Meeting Notice — July 1 2020
WEB SUMMARY
July 1, 2020
A special meeting of the Board was held on Wednesday, July 1. Due to the short notice given in arranging the meeting, notice of the meeting announcement was waived. Attending the meeting by teleconference, in compliance with the Delaware State of Emergency, were: President Bruce Wilson, Secretary Debbie Director, Treasurer Helen Hoart, Vice President Louisa Hollman and Assistant Secretary Evan Thalenberg. Community Executive James Allen also attended the meeting.
In response to the City of Rehoboth’s mask policy change earlier in the week, Mr. Wilson asked the Board to re-evaluate the North Shores mask protocol. The City of Rehoboth recently changed their mask policy, requiring masks to be worn at all times, including on the beach. The Board then discussed different potential responses, including adopting the Rehoboth mask policy or following the State of Delaware policy, (requiring masks outside only when social distancing of 6 feet is not possible). The current North Shores policy requires masks to be worn on beach access crossovers where contact within 6 feet is likely. Voluntary compliance of wearing masks on the crossovers has had limited results.
The Board members then discussed concerns about compliance with the community’s existing rules and concern that the new mask requirements in Rehoboth would lead many people to find other nearby beaches, creating a security issue for North Shores. Mr. Wilson recommended hiring an off-duty Delaware State Police officer for the July 4th holiday weekend to support the staff. He continued that security and enforcement of the North Shores policies would be challenging over the weekend, based on already-reported conflicts between residents over the mask policy.
Community Executive James Allen informed the Board that new signs for the mask requirements were on order and would be in place by the end of the week. Cards with social distancing and mask requirements were also in production. James Allen also reported to the Board that additional staff had been hired for the holiday weekend. Temporary staff “beach ambassadors” would be posted at the Ocean Drive side of each crossover during peak weekend days to remind those using the crossover that a mask was required. Beach staff at the base of the crossovers will check-in beach goers as they enter, requiring name and address, controlling access to the beach.
The next item for discussion was the placement of umbrellas. Currently umbrellas are spaced 20 feet apart. Reports from homeowners concerned about social distancing indicated more space between groups was desired. The Board agreed that a space of 30 feet, diagonally and laterally, would allow more space between large family groups.
Mr. Wilson requested an email blast to inform homeowners and rental guests of the policy changes for the weekend. Mr. Allen will circulate a draft of the email to the Board for comment.
The meeting was adjourned.