Shellfish Commission - Minutes - 09/03/2020

Town of Waterford Shellfish Commission
Special Meeting Minutes via Zoom
Thursday, September 3, 2020
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Town of Waterford Shellfish Commission
Special Meeting Minutes
Thursday, September 3, 2020 — 12:00 p.m.
Remote Meeting via Zoom
1. Call to Order
Chairman Lawson called the Special Meeting to order at 12:00 p.m. after establishing a quorum.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Roll Call
Present were Commissioners Lawson, Francolino, Drennen and Havens. Absent were Commissioners
Calkins, Malley and LeBelle.
Also logged in to the Zoom meeting was Mr. Timothy Londregan.
4, Approval of the August 4, 2020 Special Zoom Meeting Minutes
Motion made by Commissioner Francolino, seconded by Commissioner Drennen to approve the August
4, 2020 Special Meeting Minutes as submitted. Discussion, none, voice vote, 4-0, all in favor, motion
carried.
5. Old Business
a. Discussions regarding restock in the recreational shell fishing areas
Chairman Lawson stated the Shellfish Commission purchased fifty thousand (50,000) little neck clams
for five thousand dollars ($5,000) for distribution into the recreational shell fishing areas and distributed
them with the help of the Commission members and the Wardens in the month of August. He thanked
everyone who helped and stated there is a new Deputy Warden working with Rich.
Chairman Lawson indicated that he has submitted the required documentation for the clam distribution to
Alyssa Dragan at the Bureau of Aquaculture and Laboratory at the Connecticut State Department of
Agriculture.
The Commission does not plan to secure additional product for restock for this season but plans to restock
again during the 2021 season for the benefit of all who will purchase permits to harvest clams in the
Waterford recreational shell fishing areas.

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Town of Waterford Shellfish Commission
Special Meeting Minutes via Zoom
Thursday, September 3, 2020 .
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b. Discussions regarding leases.
Chairman Lawson stated he has been in contact with the Town Attorney and the required authorities
involved with implementing the renewal of the lease for Aeros Cultured Oysters in the Thames River. He
will keep the Commission updated with any information and progress he receives. The lease expires next
year, 2021, To date Aeros Cultured Oysters has used the leased bottom land as permitted and has paid the
yearly leasing fee to the Commission without issue.
Chairman Lawson asked Mr. Timothy Londregan to speak regarding his progress to date with his
proposal to lease bottom land from the Waterford Shellfish Commission. Mr. Londregan explained he
applied three years ago for a permit from the Town of Waterford but no action has been taken in spite of
the many attempts to make contact with and three letters to the First Selectman without a response. He
stated he will move forward with permitting on the State level and will continue to try to make contact
with the Waterford Board of Selectman and keep the Commission updated with any progress.
It was the consensus of the Waterford Shellfish Commission members that they are in favor of the
approval of the Bay Point Lease.
6. Adjournment
There being nothing further to discuss motion was made by Commissioner Francolino, seconded by
Commissioner Havens to adjoum the meeting at 12:10 p.m. Discussion, none, voice vote, 4-0, all in
favor, motion carried and the special meeting adjourned.
Respectfully Submitted by:
Audrey Ulmer
Recording Secretary for the Town of Waterford Shellfish Commission