The Mystic Harbor Management Commission held a regular meeting on Thursday, November 3, 2005 at 7:30 p.m. at the United Methodist Church Hall. Commission members present were: Chairman David Carreau, Lou Allyn, Oliver Wilson, Jack Washburn and Fred Allard. Harbormaster Paul Watts was present.
Call to Order
Chairman Carreau called the meeting to order at 7:45 p.m.
Approval of Minutes
Mr. Allyn made a motion to accept the October 6, 2005 minutes. Mr. Washburn seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved by the Commission.
Unauthorized Moorings
On a section by section basis, Harbormaster Watts will continue to check every mooring for identification and compliance with harbor management regulations.
Permit Renewals (2005) – Bay Street
Harbormaster Watts found 2 unlabeled moorings, an orange PFD and 2 mooring balls near Jailhouse Point. These will provide space for some boats on the waiting list.
Derelict Boat-CT 1194 AL 06
Harbormaster Watts contacted one of the considered owners of this sunken vessel to obtain written confirmation of abandonment. Mr. Jeff Marshall of Mystic Shipyard has agreed to assist with refloating CT 1194 AL 06 when the Town confirms that it has received confirmation of abandonment.
Dredging of Federal Channel
Mr. Ed O’Donnell of the Army Corps of Engineers told Chairman Carreau that the form justifying the economic reasons for dredging must be submitted. The Marine Affairs Committee of the Mystic Chamber of Commerce along with Mr. Allyn and Mystic Seaport will work to obtain the requested information.
Public Dinghy Dock – Jailhouse Point
The package for competitive bidding on the project has been advertised by the Town. The grant funding deadline is May 2006.
Reckless Boat Operation
Chairman Carreau provided a sample form which is used for reporting bridge operational problems. The Commission could use this as a guideline when drafting a one page reporting form for reckless boat operation. The DEP and USCG will be contacted to find out the proper procedure for notification. Also, Mr. Allyn suggested that a “no wake” sign be placed on the Noank Beacon. The sign should include the applicable Connecticut General Statute relating to the Mystic River speed limit. Harbormaster Watts said that Mr. Jeff Marshall of Mystic Shipyard has indicated he will post “no wake” signs on the north and south pilings.
Pumpout Boat
Harbormaster Watts sent letters to every Groton Town Councilor expressing his opinion of the importance of the pumpout boat for maintaining no discharge compliance. Chairman Carreau said that other than the $1,500.00 contributed by the Mystic Harbor Management Commission, the Town of Stonington does not have any additional monies for the pumpout boat. To date, Groton Town Councilors have not made a final decision regarding the future of the pumpout boat. They are considering outsourcing to a private operator.
Kayak Trail
Mr. Allyn has obtained the agreement of the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center to be an additional co-sponsor for the kayak brochure. The Nature Center will contribute information about the area’s ecology.
Long Island Sound Stewardship Initiative
A bill has been reintroduced to the Connecticut Legislature to provide money for preservation of the ecology of marshland areas. Discussions are questioning the amount of control this could place over property owners and riparian rights.
Name for Body of Water East of Masons Island
Upon review of histories of the Mystic area, “Masons Bay” and “Riding Way Bay” were two names presented for the body of water east of Masons Island. Current charts do not show a specific name. Additional suggestions were requested.
DEP Dredging At 14 Holmes Street #200501877-MG
The Commission will obtain a copy of a letter of intent which was provided when the new dolphin was placed near the condo property line to the south. Also, an explanation of the new floating docks was requested.
Mooring for Problem Boats
Harbormaster Watts asked the Commission to consider establishing a harbormaster’s mooring for problem boats. The harbormaster does not have a place to tow and tie up boats that are causing problems in the anchorage areas. The Commission’s attorney will have to research this matter due to liability and disposition considerations.
Transient Live Aboard Anchored Southwest of Masons Island
It was suggested that a letter be sent to Harbormaster Rufus Allyn requesting a response from the owner on how he is meeting the no discharge regulations.
Adjournment
Mr. Allard made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:45 p.m. Mr. Wilson seconded the motion and it was so voted.
Respectfully submitted,
David Carreau, Chairman
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