Beach Safety Advisory Committee

CITY OF CAPE MAY CAPE MAY BEACH SAFETY COMMITTEE Meeting Minutes COMMITTEE MEETING: Monday, April 25th @ 4:30pm LOCATION: Auditorium Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag Roll Call In attendance: 1. Steven J. Steger, Jr-Citizen, Chairman 2. Christine N. DiDonato-Citizen/Secretary 3. Lorraine Baldwin, Council Liaison 4. Harry Back-Citizen, Supervisor of Beaches 5. Sara Werner-CMBP Beach Patrol, Lieutenant 6. Tom Medvecky-CMBP/Educator 7. Alex Coulter-Fire Chief 8. Roy Sundstrom-Citizen In abstention: • Sara Werner-CMBP Beach Patrol, Lieutenant • Eric Prusinski-DPW Representative Minutes for March meeting entered into record for approval: • Changes or Concerns? No • Motion to approve: Alex Coulter • 2nd: Tom Medvecky • April minutes approved and submitted for posting • Next meeting: May 23nd @4:30pm 1 CMBSC Positions open to the public and posted: • All are welcome to apply Sub-Committees: Progress Overview *As referenced the below is the initial outline and time frames are early projections Sub-committees Progress 1. PA System Sub Committee Sub-Committee: Lorraine, Harry, Alex/Mike, Steve, Eric Coordinator: Harry Back Updates and Next Steps: • Research finished and Specs complete  • Vince Orlando, City Municipal Engineer sent letter 2 months ago; Awaiting DEP response. • Project out to bid after approval: Pole and speaker inspection should be included in bid; project fall time frame • Submit appropriate permits in a timely manner • Once completed, the extended speaker system can be used at Beach Patrol Headquarters and Convention Hall for public safety announcements Community Members supporting: Joe McLaughlin-consultant Projected Completion Date: 2023 2. Beach Replenishment Sub Committee: Harry Back, Lorraine, Christine, Steve, Roy Coordinator: Lorraine Baldwin Updates and Next Steps: • The beach replenishment project is on a 2-year plan with the Federal Government. • Wilmington Beach was just finished in the 2 year cycle • After early May Nor’easter significant amount of sand washed away; steep drop off on upper part of Wilmington Beach; Is backfill possible by Memorial Day? • Sub-committee planned meeting to discuss Demonstration Project • Collaborate with Legal and Coastal Engineer; Marc DeBlasio, P.E., accepted the position of Advisory Engineer with the Beach Safety Committee. He continues to guide the committee regarding engineering matters, regulatory requirements, potential funding opportunities, and practical construction solutions related to the beach profile, engineering options and safety concerns. Community Members involved: Marc DeBlasio Support needed: Support from City Manager and Mayor Projected Completion Date: 2024/2 year estimate. 3. Beach and Surf Zone Safety: Educating the Public Sub-Committee: Tom, Steve, Harry, Christine Coordinator: Tom Medvecky Updates and Next Steps: • Website to go live; Date TBD. CMBP updated their website to include a QR code that links directly to beach safety information. In conjunction with the Cape May Police Department, the Beach Patrol will be utilizing signage throughout the City, including at beach entrances, to allow easy access to online and in-person services. Beach Patrol’s website currently houses beach safety information including daily surf and weather reports. The public can also stay informed by using the Nixle message delivery service. Safety alerts can be received via text message, email, or website at no cost. More information on Nixle can be found on the City’s website at www.capemaycity.com.  • Curriculum planned for a pilot education program at local schools in Cape May. The program will be presented by current and veteran Cape May lifeguards. After review of the current pilot program, a larger launch initiative is set to be implemented. • The Cape May Beach Safety Committee, along with the Cape May Beach Patrol, will host an open house at Beach Patrol Headquarters on Sunday, June 26th at 9am. Headquarters is located at 238 Beach Avenue, Cape May. Come out and meet your lifeguards and committee members and learn more about the beach safety initiatives. • TBD: budget allocution for outreach, website and educational and visual materials Community Members involved: TBD Support needed: Tom Medvecky enlisting retired and current beach patrol and fire department members to speak at local schools. Projected Completion Date: will begin rollout in 2022. 2023 completion. 4. Marketing Sub-Committee: Tom, Steve, Sara, Eric Coordinator: Steve Steger Updates and Next Steps: • CMBP nearing completion. All beach safety info will be digitally accessible to the public on this site. It is powered by Square Space and mobile phone friendly. Website will be reviewed for approval. • Sara working on picture/content • Next meeting of sub-committee planned. • Content creation on-going. Community Members involved: Support needed: Projected Completion Date: • Discussion on how Marketing and Beach education work together Beach Access Update • The Cape May Beach Safety Committee has also been working diligently to establish easier access to the beach. Each entrance point will have a ramp that further extends towards the ocean for easier wheelchair and stroller access. For those who may need assistance, there are beach-friendly wheelchairs available. Ask beach tagger for more information. Public Portion: N/A Adjournment • Motion to adjourn: Alex Coulter • 2nd: Harry Back