Harbor Management Commission

HARBOR MANAGEMENT COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING November 19, 2013 MEMBERS PRESENT Alderman Tucker Braddock Chairman John Paul Mereen Gerald Martin Vice-Chairman Richard Benoit Alderman Charlie Jaskiewicz Lauren Miner MEMBERS ABSENT City Manager Alan H. Bergren Geoff Steadman OTHERS PRESENT Jill Brennan-Recording Secretary Harbormaster Michael Valentine Michael Richardson 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. Citizen Comment Michael Richardson asked about the new boat launch area and the proposed location. A response to his question of fishing in the rail right away and in front of the police station will be sent out. M. Valentine has not had a chance to communicate with the Joyals regarding access in the public right of way near the restaurant. 4. New Business a) Referral from the Commission on the City Plan-Thayer Enterprises LLC-SDP Comments from G. Steadman were distributed and read by members. JP Mereen: HMC must focus on protection, enhancement and availability of the area and consistency with the Harbor Management Plan. The open space area delineated-is it for resident use or all public? It appears that it is for resident use only. If at all possible an increase in possible access would be ideal. JP Mereen: The COCP may have some of the same concerns as G. Steadman as far as storm water run-off. C. Jaskiewicz: As long as they meet the standard, there should not be a problem. JP Mereen stated that there are many properties in the City that cannot increase run-off at all. These are in sensitive areas. Any increase in impervious surface may pose a problem. T. Braddock: These are taxpayers and DEEP has final approval. Harbor Management Commission Special Meeting Minutes November 19, 2013 Page -2- Recommendations for the COCP: 1. The applicant should be required to employ suitable best management practice to reduce, or otherwise control storm-water run-off. 2. There should be no diminution of existing water-dependent facilities. 3. Where feasible, the Harbor Management Commission supports the enhancement of public access along the waterfront including planters, benches and a well-defined pathway. 4. The applicant should provide the COCP with clarification on who is permitted to use the open space/recreation area delineated on the plan. Motion to communicate to the COCP that there is no opposition to the plan based upon the above recommendations, C. Jaskiewicz, 2nd T. Braddock, motion carried unanimously. b) DEEP sent a communication to the City Manager regarding the City's request and opening day of fishing season is being addressed in recent regulations being submitted. A copy was sent to all Commission members. 5. Adjournment-Motion to adjourn, G. Martin, 2nd L. Miner, meeting adjourned at 5:20 PM.