Meeting Minutes
The Old Lyme Harbor Management Commission
October 13, 2015
ATTENDANCE
At 7:00 PM there was not a quorum present.
Harry Plaut gave the Harbor Master’s report as a discussion item.
Mr. Plaut reported that this summer there was a conflict with the Old Lyme Police being at odds with the Town over labor issues, and because of this he was not able to get out on the police boat at all. He met last week with both Steve Ross and Ned Farman and presented them with an itinerary of what the Harbor Master should be doing in terms of patrols for next year. They would discuss this with Bonnie Reemsnyder and reply with a clarification of the responsibilities of the Harbor Master pertaining to enforcement, patrols and other issues as needed.
Last Saturday under mutual aid, Mr. Plaut helped the East Lyme Harbor Master identify an overturned sailboat in the Niantic Bay.
Mr. Plaut has answered many questions from people regarding the dredging project and when it will begin. He also dealt with an abandoned sailboat in the water by Pilgrim’s Landing. It is owned by a local resident and Mr. Plaut gave him direction going forward.
Mr. Plaut has received about 30-40 emails from a woman who is a resident of the beach area. He has been dealing with her many questions and concerns about things at the beach area.
Mr. Plaut stated that the marina owners have been very cooperative this year and he was grateful for this.
The largest problem he faced this year was that he felt inadequate about not being able to do anything at Sound View. It is as bad on the water as it is on the beach and he fears that there will be accidents on the water if things don’t change. Mr. Plaut attended Harbor Master School and he was told that Harbor Masters should have more responsibility. At present, the Harbor Master may enforce certain things, but he is not allowed to board a boat or detain a person. Harry Plaut is a member of the Sound View Commission and he stated that the Commission members are concerned with what goes on at Sound View and feel that the Town has not done enough to help the situation. He also stated that Bonnie Reemsnyder is very sensitive to this.
Mr. Plaut reported that he had to deal with four runaway docks this year.
Other members arrived making a quorum.
Regular Members Present: Bob Doyen, Bill Harris, Michael Magee, Harry Plaut (ex-officio),
Curt Rasmussen
Alternate Members Present: John MacDonald, George Finley
Absent: Robert Falaguerra, Dave Frederiks, Ned Farman, Steve Ross, Tom Myer,
Mike Mackey (ex-officio)
Guests: None
John MacDonald was seated for Robert Falaguerra. George Finley was seated for Ned Farman.
Bob Doyen called the meeting to order at 7:18 PM.
REPORTS
a. Clerk’s Report: Approval of Minutes
Bill Harris moved to accept the minutes of Regular Meeting of September 8, 2015. Mike McGee seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
b. Correspondence - None
c. Treasurer’s Report July, August and September 2015 - Bill Harris
Bill Harris presented the Treasurer’s Report for July and August 2015. The Treasurer’s Report for September 2015 was tabled until the November’s meeting.
For July and August: Beginning Balance was $19,268.08, Interest earned was $4.96, Cash Receipts were $1,150.00, Expenses were $517.89. Ending Balance was $19,905.15. There was an error in the Treasurer’s Report under FY 15-16 totals. Bill Harris will present a corrected report at the November Meeting.
Curt Rasmussen moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report with the correction, and John MacDonald seconded the motion. SO VOTED.
CURRENT BUSINESS
a. Member Appointments
There is still one current opening for an Alternate Member.
Dave Frederiks’ term expires at the end of this year and he will not seek re-appointment. At that time an Alternate will take his full member position, leaving two alternate positions open.
b. Pilgrim Landing – Mike Magee
Mike Magee reported that it is still busy at Pilgrim’s Landing with the boat rack being full most of the time. He stated that the brush should be cut back monthly and it is a 20 minute job.
c. Dinghy Dock – Mike Mackey
Mike Mackey was absent, but Mike Magee reported that the dock is still in the water and will be removed soon.
d. Potential Public Access Site – West Bank of Lt. River and Halls Road
1. Phase 2 – Foot Bridge Across Lt. River Sub-Committee on Hold
2. Phase 3 – Proposed Ramp – Need for Public Works to Clear Brush
f. CHMA Status
Ned Farman was absent so no report was given.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Harbor Master Report – Harry Plaut
This was given earlier as a discussion item.
b. Dredging – Ned Farman and Steven Ross
Ned Farman and Steven Ross were absent. Bob Doyen stated that at the Town meeting held on September 8, 2015 the Town voted 117-11 in favor of Grant expenditure for dredging projects. Harry Plaut reported that he has seen some equipment arrive for this project.
NEW BUSINESS
a. Dock Applications – Steven Ross
Steve Ross was absent and no report was given.
b. Next Meeting of the Harbor Management Commission
The next meeting of the Harbor Management Commission will be on November 10, 2015.
All members were in favor of holding a HMC meeting on December 8, 2015 and cancelling the meeting scheduled for January. Election of officers will be held in the December meeting. Mary Ellen Garbarino will notify the Town of the changes in the meeting schedule.
OTHER NEW BUSINESS – None
PUBLIC COMMENT – None
ADJOURNMENT
John MacDonald moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:30 PM and Bill Harris seconded the motion.
SO VOTED.
Submitted by,
Mary Ellen Garbarino
Clerk
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