Incorporated Village of Asharoken
Work session Meeting
Tuesday June 23rd, 2015 3:00pm
At Northport Power Plant
Approximate Attendance (17)
Officers Present:
Greg Letica, Mayor
Pam Pierce, Deputy Mayor
Melvin Ettinger, Trustee
Laura Burke, Trustee
Officials & Appointees Present:
Nancy Rittenhouse, Village Clerk
Raymond Mahdesian, Officer-in-Charge
The Pledge of Allegiance was said.
Proof of publication was made.
Mayor Letica opened up the meeting by introducing Henry Bokuenewicz a professor of Oceanography with Stony Brook University, Ph. D in Geophysics he was referred by the McClay’s, owners of a beach lot. Mr. H. Bokuenewicz was at the meeting to give his opinion on the ACOE plans that they are proposing for the village’s (ASDRP) plan.
Mayor Letica presented Mr. Bokuenewicz with several questions:
1. Mayor Letica asked; what was your overall impression of the plan. Mr. Bokuenewicz noted that it is a professional job. There is no reason to doubt the technical statements made by the ACOE.
2. Mayor Letica noted that the NYSDEC narrowed down the plans to two plans, one having just sand and the second with several groins by the seawall. Mr. Bokuenewicz noted that you can get away with beach nourishment but it’s not a solution to the problem it’s only a treatment. It will only last a limited time. A severe storm can take everything away, but you have to bear the risk and be ready to restore the sand if you need it. The three tapered groins at the west are meant to smooth out that harsh transition. But even this plan is a treatment it holds the sand in place and it keeps the day to day and year to year events from testing the protection structure, but it’s not a permanent solution to the problem. This seems to be a solution that is acceptable to the NYSDEC, the ACOE as it has a favorable cost benefit ratio. It protects against the normal events, another Sandy would still give it some trouble.
3. Mayor Letica noted that we are trying to protect the road from the water coming over. Mr. Bokuenewicz noted that the groins would hold the sand in that area, better than no groins at all. Mr. Bokuenewicz noted that the disadvantage of the groins is the industrialization of the shoreline. Some communities do not want to have these permanent structures in place, and would rather have all sand and replenishments.
4. Mayor Letica noted that the owners of the property on the west side of the groins are concerned about erosion. The ACOE noted that the existing groin is already holding back the sand to the south, and the groins to the north would be tapered and would not impede the bypass of sand, it will nourish itself and will help reduce erosion. Mr. Bokuenewicz noted that the tapering of groins has worked well in other locations. The beach south of the groin is in much better condition, but beyond that area there is still going to be an issue of sand deficient. The important point is that the sand that is being placed on the beach will move further north and the re-nourishment plan will bring in more sand.
5. Mayor Letica noted that the ACOE in their report are calling for 600,000 CY of sand. The amount of sand is based on the engineering plan. In your opinion do you think that’s a sufficient amount of sand, would more sand be better. Mr. Bokuenewicz, noted that more sand would be better, the 600,000 CY is the design for the profiles that they have engineered. The 600,000 CY is sufficient pertaining to the design profiles.
6. Deputy Mayor Pierce noted that the upside of the project is the restoring of the beach back to its original condition prior to a storm. The ACOE will guarantee this for the next 50 years.
7. Mayor Letica asked; do you think 600,000 CY is adequate, Mr. Bokuenewicz, noted that if you can get 800,000 CY it would be better but it’s going to be difficult. Mayor Letica noted that the NYSDEC are allowing a one-time dredging.
8. Mayor Letica asked; do you feel that the proposed re-nourishment cycles are sufficient? Mr. Bokuenewicz, noted that the agencies are using the standard engineering approach. When you are trying to justify these projects, regarding cost benefit they are designed to withstand severe conditions, attempting to get additional sand is going to be hard to do.
9. Mayor Letica asked about the beach profile that the ACOE designed. Mr. Bokuenewicz, noted that it is the right beach profile for this project.
10. Mayor Letica noted that one of concerns is public access; would it make any sense to restore both the south end and the north end only. Mr. Bokuenewicz noted that there would be some benefit for the unprotected property area in-between. The sand will eventually move to the west and benefit those properties and there will be a marginal improvement.
11. Mayor Letica asked; what is your opinion on removing the groin in front of the seawall. Mr. Bokuenewicz, noted that you wouldn’t want to remove that groin, it was put in there for a reason and taking it out will affect the areas on both sides and be a detriment to the property on the south side.
12. Mayor Letica asked; in your opinion do you believe this is a good project and how can the village be sure that we won’t be back in the same situation in a short time. Mr. Bokuenewicz noted that the fact that they are willing to come in and re-nourish the beach over a 50 year life span and the groins that are being considered are well engineered.
13. Mayor Letica asked; do you have any advice on other studies and what we can we do to feel comfortable with the suggested plans. Mr. Bokuenewicz mentioned the breakwaters and noted that the cost and permits may be a factor. Deputy Mayor Pierce noted that the ACOE noted that the results are the same as the groins but the cost is higher for the break waters.
14. Mayor Letica asked; do you think after reviewing this project and considering public access that this is beneficial for the village. Mr. Bokuenewicz noted that you have to do something. All of the sand that you can get on the beach to the south will benefit the village, it’s a good deal.
15. Deputy Mayor Pierce asked Mr. Bokuenewicz for information on the groins. He noted that the best place where he has seen tapered groins work was in West Hampton Beach. The tapered groins allow the erosion problem to spread out; it provides protection. By adding sand the sand eventually bypasses and enhances the beach.
16. Deputy Mayor Pierce asked Mr. Bokuenewicz about the storm surge. She noted that possible storm surges of 11’ every 10 years and 13’ every 15 years could occur. Mr. Bokuenewicz noted that yes it could occur. When you have these surges your sea wall and bulkheads will be tested and with more sand will reduce the damage.
17. Deputy Mayor Pierce asked; how much attention do the dunes need. Mr. Bokuenewicz noted that the dunes are in really good shape and using the snow fencing helps significantly. When they are tested in a big storm you are going to lose them.
18. Trustee Burke asked Mr. Bokuenewicz if he was affiliated with the ACOE in anyway. Mr. Bokuenewicz noted that he is not affiliated with the ACOE or the NYSDEC.
Mayor Letica opened up the meeting to the public approximately seven questions and statements were asked by the public.
1. Question on raising the road bed.
2. Question on the word “tested”.
3. Statement on the jetties and the effect it has on the beach. Mr. Bokuenewicz noted that he believes that even though you take out the existing groins he suspects that you are not going to solve the erosion problem. He believes that there was erosion problem prior and will continue if you take all the groins out. They are a disruption, but the groins were put in for a reason. You do not have to put in groins, you can pump sand on the beach but you would have to do it more often.
4. Question on placement of sand on the beach.
5. Statement was made on the property owners and how the project will affect them.
6. Statement was made that this is a town wide issue.
7. Statement was made on the historical deposits of sand on the beach and its affects.
Mayor Letica thanked Mr. Bokuenewicz for coming and for all his time spent with the village.
Resolutions:
Resolution (2015-56) Be It Resolved, that the Village Board does hereby approve the payment of $450.00 to Nassau County Police Department Arson/Bomb Squad for the 2015 fireworks event.
Deputy Mayor Pierce made a motion to approve, seconded by Mayor Letica.
Trustee Burke AYE
Trustee Ettinger AYE
Deputy Mayor Pierce AYE
Mayor Letica AYE
Motioned Carried.
Resolution (2015-57) Be It Resolved, that the Village Board does hereby approve a tent permit for the Ciesinski Family located at 144 Asharoken Avenue for the time period of July 3rd thru July 5th 2015.
Mayor Letica made a motion to approve, seconded by Trustee Ettinger.
Trustee Burke AYE
Trustee Ettinger AYE
Deputy Mayor Pierce AYE
Mayor Letica AYE
Motioned Carried.
Resolution (2015-58) Be It Resolved, that the Village Board does hereby approve a tent permit for the Cox Family located at 208 Asharoken Avenue for the time period of July 3rd thru July 5th 2015.
Deputy Mayor Pierce made a motion to approve, seconded by Trustee Ettinger.
Trustee Burke AYE
Trustee Ettinger AYE
Deputy Mayor Pierce AYE
Mayor Letica AYE
Motioned Carried.
Resolution (2015-59) Be It Resolved, that the Village Board does hereby approve a tent permit for the Murphy Family located at 277 Asharoken Avenue for the time period of June 25th to June 29th, 2015.
Deputy Mayor Pierce made a motion to approve, seconded by Mayor Letica.
Trustee Burke AYE
Trustee Ettinger AYE
Deputy Mayor Pierce AYE
Mayor Letica AYE
Motioned Carried.
Resolution (2015-60) Be It Resolved, that the Village Board does hereby approve a tent permit for Roger Lieb located at the beach lots for the time period of July 3rd thru July 5th 2015.
Deputy Mayor Pierce made a motion to approve, seconded by Trustee Ettinger.
Trustee Burke AYE
Trustee Ettinger AYE
Deputy Mayor Pierce AYE
Mayor Letica AYE
Motioned Carried.
Resolution (2015-61) Be It Resolved, that the Village Board does hereby approve July 7th, 2015 as the Organizational Meeting for fiscal year end 5/31/2016.
Trustee Ettinger made a motion to approve, seconded by Mayor Letica.
Trustee Burke AYE
Trustee Ettinger AYE
Deputy Mayor Pierce AYE
Mayor Letica AYE
Motioned Carried.
Resolution (2015-62) Be It Resolved, that the Village Board does hereby authorize the payment of $350 for the cut-up and removal of trees from the front bed of Village Hall.
Trustee Ettinger made a motion to approve, seconded by Mayor Letica.
Trustee Burke AYE
Trustee Ettinger AYE
Deputy Mayor Pierce AYE
Mayor Letica AYE
Motioned Carried.
Resolution (2015-63) Be It Resolved, that the Village Board authorizes the Mayor to sign the proposal for engineering services with Newport Engineering for the drainage easement at Village Hall in the amount of $2750, Village Attorney approved as to form.
Mayor Letica made a motion to approve, seconded by Trustee Ettinger.
Trustee Burke AYE
Trustee Ettinger AYE
Deputy Mayor Pierce AYE
Mayor Letica AYE
Motioned Carried.
Mayor Letica made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Trustee Ettinger.
Trustee Burke AYE
Trustee Ettinger AYE
Deputy Mayor Pierce AYE
Mayor Letica AYE
Motioned Carried.
The June 23, 2015 work session board meeting of the Board of Trustees was adjourned at approximately 4:30 pm.
Signed: _____________________________________________
Nancy Rittenhouse, Village Clerk