Post by kncook07 on Jun 11, 2014 21:00:39 GMT -4
We had our meeting with the Commissioners Board on Tuesday morning to discuss the beach permits and our group, Kent Island Beach Cleanups - KIBCU. It was a good meeting in that we have a second meeting scheduled for next Monday, 6/16, to continue the dialogue surrounding the beach permits, our groups goals and mission and where we can come together as a county.
We discussed the various issues with the permits: the fact that the permits do absolutely nothing to curb the pollution issues we have as well as they have greatly hindered our ability to solicit for and gain volunteers. We mentioned that some area stores recently stopped selling them due to disruption of regular business, loitering in their parking lots, etc...). The board voted (3-2) for the permits to remain until we can develop better plans to put in place of them. We suggested that we have a "Beach Watch" program, similar to Neighborhood Watches, and that we would begin to solicit volunteers to be trained. This would be in conjunction with the Sheriff’s office and their Auxiliary Team. We also suggested the county and sheriff’s office continue their beach enforcement program, monitoring Terrapin and Matapeake (since they are the parks with the most issues), and ticket violators for open fires, polluting, etc...In addition, we provided details on ways in which the beaches could be improved: increase in trash pickups during the weekends in peak season; updated signs (English and Spanish); new trash cans that are more sturdy and visible; and bringing recycling to the beaches and parks to name just a few.
Kent Island Beach Cleanups is trying our best to make everyone happy, but we know that this is impossible. Our goals still remain - to protect, preserve and maintain the beaches and parks here on KI. We are against pollution and WILL NOT stand for it. These permits are just a minor setback in our journey to a trash-free KI in the future. But we continue to ask for and need your support. This means showing up for our cleanups, helping us collect the trash, and helping us show the county we refuse to give up. I personally have been asked numerous times if I plan on moving out of the county or giving up. It was mentioned to me before that other groups have tried and failed where the county is concerned. I give you my word that I won't do this, but again...I need volunteers to back me and stand by me. All I ask is that you continue to volunteer with us, with or without a permit. Because remember...the pollution remains and it effects all of us eventually.
Please note that we have our next cleanup this Saturday, June 14th at Terrapin Beach Park. We will be there by 8:15 am to provide free one-day beach permits to those that volunteer. You must arrive no later than 9:30 to obtain a permit and sign in with us. We provide all of the supplies for you so you do not need to bring anything. We also provide light refreshments and snacks! There is no reason to not show up:)
PS: If you wish to see our meeting with the commissioner’s board, hang tight as we'll be posting it when it becomes available on QAC TV online.
Thank you!!
Kristin Cook
Kristin@KentIslandBeachCleanups.com
www.facebook.com/KentIslandBeachCleanups?ref=hl&ref_type=bookmark
We discussed the various issues with the permits: the fact that the permits do absolutely nothing to curb the pollution issues we have as well as they have greatly hindered our ability to solicit for and gain volunteers. We mentioned that some area stores recently stopped selling them due to disruption of regular business, loitering in their parking lots, etc...). The board voted (3-2) for the permits to remain until we can develop better plans to put in place of them. We suggested that we have a "Beach Watch" program, similar to Neighborhood Watches, and that we would begin to solicit volunteers to be trained. This would be in conjunction with the Sheriff’s office and their Auxiliary Team. We also suggested the county and sheriff’s office continue their beach enforcement program, monitoring Terrapin and Matapeake (since they are the parks with the most issues), and ticket violators for open fires, polluting, etc...In addition, we provided details on ways in which the beaches could be improved: increase in trash pickups during the weekends in peak season; updated signs (English and Spanish); new trash cans that are more sturdy and visible; and bringing recycling to the beaches and parks to name just a few.
Kent Island Beach Cleanups is trying our best to make everyone happy, but we know that this is impossible. Our goals still remain - to protect, preserve and maintain the beaches and parks here on KI. We are against pollution and WILL NOT stand for it. These permits are just a minor setback in our journey to a trash-free KI in the future. But we continue to ask for and need your support. This means showing up for our cleanups, helping us collect the trash, and helping us show the county we refuse to give up. I personally have been asked numerous times if I plan on moving out of the county or giving up. It was mentioned to me before that other groups have tried and failed where the county is concerned. I give you my word that I won't do this, but again...I need volunteers to back me and stand by me. All I ask is that you continue to volunteer with us, with or without a permit. Because remember...the pollution remains and it effects all of us eventually.
Please note that we have our next cleanup this Saturday, June 14th at Terrapin Beach Park. We will be there by 8:15 am to provide free one-day beach permits to those that volunteer. You must arrive no later than 9:30 to obtain a permit and sign in with us. We provide all of the supplies for you so you do not need to bring anything. We also provide light refreshments and snacks! There is no reason to not show up:)
PS: If you wish to see our meeting with the commissioner’s board, hang tight as we'll be posting it when it becomes available on QAC TV online.
Thank you!!
Kristin Cook
Kristin@KentIslandBeachCleanups.com
www.facebook.com/KentIslandBeachCleanups?ref=hl&ref_type=bookmark