Jeffrey D. Champion

The Commission held several public hearings regarding property applications, including the installation of a new entry stair railing at 23 Pettipaug Avenue, the relocation of a pavilion and water fountain and hardscape modifications at the Fenwick Avenue Tennis Courts, the enclosure of an existing porch at 41 Pettipaug Avenue, site modifications including a screen fence, outdoor shower, and driveway changes at 21 Neponset Avenue, and a gate design modification at 15 Pettipaug Avenue. All applications were approved, with specific stipulations added for the 21 Neponset Avenue project. The Commission also reviewed reports on current construction projects and discussed the timeline for new criteria and the definition of public ways.

The commission held a public hearing regarding proposed amendments to zoning regulations, specifically creating a new section for conservation restrictions and updating site plan requirements to comply with state statutes. The commission voted to adopt these amendments. Additionally, they reviewed and approved a site plan application for the Fenwick Avenue tennis courts grandstand relocation with specific stipulations regarding site work and erosion control. The meeting also included status updates on the Hazard Mitigation Plan, the Long Island Sound Resilience Planning Support Program application, the implementation of the MyCoast app, and the ongoing Old Saybrook Affordable Housing Plan. Staff also provided a report on a seawall project.

The Commission discussed a report regarding the status and potential repairs for the pier. They also reviewed plans for tennis court renovations, specifically focusing on electric conduit installation. Additionally, the Commission addressed golf course operations, including geese control, updates to the golf course wait list, and the addition of new ticket holders. Finally, the group discussed scheduling for upcoming summer meetings and membership terms.

The commission held a discussion regarding design criteria, focusing on the goal of creating a user-friendly, coherent, and enforceable document for both members and applicants. The discussion covered the structure and format of the draft, which will address housing features and renovations. Plans were made to share the draft with the State Historic Preservation Office to ensure consistency with state statutes, with the expectation that a draft will be available to the commission by the end of March.

The meeting covered the environmental impact of Canadian geese, including potential damage to the golf course, leading to a decision to invite a USDA representative for a site visit and consultation with other local Course Superintendents regarding dispersion and removal options. General Manager reports detailed minimal golf revenue due to snow, updates on Pier repairs requiring future expert input, ongoing alarm system camera repairs, and delayed water line work. Other discussions included the Play Class website change, the impact of an active winter on operations and environmental factors, mandatory advanced cyber training for email users, and the likely need to lease a new Park Monitor Cart. The Borough Retirement Plan administrator is being sought for replacement to ensure employee access to external human representatives. The Treasurer reported sound financial footing and a clean audit opinion. The Board approved a Memorandum of Understanding with the Lynde Point Land Trust and the Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center for environmental education programs, and also approved a waiver of insurance for the Lynde Point Land Trust for the Fenwick Day Celebration. An appropriation of $6,000.00 was approved for a resiliency consultant for grant-related work, and access to the MyCoast App for residents was announced. The Board authorized $34,000.00 for Tennis Court Pavilion work, excluding immediate electrical conduit work. Preliminary review of the FY26-27 Budget was initiated.