The Stonington Harbor Management Commission held a regular meeting on Monday, July 10, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. at Stonington Police Headquarters. Committee members present were Chairman Peter Vermilya, George Kenyon, Jack Gorby, Arthur Medeiros, Rodney Johnstone, Ed Smith, William Abt, Rose Raffo and William Geary. Harbormaster Eric Donch was present.
Chairman Vermilya called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Approval of Minutes
Mr. Smith made a motion to accept the May 8, 2006 minutes. Mr. Geary seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Correspondence
Chairman Vermilya received correspondence from the Army Corps of Engineers explaining their new policy of posting on their website public notices for dredging. Governor Rell extended an invitation to celebrate the “no discharge zone” extending from the Thames River to Hadley Point in Guilford on July 12, 2006 at the Connecticut River Museum at 4:30 p.m.
Harbormaster’s Report
During June and July, no new mooring permits were issued. One mooring was given up and there were no additions to the waiting list which totals 196. Four new mooring assignments were offered in July.
Harbormaster Donch has unsuccessfully attempted to locate five waiting list applicants. He will mail registered letters and if no reply is received, they will be removed from the waiting list.
The DEP has requested that “no wake” signs on Sandy Point are in compliance with the permit. Harbormaster Donch will ask the Land Trust if they need help posting the signs.
The stanchions at Wayland’s Wharf are rotted and broken. Warden Maynard indicated that a work order for repairs has been scheduled.
Harbormaster Donch suggested that mooring inspections coincide with the 2007 mooring renewals. This would present an opportunity for reassigning shallow type boats out of deep water mooring anchorage.
Mr. Donch reminded the Commission that he is waiting for a more specific definition of the commercial mooring category. Mr. Gorby volunteered to look at other Connecticut harbor plans and present his findings in September.
Mr. Donch and Mr. Gorby will prepare a list of lobster pots that remain in the harbor past the May deadline for removal. They will provide the list to the DEP for action.
Mr. Smith made a motion to accept the Harbormaster’s Report. Mr. Medeiros seconded the motion and it was so voted.
Harbormaster’s Dock
Docko has sent the required permit application forms to the DEP. The cover letter of April 17, 2006 was revised to say that the SHMC would be billed for expenses, not the Town of Stonington. SHMC has paid Docko $2,962.00 which includes the DEP permit fee of $262.00 and the $2,700.00 professional services fee. The public notice required for a permit was published in the New London Day on June 9, 2006. Ms. Raffo has provided to Chairman Vermilya the record of funds donated to the SHMC Dock Fund.
Status of Revised Harbor Management Plan
The subcommittee will schedule a meeting to review suggested revisions from Commission members. They will also develop a procedure for mooring inspections.
Harbormaster Appointment Letter of June 1, 2006
Governor Rell has requested that 3 candidates for the Harbormaster and Deputy Harbormaster positions be submitted. The Commission strongly endorses the reappointment of Harbormaster Donch and Deputy Harbormaster Lennon. Mr. William Geary will be the third candidate.
Valenti Certificate of Permission Application
The Commission reviewed without comment the application for a fixed dock and float off Palmer Neck Road. Mr. Geary made a motion that the Commission had no objection to the COP application. Mr. Kenyon seconded the motion and it was so voted.
D’Amico Certificate of Permission Application
The Commission reviewed without comment the application for a fixed wooden pier at 92 Water Street. Mr. Geary made a motion that the Commission had no objection to the COP application. Mr. Johnstone seconded the motion and it was so voted.
Adjournment
Mr. Gorby made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:00 p.m. Mr. Abt seconded the motion and it was so voted.
Respectfully submitted,
Peter Vermilya, Chairman
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