Stannard Beach Assn General Mtg August 25, 2013

STANNARD BEACH ASSOCIATION

GENERAL MEETING

08/25/13

The General Meeting was called to order at 8:59 AM by President George Dallas.

NEW BUSINESS:

George introduced the invited guests, who were First Selectman of the Town of Westbrook, Noel Bishop, Dr. Frank Bohlen from UCONN (add more about Dr. Bohlen’s credentials and work) and Terrence Beatty of Prudential Realty who will report on Post Irene and Sandy shoreline Real estate sales. George briefly described that Dr. Bohlen was hired to review the Kollmeyer Report. The Kollmeyer Report, which the Association had done in 1988, was prepared to examine and study the issue of potential Beach erosion and solutions. Dr. Bohlen was introduced by George.

Dr. Bohlen started his presentation showing photos of our shoreline, from 1934, 1965, in which he made note that there was not much change. However in the photos dated between 2003 and 2012 there is obvious erosion. Dr. Bohlen went on to explain how the Sediment supplies and transport energies cause such erosion. It happens from wind, waves, tides and tidal currents.  We looked at a wave summary and it shows that Sea Levels are on the rise at a rate of 2MM per year.  Dr. Bohlen said most of the changes we are seeing today have been since 1988.

Dr. Bohlen went on to say to put a price on recommendations in the Kollmeyer Report would be impossible without consulting contractors. But he did offer some educated guesses on what he thought it may cost to place Rock in a parallel structure to the shoreline. He felt it would be at a cost of somewhere around $1 million to 1.25 Million. Dr. Bohlen said he does not believe DEEP would favor stabilizing a shoreline in that manner. So what are our alternatives? Dr. Bohlen suggests new groins and modification of our existing groins on the eastern end of the Beach. He suggests extending both Groin #1 and Groin # 3 as stated in the Kollmeyer Report as well as adding a “T” to Groin #3 and an “L” to Groin # 1. He feels this would be additional wave protection and feels this recommendation would be permitted through DEEP.  Another solution he offered was Re-Sanding. This can be the least expensive alternative, but to do it properly with examining grain sizes and such. There should also be serious considerations to Rip Rap and modifications to the Sea Walls.  Dr. Bohlen also said maintenance is the most important factor in any solutions.

Dr. Bohlen’s recommendations are as follows:

·       Implement an action shoreline management plan.

·       Obtain a detailed topographic survey of the Shoreline and off shore for the entire length of the Association Property.

·       Institute a regular program of nourishment in combination with structure maintenance.

·       Stabilize existing Sea Walls

Dr. Bohlen then answered some questions from Association members and more discussion continued regarding the groins and their lengths, shapes and positions. He stated if modifications are done to the groins they will be then about 4 feet tall. Then with time getting short and Noel Bishop’s need to leave around 10:00AM we took a break in the questions for Dr. Bohlen and Noel Bishop the First Selectman of Westbrook was introduced.

Noel Bishop started off by reminding us that we are a private Association with our own By laws and that the Town can do very little  to assist us. The groins and such are part of our association and the Town cannot commit to resources to help us with them. He also went on to say he is working with Congressman Joe Courtney’s office on a FEMA grant. He said the Town is still a few months out in obtaining that grant. He is unsure of the amount of the grant. Linda Pinn asked Mr. Bishop what effect the Grant would have on us. Any help with nourishment?  He said no Groin, Sea Wall or nourishment would be covered by this Grant. Mr. Black asked if the Town can do anything to relieve the high water storm surges from the Marsh. Mr. Bishop said a lot of the high Marsh water comes as a run off from Route 1 and there is little that can be done to lessen that. Mr. Bishop then went on to say that he has received a few calls regarding the safety and the state of disrepair The Gallery building across from Cedar Lane.  He said that property is in Probate and he spoke to the Town Attorney about 2 weeks prior and that the Town is in the process of getting it torn down. With that Mr. Bishop had to leave and we thanked him for taking time out of his Sunday morning to come to our meeting. With that we went back to questions for Dr. Bohlen.

Dr. Bohlen was asked if the Groins and their additions would make any water back up into the Marsh. Dr. Bohlen’s aid, “There are no back shore drainage problems from groins”. Then Dr. Bohlen was asked if the West end of the beach would have any detrimental effects after groin modification on the East end? He said no it will reduce the Eastern energy and have no effect to the West end. Mike Guinan said Sue Baily said we must prove there will be no detrimental effect to the West end toward Water’s Edge.  George Dallas stated that he had spoken to Sue Bailey regarding the existing COP. Sue Said that the current COP would allow for sand replenishment but must apply for another COP for the Groin work.

George Dallas made a proposal to spend an amount, not to exceed $15,000.00, to come from the major projects fund, to finalize the engineering analysis to submit to DEEP. This will allow us to apply for a COP to extend the Groins and to move forward in Extending Groin # 1 & # 3. A discussion began with Dr. Boland suggesting we get the permits out of the way and applied for. We do not have to use them immediately but we will have them for future use. Lincoln Tedeschi asked about the lengths of the T’s and their cost.  Dr. Bohlen said it is approximately $1,000.00 per linear foot, so roughly $64,000.00. He went on to say that the chances of nourishment will be successful if all the structures are done. And the chances of success being even greater with the addition of the “T” & “L” groins.

Jeff Morris made a motion to spend an amount, not to exceed $15,000.00, to come from the major projects fund, to finalize the engineering analysis to submit to DEEP. This will allow us to apply for a COP to extend the Groins and to move forward in Extending Groin # 1 & # 3. The motion was seconded by Peter Black. Elin Katz called for a vote on the motions and there were 10 who voted Nay and the majority voted Yea.

George Dallas made a suggestion that he’d like see a committee formed, comprised of our neighbors, to sit & figure out how to share resources and to help reestablish our community.

NOMINATING REPORT:

Sandy Seidman read Proposed the Slate of officers, which is as follows:

·       President, George Dallas

·       1^st Vice President, John Abella

·       2^nd Vice President, Steve Powers

·       Treasurer, John Kava

·       Secretary, Sharon Bender

·       Three Year Directors, Michael Grennan, Laura Petchler, Michael Guinan

·       Two Year Directors, David Caslin, Mark Miller Paul Shlien

·       One Year Directors, Marty Weber, Michael Rottblatt, Lincoln Tedeschi

A motion was made to accept the Slate as presented, all were in favor. The Slate was accepted.

INFORMATIONAL REPORT:

Terrance Beatty of Prudential Realty provided us with a 10 year sales report and analysis of property values. To see if our property values had changed post storms Irene & Sandy.  His reports are attached.

The Meeting was adjourned at 10:56 AM

Minutes taken and Respectfully submitted, Marie Gallo-Garabedian

Garabedian@comcast.net

Stannard Beach Assn Board Of Directors mtg August 11, 2013

Stannard Beach Association Board of Directors meeting, August 11, 2013

The meeting was called to order at 9:05 by George Dallas.

 DEEP – the beach court issue was resolved as the Assn communicated with DEEP by the deadline of 8/2/2013. Lou Florio did not sign the agreement so the Nichols and Tosto families sent a signed letter saying ok. The Bohlen report was added to the info sent to DEEP.

Beach erosion - DEEP says they will not ask us to tear down Groin #2 but we need to plan for beach nourishment and a sand remediation plan by March 2014.

Sounds like DEEP would like us to dump sand now, but the Bohlen report says to put in the T-groins first to hold the sand in place and prevent it from washing away.

We have no approval from the membership to spend that money at his time.

There is currently a lot of discussion among Assn members regarding the erosion mediation proposal and Bohlen report, so there will be a general information session next Sunday, August 18 at 9 a.m. to explain more about the report and suggested plan of erosion control, and to answer questions.

According to figures from Keith Neilson, it will cost about $15,000 to:

1.     Finish the engineering survey from Bobby Katz to Water’s Edge and include out to the sand flats

2.     Make an analysis of the sand grain size recommended and where to put in groins

3.     Draw up plans

4.     Put together a presentation and proposal and submit to DEEP, requesting a certificate of permission (COP)

If we do groin #1 and #3 first the expenditure is less.

If the money for this comes out of capital reserves it requires a vote from the full membership.  May we vote by email? Yes, according to our by-laws.

Motions for the August 25 Annual meeting need to be clearly laid out so the intent is not muddled over the course of discussion. A clear motion to spend up to $15,000 to complete the work necessary to obtain a COP from DEEP is needed.

Motion by Steve Mason, 2^nd by Jeff Morris, for the Annual meeting, to request authorization of $15,000 to complete the work necessary to try to obtain a COP from DEEP for beach remediation work.

We do not know a total cost for doing the work involved until DEEP approves a proposal. They may approve all of it or a portion of it. More information sharing and explanations are needed in order to proceed.

The DEEP has the Bohlen report and has said it looks like a good idea.

Joe Courtney and Noel Bishop are sending representatives to look at our beach on Friday, Aug 16 to tell us if there are any federal funds available to help us.  Any federal dollars awarded to us would not impact our private borough status as it costs FEMA less to provide remediation dollars than to pay out flood claims.

The new Bohlen report is an update of the 1988 Kollmeyer reports, incorporating what scientists have learned in the last 20 years, making the most updated suggestions at the best costs. FEMA, the Army Corp of Engineers and DEEP all recognize these folks are the experts in this area: R Kollmeyer, F Bohlen and Keith Neilson.

The financial aspect of the proposals are unknown as yet; is a staged process, and first we need to know what can be permitted. Then we will go and get cost estimates.

Informational meetings need to occur to answer all questions and hear what everyone has to say, to better understand the Bohlen report and address concerns.

Rosenblatt Right-of-way:  based on research by George Dallas at Westbrook Town Hall, Stannard Beach does not own the right-of-way. It may belong to Schy, it may belong to Rosenblatt, we do not know. Richard Rosenblatt says he has additional informational that we hope to see to further answer all these questions of ownership of the right-of-way.

Lyman-Brown right-of-way: the committee is working to bring it to closure. Concern was raised about adding curbing/milling/berms  at the Lyman-Brown right-of-way to keep water out of the right-of-way, sending it dwn 2^nd Ave. onto other neighbors’ properties.  The concern was over ruled due to a vote at the prior board meeting to go ahead with the work.

Lou Brown has an agreement releasing him from further obligations, signed by George Dallas. It is not a release, is an agreement.

By Laws Update: Maureen Keegan has been asked to make a digital set of our by laws. Then we will move forward with updating them.

Motion to adjourn by Harvey Robbins, 2^nd by Marty Webber. Meeting adjourned at 10:25 a.m.

Submitted by S Bender, secretary.

Stannard Beach Assn Board of Directors meeting July 28, 2013

Stannard Beach Association

Board of Directors meeting July 28, 2013

George Dallas called the meeting to order at 9:15 a.m. and distributed copies of the July 23, 2013 Draft study by Frank Bohlen “A Discussion of the Factors Affecting the Erosion of Stannard Beach, Westbrook, Connecticut and Means to Increase Stability and Longterm Resilience”.

At a prior BOD meeting it was voted to update the Kollmeyer Report from 1988, which was to study the long term affects of nature on Stannard Beach. Kollmeyer predicted that we would have much less beach by 2020, but it has happened faster than that so we are looking at the updated situation/study now.

The beach is under attack and doing nothing is not an option, as the beach is the reason we are all here at Stannard Beach.

The Frank Bohlen Study suggests three things:

1.     Build T-groins and add 3 new groins as they knock the power out of incoming waves and trap sand behind the groins.

2.     Nourishment – bring in a lot of sand and spread it to fill in from the seawall to the sand flats. Do this in stages after T-groins are built. Use granular sand which traps finer sand naturally.

3.     Rip rap – is like balls against the seawall to stop undermining of the wall and pulling out of the sand. Do this last.

This is a long term project as it takes time to obtain DEEP approval.

The approximate cost is $1 million plus.

How will we pay for it?  Suggestions include long term individual assessments of relatively reasonable amounts with a scale based on current assessments and location of homes, meaning distance from the water.

In the original study Kollmeyer suggested a breakwater offshore, but currently DEEP does not like solid structures in the water. Also the base is set in sand, which can shift, so the breakwater can potentially shift and sink.

DEEP person in charge of Long Island Sound likes the idea of T- groins, which would be 50’ wide by 80’ long. Can we use “TreX” material to reduce deterioration and the need for maintenance? Do not know and is very expensive.

The procedure for approval is that the DEEP looks at the plan, then will probably send us to the Army Corp of Engineers next.  Over the course of several years, first  the groins are built, then the Ts are added, then after the Ts are in, the sand is added. The rip rap is added last.

These measures are to defend our beach as erosion which is happening at an accelerated rate, moving west.

First we need Board approval to start the process of permitting, but is this the best course of action? The alternatives are spelled out in the Bohlen report of 2013.

Board members requested a period of time to read the report before voting on investing in the permitting process and that the entire Association be sent the report, which lays out the facts and suggested options.  Board approval Voting will be done via e-mail.

The permitting costs need to be determined  - need estimates for drawing plans, and costs to submit those plans and proposals. DEEP has specific procedures and requirements.

Terence Beaty, Director New Homes and Land Division, Prudential Connecticut Realty, presented to the Board as a guest speaker, that the value of all of the beach Association homes is in the beach.  If the beach is closed due to erosion, seawalls falling down and septic incursion into Long Island Sound then all of the Association homes are immediately devalued.  

Waterfront owners will need to pay the most towards long term individual assessments to pay for erosion mediation; each assessment will be based on the current assessment and distance from the water.  Additionally non waterfront owners need to be welcomed by waterfront owners to use the entire beach.  All Stannard Beach Association members need to be informed of their rights to use the beach, and the responsibility of all waterfront owners to allow every association member to use the beach in front of their house.

Members of the erosion team/committee include:

John Petchler

Marty Webber

Maureen Keegan

Less Nathan

Sandy Seidman

Elin Katz

Mark Miller

Rhoda Eligator thanked the team for all of their work

Noel Bishop, Westbrook first selectman, would like to come to the Annual Association meeting in August.

Mike Guinan reported on the Lyman-Brown ROW solution. The Lymans have had water in their basement 3 times from the last 3 storms when they have not had water previously.  The corner of the Lyman property is now a low point, after the re-grading of the ROW. To remediate we can re-grade the ROW again, put in an infiltrator or drain in the ROW, and/or re-grade the Wrang property. The suggested solution is to install a curb from Caslin to Lyman and to do milling in front of the Brown and Lyman properties. Sharon Bender noted that this only moves the water down 2^nd Ave pushing a water problem down the street onto other neighbors’ properties – not solving the engineering problem at hand.

Michael Guinan made a motion, 2^nd by George Palmer, for up to $2000 to be spent on putting up a curb/burm/milling on the south side of 2^nd Ave from Caslin/Brown to Lyman/Fishman.   Vote 13 for, 4 opposed. Motion passed.

Motion to adjourn by Marty Webber, 2^nd by Merle Katzman. Adjourned at 10:35 a.m.

Attachments temporarily not available on blogspot.

Attachments referred to in the notes are temporarily not available on the blog and are available off line.

Stannard Beach Assn General meeting notes June 30, 2013

Stannard Beach Association General Meeting, Sunday June 30, 2013  Draft Notes

The meeting was called to order by George Dallas at 9:05 a.m. with a moment of silence in memory of those who have passed away including Norma Glassman, Yuddy Shapiro, Si Bernstein and Natalie Bernstein.

Rose Madnick is recovering from surgery.

The minutes of the August 26, 2012 minutes were read, edits made by Peter Black, then all present voted to approve.

Peter Black requested more details in the special projects section of the budget. Those dollars have not been expended yet. Connie Tosto suggested setting up a capital reserve for the $20,000 in that account, and taking out a percent of the incoming money every year for major projects, so it is a reserve.

Connie Tosto made a motion, Jerry Skolnick 2nd, to take a percent of incoming dues and create a reserve account for capital improvements. Create a line item “capital reserve”. All approved.

Can we apply a percent of the budget or a percent of the surplus or retained earnings to this account? Can call the excess amount of the budget a capital reserve, or add to the mil rate to set up a capital reserve.

George Dallas explained that for the past several years the mil rate has been set to generate money for projects.

Codify the process by creating a capital reserve account so it is established as an actual separate account/line item.

All present voted to approve the 2013-2014 budget.

Thank you to Vy Kava and Marie Garabedian for setting up the breakfast.

Tennis court repairs are complete.

Beach court issues are settled. A letter was received from Eileen Nichols and Connie Tosto stating they have a plan for Groin #2 as required by DEEP.

Welcome to Kim and Glen Golden who purchased the Bobrow house at 125 2nd Ave.

The Kollmeyer study is being updated – the update has been initialized regarding erosion issues.

Association picnic on the beach – may ask the board for a one time permission for food on the beach.  More info to follow.

Right of way to east of Richard Rosenblatt is being washed out. Waiting to hear from the Datillo family as they need to do repairs before us so we have something to attach to.

The rights of way are for all Association members’ use. We need a list of rights-of-ways. The membership would like a map to go out showing where the right-of-ways are. Connie Tosto noted that the right of way across from her is private.  Rights of ways permit “passage and re-passage” to/from the beach through these areas.

At Water’s Edge the old North Cove Outfitters is becoming Ocean Breeze frozen yogurt café.

Security: Fred Camarra has extended hours. Friday 6-12, Saturday noon – midnight and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.  $8000 is spent on security. The prior budget was $12,000 but the board decided to remove the June hours and shift the current hours to a later start and later finish.

Water’s Edge fireworks will be Tuesday July 2. Please give Fred Camarra the names of your guests as we monitor the entranceways/parking at Stannard Beach for safety so that emergency vehicles can get through. Lots of extra cars can block the roads so we are careful to monitor incoming vehicles, asking guests to be sure to park legally and safely.

Beach cleanup: the process has slowed this year as the Fishmans just put in new sod in the area where debris is usually removed, so we need to wait until it is established.  Debris has been cut up, some has washed away and the remainder will be removed by a contractor. Beach at the end of Maple Lane has lots of logs.

Darcy Caslin requested an update on the Brown-Lyman right-of-way.  Michael Guinan, Marty Webber and John Abella are working on mediating the problem, which is close to resolution.

Speed limit in the Association is 15mph. Please slow down. All drivers must have a driver’s license to operate any moving vehicle. Folks in cars and especially golf carts are not stopping at stop signs. Please cooperate for the safety of everyone.

Paul Shlein noted that delivery and work vehicles are driving over yards, rock walls and flowerbeds. Please get the license plate number and report it directly to the Westbrook police.

Parking: There is no parking on the pavement area of 2nd Avenue as emergency, fire and ambulance vehicles must be able to get through. If they need to come through they will plow right through your vehicle if it is in the way.

Dave Caslin asked how we get through the streets with all the contractor vehicles parked all over the roads. Should a bond be posted for construction?

Dave Caslin made a motion that if you are doing a project at your home you need to take out s $10,000 bond to repair the roads, yards, walkways, hedges and lawns from damage done by work vehicles. Anything that requires a building permit  would need a bond. The homeowner pays for the bond. 

Mike Guinan suggested $100/day fine over a certain number of warnings. Elin Katz asked how we can enforce our Association rules? The Lymans posted a $10,000 bond with the Association. After the work was completed, after a period of time, they got their money back.

The Rules Committee needs to deal with these issues. Steve Powers suggested we need to look at our rules and consider updating them to be modern, giving authority where it is needed and addressing enforcement.

Motion amended by Dave Caslin to form a committee to study the bond idea. Darcy Caslin 2nd, approved.

Carmela Dallas requested a dog park. The Board will consider it.

Peter Black asked that the minutes be posted within 30 days of the meetings. If can’t post to blog then email or snail mail them.

No dogs are allowed on the beach. Pointina Beach allows their dogs to run on our beach, which is against town ordinance and state law.

New business: extend the beach all the way by studying erosion mediation.

Motion to adjourn by Marty Webber, 2nd by Jeff Morris. Adjourned at 10:05 a.m.

Submitted by S Bender, secretary.