The MBCA meeting was called to order at 8:00 pm.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss and vote on beach improvement projects. Augie Pasquale gave an overview of the beach improvements planned and the total costs.
Please see page 3 for a complete itemized list of improvements and costs planned for Dividing Road, Cypress Road, and Oak Grove Circle beaches.
Following Augie’s overview, the meeting was opened up for community member discussion and questions.
Connie Capistrano stated this was in her backyard and she hadn’t been consulted, this will impact her water view. In response, Augie offered to meet with Connie after work on Wednesday, 4/15/09.
Allison Fox asked about the extending the boat ramp pier, stone jetty at Dividing Rd and sand to build the beach back at Cypress Rd. In response Augie explained this is a 2 to 3 year plan which will take time. MBCA applied for a $35,000 grant from the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, but was denied. MBCA has applied for another grant in the amount of $20,000 that hasn’t been awarded yet.
Nancy Rando asked about beach clean up and the tire, bottles, cans, etc… in the marsh. In response, Augie described the beach clean up planned for Saturday 4/25/09 from 10:00 am to noon, saying more volunteers would be appreciated.
John Jones described an Eagle scout project application to put in a French drain at the Dividing beach on the left to control run off and erosion. John asked Augie if they would need a permit. In response, Augie said that yes a permit would be needed, but explained they could wrap the scout project and MBCA beach improvements into one permit and pay the $75.00 once.
Karl Neidhardt stated at Dividing beach the drain pipe is clogged and needs to run beyond the sand, suggested the grills have covers so folks could actually cook on them and third, he has a 3 foot tree to donate.
Richard McCelland (?) said to call AA County Central District Office of Public Works Supervisor, Clark Rosendale 410-222-7940 to have the drain at the bottom of Dividing Road cleaned. Richard also has 2 items:
1) Richard said MBCA also needs to apply for more 6 mile per hour speed buoys at the end of Mill
Creek. The buoys put in 15 years ago by Department of Natural Resources are moving down
the creek.
2) The property owner on west side of the beach recently put in a lot of rocks by the pier.
Mike Frye asked if there were anymore questions or comments before we vote on spending $6600.00 from the General Fund for the beach improvements Augie described.
Andy Andrews pointed out the community hasn’t seen or voted on a budget for the General Fund. In response, Kate Holmes stated that was her oversight. Kate stated budgets for the General Fund and the Boat Ramp Fund would be completed and available for review at the May 2009 meeting.
Mike Frye made a motion to accept Augie’s budget for beach improvements, as detailed on page 3. The vote will be to approve spending no more than $6600.00 on improvements at the 3 community beaches.
Richard McCelland (?) made a motion that MBCA not to pay the lawyer. Mike Frye stated a letter to that affect had been drafted, stating why the attorney had no legal standing for the remaining $10,000. Mike offered to make a copy of the letter on 4/15/09 for Richard to review before it is sent out to Council, Baradel, Kosmerl & Nolan.
Pam Combs suggested everyone who uses the beaches could bring a bag and take the trash with them when they leave. Also she is concerned that the grills will result in fires, pointing out the beaches are close to houses.
Bob Ferrier asked who the grills were for, these aren’t day use beaches since we all live in the community.
Joel Stein suggested MBCA post a sign at each grill saying “for adult use only” to limit MBCA’s liability.
Augie said all the beach items included are the result of the community beach survey conducted last August.
Nancy Rando stated concerns about the swim platform with a ladder. Nancy suggested MBCA post a sign stating: “swim at your own risk – no life guard on duty”.
Karl Neidhardt stated Twin Harbors has had a swim platform and grill for years.
Eric Witzel pointed out this will add to property values. Some people will use the canoe/kayak rack, some the bike rack or benches, other the swim platform and some people will use none of the items.
A vote was taken of the 23 MCBA community members in attendance. Please see the sign in sheet on pages 4 and 5. The vote result was 19 yes votes and 4 no votes. The motion to spend no more than $6600.00 on beach improvements discussed above passed.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 pm.
