Harbor Management Commission

HARBOR MANAGEMENT COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, July 26, 2022, 5:00 PM Norwich City Hall, Room 319 MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Tucker Braddock, Treasurer Michael Gualtieri, Alderman Derell Wilson, Mark Sicuso, Sofia LeWitt (via Phone) OTHERS PRESENT: Coastal Area Planning Consultant Geoff Steadman (via Phone), Richard Thayer (via phone) Recording Secretary Kaitlyn Griffiths MEMBERS ABSENT: John Salomone, Alderman Grant Neuendorf, Michael Aliano, David Bishop CITIZENS PRESENT: Patrick Kennedy Jr (Co-Owner- Kennedy Diving & Marine, LLC) 1. Call to Order: Chair Tucker Braddock called the meeting to order at 5:14 PM. 2. Determination of Quorum: It was determined a quorum was present. 3. Approval of Minutes: On motion by Alderman Derell Wilson, seconded by Mark Sicuso, the June 28, 2022, meeting minutes of the Harbor Management Commission (HMC) were unanimously approved as presented. 4. Harbor Master Report: Chair Tucker Braddock met with the Harbor Master earlier today, July 26, 2022, discussed concerns regarding the “Lucky Lady”, which HMC will continue this discussion later in the agenda. 5. Correspondence: Geoff Steadman reports that he has talked to Mr. Castronova- Purchasing Agent and was told that the formal approval from Department of the Navy Army Corps. of Engineers for the replacement of the pilings has been received. 6. Financial Report: Michael Gualtieri reviewed the revenue, expenses, and balances of the June 1st – 30th 2022 report. Mr. Gualtieri reports the $75.40 expenditure of the data line is for the Harbor Management Commission’s share of the camera. Mr. Gualtieri also reports the $480.00 expenditure of professional services for Harbor Management Commission is for recording secretary fees for the last 6 months. On a motion by Alderman Derell Wilson, seconded by Mark Sicuso, the June 2022 Financial Report was unanimously accepted by roll call vote. 7. New Business: Nothing to report currently. 8. Old Business: a) Race Coast Engineering (RACE): Chair Braddock started to say that we were at a standstill with RACE, in which Mr. Steadman had stated that there are no more reports from RACE at the current point. b) Additional Grant for Howard T. Brown Park Docks: Mr. Steadman reports that the application has been submitted in time (within the July 8,2022 deadline), the amount of this application totals $289,489.80. c) New Opportunity for Heritage Park Overlook; on east branch of Yantic River: Mr. Steadman reports that the application has been submitted in time (within the July 8,2022 deadline), the amount of this application totals $45,000.00. Mr. Steadman added that he spoke to Mr. Salvatore of The Connecticut Port Authority today, July 26th, to ask if any more info was needed to be added in the application and was told no, that the application would hopefully be voted on and accepted at that next Port Authority meeting on August 16th. Nothing more is needed from HMC at this time. d) Rowing Shells: Chairman Braddock reports that the recreation director is no longer in that position, but he has talked to the Board of Education about them, and they seem interested. It was expressed that Chairman Braddock should reach out to the recreation department again and maybe the Board of Education, Currently the shells are in a state of flux. Mr. Steadman talked to Mr. Salvatore about the access, the structures (such as docks, ramps, etc.) and other factors involved, in which Mr. Salvatore is confident that it is a fundable project and will qualify for a SHIPP grant, although may be a project for next year. Michael Gualtieri suggested that in the event the business portion of the Marina is sold, then maybe there can be a stipulation or contingency for a stationed area for the rowing shells. e) Lucky Lady: Chairman Braddock reported the boat was officially taken out of the water and broken down for full removal today, July 26th. Co Par, the new owners of the boat have had it completely removed. Sofia LeWitt lost service and reentered within a few minutes via phone. Geoff Steadman talked to Kevin Lavoie of the State today, July 26th, in which he had received complaints to the city. Some of the complaints were regarding the contractor’s “Booms” around the area of the boat removal site, along with complaints to the zoning officer about permitted work around the bulkheads. It was restated to all involved that no special permits were needed and any permits that were, were indeed taken out. Richard Thayer entered meeting via phone. f) Harbor Management Plan (HMP): Geoff Steadman reported that he couldn’t have a meeting yet, in which Chairman Braddock would be a part of, but will reschedule said meeting within the next week or two. 8. Citizen Comment: Patrick Kennedy (Co-owner of Kennedy Diving & Marine, LLC) voiced concerns over company equipment currently at the “Sunken Lady” boat site. Discussion of this was presented to HMC members. Chairman Braddock has volunteered to have a discussion with Co Par Company in regard to equipment and see if there’s anything to be done, but also stated this is not something HMC is responsible for. 9. Other: None Presented. 10. Adjournment: On a motion to adjourn by Alderman Derell Wilson, seconded by Michael Gualtieri, the Harbor Management Commission meeting adjourned at 5:51PM. Respectfully submitted, Kaitlyn Griffiths Recording Secretary