Kennebunkport Beach Committee Reviews Summer, Eyes Budget Items

The Goose Rocks Beach Advisory Committee approved corrected minutes from its August meeting and heard summer wrap-up reports on water quality, dune restoration, parking, and traffic safety. Members discussed possible budget requests for next year, including handicapped beach mats, and took public comment on relocating a speed sign on New Biddeford Road.

Key points

• The committee approved the August 17 minutes as amended, with corrections from Chas Cadwell and Holly.
• Natural resources reported only four elevated bacteria readings at the two main beach testing sites all summer, with higher counts at Little River and Batson's River, where the town has posted permanent advisories.
• Dune restoration is holding up nearly two years in, with no storm damage, and dune grass density monitoring continues at more than 30 transects.
• A resident, Fred Stafford of Kings Highway, asked the committee to consider moving a speed indicator sign on New Biddeford Road closer to the Binnacle Hill entrance; Cadwell supported the idea.
• Members discussed possible budget requests, including handicapped beach mats at Jeffries Way and the Dyke Road entrance, estimated at $5,000 to $8,000 per entrance.
• A member raised concern that dog rules, including off-leash voice control, are not being enforced outside the summer season.

Next steps

• Chas Cadwell will look into the cost and feasibility of adding handicapped mats at Jeffries Way and the Dyke Road entrance.
• Committee members will compile budget figures for water testing, cleanup expenses, stake and twine, and plover monitoring to give to the chair for the town.
• Cadwell will collect the remaining summer traffic data for New Biddeford Road.
• The next meeting is scheduled for October, with a November 16 meeting also noted.

Read the full transcript