PEASE DEAVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
DIVISION OF PORTS AND HARBORS
ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
MARCH 18, 2015
*****DRAFT*****
PRESENT: Don Coker, Chairperson
Roger Groux
Brad Cook
Chris Snow
Chris Holt
Esther Kennedy
Erik Anderson
Geno Marconi, Director
ATTENDEES: Lynn Hinchee, Counsel, PDA
Nick Napoli, NROC
1) CALL TO ORDER
Chairperson Coker called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m.
Chairperson Coker asked for a motion to suspend the order of business for the purpose of a presentation given by Nick Napoli, NROC regarding ocean planning and maritime commerce.
Erik Anderson made the motion; Chris Snow seconded. Motion passed without exception.
Nick Napoli, NROC, gave a thirty (3) minute power point presentation regarding ocean planning and maritime commerce. The council members offered their professional advice, opinions and information.
After the thirty (30) minute presentation, business returned as scheduled.
2) APPROVE MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 18, 2015
Erik Anderson made a motion to approve the minutes of the February 18, 2015; Brad Cook seconded. Motion passed without exception.
3) TREASURER’S REPORT – Jeff Gilbert
Mr. Gilbert was not available to give his report.
4) DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Director Marconi reported that winter damage at the harbors is being assessed and repairs will be made in order to get equipment up and running.
The contractor that originally did the floats at Rye is now reconstructing a new float to replace the float that burned due to a boat fire. It will be delivered when the weather breaks. The whale watch floats are in need of repair.
The bridge construction taking place at the Market Street facility is moving along and the yard is very busy. He reported that he had a meeting today with someone from the Federal Maritime Commission and talked about federal grant money which could help to resurrect the pier expansion project.
5) COMMITTEE REPORTS
Fisheries – Erik Anderson – New fishing regulatory actions will take place May 1. One of the changes is that vessels will be responsible for paying the observers. Observers are required aboard vessels. The cost could be as high as $700 to $900 per trip. Mr. Anderson feels that New Hampshire could be the first state to be “regulated” out of the fishing business. Discussion.
Government – Esther Kennedy – Ms. Kennedy passed out a power point presentation that the City had presented regarding the bridge. It shows the figure of $600,000.00 for installing a new main underwater water line. There is a meeting with the DOT scheduled for Thursday, March 19, 2015. No decisions have been made yet regarding a fixed bridged or a bascule bridge. The topic will remain open for discussion for a little while longer. Discussion.
Miss Kennedy also told the council that the snow at Pierce Island is making it difficult or impossible for people to get to the dock. People are concerned and would like at least some of the snow removed so the dock is accessible.
PDA Liaison – Roger Groux – Mr. Groux told the Council that at the last PDA board meeting, a city official said that the water line would cost the city $2.4 million dollars when in actuality the cost is more like $500,000.00. They reviewed the administrative rules that allow the Division to get approval of rate changes from the PDA Board.
Geno interjected to tell the Council that the Board had approved a new camera system in Hampton after the old one was destroyed in a storm. The cameras can be monitored from a number of places and by a number of agencies.
Maritime/Public Affairs – Don Coker – Mr. Coker said that things are quiet at the moment. Attempts are being made to secure another ship for the Tall Ship event. They are experiencing a few legal issues with the contract for the Sea Challenger.
Dredging – Chris Holt –
Moorings – Chris Snow – Mr. Snow reported that he met with Kevin Moynihan a few times regarding issues that Mr. Moynihan has with moorings in Little Harbor. His main issues are mooring balls not attached to moorings, unused moorings, dinghies used to hold mooring spots, and dual registrations. Chairperson Coker felt it was best to focus on one issue at a time, the first being the lack of balls on the moorings. Chief Shattuck there is a process in place to combat this issue. GPS will locate moorings that have no balls attached. Because the complaints are Mr. Moynihan’s opinion, Esther Kennedy said that she would like to see real data to back up his complaints. Chief Shattuck said that the new Little Harbor harbormaster is a former police officer and will do a great shop dealing with the issues that Mr. Moynihan feels exist.
6) NEW BUSINESS
There was no new business discussed.
7) OLD BUSINESS
There was no old business to report on.
8) PUBLIC COMMENT
There were no members of the public present.
9) PRESS QUESTIONS
No members of the press were present.
10) ADJOURNMENT
Chris Holt made a motion to adjourn; Chris Snow seconded. Motion to adjourn passed without exception. Meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.