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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
NOVEMBER 17, 2004
ATTENDANCE: Dr. John Pinto, Chairman; Henry Palau; Pat Clark; Tony Mobilia; Richard Ramsey; Jose Cebrian (7:45 pm); Tony D’Andrea (7:48 pm)
STAFF: Derick DeMarche, Planning and Zoning
OTHERS: John Frank, Shellfish Commission; Mike Griffin, Harbormaster
CALL TO ORDER
Dr. Pinto called the meeting to order at 7:40 pm.
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
October 27, 2004
** MS. CLARK MOVED APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES AS CORRECTED.
** MR. PALAU SECONDED.
The following corrections were made:
Page two, under item C, in the last line delete Mr. Mobilia and replace with Mr. D’Andrea.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
A. Status of Harbormaster and Deputy Harbormaster reappointment by governor.
Dr. Pinto indicated that he had called Tim Geary on numerous occasions regarding the reappointment of Harbormaster and Deputy Harbormaster noting the importance that these need to put in place by the end of the year. Dr. Pinto reported that Mr. Geary had said he would make the necessary calls in order for this to take place.
Dr. Pinto announced the new commissioner at the DEP as Gina McCarthy.
Mr. Cebrian joined the meeting at 7:45 pm.
COMMISSION ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS
A. Harbor Management Plan status
Dr. Pinto stated that Marcy Balint (DEP) has received the revised plan and has not given any indication at this point regarding the approval. She would also have to refer the plan to the Department of Transportation and at this point the plan would come back for approval by the Common Council.
B. Comments and discussion of Annual State of Harbor Meeting
In Mr. Steadman’s absence, Dr. Pinto said the he (Mr. Steadman) had suggested that holding the meeting in the style of an informative meeting would seem to be the best way to go.
Dr. Pinto asked for comments by Commissioners on the David S. Dunavan annual award.
Mr. Mobilia suggested that the wording be tailored.
There was discussion on how many groups/individuals could receive the award.
Mr. D’Andrea joined the meeting at 7:48 pm.
C. Nominating Committee Progress
Mr. D’Andrea indicated that their suggestions were as follows:
Chairman – Tony Mobilia
Vice Chairman – Henry Palau
Secretary – Tony D’Andrea
He added that the nominations were still open.
Dr. Pinto commented that they would vote upon this at the January meeting.
D. Development update of plans to establish Archives Committee for data storage and information retrieval of Commission business.
Mr. Cebrian stated that tomorrow he would be sending out an email to all commissioners requesting information about the types and format of the documents that would need to be filed. He said he would need to ascertain where the information is coming from and to be able to allocate it into respective categories. After a month he would review all of the information and move forward from there.
There was discussion on the types of document and the committees that generate the most material.
Ms. Clark raised a question about interaction with other committees, for example that information coming through Application Review would often need to go to the Shellfish Commission.
Mr. Frank (Shellfish Commission) agreed noting that his Commission does not always receive information in a timely matter.
Ms. Clark said she would be happy to forward a copy of the agenda to the Shellfish Commission.
Mr. Mobilia asked about the information that is not digital and would require storage.
Dr. Pinto said one option is a room at the Fire Department.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
A. Web Page/Newsletter – Mr. Mobilia
Mr. Mobilia reported that he had received two letters in response to the last newsletter; the first was from Jonathan Lovejoy (he distributed copies) and the other from Abigail Burns. Mr. Mobilia suggested topics for the next edition and asked that articles be in no later than January 31, 2005.
B. Finance – Mr. Ramsey
Mr. Ramsey reported that the Commission is solvent in spite of the over-run regarding the Water Quality Intern Program. He said this had come at a time when they had been discussing the grant application and the increase in the mooring fees and he suggested the Commission request an increase from the city.
Dr. Pinto referred to the grant application documents noting that they had to be submitted by Friday. He said based on the numbers projected by Mr. Ramsey and the need for more money they would be submitting a request to Anne Twomey. He read the letter.
Mr. D’Andrea asked what percentage of the overall budget was allocated to the Water Quality Program.
Mr. Ramsey replied that it was approximately 27%.
There was discussion on how the interns are paid and those who contribute.
C. Application Review – Ms. Clark
1. 2004-15: Bruno Bich, 8 Shorehaven Road, East Norwalk: COP application to
CT DEP and ACOE for work at same address. Proposal is
to replace a previously authorized 10’ x 10’ timber floating dock with an
8’ x 20’ floating dock with float skids in order to improve stability and safety
during times of wave activity. It will continue to be used as a recreational
boat dock.
Ms. Clark indicated that this was the first application reviewed at committee level and brought forth the following:
** MS. CLARK MOVED THAT THE NORWALK HARBOR MANAGEMENT COMMISSION FIND APPLICATION TO CT DEP AND ACOE BY BRUNO BICH, 8 SHOREHAVEN ROAD, EAST NORWALK FOR WORK AT THE SAME ADDRESS INVOLVING REPLACEMENT OF A PREVIOUSLY PERMITTED 10’X10’ DOCK WITH A 8’X20’ DOCK IS CONSISTENT WITH THE HARBOR MANAGEMENT PLAN AND MOVE TO RECOMMEND FAVORABLE ACTION WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
1. THAT THE DOCK AND RAMP BE REMOVED FROM NOVEMBER 15TH TO APRIL 15TH ANNUALLY.
** MR. PALAU SECONDED.
Ms. Clark showed the drawings and plans.
There was discussion on how the new dock would provide more stability.
Mr. Griffin noted that regardless of the stability, it is consistent with the Harbor Management Plan.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. 2004-16: Joseph Muro, 5 Seabreeze Place, Norwalk: Application to CT DEP and ACOE for removal of existing deteriorated pier and construction of a pile supported timber pier, aluminum ramp, and an 8’ x 20’ timber floating dock with float skids, anchored by two 2-piling dolphins. The 30’ aluminum ramp is to be built of open grating. The pier will include a 6’ x16’ area with two (2) boat-hauling davits. The structure will extend from an existing concrete sea wall approximately 117’. The ramp and dock will be stored off-site during winter months. The purpose is to provide a small boat docking facility at a private residence, avoiding repeated crossings of vegetated, intertidal terrain.
Ms. Clark stated that in July 2004 they had looked at the adjoining property owner and they were able to do a comparison of the docks, noting that they are almost identical.
There was discussion on the dock extending into the Shellfish beds.
Discussion ensued on the ability for adjoining property owners to share a single dock. Ms. Clark said that this topic had been discussed at length during the committee meeting and although the idea had many positive aspects she reported that the issue became too complicated when it came to selling the property and the details involved.
** MS. CLARK MOVED THAT THE NORWALK HARBOR MANAGEMENT COMMISSION FIND APPLICATION TO CT DEP AND ACOE BY JOSEPH MURO, 5 SEABREEZE PLACE FOR WORK AT THE SAME ADDRESS INVOLVING REMOVAL OF DETERIORATED PIER; CONSTRUCTION OF PIER, RAMP AND FLOATING DOCK WITH 2 TWO-PILING DOLPHINS IS CONSISTENT WITH THE HARBOR MANAGEMENT PLAN AND MOVE TO RECOMMEND FAVORABLE ACTION WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
1. NO VESSEL BE BERTHED ON THE NORTH SIDE OF THE FLOATING DOCK AS IT WOULD ENCROACH ON THE ADJACENT PROPERTY LINE AND RECOMMENDED REVIEW BY THE SHELLFISH COMMISSION.
** MR. PALAU SECONDED.
Mr. Cebrian asked if there is a property line on a tidal flat.
Dr. Pinto replied that there is.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. 2004-17: COP for Thomas St. Denis, 42 Yarmouth Road, Rowayton, CT DEP COP 2004-097-JW issued October 5, 2004 for work to replace, in-kind and in-place, an existing 115 linear foot stone and mortar seawall; install an 18’ x 115’ timber fence atop the seawall; and place approximately 35 cu yds of riprap in the footprint of existing, authorized riprap embankment. Work is at a private residence in the Wilson Cove area of Rowayton.
Ms. Clark stated that after seeing a COP to replace the Seawall at Yarmouth Road they had seen a lot of work going on in the area including two ramps and floating docks. After some investigation by Mr. Steadman, she reported that the docks had been submitted under a 440 application and a COP application separately through the handling agent and had not been submitted to the Application Review Committee. She said these docks extend into an area of heavy traffic and this had been put on the agenda tonight to address the issue of applications being submitted in bits and pieces and without discussion by Application Review. Ms. Clark requested that the Harbor Management Commission send a letter to the DEP making them aware of their concerns.
Mr. Griffin noted his support of the letter being sent to the DEP suggesting that a copy also be sent to the new DEP commissioner and the Mayor’s office. He also suggested that this item be brought to the attention of the Office of Long Island Sound Programs.
** MS. CLARK MOVED: REGARDING PERMIT COP 2004 097 (CT DEP) BY THOMAS ST. DENIS, 42 YARMOUTH ROAD, ROWAYTON FOR WORK AT THE SAME ADDRESS. RECOMMENDING A LETTER BE SENT TO CT DEP REGARDING OUR DIFFICULTIES IN SEEING ONLY SOME OF THE PIECEMEAL APPLICATIONS SENT TO DEP AND NOT TO THE NHMC.
** MR. PALAU SECONDED.
Mr. Griffin suggested another letter be sent from the Harbormaster’s Office.
Dr. Pinto thanked Mr. Griffin for his support adding that a letter from the Shellfish Commission would also be beneficial.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
D. Boating and Harbor Safety
There was no report this evening.
E. Dredging – Dr. Pinto
Dr. Pinto stated that he had telephoned Marcy Balint to attempt to reconvene a meeting and so far a date of December 1, 2004 has been set, although they had not been able to contact the ACOE at this point.
Mr. Ramsey raised the point about the propane storage tank being placed on the New York side of the Long Island Sound so that Connecticut has no say.
Dr. Pinto read a letter from Art Rock to Col. Conning regarding response to a letter sent earlier.
Mr. Griffin stated that the biggest problem regarding the ACOE dredging in two phases is that they will only start on phase one, if all of the problems in phase two have been resolved.
Dr. Pinto added that they are now pursuing this through other avenues, noting that Mike Greene (Director of Planning and Zoning) has set up a meeting with Robert Genuario on Friday morning.
F. Mayor’s Water Quality – Mr. D’Andrea
Mr. D’Andrea reported on the levels of Ecoli detected in the Norwalk River. He suggested that this could be attributed to the large number of geese.
Dr. Pinto noted that this could only be a recommendation by the Water Quality Committee to the Health Department.
Mr. Griffin questioned the role of the Watershed Alliance.
Mr. Frank gave details of contamination areas in the city and more specifically to the cracked sewer mains leaking into storm water drains.
There was discussion on clean up methods.
Mr. Palau asked about checks and tests done at the beaches.
Mr. Frank responded by saying that the beaches are fine unless thereis a heavy rain -- then the Shellfish beds are closed for five days.
Discussion ensued on public awareness.
G Plans and Recommendations
There was no report this evening.
H Waterfront Facilities Advisory – Mr. Griffin
Mr. Griffin read his written report.
NEW BUSINESS
There was no new business this evening.
STAFF REPORTS
A. Planning and Zoning – Mr. DeMarche
Mr. DeMarche gave details of the meeting Mr. Greene had set up for Friday.
B. Harbormaster’s Report – Mr. Griffin
Mr. Griffin gave Mr. D’Andrea information regarding grants for Water Quality projects. He gave an update on the postage account and noted that a check would be forthcoming from Bloom Brothers regarding the interns.
There was discussion on the impact of the increase in the mooring fees on the large managed fields.
Mr. Griffin noted that by the end of March the mooring fields have to have 50% of the prior year’s fees paid.
C. Consultant
There was no report this evening.
OTHER COMMENTS
Mr. D’Andrea referred to a derelict vessel.
ADJOURNMENT
** MR. PALAU MOVED TO ADJOURN.
** MR. D’ANDREA SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:00 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Kate Kye
Telesco Secretarial Services
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