Harbor Management Commission

HARBOR MANAGEMENT COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, November 28, 2023, 5:00 PM Norwich City Hall, Room 319, In Person/ Turbo Bridge MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Tucker Braddock, City Treasurer Michael Gualtieri, David Bishop, Alderman Grant Neuendorf, Mark Sicuso (via Turbo Bridge) OTHERS PRESENT: Coastal Area Planning Consultant Geoff Steadman (via Turbo Bridge), President & Executive Director – Norwich Community Development Corporation Kevin Brown, Brittany Dwyer (via Turbo Bridge), Kaitlyn Griffiths Recording Secretary MEMBERS ABSENT: John Salomone, Sofia LeWitt, Michael Aliano CITIZENS PRESENT: None 1.Call to Order: Chair Tucker Braddock called the meeting to order at 5:12 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 October 24, 2023, meeting minutes of the Harbor Management Commission (HMC) were unanimously approved as presented. 4. Harbor Master Report: Chair Tucker Braddock reports that he has been in contact with Harbor Master Richard Thayer regarding the moored boat on the Thames River. Mr. Braddock says it is working progress and the local police are involved. 5. Correspondence: Nothing to report. 6. Financial Report: Michael Gualtieri reviewed the revenue, expenses, and balances of the October 1st – 31st 2023 report. Mr. Gualtieri reports the $74.40 expenditure of the data line is for the Harbor Management Commission’s share of the harbor cam. Mr. Gualtieri also reports an addition of $3,035.70 from the State Grant. On a motion by Alderman Grant Neuendorf, seconded by David Bishop the October 2023 Financial Report was unanimously accepted by roll call vote. 7. New Business: a) Sale of American Wharf Marina: Kevin Brown reports that the new owners Mr. & Mrs. Dwyer plan to get the marina in “working order” at first. Mr. Brown added that they have been in contact with two different engineering firms for quotes to rehabilitate docks A-G, as well as working with an architectural firm to help with the clubhouse and café visions. Kevin Brown restates to HMC members that the next round of Community Investment Fund (CIF) grant applications are due by December 15th, 2023. He states that this application will still embrace the Waterfront visions and the information regarding this grant will be presented to the City Council next week, which another letter of support from HMC would be greatly appreciated. Brittany Dwyer enters the meeting (Turbo Bridge) Mrs. Dwyer confirmed that she and her husband have both short term and long-term goals for improvements with the marina. She also confirmed that they are working with architects and engineers with the upcoming vision and improvements. b) Heritage Trail Grant: Chair Tucker Braddock reports that the RFP has closed with a couple firms responding. He states that RACE has responded with a bid, which he believes Robert Castronova, City Purchasing Agent, has approved. HMC was awarded a $40,000 SHIPP grant for the design and permits for this project. Kevin Brown asked for a copy for the application and the RFP that had gone out and been approved, so it could be included in the CIF grant application this round. 8. Old Business a) Car – Shetucket River: Chair Tucker Braddock restates the car that went into the Shetucket River sits in roughly 24’ of water. Chair Braddock also states that the removal process is being handled by the Taftville Volunteer Fire Department Dive Team. Chair Braddock reports that there was a firm from Long Island that was working on the docks that was willing to lend their cables to the Fire Department Dive Team, but they were stolen after the placement of them. They are willing to still help the next time they are down here and make another attempt. b) Revenue Sources: Chair Tucker Braddock states that HMC is still looking for sources of revenue. Currently there is one idea that is being considered by both Chair Tucker Braddock and Michael Gualtieri, which is a “Striper Fish Tournament” that is proposed to take place in 2025. d) Consultant – Geoff Steadman: Geoff Steadman states that he is still waiting for the meeting to happen with DEEP in coordination with the Mayor of New London for the authority of HMC within the HMP throughout Connecticut. This topic of concern will be in the next legislation. Mr. Steadman suggested that if HMC was having difficulty will the removal of the car in the Shetucket River due to funds, that an option would be to file with DEEP for “Funds for Abandoned Vessels” fund. Mr. Steadman reiterates that Mr. Salvatore, which was HMC contact for DEEP relations, is now back in a position at the Department of Transportation and does not know the new contract at this time. He states his concerns regarding the CT Port Authority position and their future of them as well. He also states his concerns about the future of the SHIPP grants. 9. Citizen Comment: None 10. Other: Discussion of the next meeting on December 26, 2023, pursued. On motion by Michael Gualtieri, seconded by David Bishop, HMC will cancel the December 26, 2023, meeting and resume at the next meeting January 23, 2024 was unanimously accepted by roll call vote. 11. Adjournment: On a motion to adjourn by Michael Gualtieri, seconded by David Bishop the Harbor Management Commission meeting adjourned at 5:49PM. Respectfully submitted, Kaitlyn Griffiths Recording Secretary