Stonington Harbor Management Commission
February 13, 2006
The Stonington Harbor Management Commission held a regular meeting on Monday, February 13, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. at Stonington Police Headquarters. Committee members present were Chairman Peter Vermilya, Rose Raffo, Arthur Medeiros, William Geary, William Abt and Rodney Johnstone. George Kenyon, Jack Gorby, Ed Smith, and Francis Falck were absent. Harbormaster Eric Donch was present.
Chairman Vermilya called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.
Mr. Medeiros made a motion to have the SHYC presentation to be the first item discussed at the meeting. Mr. Geary seconded the motion and it was so voted.
Annual Report by Stonington Harbor Yacht Club (SHYC)
Commodore Spike Lobdell presented the annual report of the SHYC’s community sailing program and its plans for the 2006 season. He stated that enrollment had increased in both the adult and children’s programs and the SHYC’s goals for 2006 were to expand these programs. In that regard, Mr. Lobdell requested that the Commission approve changing the location of the existing float to a shallow water, limited space area directly across from Stonington Commons. Additionally, Mr. Lobdell asked for the Commission’s approval for a new 32’ x 16’ wide float to be located inside the Stonington Commons breakwater. Commission members pointed out that if approved, the floats must be adequately anchored.
Mr. Johnstone made a motion that the Commission approve relocating the existing float. Mr. Abt seconded the motion and it was so voted.
Mr. Medeiros made a motion that the Commission accept the additional new float. Mr. Johnstone seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Mr. Lobdell told the Commission that the SHYC is currently in negotiations with the Stonington Commons developers regarding management of the dock operations during 2006. If agreement is reached, Mr. Lobdell will provide the SHMC with the management plan.
Approval of Minutes
Mr. Medeiros made a motion to accept the January 9, 2006 minutes. Mr. Geary seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Correspondence
Chairman Vermilya did not receive any correspondence. Harbormaster Donch brought up the issue of redirecting out-of-jurisdiction correspondence to the appropriate Commissions/parties. Chairman Vermilya will look into this matter.
Treasurer’s Report
Mr. Abt reported that $255.00 was deposited in December and no deposits were made in January to the SHMC account. Five dollars has been deposited to the boat fund during February. Chairman Vermilya reported that he requested that the Town Finance Department send the SHMC check for the harbormaster’s boat engine to PMW Marine. He has not received confirmation that PMW received the check.
Mr. Geary made a motion to accept the Treasurer’s report. Mr. Johnstone seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Harbormaster’s Report
Harbormaster Donch said that no new mooring permits were issued, offered or given up this month and there was one addition to the waiting list which totals 191. The mooring renewal applications were completed and mailed on January 17, 2006. Harbormaster Donch thanked recording secretary, Joan Booker, for assisting with verification of the mailing. He reported that the database is being updated as renewal applications are received. To date, 44 mooring renewals are complete, 48 are pending and 196 have not been returned. He asked the Commission if they plan to give reminder calls to the mooring holders who have not returned their applications. Commission members agreed that this was helpful in 2005 and will do so again. Harbormaster Donch will provide a list of names at the March 13, 2006
meeting.
Old Business
Establishment of Harbormaster Boat Dock Fund – Ms. Raffo said that an account has been established at Town Hall for donations to the Harbormaster “dock” fund. This account is separate from the harbormaster’s “boat” fund and SHMC general fund. To date, $1500.00 has been deposited to the “dock” fund. Thank you notes will be sent to all contributors.
Information Management Subcommittee - There was no report on the proposed cost of hardware/software acquisitions.
Budget for 2006-2007 - Chairman Vermilya presented drafts of the 2006 budget and financial forecast for 2006-2008. Further adjustments will be made and discussed at a future meeting.
New Business
Expanding Mooring Field
A subcommittee will be established to tour the harbor with Harbormaster Donch for the purpose of finding possible new mooring areas. The subcommittee will present its proposals to the entire Commission for review.
Adjournment
Mr. Abt made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:35 p.m. Mr. Johnstone seconded the motion and it was so voted.
Respectfully submitted,
Peter Vermilya, Chairman
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