Harbor Management Commission

HARBOR MANAGEMENT COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, June 29, 2021 6:00 PM Hybrid In‐person/Zoom Virtual Meeting MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Tucker Braddock, Mayor Peter Nystrom (virtual), Alderman Mark Bettencourt, Michael Gualtieri, Sofia LeWitt, Mark Sicuso (virtual) and Michael Aliano (virtual) City Manager John Salomone (called in/Zoom) OTHERS PRESENT: Consultant Geoff Steadman and Recording Secretary Katherine Rose MEMBERS ABSENT: None 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 6:02 PM. 2. Determination of Quorum: It was determined a quorum was present. 3. Approval of Minutes: On a motion by Michael Gualtieri, seconded by Alderman Mark Bettencourt, the May 25, 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 May expenses which included Geoff Steadman’s previously approved invoice. He detailed the account balances. All members received a copy of the report via email prior to the meeting. On a motion by Mayor Peter Nystrom, seconded by Alderman Mark Bettencourt, the HMC unanimously accepted the April Financial Report. 6. Harbor Master Report: Harbor Master Rich Thayer presented his stipend for acting as harbor master as a donation to the Harbor Management Commission. 7. New Business: a) Fundraising:  Fireworks Fundraising Howard Park  Rotarian Fundraiser with Fire Cauldrons Minor discussion ensued. On a motion by Alderman Mark Bettencourt, seconded by Sofia LeWitt, the HMC unanimously supported both fundraising programs.  b) Painting of Wall Under Norwich PD: Chair Braddock stated that David Bishop had volunteered to paint the mural and was progressing well on a low‐cost budget with the city’s support. c) New Grant Availability from Port Authority: Geoff Steadman stated that he spoke with Mr. Salvation at the Port Authority earlier that day who advised that a bill was passed in the last legislative session which allowed the Port authority to spend 25 million dollars over the next five years on small harbor projects. He added that significant funding was leftover from the SHIP Grants for harbor infrastructure projects and recommended that the HMC determine projects that would be applicable for the funding. Mr. Salvatore told Mr. Steadman that he would begin the paperwork for the Howard Brown Park project to get to the city in the following week. Geoff Steadman stated he could assist in developing a list of priority projects for the next scheduled meeting and noted that the projects must be public on city‐ owned land. Discussion ensued regarding potential project focuses. Michael Aliano virtually left the meeting at 6:20PM. 8. Old Business: a) Rowing Shells: Chair Braddock touched on previous discussions regarding enthusiasm with the rowing shells and involving local students. b) Harbor Management Plan: DRAFT Chapters 1‐7 Review: Alderman Bettencourt stated he had discussion with Geoff Steadman and planned to make updates to Chapter 2. Geoff Steadman state he felt it was important to include a five year implantation plan within Chapter 6 to assist submittals for grant funding. 9. Citizen Comment: None 10. Adjournment: On a motion to adjourn by Michael Gualtieri, seconded by Alderman Mark Bettencourt, the Harbor Management Commission meeting adjourned via at 6:29 PM. Respectfully submitted, Katherine Rose Recording Secretary