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SHELLFISH
COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
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April 7th 2005
CALL TO ORDER 7:10PM
ATTENDANCE
Commission: John Frank, Pete Johnson, Jack Casagrande, & Richard Bartoli
Dr Serena absent
Staff: Tom Closter
Police: Sgt LaPak
Advisory: Dave Hopp, Mark Errico, Mike Griffin at another meeting re: dredging….
Guest: Doug Stabell, Bud Raleigh
MINUTES OF LAST MEETING
Approved with no corrections by Mr. Casagrande, 2nd by Mr. Johnson
TREASURER
Mr. Johnson reports Balance as of 2/28/05 was $18,559.95 no activity to report,
only bill paid was telephone for approx $60, details at next meeting
SECRETARY
Mr. Frank reports communication with Ms Motherway at Attorney General’s office
regarding Nowinski Case. Were awards ever paid, is reimbursement for our expenses
pending.?? Response is $60,000 was paid to State general fund, no order from
court for expenses, but Ms Motherway will write to DEP asking for expenses.
There is no statutory obligation on DEP, so nothing is promised.
Also, DEP is discontinuing funding of water testing program run by Dick Harris
on May 1st. Program has been helpful to commission, Mr. Frank will contact
DEP and express our concern. If decision at DEP does not change, commission
will consider participation in alternative funding.
COMMITTEES
HEALTH DEPT
Mr. Closter reports rainfall in March of 3.12 inches, vs. 3.36 inches in 2004
and average of 4.053 inches, since 1988. 175 calls received. There was one
closure, on 28th for rain
Four wastewater spills, at various locations, all minor and contained, were
reported.
3/28/05 100 gals 30 Adamson Ave 6hrs contained, rag blockage
3/29/05 unk Pine Point Rd 1Hr Collapsed Manhole
3/30/05 150 gals Brookside School 40 min. Private Lateral for school
3/31/05 50 gals 60 So Smith St 15 min Vactored excess sludge
WASTEWATER TREATMENT
Mr. Bartoli reports he tours the entire plant grounds every week and the air
fi;ltration unit at the dechlorination building is still not repaired. It
has been out of service for two years. They are keeping the building closed
and the odor problem is much improved, but
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he anticipates it will increase with warmer weather if the filtration unit is not repaired. A note to Mr. Alvord (DPW), Mr. Sardaro (OMI), and the Mayor, might help and will be sent.
WATER QUALITY
Mr. Casagrande reports no meeting or report. Mr. Closter reports he has spoken
with Mr D’Andrea and he is concerned about funding the interns program this
year and has asked if the Health Dept can help. There has been no formal request
for funds from the commission, but one can be expected. Chair anticipates
we will continue previous support level. Mr. Casagrande is concerned that
commission treasury could be depleted, if we are not careful.
PERMITS
Mr. Casagrande reports he would like to issue permit to Mr. Chris Varcoe,
as in past years, for his help in publishing Tide Calenders. Commission approves.
POLICE
Sgt LaPak reports 20hrs patrol, no verbal warnings, no arrests. One investigation
pending he will elaborate under new business.
ADVISORY
Capt Hopp reports water temperature is up to 43 degrees and clams have started
pumping. He expects transplanting to start soon. They are waiting for Aquaculture
to give the OK. We should be transplanting for the commission by June.
Mr. Errico reports NESA meeting May 3rd, 4th & 5th at Howard Johnson’s
in Milford. Lori Remick is president this year. There will be regulators from
all over the country and some industry representation. He strongly recommends
the Commission be represented for, at least some of the meetings. There will
be a tasting of CT product at the aquaculture school in Bridgeport. On the
4th.
HARBOR MANAGEMENT
Mr. Griffin is at another meeting, no report.
OLD BUSINESS
Capt Hopp requests his transplant permit for oysters be redrawn, showing some
changes. Including company name and address from Coastal at Water St to Bell’s
at 5th St. Commission has no problem with these changes and permit will be
changed.. Discussion on new clam transplant permits resulted in motion by
Mr. Johnson, 2nd by Mr. Casagrande that all new permits must be approved by
commission. Second motion by Mr. Bartoli with 2nd by Mr. Casagrande that all
current permits can be renewed.
Mr. Pramer has grounds near Wilson Cove that may not be accurately marked.
He called Chair before this meeting indicated that he would not be able to
attend, but was aware of concerns over proper markings and would not use that
area until the issue had been resolved. He feels he can work out accurate
marking with assist from Norm Bloom and will keep us advised. Chair reports
that Mr. Pramer was advised Commission will get involved and hire surveyor
if necessary and owner is unable to work out accurate markings.
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NEW BUSINESS
Sgt LaPak reports ongoing investigation of several reports of vessel Bivalve,
captained by one Bobby Borst, working on natural beds in Rowayton with no
permits to work on natural beds, using too large a dredge for natural beds,
using power, and apparently falsifying information on required tags. He has
video, taken from shore showing vessel clearly working inshore of buoy two,
a long way from any grounds he is authorized to work on. Capt Borst was observed
apparently working natural beds in mid February by Comm. Johnson who called
him at home rather than make a formal complaint. Vessel was later( March 8th)
photographed by Advocate reporter and featured in front page story on snowstorm,
showing it apparently inshore of remains of pier at Roton Point. Capt Borst
is well known to Sgt LaPak for prior similar offenses. Sgt LaPak has spoken
to Leslie Miklovich at Hillard Bloom shellfish and later to Hillard Bloom
Jr about these apparent violations. Mr. Bloom indicated he would put a stop
to any violations and apparently spoke to Capt. Borst. A few days later, four
tires were slashed on a truck normally operated by Comm. Johnson, parked near
his home and not far from Capt Borst’s home. Sgt. LaPak indicates investigation
will be pursued to prosecution..
NEXT MEETING
Thursday, May 5th , 2005
MOTION TO ADJOURN
9:10PM by Mr. Casagrande.
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