Shellfish Commission

Regular Meeting

Norwalk, CT · September 4, 2025

Minutes

CITY OF NORWALK NORWALK SHELLFISH COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 4, 2025 ATTENDANCE: Nick Sacchinelli, Mark Hiller STAFF: Bill Mooney, Assistant Director of Health OTHERS: Alan Kibbe, Norwalk Harbor Management; John Pinto, Norwalk Harbor Management; Geoff Steadman, Consultant; Sgt. Justin Bisceglie I. CALL TO ORDER Mr. Mooney called the meeting to order at 6:33 pm. A quorum was not present. II. ROLL CALL A roll call of those present was performed. III. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES A. REGULAR MEETING: AUGUST 7, 2025 The minutes were tabled. IV. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION Mr. Garrett Friedrichsen of Crooked Trail spoke of a large vessel with a massive outlet pipe whose discharge was turning the water from Wilson Cove to the power plant dark and murky. He expressed concern that the activity harmed recreational fishing and crabbing and asked if there was any way to mitigate impacts during the season. V. REPORTS A. TREASURER Mr. Mooney reported that there were no expenditures or income; the balance remains at $29,292.00. B. SECRETARY There was no report at this time. City of Norwalk Shellfish Commission Regular Meeting September 4, 2025 Page 1 of 3 C. HEALTH DEPARTMENT Mr. Mooney reported the rainfall for August totaled 2.27 inches. The year before, it was 7.29, showing a significant difference; historically, it is 4.25. A closure occurred on August 21st due to rainfall. D. WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT There was no report at this time. E. PERMITS Mr. Mooney confirmed that he spoke with Mr. Bartush, and they will be working on obtaining the new permits for October. He noted that any proposed changes to the maps should be raised, as new maps may accompany the permits. F. POLICE Sgt. Bisceglie reported that the oyster stakes matter discussed last month has been resolved. He mentioned a boat that broke from its mooring near the south bank and drifted to Peach Island, which was secured. The water temperature is between 71 and 72. G. ADVISORY Mr. Kibbe reported that the Harbor Commissioners were provided with city-issued email addresses, which will help with FOIA compliance. He noted that the Cove Marina application has been put on hold. The Commission approved the notion for 108 Water Street, saying it could go forward with a number of conditions. Mr. Kibbe raised concerns about the increasing population in South Norwalk and potential egress challenges during weather events. He noted the DOT’s plan to replace ramps between Super 7 and the Merritt Parkway with a four-way traffic-light intersection. DOT expressed confidence that egress could be managed with police and traffic control. Mr. Steadman discussed Manresa Island, a stewardship permit is under review with hearings and public comment scheduled in October. He stressed the need to address potential marine sediment contamination and shellfish impacts. He also discussed the 108 Water Street redevelopment, noting the shift away from water-dependent uses, DEEP’s concerns about floodplain housing, and the importance of preserving the district’s marine commercial intent. Updates included the Norwalk River Watershed action plan with a September 13 public meeting, concerns about stormwater management in the Merritt Parkway/Route 7 project, work to amend the Harbor Management Act, safety measures following a Stratford drowning, and a proposal to name Veterans Park Marina after Tony Mobilia. City of Norwalk Shellfish Commission Regular Meeting September 4, 2025 Page 2 of 3 H. HARBOR MANAGEMENT Most of the discussion took place during the Advisory Report. Mr. Pinto expressed concern about diminishing the marine commercial zone and increasing residential development in a flood zone. He noted that while DEEP raised issues regarding dry egress, proposed plans did not provide satisfactory solutions, relying instead on the possibility of raising Water Street at an uncertain time. He added that proposals for water-dependent uses, such as a shellfish facility and boat rentals, did not adequately address the need for marine commercial space, including dock and vessel storage. VI. OLD BUSINESS There was no old business discussed. VII. NEW BUSINESS A. REQUEST TO SPEAK TO HARBOR ISSUE CONCERNING COMMERCIAL DREDGING VESSEL Due to a lack of quorum, this item was tabled. No discussion or action took place. VIII. DISCUSSION There was no further discussion. IX. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 7:09 pm. City of Norwalk Shellfish Commission Regular Meeting September 4, 2025 Page 3 of 3

Agenda

Packet

REGULAR MEETING – SHELLFISH COMMISSION AGENDA SEPTEMBER 4, 2025, 6:30 PM BY ZOOM VIRTUAL MEETING To allow public access, anyone may access a meeting by telephone and/or Zoom, or a recording in the City of Norwalk YouTube channel. Specific instructions and links can be found at norwalkct.gov/meetings. Members of the public may call in to participate. Callers will not be able to see the meeting participants. All participants will be muted upon entering the meeting. To speak, dial *9 on the phone and you will be called on by the host of the meeting during the public comment section. All speakers must state their name and address. Comments must be on a topic on the agenda, and are limited to three minutes. Anyone disrupting the orderly conduct of the meeting, including by using threatening, hateful, or sexually-explicit language, will be removed. Please find the information using the link above. Members of the public who wish to provide "live comments" may also use the Zoom meeting platform. All participants will be muted upon entering the meeting. To speak, click the “raise your hand indicator” and you will be called by the host of the meeting during the public comment section. All speakers must state their name and address. Comments must be on a topic on the agenda, and are limited to three minutes. Anyone disrupting the orderly conduct of the meeting, including by using threatening, hateful, or sexually-explicit language, will be removed. Please find the information using the link above. Members of the public who wish to provide public comment are encouraged to submit those via email in advance of the meeting. For these comments to be included into the record, they must be submitted by 12:00 p.m. the day of the meeting. Please email William Mooney at wmooney@norwalkct.gov with the subject line “Public Comment” to provide written public comment prior to the meeting. I. CALL TO ORDER II. ROLL CALL III. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES A. Regular Meeting: August 7. 2025 IV. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION V. REPORTS A. Treasurer B. Secretary C. Health Department Page 1 of 6 D. Wastewater Treatment Plant E. Permits F. Police G. Advisory H. Harbor Management VI. OLD BUSINESS VII. NEW BUSINESS A. Request to speak to harbor issue concerning commercial dredging vessel VIII. DISCUSSION IX. ADJOURNMENT UPCOMING MEETINGS A. October 2, 2025 Page 2 of 6 CITY OF NORWALK NORWALK SHELLFISH COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 7, 2025 ATTENDANCE: Steve Bartush, Chairman; Pete Johnson; Jonathan Pageler; Mark Hiller (6:32pm) STAFF: Bill Mooney, Assistant Director of Health OTHERS: Alan Kibbe, Norwalk Harbor Management; Sgt. Justin Bisceglie; Geoff Steadman I. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Bartush called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm. A quorum was present. II. ROLL CALL A roll call of those present was performed. III. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES A. REGULAR MEETING: JULY 10, 2025 ** MR. JOHNSON MOVED TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF JULY 10, 2025, AS SUBMITTED. ** MR. HILLER SECONDED THE MOTION. ** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. IV. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION There was no Public Participation at this time. V. REPORTS A. TREASURER Mr. Mooney reported that there was no change in this account; the balance remains at $29,292.00. B. SECRETARY Mr. Mooney came forward to update the Commission on the meeting he and Amelia recently had City of Norwalk Shellfish Commission Regular Meeting August 7, 2025 Page 1 of 4 Page 3 of 6 with DEEP to discuss the permitting process for the proposed Manresa Wilds Park. Mr. Mooney advised the process for obtaining a long-term stewardship permit will begin around mid-September to early October. Regarding the oil tank removal, Mr. Mooney explained that no permit was required as the tanks were located above the coastal jurisdiction line, which did not necessitate DEEP involvement. Any work below the jurisdiction line will require further involvement and will be part of the stewardship permit process. C. HEALTH DEPARTMENT Mr. Mooney reported that July rainfall totaled 2.43 inches, below the historical average of 3.96 inches and last year’s 5.4 inches. A closure occurred on July 14 due to rainfall exceeding one inch. A sewer line break was found and repaired on West Rocks Road, with 15 feet of line fixed. There was no significant impact from the break. D. WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT There was no report at this time. E. PERMITS Mr. Bartush spoke with a vendor on Winfield Street, who expressed interest in carrying permits for the 2026 season. He suggested starting the process earlier than last year. Mr. Mooney confirmed that he would work on getting the vendor a W-9 form to process the permits. F. POLICE Sgt. Bisceglie reported that there was an inquiry about broken oyster stakes in the Wilson Cove Tavern Island area. After speaking with Cops Island, they will pull the three broken stakes and monitor the area moving forward. Mr. Mooney acknowledged safety concerns. Sgt. Bisceglie clarified that the floating stakes have minimal resistance. Mr. Pageler asked about GPS and oyster bed marking. Sgt. Bisceglie explained that markers are used to indicate farming stages and potential hazards, also serving as navigational aids. G. ADVISORY Sgt. Bisceglie reported that the water temperature is around 75. H. HARBOR MANAGEMENT Mr. Kibbe reported that the campsites on Shea Island were renovated by Mr. Mangles, Sgt. Bisceglie, and Eagle Scouts. He expressed support for maintaining them for public use. Mr. Steadman raised concerns about the DOT’s Route 7 and Merritt Parkway project, highlighting the lack of focus on stormwater management and environmental impact. He discussed the update City of Norwalk Shellfish Commission Regular Meeting August 7, 2025 Page 2 of 4 Page 4 of 6 to the Norwalk River Watershed plan, which aims to reduce bacteria runoff, and mentioned a public meeting in September. Additionally, he addressed the proposed 108 Water Street redevelopment, noting concerns about water-dependent uses and floodplain development. Mr. Steadman brought up the Manresa Island stewardship permit, expressing concerns about contamination and remediation. Mr. Kibbe pointed out the DOT’s changes to the Super 7 Road and Merritt Parkway interchange, which eliminate important evacuation routes and affect traffic flow. ** MR. PAGELER MOVED TO ACCEPT THE REPORTS AS PRESENTED. ** MR. JOHNSON SECONDED THE MOTION. ** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. VI. OLD BUSINESS A. 26 SHOREFRONT PARK Mr. Bartush noted that he has not received any paperwork or direct communication from the South Norwalk Boat Club on this matter. B. 66 CALF PASTURE BEACH ROAD Mr. Mooney advised that the applicant is still waiting for approval to conduct a study. VII. NEW BUSINESS A. BROKEN OYSTER STICKS AND PUBLIC SAFETY CONCERNS This item was addressed earlier by Sgt. Bisceglie and Mr. Mooney. Mr. Bartush confirmed that the 1882 shellfish map that was requested is publicly available at the State Library. VIII. DISCUSSION Mr. Hiller offered his assistance, noting he's on the water often and has a skiff to access the islands. Mr. Johnson explained oyster stakes and how they’re used to mark areas where groundwork is being done. IX. ADJOURNMENT ** MR. JOHNSON MOVED TO ADJOURN. City of Norwalk Shellfish Commission Regular Meeting August 7, 2025 Page 3 of 4 Page 5 of 6 ** MR. HILLER SECONDED THE MOTION. ** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. The meeting adjourned at 7:01 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Zulma Roundtree City of Norwalk Shellfish Commission Regular Meeting August 7, 2025 Page 4 of 4 Page 6 of 6