Harbor Management Commission

HARBOR MANAGEMENT COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, September 26, 2017 City Hall, Room 335, 5:00 PM MEMBERS PRESENT: Alderman Gerald Martin, Alderman H. Tucker Braddock, Jr., Josh Bakoulis, Richard Benoit, Michael Gualtieri, Mark Sicuso & Zechariah Stover OTHERS PRESENT: Geoff Steadman & Recording Secretary Melinda Wilson MEMBERS ABSENT: None CITIZENS PRESENT: None 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 August 22, 2017: On a motion to accept by Alderman Braddock, seconded by Mike Gualtieri, the Commission unanimously voted to accept the minutes of the August 22, 2017 meeting of the Harbor Management Commission (HMC) adding the species of the crabs to blue crabs. 4. Community Policing: Officer Seidel of the Norwich Police Department (NPD) was not present. Alderman Martin will remind the Chief to send an officer to the meeting. 5. Correspondence: a. The August HMC Financial Report was reviewed. Mike asked questions regarding the recording secretary charges which were clarified by the recording secretary. On a motion by Mike Gualtieri, seconded by Alderman Braddock, the August Financial Report was unanimously accepted. 6. Harbor Master Report: Michael Valentine, Harbor Master, was not present. 7. New Business: a. 2018 Schedule: On a motion by Alderman Braddock, seconded by Mark Sicuso, the 2018 HMC meeting schedule was unanimously approved on the current schedule of fourth Tuesdays at 5 PM with no December meeting. 8. Old Business: Harbor Cam: Alderman Martin reported the costs are included in the HMC’s budget. The HMC Harbor Management Commission, September 26, 2017  needs to pay for the data line. The NPD has agreed pay for half of the data line so they can use it as an emergency line. He proposes that the funds come from the HMC budget for the first year. The camera will show the boat launch so conditions can be monitored, especially ice. The HMC agreed that once the web cam is installed a press release should be sent out through the City Manager’s office. On a motion by Dick Benoit, seconded by Mike Gualtieri, the HMC unanimously approved $900, or half of the monthly bill, to be spent on the data line for the first year. Harbor Management Plan Review Update: Geoff Steadman reported the bond commission will not meet until there is a state budget. This delays funding for the grant from the Port Authority. Geoff also reported that he spoke with City Planner Deanna Rhodes regarding the HMC’s authority to review proposals for property on the harbor. He presented applicable Connecticut General Statutes for review by the HMC. Discussion ensued regarding decisions by the HMC based on the Harbor Management Plan in relation to the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). The HMC decided to invite Deanna to the next HMC meeting. Geoff reported he spoke with Mr. Warzcheka regarding the transfer act on the recently auctioned Wharf Street property. DEEP is looking into the property, as well. Harbormaster Position: Alderman Martin reported Geoff is completing the previously discussed letter. He has spoken with the state and the letter will go out soon. 2018 Commission Goals and Projects: Alderman Martin referred to the list he presented at the last meeting. He developed the list to serve as a guideline for the HMC going forward. 9. Citizen Comment: None 10. Other: Geoff presented HMC members with copies of a map from the Library of Congress. The map was drawn in 1876 and represents an artist’s depiction of Norwich Harbor and the surrounding areas within the city. Alderman Martin closed the meeting with a statement regarding his time as Chair of the HMC. He recognized the members as having the city and harbor’s best interests in mind. The best asset of the city is the harbor. The residents of Norwich are so blessed by the harbor. He wishes the HMC the best going forward. Alderman Martin recommended Alderman Braddock as the next Chair of the HMC. In turn, the HMC members expressed appreciation to Alderman Martin. 11. Adjournment: On a motion to adjourn by Alderman Braddock, seconded by Mark Sicuso, the Harbor Management Commission meeting adjourned at 5:37 PM. Respectfully submitted, Melinda Wilson, Recording Secretary Harbor Management Commission, September 26, 2017