Harbor Management Commission

HARBOR MANAGEMENT COMMISSION MEETING The Harbor Management Commission Meeting of August 25, 2009 was held in the City Manager’s Office. Alderman Bettencourt acted as Chairman in Mr. Aliano’s absence and called the meeting to order at 5:04 p.m. Attendance was as follows: MEMBERS PRESENT Alderman Mark Bettencourt Alan Bergren, City Manager James Paulsen Edward Seder MEMBERS ABSENT Ron Aliano, Chairman Alderman Pete Desaulniers Richard Benoit OTHERS PRESENT Geoff Steadman, Harbor Management Consultant Joan Seder, Resident Michael Gannon, Norwich Bulletin 2. Determination of Quorum It was determined a quorum was present. 3. Approval of Minutes Mr. Bergren informed the Commission that he would like one clarification made under Citizen Comment, paragraph 2, regarding the seawall. The cost of the City Pier was about $700,000 and the Fishing Pier approximately $900,000. The members unanimously agreed with these changes and a motion was made by Mr. Bergren, seconded by Mr. Seder, to accept the minutes dated June 22, 2009. All were in favor. 4. Citizen Comment - None at this time. 5. Correspondence Several invoices were presented by Geoff Steadman on behalf of Mr. Aliano. All were discussed and the members decided to further research the Prime Electric Invoices in the amounts of $1,749.36 and $418.17 dated 7/8/09 for ground lights replaced at the railroad next to the Police Department. City Manager Bergren was asked to speak with the chairman about the expenditures and it was noted that money remaining in the budget needs to be retained for anticipated expenses. On a motion by Mr. Paulsen, seconded by Alderman Bettencourt, all were in favor of tabling this item until the next meeting. Subsequently, an invoice from American Wharf Development Corporation to the City in the amount of $452.57 for work done to the Norwich Harbor Wall (Police Dept.) and an invoice for the CT Harbor Management Association Annual dues of $200.00 were reviewed. On a motion by Alderman Bettencourt, seconded by Mr. Bergren, the members unanimously agreed to submit these for payment. Harbor Management Meeting Page 2. August 25, 2009 Mr. Steadman presented a letter of response he received from the DEP outlining the extensive testing requirements involved for the proposed Yantic River Dredging Project. He pointed out that eight site locations for the sediment testing were noted on the plans. In addition to testing of these materials, the DEP would also require testing of any water that would be returned back into the Yantic or any other body of water. Brief discussion took place among the members regarding this project and how it may not be feasible at this time due to budget limitations. As this letter was quite lengthy, copies were distributed to all, and a motion made by Mr. Bergren, seconded by Mr. Paulsen, that all members agreed to take and read and further discussion will take place at the next meeting. 6. Harbor Master Report No report offered as Mr. Harrison was not present at the meeting. The sample copy of the 'No Wake Zone', sign prepared by Prokop Signs, was reviewed. All members liked the sign but decided to have this item added to the agenda for next month in order to further discuss locations for the signs, price and installation fees. 7. Old Business a. Harbor Management Plan Update – Mr. Steadman Mr. Steadman provided handouts and informed the members that he is in the process of adding State Building Code Interpretation, relative to permit requirements for docks, into the Harbor Management Plan. He has spoken with officials from Norwalk, Stratford and Stamford on how they will be incorporating the new DEP requirements into their plans. They too would be utilizing these existing State codes within their plans. He explained if a dock is a floating structure and does not rely on land beneath the water for support, it would not be regulated by the code and require a permit. However, if the dock is supported by piers or other vertical structures that are attached to land below the water, then these structures are regulated by State Building Code and would require a permit. Furthermore, permits would be required for the installation of code-regulated utilities, i.e. electrical and water utilities, etc. regardless of the permit requirements for the dock. Additionally, he is including information relative to the protection and enhancements of the Aesthetic Resources of the waterfront. Measures need to be taken to ensure minimal or no adverse conditions arise to the aesthetic resources or scenic value and beauty of the waterfront. The DEP has stated the above information relative to permits and aesthetics should be included in our report. Mr. Steadman stated the Plan should be ready for submittal to the City Council by the end of next month. Brief discussion followed regarding adverse conditions on the waterfront. Mr. Seder pointed out that he would like to see the old mill houses turned into industrial sites that could provide jobs to Norwich. Ideally, he would love to see the railroad operable which could potentially run business all the way to Canada. Alderman Bettencourt stated the downtown needs to be devoted to increasing tourism as part of the long-term plan. All members agreed that there has already been enough housing developed on the waterfront. Harbor Management Meeting Page 3. August 25, 2009 Mr. Steadman presented a 2nd draft of the HMC’s Application Review Requirements form for review by the members prior to his submittal to the DEP. The Commission discussed the possibility of instituting fees, on a sliding scale, based on size/type of project, starting with a small project a $25 fee, mid-size $50, etc. The Commission agreed to review all documents provided and discuss further at the next meeting. b. City Pier/City Dock/Seawall Mr. Bergren stated that he had spoken with Mr. Loyacano and that all is progressing well and that the project should be completed by the end of the year. c. Yantic River Dredging Update Mr. Steadman informed the members that all steps were done and the letter was sent to DEP. He received a letter back, dated August 19, 2009 (discussed under Item #5 Correspondence). The eight locations for testing were identified on their plans. Total testing could run in excess of $12,000. It does not appear that this project would be undertaken soon in light of the remaining funds in the budget. 8. New Business Invoices – Discussed under Item #5 Correspondence. 9. Other The members briefly discussed the laws surrounding the State boating registration fees and that monies are to come back to the towns. The members believe that Norwich has not received any of this money in the past few years. Mr. Steadman stated that he will contact Mr. Ruffo to find out if any monies were received for 07/08 – 08/09 and if so, where had the money gone. The annual meeting of the Harbor Management Association is scheduled for September 24th in Branford. Ms. Meade informed the members, that she would be stepping down as Recording Secretary at this time. She presented a letter outlining this and would forward to Mr. Aliano’s office in his absence. She expressed her gratitude working for the Commission. On a motion by Alderman Bettencourt, seconded by Mr. Paulsen, her resignation was accepted by all the members. 10. Adjournment On a motion by Mr. Seder, seconded by Mr. Paulsen, the Harbor Management Commission Meeting of August 25, 2009 was adjourned at 6:13 p.m. Respectfully Submitted By: Louise Meade Recording Secretary