 |
 |
 |
|
SHELLFISH
COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
|
October 14th, 2004
CALL TO ORDER 7:05PM
ATTENDANCE
Commission: John Frank, Dr. Frank Serena, Jack Casagrande, Pete Johnson
Staff: Tom Closter
Police unable to attend, out on emergency call
Advisory: Mark Errico, Mike Griffin, Dave Hopp
Guest: Doug Stabell
SAD NEWS: Commissioner Bob Searles passed away this afternoon.
Commission authorized Mr. Casagrande to make charitable donation of $100 in
his memory. St Jude Children’s Hospital was suggested by Dr. Serena. Mr. Casagrande
will check with Searles family.
Collection of $60 taken for flowers, Mr. Casagrande will order them.
MINUTES OF LAST MEETING
Move to accept with one correction by Mr. Casagrande, 2nd by Mr. Johnson.
Harbormaster Mike Griffin’s name is misspelled Griffen.
TREASURER
Mr. Casagrande reports he has a phone bill for $5.62, reflecting a credit
for over-paid prior bill. He has some of Mr. Searles paperwork and will fill
in as temporary treasurer as he is very close to Searles family. Norm Bloom,
Dave Hopp, and Doug Stabell have asked for clam permits for next month. He
has checks from Bloom and Hopp, Stabell will leave his in Mark Errico’s office
where the new permits will be delivered by Mr. Frank. Mr. Johnson agreed to
accept the job of treasurer and will coordinate with Mr. Casagrande
SECRETARY
Mr. Frank reports Westport Shellfish Commission was sent an email on
Sept 3rd, through the selectman’s office (only Town email address published)
asking for better enforcement of closures:
It has been brought to our attention that there does not seem to be any enforcement
of shellfish grounds closures in Westport when everything in Norwalk, Westport
& Darien is closed, as a result of heavy rain, for example. You are a
signatory/participant in a memorandum of understanding that sets the rules
for closures and places the responsibility for notification and enforcement.
The responsibilities outlined in this memorandum of understanding are basically,
public health issues, and we take them very seriously. At minimum, Westport
should have a way of notifying the public when the shellfish beds are closed.
We maintain, with your help, a telephone system where anybody can call anytime
to find out if it is OK to take clams or not. There used to be signs with
the phone numbers and public notice about closures maintained in the Saugatuck
Shores area and some effort at enforcement by your police dept. With all the
rain this summer, we have endured a lot of closures and some of the people
we send home are going to Westport to get their clams. This poses a significant
public health risk with some liability for the people who fail to enforce
public health rules.
I know you are very busy and your police department, like most, has impossible
demands on it's resources. We don't expect any major commitment of manpower
to this issue, but even a small token effort at enforcement has a major impact
and demonstrates your town's dedication to public health concerns. Thanks
for your assistance.
NORWALK SHELLFISH COMMISSION, John Frank, Chair.
Some members of the Westport Shellfish Commission and Westport Marine Police
were upset that email went through selectman rather than direct to them. Mr.
Frank was invited to their October 5th meeting and a request was made to post
the notices on our answering machines in English and in Spanish. A letter
from the Westport Shellfish Commission chairman was later received apologizing
for an email sent by one of their commissioners to Mayor Knopp on Oct. 5th.
It is not clear if that email was sent before their meeting or after and effort
will be made to get a copy. Photo taken by Mr. Frank on Sept 14th of signs
at the end of canal road at Saugatuck Shores was passed around the table.
The only sign showing the number to call, etc. is an aquaculture division
paper sign stapled over an old wooden sign board. Paper sign looked new, as
if it might have been posted after our email was received. Westport police
officer Arciola asked that his office be notified if any further violations
are observed and suggested that a lot of people wade out to go fly-fishing
and that might be what has been observed.
Advocate newspaper did a story on the conditions we have requested for any permit to CL&P for cable replacement project. Reporter John Nickerson spoke to CL&P spokesman Frank Poriot and got the reaction that directional drilling is not possible for the distance from Manresa to Sheffield and the company is already contributing to a six million dollar fund with Lipa and Cross Sound Cable to study and preserve Long Island Sound. He also spoke to Mr. Grzywinski at DEP who indicated performance bonds are routinely required for such projects.
Permit application for a pier & dock at 7 Seabreeze Pl.
extending 117 feet, more or less, over a shellfish bed to replace a decrepit
49 foot similar structure was reviewed and commented on with the suggestion
that there was insufficient depth, even at this much greater length to ensure
the float and any boat(s) would not rest on the bottom and a more economical
and less intrusive solution would be to secure any boat(s) on davits off a
pier of the original length and board by means of steps down from the pier.
Another application, prepared by the same agent, John Hilts, has just been
received for 5 Seabreeze place and is identical and will get similar response.
DEP Permit has been issued for docks at Moody’s lane.
COMMITTEES
HEALTH DEPT
Mr. Closter reports rainfall in September of 9.62 Inches, vs. 7.43 in
2003 and 5 yr. average of 4.88inches. 912 calls received. There were three
closures, one started on 8th of September through the 15th for entire harbor,
second started on September 18th through the 25th for the entire harbor, third
started on September 29th through October 6th for entire harbor all for rain.
Two wastewater spills reported, one on September 14th for five gallons at
Betts place when line was broken, cleaned up without getting into storm drain.
Second on September 18th at Gwendolyn Street (Glenwood Ave.?) when manhole
overflowed for several hours with no estimate of quantity spilled. Report
indicates manhole was vactored, but is not clear how much sewage escaped to
storm drains. Heavy rains caused closure that day anyway. Third call from
Wastewater treatment was also on the 18th, reporting going into storm overflow
condition. New contact at wastewater treatment plant is Mr. Bob Sardaro.
WASTEWATER TREATMENT
No report, Mr. Casagrande and Mr. Johnson report terrible odor problem,
particularly in early morning hours. Mr. Closter will check with OMI if this
is an equipment or process problem that can be resolved.
WATER QUALITY
No report, no meeting (?)
PERMITS
Mr. Casagrande reports he will be closing out next month and collecting
from outlets. He also discussed current supply of charts issued with recreational
permits. He thinks we have enough for one more season. When they are reprinted,
chair suggests some clear description of what makes ½ bushel should
be included on the back of the charts. (1/2 bushel equals exactly 4 gallons)
New permits will not require any changes unless the commission needs to change
any of the fees, he does not think that will be necessary. He will get them
started.
POLICE
No report, marine police out on emergency call.
ADVISORY
Mr. Errico reports that Big E went well. Capt Hopp reports water temp
now 63o.
HARBOR MANAGEMENT
Mr. Griffin reports CT harbor management annual meeting went well with Norwalk
well represented. Mr. Closter thanks the Commission for inviting him and Mrs.
Closter to attend. State of the Harbor meeting will be Nov. 4th, a Thursday,
and conflicts with our meeting. Mr. Casagrande moved to move our meeting to
the 11th, second by Dr Serena. Mr. Griffin points out ongoing problems with
shoaling and vital need for dredging should be presented that night.
Move to accept committee reports by Dr Serena 2nd by Mr. Casagrande.
OLD BUSINESS
None
NEW BUSINESS
Notify Mayor of Mr. Searles passing, suggest Richard Bartoli as possible
appointment.
Check on requirement for monthly meeting in winter.
NEXT MEETING
Thursday, Nov. 11th, 2004
MOTION TO ADJOURN
8:53PM by Dr. Serena.
 |
 |