Harbor Management Commission

HARBOR MANAGEMENT COMMISSION MEETING The Harbor Management Commission Meeting of February 22, 2011 was held in The City Managers Office, City Hall. 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 MEMBERS ABSENT Richard Benoit, Co-Chairman OTHERS PRESENT Geoff Steadman Darlene Fedus-Papineau-Recording Secretary 2. Determination of Quorum It was determined a quorum was present and all members present were voting. 3. Approval of Minutes A motion was made by Tucker Braddock, second by James Paulsen, to accept the minutes dated January 25, 2011. The vote was unanimous. 4. Citizen Comment-None at this time. 5. Correspondence- 1. HMC Fund Report, January 2011 attached to members packets. 2. A letter from Bob Mills, NCDC was received and reviewed by the Commission and on a motion by Pete Desaulniers, and second by Alan Bergren, it was unanimously agreed that the contents of the letter were consistent with the Harbor Management Plan. The City Manager stating this will send a letter. 6. Harbor Master Report Mr. Mereen and Mr. Bergren stated they have not received any resumes of the potential applicants for this position. Mr. Braddock told the Commission that he knows of at least three individuals that have submitted resumes to the Governors Office. Mr. Steadman informed the Commission of the qualifications and duties the Harbor Master should possess. 7. Old Business A. Harbor Management Plan Mr. Steadman stated he is making good progress and is currently working on the signage with the graphic artist and has scanned the aerial photos, preliminary researched the history of the waterfront and would like to obtain historical photos and Native American photos to be used. Mr. Mereen will talk to the Mohegan Tribe. It was determined that Waterfront Vision Review would be added to the March 22, 2011 Agenda under New Business to be discussed. A copy of this will be scanned and sent via e-mail to each member for review. Mr. Steadman discussed implementations he has been working on to update the Waterfront Vision and stated he would like to finish it in a couple of months. The recent letter that the Commission forwarded to the DEP, in regards to the Liquid Fountain, had been reviewed at the last DEP staff meeting and it was determined that they were not opposed to the idea but asked for additional information from the manufacturer, how other locations have implemented it and possible issues they have had, period of operation, visual appearance/impact, where the water would commence from and any discharge permits needed. B. City Pier/City Dock/Seawall Nothing to report at this time. C. Yantic River Dredging Update Nothing to report at this time. D. Boat Ramp  The Commission discussed the letter Mr. Mereen had sent to the Mike Patton in regards to the importance of the re-location of the boat ramp to Shipping Street, a more feasible area. The current location and other areas such as Hollyhock Island do not meet DEP. Economic Development was discussed as well as State funding and the permitting process. Mr. Patton stated in his letter he would meet with Commission Members. E. Fisheries Program Mr. Desaulniers has recently discussed this with several Department Heads. Mr. Bilda informed Mr. Desaulniers he has a vehicle to provide for the program. Mr. Mereen noted the importance of how this fits into the intricate part of the Waterfront Vision. 8. New Business Harbor Music Series-There was discussion of the popularity of Ether Points music series. Mr. Mereen will contact NCDC, NPU, Mohegan Sun and others for sponsorship. The Cartels, Eight to the Bar, The Fat Cats and two other Bands were contacted by Mr. Mereen and were all interested in playing. A funding channel set up by Ted Phillips will be utilized. The groups coming together to do this are the Economic Development Committee, NCDC, HMC and the Greater Norwich Business and Industry Foundation. Closure of the area West of the boat ramp was discussed in order to place the bandstand. The Police Department and Public Works was discussed. Mr. Desaulniers will be in contact with Barry Ellison in regards to the condition of the bandstand. Lane closures were briefly discussed. Mr. Mereen stated the importance of everything coming together so people start to utilize our downtown. Different ideas were presented by members regarding sponsorship. Posters would be made up and put in shop windows advertising upcoming event. 9. Other Mr. Desaulniers informed the Commission that there would be a committee forming to put the Fourth of July fireworks back on. Mr. Mereen stated that a Antique Road show would be a good idea to generate downtown business. Discussion ensued regarding a bill submitted by Mr. Steadman that will be paid by funds recently received by the State.  The Commission spoke briefly regarding the need for a boat ramp that would accommodate larger boats. It was mentioned that the current boat launch is made for kayaks and canoes. Boat ramps at Jupiter Point and Gardner Lake were discussed as well as parking for trailers. The Commission will send a letter from Mr. Bergrens office to the Mayors office regarding the Boat launch because it is part of Economic Development. Mr. Steadman read and discussed the recent letter sent to Mr.Courtneys office that will be CC to the Mayor and City Council. There was brief discussion as to when the Music Series would be. It was determined that Wednesday nights were best starting in June and continuing until August. 10. Adjournment On a motion by Mr. Braddock and second by Mr. Desaulniers the Harbor Management Commission Meeting of December 28, 2011 was adjourned at 5:50 p.m. Respectfully Submitted By: Darlene Fedus-Papineau Recording Secretary