If you would like to print this agenda, please click here SDCC_General_Meeting_Agenda_March_30,_2009.pdf

SDCC General Meeting – Monday March 30th, 7:30pm to 9:00pm
Ocean Park Volunteer Rescue Squad Hall (parking in back, on side streets and across Shore Drive)
 
Updates from the Virginia General Assembly – Del. Joe Bouchard will be present to tell us what the Assembly did and didn’t accomplish during the past legislative session.  Del. Bouchard will also hold a question and answer period regarding state and local issues after his presentation.  This is a great opportunity to talk with a very personable state legislator in an intimate setting.

The general agenda for the evening will be:
Officer’s Reports – Brief Reports
Secretary – Todd
Treasurer’s Report – Leslie
Vice President & President – Grace & Steve

Old Business-
Indigo Dunes Project – There has been zero action on any of the joint permit application (JPA) reviews.  The applicant has not asked the State Water Control Board to reschedule it’s hearing of JPA#2.  The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is not acting on the application.  The City of VB is has not set a hearing date for the appeal of JPA#1.  The USACE is has not moved ahead with their review of JPA#2.  SDCC is in discussion with City Council regarding the possibility of the city buying the property from the bank which supposedly has control of the land at this time.  In an effort to help the City find funds to purchase the property, SDCC is asking for volunteers to perform searches for grant funding pertaining to the buying land for open space.
 
Pound Pole Fishing Nets – The Virginia Marine Resource Commission (VMRC) approved 2 permits for a total of 3 new nets west of the Lynnhaven Inlet.  The vote was 6-For, 0-Against, 3-Abstentions.  The board’s decision was based on the location of the nets being 1500 feet from shore and the required use of a modified leader that may help reduce dolphin kills.  5 residents spoke in opposition and 5 members of the fishing industry spoke in favor.  The VMRC received 45 emails of opposition and 7 in support.  The board was not swayed by the possible safety and recreational impact to the community or the possibility of killing more dolphins.  In the end, the rights of the fishermen overruled those of the community.  Possible appeal of the VMRC is being investigated as well as Federal legislative action.  Audio of the hearing can be found listed after Item #18 at VMRC audio minutes
 
Oyster Restoration Project – The Seafood Council of Virginia withdrew their testing and support for non-native Asian oysters.  They stated that based on political road blocks and opposition, the Council will not continue to pursue the introduction of non-natives into the Chesapeake Bay.  This is good news for the local groups (LRNOW, CBF and SDCC) that supported native oyster restoration only.  Now we just have to help secure the necessary funding to continue the progress that LRNOW and CBF have started. 

New Business –
Chick’s Oyster Bar Neighborhood Conflict – SDCC has agreed to serve as a mediator at a meeting between residents, restaurant owners, BAC, city staff and city council.  Issues that need to be discussed are excessive noise from weekend bands playing in the new bar area.  Also issues of crowd control when inebriated patrons are leaving in the early morning hours.  The goal would be to establish a compromise that allows the restaurant to continue to make money and still maintain the quality of life for the adjacent neighbors.
 
Kendall Street – Shore Drive intersection safety issues – Members of Cape Henry Shores have asked the City to install a stop light at this intersection and to reduce the speed limit on Shore Drive from Great Neck Road to First Landing Park from 45 MPH to 35 MPH.  The City Manager has responded with a letter stating that neither suggestion is possible and that no action will be taken to improve safety at this intersection.  What can be done and what action should SDCC pursue on this issue?

Neighborhood Watches – Does you neighborhood have a NW? And if it does, do you have an email distribution list?  SDCC would like all NWs to include SDCC on their emails so we can keep everyone along Shore Drive updated on crime related issues.  Currently Cape Story and Cape Henry Shore participate.  We are in need of neighborhoods west of the Lesner Bridge.
 
Upcoming Meetings of Interest –
• 2009 Civic Engagement Summit – Saturday April 4, 2009 at 8:30am at the Simulation Center in Suffolk.  Sponsored by Hampton Roads Center for Civic Engagement.  Free and open to public.  http://www.hrcce.org to register.
• On the Record with the VB City Council – Wednesday April 8, 2009 at 7:00pm in the VB Meyra Oberndorf (Central) Library.  Sponsored by the VB Council of Civic Organizations.  Free and open to the public. http://vbcco.eventbrite.com