Harbor Management Commission - Minutes - 08/05/2026

Town of Waterford Harbor Management Commission 
Meeting Minutes of Wednesday, August 5, 2026 
 
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Town of Waterford Harbor Management Commission 
Meeting Minutes for Wednesday, August 5, 2026 
5:00 p.m. in the Police Department Training 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, Jamroga, Porter, Arfi and DeRosa.  Absent were 
Commissioners Wise, Crocker, Buths, Jr., Keatley and Harbor Master David Crocker. 
 
2. 
Pledge of Allegiance. 
 
3. 
Approval of the July 1, 2026, regular meeting minutes. 
 
Motion made by Commissioner Jamroga, seconded by Commissioner DeRosa to approve 
the July 1, 2026, meeting minutes as filed.  All in favor, motion carried. 
 
4. 
Harbor Master Report to include an update regarding the Deputy Harbor Masters 
removal of a log from the beach and retrieval of a floating dock in the Niantic River. 
 
Harbor Master Crocker was not present to give his report at this meeting. 
 
5. 
Correspondence 
 
Chairman Hughes reviewed a story aired on WTNH News 8 regarding the Connecticut Port 
Authority announcement regarding the State grant to replace Waterford’s Town dock that 
will improve the emergency response on the Niantic River and Long Island Sound.  The 
grant is in the amount of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars.   
 
Chairman Hughes reviewed an invitation from the Connecticut Port Authority regarding a 
free “Suddenly in Command” course by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary scheduled for 
Thursday, August 13, 2026, from 6-8 p.m. at the Old Saybrook o_ice.  This course is for 
anyone who might need to step in when the captain is unable to operate the boat. 
 
6. 
New Business 
 

Town of Waterford Harbor Management Commission 
Meeting Minutes of Wednesday, August 5, 2026 
 
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a. 
Update from Chairman regarding a celebration for the SHIPP Grant for dock repair to 
be held at Mago Point on July 29, 2026. 
 
Chairman Hughes attended the meeting to celebrate the approval of the one hundred 
twenty-five-thousand-dollar SHIPP Grant matched by the Town of Waterford in the amount 
of one hundred twenty five thousand dollars for a total of two hundred and fifty thousand 
dollars collectively for use toward the much needed Waterford Town Dock repairs.  He 
stated the celebration was well received and although the repairs may take a while he is 
happy that the much-needed repairs are now fully funded.  Chairman Hughes has 
forwarded the names of three engineers and two contractors qualified to repair the dock to 
Gary Schneider who will oversee awarding the contract work. 
 
b. 
Update from Chairman regarding the proposal from Three Belles for “Save he River, 
Save the Hills”. 
 
Mr. Toby Russ, owner of Three Belles Marina along with three employees/supporters were 
present to speak with the Commission regarding the Opening a Gateway Save the River-
Save the Hills proposal to install twenty buoys along the Niantic River to create greater 
public access to the Niantic River and the Oswegatchie Hills with guided educational tours.  
He discussed the proposed explorer program, and he is requesting a formal letter of 
support from the Commission for the proposal so that they can move forward to the DEEP 
for approvals of the proposed floats in the Niantic River.  He discussed the formal letters 
and approvals he has collected to date from local towns and conservation groups and 
discussed the format of the program and his goals going forward.  Mr. Russ answered all 
questions from the Commissioners.  Chairman Hughes discussed his concern regarding 
riparian rights of homeowners along the Niantic River and suggested that Mr. Russ speak 
with each homeowner individually to get their consent for the buoys and in the meantime 
the Commission will consult with the Harbor Master Crocker for his feedback regarding this 
proposal and add this item to the next agenda for discussion.   
 
7. 
Old Business 
 
a. 
Update regarding the 2026 mooring and pulley pole applications to date and 
establish a date to go out to tag delinquent moorings for removal. 
 

Town of Waterford Harbor Management Commission 
Meeting Minutes of Wednesday, August 5, 2026 
 
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The Commission discussed progress to date with the 2026 moorings and pulley poles.  To 
date there have been one hundred and forty-five mooring and pulley pole applications 
approved and eighteen are still waiting for additional paperwork, inspections or payment.   
 
The Commission will schedule a date to go out to tag delinquent moorings when Harbor 
Master Crocker is present.  
 
b. 
Update regarding progress to date with the approval of the amended Harbor 
Management Plan and maps 
 
Commissioner Wise is working on obtaining maps and drawings for the Plan and the 
progress is moving along in conjunction with the Town Attorneys guidance.   
 
c. 
Discussion regarding Commission participation in the Waterford Day Parade. 
 
Chairman Hughes will be marching in the parade and will be in position #20.  He invited the 
Commission members to join him if they are available to do so. 
 
8. 
Public comment relating to Harbor Management Commission business only. 
 
9. 
Adjournment 
 
There being nothing further to discuss the meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m. 
 
Respectfully submitted by: 
 
Audrey Ulmer, Recording Secretary for the Town of Waterford Harbor Management 
Commission