BBLA BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING             FINAL

May 24, 2008

Bethany Beach Town Hall

Meeting was called to order at 10 AM

Members Present:  Dan Costello, Janet Kennedy, Lois Lipsett, Mike Loftus, Tracy Mulligan, John Himmelberg, Michael Horne, Laura Marriott, Sally Phillips, Bob Parsons, Steve Wode, Steve Trodden, John Vogt, Julia Jacobsen, Margaret Young.  Many BBLA members and guests also attended the meeting.

Tony Pratt, DNREC’s Shoreline and Waterway Management administrator provided a good synopsis of where we are in the aftermath of the Nor'easter two weeks ago.  The storm included 60 mile an hour winds and the highest tides ever recorded in the Mid-Delaware Bay.  The Army Corps of Engineers project is still officially open, and they are actively engaged in recovery from the storm.  The new dune in Bethany and South Bethany provided ample protection from the high seas and remains 90 - 95% intact.  Mr. Pratt explained that the dramatic cliff at the Eastern edge of the dune was caused by "beach lowering" as the sand moved out to the sand bar just off shore rather than by loss of the dune itself.

Mr. Pratt explained further that the full beach consists of the dune, the dry sand berm to the edge of the waves and the sand under water up to 20’ deep.  As prevailing winds turn Southerly in coming weeks as part of the normal seasonal conditions, sand will naturally move via long shore current and wind from south to north to build more beach.

Currently Weeks Marine is in the process of helping Mother Nature by employing heavy bull dozers to push sand from the submerged bars back to dry berm.  Rehoboth operations have been completed, Dewey is in process and 2 large bull dozers are scheduled to start work in Bethany next week.  Mr. Pratt expects them to finish in about five days.  The fencing will be repaired/replaced once they are done, hopefully by the third week in June, in time for the summer tourist season to come into full swing.

The normal replenishment cycle will occur every 3 years starting in 2011.  If an “out-of-cycle” event should occur, special appropriations would be needed. 

In response to questions from attendees, Mr. Pratt elaborated as follows:

 In the event that a catastrophic storm impacts our area, Mr. Pratt noted that the entire Mid-Atlantic would probably be affected, triggering Federal emergency response.

Engineers are currently evaluating the causes affecting the berm (dry sand) in Bethany.  As originally constructed, it was 150’; it is now greatly diminished, and  was diminished prior to the storm.  It is expected to improve as a result of normal build-up and should provide ample recreational space by July 4.  In response to a question about the impact of artificial reefs, Mr. Pratt indicated that the artificial reefs in Ocean City do not impact the beach per se.

The dune itself may grow or erode somewhat over time, but should be fairly stable as long as vegetation is ample. 

Many attendees expressed strong desire for benches to be placed on top of the dunes.  Mr. Pratt explained that DNREC is generally not in favor of this as benches can become dangerous flotsam in the event of a severe storm. However, he acknowledged the issue with the view and said the DNREC had granted Fenwick permission to place benches on top of the dune there and would work with the Town to do something similar.  Provisos would be needed to limit any benches to seasonal placement and to ensure that the Town would remove them in advance of any known storm danger.

In response to a question regarding handicapped access from the boardwalk to the top of the dune, with viewing areas as have been placed to the north and south of town, Mr. Pratt said that there is no limitation to the number of handicapped access points and that DNREC would work with the Town to address concerns. He indicated that any additional access would be funded by the Town.   For either benches or handicapped areas, the Town would simply need to write a letter requesting permission from DNREC.

Mr. Pratt further agreed to provide cost information from the Army Corps of Engineers on construction of handicapped viewing areas such as those on 4^th street and Parkwood.

Mr. Pratt indicated that DNREC has no position on building a higher boardwalk, that the boardwalk design is up to the Town.

After Mr. Pratt’s remarks, John Himmelberg opened the BBLA business portion of the  meeting.

John explained that due to technical glitches, provision of the required 30 day notice to members did not occur.   Therefore, the May 24 meeting will not be designated as the annual membership meeting.  Another meeting will be scheduled, with the required official notice, hopefully in June.  No elections or other business related to the annual meeting was conducted.

Report from the Treasurer:  Tracy Mulligan presented the Treasurer’s report, noting that BBLA currently has cash of $35,741 resulting from revenues of $21,702 and expenses of $11,033 during FY 2008, in addition to the cash balance remaining at the end of FY 2007.  In response to a question regarding the relatively higher level of expenses in 2007 as compared to 2006 and 2008, Mr. Mulligan explained that that timing of annual donations was such that 2 donation cycles fell in 2007, additional newsletter mailings occurred and the new Farmer’s Market donation was added.  Mr. Mulligan also explained that since the Fiscal year 2008 does not end until May 31, there may be adjustments to the final figures that appear in the report that was presented May 24, (attached as addendum to these minutes).  Mr. Mulligan also noted that all checks are signed by the Treasurer, Vice President or President of BBLA.

July 4 Parade donation:  John H. indicated that the traditional  July 4^th parade donation was due.  A motion was made, seconded and passed to make the $ 1,000 donation.

Outreach Committee:  John H. described the HOA outreach efforts and Laura M. reported that the committee had compiled an extensive list of HOA points of contact in the region and had extended an invitation to them to attend today’s meeting.  Several of the HOA’s were conducting meetings of their own, and a few did attend the BBLA meeting.  John requested that the committee propose an activity to generate closer relationships with other HOA’s.  Suggestions of issues that might interest others in the region included Route 26 widening and traffic bottleneck improvements, the upcoming BBVFD Ambulance Service and the Indian River Bridge replacement.

Communications Committee:  John H. indicated that he would like proposals from the Communications Committee regarding the BBLA web site and other initiatives.  A brief meeting of the committee was organized immediately following the May 24 meeting to address notification for the Annual Members meeting.  Some suggestions to address the issue included amendment of the bylaws to permit official notice by public means (such as Newspaper Advertisement).  It was noted that Delaware State Law includes restrictions on official notice requirements.  John H. noted that BBLA should address these parliamentary issues as soon as possible in order to focus our attention on more important issues for our members.

Elections Information Committee:  John Himmelberg requested that Dan Costello continue to serve as chairman of the Election Information Committee, and that Steve Trodden again act as moderator for Candidate’s night which will be held prior to the September 6 Town Council Election.  Both men agreed.

Dan Costello suggested that BBLA request the Town of Bethany Beach to open Town Hall for absentee voting on the four Saturdays prior to the Sept. 6 election.

Conflict of Interest Policy:  John introduced Michael Loftus who described the contents of the new BBLA Conflict of Interest Policy.  The Policy improves transparency of Board of Director’s motives and interests in business that comes before the Board.  A motion was made and seconded to approve the Policy, and it was unanimously approved.

A motion was made and passed to adjourn the meeting at approximately 12 noon.