The South Shore Road Advisory Committee (SSRAC) met Wednesday at the Church at 4:30. Attending were, Anne Casperson, Darcy Daniells, Paula Dekker, Susan Ferrell, Roz Glasser, Tony Maggi, David McKibben, Carl Meinzinger, Jim Nichol, Bruce Rooney, and Dennis Wyatt. Absent were Win Anderson, Marc Caputo, Sally Smith, and Edith Walden. Attending as guests were Harold Scott of 6257 South Shore Road and Susie Fox.

Jim Nichol led the meeting. The minutes were adopted.

Jim Nichol stated that Given Kutz from Public Works was unable to attend today but would be able to come next week. Next week's meeting will be scheduled accordingly. 

Discussion began again on the long-term proposals for the east end of South Shore Road. Maps of Alternative 1-3 submitted by Win Anderson were discussed and the Anderson letter of June 7, 2009 was read. The committee expressed concern that Alternatives 1 and 2 went through structures and a major wetland. All landowners that would be affected by the road objected to it except the Andersons. Carl mentioned that he was aware that the area behind Win's was a peat bog. Darcy objected to Alternative 1 because she would then have a road on two sides of her. Alternative 1 would also duplicate a good section of South Shore Road that is expected to be around beyond 100 years. Overall, these options were not seen as consistent with the committee's criteria and the road would be extremely expensive. Alternative 3 would also go through the Scott septic field (and possibly their house) as well as Hill's house and septic field.  

Alternative 4 estimates that the road would last 100 years if it is 50 feet from the bank, based on an erosion rate of 6 inches per year. This erosion rate does not take into account sea rise from climate change. Susan suggested that vegetating the bank would help to lessen the erosion rate. Alternative 4 might impact Scott's and Hill's septic fields. In Edith's notes to Roz, she said she called Dick Hill who said he is still willing to consider a limited easement for this option. The committee saw Alternative 4 as the least intrusive. The committee generally agreed with Alternative 4 but also wanted to amend it to include a study attempting to verify the erosion rate with sea rise. This option was also seen as the short-term solution for the east end since adding the lane would also provide access to adjoining properties. Roz agreed to draft a motion accordingly. 

Bruce reported that there is a 15 to 25 foot easement available between Guemes Island Road and Chestnut Lane for an access road to the adjacent ownerships. 

The discussion of short-term solutions was limited to Paula's thoughts on the benefits of the bump out option with two-way traffic where the road would be expanded only to get around the bad spots. She said it would accommodate two-way traffic, it could slow speeds, drainage could improve if the new lane covered the existing ditches, it could use available easements, and generally it would be the most cost effective way for all people to use the road. An outstanding issue is how the load limit could be enforced. The pros and cons of other options will be discussed at the next meeting. Based on Edith's notes to Roz and her call to Dick Hill, she said that Dick wonders if the local access solution could be enforced by an electric gate that could be opened for emergency vehicles and local residents. 

Jim apologized for calling a public meeting before the committee had completely reviewed the east end proposals with the criteria. In her notes to Roz, Edith said all people who she had previously contacted about the June 27 meeting have been called and notified that the meeting was cancelled and that it will be rescheduled. To reduce the number of meeting dates, the committee agreed to use the July 18 public meeting on short-term options for a public meeting on the east end as well.  

During public comment, Harold said he would like to see if armoring the toe of the bank would substitute for adding to the east end of the road since his septic field would probably be impacted by a road addition.  

Tony and Edith were given a hearty round of applause for their hard work in preparing maps and other materials for the public meetings.

Next week’s agenda includes receiving answers from a county representative, presentation of pros and cons for short-term solutions, and discussion of the July 18 meeting.

The meeting was adjourned.

Submitted by Roz Glasser