Shellfish Commission - Minutes - 07/06/2021

Town of Waterford Shellfish Commission
Meeting Minutes of July 6, 2021
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Town of Waterford Shellfish Commission
Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, July 6, 2021 — 7:00 p.m.
Town Hall
il Call to Order
Chairman Lawson called the regular meeting of the Town of Waterford Shellfish Commission to order at
7:00 p.m. after establishing a quorum.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
The Commission members stood and recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. Roll Call
Present were Commissioners Lawson, Francolino, Drennen, Malley, and Calkins.
Absent were Commissioners Havens and LeBelle.
Also present was Matt Shea, a Waterford resident who is potentially interested in joining the Waterford
Shellfish Commission.
4. Approval of the June 1, 2021 Meeting Minutes
Motion made by Commissioner Francolino, seconded by Commissioner Drennen to approve the June 1,
2021 regular meeting minutes as submitted and reviewed. Discussion, none, voice vote: 5-0, all in favor.
Motion carried and the meeting minutes were approved.
5. Correspondence
Chairman Lawson stated that he has been forwarding all correspondence he receives via email in between
meetings to keep the Commissioners up to date on relevant Commission business. A discussion was held
regarding the discovery of the Chinese Mitten Crabs in Connecticut and what the State of Connecticut
DEEP is recommending to help eradicate the problem. They have been found in salt water in
Connecticut.

Town of Waterford Shellfish Commission
Meeting Minutes of July 6, 2021
Page [2
The Commission members discussed the possibility of purchasing oysters to put into the recreational shell
fishing areas. Chairman Lawson stated that the limit for harvesting oysters and clams is one peck per day
combined. The Commission is in favor of stocking oysters if an adequate spot for their survival can be
found to do so.
6. Treasurer’s Report
Commissioner Francolino reviewed the Treasurer’s Report through June 7, 2021. He discussed revenue
and expenses for the month. Chairman Lawson indicated he has submitted bills for Warden’s hours and
Clerical support for payment.
Motion made by Commissioner Malley, seconded by Commissioner Calkins to approve the Treasurer’s
Report as reviewed, Discussion, none, voice vote, 5-0, all in favor, motion carried.
7. Monthly Monitoring and Sampling Report
Chairman Lawson stated that the recreational shell fishing areas are currently open. He stated that the
new one and one half inch rain trigger will help to keep the recreational shell fishing areas open with
significantly less closure due to rainfall.
8. New Business
There was no new business to discuss this month.
9, Old Business
a. Update regarding pending leases in Waterford waters
Chairman Lawson indicated he has been in contact with the Town Attorney, Robert A. Avena regarding
the Aero/Markow leases and he confirmed that the two leases will automatically renew through wording
in paragraph 14 in both leases that extends the leases until July 1, 2026. After this time it is his opinion
that the leases will then terminate by their own terms and will need to be renewed or ended. The two
leases generate income for the Shellfish Commission in the amount of $1,468.00 per year. Chairman
Lawson asked the Commission members if the renewal of the lease at the current lease price is adequate
and it was the consensus of the Commission members to keep the price of the lease the same.
Motion made by Commissioner Drennen, seconded by Commissioner Malley to renew both of the Aeros
leases without a monitary lease increase for the next five years. Discussion, Chairman Lawson stated the
leasee of the bottom land farms the land without assistance from the Shellfish Commission and therefore
the money generated from the lease can be used for restock or expenses relating to the Shellfish
Commission. Voice vote, 5-0, all in favor, motion carried.
b. Update regarding certified little neck clam restock

Town of Waterford Shellfish Commission
Meeting Minutes of July 6, 2021
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Chairman Lawson stated that he is having difficulty securing restock for the recreational shellfishing
areas. He will continue to search and contact local suppliers to see if he can secure seventy to eighty bags
to put into the recreational shell fishing areas. He explained that restaurants are back open and they are
ordering from the suppliers leaving little available for purchase.
c Update regarding the 1 % rain trigger MOU for Jordan Cove
Chairman Lawson stated that all parties have signed the final Memorandum of Understanding for Jordan
Cove’s one and one half inch rain trigger and it went into effect on June 10, 2021. He discussed the
positive impact the new trigger will have including fewer closures and less mandatory testing to reopen
after a rainfall leaving more time for people who purchase permits to harvest clams.
10. Public Input regarding Waterford Shellfish Commission Business Only
There was no one present from the public that chose to address the Commission.
li. Adjournment
Motion made by Commissioner Francolino, seconded by Commissioner Drennen to adjourn the meeting
at 7:45 p.m. Discussion, none, 5-0, all in favor, motion carried.
Respectfully Submitted by:
Audrey Ulmer, Recording Secretary for the Town of Waterford Shellfish Commission