Brownstone Exploration and
Discovery Park Advisory Committee
May 8, 2007
Minutes

Members Present: Norm Ward, James Tripp, MaryAnn Dolan

Members Absent: Robert Spencer, Don Bascom, Mike Susca

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

1. CALL TO ORDER

Norm Ward called the meeting, held at the Promontory, to order at 6:14 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 April 9, 20007 meeting.

All ayes. Motion passed.

4. PUBLIC COMMENT

There were no comments from the public.

5. CORRESPONDENCE AND COMMUNICATION

There was no correspondence or communications to discuss.

6. GENERAL DISCUSSION/UPDATES

Susan Bransfield stated that Mike Susca has resigned from the Committee. Deanna Rhodes reported that both Don Bascom and Bob Spencer, both PZC members, would also have to resign if the Committee determined to regularly meet on Tuesdays. A discussion ensued about the best day of the week for meetings and it was determined that the Committee would meet on Wednesdays. Rick Kelsey stated that he would not be able to attend on Wednesdays.

Rick Kelsey provided an overview to the Committee regarding the status of the project. He reported that the following items had been completed: sewer line and storm drainage, grading on the promontory, the walkway from the parking lot at the Northern end of Brownstone Avenue, and the sonotubes for the buildings. He stated construction was underway of the brownstone wall that is to act as a guardrail for the parking area on the promontory. He stated that he anticipated that all the required minimum improvements would be completed for inspection on May 21st.

Norm Ward asked Deanna Rhodes if she had anything to report to the Committee. She stated that she was waiting to report back to the Committee after the walk-thru on May 21st.

Norm then asked about Deanna Rhodes about the outstanding Health Department items. Deanna Rhodes reiterated that the Hayes' needed to get in contact with Don Mitchell regarding water testing and the pot-o-lets. Ed Hayes stated that he would contact him shortly so that they would be approved prior to the 21st.

MaryAnn Dolan asked if there would be port-o-lets on the promontory. Ed Hayes stated that there would be one there. He stated they would be unisex and handicap accessible. Norm Ward asked him about changing rooms. Ed Hayes pointed out that the temporary building located on the promontory was a changing room. Norm Ward then inquired of Deanna Rhodes whether the building met the code for a changing room. Deanna Rhodes stated there are no zoning codes or requirements for changing rooms. Ed Hayes also stated that there is port-o-let already located in the check-in area adjacent to the parking lot.

Ed Hayes reported that although the official opening is for this season, he anticipates that the actual "Grand Opening" will be the 2008 summer season as the buildings and other improvements will be completed.

Ed Hayes reiterated Rick Kelsey's comments regarding the progress of the project. He stated that he anticipated that the asphalt paving for the promontory parking would be completed by next week, as well as the brownstone guard-rail wall and installation of the gate.

Sue Fielder stated that she felt that wood railings should be avoided and that all vertical items should be black metal to not clutter the view. She explained that black metal makes items less visible to the eye and will not detract from the beauty of the quarry. Both Ed and Frank Hayes agreed. They stated that they were still considering a type of wire guard rail for that reason, and to also discourage people from sitting on it.

Ed Hayes noted that the wooden picnic tables are to be dispersed throughout the property, including the island area when the water is lower. He stated that this will lessen the visual impact of them.

The Committee then took a walk along the east side of Brownstone Avenue to view the improvements that have been made to the property. There was discussion whether a light should be installed on the telephone pole in the lookout area where the flag pole and monument will be located. Norm Ward voiced concerned about having the light on during night hours. James Tripp stated that a flag needs to be lit if the intention is to keep the flag flying at night. Frank Hayes stated that the light will be full-cut off and shouldn't be a problem.

The Committee voiced positive comments regarding the clearing that had been done by the Hayes'. Deanna Rhodes stated she was concerned about open areas where someone could unintentionally fall off and into an open hole. Ed and Frank Hayes stated that a grate would be placed over the hole and that they would be placing some additional brownstone boulders in this area.

The Committee walked along the stone dust trail along the eastside of Brownstone Avenue. They determined that the walkway should continue on that side of the road for safety reasons and that the crosswalk should be installed across from the parking area. The walking area along the paved portion of the road will be delineated by painting a stripe. Rick Kelsey said that he would discuss the proposed crosswalk location with the Vacca's, who own Quality Welding.

Rick Kelsey informed the Committee and the Hayes' that the parking lot requires additional spaces and that additional work is needed to be done there.

The Committee then took a walk into the Town's riverfront property to inspect the clearing that had been done by the Hayes' at the request of the Brownstone Quorum. The Committee appeared pleased that the limited brush clearing has allowed for a clear view of the CT River.

7. PUBLIC COMMENT

There was no public comment.

8. ADJOURNMENT

A motion was made by Norm Ward and seconded by MaryAnn Dolan to adjourn at 7:20 p.m.

All ayes. Motion passed.

Next meeting to be determined.

Respectfully submitted,

Deanna Rhodes
Interim Town Planner