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HARBOR MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
FEBRUARY 25, 2004

ATTENDANCE: Dr. John Pinto, Chairman; Richard Ramsey; Jack Callahan; Jason Farrow; Tony D’Andrea; Tony Mobilia; Jose Cebrian

STAFF: Michael Greene, Director of Planning and Zoning

OTHERS: Michael Griffin, Harbormaster; Geoff Steadman, Consultant; Hal Alvord, Director of Public Works

CALL TO ORDER

The Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:35 pm and noted the absence of Mr. Palau and Ms. Clark.

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES

** MR. CALLAHAN MOVED APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF JANUARY 28 2004 AS AMENDED.
** MR. D’ANDREA SECONDED.

The following correction was made:

Page eight – in the first line delete the word no.

** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

A. Meeting with US ACOE, DEP, EPA, NMFS, CT BA and Congressional representatives

Dr. Pinto indicated that Mr. Griffin, Mr. Steadman, Mr. Mobilia and he had called a meeting at the DEP office of Long Island Sound programs in Hartford today regarding dredging. He listed the representatives (see above) at the meeting including Mayor Knopp who had also attended the meeting. Dr. Pinto said they had established a sense of urgency regarding the need to commence dredging by this October and said that all of the groups are now on the same page. He explained that the dredging would be done in two phases, first would be the north end of the harbor, hopefully starting in October (February 1st being the cut off date) and the second section would be from the Stroffolino Bridge going south.

Dr. Pinto outlined that there are still a number of issues, the biggest being able to acquire funding for next year. He said they had to produce a financial statement along with some justification on why the project should be split in two. He said their statement needs to be very detailed and has to give more than just the tonnage of barge traffic.

Mr. Greene introduced Mr. Alvord (DPW Director).

Mr. Alvord stated that he had spent twenty-five years with the Army Corp and explained the importance of benefit cost ratio (B/C), as this is what drives the funding. He suggested that the Commission include every justifiable cost possible; the business value of the commercial goods that are shipped in, recreational value and in argument that tonnage is down is because the harbor is silted in. He said if the BC ratio is less than 1:1 the project would never be funded but a 3/1 would be beneficial.

Mr. Steadman gave an update on the monies that have been budgeted.

There was a discussion on funds.

Mr. Alvord went on to say that by using the congressmen, the US ACOE is very responsive to them. The key is which congressmen to use, Mr. Alvord said to choose the committee assignments they are on; he added that they would want to choose people that are on appropriations and transportation.

Mr. D’Andrea asked if the BC ratio would be submitted to the ACOE. Dr. Pinto replied that it would be submitted to a number of different people.

Mr. Steadman asked Mr. Alvord what a good general ratio would be.

Mr. Alvord suggested that they get a BC ratio that is 3:1 or better that way they would have a better chance. He added that the ACOE has standard conversion figures for how many trucks equal box car/barge etc.

Dr. Pinto said we cannot “drop the ball” on the dredging project at this point after all of the meetings and commitments they have gone through.

Mr. Steadman said that timing is also an issue and obtaining the remainder of funds necessary to complete the project.

Mr. Griffin added that after the dredge team had discussed the importance of beginning the dredging project in a timely manner, the DEP and EPA had assured them that they would be able to let them know by March 4th.

Mr. Callahan mentioned further testing of the CAD cell and the capping material.

Mr. Steadman said at this point they have little or no chance of switching to the Western Long Island Sound site. He said they are working on how to do the upper part of the project and use capping material from other sites. He said the ACOE is now going out and looking for those other materials so the cost is not so great.

Mr. Griffin gave some background details on the idea of splitting the project into two sections including comments about rainfall. He added that he felt optimistic that the first part of the project will be completed.

B. Letter from Governor’s office regarding reappointment of Harbormaster

Dr. Pinto acknowledged receipt of a letter the commission had received from Governor Rowland’s office regarding Mr. Griffin’s reappointment of harbormaster.

COMMISSION ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS

A. 2003 Annual NHMC report: outline information from committee chairpersons

Dr. Pinto indicated that last month he had asked each chairperson to put together a summary of what they had accomplished during the year. Things the commission could use to add to the 2003 Annual Report.

Mr. Steadman suggested that information should be in by the next meeting.

B. Status of Harbor Management Plan revision

Mr. Steadman said they are making good progress; he added that it has not yet gone to the DEP.

There was a discussion on minor revisions and of some additional language they wished to incorporate.

Mr. Griffin suggested that Mr. Steadman put the revision on hold while they working on getting the dredging plan finalized.

Dr. Pinto said the committees should keep working on the plan. He said there are still some outstanding items such as mooring regulations etc.

Mr. Steadman said he would work on the goal of having a draft by next month’s meeting.

Mr. Callahan agreed that the dredging project should be given highest priority.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

A. Web Page/Newsletter – Mr. Mobilia

Mr. Mobilia handed out a copy of the newsletter and gave credit to the writers.

Dr. Pinto thanked Mr. Mobilia and commended him on putting the newsletter together.

B. Finance – Mr. Ramsey

Mr. Ramsey distributed a copy of the draft budget for 2004 and explained the figures. There was a discrepancy with regard to the payment for the Water Quality interns.

There was detailed discussion on the budget.

With regard to the postage account, Mr. Ramsey indicated that the numbers are not consistent and that they had received several high bills.

Mr. Greene stated that very few (two or three) pieces of mail had been sent out from the Commission over the last month; he said they are closely monitoring this situation. He further suggested that the Commission simply buy stamps in the future as this would cut costs and stop unnecessary charges to its postal account like has occurred this past month.

Dr. Pinto said that he had received a letter from the finance department and in it they had asked the last time the mooring fees had been raised.

Mr. Griffin said that it was in 1998.

There was some discussion on the topic of raising mooring fees and it was concluded that it could not be done until next year at the earliest.

There was discussion about the money in the Emergency Management Fund and why it had been named. The original name was the “Derelict Vessel Fund”.

c. Application Review – Dr. Pinto

In Ms. Clark’s absence Dr. Pinto said there were three applications this month.

1. Application by the United States Coast Guard for work at Peck’s Ledge Light House.

Dr. Pinto explained that this application proposes to place large granite stone along the east and west faces of the cast iron foundation at Peck’s Ledge Light. On the west face of the Light House, existing metal ladder will be cut closer to high tide level and step cut stones beginning at mean low water mark will be placed up to high tide mark. On the east face, new riprap stone (-2.5 cy, 5 tons each) will be installed with a slope of at least 1:2 feet.

** DR. PINTO MOVED THAT THE NORWALK HARBOR MANAGEMENT COMMISSION FINDS APPLICATION BY THE UNITED STATES COAST GUARD WORK AT PECK’S LEDGE IS CONSISTENT WITH THE NORWALK HARBOR MANAGEMENT PLAN AND RECOMMEND FAVORABLE ACTION

** MR. D’ANDREA SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

2. DEP COP by Dorlon Marina Association at 199 Gregory Blvd, East Norwalk, CT.

Dr. Pinto said the applicant proposed to replace existing 3’x32’ finger floating docks with new 4’x 32’ finger floating docks that are 1 foot wider and more stable. The overall footprint of the proposed dock system will increase the existing structure by 6 inches on either end of the structure. The ends of the finger docks that run parallel to Charles Creek channel will not extend beyond those of the current structure.

Dr. Pinto showed a plan of Charles Creek.

Mr. Steadman read a letter written previously including the added condition; he suggested that the same condition be added to this application.

There was some discussion on the dredged area.

Mr. Griffin suggested they reject the application due to insufficient information at this time.

** MR. CALLAHAN MOVED THAT THE COMMISSION REVIEWED THE PROPOSAL AND FINDS THERE IS NOT ENOUGH INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE APPLICATION TO DETERMINE CONSISTENCY WITH THE HARBOR MANAGEMENT PLAN. THE INFORMATION THAT IS LACKING IS THE LOCATION OF THE EIGHT FOOT MAINTENANCE DREDGED AREA AUTHORIZED BY THE US ACOE.
** MR. D’ANDREA SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

3. DEP COP by East Norwalk Boating and Yacht Club at 60 Seaview Avenue, East Norwalk, CT.

Dr. Pinto stated that the proposed activity is to relocate a portion of an existing floating dock system southward, parallel to the channel and add a 4’ x 6’ section of floating dock to provide access to the relocated floats. 700 sq ft of existing floating dock and 4 timber pilings will be shifted 4 ft southward. No work waterward will occur and the 10’ minimum setback from the channel in the East Basin will be maintained.

Mr. Steadman referred to the Harbor Management Plan and read the guidelines at the same time noting the inconsistency with them.

There was extensive discussion on this.

** MR. D’ANDREA MOVED THAT THE NORWALK HARBOR MANAGEMENT COMMISSION HAS REVIEWED THE PROPOSAL AND FIND THE FOLLOWING.

1. ABSENT A RECORDED AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE APPLICANT AND THE AFFECTED ADJACENT PROPERTY OWNER, AND DUE TO ITS LACK OF RIPARIAN SET BACK OF 25 FEET AS STATED IN THE HARBOR MANAGEMENT PLAN AND THE ARMY CORP OF ENGINEERS’ GUIDELINES WE FIND IT INCONSISTENT.

** MR. FARROW SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED SIX VOTES IN FAVOR, ONE ABSTENTION (MR. CEBRIAN).

D. Boating and Harbor Safety – Mr. Farrow

Mr. Farrow stated that they did have a meeting this month at which time they had discussed the transient anchoring definition, mooring permits and reinstatement fees. He distributed the current language used in the plan along with recommended language for all three items. Commissioners are to review the language and provide their input to Mr. Farrow by the next meeting.

There was discussion on each section. Dr. Pinto thanked Mr. Farrow for his detailed attention to these important issues.

E. Dredging – Dr. Pinto

This item was discussed under the Chairman’s report

F. Mayor’s Water Quality – Mr. D’Andrea

Mr. D’Andrea indicated that he had met recently with Dick Harris and they had discussed the problems of run off at the Silvermine Sanctuary; he said some testing would be done.

G. Plans and Recommendations – Mr. Callahan

Mr. Callahan stated that they have been trying to come up with something regarding the maintenance of bulkheading.

There was brief discussion on this topic.

H. Waterfront Facilities Advisory – Mr. Griffin

Mr. Griffin distributed the written report and read through the document.

Mr. D’Andrea asked if they anticipated staff cuts at the launching ramp. Mr. Griffin replied that he did not; as they only have few staff members right now and there would be no room for any cuts in personnel.

NEW BUSINESS

There was no new business this evening.

STAFF REPORTS

A. Planning and Zoning – Mr. Greene

Mr. Greene said that the mid-harbor plan is underway and the city does have a consultant in place. He said that the second meeting is next Tuesday March 2nd in room 231 at 5:00 pm.

B. Harbormaster’s Report - Griffin

Mr. Griffin distributed two reports, one to replace January’s report and the other for February. He reviewed each report.

** MR. CALLAHAN MOVED APPROVAL OF THE HARBORMASTER’S REPORTS.
** MR. D’ANDREA SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

C. Consultant – Mr. Steadman

Mr. Steadman commented that he had attended a meeting with the Connecticut Harbor Management Association; he said the topic of dredging was discussed at that time. He noted that they shall also be reviewing the State Harbor Management Act regarding applications for the DEP; this would be done so that they are consistent with the Harbor Management Plans.

OTHER COMMENTS

There were no other comments this evening.

ADJOURNMENT

** MR. CALLAHAN MOVED TO ADJOURN.
** MR. D’ANDREA SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:45 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Kate Kye
Telesco Secretarial Services

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