DRAFT Minutes

Bethany Beach Landowners’ Association

And ACTION Outreach program and Board of Directors’ Meeting

Monday, June 15, 2009 7pm

Town Hall

Council’s Meeting Room

 Attendees:

• BBLA Board Members Present:, Dave Evans, , Jerry Hardiman, John Himmelberg, Michael Horne, Janet Kennedy, Laura Marriott, Bob Parsons Steve Trodden, Steve Wode, Margaret Young, Tracy Mulligan
• Guests (for Community Outreach portion only):  Mary McLaughlin (Summerfield), Richard Wright (Quaint Acres), Pat Woodring (Waterside), Kathy Vengazo (Briarcliffe), Ron and Diane Liberto (Providence), Eric Sheinin (Southampton), Kathy Tribadeau (Middlesex), Jim Hayes (Lord Baltimore), Diana Emlet (Providence), Rosemary Hardiman (The Canal)
• Speakers:  Tom Banez, DELDOT Route 26 Widening PM and Associate and Lead Engineer Jill Frey

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A BBLA Board of Directors Meeting was held after the Community Outreach event concluded:

John asked the Directors to consider whether BBLA should support the funding for Rout 26 Main line project.  It was noted that the purchase of the land costs more than the construction.

John announced that the Membership Meeting June 27 will include Treasurer’s report and elections of Board Members, as well an Election committee report. 

Discussion ensued regarding possible changes to the timing and content of Meet the Candidates Night.  There was general consensus that if there is to be change to Candidate’s night, we really need more lead time since the elections season is started and questions, bios, etc. are needed in a compressed time.  Deadline for candidates to file is 45 days prior to elections, which will be held Sept 12. 

The Board considered how much lead-time is needed to get questions to candidates.  Some see little use for holding the event the night before elections since so many folks vote absentee prior to the event.  However, it was also noted that for citizens who vote in person, there is evidence that the event can help them make their decisions.  The candidate’s nights are always well attended.

Discussion of when candidate’s night should be held, how questions and answers get communicated and whether a debate plus a meet the candidate’s meeting would be possible – suggestion was made to video the event (events) and post on You-Tube. It was further suggested that the Board should request input from members on what they’d like to see next year.   BBLA supports communications with the public prior to voting so citizens can be fully informed.  Discussions will continue with other BBLA members to form a plan of action for the future.

This year, a non-binding referendum is going to be on the ballot regarding proposed extension of Town Council terms to 3 years and limits to 2 consecutive terms.

A suggestion was made that debate on referendum could replace candidate’s night if there is no election.  Further discussion ensued regarding who would be invited to debate.  Jack Walsh was suggested, John requests input on who should present each side in a debate (written and in person).

It was agreed that BBLA should publish the candidate night ground rules in the newsletter, on the night of the event and in local papers this year.

The Board considered annual charitable contributions – Parade, Fire Dept and Library are the usual recipients – It was noted that Fire Department receipts are down this year, maybe because folks think the ambulance assessment is funding the fire protection (but it is not – it is ambulance only).  John asked for input – Tracy reports we have enough money to contribute similar amounts as we have in the past - averaging $1,500 each.

A motion was made, seconded and passed unanimously to provide contributions of $500 to the July 4 parade, $1,000 for the South Coastal Library and $2,000 for Fire Dept.  

The Board agreed to request information from Phil Rossi regarding what costs the parade incurs.  Margaret Young agreed to make the request.

BBLA BOD term limits were proposed as a topic for discussion at Membership meeting.  Some older members have volunteered to step aside if asked, in accordance with the current bylaws term limits.  Motion to recommend an amendment to BBLA bylaws to remove term limit references was made, seconded and passed unanimously. 

A Discussion of Topics the Board would like Cliff Graviet to address at the annual membership meeting occurred.  Potential topics included the proposed New Water Tower, Five Year Capital Budget process, public dissemination of engineering reports to the town, parking permit allocation, and National Guard plans to erect wind farm as well as future expanded facilities in next few years. 

Finally, John requested ideas on what activities/issues we should undertake next year.

Motion to adjourn the meeting made, seconded and passed at 9:30 pm.

Synopsis of Community Outreach program in separate file