The Mystic Harbor Management Commission held a regular meeting on Thursday, May 4, 2006 at 7:30 p.m. at the Fourth District Voting Hall. Commission members present were: Chairman David Carreau, Richard Lotz, Oliver Wilson, Jack Washburn, and Fred Allard. Harbormaster Paul Watts was present.
Call to Order
Chairman Carreau called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
The Commission said the pledge of allegiance.
Approval of Minutes
Mr. Lotz made a motion to accept the April 6, 2006 minutes. Mr. Washburn seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved by the Commission.
Harbormaster
Harbormaster Watts deposited mooring renewal fees of $370.00 on May 2, 2006 and $1,538.00 on February 28, 2006 at the Town Hall. There are a few delinquent renewals. A follow-up letter was proposed to streamline delinquent renewals.
Derelict Boats
A court hearing was held on April 27, 2006 regarding derelict boat CT 2553 AL 03. Mr. Murphy was told by the judge that it was his responsibility to remove the vessel without damaging the salt marsh. The court will keep this matter open until it is resolved. The DEP has made a site visit and will issue a citation.
CT Raised Bill No. 5658 – Removal of Abandoned Vessels
Effective July 1, 2006, the Commissioner of DOT or a municipality is authorized to take possession of derelict vessels after a harbormaster determines that a boat is a derelict vessel and removes it for disposal using a stated procedure.
Dredging of Federal Channel
An April 21, 2006 letter from the Army Corps of Engineers stated that Mr. Michael Walsh has been appointed as program manager for the application for maintenance dredging of the Mystic River. It is now necessary to obtain $400,000.00 in federal funding from our Washington representatives. We must also investigate upland disposal sites.
Public Dinghy Dock – Sign
Mr. Allard made a motion to take out the non-applicable item on the draft wording of the proposed sign. Mr. Washburn seconded the motion and it was so voted.
Reckless Boat Operation
Noank Harbormaster Giblin and Noank Harbor Commissioner Bates agreed with the proposed draft form for witnesses to document the reckless operation of boaters. Captain Desmond of the Stonington Police Department and the Groton Police Department have been asked for their comments.
Fairway Buoys - NITA – CT 8487X 05
It is necessary that this mooring be moved because it is in the middle of the east/west fairway in Mystic Harbor. The mooring is believed to have been in place prior to the Mystic Harbor Management Plan which was authorized in 1995. Therefore, the Commission will fund the cost of moving and inspection. Mr. Sullivan will be responsible for the cost of any hardware. This move should be done prior to the installation of the new fairway markers.
Kayak Trail
Mr. Michael O’Farrell of Mystic Seaport Communications endorsed the draft kayak brochure. The safety wording reads: “Safety First: Always wear a personal flotation device and do not go out alone. Larger boats cannot always see you so stay to the side or outside the marked channel. Remember: the channel is marked by red buoys on the left when going down the river and “red right returning” when traveling back. Also, bring back anything you take with you.”
Public Safety – Docks
Mr. Allard made a motion to ask Mr. Greg Gilmartin to address water safety awareness in the videos he produces for tourists. Mr. Washburn seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
“Rock” Buoy at Morgan Point
Harbormaster Watts will check with the Groton Harbor Commission to ascertain a specific location for a private marker on the ledge which is northerly from the beacon.
Masons Island Company COP
Mr. Allard made a motion that the Commission reviewed without comment the certificate of permission to repair the existing seawall. Mr. Wilson seconded the motion and it was so voted.
Highway Bridge Whistle
Mr. Lotz made a motion that the Commission reviewed without comment the request to change the highway bridge whistle. Mr. Allard seconded the motion and it was so voted. It was not known what problem was being solved.
Adjournment
Mr. Wilson made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:25 p.m. Mr. Lotz seconded the motion and it was so voted.
Respectfully submitted,
David Carreau, Chairman
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