Harbor Management Commission

HARBOR MANAGEMENT COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, February 24, 2015 5:00 PM Room 219, City Hall MEMBERS PRESENT John Paul Mereen Gerald Martin H. Tucker Braddock Jr. Acting City Manager John Bilda Alderman Pete Desaulniers Alderman William Eyberse OTHERS PRESENT Senator Cathy Osten Representative Doug Dubicki Geoffrey Steadman-Consultant Jill Brennan-Recording Secretary Adam Benson-Norwich Bulletin Jason Vincent-NCDC MEMBERS ABSENT Richard Benoit 1. Call to Order-Chairman JP Mereen called the meeting to order 2. Determination of Quorum: It was determined a quorum was present. 3. New Business: a. State of CT Port Authority Working Group-Chairman Mereen thanked Senator Osten and Representative Dubicki for attending and explained that the development of the Port Authority raises concerns that concentration is on the three main ports and funding and support may disappear for the smaller ports. Geoff Steadman explained that the Norwich HMC was instrumental in creating the CT Harbor Management Association which is comprised of representatives of the 26 HMC's in CT. The CT Port Authority Working Group is comprised of appointed individuals who will assist with recommendations to the Governor and legislature on the functioning of the Authority. One of the concerns is that the Commissioner of Transportation made it very clear that the DOT is going to get out of the maritime business. They are responsible for administering a grant in aide program which benefits the small and mid sized harbors. What will happen to this program and aide to small harbors? There are currently 40 harbor masters appointed by the Governor and administered by the DOT maritime office. If this is eliminated what will happen to the harbormasters? Senator Osten commented that a bill has been submitted along with Representative Riley to provide for funding to make the docks ADA accessible. HMC Minutes 2/24/15 Page 2 Any requests for funding for infrastructure projects should have a sponsor on the other end. Legislation should be watched by City administration and legislative delegation carefully for any potential positive or negative impact to the community. Representative Dubicki stated that he is hearing that the HMC is looking for a home where the oversight of small harbors is going to be long-term. Geoffrey Steadman agreed. Alderman Desaulniers commented that the harbor is key to Norwich's economic development plans both now and in the future. b. Docko/Thayer Presentation-Keith Neilson, Docko Inc. Mr. Neilson reviewed the proposal and gave a brief overview on the steps to be taken which will include shoring up the banks They are applying for a structures and dredging permit to install the bulkhead from DEEP to proceed with construction. The project will have to be completed from the land as barges cannot be brought in close enough on the water to complete the project. JP Mereen stated that the installation of the bulkhead and docks will compliment anything the Commission would seek to accomplish. Motion: Pete Desaulniers, 2nd Braddock, motion carried unanimously: The Commission has reviewed the draft plan and made proper references and has no objections to the plans to be included in the application to DEEP, but reserves the right to view the final documents submitted with the application and moves to provide the following comments in recommendation to the DEEP application: 1. It is the policy of the HMC to encourage the development of additional boating services and facilities to meet current and future demand and provide opportunities for public access to the Norwich Harbor. 2. It is the policy of the HMC plan to encourage timely repair of bulkheads and other shore protective structures to protect existing development. 3. It is the recommendation of the HMC that the proposed work should not block navigation up the East Branch and prohibit or interfere in any significant way small boat traffic to the Falls. 4. Approval of Minutes: Motion to approve, J. Martin 2nd , motion carried unanimously 5. Correspondence: a. October, November, December, January Budget Reports-Motion to accept, Tucker Braddock, 2nd B. Eyberse, motion carried unanimously. Geoff Steadman has an invoice to submit-Jill Brennan will follow up with Geoff. HMC Minutes 2/24/15 Page 3 6. Harbor Master Report-the Harbormaster was not present. 7. Old Business: a. Harbor cam installation-Tucker Braddock spoke to both NBC and Scott Capano and they are both interested in being involved with this project. b. Boat launch relocation funding-everything is ready to roll and dependent on weather. c. Downtown policing-nothing new to report 8. Citizen Comment-Jason Vincent has received the signs for the water trail. He and Barry Ellison would like the HMC to look at placement of signs. Jason also gave an update on the Uncas Leap project. An application has been submitted for a $270,000 historic brownfields grant which was awarded in January and will allow the following to be completed: Environmental Site Assessment Hazardous Materials investigation of the buildings A proposed site plan/drawings of a what the final project could look like 9. Other-The new round of funding from the LISFF is out. Geoff Steadman sent a representative to the workshop today. There are two potentially fundable projects for Norwich. An educational category: Fishing Guide-would need to have a conservation element. Planning Category: Project design for the Shipping Street launch-making sure it is designed as an environmentally compatible facility. Matching funds would need to be found; in-kind, etc. Geoff will send the grant information over to Jason. No Wake Buoy: G. Martin is still trying to reach the rep at the DEEP regarding the expired permit. Future of the Harbormaster Program: Geoff Steadman thinks that the State may decide that the Harbormaster program may report to the DEEP until they can decide where it should reside permanently. Marina Fire Safety: The news article regarding the fire at the marina was discussed. 10. Adjournment-Motion to adjourn, Tucker Braddock, 2nd Bill Eyberse, meeting adjourned at 6:05 PM.