Harbor Management Commission

HARBOR MANAGEMENT COMMISSION MEETING The Harbor Management Commission Meeting of February 23, 2010 was held in The City Manager‘s Office. Chairman John Paul Mereen called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. Attendance was as follows: MEMBERS PRESENT Richard C. Benoit, Vice Chairman Alan Bergren, City Manager John Paul Mereen James Paulsen Alderman H. Tucker Braddock, Jr. MEMBERS ABSENT Alderman Pete Desaulniers Edward Seder OTHERS PRESENT Geoff Steadman, Harbor Management Consultant 2. Determination of Quorum It was determined a quorum was present. 3. Approval of Minutes A motion was made by City Manager, Alan Bergren, second by Chairman Mereen, to accept the minutes dated February 23, 2010. All were in favor. 4. Citizen Comment-None at this time. 5. Correspondence Mr. Steadman presented a letter to the Board from John Pinto, Ph.Dlet dated February 17, 2010. The letter was addressed to Mr. Robert L. Genuario, Secretary of the Connecticut Office of Policy and Management. Mr. Pinto wrote the letter on behalf of the Board of Directors of the Connecticut Harbor Management (CHMA). The intent of the letter was the inquiry into the current status of the State Boating and about the amount of funds returned annually to the towns from that account. The Board discussed the letter and on a motion by John Paulsen and second by Alderman Tucker Braddock to forward a copy of the letter to State Legislators. The second item of correspondence was the approval of the letter to SECONN. On a motion by City Manager Bergren and second by Vice-Chairman Benoit, the vote was unanimous. 6. Harbor Master Report Mr. Harrison was not present, therefore there was no report. 7. Old Business A. Harbor Management Plan Update-Mr. Steadman None at this time. B. City Pier/City Dock/Seawall The Seawall is complete and waiting for an As-Built and for the weather to break to complete the sidewalks. The Board will meet with PWD Director Joe Loyacano next month to discuss the final work that needs to be finished. C. Yantic River Dredging Update Mr. Steadman showed the Board a overview of Hollyhock Island at the Yanti River. The Board discussed in detail signage and mapping of the area and the fact that DEP stated that a study would need to be done of any marine life. The Board discussed the idea of kayak trails such as the ones on Long Island Sound. Mr. Mereen stated he would like to contact representatives of economic and tourism avenues since it affects both. Mr. Benoit stated he has been in . Mr. Bergen said he will research the possibility of Congressional delegation taking on projects for federal funding. 8. New Business The Board discussed the Norwich Basin on the Thames and how it would be a appropriate area to place a permanent plaque or monument to memorialize Ron Aliano. Mr. Braddock will contact Bob Mills at NCDC to discuss funding. Chairman Mereen and Mr. Steadman met with a representative from DEP. Mr. Mereen stated to the Board that they gave an overview of projects the DEP will be involved in such as funding to put the boat launch at the Southern part of Shipping Street. 9. Other Chairman Mereen shared with the Board that the NPRD put on a great dedication to Ron Aliano at the Lincoln Dinner. Mr. Steadman donated a picture of the Norwich Harbor for a raffle that was held. On a motion by Alderman Braddock and second by Mr. Paulsen it was unanimously voted to approve paying the balance of $2159.73 owed to Mr. Steadman. 10. Adjournment On a motion by Mr.Braddock and second by Mr.Paulsen the Harbor Management Commission Meeting of February 23, 2010 was adjourned at 6:20 p.m. Respectfully Submitted By: Darlene Fedus-Papineau Recording Secretary