Meeting Minutes
The Old Lyme Harbor Management Commission
April 11, 2017
ATTENDANCE
Regular Members Present: Robert Falaguerra, George Finley, John MacDonald,
Mike Mackey (ex-officio), Michael Magee, Jeff Meinke (alternate), Tom Myer, Harry Plaut (ex-officio), Steven Ross
Absent: Bob Doyen, Ned Farman, Bill Harris
Guests: Keith Neilson of Docko
Chairman Steven Ross called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
Alternate Jeff Meinke was seated for Bob Doyen.
REPORTS
a. Clerk’s Report: Approval of Minutes
Jeff Meinke moved to accept the minutes of Regular Meeting March 21, 2017 and George Finley seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
b. Correspondence
Steven Ross reported that he had received a letter from Docko regarding the Consultation Form for a dock at 81 Mile Creek Road (Geoffrey Marsh).
Steven also reported that he had received a notice from DEEP that the application for a removable ladder on the Meslow property at Point O’Woods was approved.
c. Treasurer’s Report: Approval of Report for March 2017
Steven Ross presented the Treasurer’s Report for March 2017.
Beginning Balance: $22,880.94, Interest / Dividends: $11.62, Receipts: $175.00, Disbursements: $307.88, Ending Balance: $22,759.88. The Treasurer’s Report was accepted.
d. Keith Neilson of Docko – Dock Application 81 Mile Creek Road, Geoffrey Marsh
Keith Neilson of Docko presented a plan for a new small dock (referred to as a 440 dock) at 81 Mile Creek Road on the property of Geoffrey Marsh. Keith stated that this is a general permit which does not require approval of the Harbor Commission, but he prefers to get approval just the same. The Commissioners had questions and there was a discussion.
John MacDonald moved to approve the application for a dock on the property of Geoffrey Marsh, 81 Mile Creek Road , which is consistent with the Harbor Management Plan. Bob Falaguerra seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
e. Matters relevant to HMC at State level – Ned Farman
Ned Farman was not in attendance and therefore no report was given. Steven Ross stated that he did not think that there were any changes to report at this time.
CURRENT BUSINESS
a. Member Appointments
There are two current openings for alternate members.
b. Pilgrim Landing – Mike Magee
Possibility of agreement to use adjacent land to increase dinghy racks.
Mike Magee reported that he had not heard back from Bonnie Reemsnyder on this matter. He also reported that Public Works will do a clean-up of the area closer to Memorial Day.
c. Dinghy Dock – Mike Mackey
Mike Mackey reported that he had checked the dock since it is still out of the water. In his opinion, the dock looks in fine condition, and will go into the water around the first week of May.
d. Potential Public Access Site – West Bank of Lt. River and Halls Road
Foot bridge across Lt. River - John MacDonald liaison with Halls Road Improvement Committee
No updates were reported.
e. Status of ways to obtain funding for platform and walkway
No updates were reported.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Harbor Master Report – Harry Plaut and Mike Mackey
a. Status of moorings unclaimed that were pulled in 2013-14 (6 available to sell)
This remains the same.
b. Harbor Master recap of activity since last meeting – Harry Plaut
Harry Plaut reported on an Amber Alert notice he had received, also on a distressed boat at Sound View.
He has been helping people fill out their mooring permit applications. He had been contacted by a mooring inspector asking if the Town allows for Helix Moorings. The Commission decided that these would be okay as long as the manufacturer’s instructions were followed for installation. The Commission requested that the inspector supply a written certification.
Steven Ross reported that Miami Beach has installed longer fences on both sides of their beach. All public access will go through Sound View. They will charge people to use the beach above the high tide line and issue them arm bands and trash bags. According to Steven, the BOS is not happy with this plan and has requested that Miami Beach change this policy. Security will patrol and enforce the new rules.
c. Harbor Master Stipend not paid by DOT
Harry Plaut (Harbor Master) has not been compensated from the State in two years. Mike Mackey (Deputy Harbor Master) stated that unlike Harry, he had been paid. Harry requested that he and Steven Ross review his contract, and that one be drafted for Mike Mackey. Mike will send Steven a list of what his duties are, and what is expected of him as Deputy Harbor Master.
Steven Ross reported that he had spoken to a representative at the Governor’s Office on this matter. He sent an email on April 3 and has not received a reply. He left a voicemail today, and if he does not hear back soon, he will again call the Governor’s Office.
NEW BUSINESS
Applications for Docks, etc.
a. Consent Order for Black Hall Outfitters – status
Steven Ross reported that he had spoken to the DEEP and was informed that Black Hall Outfitters has paid the fines which totaled $5,000. The requirement in the Consent Order to mix the dredge spoils with soil, and grade and seed, is still outstanding.
b. Dock at 81 Mile Creek Road for Geoffrey Marsh – Presentation tonight
This item was taken care of earlier in the agenda.
OTHER BUSINESS
George Finley reported that Old Lyme Shores received a permit from the DEEP to grade the sand on their beach. They will be giving the extra sand to Mr. Garvin. George also reported that the first part of the Sheffield Brook Project is complete, and the second part is underway.
John MacDonald stated that he was happy to hear that Keith Neilson from Docko, had followed up with the owners of Old Lyme Marina as he had promised he would do at the last HMC meeting. This was pertaining to the
Filbert property on 24 Neck Road (rebuild and modify dock) project.
PUBLIC COMMENT – None
ADJOURNMENT
George Finley moved and Tom Myer seconded to adjourn the meeting at 7:56 PM. SO VOTED.
The next meeting of the HMC will be on May 9, 2017.
Submitted by,
Mary Ellen Garbarino
Clerk
| 
