Meeting Minutes

Quorum was fulfilled with 37 members in attendance

President’s welcome and report:

President Gretchen Lunsford opened the meeting with a moment of silence for members Phil Leonardi, Ed Potanka, and Denise Staples, who passed away this past year. Donations were made in their memories to the local soup kitchen. Attendees were reminded to use Orange Island View beach tags, label watercraft (kayaks, paddle boards).

Vice President Report:

• Town Tax Increase: 3.76% for this period. Old Mail Trail/Beach Way will be paved this fall. Singing Bridge replacement project planned for two years—potential for traffic disruption.
• Pilots Point Marina acquired by Blackstone Corp; signs being updated (likely remains under “Safe Harbor” brand).
• Town center developments: new restaurant (Charter Oak Tavern), new apartments/offices to replace dilapidated properties, plans for Viking Motel’s demolition for townhouses.
• Dunkin’ Donut site repurposed as “Slices and Scoops. Town will eventually hold a vote on sewer and community center plans.
• Coastal Resiliency Studies: Westbrook has conducted a sea level rise study (current, 2050, 2070 projections) via a grant from the Long Island Sound Fisheries Fund. Available on town and council websites. The study details impact on local geography, models flood risks, and identifies “worst” vulnerable areas. Consultants recommended 24-25 mitigation options.
• Additional Grants: For Cold Springs Brook (for washed-away areas), study on raising the town bottom, and a critical study on east-west Duck Island breakwater repair.
• Food Drive Bins will be located at Tony’s house. The deadline for collections is July 12. 

Treasurer/Tax Collectors Report:

Assets as of June 7, 2025: Checkbook (bank): $11,509 Investment (Schwab): $87,950 (two CDs + money market) Total Net Worth: $99,459

Budget for Upcoming Year: Mill rate unchanged, projected fiscal discipline. Overages in property maintenance explained by storm impacts and some beach plowing. Social budget (hospitality): $6,000 budget; $4,300 spent YTD with summer events ahead.

Social Committee

• 4th of July: Traditional neighborhood breakfast.
• July 5th: Family tie-dye event on the beach (free shirts with IVBA logo), pie-eating contest.
• Annual Summer Party: July 26. Features the Old-World Pizza Truck (pizza, salad, tiramisu) and the Kate Thompson Band. Tickets: $20 (members), $25 per additional/adult guest, $15 for kids.
• Caribbean Sunset Party: Aug 16, with steel drum band
• IVBA Band—timing flexible ("whenever").

New Fundraiser: Handmade IVBA ceramic tumblers ($15/members, $10 possibly for preorder). Also looking into more IVBA sweatshirts.

The committee was acknowledged for its emphasis on volunteers “creative ideas” and “kids’ crafts” contributions.

Ticket Sales Organization: Moving to single point-of-sale Dea Leonardi, 21 Sunrise Rd., volunteered to collect.

Communication: Surveys for movie selection and mug orders to be sent out by President.

Beach Committee

Post-storm clean-up of tree taken care of by Jeff. The committee discussed that since the beach was in good condition, we would forego plowing and have an organized volunteer raking effort.

New beach guard: (Elizabeth’s friend, Ransom,) available weekends this summer.

No major repairs needed; the buoy lines are in good shape; new beach games to be acquired.

The black barrier by the fence used to protect plants will remain intact for the time being. A suggestion was made to investigate fencing for the area as well as a handrail on that side of the stairs, if fencing is pursued.

Gate code security: code will remain the same, for continuity

Maintenance Committee

Running repair approach—fix issues as seen, including fencing, signposts, etc.

No projects planned beyond ongoing repairs.

Beautification Committee

Triangle and beach areas mulched/edged; needs some weeding (work group suggested for volunteer weeding). Potential work day for both beach and garden volunteers.

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Ongoing Concerns: Speeding and not stopping at stop signs.

Calls for increased vigilance and reminders to guests, especially those with children. Suggestions for additional stop signs, but ownership (town vs. private) varies by road and would need to be coordinated.

Golf carts on public roads are not permitted.

The IVBA Community is being encouraged to self-regulate, remind guests/renters, and call police (911) if necessary to report trespassers.

Right-of-Way Maintenance: The public access path to the right of the beach is officially town responsibility for maintenance, per longstanding agreement.

Meeting adjourned