Minutes of a Meeting of
The Old Lyme Harbor Management Commission
March 13, 2012
Attendance:
Members present –Ned Farman, Dave Frederiks, Bill Harris, Mike Mackey, Mike Magee, Mike Moran, Steve Ross, and Dave Zita.
Alternates present – none.
Absent – Charlie Delinks, Bob Doyen, Robert Falaguerra, and Harry Plaut.
A quorum being present, Chairman Ross called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
REPORTS
Clerk’s Report
The minutes of the previous meeting were reviewed and accepted as submitted.
Treasurer’s Report
Bill Harris presented the Treasurer’s report, which was accepted for audit. A copy of the report is on file with the minutes.
Guest Presentation from Coastline Consulting and Development
Jeff Westermeyer of Coastline Consulting and Development presented the plans for a new dock application by the Romeos on Buttonball Rd. Plans include an approximately 45 ft. long elevated ramp without handrails leading to an 8 ft. x 12.5 ft. floating dock. Steve noted that the location of the dock is in tidal rivers/waterways and associated wetlands. Steve did a quick check to see if the plans conform to town and HMC dock standards but will do a thorough check this week. He noted that the Town’s Shellfish Commission had reviewed the plans and signed the paperwork indicating its approval. This paperwork was given to Coastline Consulting.. Mike Moran will do a site inspection and then the HMC can complete their portion of the paperwork. Motion made by Dave Zita seconded by Ned Farman to approve this
application contingent upon review of HMC regulations. Motion passed unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS
Member Appointments
There remain two Alternate Member position vacancies.
Pilgrim Landing
Mike Magee reported that he is waiting for the spring season to assess the area for cleanup.
Dinghy Dock
Mike Mackey noted that the dinghy dock is in storage at present.
Guest Presentation regarding the Fire Wharf at the end of Academy Lane--Bill Cotter of Docko Inc.
Steve Ross reported that he had received a letter from Brian Thompson of the DEEP stating that the DEEP will not accept a COP process for the Fire Wharf at the end of Academy Lane. He noted that there are contradictions within the COP instructions/policy. Keith Nielson of Docko Inc. will assemble the rest of the full permit and has graciously donated his services for the remainder of this work. Bill Cotter presented areas of the remaining work that need to be completed. Steve Ross noted that there is money previously budgeted to pay for the project.
Potential Public Access Site—West bank of Lt. River
Steve Ross reported that he is waiting to hear from Harry Plaut on the cost of the dock. Members then discussed how best to proceed with the project, which items to prioritize and how to raise funds with the town community. Members decided to switch the priority from focusing on the dock and its permitting to the footbridge. The cost of the dock could be bundled into the fundraising efforts. Dave Zita will speak with Lyme Art Academy regarding their interest in sponsoring an artist competition for a drawing of the footbridge and possible dock. He was authorized to offer $300 as a prize for the winning artist. Steve Ross will check with Town Selectwoman Bonnie Reemsnyder on making tax-deductible contributions for this project.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Harbor Master
Mike Moran reported that he has placed hard copy mooring applications downstairs in the Town Hall. He is working on placing the same application on the HMC website. Mike has loaded all the mooring applicants onto one list and will now see if Mike Mackey can transfer this into a new application.
Harbor Management Plan
Steve Ross reported that Charlie Delinks had just delivered a copy of the final version to Steve for a final edit and that it is only approximately one hour from completion. When finalized, Charlie will give a PDF copy to Ruth Roach who will place it on the HMC website.
Dredge Project
Ned Farman reported that RFP has been reviewed by the town attorney but needs some fine tuning. Steve and Ned met with Bonnie Reemsnyder and received authorization to meet with consultants for having one review the draft RFP so it will then be ready to go out to marine engineering companies.
Steve, Ned, the Town and Joe Salvatore of the DOT decided that instead of two RFP in two stages rather to proceed with one whole RFP for the total project and get better pricing. Funds for the cost of meeting with consultants will come from the Town budget. The Town and DOT have worked out a streamlined process for allocating the $200,000 monies to come directly to the town for more immediate use. Four Mile and Black Hall Rivers are the priority areas for the project. Ned noted that the project will try to use engineers from DOT’s pre-approved list of engineers both locally and state of CT. The DOT has an approval process for reviewing engineers, etc. which Ned will be able to use. Members noted Ned’s large amount of work in the last two months.
NEW BUSINESS
Dock Applications
None received other than the aforementioned application for the Romeos.
DEP Violations
No violations were received this month. Discussion followed regarding cooperation between DEEP and HMC regarding the docks in Old Lyme. Steve sent an email to DEEP (Sue Bailey and others) asking that the HMC be informed and involved from the beginning of an issues regarding docks located in Old Lyme in order to promote greater cooperation and reduce the aggravation for property owners.
Waterway Cleanup
This agenda item is on hold until next month.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:22 PM.
Submitted by:
Janet S. Cody, Clerk
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