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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
SEPTEMBER 28, 2005
ATTENDANCE: Tony Mobilia, Chairman; Jason Farrow, Jack Callahan, Dr. John
Pinto, Jose Cebrian, Patricia Clark Henry Palau, Vice Chair (7:34
p.m.); Tony D’Andrea (7:34 p.m.)
STAFF: Derick DeMarche, Planning & Zoning
OTHERS: Geoff Steadman, Consultant; Michael Griffin, Harbor Master;
John Franks, Shellfish Commission Chairman.
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Mobilia called the meeting to order at 7:31 p.m.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The following changes were made to the minutes of August 24, 2005:
Page 1, In OTHERS: change “John Hilts” to “John Franks, Shellfish Commission Chairman.
Page 1, It was stated that Chairman Mobilia did not make the motion to approve the minutes.
Page 2, 2nd paragraph: Please change the following text starting in Line 8, “He said either Mr. Pinto or himself, or Mr. D’Andrea would represent the Commission. Mr. Steadman said that Mr. Michael Greene also attends the Norwalk River Watershed Initiative meetings periodically. Mr. Steadman said he attended the Initiative’s meeting in July...”
Mr. Palau and Mr. D’Andrea arrived at 7:34 p.m.
Page 2, 2nd paragraph: Please change “Mr. Cebrian” to “Mr. Steadman” in Line 15.
Page 3, 2nd paragraph, 2nd to last line: Please change “Mr. Griffith suggested they send the letter to the Captain.” to “Mr. Griffin suggested they send the letter to the Captain of the Port.”
Page 3, 4th paragraph, last line: Please omit the phrase “so the letter has
been held up
until they get the wording straightened out.”
Page 5, 2nd paragraph, 2nd line: Please change the phrase “...and Mr. Griffin said that the State bears the responsibility.” to “...and Mr. Griffin said that the money comes through grants.”
Page 5, 2nd paragraph, 5th line: Please substitute the words “in house” for “greenhouse”.
Page 6, 2nd paragraph: Please substitute “Mr. Franks” for “Mr. Hilts” throughout the paragraph.
Page 6, 4th paragraph: Please omit the phrase “in the agenda” from the sentence.
Page 7, 3rd paragraph, 11th line: Please change the following text “...and wasn’t lighted so it was no use at all at night and...” to “... and wasn’t lighted so it was difficult to see at night and...”
Page 7, 3rd paragraph, last line: Please omit the last line which begins “ Mr. Farrow said it sounds like...”
Page 8, 3rd paragraph: Please change “Mr. Cebrian” to “Mr. Pinto” throughout the paragraph.
Page 8, 4th paragraph, 1st sentence: Please change this from “Mr. Callahan reported that he contacted the Mayor for his selection to the Water Quality Committee.” to read “Mr. Callahan reported that he would contact the Mayor for his selection to the Water Quality Committee.”
Page 8, 5th paragraph, line 3: Please change this sentence from “...excessive and overbid $12 million for the entire project.” to “excessive and overbid $5 million for a total of $12 million for the entire project.”
Page 9, 1st paragraph, 1st line: Please change “Mr. Cebrian” to “Mr. Steadman”.
Page 9, 6th paragraph, 2nd to last line: Please change the motion to read,
“** MOTION WAS TIED WITH THREE AGAINST (MR. PALAU,
MR. CEBRIAN AND MR. PINTO), THREE FOR AND ONE
ABSTENTION (MR. CALLAHAN).
The Commission then agreed to accept the August 24th minutes as corrected.
3. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
CMHA Annual Dinner Meeting
Chairman Mobilia informed the Commission that the 10th Annual Harbor Management - Harbor Masters Banquet will be held on October 20, 2005 at Woodwinds in Branford. The guest speaker will be Ms. Gina McCarthy. The cost of the tickets is $35.00 per person and the reservation deadline is October 10, 2005. Mr. DeMarche made copies of the flyer for everyone.
Annual State of the Harbor Meeting
Chairman Mobilia said that last year’s State of the Harbor Meeting was on November 2, 2004. He would like to keep it on the same date, which would fall on a Wednesday. There was some discussion about the scheduling of the Norwalk City elections. Chairman Mobilia said that he would check with Lee in the Mayor’s Office regarding scheduling for the November 2nd date. The agenda will be done at the next Harbor Management meeting. This was agreeable to everyone.
GPS System Discussion
Chairman Mobilia stated that he wanted to re-introduce the discussion about the GPS system to the Commission at this time because of the tied vote at the August meeting. He felt that it was an important tool for the Harbor Master to have, particularly in light of the upcoming dredging project scheduled to start in October. There are two issues here, he explained, The GPS system provides accurate location of moorings, dock encroachments and buoys. The second issue is mapping those locations, which might be accomplished in house or by hiring an outside agency. He explained that he would like to put together a small task force to study the issue.
There were concerns about the cost of such a project and whether or not the Harbor Management Commission could handle such a large project. Mr. D’Andrea stated that when he mentioned it to the DEP, they were very excited to hear that Norwalk was thinking along the lines of using a GPS system. There were also questions as to whether this system would be producing a new chart for the Harbor. Mr. Pinto stated that he had worked with this type of instrumentation all the time and that people do not purchase a GPS for a boat without a chart kit, which uses an existing chart.
Mr. Steadman presented some charts that he had created 16 years ago by copying and pasting the information from the various other charts. He explained that he had been somewhat confused by the difference between GIS plotting and GPS plotting. However, he worked with the Norwalk City Engineering Department to determine if the City could handle this type of information. He believes that the City could handle this. A GPS device would allow the Harbor Master Griffin, to go out after the dredging is completed and accurately identify where a mooring string should be placed.
Harbor Master Griffin concurred with this and explained that Mike Yosak had worked with this type of system. With the upcoming dredging project, all the moorings will be removed and the accurate repositioning of them is an important safety consideration. In terms of safety, a GPS system would also give first responders accurate latitude and longitude. However, this is not a GIS smart mapping system.
Mr. D’Andrea reminded the Commission that he is very familiar with the system and uses it when he moves lobster pots from one position to another. NOAH provides the charts, which are downloaded to his laptop and then he makes the appropriate repositioning notations onboard. At the end of the day, he takes the removable chip out of the laptop and uploads the information to his hard drive at home. The program brings up the appropriate chart and overlays the GPS coordinate information on it, showing the location of the lobster pots accurately.
Harbor Master Griffin stated that he had spent some time at the Boat Show speaking
with various vendors. One of the key aspects that must be factored into the
decision on which GPS system is the fact that it will be used for mooring maps.
Therefore, accuracy is critical when considering the research. There are packages
available from $2,000 to $10,000.
One concern expressed is that the money allocated for this project not be touched.
This was agreed to by all.
Ms. Clark stated that there clearly was a need for a task force to look into this issue carefully and volunteered to work on it. Mr. Cebrian agreed. Harbor Master Griffin also was interested in participating, as was Chairman Mobilia. The group will report back to the Commission at the next meeting.
Various meetings attended
Manresa Island Cables
Chairman Mobilia reported to the Commission that he had the unexpected opportunity to attend a DEP meeting with Shellfish Commission Chairman Frank regarding the pre-application for replacement cables at Manresa Island.
Mr. Frank explained to the Commission that there was alot of negations in progress. He requested that the cables in the harbor all be drilled into place so that they would have no effect on shellfish, silting and other environmental issues. He was told that the distance involved with the horizontal drilling was too great. Subsequently, Mr. Frank had discovered that the distances involved are well within the range of the drilling capabilities. Two years ago, Norwalk made a formal request and went on record as asking for a public hearing on this matter. However, those involved in the process would like to avoid a public hearing because it could result in loss of control over a portion of the project. There are also issues regarding the permit. However, unless Norwalk withdraws its request for a public hearing, the hearing must go forward. CL&P is currently working under a consent decree.
Harbor Master Griffin wondered if the DEP was requiring CL&P to use the method that would have the least impact on the environment. Mr. D’Andrea reported that commercial fishermen were being quietly approached and encouraged to insist on knowing what materials were being used on any cables in the water because some may be lead lined.
Mr. Frank explained that CL&P had been buying up leases on shellfish beds, which lead them to believe that they owned the bottom. However, a shellfish bed lease is an easement, not a title. The law does not allow one to have a lease on a bed unless one is actively working on it. Mr. Frank said that he would email Tony on any additional information that turned up in regards to this issue.
Public Hearing for the Broad Water Terminal.
Chairman Mobilia said that it was a very interesting meeting in that there were 55 speakers on the list for the hearing and only 6 of those spoke in favor of the project. Those six speakers all worked for Broadwater. The Coast Guard will put together a risk assessment of the project.
Mr. Pinto pointed out that Norwalk will not have any say in the placement of the terminal. Mr. Frank informed the commission this is because gas is the exception to the rule. Harbor Master Griffin explained that the site would be off of Branford, in order to be within range of the Iroquois Pipeline. Although the greater Boston area has a terminal in Everret, MA which is an import station. The Broadwater station would be for export of natural gas and involve a process called “regasification”. Mr. Steadman pointed out that in all of the original Broadwater literature, the lists of permits and certifications were all from New York State. None were listed from Connecticut.
When asked why this facility had to be in the water, Mr. Frank explained that locating it on land would entail having a five mile radius around it that was unoccupied. Having the facility on the water places it under admiralty laws, which limits the liability to the value of the vessel after it has exploded.
Chairman Mobilia handed out comment forms that can be turned in to the address on the form by October 7th. They may also be submitted by email
4. Administrative Business
Chairman Mobilia informed the Commission that the items involved will be covered under the Committee reports.
5. Committee Reports
a. Finance - Ramsey
There was no Financial report.
b. Application Review - Clark
1. Discussion of meeting with DEP, Department of Fisheries, Shellfish Commission
Re application for private docks in areas of shellfish concentration.
Ms. Clark asked for a suspension of the rules in order to introduce a new item to the agenda. This was agreeable to all. She then informed the Commission that the concerns raised by the Shellfish Commission regarding small floating docks had resulted in a meeting. There is now an informal agreement that the DEP will support concerns about docks and small structures resting on the bottom at the low tide cycle.
2. Robert M. Manning, 32 Yarmouth Road, Rowayton
Application to CT DEP for 4/40 dock at private residence. Proposal involves
installation of a 3’ x 32’ aluminum ramp and a 7’ x 14’ wooden float.
There will also be a 4’ x 14’ fixed pier with steps down to the top of an
existing seawall. Tidal wetlands exist in the near vicinity, but not at the
dock site. A DEP map indicates that the entire Wilson Cove area is a
potential hard shell clam concentration area.
Mr. Henry Palau recused himself from this issue because the applicant is his
neighbor.
Ms. Clark stated that she felt this was a win-win situation for both the applicant and the Commission. After concerns were expressed about the float resting on the bottom during the low tide cycle, a revised application with an updated drawing was submitted. This includes one significant change that the float will sit on stringers rather than the bottom.
** MS. CLARK MOVED TO APPROVE THE APPLICATION #2005-18 FOR MR. ROBERT MANNING
OF 32 YARMOUTH ROAD, ROWAYTON
IS CONSISTENT WITH THE NORWALK HARBOR MANAGEMENT
COMMISSION WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
- THAT THE FLOATATION DOCK NOT REST ON THE BOTTOM
AT TIMES OF LOW TIDE AND;
- THAT THE DOCK SHALL BE REMOVED ON A SEASONAL
BASIS.
** MR. PINTO SECONDED.
Mr. Frank was curious as to whether the boat was included in the amended application. At the meeting with Mr. Manning and his representative, there was a verbal agreement about any boats tied up the dock. After re-examining the application, it was discovered that there was no mention of the boat at all. This would mean the DEP would be the ones to set the language into the permit regarding the boat resting on the bottom at low tide. Mr. D’Andrea pointed out that the Harbor Management Commission did not want any docks resting on the bottom during low tide or any vessels attached to those docks. Mr. Griffin agreed, stating that it was not in the Harbor Management Commission’s best interest to approve this application as it stands. Mr. Farrow felt that it was important to get the language out in front and to be specific.
** MS. CLARK MOVED TO WITHDRAW HER MOTION ON THE
APPLICATION #2005-18 FOR MR. ROBERT MANNING OF 32
YARMOUTH ROAD, ROWAYTON IS CONSISTENT WITH THE
NORWALK HARBOR MANAGEMENT COMMISSION WITH THE
FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
- THAT THE FLOATATION DOCK NOT REST ON THE BOTTOM
AT TIMES OF LOW TIDE AND;
- THAT THE DOCK SHALL BE REMOVED ON A SEASONAL
BASIS.
** MR. PINTO SECONDED.
There was some additional discussion regarding the exact wording of the conditions
and whether or not it was advisable to include language regarding boats attached
to the floating dock. There was also concerns expressed about the stringers
rotting out after five or so years. It was felt that this concern would be covered
by the fact that the permit states that
the dock was not to rest on the bottom during low tide. There was some discussion
about whether the language regarding the dock being removed seasonally was necessary.
Ms. Clark pointed out that the seasonal removal of the dock was on the original
application and also the applicant’s idea. Upon hearing this, the Commission
decided to leave the language in the application. It was also observed that
this is a 4/40 dock and the first application to come to the Commission.
** MS. CLARK MOVED TO APPROVE THE APPLICATION #2005-18 FOR MR. ROBERT MANNING
OF 32 YARMOUTH ROAD, ROWAYTON
IS NOT CONSISTENT WITH THE NORWALK HARBOR
MANAGEMENT COMMISSION UNLESS THE FOLLOWING
CONDITIONS ARE MET:
- THAT THE FLOATATION DOCK NOT REST ON THE BOTTOM
AT TIMES OF LOW TIDE AND;
- THAT NO VESSEL SECURED TO THE DOCK SHALL REST
ON THE BOTTOM AT TIMES OF LOW TIDE AND;
- THAT THE DOCK SHALL BE REMOVED ON A SEASONAL
BASIS.
** MR. PINTO SECONDED.
** THE MOTION PASSED WITH ONE RECUSION (MR. PALAU).
3. 2004-09 (Cont) : Norwalk Yacht Club, Nathan Hale Road, South Norwalk
Referral by Norwalk Zoning Commission regarding CAM application to
the City of Norwalk for renovations to existing building, addition to existing
deck, and installation of new septic system to be located on footprint of
existing septic system. No work proposed waterward of the high tide line.
Originally reviewed by NHMC July 2004.
Ms. Clark reviewed the situation which resulted when a high water study was required to determine the impact on the septic system. The Health Department has indicated that they have no further concerns with the this application. Ms. Clark stated that the Commission should stay with their July 2004 motion which was that the work was on the property abutting the waters of Norwalk Harbor but did not impact the harbor itself.
4. Other Business: Review and discussions
2005-16 Proposal from the Connecticut Department of Environmental Department regarding a “No Discharge Zone” from Greenwich to Guilford.
Ms. Clark reminded the Commission that two months ago they had discussed item 2005-16, which had to do with a notice sent to the Norwalk Harbor Management from the State of Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection regarding the “No Discharge Area Project”, which extends from Greenwich to Guilford. The language in the memo refers to “the discharge of untreated boat sewage” and the fact that the DEP now wants the federal Environmental Protection Agency to designate the watershed area from the New York border to Hudley Point in Guilford, including the Housatonic River as a “No Discharge Zone”. Hearings were held on September 14th. Ms. Clark reminded the Commission that on August 16th, the Commission recommended tabling any comments by the Harbor Management Commission pending further information, in light of the public hearings scheduled for September 14th and 15th.
Chairman Mobilia informed the Commission that there was a meeting at City Hall, with representatives from the DEP and some commercial outfits. Basically, the goal is getting the language of the “No Discharge Zone” clear enough so that boaters with masserators will not be confused and think they are actually have a treatment system. By declaring it a no discharge zone, both treated and untreated sewage must then be pumped out. Unfortunately, not many representatives showed up. Norwalk Harbor Commission had the largest presence there. Chairman Mobilia commented that one of the other harbors has a flag system that allows the pump outs to occur regardless of whether or not the owner is on the boat at the time. Chairman Mobilia reported that he had googled the locations of pump out stations along the coast and found there were numerous stations available in Connecticut for boaters. Interestingly enough, only two stations showed up in New York State in the search.
** MS. CLARK MOVED THAT IN REGARDS TO # 2005-16 THAT AS OF
SEPTEMBER 28, 2005, THE NORWALK HARBOR MANAGEMENT
COMMISSION RECOMMENDS THAT THE PROPOSAL BY THE
CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
FOR WORK TO ESTABLISH A “NO DISCHARGE ZONE” FROM THE
NEW YORK BOUNDARY TO GUILFORD, INCLUDING THE
HOUSATONIC RIVER, IS CONSISTENT WITH THE HARBOR
MANAGEMENT PLAN AND MOVE TO RECOMMEND FAVORABLE
ACTION WITH THE COMMENT THAT ADEQUATE PUMP OUT
FACILITIES BE AVAILABLE THROUGH OUT THE REGION.
** MR. PALAU SECONDED
There was some discussion as to whether Stamford had pump out stations. Chairman Mobilia observed that the DEP has funds available in the form of grants for pump out stations, so in his mind, there is no excuse for any harbor not to have a pump out station. Norwalk currently has four available.
** THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Notice of Violation #LIS-05-40030-FV, 42 Yarmouth Road, 44 Yarmouth Road and Yarmouth Road, City of Norwalk.
Ms. Clark reviewed the situation at 42 Yarmouth Road, which involves excessive riprap along the waterward face of the north seawall. Letters to the property owner, Mr. T. St. Denis from the Department of Environmental Protections Department, dated September 12, 2005 and The City of Norwalk, dated September 16, 2005, along with a letter to the contractor dated September 23, 2005 were read to the Commission. Apparent part of the stone wall extents on to City property and must be removed and the area restored. The letter from the DEP has detailed plans for restoration. Most of the stone lying on the property has been removed, but the stone that is in the water is untouched. There is a cease and desist order in place until plans are presented to the appropriate authorities.
144 East Avenue
A letter has been sent to Planning and Zoning with the Harbor Management Commission’s comments on a Village District. This application was withdrawn and is expected to be resubmitted in the future.
c. Web Page/ Newsletter - Farrow
Mr. Farrow distributed copies of the Norwalk Harbor Management Commission Newsletter Vol. 6, Number 2, Spring 2005 edition to the members of the Commission. Chairman Mobilia complimented him on a superb job.
d. Boating and Harbor Safety - Farrow
Chairman Mobilia reported that a letter went out to Captain Boyton about Buoy #28 after the last meeting. To date there has been no response
e. Water Quality Committee - D’Andrea
Mr. D’Andrea had no official report. He asked Chairman Mobilia to generate a letter to the Mayor and Hal Alvord inviting them to join the Storm Drain Task Force. Mr. D’Andrea then submitted a bill for the summer interns to the Commission.
f. Plans and Recommendations - Callahan
Mr. Callahan had nothing to report to the Commission.
g. Dredging - Pinto and dredging committee ( Mobilia, Griffin, Steadman)
Mr. Pinto distributed the Dredging Task Force report and reviewed it with the Commission. He noted that under number 2, the date of September 29th was incorrect. The correct date is September 30th. Mr. Pinto also explained that the Department of Transportation and Metro North are involved in the dredging project as the railroad bridge spans a portion of the area to be dredged. Mr. Pinto also reported that he met with the City reps and two of the local marinas who have travel lift pits, it would save alot of money if they were able to coordinate dredging of those areas so that some of the material would go into CAD cells, about 2,000 cubic yards that might be available for that. That would be a separate contract with the City and the marinas. Cashman is willing to do that, but does not necessarily have to do it. The City does not pay for the entire dredging project, so there is some cost-sharing.
Harbor Master Griffin had some concerns about the CAD cells. The Army Corp. of Engineers has been consistently hesitant to speak to the probable legality of the using the CAD cells. He felt that that agreement cost needs to be carefully worked out between the contractor, the City and the marinas.
Another concern was providing the contractor, Cashman, with some land based resources and the appropriate waterfront resources. In Southport, the yacht club provided those needs to the contractor as a good will gesture. Since that is not the case in Norwalk, evaluations are being done to see if there needs to be a price tag attached to the use of the facilities. If the contractor was allowed to use certain City facilities, that might generate additional cooperation in other stages of the project.
h. Waterfront Facility Advisory - Griffin
Mr. Griffin distributed his report to the Commission and reviewed the points.
There were no additional questions about the report. Chairman Mobilia informed
Mr. Griffin that a letter was sent to Mr. Michael Moccai about notifying the
Commission when events will take place in the Harbor. Included with the letter
was an application form, which has a chart of the Harbor on the back, so the
applicant can indicate exactly where the event will be located.
NEW BUSINESS
Mr. Pinto brought up some verbiage for the position of Harbor Master and Deputy Harbor Master. It has to do with Section 15-1. in terms of nominating the Harbor Master and Deputy Harbor Master. This language would be included in the bylaws, which can be changed at any time, but will be more specific. This is based on what the Harbor Master’s duties are in the State Statutes in 15-1 and the policies that Norwalk Harbor Master follows.
Currently, the proposal for Harbor Master reads as follows:
Regarding candidates for possible appointment as State of Connecticut Harbor Master for Norwalk, Connecticut: the Norwalk Harbor Management Commission shall be responsible for the development of a list of names of those candidates, no fewer than three candidates, to be submitted to the Governor of the State of Connecticut for his or her consideration. Candidates applying to the Norwalk Harbor Management Commission must be Norwalk residents, registered voter, and possess excellent boating skills. He or she must be in possession of a current Connecticut safe boating certificate and have a strong working knowledge of Norwalk Harbor. The candidates shall have excellent managerial skills and possess a high level of business experience. The candidate will be required to demonstrate his or her ability to commit the necessary time to implement the Norwalk Harbor Management Plan.
After development of a final list of qualified candidates, the Norwalk Harbor Management Commission during its scheduled monthly meeting shall by majority vote approve candidates for submission to the Governor. This list of candidates may be prioritized and recommended to the Governor for consideration from the first, second and third choice format.
Mr. Pinto went on to explain that the registered voter requirement is stipulated by the Governor’s office. One previous candidate for Harbor Master was disqualified because he was not a registered voter. Mr. Pinto reminded the Commission that the purvey of the Norwalk Harbor Master is to implement the Norwalk Harbor Management Plan. The Governor’s office has also stipulated that the Commission can prioritize our candidates, as has been done in the past.
The proposed language for Connecticut State Deputy Harbor Master for Norwalk is as follows:
Regarding candidates for possible appointment as Connecticut State Deputy Harbor Master for Norwalk: The Norwalk Harbor Master shall be responsible for recommending nominees to the Norwalk Harbor Management Commission for their review and final approval. Credentials and resumes for all candidates submitted by the Harbor Master will be done so in writing to the Commission. Candidates must be Norwalk residents, registered voter, and possess excellent boating skills. He or she must be in possession of a current Connecticut safe boating certificate and have a strong working knowledge of Norwalk Harbor. The candidates shall have excellent managerial skills and possess a high level of business experience. The candidate will be required to demonstrate his or her ability to commit the necessary time to assist the Harbor Master in implementing the Norwalk Harbor Management Plan.
After development of a final list of qualified candidates, the Norwalk Harbor Management Commission during its scheduled monthly meeting shall by majority vote approve candidates for submission to the Governor. This list of candidates may be prioritized and recommended to the Governor for consideration from the first, second and third choice format.
In the event that the Harbor Master at that time is unable to develop a list of no fewer than three candidates that are acceptable by a majority vote of the Harbor Management Commission, the following shall take place. The chairman or chairwoman at that time shall appoint a nominating committee to develop a list of the remaining number of candidates necessary to fulfill the final listing. No fewer than three candidates will be approved by the Commission.
Mr. Pinto informed the Commission that the State Statutes direct that the Deputy Harbor Master is under the control and directions of the Harbor Master. As such, it was felt that the Harbor Master should have a say in whom he will be working so closely with. The time commitment would be three years. There is a stipulation that no Deputy Harbor Master is an automatic shoo-in for Harbor Master. There is a Nominating Committee that meets for the sole purpose of choosing officers. Mr. Pinto suggested that perhaps that Nominating Committee should be more active in nominating other officials or designated officers for the Commission, Deputy Harbor Master or for the Stewardship Award which nominations are being accepted.
There was some question about the need of amending the bylaws. Harbor Master Griffin explained that by putting the procedure on paper, it confirms the way the procedure has worked in the past. Copies of the proposed language will be emailed to the member of the Commission by Mr. Pinto.
STAFF REPORTS
a. Harbor Master - Griffin
Harbor Master Griffin submitted a letter recommending Mr. Brian Griffin be accepted as a volunteer during Phase 1 of the dredging project. He explained that as there is no Deputy Harbor Master, having Brian as a volunteer would be extremely helpful. When Mr. Cebrian asked about liability, Harbor Master Griffin explained that he owns his own boat and that Brian is covered by his insurance as he is a family member. It was commented that this was more of a courtesy than a voting issue. The Commission was in agreement.
Harbor Master Griffin distributed his report to the Commission and reported that the Finances stayed the same. Chairman Mobilia thanked the Harbor Master and the Commission accepted his report as presented.
Harbor Master Griffin also reported that the docking situation during the Oyster Festival was adequate. All went well. He did mention a brush fire that occurred on Shea Island on Saturday to which the Harbor Police responded, along with other fire fighting outfits. The campers on the island had already set up a bucket brigade.
Some high winds on Sunday blew some vessels off their moorings, which presented some temporary traffic problems. This was handled quickly and without incident.
** MR. PINTO MOVED TO ACCEPT THE HARBOR MASTER’S REPORT.
** MS. CLARK SECONDED.
** THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
b. Consultant - Steadman
HM Plan revisions
Mr. Steadman informed the Commission that there were two concerns that surfaced. The first was how shellfish resources are handled. After speaking with Aquaculture, the importance of awareness of the natural shellfish grounds is critical. This includes all of the inner harbor area and policy needs to be created to address this. He reminded the Commission that the Shellfish Commission are already positioned to enforce the idea of no docks or floats resting on the bottom during the low tide cycle. The Harbor Management Commission needs to focus on this issue. Mr. Steadman suggested the following phrasing which would follow the same phrasing in single policies when reviewing applications :
“The policy and plan concerning use of Shellfish Resources. To reduce potential
impact on coastal rescues resulting from the construction of new or extended
in water structures, no proposal for a water access project to be approved that
allows
any structure and/or attached vessel to rest on any natural shellfish bed during
the
normal tide cycles.
The second issue is dealing with run-off from the Interstate 95 bridge. This
is an issue which needs to be addressed with the State of Connecticut Department
of Transportation.
Mr. Steadman suggested that in appropriate locations that there be examination
of harbor sediments for contamination from run off. The following language was
suggested:
“We recognize that possible contaminants associated with highways enter harbor
sediments through run off and discharge from the I-95 bridge over the harbor.
Therefore effective measures should be employed to avoid and reduce any
significant highway pollutants from entering the harbor sediments.”
** MS. CLARK MOVED TO FIND THE SUGGESTED LANGUAGE FAVORABLE FOR THE HARBOR
MANAGEMENT PLAN
REVISION IN REGARDS TO THE SHELLFISH BED RESOURCES AND
THE INTERSTATE 95 RUN OFF ISSUES.
** MR. PALAU SECONDED
** THE MOTION WAS APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY.
c. Planning and Zoning - Greene/DeMarche
There was nothing to report to the Commission from the Planning and Zoning Department.
** MR. PALAU MOVED TO ADJOURN.
** MR. PINTO SECONDED
** THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted
Sharon L. Soltes
Telesco Secretarial Services
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