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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
CITY OF NORWALK
HARBOR MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
AUGUST 22, 2007
ATTENDANCE: Tony Mobilia, Chairman; Patricia Clark, Henry Palau
Tony D’Andrea, Jack Callahan, John Romano, Jose Cebrian,
Patrick Geraghty, Dr. John Pinto (8:20 p.m.)
STAFF: Vladimir Mariano, Planning and Zoning; Michael Griffin,
Harbor Master; Geoff Steadman, Harbor Management Consultant (8:00 p.m.)
OTHERS: John Frank, Shellfish Commission Chairman; Sean O’Connor,
Devin Santa, Raberge Assd.; Norman Bloom, Bloom and Sons;
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Mobilia called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
Chairman Mobilia informed the group that he had attended the Maritime Commission meeting on August 15th and that the Norwalk Harbor Commission’s issue was on the September agenda.
Chairman Mobilia also said that he had met with the Corporation Counsel regarding the docks and piers in Norwalk Harbor.
On July 28th, Chairman Mobilia also attended a meeting with Governor Rell regarding the announcement that Long Island Sound is now a “No Discharge Zone”. This will mean that there will need to be an increase in pump out stations.
Three letters were sent out to various parties, including the letter regarding CL&P, which was discussed at length in the June minutes.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Chairman Mobilia asked if there was any member of the public present who wished
to comment. Mr. Bloom stated that he had some comments that were relevant to
Application 2007-01 and asked Chairman Mobilia if he should make his comments
now or wait until the application was under discussion. It was decided that
it would be best for Mr. Bloom to make his comments during the discussion of
the application.
There was no other member of the public present who wished to comment at this time.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Application Review
1. 2007-20 Charles Eaton, 20 Point Road, Norwalk, CT DEP #200700210-AT. Application
for installation of a 4' x 6' timber landing accessed from an existing seawall,
a 3' x 14' aluminum ramp attached at its waterward end to a 2' x 4' x 6"
concrete base located just below the high tide line. A boat lift with a 1400
lb capacity will be located on the existing seawall. Additionally, the applicant
requests authorization to retain and maintain the existing seawall which was
installed some time before 1980. This is a revised application to provide access
for boating, and for water access by persons with limited mobility. The NHMC
reviewed the original proposal in Dec. 2005 finding
it consistent and recommending favorable action with conditions.
Ms. Clark reviewed the details of Application 2007-20 with the Commission members.
** MS. CLARK MOVED TO FIND APPLICATION 2007-20 CHARLES EATON, 20 POINT ROAD, NORWALK, CT DEP #200700210-AT. APPLICATION FOR INSTALLATION OF A 4' X 6' TIMBER LANDING ACCESSED FROM AN EXISTING SEAWALL, A 3' X 14' ALUMINUM RAMP ATTACHED AT ITS WATERWARD END TO A 2' X 4' X 6" CONCRETE BASE LOCATED JUST BELOW THE HIGH TIDE LINE. A BOAT LIFT WITH A 1400 LB CAPACITY WILL BE LOCATED ON THE EXISTING SEAWALL. ADDITIONALLY, THE APPLICANT REQUESTS AUTHORIZATION TO RETAIN AND MAINTAIN THE EXISTING SEAWALL WHICH WAS INSTALLED SOME TIME BEFORE 1980. THIS IS A REVISED APPLICATION TO PROVIDE ACCESS FOR BOATING, AND FOR WATER ACCESS BY PERSONS WITH LIMITED MOBILITY. IS CONSISTENT WITH THE HARBOR MANAGEMENT PLAND AND MOVED TO RECOMMEND FAVORABLE ACTION WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITION:
1.) THAT THE BOAT NOT BE ALLOWED TO REST ON THE BOTTOM.
** MR. PALAU SECONDED.
** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. 2007-01 REVISED: Sean and Deborah O'Connor, 12 Nathan Hale Drive, So Norwalk Revised drawings for installation of timber pier, ramp, and floating dock extending from an existing seawall at a private residence. The area is near existing shellfish beds. Additionally, the proposed work involves removal of derelict, semi-submerged pilings 100' south of the property.
** MS. CLARK MOVED TO FIND THAT APPLICATION 2007-01 REVISED: SEAN AND DEBORAH
O'CONNOR, 12 NATHAN HALE DRIVE, SO NORWALK REVISED DRAWINGS FOR INSTALLATION
OF TIMBER PIER, RAMP, AND FLOATING DOCK EXTENDING FROM AN EXISTING SEAWALL AT
A PRIVATE RESIDENCE. THE AREA IS NEAR EXISTING SHELLFISH BEDS. ADDITIONALLY,
THE PROPOSED WORK INVOLVES REMOVAL OF DERELICT, SEMI-SUBMERGED PILINGS 100'
SOUTH OF THE PROPERTY WAS CONSISTENT WITH THE HARBOR MANAGEMENT PLAN AND RECOMMENDED
THAT FAVORABLE ACTION BE TAKEN.
** MR. PALAU SECONDED.
Ms. Clark said that concerns has been expressed from the Shellfish Commission and the shell fishermen about possible encroachment on Bed #201, which is owned by Mr. Norman Bloom. Ms. Clark said that the plans had been revised to remove any encroachment.
Mr. D’Andrea asked if the derelict pilings would be removed. Mr. O’Connor replied that they would. Mr. D’Andrea then asked if the float and ramp would be removed during the winter. Mr. O’Connor replied that they would. Mr. Callahan asked about the dock being a possible navigational hazard. Ms. Clark said that she believe the dock would be much less of a navigational hazard than the derelict pilings are. Harbor Master Griffin requested that the minutes reflect that Mr. Norman Bloom was the owner of Bed #201.
Chairman Mobilia then asked Mr. Bloom to state his concerns regarding the application. Mr. Bloom said that he wished to be certain that the GPS position of the pilings would be at least five feet from the corner of the shellfish bed. A lengthy, detailed discussion then followed regarding cooperative coordination between the applicant and Mr. Bloom the location of the beds in relationship to the dock.
Mr. Steadman joined the meeting at 8:00 p.m.
** MS. CLARK MOVED TO AMEND APPLICATION 2007-01 REVISED: SEAN AND DEBORAH O'CONNOR, 12 NATHAN HALE DRIVE, SO NORWALK REVISED DRAWINGS FOR INSTALLATION OF TIMBER PIER, RAMP, AND FLOATING DOCK EXTENDING FROM AN EXISTING SEAWALL AT A PRIVATE RESIDENCE. THE AREA IS NEAR EXISTING SHELLFISH BEDS. ADDITIONALLY, THE PROPOSED WORK INVOLVES REMOVAL OF DERELICT, SEMI-SUBMERGED PILINGS 100' SOUTH OF THE PROPERTY WAS CONSISTENT WITH THE HARBOR MANAGEMENT PLAN AND RECOMMENDED THAT FAVORABLE ACTION BE TAKEN WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS AND COMMENTS:
CONDITIONS:
1.) A REQUEST FOR AN ‘AS BUILT” SURVEY BE MADE UPON COMPLETION OF THE PROJECT.
COMMENTS:
1. THE COMMISSION UNDERSTANDS THAT THE 160 SQ. FT. PROPOSED FLOAT IS CONSIDERED NECESSARY TO MAINTAIN SAFE USE IN AN AREA EXPOSED TO LONG ISLAND SOUND
2. THE COMMISSION RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REVIEW THE PROPOSAL IN ITS FINAL FORM.
** MR. PALAU SECONDED.
** THE MOTION TO APPROVE THE AMENDED PROPOSAL PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. 2007-21: Shore and Country Club, 220 Gregory Boulevard, East Norwalk COP Application to CT DEP for maintenance dredging and replacement of a deteriorated bulkhead at an existing marina basin. Maintenance dredging to a depth of 8' below MLW involves removal of approximately 14,300 cu yds by barge-borne crane in an area roughly 625' x 170' Spoils will be removed for in-water disposal. Floating docks and pilings will be removed during work and stored upland.
Part two of the project involves replacement of a deteriorated 385' steel sheet
piling bulkhead. 1785 cu yds of soil will be removed behind the existing bulkhead
and stockpiled. New sheet piling will be driven by barge-borne crane 24"
waterward of the existing bulkhead; the original will be removed; tierods and
a steel sheet piling deadman wall will anchor the new bulkhead. 450 cu yds of
clean fill will be used behind the
new bulkhead. An existing 12' storm drain pipe will be extended to 12' waterward
of the bulkhead. Existing floating docks will be replaced in their authorized
location on completion of the total project, leaving a fairway of roughly 111'
at the narrowest part of the channel.
Ms. Clark stated that after the Application Review Committee examined this application, it was determined that the application did not have enough information regarding the precise location of the docks or a statement of how wide the channel is that point. She also pointed out that the bulkhead will be a 24” encroachment waterward.
Mr. D’Andrea expressed concern about the 12 ft. storm drain being extended. Harbor Master Griffin stated that he had heard the docks would be in the same place. Ms. Clark pointed out that the application states the docks would be in the same “configuration” not the same location.
Mr. Steadman commented that there was no indication that the plans were prepared by a registered land surveyor or engineer.
** MR. PALAU MOVED TO FORWARD A LETTER TO THE DEP REGARDING THE INSUFFICENT
INFORMATION INCLUDED IN APPLICATION 2007-21 FROM THE SHORE AND COUNTRY CLUB.
** MR. D’ANDREA SECONDED.
** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Dr. Pinto joined the meeting at 8:20 p.m.
4. 2007-22: Michael Gray, 30 Shorehaven Road, Norwalk Application to CT DEP for a pier, ramp, and floating dock supported by a bench structure to keep the float and attached vessel from resting on the bottom. The float size is 8' x 20. A previous structure was permitted under CT DEP # 20040132-SB at the same location.
** MS. CLARK MOVED TO FIND THE APPLICATION 2007-22: MICHAEL GRAY, 30 SHOREHAVEN ROAD, NORWALK APPLICATION TO CT DEP FOR A PIER, RAMP, AND FLOATING DOCK SUPPORTED BY A BENCH STRUCTURE TO KEEP THE FLOAT AND ATTACHED VESSEL FROM RESTING ON THE BOTTOM. THE FLOAT SIZE IS 8' x 20 CONSISTENT WITH THE HARBOR MANAGEMENT PLAN AND MOVED TO RECOMMEND FAVORABLE ACCTION WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS AND COMMENTS:
CONDITIONS:
1.) THAT THE FLOAT AND ATTACHED VESSEL NOT REST ON THE BOTTOM AT ANY TIME.
2.) THAT THE 3” x 8” FLOAT STOPS REMAIN CLEAR OF THE BOTTOM AT ALL TIMES.
COMMENTS:
THE COMMISSION UNDERSTANDS THAT THE 160 SQ. FT. SIZE OF THE PROPOSED DOCK IS CONSIDERED NECESSARY BY THE APPLICANT TO MAINTAIN SAFE USE OF THE DOCK IN AN AREA EXPOSED TO LONG ISLAND SOUND.
Ms. Clark commented that this applicant had been issued a permit by the DEP despite the Harbor Commission’s previous objections. The applicant has discovered that the previous plans were built but were not workable. He is now applying to modify the current structure. Ms. Clark also pointed out that the structure was resting on the shellfish beds for a number of hours. A discussion about the possibility of requesting an annual inspection then followed.
** THE MOTION PASSED WITH EIGHT IN FAVOR (MOBILIA, CLARK, GERAGHTY, PALAU, CEBRIAN, ROMANO, CALLAHAN AND PINTO) AND ONE AGAINST (D’ANDREA).
OTHER BUSINESS
CT DEP Permit for CL&P work to replace cables in Norwalk Harbor. Ms. Clark
reported that CL&P had received a permit from the CT DEP for the cable replacement
project.
ITEMS PENDING
2007-11: Patricia Harter, 7 Gregory Court, East Norwalk. Ms. Clark said that there was nothing to discuss regarding this application at this time.
Finance
Mr. Cebrian distributed copies of his report to the other Commission members and then gave a brief overview of the contents.
Web Page/Newsletter
Mr. Geraghty said that a number of articles were in the works and that he hoped to have the newsletter ready for the Oyster Festival. Mr. Geraghty also said that he was working with the City’s IT Department regarding possibly uploading past newsletters into an archive file.
Boating and Harbor Safety
Mr. Palau said there was no report.
Water Quality Committee
Mr. D’Andrea presented his report to the Commission members. Harbor Master Griffin commented that he had attended the Water Quality meeting earlier and someone had suggested developing an “Adopt-A-Drain” program that could possibly involve paying for the drain filters and also raise funds for the intern program.
Watershed Initiative Advisory Committee
Mr. D’Andrea stated that there had not been a meeting of the Watershed Initiative Advisory Committee this month. Mr. Steadman asked if the Committee would be continuing. Mr. D’Andrea said that the Committee would try. Mr. D’Andrea said that an effort to reach out to the Senior Citizens was being made. He explained that it would be helpful to have the Senior Citizens talking to the school children about the Watershed Initiative.
Plans and Recommendations
Mr. Callahan said that there was no report for this month.
Dredging
Dr. Pinto reported that he had met with the Mayor about the dredging issue and refreshed his memory about the capping issue. Dr. Pinto also reported on the presentation that Chairman Mobilia had given at the Connecticut Maritime Commission. A lengthy discussion then followed about the issues addressed at the Maritime Commission meeting. Chairman Mobilia repeated the fact that the presentation was included on the September agenda of the Connecticut Maritime Commission. The meeting will be held on September 17, 2007 at the DOT offices in Newington.
The Commission then discussed the issue of whether there had been an increase of barge traffic in the Harbor and on the River following the completion of Phase One of the dredging. The question of what the actual impact of the dredging was on the economics of the area and possible ideas for raising funds for Phase 2 were also discussed.
Waterfront Facilities Advisory
Mr. Romano commented that he had heard a lot of positive feedback about the office and how friendly and helpful the staff were.
Harbor Master Griffin said that there are plans to remodel the inside of the building. He also said that the Sail and Power Squadron were considering making a possible donation to update the Center’s communication system from the funds that resulted from the sale of David Dunavan’s sailing equipment.
STAFF REPORTS
Harbor Master
Harbor Master Griffin then reviewed his report with the Commission. He said that there was the possibility of an additional $1,000 of income before the end of the season. Harbor Master Griffin also reviewed the request of the shell fishermen regarding having temporary buoys located at the work site for the CL&P project.
Mr. Steadman asked about buoy fees. Harbor Master Griffin reviewed this with the Commission. He also mentioned the possibility of having floats in the southeast sections of Veteran’s Park for the shell fishermen and the lobstermen. He also said that the State Statutes prohibit mooring charges of over $200 unless the municipality has a Harbor Management Plan, which Norwalk does have.
** CHAIRMAN MOBILIA MOVED TO ACCEPT THE HARBOR MASTER’S REPORT AS PRESENTED.
** MR. D’ANDREA SECONDED.
** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
b. Consultant
Mr. Steadman said that he would be attending a meeting on September 5, 2007 to review the final changes to the Harbor Management Plan.
Mr. Steadman then said that CHMA will not be having their normally scheduled October banquet this year. Instead there will be a meeting with the Commissioner in the next month or so to review some of the issues that are still outstanding. Following this, a working session will be held for all of the Harbor Commission representatives and Harbor Masters following this at the Aquaculture School to set a prior lists of goals. It is also hoped that the newsletter will be revived after several years. The banquet will be scheduled in April. Harbor Master Griffin commented that the tentative date for the working session has been set for November 8th or 9th. Chairman Mobilia announced that the State of the Harbor meeting would be on November 7th.
c. Planning and Zoning
Mr. Mariano said that there were no comments at this time.
Approval of July 24, 2007 minutes.
Ms. Clark said that the minutes were beautifully done.
** MR. ROMANO MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF JULY 24, 2007 AS SUBMITTED.
** MR. PALAU SECONDED.
** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
NEW BUSINESS / OLD BUSINESS
There was no new business or old business to discuss at this time.
ADJOURNMENT
** MR. PALAU MOVED TO ADJOURN.
** MS. CLARK SECONDED.
** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
The meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted
Sharon L. Soltes
Telesco Secretarial Service
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