Beach Nourishment Committee Meeting
Regular MeetingOgden Dunes, IN · September 19, 2023
Minutes
Minutes Beach Nourishment Committee Meeting Sept 19, 2023
Meeting called to order by Sandy Boyer 6:33P.M. at OD Fire House
Attendees: Sandy Boyer, John Lawicki, Peter Mavrelis, Paul Panther, Michele Bonneau, Bruce
Boyer, C. J. Jackson, Charles Sheaff, Scott Kingan, Dave Schneider (remote)
The minutes of the August 15th meeting were approved.
Reports:
Sandy:
Permitting: The USACE is in discussion with the NPS regarding approving shore protection. Our
engineer has submitted a report to the USACE regarding the project. Even if a permit is granted
by the USACE for work on the project, the DNR will not be able to give a permit until the
objections from Save The Dunes organization has been decided. Currently we are awaiting a
hearing scheduled for May 2024. Because of this, we do not anticipate any work being
performed until fall 2024 at the earliest. Any cost estimates cannot be made until an up to date
survey is performed and this is now being postponed until next spring.
Scott
Resilient Coastal Projects Initiative: Scott educated the committee on this organization and the
work they do for communities all along the great lakes. The town will be applying for a “BRIC”
grant that will help fund a study by the Smith Group who are experts on designing shore
restoration projects. Beverly Shores has already done such a study. Long Beach and Ogden
Dunes are planning to do a similar project.
In addition to this project we learned that the State of Indiana has approved monies for a study
for the USACE to look for a long term solution for preservation of sand on our beach.
Dave, Bruce
Snow Fencing: Much discussion about what kind of snow fencing is best for sand restoration
occurred. No conclusion were drawn but it was felt that winter placement and springtime
removal would be best.
CJ
Ladder: The placement of a ladder for beach access from retaining walls worked well this
summer. This will be continued for next beach season as well.
Sandy and Scott:
Litigation and mitigation: We are optimistic that a favorable result will occur when the court
date occurs on October 10th.
Reconciliation: Those home owners who owe monies will need to pay before those who are
owed refunds can receive refunds.
Paul
MOBI MATTS: Paul discussed about pursuing these matts for next beach season.
Meeting adjourned 8:11 P.M.
Next meeting October 17, 6:30 P.M. Ogden Dunes Firehouse.
Agenda
Beach Nourishment Committee Agenda September 19, 2023
Approve minutes from previous meeting.
Reports
Permitting – Sandy
USACE is meeting with the NPS to discuss their issues.
Dan’s letter on behalf of the Town was submitted to the USACE.
Save the Dunes
The next meeting is set for 5/1/24 as Save the Dunes attorneys expect to have many
documents to go through.
Our attorney and the IDNR attorney have not yet decided whether to request dismissal
or fight on the merits.
The Town, Steve Coombs, and Bruce Boyer were subpoenaed.
GZA
We think construction can go through the winter if our weather is mild.
Our attorney is checking with the IDNR attorney to confirm that we can work above the
OHWM. Dan is concerned that those areas on the east end of phase 2 won’t be
accessible if we add protection to the beach west of them and the water level rises.
Resilient Coastal Projects Initiative – Allan
We submitted a grant application that would cover the cost of planning. The application
is a joint application with Long Beach and Beverly Shores.
Snow fencing– Dave & Bruce
Ladders to beach - CJ
Litigation & Mitigation – The next meeting with mediator is October 10. We are trying to
connect with USACE re their plan for sand on the beach.
Reconciliation - There are homeowners on the east end who have not paid the balance of what
they owe. That holds up the money that is due to those who overpaid. Note that the estimates
homeowners were given were very close to being on target for work north of the wall. Any
extra costs were for the construction road along the shore, a necessary but unexpected
expense.
Community Comments/Questions
Issues on hold: gifts purchased for donors & requestion donations from residents.
Our next meeting is scheduled for September 19 at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room at the Fire
Department.
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