Harbor Management Commission

HARBOR MANAGEMENT COMMISSION MEETING The Harbor Management Commission Meeting of April 27, 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 John Paul Mereen, Chairman Alan Bergren, City Manager James Paulsen Alderman H. Tucker Braddock, Jr. MEMBERS ABSENT Richard Benoit, Vice Chairman 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 Chairman Mereen, second by John Paulsen, to accept the minutes dated February 23, 2010 as corrected, all were in favor. 4. Citizen Comment-None at this time. 5. Correspondence Chairman Mereen received a letter from The Greater Norwich Area Chamber of Commerce requesting the use of the docks at Howard Brown Park on Saturday, June 5th from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for the 4th Annual River Fest. On a motion by Alderman Braddock and second by Mr. Bergren, it was unanimously voted to send a letter to the Chamber thanking them for utilizing the space, expanding community involvement and focusing attention to the Norwich Harbor. 6. Harbor Master Report Mr. Harrison was not present; therefore there was no report. 7. Old Business A. Harbor Management Plan Update-Mr. Steadman Mr. Stadman stated he is presently working on some graphics for the DEP. Chairman Mereen advised the Commission it would beneficial to present any documents relevant to the Harbor Commission, to Bob Mills of NCDC, so they are considered as part of the Economic Development Strategy presently being worked on. Mr. Steadman noted that there are several sections in chapters that focus on waterfront development and economic revitalization. Mr. Bergren suggested that rough drafts be sent to Mr. Mills for review. B. City Pier/City Dock/Seawall Chairman Mereen suggested that the next meeting be at Howard Brown Park, weather permitting, and inviting Mr. Loyacano, as he was unable to attend this evenings meeting. C. Yantic River Dredging Update None to report at this time. 8. New Business Mr. Steadman informed the Commission that the grants available through the EPA were called the Long Island Sound Futures Fund and applications are due Friday, May 7th, 2010. The Commission will not exceed $10,000, when it applies for signage for the Heritage Trail. The 3 single post pedestal style signs measuring 24” x 36” would cost approximately $2600.00 per sign not including installation which would be done by PWD. Mr. Steadman passed around an example of the proposed signage, which are sturdy, vandal resistant and mounted on aluminum with an environmental theme. The Commission talked about areas that the signage would be placed. Letters of support from the Council and the City Manager would be required for the grant application. A resolution passed by the Council on 3-15-2010 was granted for the Harbor Commission authorizing them to apply for the funding. 9. Other Mr. Braddock has been working on contributions for a plaque to honor the memory of Ron Aliano. The Commission discussed several options relevant to the plaque, such as the design, the language, the placement, and cost. It has not been determined, but several members are working out the details. Mr. Bergren will follow up on a letter the Commission sent to the State regarding the status of boat registration fees coming back to the Town. A follow up letter will also be sent to Representative Coutu, Olsen and Prague inviting them to a meeting to hear various concerns the Commission has with regards to funds being owed to the City. Mr. Mereen asked for the status of money owed in the amount of $2159.00 to Mr. Steadman that was approved but has not been paid out yet. Mr. Bergren will address the Finance Department and will e-mail verification to Mr. Mereen, at his request, regarding the status. Mr. Braddock asked for, and was informed by Mr. Steadman, that his hourly rate (fee schedule) was $70.00 an hour, which was approved by former Chairman Aliano. 10. Adjournment On a motion by Chairman Mereen and second by Mr. Paulsen the Harbor Management Commission Meeting of February 23, 2010 was adjourned at 5:44 p.m. Respectfully Submitted By: Darlene Fedus-Papineau Recording Secretary