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Coastal Waters Commission Meeting Minutes
December 14, 2005
7:00 PM

Present: Hahn, Berlin, Saunders, Pinkham, Peterson, Collet, LaGuardia, Gleason

Item 1: September Minutes. No copy of the September minutes; will review at next meeting.

Item 2: Harbormaster’s Report.

Report was reviewed.

Discussion about a mushroom mooring that had been placed outside the river and since removed. Jay noted that the mooring was labeled “Paul’s Rental” out of Brunswick. K. Peterson had checked with Judy at Paul’s who stated that the mooring was not a rental and that they have no interest in renting moorings in the area.

J. Hahn asked about kayaking this past season. J. Pinkham said that there seemed to be less kayaking this season. Mr. Ring may have launched from somewhere else. A few kayaks got in the way of boats; but, no incidents nor problems.

A second discussion involved a draft of a form included in the harbormaster’s report. It was adopted from a Planning Dept. form and could be used to confirm that the fee has been paid and generally help administer the harbor. It was noted that this could be a step in a mooring application. There should be something on it that notes whether the fee has been received.

A related discussion on the disapproval of an application followed. Can the Commission legally disapprove if it objects to an application for some reason? The view is that the Corp. can preempt the town. It was also mentioned that the Planning Board has the ultimate decision. There are no standards for dealing with disapproving an application other than an incomplete application. The application essentially serves the purpose of letting the Commission know what is going on.

Report was approved.

Item 3. Committee Reports

The Council passed the Ordinance.

J. Berlin asked about the Bustin’s Island Ordinance, but its status is not known. The jurisdiction over Bustin’s was supposed to be removed, but that didn’t happen. Since the Council approved the Ordinance, then Freeport technically has jurisdiction over Bustin’s.

Item 4. Old Business

None

Item 5. New Business

Mary Minor Smith wharfing out application.

Discussion: G. LaGuardia asked about the process for assessing clam and mussel flat impact. J. Pinkham said that if the Planning Dept. believes there is a shellfish issue, then they notify the Shellfish Comm.

Motion to accept, seconded. A vote was taken: 6 for, 1 abstains.

A representative of Waterman’s Marine for Sam Parkhill was present to discuss a wharfing out. Since the item was not on the agenda, the Commission only reviewed the proposal. It’s a seasonal, removable dock system with a 62-ft walkway to a 32-ft removable and 10 x 16 float. At low tide the floating dock is in the mud. The walkway is 4 feet above the eelgrass. Already approved by the Corp.

Approved subject to public notice and comments at next meeting.

Item 6. Other Business

None.

Meeting adjourned at 7:55 PM.