Harbor Management Commission

HARBOR MANAGEMENT COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES “SPECIAL MEETING” Tuesday, June 7, 2022, 5:00 PM Norwich City Hall, Room 335 MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Tucker Braddock, Treasurer Michael Gualtieri, Michael Aliano, Alderman Grant Neuendorf, Sofia LeWitt, Alderman Derell Wilson, David Bishop OTHERS PRESENT: Coastal Area Planning Consultant Geoff Steadman (via Phone), Mayor Nystron, Recording Secretary Kaitlyn Griffiths MEMBERS ABSENT: John Salomone, Mark Sicuso CITIZENS PRESENT: None 1. Call to Order: Chair Tucker Braddock called the meeting to order at 5:05 PM. 2. Determination of Quorum: It was determined a quorum was present. 3. Approval of Minutes: On motion by Alderman Derell Wilson, seconded by Michael Gualtieri, the April 26, 2022, meeting minutes of the Harbor Management Commission (HMC) were unanimously approved as presented. 4. Harbor Master Report: Currently nothing to report. 5. Correspondence: Currently nothing to report. 6. Financial Report: Michael Gualtieri reviewed the revenue, expenses, and balances of the April 1st – 30th 2022 report. Mr. Gualtieri reports that both bills discussed on April 26, 2022 Meeting are paid in full. On a motion by Alderman Derell Wilson, seconded by Michael Aliano, the April 2022 Financial Report was unanimously accepted by roll call vote. 7. New Business: David Bishop presented a possible idea of constructing an informational board containing history of the railways and harbor boats, including the names of engines and boats, on or near the Howard T. Brown Park Sidewalk area.(Picture presented to HMC members during discussion) Discussion pursued of what would be needed and possibility of cooperation with Historical Society, in which Mr. Bishop is also part of, and left as more information is needed but is highly accepted as a great small project to improve that area. a) New Member of HMC; David Bishop: David Bishop is recognized by other members of HMC. Other members of HMC know and acknowledge all the great endeavors that Mr. Bishop has been involved with and look forward to having him here. Geoff Steadman enters meeting via phone. b) 8th of July Firework Display: Chair Braddock presented HMC with a request for the use of the Harbor and Howard T. Brown Park (access to Harbor) on July 8th, 2022, with rain dates of July 10th. HMC gives blessing for the use of the Harbor for fireworks but wishes to know a little more of the actual event(s) taking place that day, ex. Carnival, booths, etc. c) Presentation to City Council – May 16th; Additional Funds for Pilings: Chair Braddock, alongside Michael Gualtieri and Mr. Steadman, presented the updated estimates from Race Coastal Engineering (RACE). The revised estimate to replace and repair the docks and pilings located at the Howard T. Brown Park, including the original grant awarded to the City of $680,025.00, is $1,041,888.00. The shortfall amounts to $361,863.00, of which the City Council has approved and is responsible for 20% or $72,373.00. The new grant, including the shortfall, must be filed by July 1,2022. Alderman Wilson stepped away from meeting. Discussion pursued on the revised numbers, via handout given, and if anything more was needed. Mr. Steadman stated the grant forms were filled out, supporting documents were going to be filed with it by the due date of July 1, 2022. Alderman Wilson returned to meeting. On motion by Michael Gualtieri, seconded by Michael Aliano, that HMC bill the state for those funds expended and were paid to RACE and DOCKO for engineer services of opinion of probable cost, anchor pile design & bid documents, and certificate of permission for anchor pile replacement in the total amount of $23,075.25 was unanimously accepted by roll call. On motion by Michael Gualtieri, seconded by Michael Aliano, that HMC submit a payment request to the city, under the original grant, of $10,757.50 for fees associated with the grant application & site work was unanimously accepted by roll call. d) New Applications; Additional Funds: No additional funds or applications were presented. e) New Application; Regarding condition of pier on Heritage Walkway: Geoff Steadman presented an informal cost estimate for design & permits of probable cost estimates regarding “Repair and Enhancement of Heritage Park Overlook on the Yantic River”. Mr. Steadman reports of Mr. Hammond and Mr. Salvatore suggesting more areas to look at. Discussion of estimate pursued. All members unanimously declined to move forward on this application without further details, by roll call vote. Michael Aliano makes suggestion to HMC that they all take a look at this area in person to physically see what’s there and what it entails for the enhancements and improvements to be done. 8. Old Business: a) Race Coast Engineering: Chair Braddock reiterated previously discussed in this meeting of the current application given based on the corrected numbers. Alderman Wilson stepped away from meeting. b) CT Port Authority: Reiterated the last meeting that took place with Mr. Hammond and Mr. Salvatore regarding Harbor Management Plan including priority areas of interest. Also reported that they have disapproved suggestion made on April 26, 2022, HMC meeting of new location for Rowing Shells. Alderman Wilson returned to meeting. Mr. Steadman suggested maybe talking to them about a feasibility study of said Rowing Shells locations. c) Rowing Shells: Chair Braddock reported that Rowing Shells are in storage, safe and sound. HMC knows the location of both shells and kayaks. As discussed earlier, Mr. Hammond and Mr. Salvatore disapprove location suggested and need more suggestions. Further discussion will be done once more information is gathered. Michael Aliano stepped away from meeting. Alderman Wilson suggested a discussion with City and Human Services to see all options and probabilities of locations, transport, and a more permanent home for the Shells. d) Sunken Boat: Chair Braddock stated that they were hopeful the boat would be brought up today (June 7, 2022) but they were not able to complete. Instead, stated that the boat should be brought up tomorrow (June 8, 2022) and then disposed of. e) Harbor Management Plan (HMP): Geoff Steadman reported that progress is being made. He has spoken to state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) representative and was supposed to have a meeting last week, is rescheduled to hopefully next week due to COVID issues, to be on site and discuss current updates to submit for approval. Mayor Nystron left meeting. 8. Citizen Comment: None Presented. 9. Other: None Presented. Michael Aliano returned to meeting. 10. Adjournment: On a motion to adjourn by Alderman Derell Wilson, seconded by Michael Gualtieri, the Harbor Management Commission meeting adjourned at 5:54PM. Respectfully submitted, Kaitlyn Griffiths Recording Secretary