Navigation Ordinance Task Force
Date: Friday, April 23, 2010
Town Hall Annex
Minutes
Present at Meeting: Task Force Members: Ruth G. Plummer, Parks and Recreation Director; Jeff O’Keefe, Town Manager; Police Chief Matthew Reimondo; Sgt. Tim Dowdy; Joe Carbonell, Friends of Lake Pocotopaug; Jim Dicaprio; Rich Norkun, Chairperson, Andy Tierney; John Tuttle; Mike Brogan
Call to Order: John Tuttle called the April 23, 2010 Navigation Ordinance Task Force to order.
Approval of the Minutes: Andy Tierney motioned to accept the minutes of the April 9, 2010 meeting. Joe Carbonell seconded. All approved.
Discussion of DEP recommendations:
Jeff O’Keefe reported that he spoke to Eleanor at the DEP Boating Division, and based on their conversation, the DEP would support whatever the task force recommended because there is no state boat launch on Lake Pocotopaug. Jeff handed out ordinances existing in other towns.
Ruth Plummer reported that her conversations with the DEP Boating Division were in direct contradiction to Jeff O’Keefe’s.
Communications:
- Ruth discussed the items outlined in the Communication “Notes from Ruth Plummer’s conversation with Tim Delgado of DEP Boating Division.”
- John Tuttle and Jeff O’Keefe to discuss budgetary issue to improve enforcement based budgets prepared by Chief Reimondo and Ruth Plummer for their respective departments.
- The group did not discuss the changes in wording to the existing ordinance.
- The group did not discuss Sgt. Tim Dowty’s Appellate Court rulings document.
Continued review of existing Navigation Ordinance:
The group steered away from supporting operational constraints. The discussions supported enforcement, signage, press releases, and public relation efforts reeducating boaters of existing lake ordinances.
Ruth and Matt will work on signage.
Other Concerns:
The length of some of the docks was discussed. Tim Dowdy will look into those docks that potentially exceed the 100 foot maximum.
Environmental impact was discussed with regard to invasive aquatic weeds. It was suggested that Kerry Nielsen address this issue.
Adjournment: John Tuttle motioned to adjourn the meeting. Joe Carbonell seconded the motion. All approved.
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