Harbor Management Commission

HARBOR MANAGEMENT COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, March 28, 2017 City Hall, Room 210, 5:00 PM MEMBERS PRESENT Alderman Gerald Martin Josh Bakoulis Richard Benoit Michael Gualtieri OTHERS PRESENT Officer Matt Seidel Geoff Steadman Recording Secretary Melinda Wilson MEMBERS ABSENT Alderman H. Tucker Braddock, Jr. CITIZENS PRESENT Zechariah Stover 1. Call to Order: Alderman Martin called the meeting to order at 5:00 PM. 2. Determination of Quorum: It was determined a quorum was present. 3. Approval of Minutes February 28, 2017: On a motion to accept by Mike Gualtieri, seconded by Josh Bakoulis, the Commission unanimously voted to accept the minutes of the February 28, 2017 of the Harbor Management Commission (HMC) with a change to the description of Rock the Docks stating it runs for six weeks. 4. Community Policing: Officer Seidel of the Norwich Police Department (NPD) introduced himself as a member of Community Policing. Fishing regulations were reviewed. Short crab checks and license checks will be taking place. 5. Correspondence: a. The February HMC Financial Report was reviewed. On a motion by Mike Gualtieri, seconded by Alderman Martin, the February Financial Report was unanimously accepted. 6. Harbor Master Report: Michael Valentine, Harbor Master, was not present. 7. New Business: No new business was undertaken. Harbor Management Commission, March 28, 2017 8. Old Business: a. Harbor Cam: Alderman Martin reported the harbor cam installation is on hold due to an injury of Scott Barbarossa. b. Harbor Management Plan Review: Consultant Geoff Steadman reported on the Small Harbor Improvement Projects Program offered by the Connecticut Port Authority. They have $7.5 million to distribute as grant funding. He handed out copies of the Request for Applications. He reported on the meeting with the representatives from the Port Authority. The lack of city ownership of Shipping Street precludes applying for that project. Funds to update the Harbor Management Plan are potentially fundable. Jerry noted navigational aids were also covered and there are repairs that need to be made these in the Norwich harbor. The HMC decided to go ahead with the grant request to update the Harbor Management Plan. Next year, the repairs will be addressed through the program if funding is available. Geoff will prepare the proposal and complete the application. c. Request for Memorial Day weekend use harbor use: Discussion was held about multiple needs for recreation areas throughout the city on Memorial Day weekend. On a motion by Dick Benoit, seconded by Mike Gualtieri, the HMC unanimously voted to approve the carnival request for Howard T. Brown Park on Memorial Day weekend. Officer Seidel suggested posting the boat launch closure on social media. 9. Citizen Comment: None 10. Other: Geoff reported on a meeting held to discuss the changes at DEEP. There is no longer continuity with the towns as there used to be which has led to communication gaps. Discussion at this DEEP meeting was held about binding recommendations. Geoff will update the HMC. Geoff reported on the opportunity for the HMC to host the CT Port Authority meeting on the afternoon of June 7​th​. The HMC agreed. Jerry will check on getting a room. The HMC agreed to have Geoff invite the CT Port Authority in writing. The term of the harbormaster has expired. The HMC has to supply three names to pick from and include a preferred candidate. This will be discussed at the next meeting. Jerry said the oyster barge is not breaking any rules but they still need zoning approval. Geoff said it would be a pilot project. The shells would be stored at Shipping Street and be placed lower in the river. The issue is the odor of the pile. They think they can deal with it here by spraying. Best Management Practices are being complied. The oyster boats would bring the shells. Zoning changes have to come through the HMC. 11. Adjournment: On a motion to adjourn by Mike Gualtieri, seconded by Josh Bakoulis, the Harbor Management Commission meeting adjourned at 5:36 PM. Respectfully submitted, Melinda Wilson, Recording Secretary Harbor Management Commission, March 28, 2017