Harbor Management Commission

HARBOR MANAGEMENT COMMISSION April 23, 2013 MEMBERS PRESENT Alderman Tucker Braddock Alderman Charlie Jaskiewicz Chairman John Paul Mereen Vice-Chair Richard Benoit City Manager Alan Bergren Gerald Martin Lauren Miner MEMBERS ABSENT None OTHERS PRESENT Michael Valentine-Harbormaster Mayor Peter Albert Nystrom Marge Blizard-RDA Frank Manfredi-Chairman of the Taste of Italy Jason Vincent -NCDC 1. Call to order – Chairman J.P. Mereen called the April 23, 2013 meeting to order at 5:00 P.M. 2. Determination of Quorum It was determined a quorum was present. 3. Approval of Minutes Minutes of March 26, 2012 meeting, motion to accept with corrections, C. Jaskiewicz, 2nd A. Bergren, motion carried. 4. Citizen Comment Marge Blizard attended the meeting to cement inter-committee relationships. Frank Manfredi, Chairman of the Taste of Italy-would like to have a lighted boat parade, similar to the one in Mystic, during the event on September 7th. He asked for the HMC’s assistance in organizing this and asked if it can be done. JP Mereen has spoken to Chief Fusaro and the Harbormaster who has spoken to the Coast Guard and has contacts. J. Vincent will reach out to Mystic for logistical information. G. Martin suggested someone inform the DEEP-Mayor Nystrom will do this and will also contact the Norwich Chamber. 5. Correspondence a. March Budget Report-Motion to accept A. Bergren, 2nd T. Braddock, motion carried unanimously Harbor Management Commission April 26, 2013 Page -2- 6. Harbor Master Report-activity has increased in water and on shores. M. Valentine has made contact with Dave Simpson regarding the changing of the demarcation lines. He is also pursuing the danger buoy. G. Martin asked about the channel hazards and asked if some type of temporary marker can be installed until the permanent one is ready. M. Valentine will talk to Thayer’s Marine about someone that may be going out on a boat placing a temporary marker. C. Jaskiewicz asked if Thayer’s could also be contacted about pictures of any large catches that could be posted on the web. M. Valentine will inquire. 7. Old Business a. River Trails map grant application-The City received the grant and work is in progress on a base map pointing out the highlights. b. Installation of a “harbor cam”-Still on hold pending funding sources. c. Fundraiser Update: Preparations are nearly complete. Program book revenue is expected to be around $1000 which should offset the entertainment cost. Ad sales are going well. 12 more patron ads would be desirable. The ticket count needs to be solidified. d. Thames River Spring Tournament-G. Martin will run the tournament if he can get 10 entries. He currently has 4. He has someone that has expressed interest in running a September derby. 10 Atlantic Salmon have been caught in the harbor. e. Rock the Docks-everything is on schedule. Funds are in, bands are booked and the t- shirts will be sold f. CTHMA date for re-scheduled meeting-JP Mereen reached Geoff Steadman by phone. This is re-scheduled for June 10th and the announcement should be going out shortly. It will be at the Woodwinds in Branford. The Lt. Governor will not be in attendance, but they are hoping to have her send a statement in that can be read. G. Steadman gave a synopsis of the Marine Council meeting that they attended. The HMC wrote a letter to the Chairman of the Marine Council asking for a letter of support for the boat launch project to the Governor and with copies to the different Commissioners. The Marine Council decided that this was not an appropriate time to send a letter in until a specific project has been identified that funds are being requested for. The Marine Council also suggested that the HMC communicate directly with the Governor and Commissioners seeking support for public funding and that the Marine Co uncil does support the Norwich’s request. Harbor Management Commission April 26, 2013 Page -3- g. Rock the Docks t-shirts-R. Benoit brought in t-shirt samples. ½ have been ordered and orders can be taken if supplies run out. These will be sold for $10 each and are available in all sizes. h. Petition to the State for the Demarcation line-C. Jaskiewicz would like the request to the State to move the line all the way to the Falls. Also see Harbor Report (Agenda item 6). i. Summer Youth Program-Everything is still in limbo with the sequester so the DOI cannot make any definite commitments. 8. New Business-After hours fishing by the Greeneville Dam. G. Martin suggested having a sticker program to allow for after-hours fishing so the Police can be shown the sticker or permit and do not bother fisherman. G. Martin also suggested putting out cans for cigarette butts in the harbor and adding another sign that says do not feed the birds. He asked if another “no wake” buoy to the left of the boat launch where there appears to be a speeding problem. An excerpt of these minutes will be sent to the Public Works Committee for their help with the signs and butt cans. 9. Other None 10. Adjournment Motion to adjourn, T. Braddock, 2nd C. Jaskiewicz, meeting adjourned at 5:40 PM.