President Severance called the meeting to order at 5:15 p.m.

Members present: Joel Severance (Chester), Lou Allyn (Mystic), Mike Griffin (Norwalk), Peter Holecz (Bridgeport), John Pinto (Norwalk), Bob Sammis (Stratford), Geoff Steadman (Associate), Mary Von Conta (Executive Secretary), John Roberge (Associate). Guests – Joe Savino, Bridgeport Harbor Master.

I. Previous Minutes

A motion to accept the minutes of the June 14, 2005 Board meeting was made, seconded and approved unanimously.

 

II. Treasurer’s Report

Treasure Bob Sammis reported a balance of $9550 as of 9/20/05. A motion to accept the Report was made, seconded and approved unanimously.

 

III. Reports of Committees

A.   Dredging Task Force - Norwalk dredging Phase I could start this October and be completed by the end of January 2006. The low bid (Cashman) of $4.5 million was double the ACOE estimate of $2.2 million. The money has been “promised”. ACOE estimates Phase II at $5 million.

Bob Sammis commented on the Stratford project which is not going well.

Bridgeport is waiting for the local DMMP (Dredge Material Management Plan) to be done by the ACOE.

Geoff Steadman reported that the ACOE is working on the New England dredging meeting; perhaps in January 2005.

Joel Severance led a discussion of George Whisker’s letter to the Westbrook Harbor Commission regarding open water disposal. Joel will discuss with First Selectman Tony Palermo and John with Jonathan Lovejoy prior to John Pinto, John Roberge and Geoff Steadman drafting a letter to the DEP regarding a commitment made 4 years ago to rewrite the solid waste disposal regulations. He also reported that the Maritime Committee has already met several times. Chuck Beck, formerly part of the Department of Homeland Security and retired Coast Guard Officer is the new CMC Manager and our primary contact.  The CHMA will be invited to their committee meetings.

 

B.  Legislative Activity - Mike Griffin is to provide Carolyn Underwood, Director of Governor’s Appointment with our recommendations re DEP/DOP responsibility issues.

      - Permit Notification Committee (Joel Severance, Bob Sammis, Geoff Steadman, Mary Von Conta) will contact legislators with a copy of the proposal. Mary will maintain a list of who to contact, who will make the contact, and results.

 

C.   Boater Registration Fees - Peter Holecz is to find out the amount of boater registration fees that the DMV collects annually.

 

D.  Annual Banquet - The banquet will be October 20, 2005 at the Woodwinds. Charge is $35 per person. The DEP Commissioner will be the keynote speaker.

 

E.  Connecticut Maritime Coalition  www.ctmaritime.com

      President Severance reported that he had attended a meeting of the CMC. This was followed by a discussion of what to present at their next meeting.

       He also reported that Fenwick’s plan has full State approval.

 

IV. HARBOR MASTER’S REPORT

Nothing further to report.

 

V.  ASSOCIATES REPORT

Nothing further to report.

 

VI. OLD BUSINESS

Nothing further to report.

 

VII. NEW BUSINESS

A.     Hurricane Hole Workshop

President Severance raised the idea of sponsoring a “Hurricane Hole Management” workshop in conjunction with Harbor Master training. He will pursue. Joe Savino will get information about Massachusetts Harbor Manager certification.

B.     Supplemental Environmental Program

Walmart is paying a $1.15 million fine for environmental pollution. Any money left over after remediation is to be distributed by the DEP to municipalities for projects.

(See http://www.dep.state.ct.us/enf/enfpol.htm for the policy.)

 

VIII. NEXT MEETING

    To be determined.

 

 IX. ADJOURN

 The meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m

 

 Respectively Submitted By:

 Louis Allyn, Secretary