1. Call Meeting to Order

At 9:05 am, Mr. Andrew McKirdy, Chairman, called the meeting to order.

 

2. Pledge of Allegiance

 

3. Treasurer

Carolyn Boyle, Association Treasurer, addressed the members and provided an un-audited operating statement. This updated budget is offered to members to assist with financial statements at the end of the year, as requested.

 

4. Manager

Mike Manifold addressed the membership highlighting areas of interest:

 

Mike has completed his first Summer season and is still learning

 

Floats and docks were put in place after a rough spring weather start

 

Beaches were enjoyed

 

Rights-of-way were cleared

 

Boat launch was accessible and in place for summer use

 

ACE security worked out and East Lyme Police were seen to have more frequent patrols

 

Beach Security was well handled by Chris Mullins

 

Recreation program director Dara Flom, was attentive and club did great

 

Fundraisers were successful: the Spaghetti Supper and pancake breakfast, and thanks to the

Flom family for their help.

 

The tennis court sprinkler system is still under repair to be followed up this fall.

 

The beach walkway is broken, time to repair in the fall

 

Mr. Manifold responded to club house cleanliness concerns from users. Promised he’ll be addressing this on a regular basis next year. Regular cleanup will be scheduled on Tuesday before the Women’s Club meetings, and clear communication is promised to renters and members on club house issues.

 

Mike will have his phone on during the fall and winter and he is available by e-mail

 

5. Informational Items from the Board

 

Club House Acoustical Evaluation

Mr. Campion explained the recent club house acoustical evaluation. The engineer confirmed that when over 20 people are speaking in the club house, at the same time, the sound bounces off the hard surfaces, making it nearly impossible to hear and causing people to shout over one another. An Armstrong absorbent material, available in a selection of colors, is recommended to cover 650 sq. ft. of ceiling and 400 sq. ft. of wall surface. Mr. Campion will obtain estimates for material and installation and report to the membership at the next meeting.

 

Social, Mr. Weiss, Mrs. Hayes

Mr. Weiss commented that the 3 bonfires were a success. He thanked the members who helped, especially the Cianci and Bain families for providing water and electricity at Main and South beaches.

 

Ornaments are for sale, a limited supply remains and the price has been reduced. Contact Dave Weiss after the meeting to purchase an ornament.

 

Mrs. Hayes asked members to hold the date of September 22, 2007, from 8-12pm, for an adult dance to be held at the club house. 1950’s, 60’s and 70’s music will provided. Cost is $10.00 per ticket, proceeds will go to the club house acoustical repair. Bring your own snacks and beverages and have fun with neighbors and friends!

 

A “Thank you” was offered to Mr. Dowling, who organized and presented successful movies on the beach, and to the Murdock family for supplying the electricity.

 

Cahill Black Point Scholarship Fund

Mr. Brian Comer reported on the Black Point Cahill Educational Fund. The fund has $45,000. This year, thanks to Mr. Fox and participating members, the golf tournament raised $5,781,00. Eleven (11) applications were submitted, and 2 scholarships were awarded this season for $1,500. Mr. Comer offered his thanks to the applicants, and the readers who helped select the winners. Volunteers are invited to assist on the committee.

 

DEP Beach proposed regulations

Mr. McKirdy informed the membership of the DEP proposed regulations to:

 

1. Limit beach grading to once per calendar year

 

2. Prohibit beach cleaning from May 10 to July 15, due to horse shoe crab mating

 

Mr. McKirdy provided a statement which was read by Mrs. Cahill while representing Black Point at the Association of Beaches meeting, opposing the proposed regulations. She asked members to send a letter to the DEP, by Sept. 12, 2007 to:

 

Ms. Janice B. Deshais, Esq.
Director, Office of Adjudications
State of CT DEP
79 Elm Street
Hartford, CT 06106-5127

 

6. Member Comments and Discussion

A Moment of Silence was offered in honor of Jim Beebe, whose passing is our great loss and community sorrow.

 

Mr. Peter Attardo, 58 White Cap Road, asked if a memorial tribute could be considered for Mr. Beebe. His comment was supported by Mr. Bill Dowling and other members present.

 

Mrs. Pam Kellogg, 86 East Shore Drive, mentioned her husband wrote a children’s story, including pictures, about Jim Beebe and his beach cleaning which has been enjoyed by all children. She extended an invitation to members who might wish to see the book.

 

Mr. Jim Moffett asked about Rip Rap replacement. Mr. Campion explained that we have 3 more years to finish the work under the original permit and we can ask for an extension for another year. At the recent board meeting it was decided that, twice (2) a year, in the beginning of the season and again at the end, the manager and members would walk the piers to determine where to place the rip rap. There is a cost to place the rip rap, but the work may be done one block at a time if needed, so it will not be costly.

 

Mrs. Candlish asked the manager to consider hiring beach staff with more age and experience if possible.

 

Mrs. Dorothy Allen, Saltaire Ave, asked if the DEP has considered any health risks related to its proposed regulations lessening beach cleaning, due to flies etc.

 

Ann Congdon, 92 East Shore Rd. suggested letters be written by members, and that the secretary be asked to draw up a petition in opposition of the proposed DEP regulations.

 

Comments were raised regarding putting the DEP contact information on the website and about Health Dept. concerns if beach cleaning is not permitted as reasonably needed.

 

Mrs. Shevon Hickey, 8 Sunset Ave. asked that on behalf of the Rec program, a separate budget be set aside for long range needs. She asked board to consider salary increases for the counselors.

 

Member comment was heard about the steep grade and depth of sand on Main beach, and if it is something that can be adjusted in the future.

 

Member comment was heard asking if an archivist or central point might exist to store items Black Point related.

 

Mr. Manifold answered member questions on the status of the break-ins over the year. He is in regular contact with the state trooper, and that at this time not enough evidence is in place to act, but that they have a very good idea who is responsible. He asked that members must call the police at the sign of any suspicious activity. Catching someone in the act is the best solution to the problem. Call the police immediately.

 

Nancy Collins, 8 Sea Crest mentioned her account of a June 2006 break-in and her frustration at the lack of any resolution. She was supported by other member of the community with their information and concerns. Discussion followed. Mr. Manifold stressed that members have to call the police.

 

Mrs. Barbara Johnston, 35 Sea Crest Ave. said she has observed kids on motor scooters, exceeding the speed limit.

 

Member mentioned there have been dogs on the beach before and after the beach security hours and asked if there are fines.

 

Mr. Manifold answered that we pay for staff 11am - 4pm, if members come to a board meeting they may request a change in hours, etc.

 

Mrs. Karin Comer asked who takes care of the weeding and right of way cleaning. Mr. Manifold hires a local youth to do this work, and things will be better next year.

 

End of Member Comments

 

Adjournment Meeting adjourned at 9:59 am

DEP petition was initiated and signed by members following the meeting.

Respectfully submitted,
Gemma Balukonis Dowd, Secretary

Black Point Annual Informational Meeting, Sat. September 1, 2007