MINUTES OF IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING
OF THE
MISQUAMICUT FIRE DISTRICT
May 14, 2005

Committee Members Present:
Norm Auger, Neil Collins, Bill Gonzalez, Tom Mc Laughlin, Carol Melin
Pete Przekop, MFD Moderator also attended to give District updates.

Meeting was called to order at 8:35 a.m. by Norm Auger (in the absence of current chairman, Dominic Arminio, who recently lost his wife, Joan. The group expressed its condolences).

Old Business:
Group discussed last season's projects and updated status of:
Emergency Passes: Norm reported on availability of new applications for ID cards for 5-year emergency passes (valid July 2005-2010) to allow access to beach area for property owners. Applications will be included in newsletter being mailed to all members.

Web site: Pete and Bill have been working on site-available to all members of MFD. It will continue to be updated with recent material/committee information/meetings and schedules for trash collection, etc.

Beach grass planting: It was decided (during the winter) to postpone the scheduled spring planting as, once again, we escaped storms/erosion and the budgeted funds were not used.

Butt cans: Last summer's start was somewhat successful although all cans were missing in short order. Group discussed additional ideas for keeping beaches clean of debris.

New Business:
"Beautification Awards": (To be named "Good Neighbor" awards). Group will accept/collect nominations for residences whose properties show exceptional efforts. Awards will be given out at annual meeting/selections finalized at the next mtg. Carol will contact Bob Barber/The MBA for their nominations of businesses for above.

Planters: The 7 wooden planters (at Lawton, Clark Farms and Crandall Ave./Shore Rd. intersection) will be planted by group/volunteers at 8:30 a.m. Sat., May 28. Carol volunteered to pick up materials and the group decided to plant special flowers in Joan Arminio's memory as she did much to maintain them.

Beach gardens/general maintenance: Group is asked to weed/ water/fertilize. Discussion of adding more members. Bill agreed to coordinate (complimentary!) coffee at annual meeting and an informational table for potential helpers/new committee members.

Butt cans/new RI smoking laws: Group will again provide containers and signage to persuade beachgoers not to leave butts on the beach. Carol will coordinate/ print and be in contact with Bob Barber fm. MBA to see how business will tackle the indoor smoking ban and disposal of butts around their areas.

District Updates: Pete went over the following items in preparation for discussion/voting at annual meeting (to be held on Saturday, June 11 at firehouse):

Benson Ave. Beach Bathrooms: Septic needs to be replaced-work to begin this week in order to have all functioning by beach openings. Plants are being temporarily removed for replanting after completion. Covering costs explained.

New Fire Truck: Arrives in July-update/voting at annual meeting re: financing.

Beaches and Parking Passes: Two levels of seasonal passes for cars (as well as limited # of weekly ones) will be available for purchase. Many complaints were received re: the crowded conditions of beaches and overuse of MFD bathrooms so ID's are being explored along with cooperation of realtors/rental agents and hotels.

Refuse Contract: Current one expires in June and contract has gone out to bid. Details at annual meeting.

Beach Employees/Lifeguards: Have all been hired-some new and some returning. Will be wearing staff T-Shirts.

Proposed Gatherings for Members: Pete suggested committee host a breakfast or other type of gathering for residents to get acquainted. Group decided that more active members needed to generate ideas and participate but agreed on the concept of a community activity! Sale of T-shirts was also discussed for the future.

Town Meeting: MFD members interested in what's going on in Westerly can attend a town meeting at the (Misquamicut) firehouse on Saturday, June 18th at 9:30 am. to get information.

The next Improvement Committee meeting will be held on Saturday, June 4.
This meeting was adjourned at 10:35 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Carol K. Melin