TOWN OF OLD SAYBROOK
Harbor Management Commission
302 Main Street " Old Saybrook, Connecticut 06475-1741
Telephone (860) 395-3123 " FAX (860) 395-3125
Minutes, April 12, 2010 Meeting
1. Call to Order
Chairman Ray Collins called the regularly scheduled meeting of the Harbor Commission
to order at 7:05.
2. Roll Call
George Wall
Dick Goduti
Pete Fredrickson
Les Bowman
Ray Collins, Chairman
Jim Mitchell, Deputy Dock Master
Ruth Hockert, Clerk
25 members of the public
3. Citizens with business before the Commission
Vince and Leslie Scaramella asked for clarification about the proposed Sheffield Street plan.
Chairman Ray Collins described why (concerns from the Police Chief, Police
Commission and Director of Public Works as well as boaters) and how the plan was
developed. There will be a public informational meeting will be held. Neighbors will be
notified in writing at least 14 days before the meeting. As of tonight's meeting a date has
not yet been set for the informational meeting and it is difficult to say exactly when, as
additional information and input is expected from the Police Chief. The Chairman
advised that a copy of the proposed plan is on file in the Town Clerk's office.
Beverly Keller was concerned that the neighbors have an opportunity to bring their
concerns to the Commission prior to the public hearing
Ray Collins gave the neighbors his cell phone number so that they could contact him
regarding the proposed plan.
Les Bowman spoke to the research that he has done, at the town hall with the Town
Planner and First Selectman, so that the Planning Commission as well as the public
safety agencies and public works and other interested commissions know about the
proposed plan. Mr. Bowman reiterated that an informational letter will be sent to all
property abutters as well as all town commissions and committees. He also stated that a copy of the urrent proposed plan is available to look at in the town clerk's office. He
does not believe that this project will be done this year because the boating season is beginning.
Ms. Thomason asked the Commission for a statement from the Police Commission and
the Police Chief outlining their concerns. The Chairman responded that the Police Chief
and Police Commission had not put their concerns in writing so the Harbor Commission
would be unable to provide her that information.
Shirley Calhoun addressed her concerns about the proposed project.
Lesley Scaramella asked when the meeting was going to be scheduled. Les Bowman
again said has asked for review and information from the Police Dept and Public Works,
there would be two weeks' notice given to all with the notice published in the newspaper, as well as letters sent to all property abutters. He proposed that it may be early to mid May.
Letter from Leslie Scaramella attached as exhibit
4. Old Business
A. Channelside dock application.
Ray Collins stated that he has not had any legal consult regarding the Channelside
application. He does not want to hold up an application. Ray spoke to the neighbors who had
previously outlined their various concerns regarding the project. He stated that he did
not agree with neighbors who were concerned about being able to turn a boat around in the channel, or their concern that if they got a bigger boat they would be able to turn a boat around. Ray's real concern is that the Town Harbor Management Plan says that if
you have waterfront property and can build a dock, you should be able to build a dock,
however he has a problem with the neighbors across the street being able to have a dock
without owning waterfront property.
Dick Goduti feels that the Commission is quite limited in what they can do. They can
draw from Chapter 5 and 6 of the Harbor Management Plan. Mr. Goduti does not feel he
can find anything in the Harbor Management Plan to support denying the application due
to the limited power of the Harbor Commission as outlined in the Plan.
Les Bowman spoke regarding the Commission's appropriate action. He asked if this
consistent with the existing Plan; he believes the Plan limits the Commission's authority
to limit dock applications.
George Wall is concerned that the existing work is not built compliant with the existing
permits and that the applicant has not maintained the existing bulkhead.
Mr. Sapia spoke stating that DEP is looking for a statement from the Harbor Management Commission.
Thomas Cloutier, Esq. advises that there is a court action pending regarding zoning
issues. Ray Collins confirmed that the Commission was aware of the pending litigation.
Julie Koch spoke saying she had additional information regarding the Channelside non-compliance with existing DEP permits. She thought she was going to have a chance to
speak. The Chairman suggested that they forward their materials to the DEP who is the ultimate
authority on dock applications. Letter and photos are attached as an exhibit
Motion- Les Bowman move that the Commission acknowledge to DEP that the application is consistent with the Harbor Management Plan
Dick seconded
4-0- 1 motion carried, opposed - George Wall
B. North Cove application is tabled until the next meeting
C. Bliss Avenue Application
Mr. Katz explained that he owns a house on Bliss Street with an existing dock and bulk head (built probably 15-20 years ago). He was notified by DEP that the dock and bulkhead were not permitted. He is pursuing getting an approved dock and bulkhead.
Dick Goduti felt that there was not enough time to review the application.
Mr. Goduti wishes to table this to the next meeting, first item on the agenda. The applicant will not attend next month.
Motion- Ray Collins moved to open the agenda to add Coast Line Consulting, Pete seconded.
5-0-0 motion approved.
D. Coastline Consulting Development, LLC - Indiantown dredge application
David Provencher from Coastline Consulting Development, LLC came to speak to the
dredge project at Indian Town. The Commission felt that there was not adequate time
given to them for review of the application. A dredging study was distributed. This item
will be placed on next month's agenda.
E. Mr. Fredrickson's mooring issue
Motion Pete moved to open the agenda to add a discussion about North Cove, George all seconded
5-0-0 motion approved.
Jim Mitchell has rejected Pete Fredrickson's mooring anchor. Pete has a letter from a
previous Harbor Master saying that the mooring is adequate for the type of boat that Pete
has which for its length is a light boat, drafting only about 10,000 pounds. The letter is
attached hereto. Pete Fredrickson feels that the Harbor Master letter of 1992 should be sufficient.
Jim Mitchell feels the anchor is undersized for the boat and the chain is getting thin and it is pieced together.
Ray Collins feels that the mushroom is probably sufficient for the vessel with proper
chain.
Pete understands that the chain can be an issue.
Dick Goduti feels that the Commission should support the decision of the Dock Master
and should not support the decision of a dock master from 1992.
Jim Mitchell's spoke to the mooring needing new and heavier chain. Jim's decision after
listening to the discussion is that he willing to let the anchor go but feels it needs new chain.
George Wall feels that the Commission should defer to the Deputy Harbor Master's authority.
Motion - Les Bowman moved that given the history of previous review and a decision sustained since 1992 without incidence that the Commission allow Mr. Fredrickson to continue with his mushroom specific to the current vessel, but that it needs chain
satisfactory to the Deputy Harbor Master, Ray Collins seconded
3-2-0 motion approved Dick Goduti and George Wall opposed.
6. Minutes of Regular Meeting 3/8/2010
Motion - Les Bowman moved to approve the minutes as amended, Ray seconded
Under 8 old business continued "There are two separate matters, proposed ordinances s part of the Harbor Management Plan update and dock regulations" the two are not elated.
2 in favor 3 abstain, Dick Goduti, [George Wall and Pete Fredrickson abstained due to their absence].
Minutes of the Special Meeting, 4/4/2010
Motion - Dick Goduti moved to approve, Pete Fredrickson seconded
4-0 1 motion carried George abstained due to his absence.
7. North Cove
Request by Richard Codd for return of mooring fee
Request by Richard Hall for return of mooring fee
Both spaces have been filled and paid for
Motion - Les Bowman moved to approve the two requests for return of mooring fee as an exception to previous policy because people from the waiting list were willing to use the space and pay the fees promptly, Ray Collins seconded
4-1-0 motion approved, Dick Goduti opposed
request for 50% exemption
Carroll Hughes has changed to a power boat, he wanted to notify the Commission that he
plans to use the boat for off shore fishing once it is moved to North Cove and he may not make the 50% rule.
Motion - Les Bowman moved to approve the 50% request for the 2010 season, Pete Fredrickson seconded
5-0-0 motion approved
9. Dock Master report
Ferry Dock report - Jim Mitchell reports that there is driftwood everywhere; holes in the
docks, docks are unsafe. Jim will work to get some repairs done until the project begins.
Larry is working in Sheffield Street. The floating dock is up at the garage for repair and
Larry will be doing the required concrete work.
Jim Mitchell hired someone to cuprinol all the docks and racks, etc. It was completed
yesterday.
10. Correspondence
Letter from Cove Condominiums attached as exhibit and read into the minutes.
Letter from the Old Saybrook Zoning Commission 4/7/2010 regarding a public hearing
on May 17, 2010 for proposed changes to OS Zoning Regulations.
Les Bowman asked that all letters etc be scanned in and send electronically to the Commission and that the Commission provide the clerk with the necessary equipment. The clerk said she would
research at the town hall using the large scanner there and determining how to email the scanned information.
11. Old Business continued.
STEAP grant update everything has been approved and the Commission should go out to bid
immediately.
Harbor Management Plan update - none
Dock policy update - none
12. Bills
DRS sales tax 406.02
Richard Codd $ 344.50
Beard Lumber $ 121.12
Paint Shop $ 318.45
OS Printing $ 138.00
OS Hardware 105.66
Richard Hall $ 344.50
William Fagan $ 450.00
Ruth Hockert $ 397.80
Motion - Pete Fredrickson moved to pay the submitted invoices, Les Bowman seconded
5-0-0 motion carried unanimously
13. Adjournment
Motion - Dick Goduti moved to adjourn at 8:25
Respectfully submitted,
Ruth Hockert, Clerk
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