TOWN OF DUCK

MUNICIPAL PROPERTY MASTER PLAN STUDY COMMITTEE

REGULAR MEETING

December 13, 2004

 

The Municipal Property Master Plan Study Committee for the Town of Duck convened at the Duck Municipal Offices at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, December 13, 2004.

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:  Chairman Paul Keller, Bob Fitchett, Charlie Pratt, Donna Black, Ed Sowinski, Avery Harrison, Town Manager and Town Clerk Christopher Layton and VHB Consultant Chris Dewitt.

 

MEMBERS ABSENT: Jennifer Gilbreath.

 

OTHERS PRESENT:  Deputy Town Clerk Lori Kopec.

 

The meeting was called to order at 2:00 p.m.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

Chairman Keller asked the Committee to review the minutes of the November 8, 2004 meeting for changes.  Ed Sowinski clarified a statement regarding temporary restrooms he had made at the November 8, 2004 meeting.  Charlie Pratt moved to approve the minutes as presented.  Donna Black seconded the motion.

 

Motion approved 6-0.

 

ISSUES RELATED TO MASTER PLAN DEVELOPMENT

 

Review and Discussion of Draft Concept Plans

 

Town Manager Layton pointed out to the Committee some omissions in the Municipal Property Master Plan that occurred during the reproduction of the electronic document.  Chris Dewitt stated that the electronic version is fine and his copy is fine as well.  He stated that he would be printing and binding copies of the Master Plan for the Committee.  Chairman Keller pointed out an error in the Appendix C footer.  Donna Black pointed out an additional error in the body of the text.

 

Chris Dewitt stated the document is very similar to the last version the Committee received.  He stated that the drainage concepts and cost spreadsheet is included with the new version.  He asked the Committee if they had any changes.  Chairman Keller suggested the Committee review the document page by page.  He encouraged the audience to speak up if they have any corrections that are needed.  Chris Dewitt went on to review the Master Plan with the Committee.

 

Angela Beckman was recognized to speak.  She stated the Potential Uses were confusing in that the percentages conflicted.  Chris Dewitt stated he would need to reword the section to make it clearer. 

 

Chairman Keller asked if the size of the aerial photos could be enlarged.  Mr. Dewitt showed the Committee an 11x17 aerial photo and stated that they would be receiving the photos in that size in their bound version of the Master Plan.

 

George Keefe was recognized to speak.  Mr. Keefe pointed out a typographical error under the Alternatives section of the Master Plan.

 

Angela Beckman pointed out that the percentages under Potential Uses added up to 101%.  She felt it was a rounding error.  Chris Dewitt stated it was due to rounding.  Ms. Beckman pointed out the same error occurred under Amenities and Support Facilities.

 

Charlie Pratt stated that the plans do not indicate an overlook with seating on the sound.  Chris Dewitt stated that he would include a sentence that talks about the overlook and seating.  Mr. Pratt felt that Council may point that out.  Town Manager Layton felt it wouldn’t be a problem.

 

Chairman Keller pointed out that Herron’s was misspelled under Drainage Improvements. 

 

Charlie Pratt stated he was glad to see so many pages referenced in the appendix regarding the drainage improvements.  He felt the most important part of the plan, in addition to the recreational part, was the fact that the plan is addressing the drainage issue and will overcome it.  He stated it makes the Town look like it is taking care of its own problems.

 

Charlie Pratt stated that the trails would not be completed in the first phase and asked if the construction of the kayak launch should be located in another part of the phasing.  Chris Dewitt stated a lot of it depends on the grant and the cost would include some parking as well as access for a launch.  Mr. Pratt asked that even though the trails wouldn’t be constructed, people could access the kayak launch.  Mr. Dewitt stated he was correct.

 

Chairman Keller pointed out that the chart did not have a page number on it.  Chris Dewitt stated that the chart should go after the Conclusion. 

 

Town Manager Layton stated that the phasing chart should include an indication that things could take longer than anticipated.  Chris Dewitt agreed.

 

Charlie Pratt felt the Rodgers cemetery should be addressed better than just having it limited to one sentence.  He pointed out that not much was said about the cemetery over the past year.  He stated he didn’t think the present fencing around the cemetery should be left as is.  He also felt the cemetery should be a separate line item in the phasing process.  He felt there should be more detailed goals for the cemetery.  Town Manager Layton pointed out that the Committee hadn’t talked much about the cemetery.  Donna Black asked if it could be addressed under the landscaping items.  Chairman Keller stated that landscaping is outside the function of the Committee.  He stated that if there are enhancements that the Committee wishes to see, it should be followed up.  Mr. Pratt felt that if a border is considered as an enhancement, a better one than the present fencing should be used.

 

Town Manager Layton asked Charlie Pratt what he envisions for the cemetery.  Mr. Pratt stated he envisioned a white vinyl fence, approximately 3-4 feet high, positioned somewhat like the present one along with a marker.  Town Manager Layton stated a fence is seen as a landscaping feature and felt it was a final detail for the property.  He stated it could be put in the Master Plan that the cemetery would be maintained.  Mr. Pratt stated that once the Master Plan is approved by Council, the public could then view it and he didn’t want the public to think the cemetery was brought down to one sentence.  Chairman Keller suggested separating the cemetery from the Rodgers House in the Master Plan.  Chris Dewitt stated he could do that.

 

Darwin “Dock” Drewyer was recognized to speak. Mr. Drewyer asked the Committee if they have seen the new cemetery at the new Dare Information Center.  He stated it was done very tastefully with brick and wrought iron.  Ed Sowinski suggested the cemetery be framed with shrubs.

 

Charlie Pratt asked Chairman Keller what he had in mind for the cemetery.  Chairman Keller stated he didn’t have anything in mind, but felt it was up to the Council and landscaping committee to come up with something tasteful.

 

Chairman Keller asked how it would be explained that the phasing chart is an aggressive one.  Town Manager Layton stated it would be put in the phasing chart that it is an aggressive one.  Chris Dewitt agreed. 

 

Chairman Keller asked if it would need to be delineated that the Town’s budget cycle is different than the calendar year.  Town Manager Layton stated there may be some confusion but that the phasing is based on a calendar year. 

 

George Keefe pointed out two typographical errors in Appendix C.

 

Town Manager Layton suggested that it be stated that the cost estimates are subject to final bids for construction. 

 

Discussion of Presentation to Town Council

 

Chairman Keller asked if the final draft of the Master Plan could be received on December 21, 2004.  Chris Dewitt stated it could.  Chairman Keller asked how the final draft should be reviewed.  He felt that he and Town Manager Layton should review it. Town Manager Layton stated that the Committee had just reviewed the final draft and that Chris Dewitt would just present the final document.  Chairman Keller stated he wanted to make sure the changes were in the final document.  Town Manager Layton stated that he and Chairman Keller could review it together.  Chairman Keller asked Chris Dewitt to provide two copies of the final document and that he and Town Manager Layton would give their comments to Mr. Dewitt on December 22, 2004.

 

Chairman Keller stated that on December 29, 2004 he would like to have enough copies of the final document delivered to the Town Council so they can have a full week to review the document.  Chairman Keller stated he would also like to have a Power Point presentation for Town Manager Layton and him to review.  He asked Chris Dewitt if he would be at the January 5, 2005 Council meeting.  Mr. Dewitt stated he would be there to answer any questions.

 

Ed Sowinski asked if the Committee would receive a final copy of the document as well.  Chairman Keller stated that they already have the final copy.  He stated he will be asking Council to extend the Committee’ term by one month, to end on February 15, 2005 in case there are additional questions.

 

Charlie Pratt clarified that the final document would be presented to Council on January 5, 2005.  Town Manager Layton stated he was correct.

 

Town Manager Layton stated that if Council approves the Master Plan, the next step will be to start the next phase of implementation.  Charlie Pratt asked who would be responsible for the next phase. Town Manager Layton stated he believed it was his responsibility.  He stated he anticipates another committee to be formed to help advise and answer specific questions that come up during the design phase.  He stated it needs to be determined if Chris Dewitt would need to be kept on board.  He stated the next phase after the Master Plan is adopted is to develop a strategy for implementation.

 

Charlie Pratt asked if a meeting in January would be a possibility.  Chairman Keller stated he was correct.  He stated the Committee may meet in January or February.  He suggested the Committee meet in January to review.  Charlie Pratt stated he would like to attend.  Donna Black stated she would be out of town.  Town Manager Layton stated he may be out of town as well.

 

The Committee went on to state how much they have enjoyed working together and with Chris Dewitt over the past year.

 

OTHER ISSUES

 

Chairman Keller stated a January meeting would not be needed.  Ed Sowinski suggested a lunch.  Chairman Keller stated that the Committee was to have lunch at his home, but a date has not been set.  Ed Sowinski suggested coming up with a date for the lunch.

 

Town Manager Layton asked Donna Black when she comes back from her trip.  Donna Black stated she comes back on January 12, 2005.  Town Manager Layton stated he will be leaving for his trip on January 12, 2005.

 

Darwin Drewyer stated he appreciated all of the efforts of the Committee over the past year. 

 

Chairman Keller reminded the Committee that there will not be a January meeting unless one is called.

 

Ed Sowinski asked if he would be allowed to attend the Council meeting on January 5, 2005.  Chairman Keller stated it was encouraged that the Committee members attend.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

There being no further discussion, Chairman Keller asked for a motion to adjourn.  Charlie Pratt moved to adjourn.  Ed Sowinski seconded the motion.

 

Motion carried 6-0.

 

The time was 2:50 p.m.