North Beach Mayor Mark Frazer recommended five individuals for appointment to the town’s newly established Parks Commission. The mayor’s recommendations were presented during the town council’s April 11 meeting. The council unanimously approved the five designees.

Frazer said the commission “will work like the town’s existing advisory bodies.” The panel’s meetings will be open to the public and its area of concern will be parks and trails within the town limits of North Beach.

Frazer recommended for appointment Ed Rupard, who will serve as chairman pro tem; Joan Krell, Diane Burr, Abigail Francisco and Gary Pendleton.

The mayor had indicated during the council’s April work session that since the town is in the process of creating a passive park on 3rd Street a park commission would be an effective liaison for the project consultants and the public. “Timing is an issue,” said Frazer, who added he wants the new commission to establish a working relationship with CPH, the consulting firm working on the park project.

Councilwoman Gwen Schiada will serve as the council’s liaison to the commission.

In other business, Public Works Director Donnie Bowen discussed the water main break that occurred March 25. Bowen confirmed the break was caused by a faulty valve. The break occurred on Chesapeake Avenue between 1st Street and 2nd Street in the area of the church parking lot entrance. Several town residents had no water service between 4 and 7 p.m. that day. A permanent repair was made the following day. Bowen reported a new valve and ‘related fittings” were installed.

Councilman Mike Benton commended the Public Works Department for “a quick turnaround” on the water main break incident.

Town Engineer John Hofmann reported that design work continues for new decking and lighting for the town pier. Hofmann reported a consultant is currently doing a “pile inspection so work to repair damaged or deteriorated pilings can be included as part of the project.”

According to Hofmann, some of the structure’s pilings have exceeded their life expectancy and will need to be repaired or replaced. The engineer added that town officials hope “to have funding, plans and specifications in place for construction in the fall.”

The council voted to table a decision on whether to spend nearly $30,000 to purchase additional Christmas decorations. The purchase was proposed by dance instructor Abigail Francisco. The purchase of various decorations—elves, toy sold

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