Harbor Management Commission

HARBOR MANAGEMENT COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, May 25, 2021 5:00 PM Hybrid In‐person/Zoom Virtual Meeting MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Tucker Braddock, Mayor Peter Nystrom, Alderman Mark Bettencourt, Michael Gualtieri, Sofia LeWitt, Mark Sicuso and Michael Aliano (arrived at 5:12 pm) OTHERS PRESENT: Consultant Geoff Steadman and Recording Secretary Melinda Wilson MEMBERS ABSENT: City Manager John Salomone CITIZENS PRESENT: None Alderman Mark Bettencourt read the rules of the virtual meeting. He clearly stated that the meeting would be recorded and would be posted on the city’s website. 1. Call to Order: Chair Tucker Braddock called the meeting to order at 5:02 PM. 2. Determination of Quorum: It was determined a quorum was present. 3. Approval of Minutes: On a motion by Michael Gualtieri, seconded by Mark Sicuso, the April 27, 2021 meeting minutes of the Harbor Management Commission (HMC) were unanimously approved as presented. 4. Community Policing Report: Norwich Police Department’s Community Policing was not represented at the meeting. 5. Correspondence: a) Financial Report: Michael Gualtieri reviewed the April expenses which included three month’s of harbor cam charges. Geoff Steadman’s invoice will be paid in the month of May so it will be reviewed next month. He detailed the account balances. All members received a copy of the report via email prior to the meeting, On a motion by Mark Sicuso, seconded by Mayor Peter Nystrom, the HMC unanimously accepted the April Financial Report. 6. Harbor Master Report: Harbor Master Rich Thayer was not present. Chair Braddock met with him earlier in the day to review events on the harbor. 7. New Business: None 8. Old Business: a) Rowing Shells: Chair Braddock reported that he is still attempting to contact NFA about the potential availability of the rowing shells. Mr. Steadman raised the issue of prioritizing the rowing shells and adding this to the Harbor Management Plan. Chair Braddock prefers to discuss details with NFA prior to adding this to the plan. b) Harbor Management Plan: DRAFT Chapter 6 Review: Sofia Lewitt asked about several projects in Chapter 6. Mr. Steadman noted that the Plan should integrate with the city’s comprehensive Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD). Ms. Lewitt noted the disparity of projects in Chapter 6 from the very small and simple to the very large and complicated. Extensive discussion was held on the historic  nature of the properties around the harbor and FEMA regulations. Verbiage was discussed to avail the plan of the maximum amount of flexibility while supporting water‐related development around the harbor. The decision was made to continue the discussion at next month’s meeting. c) Thayer’s: Applications have been submitted to the state’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). He has a good boat launch facing downriver. He wants to add a boat launch. d) Wiese / Thames River Proposal: Chair Braddock did not have an update. e) Susan Cohen v State of CT: Mr. Steadman noted that it was too late for the legislature to act during the current legislative session. f) Mural by David Bishop: Chair Braddock reported on the project to repaint the mural along the retaining wall at the police station. Local Artist David Bishop has offered his services at no charge to repaint the mural. Genesee and Wyoming Railroad stated they will charge $105/hour to give the artist access. To avoid this fee, a ladder could be hung off the wall at the police station. Chair Braddock has spoken with City Manager John Salomone who will consider the options. 9. Citizen Comment: None 10. Other: There was general agreement that Mr. Steadman would recreate the photo tribute that he presented to the family of Jason Vincent at the celebration of Jason’s life. This copy will be hung at City Hall. 11. Adjournment: On a motion to adjourn by Mark Sicuso, seconded by Michael Aliano, the Harbor Management Commission meeting adjourned via at 5:59 PM. Respectfully submitted, Melinda Wilson Recording Secretary