Harbor Management Commission

HARBOR MANAGEMENT COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, November 3, 2021 5:00 PM Hybrid In‐person/Zoom Virtual Meeting MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Tucker Braddock, Mayor Peter Nystrom, Alderman Mark Bettencourt, City Manager John Salomone, Michael Gualtieri, Mark Sicuso, Sofia LeWitt and Michael Aliano OTHERS PRESENT: Consultant Geoff Steadman and Recording Secretary Melinda Wilson MEMBERS ABSENT: All present 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 5:00 PM. 2. Determination of Quorum: It was determined a quorum was present. 3. Approval of Minutes: On a motion by John Salomone, seconded by Michael Gualtieri, the September 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 of the September 2021 report. On a motion by Mark Sicuso, seconded by Michael Aliano, the September Financial Report was unanimously accepted by roll call vote. 6. Harbor Master Report: Harbor Master Rich Thayer was not present. 7. New Business: a) FY23 Budget Request Discussion was held on the usual expenses and appropriation. On a motion by Alderman Bettencourt, seconded by Michael Aliano, the HMC unanimously approved a FY23 request for an appropriation of $7,000. 8. Old Business: a) Mural by David Bishop: Chair Braddock reported that David Bishop has completed repainting the mural near the police station along the harbor. He asked the HMC members to consider ways to show appreciation to Mr. Bishop. Chair Braddock read a proposed brief narrative for a story board to be placed in Howard Brown Park. Mr. Aliano requested that Chair Braddock send the wording to him so that his graphic artist can design the story board. Discussion ensued on the form and amount of the appreciation gift. On a motion by Michael Aliano, seconded by Michael Gualtieri, the HMC unanimously approved purchase of (3) $100 gift certificates to Norwich eateries for Mr. Bishop to be paid with HMC funds.  b) Sunken Boat: Chair Braddock noted a 50’ boat sunk. Harbor Master Thayer called the Coast Guard, the Fire Department and DEEP. There is a sheen on the water. Mr. Sicuso reported that it is a small amount of petroleum product from the deck, et cetera. Discussion ensued on responsibility for the sunken boat. Geoff Steadman noted that the Harbor Master has authority on such matters. On a motion by Michael Aliano, seconded by Mark Sicuso, the HMC unanimously authorized the Harbor Master to be directed to have the boat dealt with and if it means contacting the Attorney General’s office, then do so. Mr. Steadman clarified the process of contacting the Attorney General’s office. He offered to contact the AG’s office to let them know to expect a call from Rich Thayer. c) Rowing Shells: Chair Braddock noted this is an ongoing process. Norwich Public Schools are working on setting up a program from the K‐8 grade level. d) CT Port Authority: Chair Braddock is interested in inviting the CPA Executive Director John Henshaw to Norwich to share ideas on how to improve the river. The CPA has funding available. Discussion also ensued on the repairs of the docks at Howard T. Brown Park. Divers have inspected the pilings. Their report is not yet completed. City Manager Salomone and Mr. Steadman will both follow‐up. e) Harbor Management Plan Update: Mr. Steadman reported that since the last meeting, he has not heard back from DEEP. His contact has retired. He has obtained new contacts and sent a draft to them. Norwich’s HMP includes the stipulation that the HMC’s decisions are binding. Redevelopment and economic growth along the harbor are tied to ecological health. The maps in Chapter 6 will be updated with 2019 aerial photos. 9. Citizen Comment: None 10. Other: On a motion by Mark Sicuso, seconded by Michael Aliano, the HMC unanimously authorized Mike Gualtieri to purchase $100 gift certificates at Prime 82, Harp & Dragon, and La Stella for David Bishop with HMC funds. 11. Adjournment: On a motion to adjourn by Mark Bettencourt, seconded by Michael Aliano, the Harbor Management Commission meeting adjourned via at 5:52 PM. Respectfully submitted, Melinda Wilson Recording Secretary