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| NORWALK HARBOR MANAGEMENT COMMISSION MINUTES |
CLICK HERE FOR HARBOR MANAGEMENT MAYORS WATER QUALITY COMMITTEE MINUTES
CLICK HERE FOR HARBOR MANAGEMENT APPLICATION REVIEW COMMITTEE MINUTES
HARBOR MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
JANUARY 26, 2005
ATTENDANCE: Dr. John Pinto, Chairman; Tony
Mobilia, Vice-Chair;
Richard Ramsey, Treasurer, Jack Callahan, Pat Clark
STAFF: Derick DeMarche, Mike Griffin, Harbormaster, Geoff Steadman, Consultant
CALL TO ORDER
Dr. Pinto called the meeting to order at 7:45 p.m; he noted the absences of
Mr. D’Andrea, Mr. Cebrian, Mr. Palau and Mr. Farrow.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES-DECEMBER 15, 2004
** MS. CLARK MOVED APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF
DECEMBER 15, 2004.
** MR. CALLAHAN SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
a) Status of Deputy Harbormaster appointment by governor.
Dr. Pinto said the Deputy Harbormaster job is up in the air. He
said they were hoping to get a decision soon. Mr. Griffin questioned how significant
the list of 20 has gone down. He asked whether this was a statewide problem
or issue. A lot of things are being delayed. Dr. Pinto said he had been in touch
with Mr. Geary in order to move things along. Mr. Ramsey asked whether it was
possible that no one would be reappointed. Dr. Pinto said yes.
b) December 22 meeting with City and State Congressional reps. regarding dredging
issues at City Hall.
Dr. Pinto said a meeting was held on December 22nd for all of
the state representatives. The meeting went well. An overview of the situation
as it stands and the importance of the Norwalk harbor, and what has to be done
to get the dredging project done. There were many hurdles they had to get through
before dredging could commence. All of the representatives were sent a overview
of what is expected of them.
City of Norwalk Harbor Management Commission January 26, 2005 1
c.) CHMA Initiated meetings with Transportation Strategy Board (Jan 21st) and
DEP Commissioner (Jan 22nd) outcome and issues.
According to Dr. Pinto, he and Mr. Steadman had the opportunity
to meet with the Transportation Strategy Board. He said they had managed to
get on the agenda for March, in order to bring the dredging dilemma to their
attention and discuss issues of increased truck traffic on I95 that would replace
barge deliveries. Dr. Pinto said the State has an interest in establishing a
maritime authority. If dredging is delayed, truck traffic would increase. He
stated that he had met with the new DEP commissioner. Joel Severance, President
of Conn Harbor Management Association, requested to meet with the new DEP Commissioner
hoping to discuss four items on with her: 1] dredging, 2] receiving application
reviews to Harbor commissioners in a timely manner, 3] Under what State agency
would harbormasters be placed, 4] and the fact of where additional funding for
the harbor commission can come from. Ms. McCarthy was very receptive of what
everyone had to say. She expressed an interest to come down to Norwalk; Dr.
Pinto suggested providing a tour of Maritime Aquarium and the harbor.
d.) January 24th meeting in Washington, D.C. with Federal Delegation (Senator
Lieberman’s office).
Per Senator Lieberman, there has been a request to attend a meeting
in Washington. Dr. Pinto said the meeting was postponed and rescheduled for
February 4, 2005 due to inclimate weather.
e.) Meeting January 27th: Update of Dredging Issues with stakeholders, local
businesses and boat clubs.
Dr. Pinto stated that there would be a meeting regarding dredging
issues taking place tomorrow. Mr. Griffin said all Commissioners were welcome
to attend the meeting. He, Dr. Pinto, and Mr. Steadman would review the dredging
issues with boat club owners, businesses, and other stakeholders in the dredging
process.
f.) Harbor Commission’s City Grant Application
Dr. Pinto said he had attended the Financial Committee meeting
on January 18, 2005 to discuss the funding issue. $2,000 over last year request
had been discussed. He said he and Mr. Ramsey put up a good argument, but did
not get much comment or feed back from the finance committee.
g.) Commission donation of aerial photos-view of Norwalk Harbor to Mayor’s Annual
Ball.
Dr. Pinto said there were two enlargements of aerial photos of
the harbor which was provided as a fund raiser at the Mayor’s Ball. Half the
proceeds will go towards the David S. Dunavan boating center account.
City of Norwalk Harbor Management Commission January 26, 2005 2
4.) Commission Administrative Business
Mr. Griffin said he was willing to bring a check to double the amount donated
from the Mayor’s Ball in memory of Mr. Dunavan.
b.) Proposal to make aerial views of harbor available to public with proceeds
going to D.S. Dunavan boating center account
Dr. Pinto said there was a proposal to make the aerial photos open to the public.
Mr. Mobilia said he would look into that. Mr. Griffin said he wondered whether
there was possibility of having someone speak to the power squadron or the coastguard
auxiliary to see whether they would be interested in sponsoring the program.
Dr. Pinto said he was hoping someone would send in a request for an aerial view
of the harbor and the proceeds would go to the David S. Dunavan Boating Center.
Mr. Steadman said this would be going to a separate fund. Mr. Mobilia stated
that the fund was set up as a non-profit. Advertisement for photo request would
be put in the Newsletter. January 31st would be the deadline.
Dr. Pinto asserted that the matter should be tabled for further thought and
discussion. The photos are excellent and would be expected to be in great demand.
They will be vended through the Harbor Commission. Mr. Griffin asked what deficit
existed in the D S. Dunavan account. Mr. Ramsey said $450 are need to cover
outstanding bills, assuming that all the invoices are in. Mr. Griffin questioned
whether they were trying to raise the revenue beyond the break-even point. Dr.
Pinto said this was the intent of the fund that was set up. This was managed
through the harbor commission for special needs. The photos are thought to be
a means to generate additional revenue.
a.) Harbor Management Plan Status
Dr. Pinto said a line-by-line outline of the points needed to
be submitted to Marcy Balint. Mr. Steadman said all the information had been
sent out.
c.) Final nominations and voting on Harbor Commission Officers.
Mr. Callahan submitted a handout.
** MR. CALLAHAN MADE A MOTION TO HAVE THE FOLLOWING
SLATE OF OFFICERS FOR 2005 VOTED IN:
1.) CHAIRMAN: ANTHONY MOBILIA
2.) VICE CHAIRMAN: HENRY PALAU
3.) SECRETARY: TONY D’ANDREA
** MR. RAMSEY SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
City of Norwalk Harbor Management Commission January 26, 2005 3
Mr. Griffin thanked Dr. Pinto for all of his guidance and support. Mr. Mobilia
thanked everyone for putting their faith and trust into him. He said he had
hoped he could count on everyone for their help and support. Mr. Mobilia said
he would not fail anyone.
5.) Committee Reports
a.) Web Page/Newsletter-Mobilia
Mr. Mobilia stated that he was trying to get the Newsletter together.
He said he would need the articles from each commission within the next few
days. The website will be corrected.
b.) Finance-Ramsey
Mr. Ramsey said he was hoping to get fees increased. The $13,228
from last year carried over to this year. He stated that the commission appeared
to be spending more than they are bringing in. If the requested grant is received,
they can go from there. Mr. Ramsey said they would be keeping tight reigns on
water quality. He said Water Quality finances were well over the budgeted amount.
The issues were primarily with salaries. Mr. Ramsey stated that he did not have
last year’s salary inquiries. Everything else was pretty much in accordance
with the budget with regard to revenue and expenses. Dr. Pinto said he hoped
to get good news from the Finance Department. Mr. Mobilia asked whether most
of the expenses were in personnel. Mr. Ramsey said yes. Mr. Mobilia asked if
this was because of the hourly rate. Mr. Ramsey said it could have been because
of the hourly rate. He said he thought the Health Department took a larger share.
There are other issues. State funding to the Norwalk River Watch/Harbor Watch
has been decreased. Ms. Clark asked whether anyone knew why the funding was
lost. Mr. Ramsey said no. According to Dr. Pinto, the State felt they had accrued
enough information to come up with a plan. Funding for those types of projects
were limiting.
Mr. Steadman said there had been talk of looking into a new source of funds.
With regard to Boating registration fees, he said they needed to look into this
with the Norwalk legislators. He said they have never pursued that. The Chairman
should address other issues of concern.
Mr. Griffin said that one of the representatives from the 122nd district put
forth a proposal for new State statutes as they pertain to fees. The information
has been emailed to Dr. Pinto. He said Bob Sammis had emailed him back and told
him how to get in touch with the representatives. The language in the proposal
did not focus in on what it was trying to accomplish. Mr. Griffin said he did
not really know what the initial intentions of the new bill were. He said the
next step was to go with Representative Miller with regard to the sharing of
municipalities. Mr. Steadman said the intent seemed to be taking from the boating
fund and directing it towards the harbormaster. Mr. Griffin suggested a modification
of the language. Dr. Pinto said the City of Norwalk receives yearly $126,000
from Boater registration fees that goes into the City’s general fund. There
may
City of Norwalk Harbor Management Commission January 26, 2005 4
be a need to revisit the tax base from which this amount is drawn. Mr. Ramsey
said this was a two-fold legislative process. Per Mr. Griffin, if the increase
is 10%, perhaps the Harbor Commission could get a percentage with the understanding
that they would eventually be revenue neutral. He said there might be a time
where the commission would be unable to receive grants. He added that they needed
to see money coming from somewhere other than the city’s budget.
Dr. Pinto said Norwich and Milford get a total amount of their allotment, which
goes to the City’s Harbor commission. Mr. Callahan said Norwalk should get money
to run the harbor in a similar fashion. Mr. Ramsey said the harbor is a tremendous
asset to the town. Dr. Pinto said the Finance Committee needed to raise the
mooring fees. He mentioned to the City’s finance committee that the commission
has done everything that has been suggested of them in previous years. He said
the Commission has spent down its contingency funds. Mr. Callahan said the harbor
has come a long way. Ms. Clark affirmed that the harbor is clearly seen as a
cornerstone of both developments. She said we all must work to maintain the
harbor. Mr. Griffin said the goal of the Commission should be for entities to
eventually be revenue neutral. He said commission should continue to improve
and rebuild.
c.) Application Review-Clark
2005-01: Sono Wharf, LLC c/o Keith Brown, 261 Wilson Ave. Norwalk
COP
Application to CT DEP & to ACOE for maintenance dredging at 11 Goldstein
Place, East Norwalk. The site is a commercial marina for recreational boating
with upland structures for boat repair & storage, and parking. There is
a vertical timber bulkhead along the waterfront with 4 ramps leading to floating
dock system. Silting in the area has reduced the depth to levels of 2-6 feet
at MLW, impacting water-dependent usage. The area abuts the southern side of
the railroad bridge. Proposed work will be conducted by barge-born crane with
clamshell bucket, with removal of approximately 3,000 cu yds to a depth-6ft
below MLW. One additional foot of overdredge will be allowed. Dredged material
will be loaded onto a barge for water disposal at either Western or Central
Long Island Sound sites.
Ms. Clark said she had looked at the property in great detail. She said it was
used for boat repair and storage. The area is located at the east side of the
river. Referring to a map, Ms. Clark stated that a barge-born crane would do
the proposed work. According to the map, there are no known shellfish concentrations
in that area. The spawning habitats will be protected. The four main docks will
be removed during the dredging work and returned to a distance from the outer
dock to the channel line that appears to less than ten feet from the channel,
which is not referenced in the paperwork. The four conditions of approval are
as follows:
1.) All in water structures be properly permitted.
2.) All in water structures from this property be removed prior to the maintenance
and dredging, and be reinstalled in their dually permitted locations.
City of Norwalk Harbor Management Commission January 26, 2005 5
3.) The as-built survey is provided post dredging.
4.) The proposed plan drawing should show the distance between the existing
marina structure and the federal channel line.
5.) No vessel shall be birthed at this in water facility structure that would
encroach upon the federal line and the 10-foot set back from the Federal navigation
project.
Mr. Steadman said the dimensions in the previous permit application
were not shown. He said they needed the permit drawings to show the federal
channel line and the existing structures accurately. Mr. Griffin said they should
respectfully request that the policy is taken in consideration. Ms. Clark said
the cover letter would reference the policies.
Graham Bluff Realty, proposed work in Wilson Cove Public hearing in Rowayton,
January 19th, Update
Ms. Clark said the applicant has reduced the scale of the dock. The revised
proposal was consistent to the Harbor Management plan. The funding is contingent
upon all land use requirements met with the city of Norwalk. The public hearing
was held in Rowayton last week. The presiding DEP officer was very knowledgeable
and experienced at this. She is also an experienced attorney. The applicants
made a brief and precise presentation. Mr. Tom Law from Docko Inc. gave a brief
overview. On behalf of DEP, Mr. Jeff Westermeyer gave a presentation. Many Rowayton
residents made comments for the record. Mr. Westermeyer read the motion from
the Harbor Management Commission into the record and stated that the DEP takes
the Harbor Management Commission’s recommendations quite seriously. The conditions
of the City Land use requirements are still there. The applicants could end
up with a permit to build the dock, though the City Land Use Committee may not
permit it.
Mr. DeMarche said the biggest problem was that it is a private dock. Ms. Clark
said it is for use of the employees in the corporation, and the language clearly
states this. A letter with the stated condition and the motion was sent to the
Connecticut DEP last year. According to Ms. Clark, the question to be raised
is the usefulness for the commission to send the conditions directly to Planning
and Zoning. Mr. DeMarche said they should go ahead and send a direct letter.
Mr. Steadman also said they should send a formal letter to the DEP. He said
they could resubmit the same letter in response to the public notice and cc
it to Mike Green, Director of Planning and Zoning.
** MS. CLARK MOVED TO HAVE A LETTER CONSISTENT WITH
PLANNING AND ZONING, SENT TO DEP.
** DR. PINTO SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Ms. Clark said the decision would be posted on the website. All comments should
go to Jeff Westermeyer. Mr. DeMarche questioned what the general public comments
were. Ms. Clark said most of the comments were with regard to land use issues.
She said that according to Bob Duff, stringent guidelines should be put forth
in order to ensure the
City of Norwalk Harbor Management Commission January 26, 2005 6
privacy of the residents, if the decision is favorable. Mr. Griffin told Ms.
Clark that she does an outstanding job with the projects.
d.) Boating & Harbor Safety-Farrow
There was no report to be presented at this time.
e.) Dredging- Pinto and dredging committee (Mobilia, Griffin, Steadman)
Dr. Pinto said he would be following up on the discussions in
Washington with Senator Lieberman with regard to the dredging issues (i.e. needs,
funding etc.). Mr. Steadman said they needed to get the disposal site in use.
If Connecticut and New York agree to come up with a coastal management plan,
the Central Long Island sound site may be designated. Mr. Griffin said that
dredging in Connecticut was hard to accomplish. He said the burden might need
to be placed on the state. The DEP stood firm on the details of the project.
Mr. Griffin said a letter could possibly be drafted as two separate projects.
The first phase might not need capping at all. According to the USACE and EPA,
the dredged material from most of Norwalk harbor is still suitable for open
water disposal.
f.) Mayor’s Water Quality-D’Andrea
Dr. Pinto read Mr. D’Andrea’s report into record. He stated that
there were no readings from the MYSOUND Probe that were out of the ordinary
and the work still continues.
g.) Plans & Recommendations-Callahan
There was nothing to report at this time.
h.) Waterfront Facilities Advisory-Griffin
Mr. Griffin asked the commission to consider allowing him to continue
on as the Waterfront Facility Advisory Chair. He also asked for consideration
to have Dr. Pinto continue to be a part of his committee, as well as continue
on the Norwalk city taskforce. Mr. Mobilia said Dr. Pinto could continue on
if he wished to do so. He said he hoped Ms. Clark would also continue her current
position as Chairperson of the Application Review Committee. She said she would
be honored to do so.
6.) New Business
Mr. Callahan said the Fire Department offered them space for storage of archived
documents from the Commission.. Mr. Mobilia said he would give them a call.
7.) Staff Reports
a.) Planinng and Zoning-Greene/DeMarche
City of Norwalk Harbor Management Commission January 26, 2005 7 City of Norwalk
Harbor Management Commission January 26, 2005 8
Mr. DeMarche stated that Walter Briggs had written a letter regarding new committee
structure for Heritage Park. If anyone has any comments, they need to get in
touch with Dori Wilson. The latest contact list has been included. Dr. Pinto
said that several updates were needed. Mr. Mobilia said he would make the changes.
Mr. DeMarche said a 2005 meeting schedule of all the commissions was available.
b.) Harbormaster’s Report-Griffin
Mr. Griffin stated that he had sent an email in regards to the
2004 Summary. He read parts of the summary into record. He said they were $1,612
ahead in the revenue. They are $120 ahead in new mooring registration fees.
Mr. Griffin said they were $110 ahead in one reinstatement fee. He said there
was a vessel that was abandoned, removed, and put in coast management. He stated
that he was able to track down the owner and send him a certified letter. There
is no permit for Mr. Evans, who is the applicant for 11 Seaside Place. The Seaside
property belongs to Mr. Lebray and read an email from him into the record. The
floats had to be removed to be above the tide line. An informational meeting
on water dependent users will take place January 27th.
** DR. PINTO MOVED TO ACCEPT THE HARBORMASTER’S REPORT.
** MS. CLARK SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
c.) Consultant-Steadman
There was nothing to report at this time.
** MR. RAMSEY MOVED TO ADJOURN.
** DR. PINTO SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
As there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:30 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Michelle Joseph
Telesco Secretarial Services
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