Harbor Management Commission

HARBOR MANAGEMENT COMMISSION September 24, 2013 MEMBERS PRESENT Alderman Tucker Braddock Chairman John Paul Mereen Gerald Martin Vice-Chairman Richard Benoit MEMBERS ABSENT Alderman Charlie Jaskiewicz Lauren Miner City Manager Alan H. Bergren OTHERS PRESENT Jill Brennan-Recording Secretary Jason Vincent-NCDC Harbormaster Michael Valentine 1. Call to Order-Chair JP Mereen called the meeting to order at 5:00 PM. 2. Determination of quorum: It was determined that a quorum was present. 3. Minutes of August 27, 2013 meeting-Motion to approve , T. Braddock, 2nd R. Benoit, motion carried unanimously. 4. Citizen Comment None 5. Correspondence a) August budget report-motion to accept, R. Benoit, 2nd T. Braddock, motion carried unanimously. b) DEEP correspondence 6. Harbor Master Report M. Valentine reported that fish activity has picked up a bit. Crabbing off of the dock has become an issue for people trying to haul their boats if they throw their lines across the launch. Harbor Management Commission September 27, 2013 Page -2- 7. Old Business a) River trails map grant status-G. Steadman has a rough for the map and will get to the Commission soon. b) Installation of "harbor cam"-Bids are close to being issues. Target for camera installation is December. A view of the launch and the river would be ideal. c) Future Fundraising Planning-update at next meeting d) Rock the Docks-Chamber liaison-will be looked at after the election. e) Petition to State re: demarcation line; status-nothing has been received from the State yet f) Boat launch relocation funding-JP Mereen is still waiting to hear back from Corporation Counsel. A meeting with the firm that will be remediating needs to be scheduled. T. Braddock stated that legally the City to go onto private property to do a Phase 2 without owner permission. J. Vincent is looking into options to resolve certain issues and will keep the Commission updated. g) September Fishing Derby-G. Martin reported that the derby was a success. There were 49 entrants. Channel 3 news covered the event. The winners both came from Norwich. Thayer's Marine gave two $30 gift cards for prizes. The Commission will draft a letter of thanks. The winning fish was a 36" Stripper. Chairman Mereen thanked G. Martin for his efforts in organizing this event. h) Downtown Policing-The Police are working on some suggestions to forward to the Commission. 8. New Business G. Steadman is drafting a letter to the DOT regarding funding for dredging of the East Bank of the Yantic River for the purpose of allowing slightly larger boats up to the Falls and possibly repairing some docks. 9. Other G. Martin suggested that another Harbor cleanup be done either in conjunction with a One City Forum or as a separate event. JP Mereen said that a cleanup up Heritage Trails from the Harbor used to be organized on Earth Day with local Scout groups. J. Vincent suggested that a $500 grant could be obtained if it is done on or around Earth Day in April. Keep this on as an agenda item. 9. Adjournment-Motion to adjourn, G. Martin, 2nd R. Benoit , meeting adjourned at 5:37 PM.