Harbor Management Commission

HARBOR MANAGEMENT COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, May 23, 2022, 5:00 PM Norwich City Hall, Room 319, In Person/ Turbo Bridge MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Tucker Braddock, City Treasurer Michael Gualtieri, Alderman Grant Neuendorf, David Bishop, Sofia LeWitt, Mark Sicuso (via Turbo Bridge) OTHERS PRESENT: Coastal Area Planning Consultant Geoff Steadman (via Turbo Bridge), Kevin Brown – Representative of NCDC, Kaitlyn Griffiths Recording Secretary MEMBERS ABSENT: Michael Aliano, John Salomone CITIZENS PRESENT: None 1.Call to Order: Chair Tucker Braddock called the meeting to order at 5:08 PM. 2. Determination of Quorum: It was determined a quorum was present. 3. Approval of Minutes: On a motion by Michael Gualtieri, seconded by David Bishop, the April 25, 2023, meeting minutes of the Harbor Management Commission (HMC) were unanimously approved as presented. 4. Harbor Master Report: On behalf of the Harbor Master Richard Thayer, Chair Tucker Braddock reports he is working with the docked boat owner at the beach area south of the old scrapyard to remove the boat. 5. Correspondence: Nothing to report. 6. Financial Report: Michael Gualtieri reviewed the revenue, expenses, and balances of the April 1st – 30th 2023 report. Mr. Gualtieri reports the $75.40 expenditure of the data line is for the Harbor Management Commission’s share of the harbor cam. Mr. Gualtieri also reports the $160.00 expenditure of professional services for recording secretary fees. On a motion by Mark Sicuso, seconded by Alderman Grant Neuendorf, the April 2023 Financial Report was unanimously accepted by roll call vote. 7. New Business: a) NCDC – C.I.F. Grant: Kevin Brown Executive Director of Norwich Community Development Corporation (NCDC) presented details of the Community Investment Fund (C.I.F.) 2030, in which Norwich has received grants from both the first and second rounds for development projects. Mr. Brown states that in the next or third round of applications the focus will be on Norwich waterfront or harbor area which is taking place from May 1st – June 30th,,2023. Conversation pursued by members as to what specific purposes the funds can be used. Mr. Brown confirms if they are plausible or not. Geoff Steadman states a drafted grant proposal for funds used for waterfront development and adopting NCDC’s help with to pursue and apply within the third round of applications. On a motion by Michael Gualtieri, seconded by Alderman Grant Neuendorf, the Harbor Management Commission gives their support for NCDC moving forward with the grant writing for waterfront development and was unanimously accepted by roll call. Kevin Brown left the meeting. b) Mooring for Boats- Thames River: Chair Tucker Braddock states that unfair attention has been brought to Norwich with the recent sunken boats. Conversation pursued between Harbor Management Commission members of what written rules, regulations and who’s authority it is to manage these instances. Geoff Steadman reads literature from the Harbor Management Plan regarding boat mooring. It’s decided that Chair Tucker Braddock will talk to Harbor Master Richard Thayer tomorrow. 8. Old Business: a) RFP- Docks & Heritage Trail: Chair Tucker Braddock states RFP- Docks had the pre-bid meeting in which 10 different companies have inquired. Mr. Braddock also states that the RFP- Heritage Trail Study has recently gone out for bid. b) Amistad: Chair Tucker Braddock is happy to say that the Amistad visitation was a success. He states that all went well, and everyone enjoyed its presence. He states the fee was given at a reduced rate; $2300.00 down from $2700.00. The Amistad also requested an extension due to weather conditions, which was granted by the Marina Owners. c)Rowing Shells: Chair Tucker Braddock states the shells are still at Mohegan Park, nothing new to report. d)Income Sources: Sofia LeWitt presented several ideas to the Commission; one is a “Dog Beach” location within a inlet of the river if possible, another is “sponsor a Bench” where benches with plaques can be erected around the city at locations with views of the river. Discussion persisted of these ideas which the Commission is on board with. Sofia LeWitt will look further into how to start these and whom to discuss details with. e) Consultant – Geoff Steadman: Geoff Steadman reiterated the details for the current SHIPP grants, specifically the Howard T. Brown Park- Docks. The State of Connecticut requires the City to advance the monies for the contractors and then submit those invoices to CT Port Authority. Mr. Steadman also states regarding the Harbor Management Plan legislative, they are waiting to hear back from DEEP for a meeting. Mr. Steadman will reach out to DEEP and the Stamford and Norwalk representatives tomorrow. 9. Citizen Comment: None 10. Other: None 11. Adjournment: On a motion to adjourn by Michael Gualtieri, seconded by David Bishop, the Harbor Management Commission meeting adjourned at 6:10PM. Respectfully submitted, Kaitlyn Griffiths Recording Secretary