Harbor Management Commission

HARBOR MANAGEMENT COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, January 24, 2022, 5:00 PM Norwich City Hall, Room 319 MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Tucker Braddock, Treasurer Michael Gualtieri, Sofia LeWitt, Alderman Grant Neuendorf, Michael Aliano, David Bishop, Mark Sicuso OTHERS PRESENT: Coastal Area Planning Consultant Geoff Steadman, Bill Champagne (Norwich Rotarian Member), Carrie Szymanski (Norwich Rotarian President), Recording Secretary Kaitlyn Griffiths MEMBERS ABSENT: John Salomone CITIZENS PRESENT: None 1.Call to Order: Chair Tucker Braddock called the meeting to order at 5:11 PM. 2. Determination of Quorum: It was determined a quorum was present. 3. Approval of Minutes: On motion by Michael Aliano, seconded by Michael Gualtieri, the October 25, 2022, meeting minutes of the Harbor Management Commission (HMC) were unanimously approved as presented. 4. Harbor Master Report: On behalf of Harbor Master Richard Thayer, Chair Tucker Braddock has nothing new to report. 5. Correspondence: Nothing to report. 6. Financial Report: Michael Gualtieri reviewed the revenue, expenses, and balances of the November 1st – 30th 2022 and December 1st- 31st 2022 reports. Mr. Gualtieri reports the expenditure for the Harbor Management Commission’s share of the camera for November 2022, was reported on the Professional Services Line and not on the Communications Line. The December 2022, the amount of $75.40 was correctly listed on the Communications Line and the Year-to-Date amount of $452.40 is correct. On a motion by Michael Aliano, seconded by Alderman Grant Neuendorf, the November 2022 Financial Report with corrections and December 2022 Financial Report was unanimously accepted by roll call vote. 7. New Business: a) Rotarians- Howard T. Brown Park: Rotarian President Carrie Szymanski presented details of the proposed 4-way post clock to be placed at the entry way of Howard T. Brown Park in recognition of the 100th Anniversary of the Rotarians. She presented details of the size, location, cost to build, cost to maintain(in which the Rotarians are responsible for), and current/past fundraisers they’ve hosted. They have spoken with several committees including but not limited to The Monument Committee, Public Works, The Zoning Office and throughout the City answering questions about the design. On motion by Michael Aliano, seconded by Mark Sicuso, to give the Harbor Management Commission’s blessing to move forward with the clock placement in Howard T. Brown Park was unanimously accepted by roll call vote. b) CT Port Authority- SHIPP Grant: Chairman Braddock reports he met with Purchasing Manager Mr. Castronova earlier this afternoon and discussed an RFP for the Dock Pilings. Consultant Geoff Steadman states that the agenda for their January meeting has been cancelled and the State Bonding Commission’s next meeting is scheduled for February. On motion by Michael Aliano, seconded by Michael Gualtieri, to have a drafted budget approval letter to be sent to the City Manager by the HMC chairman was unanimously accepted by roll call vote. c) Decision – Susan Cohen vs DEEP: Consultant Geoff Steadman first refreshed HMC of the details resulting from the court case of Susan Cohen vs DEEP, in which all members had received an email outlining the details of the case. Mr. Steadman continued with details of the case through the CT Supreme Court and the current ruling. Further discussion pursued, HMC was informed that the Judicial System is done on this topic/case. Currently Harbor Management Commissions only have authority on applications that are included in their Harbor Management Plan. Mr. Steadman states that there is a proposed legislative bill, #5615, from the State Environmental Committee that may be in HMC best interest to review and show their support for. HMC proposed for Chairman Braddock to draft a letter to the City Manager asking for his endorsement on this bill. d) Consultant- Geoff Steadman: Consultant Geoff Steadman reiterates the uncertainty of standing of the HMC authority. He also states that there was a meeting on December 9, 2022, with two DEEP members discussing priorities of current projects and the way to use the Harbor Management Plan to implement those projects. Further discussion is needed and anything more is currently paused. David Bishop left the meeting. 8. Old Business: a) Rowing Shells: Chair Braddock reiterates that there is still no land that is municipality owned to store the shells, but currently HMC member, Michael Aliano has graciously offered to temporarily store them on his property until a better location is found. b) Harbor Management Plan: Chair Braddock reiterates that both SHIPP grant applications are awaiting state bonding approval and as stated previously in this meeting, there will be a letter drafted to the City Manager to pursue construction of the current approved projects. 9. Citizen Comment: None 10. Other: Member Michael Aliano brought up concerns on a bill to rename the “Thames River” and if the HMC should state opinion. A small discussion pursued and was decided to readdress at the next meeting. 11. Adjournment: On a motion to adjourn by Michael Aliano, seconded by Mark Sicuso, the Harbor Management Commission meeting adjourned at 5:50PM. Respectfully submitted, Kaitlyn Griffiths Recording Secretary