Harbor Management Commission

HARBOR MANAGEMENT COMMISSION MEETING The Harbor Management Commission Meeting of April 26, 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 Richard Benoit, Co-Chairman Alan Bergren, City Manager James Paulsen Alderman Pete Desaulniers Alderman H. Tucker Braddock JoAnne Philbrick MEMBERS ABSENT None absent, all were present OTHERS PRESENT Geoff Steadman-Consultant Darlene Fedus-Papineau-Recording Secretary The Day Paper, Claire Bessette Chris LaRose, NPU, Fisheries Program Norwich Bulletin, Reporter Michael Valentine Jay Sawyer Richard Thayer 2. Determination of Quorum It was determined a quorum was present and all members present were voting. At this time Chairman Mereen welcomed Ms. JoAnne Philbrick as a HMC member. 3. Approval of Minutes A motion was made by Richard Benoit second by James Paulsen, to accept the minutes dated March 22, 2011. The vote was unanimous.  The Commission on a motion by Mr. Benoit and second by Mr. Paulsen, voted unanimously to suspend the rules and move on to item #8 then to item #7, the vote was unanimous. HMC Fund Report, March 2011 attached to members packets. 4. Citizen Comment None at this time 5. Correspondence A letter from Mark Fields regarding the Stevana Project was read and discussed amongst members. Mr. Mereen stated that he would forward the study done in 2002 of the vessel that underwent a similar undertaking in Essex to Mr. Fields. Several members had questions pertaining to the amount of time the repairs would take to what permits would be necessary and how it would interfere or impair waterway navigation of other vessels coming in and out of the Harbor. There was much discussion that ensued and on a motion by Mr. Braddock and second by Mr. Benoit, the Commission voted unanimously to draft a letter to Mr. Fields with questions that pertain to the discussion that ensued regarding permits, time of repairs, etc. Mr. Steadman informed the Commission that the Harbor Management Plan encourages (Section 8.4) this type of activity. Ms. Philbrick stated she wanted to be assured the City was not putting themselves in jeopardy by putting the cart before the horse and that all questions and avenues were explored. Mr. Mereen received a letter regarding the 5th annual River Fest that will be sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce to be held on June 4th. They are requesting the use of Howard Brown Park and the use of dock space. On a motion by Mr. Braddock and second by Mr. Benoit, the Commission voted unanimously to approve the request. 6. Harbor Master Report There was no report. Resumes from the three applicants for the appointed position of Harbor Master were submitted and distributed to each member. The applicants were in attendance and spoke briefly to the Commission. Mr. Mereen stated that it is a Governor appointed position. He also informed the Commission that they could request for a Junior Assistant Harbor Master. Mr. Steadman briefed the Commission on the duty of the Harbor Master as outlined in Chapter 7 of the Harbor Management Plan. 7. Old Business A. Harbor Management Plan Mr. Steadman is completing the amendments and updating the Waterfront Vision, which he briefly went over with the Commission. Mr. Steadman and Mr. Mereen recently met with the Mayor and discussed the tying in of the development agencies. Shipping Street for re-development, Yantic River Falls, Rose City Renaissance Downtown Development Plan, Brownsfield Studies and the POCD were discussed as well as updating the Zoning regulations were discussed. Many principle changes were discussed briefly and a first draft will be drawn up and presented at the next scheduled meeting in May. Mr. Steadman had recently met with the Lieutenant Governor to discuss what the role of HMC is and what their responsibilities are. The Harbor Master program was also discussed as well as dredging projects. B. City Pier/City Dock/Seawall Nothing to report at this time. To be removed from agenda. C. Yantic River Dredging Update Nothing to report at this time. D. Boat Ramp Mr. Mereen presented the Commission with pictures of the Gardner Lake Boat Launch which were passed around and viewed by all members. E. Fisheries Program Chris LaRose of NPU spoke and gave an lengthy but informative oral and power point presentation to the Commission regarding the role of NPU and the Fisheries Program. The presentation included the role of the Greenville Dam’s Fishlift, predominate fish species, DEP’s role, operational periods, Occum Dams Facilities and performance and the recent purchase of the transport tank. Mr. Mereen noted the importance of the program for people to utilize the waterways. Mr.Steadman explained how this ties in with other projects that are underway. He will add a revision to the HM plan of recreation of fishing. F. Waterfront Vision Review  8. New Business- Harbor Master Applicants-See above American Wharf Marina Purchase Mr. Mereen stated that the HMC has no purview over this and that it would be beneficial to keep it utilized as a marina regardless of what happens with the purchase of it. Mr. Steadman discussed the provisions of the HM plan and stated what the policy is. Mr. Mereen discussed the grant program for transient dock space and the boating infrastructure grant program and will look into further. 9. Other Nothing at this time. 10. Adjournment On a motion by Mr. Braddock and second by Mr. Benoit, the Harbor Management Commission Meeting of April 26, 2011 was adjourned at 6:35 p.m. Respectfully Submitted By: Darlene Fedus-Papineau Recording Secretary