Harbor Management Commission - Minutes - 06/03/2026

Town of Waterford Harbor Management Commission
Meeting Minutes of Wednesday, June 3, 2026
5:00 p.m. – Police Department Training Room

1.	Establish a quorum and call the meeting to order
Chairman Hughes call the meeting to order at 5 p.m. after establishing a quorum.
Present were Commissioners Hughes, Buths, Jr., Wise, DeRosa, Porter, Keatley and Wise.  Absent were Commissioners Jamroga, Arfi and Crocker.  
Also present was Harbor Master Dave Crocker, Town Attorney Kepple, Tim Londregan, Mike Theiler and Bill Bayne from Docko.
2.	Pledge of Allegiance
3.	Approval of the May 6, 2026, meeting minutes
Motion made by Commissioner Wise, seconded by Commissioner Porter to approve the meeting minutes as filed.  All in favor, motion carried.
4.	Harbor Master Report
Harbor Master David Crocker stated that it has been busy so far with mooring and pulley pole permits and boats going back in the water. A discussion was held regarding the Harbor Master boat.  
Mike Theiler, one of the approved mooring inspectors/installers for the Commission was present to request that the Commission reconsider their ban on pyramid style moorings for safety reasons.  He discussed the issue with mushroom style moorings in shallow water with poles that stick out of the water causing a safety issue.  Harbor Master Crocker agreed it is a better option to use pyramid style moorings in the shallow waters. The pyramid style mooring has a short shank made of steel and is inverted with a flat top.  He has concerns regarding the pyramid style mooring in the deeper waters because they can move and slide especially in storms.  
The Commission agreed lift the ban and to use the pyramid style moorings in the shallow waters starting next season. 
5.	Correspondence
Chairman Hughes discussed a correspondence he received from Three Belles Marina titled “Opening a Gateway” Save the River Save the Hills that discusses their intent to open a new gateway to the river and the hills from their dock on Smith Cove for kayakers and paddleboarders to explore the shoreline in both guided and self-guided experiences that join the water and the hills to teach the history, geology, flora and the fauna of the estuary and the preserve.  They are requesting seventeen buoys installed in the water for the trail, each buoy would be numbered and would be an interpretive guide so that each station has something to teach.  
The Commission members discussed the proposal and expressed concern regarding adding more apparatus into an already congested area. A suggestion was made to put the signage and markers on the shore instead of in the water.  Chairman Hughes will contact those in charge and the Town of East Lyme for additional information and options regarding the proposal.  
6.	New Business
a.	Review of LWRD License Application Pre-Submission Consultation Form from Docko for a proposed ramp, pier and float located at 163 Oswegatchie Road, Waterford, Ct
Mr. Bill Bayne, EIT, Project Manager for Docko was present to answer questions and explain the proposed work to the Commission.  He distributed maps and documentation for the project and answered all questions from the Commission.  
It was the consensus of the Commission members that the work as described in the document submitted is consistent with the Harbor Management Plan and authorized Chairman Hughes to sign off on the project on behalf of the Harbor Management Commission.
7.	Old Business
a.	Update regarding progress to date with the Town Attorney and the States approval of the amended Harbor Management Plan and maps.
Attorney Kepple discussed the Plan with the Commission members and made recommendations for improvements to the Plan, the history of the Plan, and how to proceed with a better, more user-friendly Plan with improved maps and clear interpretation of rules and the goals of the Commission.  He stated he is available for help on the Plan and looks forward to working with the Commission.
b.	Update regarding the 2026 mooring and pulley pole applications to date.
There is a total of one hundred and twenty-three permits paid to date.  The pending permits are waiting on their mooring inspection reports and/or boat registrations.  This season is moving along smoothly so far with minimal issues. 
c.	Update regarding the revised mooring contractor application for the Harbor Management Commission.
Tim Londregan was present to request that he be added to the approved mooring inspector list for the Town of Waterford and he presented his certificate of insurance and the application to the Commission.
Motion made by Commissioner Porter, seconded by Commissioner Wise to add Tim Londregan to the list of approved mooring inspectors and installers.  All in favor, motion carried.
8.	Public comment relating to Harbor Management Commission business only.
9.	Adjournment
There being nothing further to discuss the meeting adjourned at 6:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by
Audrey Ulmer, Recording Secretary for the Town of Waterford Harbor Management Commission