Minutes of a Meeting of
The Old Lyme Harbor Management Commission
July 9, 2013
Attendance:
Members present – Bob Doyen, Robert Falaguerra, Ned Farman, Dave Frederiks, Bill Harris, Mike Moran, Harry Plaut, and Steven Ross.
Absent – Mike Mackey, Mike Magee, and Tom Meyer.
Guests: Keith Nielson, Bonnie Reemsnyder.
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.
Correspondence
None this month.
Treasurer’s Report
Bill Harris presented the report, which was accepted for audit. A copy of the report is on file with the minutes. Bill noted that the July report reflects the end of the fiscal year with a balance of $18,239.60. It also reports all 2012 mooring fees collected between January 1 and June 30 2013. The pulled abandoned moorings were noted as “outside labor” costing $625 of which $250 has been paid back by the owners. The remaining abandoned moorings are at Four Mile River Marina.
OLD BUSINESS
Member Appointments
There remain 3 Alternate Member vacancies. Steven Ross and Bill Harris had met with a prospective candidate and Bill will follow up with the contact.
Pilgrim Landing
Mike Moran reported that there is quite a bit of debris at the site.
Dinghy Dock
Mike Moran reported that the dinghy dock has been placed in the water. Screws were placed as repairs to specific boards. He stated that the dock is in safe condition now but will be inspected when pulled out and repaired before placing in the water in 2014. He noted that two boards at the location of the gate were burned slightly, possibly from someone barbecuing at the site. The boards will be replaced in the future. Mike also reported that there was significant garbage at the dinghy dock beach area and he will contact Public Works to place a sign for people to carry out what they bring in.
Potential Public Access Site—West bank of Lt. River
Phase 2- Foot bridge across Lt. River
Steven Ross reported that this project is on hold but will be dovetailed with any town efforts to extend the walkway to the shopping center.
Phase 3- Dock application
Steven Ross noted that he had spoken over a month ago to Sue Bailey regarding a preliminary opinion on the ramp in order to receive a COP with modification of the bulkhead. He sent a reminder 3 weeks ago as well as over the weekend. He will continue to push for a response by the September meeting.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Harbor Master
Mike Moran noted his efforts to rectify placements of moorings at Calves Island and Binney Rd. as well as the Smith Neck waters. He noted that he is in the process of connecting the mooring inspection reports that do not seem to have permits as well as the permits received that have no inspection reports.
Guest Presentation—Academy Lane Fire Dock
Keith Nielson of Docko, Inc. gave an update on the Fire Dock at the Academy Lane site. This has been a project beginning about 5 years ago. Keith met recently with Sue Bailey of the DEEP who has determined that the growth at the site is not tidal wetlands. He stated that the application will not be a COP due to possible future adverse impact for tidal wetlands. Instead, it will require a regular permit which will take approximately 6 months to receive. Reconstruction would begin in the winter with the area ready for use in summer 2014. John Nickerson from the OLFD consulted with Keith on the needs of the FD for the site. The width of the lane will be 16 ft. and the fire truck can draw water off the front or right side of the truck. This should increase the fire response capabilities for the town. The OLHMC will sign
off on the application first before it heads to DEEP. Steven Ross noted that in order to expedite the process, he could call a Special Meeting in August if necessary since the HMC has no August meeting on its annual calendar.
Motion made by Steven Ross seconded by Harry Plaut to amend the meeting agenda to discuss a New Business item. Motion passed unanimously. Steven Ross asked First Selectwoman Bonnie Reemsnyder for her thoughts on approaching State Representative Marilyn Giuliano to assist in possibly transferring a piece of DEEP owned property between Halls Rd. and the Town owned parcel on the west bank of the Lt. River. The transfer would add flexibility in planning for the site. Bonnie agreed with approaching Marilyn and that ultimately the project would need to go to the Board of Selectmen before heading to a Town Meeting for approval. Steven will contact Marilyn and report back in September.
Dredging Study
Ned Farman reported that Task 1.5 has been completed and the invoice received. Tasks 1.6-8 are being worked on. Ned, Steven Ross and Bonnie Reemsnyder ascertained that the Study might proceed more rapidly in the current climate if Phases 2 and 3 (soil sampling and impact study) were done simultaneously. They asked Coastline Consulting for a proposal and they responded with a cost of $64,000 plus some hourly billed items with a maximum of $70,000 total. Jeff Stedman reviewed the proposal and noted some changes in the sequence of events for Phase 2. Ned is waiting for a response from Coastline Consulting regarding these changes.
NEW BUSINESS
Dock Applications and DEEP Violations
No new applications or violations were received this month.
Next Meeting
Next regular meeting will be September 10, 2013. Steve Ross will contact members prior to September regarding any Special Meeting for the Academy Lane project.
Mooring Identification
Discussion followed regarding how best to identify moorings in order to expedite Mike Moran’s work when pulling abandoned moorings as well as to receive more prompt reimbursement for fees incurred from pulling the abandoned moorings. Discussion was made specifically about the moorings at Sound View and the adjacent beaches.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 7:50 PM.
Submitted by:
Janet S. Cody, Clerk
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