Meeting – 05/11/15
The first item on the agenda was the possible construction of a sand fence near the North Shores groin to prevent vehicles from gaining access onto the North Shores beach. Discussion focused on the security and safety risks associated with recent intrusions by truck and ATV traffic on the beach. President Wilson explained that tire marks in the sand had been noted several times over the last few months indicating several vehicles had gained access to the North Shores beach illegally. The recent accumulation of sand on the beach now allows vehicles to travel easily from Lewes along the coastline to North Shores. Previously the height of the rocks that form several groins or jetties had made travel from one end of the park to the other impossible. The sand accumulation over the winter has buried the obstacles forming a sand bridge from Lewes to Indian Head Beach south of Dewey Beach. Park rangers confirm the level of sand is unprecedented but they will likely not have the resources for additional patrols to prevent future incidents.
The most significant risk to North Shores residents is at night, when the drivers of the vehicles may not see residents on the beach. Several options were considered to prevent vehicles from crossing the North Shores groin onto our beach. A low sand fence constructed with posts spaced close enough together to prevent a vehicle would be allowed by DNREC immediately. President Wilson surveyed the north end oceanfront homeowners for their preferences of materials. Building the height of the groin with rocks or boulders west of the high tide line was preferred by some homeowners. Improving the groin would require a separate application to DNREC as well as an engineering survey of the beach and would take several months to complete. President Wilson was advised by DNREC that building up the groin with rocks would likely attract opposition from environmental groups. Treasurer Donnee Ramelli stressed the importance of engaging the oceanfront homeowners for their preferences. It was agreed that the Board would continue to engage the oceanfront homeowners before making a final decision. Careful monitoring of the beach that indicates vehicle traffic after Memorial Day will require a quick and temporary solution, such as a sand fence.
Discussion of the North Shores vehicle crossover indicated the importance of the crossover being locked every day for the evening after the beach crew picked up the equipment to prevent vehicle access to the beach. President Wilson indicated that a gate installation may be necessary in the future.
Preparations for the Annual Meeting are progressing according to schedule. Retiring security guard Ernie Mason has been invited to the meeting. It was agreed that the Board would present him with a retirement bonus for his many years of service to North Shores.