for the next meeting because Chris Flavel, Harbor Master was not in attendence. Letters from Alex Brown and Bob White will be included in that meeting.

Heather Bruce stated the Harbor Plan should concern itself with good storm drains, water quality, etc. The plan and grant dollars seem to go hand in hand.The original plan was done by urban planners and not the community.

Alic Brock feels the town should have its' own Harbor Plan, otherwise it is like zoning and you don't have a leg to stand on.We need to take a stand.

Mel Cote made a motion to adjourn at 6:16 P.M., seconded by Kerry Adams all in favor 5-0