Harbor Management Commission - Minutes - 04/01/2026

Town of Waterford Harbor Management Commission
Meeting Minutes for Wednesday, April 1, 2026
5:00 p.m. – Town Hall – Applebee Meeting Room
1.	Establish a quorum and call the meeting to order
Chairman Hughes called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. after establishing a quorum. 
Present were Commissioners Hughes, DeRosa, Buths, Jr., Porter and Arfi.  Absent were Commissioners Jamroga, Wise, and Crocker.
Also present was Harbor Master David Crocker and Deputy Harbor Master Rich Miller.
2.	Pledge of Allegiance
3.	Approval of the January 7, 2026, regular meeting minutes
Motion made by Commissioner Buths, Jr., seconded by Commissioner Porter to approve the January 7, 2026, meeting minutes as filed.  All in favor, motion carried.
4.	Harbor Master report
Harbor Master Crocker discussed pulling the remaining delinquent moorings this week and the installation of the Sandy Point markers.  He stated the mooring and pulley pole applications are coming in and the Commission reiterated that this season there will be no personal guest moorings issued. The Commission discussed and clarified that mooring and pulley pole inspections should be dated for the date that they are installed in the water. 
5.	Correspondence
a.	Discussion regarding Town dock repairs, SHIPP Grants and ongoing meetings
The Town has submitted the SHIPP Grant application for the dock repairs.  Harbor Master Crocker stated that the grants have begun to be issued in the first round and that hopefully the Town may be considered in the second round of grants. 
b.	Discussion regarding Harbor Management Commission membership
Chairman Hughes explained to the Commission that Eva Bunnell has not opted for renewal to the Commission leaving the Commission with a vacancy.  He stated that he has asked the First Selectman’s office to look for a replacement member for the Commission and he will keep everyone updated.
c.	Discussion regarding a loose boat dock tied off by the Deputy Harbor Master on Bayside Avenue
Chairman Hughes thanked Deputy Harbor Master Miller for his assistance with tying off the dock until the owners were able to come get it.
d.	Discussion regarding the return of navigational aids.
Chairman Hughes stated that the Coast Guard has returned the navigational aids.
e.	Discussion regarding an article in the Day newspaper regarding the proposed restoration of Alewife Cove after it was damaged by Hurricane Sandy.
Commissioner Porter attended the meeting and filled the Commission members in on the discussions held at the meeting.  There is a follow up meeting scheduled in six months.
6.	New Business
a.	Presentation from David Provencher, Shore Design, PLLC regarding proposed work to be performed on property located at 28 Niantic River Road, Waterford CT
Mr. Provencher introduced himself and reviewed the project with the Commission.  He answered questions from the Commission, and it was the consensus of the Commission members that the project as reviewed is consistent with the Waterford Harbor Management Plan.  Chairman Hughes will sign off on the paperwork on behalf of the Commission and send it back to Mr. Provencher.
b.	Presentation from David Provencher, Shore Design, PLLC regarding proposed work to be performed on property located at 216 Niantic River Road, Waterford, CT
Mr. Provencher reviewed the proposed work with the Commission and answered all questions from the Commission.  It was the consensus of the Commission members after review of the project that the proposed work is consistent with the Waterford Harbor Management Plan.  Chairman Hughes will sign off on the project on behalf of the Commission and return the paperwork to Mr. Provencher.
The Commission members thanked Mr. Provencher for attending the meeting.
c.	Discussion regarding the Commission participating in the Waterford Town Parade scheduled for Saturday, August 9, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.
Chairman Hughes encouraged all the members of the Commission to join him in the parade if they are available to do so.
7.	Old Business
a.	Update regarding progress to date with the Town Attorney and the State approval of the amended Harbor Management Plan.
Chairman Hughes stated the Plan is still under review with the Town Attorney.
b.	Update regarding the 2026 mooring and pulley pole applications
The applications for the 2026 mooring and pulley pole permits are beginning to come in.  The Commission has made great effort to streamline the process for the applicants by providing clear instructions and a check list of materials needed prior to submission. An email was sent out to those applicants who are due for inspection this season so that they can schedule their inspections sooner than later.  Inspections are required on moorings every three years and every year for pulley poles.  
8.	Public comment relating to Harbor Management Commission business only
There was no one from the public present to address the Commission.
 Commissioner DeRosa discussed water contamination and the effect that the dumping of untreated sewage is having in Long Island Sound. 
9.	Adjournment
There being nothing further to discuss the Commission adjourned the meeting at 6:05 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted by:
Audrey Ulmer, Recording Secretary for the Harbor Management Commission