Harbor Management Commission

HARBOR MANAGEMENT COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, July 27, 2021 5:00 PM Hybrid In‐person/Zoom Virtual Meeting MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Tucker Braddock, Mayor Peter Nystrom, Alderman Mark Bettencourt, Michael Gualtieri and Sofia LeWitt OTHERS PRESENT: Consultant Geoff Steadman and Recording Secretary Melinda Wilson MEMBERS ABSENT: City Manager John Salomone, Michael Aliano and Mark Sicuso CITIZENS PRESENT: None Alderman Mark Bettencourt read the rules of a hybrid 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 5:13 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 June 28, 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 revenue, expenses and balances. Rich Thayer donated his Harbor Master stipend to the HMC. 6. Harbor Master Report: Harbor Master Rich Thayer was not present. 7. New Business: a) Recent Storms: Chair Braddock spoke to the issue of runoff of the Shetucket and Yantic River during the recent strong storms. Significant rainfall brings debris such as trees into the Thames River causing snags which are hazardous. Joyal has been dragging the trees and limbs to the boat launch. There have been a large amount of trees creating a significant problem. 8. Old Business: a) Mural by David Bishop: Chair Braddock reported that David Bishop, the artist repainting the mural near the police station along the harbor, is doing a beautiful job. Chair Braddock reported that Mr. Bishop says he is proud to do it. He encourages HMC members to go see it. He asked that the City Council recognize Mr. Bishop for doing this. He also noted that the city’s Department of Public Works has been cutting brush in the area to improve it. Genesee/Wyoming has done the same.  b) CPA Funding: Chair Braddock reported that the Connecticut Port Authority (CPA) has more funding available. There are two pots of funding, $9 million and $25 million. CPA staffer Joseph Salvatore received confirmation of the $544,000 for Norwich and city hall also confirmed the award to repair the docks. State Senator Cathy Osten suggested that the City move quickly to get the project in motion. Mayor Nystrom reported that he met with city Comptroller Josh Pothier today. He is working with purchasing agent to get this out to bid as soon as possible. Chair Braddock noted that the price of construction materials has increased in general since the original estimate was given. Mayor Nystrom reported that City Planner Deanna Rhodes has been in contact with the state’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). DEEP is planning to fine the City for not repairing the docks earlier. Even though the grant has been in the works for years, and delayed by the state, Ms. Rhodes said the fine will be assessed regardless of the plans to repair the docks based on SHIPP funding. Discussion ensued regarding opportunities for funding, including housing, care and use of the rowing shells. c) Review Feedback on Harbor Management Plan (HMP) Update: Geoff Steadman spoke to the need of selecting priority projects for the HMP in Chapter 6. Grant applications can relate back to the HMP as a signal to their importance. He would like to have the draft completed by Labor Day. Discussion ensued on holding a meeting at the harbor. 9. Citizen Comment: None 10. Other: Mr. Steadman offered to assist the city in facilitating the dock repair especially regarding non‐ compliance with maintenance issues. Environmental enhancement projects were discussed. 11. Adjournment: On a motion to adjourn by Mark Bettencourt, seconded by Sofia LeWitt, the Harbor Management Commission meeting adjourned via at 5:57 PM. Respectfully submitted, Melinda Wilson Recording Secretary