Waterford/East Lyme Shellfish Commission - Minutes - 12/17/2020

Waterford-East Lyme Shellfish Commission
wv Meeting Minutes wvA
Thursday, Dec 17, 2020
Virtual meeting held via Zoom, 7:30 pm
Members present: Chair Peter Harris, J. Patrick Kelly, Eric Kanter, Tom Bowlen, Martia
Benvenuti, Larry Tytla, and Fred Wise =
Members absent: Paul Spakowski a
Guests: Chief Warden Chmiel, Ex-Officio Dan Cunningham Re
1) The meeting was called to order at 7:30 pm and a quorum established. =
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2) Review and approval of previous meeting minutes: «2
19 Nov 2020 Regular Meeting Minutes — Minutes approved following a motion by Mr.
Tytla, seconded by Ms. Benvenuti, vote 7-0.
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. Tytla, seconded by Mr. Kanter, vote 7-0.
4) Chief Warden’s Comments : Chief Warden Chmiel gave a report on the current shellfishing
status in the Niantic River. The dock condition continues to be a source of concern.
5) Old business:
Review and approval of Annual Report. Mr. Harris submitted the annual report
approved at the Nov meeting to the Town of Waterford. During this time, the clam
permit number and revenue have been reconciled and Mr. Harris will submit an
amended statement showing 503 permits were sold generating $14997.50 of
revenue.
6) New Business
a. Discussion and potential action of 2021 Waterford and East Lyme funding request
The Commission discussed the dollar amounts to be requested by each town. Mr.
Harris also explained the new simple form used this year for Waterford requests. A
request to the Town of Waterford for $5000 and a request to the Town of East Lyme
for $3500 was approved following a motion by Mr. Bowlen, seconded by Mr. Tytla, vote
7-0.
b. Discussion and potential action on recreational oyster regulations
Discussion on revising the oyster regulations to ensure our newly seeded oyster stock
is managed appropriately. Other towns oyster regulations will be reviewed. No action
taken at this time.
7) Ex-Officio comments : Ex-Officio Cunningham described a recent EL Board of Selectmen
meeting where the number of town docks was reduced by DEEP from 4 to 3 due to a potential
safety concern of the 4" dock. Also mentioned was the ongoing discussion between East
Lyme and Waterford of where the East Lyme-Waterford town line is in the Niantic River — the
center of the river or the main channel.
8) Correspondence
Ms. Benvenuti submitted a written statement regarding the reconciliation of the permit sales
and revenue.

9) Public Comment —no public comment
10) Meeting adjourned at 8:40 pm on a motion by Mr. Bowlen, seconded by Mr. Tytla, motion
passed 7-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Peter Harris