Harbor Management Commission

HARBOR MANAGEMENT COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, February 27, 2018 City Hall, Room 319, 5:00 PM MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Tucker Braddock, Alderwoman Joanne Philbrick, Josh Bakoulis, Michael Gualtieri, Gerry Martin, Mark Sicuso & Zechariah Stover (arrived at 5:40 pm) OTHERS PRESENT: Harbor Master Richard Thayer, Geoff Steadman, City Planner Deana Rhodes & Recording Secretary Melinda Wilson MEMBERS ABSENT: Alderman Joseph DeLucia CITIZENS PRESENT: Joanne LeFrancios, Laura Harrington, Debra White & Sheila Hayes 1. Call to Order: Chair Tucker Braddock called the meeting to order at 5:04 PM. 2. Determination of Quorum: It was determined a quorum was present. 3. Approval of minutes of January 23, 2018: On a motion to accept by Mike Gualtieri, seconded by Mark Sicuso, the Commission unanimously voted to accept the minutes of the January 23, 2018 meeting of the Harbor Management Commission (HMC) as presented. 4. Community Policing: Jerry noted that Officer Perry is no longer in charge of community policing. Tucker will follow- up to get a new contact at the police station. Officer Seidel of the Norwich Police Department (NPD) was not present. 5. Correspondence: a. Tucker presented the January HMC Financial Statement. Mike said the paperwork has been signed for the Port Authority grant but no funding has occurred. Geoff said it would come from OPM. Geoff will find out about funding tomorrow and email the committee. On a motion by Mike Gualtieri, seconded by Mark Sicuso, the HMC unanimously accepted the January Financial Statement. b. Tucker read an email from the Norwich Rotary (Noontime Rotary). Bonnie Hong requested to use Howard T Browne Park on Memorial Day Weekend for their carnival. Jerry noted that he appreciates the rotary and their hard work, but he has to close down the boat launch for a peak weekend. Joanne noted that the city is trying to get exposure for fishing in the harbor yet has to shut down the boat launch during a prime holiday weekend. She suggested that the Rotary look to do this another weekend, not Memorial Day. Tucker said all should be vigilant about relocating the boat launch. On a motion by Joanne Philbrick, seconded by Josh Bakoulis, the Harbor Management Commission, February 27, 2018  HMC voted to recommend the City Council approve the request. 6. Harbor Master Report: Tucker introduced Richard Thayer as the new Harbor Master. He asked Rich to make a monthly report to the HMC on activities along the river and harbor. Rich reported there has been a lot of ice damage. Discussion ensued regarding establishing contact between the Harbor Master, Police Department and Fire Department. Mark and Tucker will initiate this contact. 7. New Business: a) Rotary request: Rotary Community Corps (RCC) members presented a request to the HMC. Joanne LaFrancois presented a request to hold Harbor Fire on 9/22/18. She explained the event and gave information on the officials the RCC has met with to date. Geoff suggested talking with the DEEP for approval, as well. On a motion by Mark Sicuso, seconded by Josh Bakoulis, the HMC unanimously voted to recommend that the City Council approve the request. b) Run off drains: Mike let everyone know he was asked to attend a meeting with Stormwater Committee. Ryan from DPW set-up the committee to update the MS4 Plan which is required by DEEP. The goals are to improve the integrity of the city’s storm water runoff and to present an ordinance to city council to get more authority on unallowed runoff. Also, the Stormwater Committee will do public outreach. Geoff noted that the Harbor Management Plan could be updated to include the information which is decided upon by this committee. Mike also raised the issue of feeding the waterfowl at the harbor which leads to higher bacteria levels. c) Mission statement: This agenda item was not addressed. 8. Old Business: Harbor Management Plan Review Update: Tucker noted that this is not funded at this time. The intent is to upgrade the management of the river and estuary. Josh suggested involving local students. Tucker agreed. Geoff noted that this type of public involvement is included in the current plan. 9. Citizen Comment: None 10. Other: Tucker suggested that the City Council advocate and be involved in fundraising in light of budget constraints. Jerry asked if the HMC could reach out to the City Manager about promoting the webcam at the harbor. He gave an update on the kayak fishing derby which will take place 5/20/18, 4 am – 12 noon. This will be a catch and release derby. They are expecting 20 – 40 kayaks. They will Harbor Management Commission, February 27, 2018  set-up a grill for lunch after the derby at Howard T. Brown Park. He will draft a communication to NPD, the fire departments, the City Manager, and DPW. Mark reported on the new fire boat which will be ordered. The fire rescue support dive team will use the boat. It will be kept at the marina. It will be staffed 24/7 by the career fire department and operate in inclement weather. The full cost of the boat will be $338,000 with the city’s portion being $84,000. This boat will be a regional asset. 11. Adjournment: On a motion to adjourn by Jerry Martin, seconded by Alderwoman Philbrick, the Harbor Management Commission meeting adjourned at 6:04 PM. Respectfully submitted, Melinda Wilson Recording Secretary Harbor Management Commission, February 27, 2018