Shellfish Commission - Minutes - 04/05/2022

Town of Waterford Shellfish Commission
Regular Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, April 5, 2022
P a g e  | 1
Town of Waterford Shellfish Commission
Regular Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, April 5, 2022
7:00 p.m.
Waterford Town Hall
1.
Call to Order
Chairman Lawson 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 for the Pledge of Allegiance
3.
Roll Call
Present were Commissioners Lawson, Francolino and Calkins.  Absent was 
Commissioner Drennen.  
Commissioners Havens and LeBelle have terms that expired and they do not wish to be 
re-appointed and Commissioner Malley resigned from the Commission last week.  A 
discussion was held regarding recruiting people who are interested in serving on the 
Commission.  
Mr. Don Dishaw, 298 Millstone Road East, Waterford CT was present and expressed 
interest in joining the Commission.
4.
Approval of the March 1, 2022 regular meeting minutes
Motion made by Commissioner Francolino, seconded by Commissioner Calkins to 
approve the March 1, 2022 regular meeting minutes as submitted and reviewed.  
Discussion, none, voice vote, 3-0, all in favor, motion carried.
5.
Correspondence
Commissioner Lawson stated he has been forwarding all correspondence addressed to 
the Commission as he receives them via email to the Commission members for review.  
A discussion was held regarding a responsible lawn care letter to the editor that was 
published in the local free papers and the Day and as a result of this publication there 
will be no charge this year for the publication.  Commissioner Lawson stated that 

Town of Waterford Shellfish Commission
Regular Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, April 5, 2022
P a g e  | 2
typically the cost of the full page ad is split between the local shell fish commissions but 
this year there is no cost due to a letter to the editor as opposed to a full page 
advertisement.
6.
Treasurer’s Report
Commissioner Francolino discussed the revenues and expenditures as depicted on the 
financial statement generated by the Town of Waterford Finance Department dated 
March 8, 2022.   
Motion made by Commissioner Calkins, seconded by Commissioner Lawson to approve 
the Finance Report as reviewed.  Discussion, none, voice vote, 3-0, all in favor, motion 
carried. 
7.
Monthly Monitoring and Sampling Report
Chairman Lawson stated he contacted Alissa Dragan, Environmental Analyst III at the 
Bureau of Aquaculture and Laboratory at the Connecticut State Department of 
Agriculture to determine if the recreational shell fishing areas have met all the criteria to
re-open but as of the time of the meeting he had not heard back from her.  He stated 
the voice message indicates that the areas are still closed.  He will report back to the 
Commission members and request to update the message once he hears back from her. 
A discussion was held regarding the requirements that must be met before the 
recreational shell fishing areas can open for the season including the State mandated 
testing requirements. 
8.
New Business
There was nothing to discuss this month under New Business.
9.
Old Business
a.
Discussion regarding the Waterford Shellfish Commission FY2022/2023 budget 
request;
Chairman Lawson stated that he has not heard anything further regarding the approval 
of the budget request regarding the need for additional information so he is hopeful 
that the budget request will be granted.

Town of Waterford Shellfish Commission
Regular Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, April 5, 2022
P a g e  | 3
b.
Discussions regarding the April 1st re-opening of the recreational shell fishing 
areas for the 2022 season and restock update;
Chairman Lawson discussed several options for restock this season as there appears to 
be a shortage again this season.  He stated the reason for the shortage is due to demand
and the fact that scup are feeding on the little neck clam larvae.  The commission 
members discussed depurating clams in the recreational shell fishing areas that are 
relocated from the Thames River and closing the areas to depurate the clams for thirty 
days.  This can be done once the water reaches a consistent fifty degrees.  This option 
will ensure that clams will be available for those who purchase a permit to do so.  
Chairman Lawson stated that the Commission is not allowed to purchase certified little 
neck clams from out of State but he will continue to look for them in the State of 
Connecticut and discuss the option for restock throughout the month and report back 
with any findings. 
c. 
Discussion regarding progress made to the Waterford Shellfish Plan;
Chairman Lawson indicated that the plan is still not completed but he will keep in touch 
with the Town Attorney for updates.
d.
Discussion regarding the 2022 Annual Shellfish Gathering;
Chairman Lawson stated that he was unavailable to attend the meeting this year and 
has nothing to report. 
10.
Public Input specifically regarding business pertaining to the Waterford Shellfish 
Commission.
There was no one from the public who chose to address the Commission.
11.
Adjournment
There being nothing further to discuss the meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by:
Audrey Ulmer, Recording Secretary for the Town of Waterford Shellfish Commission