East Lyme Harbor Management/Shellfish Commission
7:30 PM, East Lyme Town Hall
108 Pennsylvania Ave.,
Niantic, CT 06357
Present: Chairman Don Landers, Secretary Marvin Schutt, Bill Mountzoures, Frank Skewes, Barbara Johnston
Absent: Greg Murin, Treasurer Steven Dinsmore
Also present: Captain John Wadsworth
Ex-Officio: absent
1. Call to Order
Chairman Don Landers opened the Regular Meeting at 7:35 PM.
2. Approval of Minutes of Regular Meeting of March 20, 2007
MOTION 1: Motion to approve Minutes of the Regular Meeting of March 20, 2007 as amended was made by Mr. Mountzoures and seconded by Mr. Skewes with the addition of the statement for the Treasurer’s report that “No additional expenses were incurred since the last meeting” according to the motion made by “Mr. Murin” and seconded by “Mr. Mountxoures”.
3. Public Delegations
None
4. Old Business
There was a general discussion regarding administration of and charge for moorings
No report.
Chairman Landers reported that everything went well; $2,500 for operation of the pumpout boat and the $6,000 for removal of the fish net in Niantic Bay were approvd by the Finance Board. Reference was made to a letter from the First Selectman stating conditions to be met by Mr. Sullivan.
D. Campaign for Niantic River Watershed Protection Plan
Chairman Landers reported the Plan is finalized and will be used for the implementation phase. Ms. Johnston questioned the manner in which the Plan was finalized and requested a copy; Chairman Landers stated he would obtain a copy for her.
E. Implementation of Waterfront Enhancement
Chairman Landers and Ms. Johnston met with Carmine Morrone of Bayview Landing to determine whether the Harbor Management/Shellfish Commission, on behalf of the Town, might be able to work collaboratively with Bayview Landing in a way that would benefit both parties., They toured the property with Mr. Morrone and Sue Bailey of the DEP.
Also, Chairman Landers discussed the idea of our Commission hosting a “Marina Summit” with our First Selectman and others in the Town Hall and is waiting for a positive reaction. He believes when ideas are shared at such a meeting it might result in docks for transient boaters becoming available without the Town building docks, and that the waterfront might be improved at Bayview Landing in the process. Discussion ensued.
MOTION 2: Mr. Schutt moved that the Chairman be authorized to proceed with communicating with marina owners and Town Government as necessary, with the purpose of possibly having collaboration between these parties and our Commission to start the plan for enhancement of the waterfront on the Niantic River. Mr. Mountzoures seconded. The vote was (5-0-0).
5. New Business
Chairman Landers reviewed the incoming correspondence with Commission members, answered questions and retained this correspondence for future reference.
Discussion of this grant prompted discussion about the need for a comprehensive sampling program to determine and monitor conditions of the Niantic River’s ecology. The importance of having a coordinated data collection plan with our Commission, the Waterford/East Lyme Shellfish Commission, Save the River/Save the Hills, and the “friends” involved was emphasized. Also, it was felt that the work might be accomplished by the wardens and volunteers. These ideas will be pursued by Chairman Landers.
6. Reports
There were no reports. Captain John stated that all shellfish areas were closed due to heavy rains.
7. Comments from other Commission Members
There were none.
8. Adjournment
MOTION 3: Mr. Schutt moved the meeting be adjourned at 8:48 PM, seconded by Mr. Skewes. Motion carried (5-0-0),
Respectfully Submitted,
Marvin Schutt