Harbor Management Commission

HARBOR MANAGEMENT COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Tuesday, August 27, 2024, 5:00 PM Norwich City Hall, Room 319, In Person/ Turbo Bridge MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Tucker Braddock, Michael Gualtieri, Stacy Gould, Michael Richardson, David Bishop, Mark Sicuso (via Turbo Bridge) OTHERS PRESENT: Coastal Area Planning Consultant Geoff Steadman (via Turbo Bridge), Kaitlyn Griffiths Recording Secretary MEMBERS ABSENT: John Salomone, Mark Bettencourt CITIZENS PRESENT: None 1.Call to Order: Chair Tucker Braddock called the meeting to order at 5:04 PM. 2. Determination of Quorum: It was determined a quorum was present. 3. Approval of Minutes: On a motion by Stacy Gould, seconded by Michael Gualtieri, the July 23, 2024, meeting minutes of the Harbor Management Commission (HMC) with the correction of 7. A Paragraph 8 “Grant changed to Hammond” were unanimously approved as presented. 4. Harbor Master Report: Chair Tucker Braddock, on behalf of Harbor Master Richard Thayer, has nothing new to report. 5. Correspondence: None. 6. Financial Report: Michael Gualtieri reviewed the revenue, expenses, and balances of the July 1st-31st 2024 report. Mr. Gualtieri states the expenditure of $75.40 for the commission’s share of the Harbor Cam and $80.00 for professional services (recording secretary). On a motion by Stacy Gould, seconded by Michael Richardson the July 2024 Financial Report was unanimously accepted by roll call vote. 7. New Business: a) Consultant Geoff Steadman: Geoff Steadman reminds HMC members of the Grant Applications that were submitted, the Heritage Walkway Project and the Howard T. Brown Park Dock Completion. He discussed specific details of submittance of a grant application for the Heritage Walkway project. He states that we are waiting to hear the decision of those applications from the CT Port Authority and their next meeting is October 15, 2024. Mr. Steadman also reminds HMC members that once the applications are accepted, if they are, that they then go before the Bonds Commission for approval, this is where the monies would be allocated. Geoff Steadman reminds the members of HMC that the CT Port Authority has hired a new person to take on the position and responsibilities of Mr. Salvatore. The newly appointed individual currently is Eric Dissolve. Mr. Steadman restates that he has been in contact with other Harbor Management Commissions throughout CT and has discussed the state of HMC authority and position in correlation with DEEP within the Harbor Management Plans. This is an ongoing topic, and they are still waiting for a response from DEEP for the next meeting. Mr. Steadman discussed possible ways to make corrections to Norwich Harbor Management Plan (HMP). This could include describing the HMC authority and the understanding of future projects involving the marina and other NCDC projects. The HMP is the next focus while HMC waits for Grant approvals. Mr. Steadman restates the complications entailed with this topic for any new members of HMC and the steps needed in the future to move forward on HMP. David Bishop enters the meeting. Mr. Steadman states concern about the boat still moored in the Thames River. Open discussion pursued about state regulations and statues involved, what can be done by the HMC or the Harbor Master (HM). The HMC agreed that Chair Tucker Braddock would talk to the HM and first find out what notifications have been issued. The next step is to find out if HMC and/or the HM has the means for the next course of action. Mr. Steadman discusses the retirement of Ulysses Hammond as Interim Director for CT State Authority and the city showing appreciation through a council proclamation that had taken place. b) Proclamation- Ulysses Hammond Retirement: Chair Tucker Braddock reiterates what was previously discussed earlier in this meeting. c) Committee Discussion- Fishing Tournament Details: Michael Gualtieri reports that the subcommittee has met and started discussions for details of the events. It is projected that “The Norwich Harbor Fishing Tournament” will be held September 12,13 & 14 2025. There will be Pro and Amateur categories and a Kids tournament Day. There will be a kickoff gala on Friday September 12, 2025. The projected time frame for the Pro and Amateur categories is after registration on September 12, 2025, until noon on September 14, 2025. The projected time frame for the Kids tournament Day will be Sunday September 14, 2025, 10:00-11:30am. The awards will be announced on Sunday September 14, 2025, around noon. Mr. Gualtieri states that these are only the beginning discussions for this event, but they are off to a great start and the next meeting for the subcommittee is September 3, 2024 to continue discussion and planning for this event. d) Committee Discussion- Fishing Derby Details: Chair Tucker Braddock restates the details discussed earlier in this meeting. 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. He stated that Paul Costner in conjunction with Michael Driscoll have reached out to the insurance company for the vehicle owner for payment options or reimbursement of those costs. The insurance company has provided a check of $5,000.00 that has been put into an escrow account. The current estimates are approx. $5,000.00, this would include the divers, the location of the vehicle/buoy marker and the removal of the vehicle. 9. Citizen Comment: None 10. Other: HMC members discussed who the contact person from the police department would be in the event of issues in the harbor/use of police boat, Tom Lazaro. HMC members discussed concerns involving the wheelchair ramp at the Howard T. Brown Park Docks. It was suggested to have a “safety” at the end and possibilities of constructing one. Also to have a conversation with Public Works post signage for “No Bikes” on the ramp. HMC members talked about the dates and times for future HMC meetings in the next year. All members approved a schedule of every 4th Tuesday of the month apart from no December meeting. 11. Adjournment: On a motion to adjourn by Stacy Gould, seconded by Michael Richardson the Harbor Management Commission meeting adjourned at 6:16PM. Respectfully submitted, Kaitlyn Griffiths Recording Secretary