Shellfish Commission - Minutes - 03/05/2024

Town of Waterford Shellfish Commission
Regular Meeting Minutes – Tuesday, March 5, 2024
7:00 p.m. – Waterford Town Hall
1. Call to Order
Chairman Francolino called the regular meeting of the Waterford
Shellfish Commission to order at 7:00 p.m. after establishing a
quorum.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
All in attendance stood and recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. Roll Call
Present were Commissioners Francolino, Porter, Jamroga, Drennen,
Healy and Calkins.
4. Approval of the January 2, 2024, Meeting Minutes
Motion made by Commissioner Jamroga, seconded by
Commissioner Drennen to approve the January 2, 2024, regular
meeting minutes as submitted. Voice vote, 6-0, all in favor.
5. Correspondence
Chairman Francolino stated all correspondence are forwarded as he
receives them in between meetings to keep everyone as up to date
as possible.

6. Treasurer’s Report
Treasurer Porter reviewed the Treasurer’s Report generated from
the Finance Department with the Commission. Expenses in the
months of January and February include clerical support, Warden
fees and reimbursement for the annual Gathering of the Shellfish
Commissions.
Motion made by Commissioner Calkins, seconded by Commissioner
Healy to approve the Treasurer’s Report as discussed. Voice vote,
6-0, all in favor.
7. Monthly Monitoring and Sampling Report
Chairman Francolino stated that the recreational shell fishing areas
are currently administratively closed pending satisfactory meat and
water samples for a tentative opening of April 1, 2024.
8. New Business
a. Discussion regarding shellfish permitting fees for non-resident
taxpayers.
The Commission members discussed the permit fees as they stand
and concluded that nonresident taxpayers in the Town of Waterford
shall pay the same fees as residents.
Motion made by Commissioner Jamroga, seconded by
Commissioner Drennen to amend the permit fee structure to reflect
that nonresident taxpayers in the Town of Waterford will pay the
same fees for recreational shell fishing permits as residents do.
Voice vote, 6-0, all in favor, motion carried.
b. Update Regarding the Annual Gathering of the Shellfish

Commissions.
Commissioner Porter reviewed the highlights of the Gathering with
the Commission members. He indicated that it was an informative
meeting and was happy to meet with fellow commission
representatives.
c. Re-stock/Goals for the 2024 Recreational Shell fishing Season.
Chairman Francolino stated that the Commission is on a mission to
find product for restock this season and he will contact the
businesses that can potentially provide the commission with the
certified little neck clams and secure what he can for this season.
He stated that permit sales are down, and he hopes to increase sales
with restock. A discussion was held regarding the pros and cons of
depurating the little neck clams and it was the consensus of the
Commission members that purchasing from a retailer would be
better overall considering the amount of time and effort it would
take.
9. Old Business
a. Update Regarding the FY2025 Social Services Funding Request
for the Waterford Shellfish Commission.
Treasurer Porter stated he attended the first two budget meetings
and there was not an indication that there was opposition or
concern regarding the budget request.
b. Discussion regarding progress to the Shellfish Resource
Management Plan and Maps.
Commissioner Drennen stated he will work on getting the software
to amend the map and will keep the Commission updated with his
progress. He stated the Commission needs to put out the

demarcation signage prior to opening for the season.
c. Discussion regarding protocol for lease renewals.
Chairman Francolino stated there are currently two bottom leases
that will expire in 2026. He plans to reach out to the lease holder to
determine if he would like to extend the leases and if so, he will
add it to the agenda later next year to initiate the process.
10. Public Comment Regarding Items Specifically Relating to
Waterford Shellfish Business.
There was no one present to address the Commission.
11. Adjournment
There being nothing further to discuss the meeting adjourned at
7:45 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted by:
Audrey Ulmer, Recording Secretary for the Town of Waterford
Shellfish Commission