Early in 2002, the Board of Selectmen voted to increase the beach permit fee for non-residents to $50. Absent was an increase in fees for residents (their fee remains at $20). Rather than working to bring year-round residents, summer residents, and short-term visitor's together working towards one goal of taking care of Nantucket, this seems to further widen the gap between the three groups. Later in 2002, the Board of Selectmen voted to again increase the beach permit fee. This time from $50 to $100. A 100% increase.

In August 2002, dealing another blow to public beach access, the Board of Selectmen voted to close Miacomet beach to vehicles. While a portion of Miacomet has seen significant erosion, it is not an impassable beach. This closure is in addition to the recent 40th pole access issues. Comments have been made about an excessive amount of vehicles at 40th pole over the 4th of July. The 4th of July is a national holiday. Just about all outdoor public places fill to capacity on this day. Not just on Nantucket, but all over the entire nation. The over night parties and trashing of the beach at 40th pole is not about access, it is about people breaking the law. People break the law in all areas. Closing down everything is not the answer. The nations highways are filled with drunk drivers every day. Hundreds, if not thousands of people are killed every year in drunk driving accidents. Is the answer banning of motor vehicles altogether? No. Most police departments around the country utilize new and creative techniques to address the problem. This year, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of vehicles on the beaches with NO STICKER on the bumper. Why do the ATV patrols drive right past vehicles that do not have a beach permit sticker? Where is the enforcement?

Looking at the above issues, it seems clear that the Beach Management Advisory Committee, along with the Board of Selectmen, fail to realize the importance of beach access to people who vacation on the Island of Nantucket. We fully support the protection and preservation of Nantucket. We do not support closing down Nantucket. It is imperative that the Board of Selectman and the Beach Management Advisory Committee look at the number of non-resident beach permits issued this year. They should also ask themselves what the effects will be if this number falls significantly in 2003. It is not just about $100 beach stickers. It is about $350 ferry tickets. Two to five thousand dollar lodging bills (and more). Hundreds of dollars of restaurant meals. Boston Pops concert tickets to support Nantucket Cottage Hospital. The list is long. The dollars are enormous. Having spent a lot of time on Dionis, 40th pole (Eel Point), Madaket (Smith's Point), Cisco, Miacomet, Surfside, and Great Point, we have never seen an excess of vehicles or people. There is plenty of room for both to co-exist peacefully. Those that say there isn't are being selfish and are trying to force their beliefs on others by distorting the facts. Yes there are times when the beaches are more crowded than others. That is to be expected during holiday time periods. If you see a crowded photograph, there is a good chance it was taken on one of those special days.

Even though nobody likes it, erosion is a natural process. If you don't have dune erosion then you don't have beaches, period. Unfortunately this is a fact of life. If there are houses on the edge, as in Sconset, or if there is a sewer plant built right next to the ocean, then perhaps someone should question the people who approved the plans for these projects.

If you agree with these beach changes, then continue vacationing on Nantucket. If you feel these fee increases, closures, and access problems are not acceptable, then let the Board of Selectmen know if you will be changing your vacations or visits to Nantucket next year or in the future.

Whitey Willauer (508) 228-1220 whitey@willauer.com, Chairman

Thomas Dickson (508) 228-3424, Chairman

Michael Glowacki, Vice Chairman

Roy Weedon, Jr. (resigned prior to term end)

Brian Chadwick

Edith Ray

Doug Bennett

Maureen Beck

Michael Kopko

Robert Barsanti (508) 228-8411

Letters can also be addressed to The Board of Selectmen or the Beach Management Advisory Committee at:
Town Building, 16 Broad Street, Nantucket, MA 02554

Below are meeting minutes relevant to beach access, closures, and fees.

October 26, 2005
One Big Beach Program Update and Progress Report. Consultant Doug Unruh gave an update on activity since his last report to the Board. He read the One Big Beach Mission Statement as previously approved by the Board of Selectmen, noting its inclusion in the new brochure already in use. He noted contacts to date and plans for future mailings. Mr. Willauer and Mr. Bennett requested addition of additional beaches to the focus. Ms. Murray reminded the Board of its previously adopted prioritization list. Fire Chief Everett Pierce noted the importance of emergency location signs and asked for opened beaches to have approval for signs for public safety. Mr. Willauer inquired about the leash law.

October 12, 2005
Resignation: Beach Management Advisory Committee. Chairman Glowacki shared a letter from resigning committee member Roy Weedon. Mr. Bennett moved to accept the resignation of Mr. Weedon and to send him a letter of thanks for his service. Mr. Chadwick seconded. So voted unanimously. Mr. Bennett inquired about advertising for the position to follow by Town Administration, confirmed by Assistant Town Administrator Tracy Murray.

August 3, 2005
Public Hearing to Consider Amending the Town's Regulations for Use of Town-Owned Beaches to Include the Regulation of Kiteboarding (continued from 21 July 2005). Marine Superintendent/Harbormaster Fronzuto gave a brief review of activity since the original public hearing of July 21, 2005, noting that he had met with kiteboarders and Nantucket resident Lawrence Mannix regarding restrictions at Pocomo. He stated his recommended approval of three of four restrictions, not to include setting of time limits. Chairman Glowacki clarified that the first matter before the Board was to address the amendments to the regulations, after which restrictions specific to Pocomo might be taken up. Kiteboarder PJ Rubin questioned the legality of Item 8, which would give the Board authority to place restrictions on private property; Chairman Glowacki clarified that Town Counsel had provided required background to support this. After Board deliberation on protecting public safety, Chairman Glowacki closed the Public Hearing. Mr. Watts moved to adopt the amended regulations as provided by Town Counsel. Mr. Bennett seconded and then requested an amendment to approve Items 1-7, and to exclude Item 8. Mr. Bennett and Mr. Willauer voted for the amended motion; Mr. Chadwick, Mr. Watts and Chairman Glowacki voted against.. Chairman Glowacki requested a vote on the original motion and Mr. Bennett and Mr. Willauer voted against it; Mr. Chadwick, Mr. Watts and Chairman Glowacki voted in support of the motion. So voted. On Chairman Glowacki's invitation regarding discussion of Pocomo restrictions, discussion followed from Mr. Fronzuto who again recommended adoption of Items 2-4, excluding time limits while Mr. Mannix spoke in support of keeping all four items. Board discussion followed on specific points and the ability to revisit restrictions as needed in the future. Mr. Bennett moved to approve restrictions 2-4, amending the 4th to indicate the correct reference numbers. Mr. Willauer seconded. So voted unanimously.
Mr. Watts said he'd received numerous complaints about 40th pole and the use of the beach there. Police Chief Bill Pittman provided feedback and indicated a plan to address the situation, further suggesting a possibility of looking into solutions to daytime noise, now tough to arbitrate, via the next Annual Town Meeting.

July 21, 2005
Public Hearing to Consider Amending the Town's Regulations for Use of Town-Owned Beaches to Include the Regulation of Kiteboarding. Chairman Glowacki opened the hearing, advising of the procedure to be followed. Marine Superintendent Dave Fronzuto gave background information and spoke of competing uses in the harbor and public safety concerns. Chairman Glowacki clarified the proposal before the board and Mr. Fronzuto reviewed the most recent Administration proposed amendments to the regulations. Nantucket kiteboarders Mike Alpert and Jay Stebbins noted that they were not in agreement with all the proposed regulations and Mr. Stebbins suggested a simpler two-rule "guideline." Mr. Chadwick voiced concern about the kiteboarders' proximity to the beach. Island resident Jamie Ranney suggested revision of the regulations for inconsistencies and that parties talk to reach agreement. Other residents Jeff Morash and Schuyler Kuhl spoke on behalf of the safety record of kiteboarders here. Edie Ray, a current Beach Management Advisory Committee member, spoke on experiences with kiteboarders that she felt compromised her personal safety and that of endangered species. Lawrence Mannix of 81 Pocomo Road presented information about the dangers of the sport as noted by manufacturers and the sport's magazine. He indicated willingness to compromise to reach an agreement with the kiteboarders. Mr. Bennett moved that the board continue the hearing to August 3, 2005 to allow the parties to meet to come to agreement. Mr. Willauer seconded. So voted unanimously.

July 6, 2005
"One Big Beach" Program Statement Adopted by Board of Selectmen: In recognition of the importance of the tradition of public access to the Island's beaches, the Board of Selectmen is committed to formally securing public access to beaches on the island through easements and/or other means of permanent acquisition, in a manner that respects the rights of private landowners, provides protection for endangered species and environmental concerns while at the same time allowing for reasonable, traditional and responsible public use of the beach areas around the island in accordance with the Town's Beach Management Plan.

June 27, 2005
Beach Management Advisory Committee. Chairman Glowacki noted there are five vacancies and seven applicants: Robert Barsanti, Maureen Beck, Tom Dickson, Colin Leddy, Frank Powers, Edie Ray and Roy Weedon. Mr. Weedon, Ms. Ray and Mr. Dickson were re-appointed, and Ms. Beck and Mr. Barsanti were newly appointed, all to serve one year terms, said terms to expire on June 30, 2006.

June 8, 2005
Nantucket resident Colin Leddy submitted his application for the Beach Management Advisory Committee and spoke on his credentials.

June 2, 2005
Public Hearing to Review Applications for Committee/Commission/Board Vacancies. Chairman Glowacki opened the hearing and noted existing committee/commission/board vacancies. The following individuals either spoke on their credentials and/or acknowledged their presence noting they would answer any questions, if requested: ......Beach Management Advisory Committee — applicants Robert Barsanti, Maureen Beck, and Edith Ray.....

May 25, 2005
Town Administrator's Report. Status Report on Smith's Point Access. Town Administrator Libby Gibson reported that one post at the access to Smith's Point has been removed and vehicles are now allowed to travel approximately � mile along the beach by the water. Ms. Gibson noted that while there has been some indication of concern by a nearby property owner, no official complaints have been received to date. Ms. Gibson also reported that there is very soft sand along this stretch of beach and vehicles are getting stuck. Marine Superintendent Fronzuto reported that he has been in contact with the homeowner at the access point and he is satisfied with the fencing installed by the town. Ms. Gibson added that the situation will continue to be monitored.

May 18, 2005
Presentation of Final Draft Beach Management Plan. Town Administrator Libby Gibson reported that a Beach Management Plan has been drafted and reviewed by Town Counsel. Ms Gibson noted the purpose of the Plan and Beach Manager Amanda Bixby gave a synopsis of the specifics of the Plan, goals hoped to be achieved, and explained what agencies have jurisdiction over what beaches. Ken Kassan, a member of the Beach Management Advisory Committee, commended Ms. Bixby noting she has compiled a great deal of information into one concise document. Mr. Kassan expressed his opinion that the Plan will be an excellent "tool" for the "One Big Beach" program. Some discussion followed and Ms. Gibson asked that the Board review the draft Plan carefully, as the document is to be considered for adoption on June 2, 2005.
Status Report on One Big Beach Program. Ms. Gibson reported that the One Big Beach (OBB) program has not progressed significantly since its inception and the Board needs to determine what components it wants to include in the program (i.e. public access, reversion language) and what type of "model" document should be used. A brief discussion ensued with regard to what a conservation restriction is versus an easement or a taking. Ms. Gibson noted that the Board should provide her with any comments concerning the OBB program by May 26, 2005, as the matter will be further discussed on June 1, 2005.

May 4, 2005
Town Administrator's Report: Update on Beach Access at Smith's Point and Jetties Beach. Town Administrator Libby Gibson reported on the access at Smith's Point, noting that, if the beach is open for access, only a small portion of the area would be accessible as extensive fencing must be installed due to nesting endangered birds. Ms. Gibson added there could be issues with the private property owner whose house has been damaged by the erosion, as the access point is right in front of this property. Ms. Gibson recommended the beach remain closed at this time to vehicles. Nantucket resident Edie Ray spoke in opposition to allowing vehicle traffic on the beach, noting there are currently 4 pairs of piping plovers on the beach and least terns are due to arrive soon. Conservation Commission member Clark Whitcomb expressed his opinion that the Town should determine applicable property lines before vehicles are allowed access. Mr. Watts and Mr. Bennett expressed their opinions that "we should give it a try" by allowing vehicles on the beach. Mr. Chadwick concurred but stated the beach should only be opened to the first dune area. Mr. Fronzuto stated he will open the beach and install fencing with the appropriate separation required by the Beach Management Plan. With regard to the Jetties Beach, Ms. Gibson reported that this beach area is under the jurisdiction of the Park & Recreation Commission and the gate has been locked to vehicle access due to nesting endangered birds.

March 23, 2005
Ms. Gibson also announced that the beach at the access point to Smith's Point appears to have widened, but due to its unstable condition, recommended that the beach remain closed. Ms. Gibson also noted that the endangered species birds (piping plovers and least terns) are due to arrive shortly thus necessitating the closure of the beach.

August 4, 2004
Public Hearing to Consider Amendments to Town Beach Use Regulations. Town Administrator Libby Gibson explained that following the last hearing on this matter when proposed amendments were tabled indefinitely, a meeting was held to discuss concerns previously raised. Ms. Gibson added that the prior concerns dealt specifically with dogs and All Terrain Vehicles (ATV's) on the beaches. Ms. Gibson stated that revisions were made to the proposed amendments and Town Counsel has reviewed and further modified them.
Chairman Soverino opened the hearing and asked if any individual was present who wished to speak in favor of the proposed amendments to the Town Beach Use Regulations. Beach Manager Amanda Bixby spoke and explained the reasons for the amendments. Also speaking in favor was Beach Management Advisory Committee chairman Tom Dixon and committee members Ken Kassan and Edith Ray. A brief discussion followed concerning the amendment pertaining to unleashed dogs and Nantucket residents Tom Quigley and Roger Ernst expressed their views. As no individual was present to speak in opposition to the proposed amendments, Chairman Soverino closed the hearing. Mr. Watts moved to approve the proposed amendments for use of Town owned beaches; seconded by Mr. Glowacki. So voted.

June 28, 2004
Beach Management Advisory Committee. Chairman Soverino noted there are five vacancies and seven applicants: Thomas Dickson, Kenneth Kassan, Edith Ray, Roy Weedon, Jr., Brian Chadwick, Alan Brown and Jeff Allen. By hand count, Mr. Dickson, Mr. Kassan, Mr. Chadwick, and Ms. Ray were unanimously appointed to serve one year terms, and Mr. Weedon was also appointed, receiving votes from Mr. Murphy, Mr. Glowacki, Mr. Bennett and Chairman Soverino. Mr. Allen received one vote from Mr. Watts.

June 9, 2004
Public Hearing to Review Applications for 2004 Committee/Commission/Board Appointments Scheduled for June 28, 2004. Chairman Soverino opened the hearing and noted existing committee/commission/board vacancies. The following individuals either spoke on their credentials or acknowledged their presence noting they would answer any questions, if requested:.... Beach Management Advisory Committee - applicants Edith Ray and Brian Chadwick.....

May 26, 2004
Town Administrator's Report. Town Administrator Libby Gibson stated that she has received comments back from Town Counsel with regard to a draft policy on fee waivers and is still in the process of reviewing the comments. Ms. Gibson updated the Board regarding a "pre-season" beach meeting she held the other day with applicable departments and what the outstanding beach issues are at this time. Ms. Gibson noted that "late breaking" beach news will be posted on the town's website.

May 19, 2004
Public Hearing to Consider Amendment to Town's "Regulations of the of Town-Owned Beaches." Chairman Soverino opened the hearing and asked if any individual was present who wished to speak in favor of the amendments. Beach Manager Amanda Bixby explained the proposed amendments noting the proposals that beach management personnel have the authority to fine motor vehicle rental companies (rather than driver) in the event a rented vehicle does not display a valid beach sticker; the prohibition of kiteboards, kites and other objects, that may be confused as a predator, within 200 yards of any nesting, territorial adult or unfledged endangered species, from April through August; the authority to fine dog owners $50 for unleashed dogs, in accordance with the town bylaw 55-4D; clarify in the regulations that fireworks and other pyrotechnics are prohibited on the beaches, and clarify that All Terrain Vehicles (ATV's) are prohibited from the beaches and dunes in accordance with the town bylaw 56-6A; authority for the town's endangered species monitor to enforce the beach regulations. Also speaking in favor of the proposed amendments were Beach Management Advisory Committee chairman (BMAC) Jamie Ranney, who stated there are no "substantial changes" in these proposed amendments. Endangered species monitor Edith Ray also spoke in favor of the regulations. Chairman Soverino asked if any individual was present who wished to speak in opposition to the proposed amendments and Nantucket resident Larry Whelden expressed opposition about having to have dogs leashed on the beach. Madaket resident Phil Gallagher expressed his opinion that responsibility for beach driving violations should not be "shifted" from the individual to the rental company but should rest "squarely on the shoulders of the violator."
Chairman Soverino closed the hearing and Board discussion followed. Mr. Watts stated he is not in favor of amending the beach regulations, noting that there is already a bylaw regulating the activities being discussed and that "should be the end of it." After some additional discussion, Mr. Murphy moved to adopt the proposed amendments to the beach regulations. The motion died for lack of a second. Mr. Glowacki inquired whether these proposed amendments have been put before the public for comment and Ms. Bixby stated that the proposed amendments were authored by BMAC and these meetings are all public. Mr. Watts suggested tabling action for 2 weeks in order to get more information on the ATV issue. Mr. Bennett asked Mr. DeRensis whether the proposed amendments "mirror" the bylaws and Mr. DeRensis responded that they are not "one and the same." Ms. Gibson suggested eliminating the references to the dog and ATV bylaws. After some additional discussion, Mr. Watts moved to defer action on this matter indefinitely; seconded by Mr. Bennett. So voted. Mr. Murphy was opposed.

September 10, 2003
Selectmen's Reports/Comment. Mr. Fee commented about a letter that was recently received from an individual inquiring as to how revenues from the sale of beach stickers are spent. A brief discussion followed concerning revenues and "new growth."

August 13, 2003
Request for Award of Proposal for Project Manager for the "One Big Beach" Program (continued from July 30, 2003). Chairman Murphy provided background information with regard to the "One Big Beach" program, noting what tasks the project manager will undertake. Mr. Fee moved to award the proposal to Michael Varbalow; seconded by Mr. Spriggs. So voted. Surfside resident Tom Quigley expressed his delight with the appointment.

July 30, 2003
Request for Award of Proposal for Project Manager for the "One Big Beach" Program. Mr. Spriggs moved to table this matter to August 13, 2003; seconded by Mr. Watts. So voted.

July 16, 2003
Public Hearing to Consider Adoption of Regulations for Use of Town-Owned Beaches. Chairman Murphy opened the hearing and asked if any individual was present who wished to speak in favor of the proposed regulations. West Miacomet Road resident John Johnson spoke in favor of the proposed regulations but voiced some concern with regard to the number of events allowed. Mr. Johnson also raised the issue of caterers pouring liquor without the appropriate licensure. Nantucket resident Edith Ray also voiced support for the regulations but proposed certain minor changes in both the regulations and permit application. Park & Recreation commissioner Maureen Beck suggested a "precinct" area be allocated to where tents can be installed. Chairman Murphy asked if any individual was present who wished to speak in opposition to the proposed regulations and Nantucket resident Linda Williams stated she is "confused" as to what a "beach event" is. Caterer John Pearl stated that many of his customers book events "at the last minute" and he is concerned that he will not have enough time to go through the permitting process. Andy Grennan, representing Sperry Tents, requested that a "compromise" be made for the permitting of "last minute events." Nantucket residents Nat Lowell and Doug Bennett expressed their opposition to the proposed regulations. Chairman Murphy closed the hearing. A lengthy discussion followed concerning several issues mentioned as concerns by the audience. With regard to the fee for the permit, Mr. Watts moved that the fee for the beach permit be $100 instead of $200 for events with an expected attendance of 16 to 75 individuals and the fee for events with an expected attendance of over 75 individuals be $200 rather than $400; seconded by Mr. Soverino. So voted. Mr. Soverino stated that he has a big problem with "family" gatherings being thought of as commercial events. A long discussion ensued concerning this issue and Mr. Soverino moved to amend section C (Definition of a Beach Event) so that a sentence is added to the end stating "A family gathering shall not constitute a commercial event under these regulations"; seconded by Mr. Spriggs. So voted. Mr. Fee was opposed. Mr. Soverino further moved to amend section C (Definition of a Beach Event) so that a sentence is added at the end stating " Family gatherings shall not constitute a commercial activity under these regulations"; seconded by Mr. Spriggs. So voted. Mr. Fee was opposed. Mr. Spriggs moved to approve the beach use rules and regulations, as amended; seconded by Mr. Soverino. So voted. Mr. Fee was opposed.

July 7, 2003
Beach Management Advisory Committee. Chairman Murphy noted that there are five vacancies and six applicants: Thomas Dickson, Kenneth Kassan, Frank Powers, Jamie Ranney, Edith Ray and Roy Weedon, Jr. By hand count, Mr. Dickson, Mr. Kassan, Mr. Ranney, and Mr. Weedon were unanimously appointed to serve a one year term. Ms. Ray was also appointed receiving votes from Mr. Fee, Chairman Murphy, Mr. Spriggs and Mr. Watts. Mr. Soverino cast one vote for Mr. Powers. Cable Television Advisory Committee. Chairman Murphy noted that there are two vacancies and two applicants: Daniel Honan and Gene Mahon. Mr. Spriggs moved to re-appoint Mr. Mahon and appoint Mr. Honan to three year terms, said terms to expire on June 30, 2006; seconded by Mr. Soverino. So voted.

June 25, 2003
Town Administrator's Report. Beach Management Advisory Committee chairman Jamie Ranney gave a report on the Nobadeer beach parking area. Mr. Ranney explained that a Nobadeer Beach work group was established several months ago with the mission to improve access and preserve eroding dune areas at Nobadeer Beach by accomplishing the following: 1) repairing the intersection of Nobadeer Avenue and Adams Street by re-grading upper portions of Nobadeer Avenue and creating drainage swales off of Nobadeer Avenue to prevent water run-off onto Adams Street; 2) clearly define a proper vehicle access route onto Nobadeer beach by redirecting access to the base of Adams Street; 3) block off the coastal bank access to the beach (that has severely degraded this bank by vehicle use). Mr. Ranney stated that he met with the Airport Commission yesterday and the Commission fully supports the plan and offered the use of Airport personnel and heavy equipment to assist in the project. The Board also voiced support for the project and unanimously agreed that this matter should be given top priority. The Board asked the Town Administrator to coordinate any necessary engineering matters between the Public Works Director and Airport personnel.

June 4, 2003
Town Administrator's Report. Town Administrator Libby Gibson provided a status report on beach management issues and announced that Amanda Bixby has been hired as the new Beach Monitor. Ms. Gibson extended special thanks to Jim Perelman for his services as the temporary Beach Manger for the last six months. Ms. Gibson also summarized a "pre-season" beach meeting that was held today with all departments associated with beach issues. Ms. Gibson noted that the probable closure of Smith's Point and possibly 40th Pole and the reduced beach area at Miacomet due to erosion this summer may result in over-crowding and related problems at the few other beaches that will be open to vehicular traffic. Ms. Gibson also reported on piping plover activity noting that the three chicks at Jetties beach disappeared following last Sunday's storm. Ms. Gibson also apprised the Board that staff is working on a project to improve Adams Street at Nobadeer Beach and the draft regulations for the commercial use of town-owned beaches has been finalized and staff will be meeting with caterers and other commercial users of beaches next week. Ms. Gibson extended special thanks to the Conservation Foundation and the Land Bank for their on-going support and invaluable assistance in all beach related issues. Mr. Soverino moved to authorize letters be sent to those agencies; seconded by Mr. Spriggs. So voted.

May 7, 2003
Town Administrator's Report......Ms. Gibson also announced that the date for which beach stickers can be purchased at the $50 rate has been extended until June 1, 2003.....

April 23, 2003
Beach Management Advisory Committee (BMAC) chairman Jamie Ranney announced that BMAC committee member Barbara Carr is resigning from the committee and is planning to leave the island. Mr. Ranney commended Ms. Carr for the work she performed on the committee and noted how much she contributed to address beach access issues the last couple of years. Mr. Fee concurred, adding that Ms. Carr will be sorely missed. Mr. Soverino moved to accept Ms. Carr's resignation with regret and to send her a letter of thanks, on behalf of the Board, thanking her for her services; seconded by Mr. Spriggs. So voted.

February 19, 2003
Public Hearing to Consider Application for Vacancy on Beach Management Advisory Committee. Chairman Spriggs opened the hearing and it was noted the applicant for the vacancy (Michael Miner) was not present. Some discussion followed as to whether the Board should table the hearing until the next meeting when the applicant could be present to answer any questions. Mr. Murphy stated he was in favor of tabling the matter. Mr. Fee expressed his opinion that, if there is only one candidate, there is no point in continuing the matter as Mr. Miner, being the only candidate, will be selected. After some additional discussion, Mr. Fee moved to appoint Mr. Miner to fill an unexpired term on the Beach Management Advisory Committee, said term to expire on June 30, 2003; seconded by Mr. Bender. So voted.

January 8, 2003
Raymond Conlon resigned from the Beach Management Advisory Committee.

November 6, 2002
Long Range Planning/Discussions/Sub committee Reports: Beach Management Advisory Committee Report and Recommendations. Jamie Ranney, chairman of the Beach Management Advisory Committee (BMAC), reported that the committee has met extensively over the past few months and have developed the following recommendations: 1) creation of a "Town Beach Supervisor" position; 2) prohibition of vehicles on beaches at night from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM from June 15 through September 15, with active fishermen excepted; 3) an additional per diem charge of $20.00 for rental vehicles at Smith's Point and a cap on the number of rental stickers issued by the Town to 215 rental vehicles on a first come first serve basis; 4) a permit fee of $50 for island registered vehicles between January 1 and April 30 and $100 for off-island registered vehicles and on-island registered vehicles with permits not purchased by April 30th; 5) an immediate appointment of a part-time, off-season patrol person to monitor beach conditions in traditionally problematic areas; 6) an amendment to the Town Beach Permit bylaw to increase fines for violations to $250; 7) immediate action to re-fence and monitor closing of Miacomet Beach to vehicles with emphasis on access closures. A lengthy discussion followed and Mr. Murphy moved to adopt the recommendations seconded by Mr. Fee. Further discussion followed and Mr. Soverino inquired whether there is funding for the Town Beach Supervisor position. Town Administrator Libby Gibson stated that she will need to review the budget, and in fact several of the recommendations. Mr. Murphy moved to withdraw his motion; seconded by Mr. Fee. So voted. Mr. Murphy moved to adopt the recommendations pending review of said recommendations by the Town Administrator to confirm funding; seconded by Mr. Fee. Mr. Soverino moved to amend the motion so as to authorize the Town Administrator to confirm funding sources and implement the recommendations; seconded by Mr. Fee. Mr. Bender further moved to amend the recommendation so as to eliminate BMAC's third recommendation. Mr. Bender stated he wants to see a $20.00 per diem charge placed on all vehicles not just rental vehicles. The motion died for lack of a second. The motion to adopt the recommendations (attached hereto), as amended by Mr. Soverino, was carried. So voted. Mr. Bender was opposed.

November 1, 2002
Nantucket Board of Selectmen released the first in a series of periodic reports that are designed to keep the public better informed as to their activities. The number one issue listed under "Issues of Ongoing Concern" is:

"Beach Access. Clearly this was a challenging summer with respect to beach access issues. The closing of the Miacomet area to vehicles due to dune erosion, combined with the closure of the 40th pole area has vaulted beach access to the very top of our list of concerns. The Board is keenly aware of the dual issue of beach access and beach management. We will be working through the fall to dramatically improve beach management, to educate the public about proper care of beaches, to codify and regularize commercial beach usage, to work on dune restoration at Miacomet, and to secure additional public access wherever possible."

August 28, 2002
Nantucket Board of Selectmen adopted Goals and Objectives for fiscal 2003. There were four main goals and they were listed in order of importance. Number four on the list was as follows: "ENHANCE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR RESIDENTS AND VISITORS". One of the bulleted items under this goal is "a plan to maintain and/or increase public access to and acquisition of beach/waterfront property, as well as to monitor and manage public use of Nantucket's beaches will be developed and implemented within the next 12 months".

July 17, 2002
Beach Management Advisory Committee chairman Jamie Ranney spoke with regard to problems at Miacomet Beach, specifically between West Miacomet and East Miacomet. Mr. Ranney stated that the beach between these two areas is severely eroded and the committee is questioning whether vehicular traffic should be prohibited there. Mr. Ranney noted that the easterly-most problematic area is south of the sewer beds and that continued use of this beach by vehicles will adversely affect these dunes which stand as a final barrier between the ocean and the sewer beds. Mr. Ranney provided the Board with a map of the area, and after some discussion, Mr. Murphy moved to request the Director of Public Works and other appropriate departments to survey the area and provide a recommendation to the Board as to whether it may be prudent to close this beach to vehicles; seconded by Mr. Fee. So voted. Fire Chief Bruce Watts stated he wants a "public debate" before this beach is closed.

March 27, 2002
Beach Management Advisory Committee (BMAC): Public Hearing to Consider Amending Beach Vehicle Sticker Fee Schedule (Addition of New $50 Fee for Non-Residents). Chairman Soverino opened the public hearing and recognized Jamie Ranney to speak on behalf of the Beach Management Advisory Committee. Mr. Ranney spoke in favor of creating a beach driving permit fee for non-residents of $50. Mr. Ranney stated that the definitions of "resident" and "non-resident" would be consistent with those used by the Marine Department in issuing shellfish licenses. There were no other comments in favor of the BMAC recommendation. There were no comments opposed to the BMAC recommendation. There was some discussion concerning the number of resident and non-resident permits issued. Mr. Spriggs spoke in favor of the non-resident fee and also stated that the resident fee should be increased. The Board discussed how increased fees would help fund beach cleaning and other related expenses. Ray Conlon a member of the Beach Management Advisory Committee stated that he hopes BMAC efforts will result in "changed attitudes" toward the use of beaches. Mr. Spriggs moved to amend the beach vehicle sticker fee schedule to add a new $50 fee for non-residents, effective April 15, 2002; seconded by Mr. Fee. So voted.

June 27, 2002
Beach Management Advisory Committee. Chairman Spriggs noted that there are five vacancies and five applicants: Barbara Carr, Ray Conlon, Thomas Dickson, Kenneth Kassan and Jamie Ranney. Mr. Soverino moved to re-appoint all applicants to serve one year terms, said terms to expire on June 30, 2003; seconded by Mr. Fee. So voted.

February 6, 2002
Long Range Planning/Discussions/Subcommittee Reports: Discussion Regarding Regulation of Types of Vehicles to be Offered for Rental on Nantucket. The Board reviewed an email from Town Counsel, Paul DeRensis. Mr. Spriggs believed the Town should not regulate the types of vehicles rented. Mr. Bender believed that the Town should write a letter to rental car agencies to ask them to reconsider the number of 4-wheel drive vehicles that are rented and to inform them that the Town may consider regulating this number in the future. The Board agreed that the Beach Management Advisory Committee should review the number of 4-wheel drive vehicles that are available for rental.

January 16, 2002
Beach Management Advisory Committee: Discussion Concerning Recommendations (continued from January 9, 2002). Beach Management Advisory Committee (BMAC) member Ray Conlon reviewed the Committee's recommendations: that the permit fee for beach stickers be raised to $50 for non-residents; that all town-owned beaches be surveyed and boulders installed to identify and delineate the boundaries of the town-owned beaches. Mr. Conlon added that signage should be visible stating that a permit is required to access town-owned beaches and a fine will be imposed for non-compliance. BMAC chairman James Ranney continued with the recommendations: that the beach permit revolving fund be made available for increased patrols, enforcement and education. Mr. Ranney also stated that the committee recommends off-season patrols be established with the possibility of volunteer citizen patrols available who can report problems or violations directly to the Police. It was noted that the Police Department also needs to increase its enforcement of beach driving violations with citations rather than warnings. Mr. Ranney concluded that it is also important to "keep the lines of communication" open with the owners of the large beach areas frequented by the public to ensure continued public access to such areas. Some discussion followed and the Board unanimously agreed to take the recommendations under advisement.