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Brownstone Exploration and
Discovery Park Advisory Committee
April 9, 2007
Minutes


Members Present: Norm Ward, James Tripp, MaryAnn Dolan, Mike Susca

Members Absent: Robert Spencer, Don Bascom

Others Present: Susan Bransfield, First Selectwoman
Rick Kelsey, Public Works Director
Deanna Rhodes - Interim Planner
Frank Hayes, Hayes Brothers
Sue Fiedler

1. CALL TO ORDER

Deanna Rhodes called the meeting to order at 7:06 PM.

2. ACCEPT AGENDA

A motion was made by Jim Tripp and seconded by MaryAnn Dolan to accept the agenda dated April 9, 2007.

All ayes. Motion passed.

3. APPROVE MINUTES

A motion was made by MaryAnn Dolan and seconded by Jim Tripp to approve the minutes of the February 12, 2007 meeting.

Abstained: Norm Ward
All ayes. Motion passed.

4. PUBLIC COMMENT

None reported.

5. CORRESPONDENCE AND COMMUNICATION

" A copy of a memorandum, dated March 30, 21007 to Brownstone Committee from Lincoln White, Building Official, regarding plan review.

  • A copy of a memorandum, dated April 5, 2007, to Matt White/Angus McDonald, Gary Sharpe & Associates and Rick Staub/Point One Architects from Deanna Rhodes, regarding Site Plan dated 2/17/06, revised 3/22/07.
  • A copy of a letter, dated April 9, 2007, to Deanna Rhodes from Geoffrey Jacobson, regarding Engineering Review for Site Development Plan.

6. GENERAL DISCUSSION/UPDATES

Susan Bransfield suggested to the Committee that they think about making a formal appointment to replace Bob McDougall. It was noted that the Committee will recommend someone to Mrs. Bransfield.

The following items were discussed:

Water/Sewer

Rick Kelsey reviewed water, sewer and drainage work. Rick stated that he met with Frank, Ed and their contractor at the site to discuss sewer connections. Rick commented that the sewer connection will be tough, and that the engineer did not provide the level of detail that he had requested. An exploratory type of test pit on top of the sewer will be done and then they will proceed to make the connection within the next two weeks.

Rick Kelsey reported that the water service was run into the property last year, and the plan now shows connections to the three buildings being proposed.

Rick Kelsey indicated that a catch basin needs to be installed on the north side of the driveway and a storm drain pipe needs to be run into the existing storm drain.

Buildings

The Committee discussed building issues, which were in a memorandum from Lincoln White the Town's Building Official.

Deanna Rhodes stated that the following is mandatory and needs to be in place for the May 28th opening: parking lot, shuttle service, painted walkway and crosswalk on the east side of Brownstone Avenue, off site signage, landscaping near the entry, food permits, water testing, written schedule of hours open to the public, and portalets. Deanna stated that these mandatory items cover the health and safety issues with regards to opening.

A discussion took place regarding sidewalks. Frank Hayes stated that the only major construction during the coming week will be sidewalks/walkways. Frank Hayes stated that a crosswalk will be put in if you are coming directly from the campground, and will continue to the buildings.


Sue Fiedler suggested putting in a Sycamore trees along the west side of Brownstone Avenue.

Fencing

A discussion took place regarding fencing. Frank Hayes reported there will be a metal wire fence on the wall that looks from the distance transparent. Rick suggested for safety reasons, temporarily putting some type of guide rails on the promontory adjacent to the parking area for the May 28th opening. Frank Hayes stated that he would like wire that looks transparent for along the edge of the promontory; however he is not sure when it will be done.

Parking

Rick Kelsey reported that paving should be completed once the underground lighting, water, sewer, and drainage are in. Rick stated that a binder course will be put down initially that will last through the summer, until construction is completed, then the top course of asphalt will be installed. Frank Hayes stated that the parking lot will not be paved at the campground.

Frank Hayes stated that parking is all set. Frank pointed out to the members where the parking signs will be. A discussion took place regarding parking. Rick Kelsey suggested putting a sign that reads "Main Parking Area". A discussion took place regarding shuttling visitors.

Campground

A discussion took place on the campground, indicating that brush and tree cutting is taking place.

Lighting

Deanna Rhodes stated that she would like details on the plans for exterior, and building light fixtures. She stated that it needs to be shown on the site plan where the location of poles will be going. Frank Hayes stated that light fixtures have not been picked out.

Traffic Plan

Deanna Rhodes gave an update on the traffic plan. She also stated that the Town submitted a grant application to connect the end of Brownstone Avenue to Middlesex Avenue.

Frank Hayes stated that they have a bus for shuttling, but would rather use trolleys. He has received pricing for shuttles.


Other

A discussion took place regarding water slides and docks.

Frank Hayes described a slide and a ride that he would like to put on the peninsula. A discussion took place regarding this plan. Susan Bransfield indicated to Frank Hayes that she wants him to hold off on the slide in until all other required work is completed. Susan Bransfield stated that she wants the infrastructure to be completed.

A discussion took place regarding scheduling. Susan Bransfield stated that she is concerned about the buildings getting built. She would like to concentrate on getting the buildings completed, before going across the water and working on the other side. Frank Hayes stated he agrees.

Rick Kelsey asked Frank Hayes about water sampling. Frank Hayes indicated that Ed will be taking care of it.

A discussion was held regarding a port-a-potty on the peninsula.

It was noted that Ed Hayes can not make it on Mondays. It was undecided that meetings would be changed to Tuesday's.

The committee agreed that since the deadline is May 21st, and if issues arose, that the committee would meet on Tuesday, May 8th at 6:00 pm at the promontory instead of the scheduled meeting of May 14th.

7. PUBLIC COMMENT

None reported.

8. ADJOURNMENT

A motion was made by Jim Tripp and seconded by MaryAnn Dolan to adjourn at 8:32 p.m.

All ayes. Motion passed.

The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 8th at 6:00 p.m. at the promontory.

Respectfully submitted,

Rosanne Darna
Recording Secretary