Monday, February 8, 2010

8/30/09 General Meeting Minutes

STANNARD BEACH
GENERAL MEETING 8/30/09
MINUTES
The General meeting of the Stannard Beach Association was called to order at 9:07AM by President George Dallas.
PRESIDENTS REPORT:
George Dallas stated that no huge issues have occurred and it has been a good year with the following progress made.
1. Every right of way has stairs
2. Jetty # 1 has been repaired; hopefully it will help with our sand issue. Other Jetties and groins have been repaired as well.
3. Pavilion ceiling repaired with new chicken wire being installed.
4. NO parking signs have been installed on Cedar Lane and Second Ave. Beach Court is still a challenge but it is a work in progress. George Dallas asked all to be conscious of where they park, be sure to see if there is clearance should any emergency vehicles need to pass or park.
5. Golf Carts have not posed as much of a problem as in years past, George reminds us that Golf cart drives need to be 16 years of age. Harvey Robbin remembers that our Bylaws were amended to state licensed drivers only (will research). George Dallas also commented that he had heard of a regulation being passed that Golf cart owner may need to register their golf carts with the State of Connecticut.
6. There are plans to update all the bylaws as our current copy is dated 2004.
7. Our security guards have been very good this year and have done an excellent job.
8. Notifications of meetings will be done by e-mail as this motion passed last meeting and the bylaws will be amended as such. People without an e-mail address should make the secretary aware so they can still receive their notices by US Mail.
9. Please remember Dogs are not allowed on the beach, the reasoning is a health issue.
10. Movie nights were a huge success again this year. Many thanks to The Katz family for hosting these 2 fun nights. The consensus is that everyone would like to see them continue.
READING OF THE MINUTES:
The Minutes were read by Marie Garabedian and the motion was made to accept them by Harvey Robbin, seconded by George Palmer. The minutes were accepted.
After the reading of the minutes there was a brief discussion with regards to the Kessler’s new parking space along Second Ave. adjacent to Waters Edge property. It was suggested, in future talks with the Water’s Edge administration, to ask them to carve out spaces in their property for the Kessler’s to park allowing better access for our property owners to get in and out of their properties.
TREASURERS REPORT:
John Kava reported that the Checking account was at $61,700.00 and our CD was at $5,700.00. Approximately 72% of the receivables have been collected with the remaining expected in this week. A motion was made to accept the report by Merle Katzman and seconded by Dave Chozick.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Sharon Bender reported that Jetty # 1 being repaired, hopefully it will help with our sand Issue. She strongly suggests we stay proactive on the issues of the Jetties, groins and sand.
Al Berkon brought up the possibility of scheduled weekly beach cleanups. The discussion was whether it is a good or bad idea to have weekly clean ups. The Bylaws state it is private property to the hide tide mark and it should be each owner’s responsibility to clean their part of beach. Dave Chozick suggested an exploratory committee to look at the cost of routine beach cleaning. Some thoughts were a rake type device on a golf cart, or possibly get some neighborhood teens to do the job for a fee. There were mixed thoughts on hiring teens due to liability and such. Also brought up were the two rather large logs in front of Kiley’s & Rottblatt’s. Michael Rottblatt said he called the coast guard and they could do nothing regarding the drift wood on the beach, they referred him to the Army Core of Engineers. Michael also said that they are satisfied with having both logs remain until May as not to incur unnecessary financial demands on the association. Jeff Morris disagreed with Michael Rottblatt. Lew Brown stated that it is in the bylaws that the association is responsible for cleaning the beach once a year. The discussion was raised whether or not these are a hazard, and it does not appear that they are. With all that said, Al Berkon made a motion that $5,000.00 should be put in the budget to clean beach once a week for a Ten week period to begin after Memorial Day. The motion was seconded by Lynne Nathan. The discussion continued as follows: George Palmer stated it is in our Bylaws and cannot be a motion; a point of order was made by Dennis Hersh. Michael Rottblatt said nobody likes special assessments, and that may be needed with the added cost of regular clean ups. The water front homeowners actually own to the high tide point and that is private property. Michael feels it is very important to maintain our funding. Dennis Hersh reiterated that beach cleanup should be the owner’s responsibility and that it should remain once in the spring for the large debris. Steve Mason stated that the seaweed comes and the seaweed goes with each passing tide. He cleans his own portion and is opposed to paying $5,000.00 for regular cleaning. Carmela Dallas questioned whether or not permission would have to be granted by each waterfront owner to have someone do the regular clean ups. She suggested have a neighborhood social clean up, plan it for when we know there was a storm and the debris is heavy and to also continue to do our best to pick up after our selves. George Dallas asked for a vote on the Motion, Should the Stannard Beach association be responsible for regular clean ups? The vote was taken and there were only three in favor of regular cleanups. The Motion was defeated. Dave Chozick stated that we all are concerned about the condition of our beach, Carmela Dallas’ idea about a neighborhood cleanup periodically is a great idea, Dave Chozick suggested doing a study regarding regular beach maintenance.
NEW BUSINESS:
Jeff Morris made a motion to rescind the new Building Commission. Seconded by ??
The discussion was to explain the commission thoroughly. The purpose of the commission is to be the eyes and ears of all the Stannard Beach residents for proposed construction that may violate any of the Bylaws, especially over the winter months when so few residents are here. Michael Rottblatt said that in the past people have violated the Bylaws and regulations, this commission is to protect us from obstructions and things like apartments over garages, it allows us to catch things in violation and nip them in the bud before structures are erected. Lew Brown stated that a $250 a day fine was part of what was passed and a motion passed years ago about permanent structures on the beach. Steve Mason felt that the $250 per day should be amended to be $250 fine period. A vote was taken on the Motion to rescind the building commission. 13 voted in favor of rescinding and 19 voted to keep the building commission. The motion to rescind the building commission was defeated.
Al Berkon made a motion to implement a committee of volunteers to study beach cleanup, it was seconded by Dave Chozik.
Lynne Nathan asked that we no longer move sand from the sand bar as it upsets the ecological environment. It was brought up that in 1992 the DEP stated that the association is responsible for maintaining the sand. Other documents state that there should be a safe passage over the Jetties. There are two possible ways of handling the safe passage issue; one is to push sand over the jetties and the other would be to install stairs over the groins. A better look will be taken at these documents by George Dallas and Jim Kiely to see which the best way to handle this matter.

NOMINATING COMMITTEE:
The nominating committee, who are Linda Pinn, Michael Guinan, Stephen Powers and Michael Rottblatt, selected the follow three new members:
Jason Garner
Michael Grennan
Mark Miller
They are to serve for a three year term to begin September 2009.
A Point of order was called by Dennis Hersh, stating there should be a motion to deviate from the bylaws because the nominating committee was not selected at the July 3, 2009 meeting. Sandy Seidman made the motion to accept the deviation from the bylaws and the motion passed.

GENERAL DISSCUSSIONS:
The question was raised regarding Water’s Edge plans before the Town Zoning board to build approximately 12 new units near the pool. As of now we are having neighborly meetings with Water’s Edge to get things done we need them to do. Thus far they agreed to planting shrubs along Ripley Hill Rd to alleviate people parking there and entering their units from there. We are trying to continue all the neighborly discussions with Water’s Edge.
Jeff Morris questioned an e-mail he received regarding whether or not past president should remain on the board and should they still hold a vote since they have a general vote. Jeff Morris said they bring a lot of experience to the board and should remain as members. Dennis Hersh stated that there was a lengthy discussion held about 4 years ago. The idea was defeated and he does not think it should be revisited again. He also stated that he felt it would be disrespectful if the past Presidents were not allowed to vote as a board member. Sandy Sidman stated that the “real voting” takes place at the General meeting. A Motion was made by Raelea Bobrow to continue as we have in the past and leave the bylaws as is in regards to past presidents and make it a resolution. The motion was accepted.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:21AM
Minutes respectfully submitted by Marie Gallo-Garabedian

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Minutes of July 5, 2009 General Meeting

Stannard Beach Association
Mintues of the General meeting 7/5/09
The meeting was called to order at 9:09AM by the President, George Dallas
A moment of Silence was observed in memory of Phyllis Nathans passing
Thanks were given to Vy Kava for all hard work in making the social portion of the meeting a lovely event.
OLD BUSINESS
The minutes from the previous General meeting were read by Marie Garabedian and accepted by Jeff Morris and seconded by John Petchler.
Steve Mason passed around the data base with the names addresses and phone numbers. He asked that everyone review and update the list.
George Dallas gave a report on all the work that has been done over the past year. Great progress was made with the drainage. He stated how a grown over drain was discovered at the top of the Association property, on the corner of Rte 1 and Cedar Lane. This drain handles water flow from Rte. 1 and catches it as it travels toward Cedar Lane. This Drain was cleared and a swale created to handle the water flow. Swales also created through the association lot into the salt marsh area. On Cedar Lane 2 drains were installed adjacent to the play ground, with 10,000 gallon holding and leaching tanks. This work has eliminated approximately 75% of the water problem. George also reported on the funding of stairs at the rights of way. Two sets of stairs have been funded, 1 at the Rottblatt-Madnick right of way and 1 at the former Robear-Powers right of way, every right of way now has a set of stairs. Jetty repairs are planned for jetty #1, the sand was moved on the DEP’s request. The rusted chicken wire on the ceiling of the pavilion was also removed and replaced with new chicken wire to keep the birds from nesting.
TREASURERS REPORT
John Kava reported that the Association had collected $66,000.00, paid out $61,000.00 and set the new budget at $63,500.00. That will reflect a 4.6% increase in the association fees. There was some discussion on the budget regarding future jetty repairs being funded as well as questions on what was the ground maintenance line. Monies are budgeted for future jetty repairs and grounds for routine mowing and landscaping. George Dallas asked for a motion to approve the budget, George Palmer made the motion to approve the budget and it was seconded by Sharon Bender.
NEW BUSINESS
George Dallas Welcomed our new Stannard Beach Residents. They are as follows:
Mike & Debbie Grenan, 6 Stannard Dr., Mark & Susan Miller, 15 Stannard Dr., Jason & Karen Garner, on Beach court (in the new house on the former Robear property) and the Budnick’s on Boston Post Rd.
George Dallas made a plea to all to obey our traffic signs and speed limits, Les Nathan reiterate how people do not slow down on Second Ave. We need to research signage to post for Speed limits. Also brought up were the Speed bumps to slow the traffic; however that had mixed thoughts and responses of those on favor and those not in favor of speed bumps. There will be more discussion at the next meeting regarding the speed bumps.
Other new business discussed as a concern, was the use of golf carts by unlicensed drivers. It was stated that drivers of golf carts do not need to be licensed, but do need to be 16 years of age. Harvey Robbin said it was amended to include licensed drivers in our Bylaws.
Also discussed under new business was parking. George Dallas reminded everyone that the no parking areas on Second Ave and Cedar Lane should also include that there is no parking on any streets where it would impede the traffic especially should an emergency vehicle would need to pass. Please tell our security if and when you see a car parking in a means that blocks the flow of traffic or does not allow access should emergency vehicles is needed.
A change in the Bylaws was presented by Carmela Dallas, Carmela read from the present bylaws requiring notification to our members, she requested that we add the word e-mail to that bylaws, should someone not have e-mail please let the secretary know to continue to mail their notices. This will save a lot of time as well as money as postage is now $.44. Sharon Bender had a question to define “Special Meetings” and that was clarified as to an item needing immediate attention. A motion by Carmela Dallas was made to rewrite the bylaws by only adding the word e-mail; it was seconded by Jeff Morris. The motion passed.
Security Guards have been rehired. There was no guard seen on Saturday 7/4/09, or thus far Sunday 7/5/09. The schedule will be as follows: Wednesday evenings 6:00pm – 10:00pm, Friday evenings 6:00pm – 10:00pm, Saturday 10:00AM – 8PM and on Sunday’s 8:00AM – 6PM. The Security Guards should be very visible in the neighborhood at these times; any concerns please call the President, George Dallas.
CAPITAL PROJECTS
Repair of Jetty #1, hopefully fixing Jetty # 1 will aid in the sand erosion concern
OTHER BUSINESS
There will be an Art Exhibit at the Old Lyme Library featuring the works of our neighbor Lee Skolnik, Please attend to help support the library and her great cause. (Thursday 7/16/09 from 5PM to 7PM) Flyers will be posted around the neighborhood.
Steve Mason will be hosting “the Mason Regatta” Sunday 8/2/09 at 11AM, all are welcome.
Dave Chozick wanted to Thank George Dallas for the fine job he has been doing, especially spear heading all the water and drainage issues. He also thanked the entire board for their hard work and especially to John Kava for handling the treasurer’s position.
Elin Katz noted that the successful movie night will be back this year, she and Robin Katz are working on the dates and there should be 2 to 3 movie nights.
Carmela Dallas and Keith Garabedian reminded people about their responsibility of cleaning up after their dogs.
Steve Mason and Harvey Robbin stated that the Speed Buoys have been place out in the water.
Ms. Sidele also mentioned that the sound levels need to be brought down a bit in the evenings as the sound travels easily via the water and could be an annoyance to some.
The meeting was adorned at 9:45AM

Minutes respectfully submitted by:
Marie Gallo-Garabedian (Garabedian@comcast.net)

Minutes of August 26, 2008 meeting

Minutes of the Stannard Beach Association General Meeting 08/26/2008


President Brown called a General Meeting at the Joan Connell Community Center. The meeting was called to order at approximately 9:04am.
Thanks go to Vy Kava and Dave Chozick for masterminding the breakfast. Please take leftover food home.
Minutes from the last General Meeting were read and accepted.
Treasurer’s Report (John Kava)
Town is changing flood zone maps.
Town meeting on 8/27/08 – Town wants input from residents on how to proceed.
Mr. Kava reviewed the budget, expenditures, and the current accounts of the beach.
Checking/Savings:Liberty Bank $68,997.87Liberty CD $ 5,391.60 ========
Total $74,389.47
Treasurer’s Report was read and accepted.
President’s Report:
It is established policy that beach clean-up is done once a year at the beginning of the season. After that time, beach front owners must pay for their own clean-up.
April – playscape was to be repaired. Contractors never completed work. Please let next President know that the work needs to be finished.
Recommend to incoming President that Sharon Bender be included on Board meetings because of work on beach erosion.
Security guard has done tremendous job.
Maintenance of tennis courts (George Palmer) – we will be doing minor repairs.
Update on Directory.
Proposed Building Commission: Ralph Smalley would like to avoid ill will about changes completed to homes over the winter. Discussion of proposed building commission. Motion to amend fines for proposed Commission to $250/day.
Motion to establish Building Commission passes.
President Brown thanked various Board members for their help: George Dallas, Steve and Barbara Mason, Elin Katz, John and Vy Kava, and Sharon Bender.
Nominating Committee proposed the following nominees for new Board:
President: George Dallas1st VP: John Abella2nd VP: Irving BernsteinSecretary: Elin KatzTreasurer: John Kava
3 Year Members:
Marc Madnick, Marty Webber, Steve Powers
2 Year Members:
Richard Rosenblatt, Jerry Skolnick, Jackie Zwillinger
1Year Members:
Joyce Bisberg, Michael Guinan, Diane Smalley
Past Presidents:
Lou Brown, Lou Case, Dennis Hersh, Merle Katzman, Steve Mason, Jeff Morris, George Palmer, Harvey Robbin, Sandy Seidman
Rules: John Abella, Ralph Smalley, Marty Webber
Sharon Bender is proposed to receive notices of Board meetings.
Nominating Committee’s proposed nominees were accepted.
New Business:
George Dallas, new President, awarded lou Brown for his service.
President Dallas thanked Katz, Webber, and Madnick families for Movie Night.
Discussed proposal to separate roads and drainage work, since poor condition of roads keeps drivers slow.
Concern was raised about dog at end of beach killing rabbits.
Motion to amend bylaws regarding residents allowing hunting by domestic animals. Motion to table issue passes, to be addressed by the Board.
No access to West End right-of-way because there are no stairs. Board previously approved set of removable stairs. Marc Madnick agreed to remove at end of season.
Myra Fishman proposed Stannard Beach cookbook. Let her know if you are interested.
Mary Rosenblatt proposed a Mystery Readers lending library. Interested persons should contact her.
Notice that school bus will be coming through this fall.
Proposal that we get a microphone for the meetings.
Discussion of what will happen at 08/27/08 Town Meeting.
Meeting adjourned at 10:15am.
Respectfully submitted,
Elin KatzSecretary

Saturday, August 23, 2008

Minutes of 8/17/08 Board Meeting

A Board Meeting was called to order at 9:05 am at the home of President Brown .

The Secretary’s minutes from the 6/29/08 General Meeting were read and accepted, as corrected.

Treasurer’s Report (John Kava):

Mr. Kava reviewed the budget, expenditures, and the current accounts of the beach.

Checking account: $ 63,890.51
CD: 5,391.60
__________

Total: $69,282.11

The McDonald house was finally sold. We will be getting approximately $7000 from the liens on the house.

A safety deposit box is now available to use for documents.

Compliments to Mr. Kava for putting together an excellent report.

The Treasurer’s Report was accepted.

Old Business:

George Dallas is waiting for the engineering report on Cedar Lane. The drain on Beach Court was cleared. Also noticed the seawall at the end of Beach Court is badly in need of repair.

CT Gas acknowledged that all patching done on the roads was temporary. Never did final repair work. They now want an easement document to proceed because they did not know roads were private.

Beach maintenance: One week was spent moving sand. A large amount went back out right first large storm. Waiting on engineering report for ideas on better fix. May want to remove groin. Discussion of removing/repairing groin.

Beach erosion: Sharon Bender looking into options. Beach maintenance seems to be favored by all engineering firms. She cautioned against removal of groins – other beaches that have done removed groins seem regretful.

Reminder: In order to drive on our streets, must be 16 and have a driver’s license. That includes golf carts.

Repairs to groin are in the works. Waiting on parts.

At the last General Meeting, we established a Building Commission Committee. If ready, they will give recommendation at next General Meeting.

Motion to give guard $100 honorarium passed.

President’s Report:

Breakfast suggested by Vy Kava and Dave Chozick. Will start next meeting.

Car damage: A lawn mower damaged a car on Beach Court. A basketball broke a car window.

Discussion of establishment of fund for road repairs. Board not in favor.

New Business:

Motion passed to have bills be due net 30 days, and then be assessed a penalty of 1% per month starting September 1. Past due members will be posted at General Meeting.

Nominating Committee (Dennis Hersh):

Next year’s Board is proposed to be:

George Dallas – President
First VP: John Abella
Second VP: Irv Bernstein
Secretary: Elin Katz
Treasurer: John Kava

3 yr. Members: Marc Madnick, Lorraine Cafero, Steve Powers

2 yr. Members: Richard Rosenblatt, Jerry Skolnick, Jackie Zwillinger

1 yr. Members: Joyce Bisberg, Mike Guinan, Diane Smalley

George Dallas met with Selectmen asking for advice on maintaining roads and correcting drainage, and possibly bidding on road service. They are evaluating working on our private roads. Town will hold a meeting on 8/27 to discuss.

Meeting adjourned at approximately 10:20 am.

Respectfully submitted,
Elin Swanson Katz
Secretary

Friday, July 11, 2008

Minutes of 6/29/08 General Meeting

Minutes of the Stannard Beach Association General Meeting
6/29/08

President Brown called a General Meeting at the Joan Connell Community Center. The meeting was called order at approximately 9:04 am.

The minutes of the 8/26/07 General Meeting and 6/14/08 Board meeting were read and accepted.

President’s Report:

New members Jeff and Mary Jean Takahashi of 6 Stannard Drive were introduced.

There is currently no chair for the beach picnic. Anyone who is willing to chair should contact President Lou Brown.

Rules Committee will be Ralph Smalley, John Abella, and Marty Webber.

Proposed noise ordinance concerning amplified sound and light was raised. Discussion.

Motion passed to amend bylaws to include that the following be added to “declared acts of nuisance” (n) A homeowner’s use of bright light and amplified sounds may not affect the peace and tranquility of neighboring property owners.

Berkon email concerning parking on Stannard Drive was raised – parking on that street is only for residents and their guests.

Motion passed: Parking on Stannard Drive is only for residents of Stannard Drive. Guests must park in the lot or the residents’ driveway.

Dumping of grass clipping on ball field and other common areas – this is a problem and a violation of the Rules. President Brown asked anyone doing this to stop immediately.

Problem with the jetty bolt on the West End jetty will be fixed.

Jim Kiely has requested use of the Community Center from 12-5 pm on July 4.

Old Business:

Building Commission: Stannard Beach was incorporated in 1947. Authorization includes authority for the building commission.

Motion to establish building commission.

Discussion.

Amendment: Set up committee of Ralph Smalley, Sandy Seidman, and Vivian Kava to looking establishing a building commission.

Motion passed.

Work on Caslin property: Pres. Brown received notice that it will be completed in the next couple days.

Treasurer’s report (John Kava):

Checking account: $46,343
Reserve: $ 5,391

Total: $51,734

Bills for dues will be mailed in July. Mill rate is going up slightly.

Opening safety deposit box and PO Box for treasurer. There will also be a new email for the treasurer.

Budget was accepted.

Discussion as to whether we should establish a larger reserve designated to deal with upcoming major projects. Consensus is that we should not do so at this time.

Roads (George Dallas):

George proposes redoing Cedar Lane in the fall and reconditioning drain in front of Rothblatt house. Estimated to cost about $35,000.

Still trying to get town to contribute to costs.

Motion to allocate not to exceed $40,000 for road maintenance on Cedar Lane and drain on Cedar Lane, and for professional engineering services.

Discussion.

Motion passed 25-2.

Beach Erosion (Sharon Bender):

Reviewed history re erosion and engineering. Have contracted with Gary Sharpe and jetty on Beach Court. Study may recommend removal of groins. Discussion.

New business:

Discussion of parking on Stannard Drive.

Gravel will be put in parking lot in next few days – will need assistance spreading.

Unlawfully parked vehicles in parking lot. All individuals are requested to move them.

Les Nathan is looking into lightening rods. Anyone interested should contact him. Cost is around $2,000. He also has an old high tide chart. Suggests we look into something like this again.

Meeting adjourned at 10:25 am.

Respectfully submitted,

Elin Katz
Secretary

Minutes of 6/14/08 Board Meeting

Minutes of the Stannard Beach Association Board
6/14/08

A Board Meeting was held on 6/14/08 at the home of President Brown. The meeting was called to order at 9:10 am.

The Secretary’s minutes from the 8/26/07 General Meeting were read and accepted.

Report on Beach Erosion:

Sharon Bender reported on beach erosion. Met with three different engineering firms over the winter: Rob Sonnichsen from Waldo and Associates, LLC, Guilford, CT; John Roberge from Roberge Associates Coastal Engineers, LLC, Stratford, CT; and
Gary Sharpe from Angus McDonald/Gary Sharpe and Associates, Old Saybrook, CT.

All looked at old study we had done. Three proposals were received: (1) move existing sand; (2) yearly maintenance contract; (3) studies to determine other options. Rights of way access was a big issue for all three firms.

Sharon recommended preventative maintenance. Gary Sharpe has a maintenance contract at Chalker Beach. Sharon will see how that is working. Lou Florio discussed issue with major beach erosion at east end of beach (the end farthest from Water’s Edge). Last did that in 1998. President Brown was contacted by DEP about these issues. DEP has determined that we are obligated to maintain sand level around groins or remove groins at that end of beach. Consensus that we should use Gary Sharpe, who has the most experience.

Motion passed to engage Gary Sharpe to proceed with actions to address beach erosion and past engineering study, with expenditures of up to $5000, in addition to $5000 already authorized.

Treasurer’s Report: John Kava

Checking account: $32,851.41
Reserve: $13,570.00
CD: $ 5,391.01
_________

Total: $51,813.01

Mill rate is 1.07

Report was accepted.

President’s Report:

a. There were four deaths over the winter: Tom Greenwood, Connie Colangelo, Bunny Stannard, and Bob Nathan.

b. Discussion of Common Area adjacent to Fishman property. Pres. Brown summarized what has transpired during his presidency. Atty. Glenn Terk read correspondence between his office and the Fishmans.

Discussion of issues, given that Fishmans have not signed an agreement acknowledging that they do not claim any rights of adverse possession in that Common Area.

Motion passed: Owners of Fishman property shall execute and return the agreement sent by the Board concerning the Fishman Common Area on or before September 1, 2008. Failure to do so will result in the Board assessing a penalty of $1000/month until said document is returned to the Board.

Old Business:

a. George Palmer reported that garbage pick-up is Monday and recycling is Wednesday.

b. Security guard starts on June 27. Same hours as last year.

c. Steve Mason reports that buoys will be in by July 4.

d. George Dallas reported on drainage issues. He proposes repaving, regarding of Cedar Lane, and maintaining drains. There was concern about the damage to the roads caused by the installation of gas lines.

Motion passed: Glenn Terk will contact Southern Gas and notify them that they have damaged the roads during installation of gas lines at Stannard Beach and need to repair roads immediately.

d. The Board is looking for a chair for the beach picnic.

f. Marty Webber is replacing Lorraine Cafero on the Rules Committee.

g. The Nominating Committee will be Dennis Hersh, Sandy Seidman, Robin Schwartz, Bill Wrang and George Palmer.

h. Myra Fishman will not sell Stannard Beach t-shirts any more. Vy Kava will sell existing t-shirts.

i. Building Commission is a good idea and should be raised at General Meeting.

j. The insurance company is concerned about lack of lifeguard on beach. Signs will be posted.

k. There were two break-ins reported over the winter.

l. Lynn Nathan requested repairs to the playground. $500 was authorized to address dangerous conditions.

m. A letter was read from the Berkons on Stannard Drive concerning parking on Stannard Drive. Will be raised at General Meeting.

n. Light/noise ordinance proposal will come up at General Meeting.

New Business:

a. Gravel is needed in the parking lot. Also, unlawful parking of boat trailer and camper.

b. Someone has been dumping grass clippings around the backstop on the ball field. George Palmer will have them removed, and also have a garbage can put over by the basketball hoop.

c. George Dallas agreed to scan in the Rules and Regulations, so they could be posted on the website.

Meeting adjourned at 11:30.

Respectfully submitted,

Elin Katz
Secretary

Saturday, September 1, 2007

Minutes of the Stannard Beach Association General Meeting

Minutes of the Stannard Beach Association General Meeting
8/26/2007

President Brown called a General Meeting at the Joan Connell Community Center. The meeting was called order at approximately 9:03 am on 8/26/07.

The minutes of the 7/1/07 General Meeting and 8/12/07 Board meeting were read. The following additions and corrections were made:

Re erosion of beaches: An issue exists as to how DEP should look at the beach. We would like them to look at the entire beach on Beach Court.

There is also an issue of improvements to the rights-of-way that is being considered.

The minutes as corrected were adopted.

President’s Report:

Barbara Mason has a list of email addresses. Looking for additions and corrections.

Secretary Elin Katz will send minutes to those who request them. Otherwise, minutes from all meeting are available on the website: http://www.stannardbeach.blogspot.com/.

Treasurer’s report:

Checking account: $30,263
Reserve: $ 5,292

Total: $35,555

President Brown thanked Debbie Katz for hosting a magnificent beach picnic. He asked that she chair it again. The Beach Association spent about $2500 on the picnic, which was well worth it. A plaque was dedicated to the memory of Anita Katz.

Guards have done a good job. Suggestion that we give bonus to main guard. Dennis Hersh will take care of this. Motion for $100 bonus. Motion passed.

President Brown thanked Steve Mason, George Palmer, and Barbara Mason for their help this year.

President Brown reported on 2 major issues that we are dealing with:

Beach erosion: Sharon Bender is working with DEP. Other phone calls are counterproductive. DEP came down, agreed that our beach is a buffer against effluent into the sound. Sharon thanked Irv Bernstein for his help. One possible solution to erosion problem is sand. Centerbrook Gravel estimated we need 600 yards of sand at $60/yard -- $36,000 without labor. At the moment, additional sand is the simplest solution. Also looking at groins.

Report from George Dallas on drainage and roadways:

Issue 1: Cedar Lane: water off Route 1 runs down road. Goes into drain by Petchler property. Looking into refurbishing drain.

Issue 2: Route 1 water flows into Stannard Court. Looking into possible second drain on Stannard Court.

Issue 3: Drain by Rothblatt house: elbow is broken. Also need permission to address drain into salt marsh.

New First Selectman Noel Bishop has been receptive to helping us. George is authorized to officially approach him on our behalf.

Report on t-shirt sales from Myra Fishman: She sells shirts for the Beach Association and has for six years. She does not make money on the t-shirts. She objects that other people (i.e., Debbie Katz) were selling t-shirts without permission from the Beach Association. Discussion of t-shirts.

Proposal to sell only t-shirts through Myra Fishman at picnic. Discussion.

Motion that nothing other than t-shirts with profit going to the Beach Association be sold at picnic.

Amendment: Only vendors approved by Beach Association with profits going to the Association may sell Stannard Beach merchandise.

Motion approved.

Diane Smalley and Myra Fishman agreed to chair picnic if Debbie Katz declines.

Protection of Common Areas (as opposed to rights-of way):

Common Areas (“CA”) can be taken by adverse possession. Lyman CA was addressed via agreement.

Re complaints about Fishman and Webber CAs, as of the last board meeting, neither party had signed agreement. Marty Webber has since agreed to sign agreement acknowledging that he will not claim rights of adverse possession in the CA.

Fishman agreement still has not been signed. This issue will go back to the Board for further action.

Board has proposed that everyone on a CA sign similar agreement. Our attorney has stated that it would entail a tremendous legal expense to get everyone on a CA to sign such an agreement. Issue will go back to the Board for further consideration.

Question was raised as to who repairs unauthorized improvements to the CA, such as sod?

Discussion of issues and how to prevent rights of adverse possession. Harvey Fishman agreed to sign same agreement as Marty Webber.

President Brown asked anyone with an issue on a CA to bring it to his attention.

Report of Nominating Committee:

President: Lou Brown
1st Vice-President: George Dallas
2nd Vice-President: John Abella
Treasurer: John Kava
Secretary: Elin Katz
3 year members: Jerry Skolnick, Richard Rosenblatt, Jackie Zwillinger
2 year members: Mike Guinan, Joyce Bisberg, Diane Smalley
1 year members: Myra Fishman, Irv Bernstein, Marty Webber

Motion to accept nominations passed.

Old Business

Previously tabled motion by Ralph Smalley re Building Committee
We exist as a borough; we can tax, pass laws.

Motion by Ralph Smalley for Building Committee (see blog for details).

Motion discussed.

Motion to table again – passed.

Dennis Hersh – presentation to John Reed in appreciation for service as treasurer.

President Brown thanked George Palmer, Elin Katz, and John Reed for their help.

Ralph Smalley objected to lack of consideration given to his motion.

New business:

Barbara Mason – complaint about noise/light from adjoining property. No ordinances on sound or light. Motion to amend bylaws to include that the following be added to “declared acts of nuisance” (n) A homeowner’s use of bright light and amplified sounds may not affect the peace and tranquility of neighboring property owners.

Discussion ensued. Motion passed. Will have to be raised again at next General Meeting.

Meeting adjourned at 10:32.

Additions to minutes:

The Rules Committee will be chaired by Lorraine Cafero, and with members John Abella and Ralph Smalley.