Waterford/East Lyme Shellfish Commission - Minutes - 02/18/2021

2)
Waterford-East Lyme Shellfish Commission
Meeting Minutes
Thursday, Feb 18, 2021
Virtual meeting held via Zoom, 7:30 pm
Members present: Chair Peter Harris, J. Patrick Kelly, Marcia Benvenuti, Larry Tytla; pFred
Wise, and Eric Kanter
Members absent: Tom Bowlen, Paul Spakowski
Guests: none
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The meeting was called to order at 7:31 pm and a quorum established.
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Review and approval of previous meeting minutes: ma
21 Jan 2021 Regular Meeting Minutes — Minutes approved following a motion by Ms.
Benvenuti, seconded by Mr. Tytla, vote 5-0, Mr. Kanter abstained.
3) Review and approval of treasurer’s report
Treasurer’s report given by Mr. Kelly. Treasurer's report was approved on a motion
by Mr. Kanter, seconded by Mr. Tytla, vote 6-0. Mr. Kanter inquired if our accountant
could provide monthly profit and loss summaries. A CPA needs to be identified to
perform our yearly audit as our previous CPA who conducted the audit is no longer
proving that service.
4) Chief Warden’s Comments : Mr. Harris had a conversation with Chief Warden Chmiel prior to
the meeting. Chief Chmiel has had the warden boat out of the water recently due to
the frequent winter storms in the region.
5) Old business:
a. Discussion and potential action on recreational oyster regulations: This agenda item
discussed together with the next agenda item (clamming regulations and permit).
Discussion and potential action on clam permit fees. A very thorough discussion
ensued covering these two items. A decision was made not to change the oyster
regulations including the limit (no motion needed). For clamming, a decision was
made to keep all current regulations as is. Although there was discussion about
changing the fees and/or senior age, it was ultimately decided the cost of a public
notice was too expensive to justify the changes. Mr. Wise and Ms. Benvenuti
presented their edit suggestions for the permit and associated regulations handout,
minor edits were suggested and they will bring their final draft to the next meeting.
Review of insurance policy and coverage. Mr. Wise and Mr. Kelly briefed the
commission on the insurance policy changes discussed with the insurance agent. The
cost of the policy would increase significantly to add coverage not previously included
as well as increasing coverage limits. A motion was made by Ms. Benvenuti,
seconded by Mr. Harris to approve the existing policy to prevent a potential policy
lapse. After further discussion, it was decided a Special meeting would be held on 23
Feb 2021 to get answers to the questions asked. The motion by Ms. Benvenuti was
withdrawn.
6) New Business
a. Review of Annual Shellfish Gathering

Mr. Harris and Ms. Benvenuti briefed the commission on the Annual Shellfish
Gathering. The meeting was held virtually this year and provided valuable information
regarding harmful algae blooms, how shellfish areas are classified, as well as a
reminder on water sampling requirements.
b. Discussion and potential action on funding publication of SeaGrant Responsible Lawn
Care. Mr. Harris presented the Responsible Lawn Care public notice that has been
published in the New London Day the past few years, funded by WELSCO and other
local commissions. A discussion occurred regarding using the Waterford and East
Lyme Times weekly paper in place of the New London Day to increase distribution.
Mr. Harris will check into the price of that and report at the next meeting.
7) Ex-Officio comments : Ex-Officio Cunningham not present.
8) Correspondence
Mr. Harris received correspondence that were presented during the agenda items on oyster
and clam regulations (agenda items — Old business a and b)
9) Public Comment —Terry Lineberger of Niantic River Rd, Waterford, voiced her support of the
Responsible Lawn Care publication and said the Niantic River Advocacy Coalition would help
fund this if needed. Ms. Lineberger also suggested WELSCO consider using social media to
communicate WELSCO news as this can be a more effective communication tool than the
town websites. Ms. Lineberger offered to help set up if WELSCO decided to use social media.
10) Meeting adjourned at 10:03 pm on a motion by Mr. Tytla, seconded by Mr. Wise, motion
approved 6-0.
Respecifully submitted,
Peter Harris