By Adam Swift
The town is continuing negotiations with the state over the beach management plan for Yirell Beach.
The DEP has taken issue with a mound that the town had historically constructed with sand off the seawall to protect the nearby roadway, as well as with some of the beach raking practices.
Town Manager Tony Marino said he recently met with DEP officials to discuss the beach management plan and come up with an agreement. He said there will be a site meeting at the beach with officials on the beach, and that the town’s consultant is also looking at alternatives.
“The bone of contention with the DEP is really what we did with that mound for 20-something years,” said Marino. “Their contention is that doing that has somehow impacted the coastal dune, and we don’t necessarily agree, so we need to get back to what level of impact that has had or hasn’t had, then we can finalize the administrative consent order.”
Marino noted that the Wetlands Protection Act has changed in recent years, which is why the DEP is stepping up enforcement of beach management plans.
In other business, the council held a moment of silence in honor of former town employee Deborah Madden.
Madden died on March 16 at the age of 71.
“Debbie was one of the most warmhearted, professional, dedicated women that we have known,” said Council President Jim Letterie. “Debbied worked for 29 years for the town of Winthrop in multiple departments, 24 of those years spent with the DPW. Even in retirement, Debbie worked several hours per week helping in the office and training new employees.
“Debbie was a loving mother and grandmother, and her laughter, knowledge, and kindness will be forever missed.”
Letterie also noted that there will be more information on the formation of a Community Preservation Act Committee at the council’s next meeting in April.
The council is also still accepting applications or letters of interest to fill the unexpired Precinct 1 council seat. Letterie said there are currently four residents who have expressed an interest in filling out the remainder of the term, which runs through the end of 2025.