Shellfish Commission

Regular Meeting

Norwalk, CT · August 7, 2025

Minutes

CITY OF NORWALK NORWALK SHELLFISH COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 7, 2025 ATTENDANCE: Steve Bartush, Chairman; Pete Johnson; Jonathan Pageler; Mark Hiller (6:32pm) STAFF: Bill Mooney, Assistant Director of Health OTHERS: Alan Kibbe, Norwalk Harbor Management; Sgt. Justin Bisceglie; Geoff Steadman I. CALL TO ORDER Chairman Bartush called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm. A quorum was present. II. ROLL CALL A roll call of those present was performed. III. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES A. REGULAR MEETING: JULY 10, 2025 ** MR. JOHNSON MOVED TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF JULY 10, 2025, AS SUBMITTED. ** MR. HILLER SECONDED THE MOTION. ** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. IV. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION There was no Public Participation at this time. V. REPORTS A. TREASURER Mr. Mooney reported that there was no change in this account; the balance remains at $29,292.00. B. SECRETARY Mr. Mooney came forward to update the Commission on the meeting he and Amelia recently had City of Norwalk Shellfish Commission Regular Meeting August 7, 2025 Page 1 of 4 with DEEP to discuss the permitting process for the proposed Manresa Wilds Park. Mr. Mooney advised the process for obtaining a long-term stewardship permit will begin around mid-September to early October. Regarding the oil tank removal, Mr. Mooney explained that no permit was required as the tanks were located above the coastal jurisdiction line, which did not necessitate DEEP involvement. Any work below the jurisdiction line will require further involvement and will be part of the stewardship permit process. C. HEALTH DEPARTMENT Mr. Mooney reported that July rainfall totaled 2.43 inches, below the historical average of 3.96 inches and last year’s 5.4 inches. A closure occurred on July 14 due to rainfall exceeding one inch. A sewer line break was found and repaired on West Rocks Road, with 15 feet of line fixed. There was no significant impact from the break. D. WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT There was no report at this time. E. PERMITS Mr. Bartush spoke with a vendor on Winfield Street, who expressed interest in carrying permits for the 2026 season. He suggested starting the process earlier than last year. Mr. Mooney confirmed that he would work on getting the vendor a W-9 form to process the permits. F. POLICE Sgt. Bisceglie reported that there was an inquiry about broken oyster stakes in the Wilson Cove Tavern Island area. After speaking with Cops Island, they will pull the three broken stakes and monitor the area moving forward. Mr. Mooney acknowledged safety concerns. Sgt. Bisceglie clarified that the floating stakes have minimal resistance. Mr. Pageler asked about GPS and oyster bed marking. Sgt. Bisceglie explained that markers are used to indicate farming stages and potential hazards, also serving as navigational aids. G. ADVISORY Sgt. Bisceglie reported that the water temperature is around 75. H. HARBOR MANAGEMENT Mr. Kibbe reported that the campsites on Shea Island were renovated by Mr. Mangles, Sgt. Bisceglie, and Eagle Scouts. He expressed support for maintaining them for public use. Mr. Steadman raised concerns about the DOT’s Route 7 and Merritt Parkway project, highlighting the lack of focus on stormwater management and environmental impact. He discussed the update City of Norwalk Shellfish Commission Regular Meeting August 7, 2025 Page 2 of 4 to the Norwalk River Watershed plan, which aims to reduce bacteria runoff, and mentioned a public meeting in September. Additionally, he addressed the proposed 108 Water Street redevelopment, noting concerns about water-dependent uses and floodplain development. Mr. Steadman brought up the Manresa Island stewardship permit, expressing concerns about contamination and remediation. Mr. Kibbe pointed out the DOT’s changes to the Super 7 Road and Merritt Parkway interchange, which eliminate important evacuation routes and affect traffic flow. ** MR. PAGELER MOVED TO ACCEPT THE REPORTS AS PRESENTED. ** MR. JOHNSON SECONDED THE MOTION. ** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. VI. OLD BUSINESS A. 26 SHOREFRONT PARK Mr. Bartush noted that he has not received any paperwork or direct communication from the South Norwalk Boat Club on this matter. B. 66 CALF PASTURE BEACH ROAD Mr. Mooney advised that the applicant is still waiting for approval to conduct a study. VII. NEW BUSINESS A. BROKEN OYSTER STICKS AND PUBLIC SAFETY CONCERNS This item was addressed earlier by Sgt. Bisceglie and Mr. Mooney. Mr. Bartush confirmed that the 1882 shellfish map that was requested is publicly available at the State Library. VIII. DISCUSSION Mr. Hiller offered his assistance, noting he's on the water often and has a skiff to access the islands. Mr. Johnson explained oyster stakes and how they’re used to mark areas where groundwork is being done. IX. ADJOURNMENT ** MR. JOHNSON MOVED TO ADJOURN. City of Norwalk Shellfish Commission Regular Meeting August 7, 2025 Page 3 of 4 ** MR. HILLER SECONDED THE MOTION. ** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. The meeting adjourned at 7:01 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Zulma Roundtree City of Norwalk Shellfish Commission Regular Meeting August 7, 2025 Page 4 of 4

Agenda

Packet

REGULAR MEETING – SHELLFISH COMMISSION AGENDA AUGUST 7, 2025, 6:30 PM BY ZOOM VIRTUAL MEETING To allow public access, anyone may access a meeting by telephone and/or Zoom, or a recording in the City of Norwalk YouTube channel. Specific instructions and links can be found at norwalkct.gov/meetings. Members of the public may call in to participate. Callers will not be able to see the meeting participants. All participants will be muted upon entering the meeting. To speak, dial *9 on the phone and you will be called on by the host of the meeting during the public comment section. All speakers must state their name and address. Comments must be on a topic on the agenda, and are limited to three minutes. Anyone disrupting the orderly conduct of the meeting, including by using threatening, hateful, or sexually-explicit language, will be removed. Please find the information using the link above. Members of the public who wish to provide "live comments" may also use the Zoom meeting platform. All participants will be muted upon entering the meeting. To speak, click the “raise your hand indicator” and you will be called by the host of the meeting during the public comment section. All speakers must state their name and address. Comments must be on a topic on the agenda, and are limited to three minutes. Anyone disrupting the orderly conduct of the meeting, including by using threatening, hateful, or sexually-explicit language, will be removed. Please find the information using the link above. Members of the public who wish to provide public comment are encouraged to submit those via email in advance of the meeting. For these comments to be included into the record, they must be submitted by 12:00 p.m. the day of the meeting. Please email William Mooney at wmooney@norwalkct.govwith the subject line “Public Comment” to provide written public comment prior to the meeting. I. CALL TO ORDER II. ROLL CALL III. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES A. Regular Meeting: 07/10/2025 IV. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION V. REPORTS A. Treasurer B. Secretary C. Health Department Page 1 of 5 D. Wastewater Treatment Plant E. Permits F. Police G. Advisory H. Harbor Management VI. OLD BUSINESS A. 26 Shorefront Park 66 Calf Pasture Beach Rd. VII. NEW BUSINESS A. Broken oyster sticks and public safety concerns. VIII. DISCUSSION IX. ADJOURNMENT UPCOMING MEETINGS A. September 4, 2025 @ 6:30pm Page 2 of 5 CITY OF NORWALK NORWALK SHELLFISH COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING JULY 10, 2025 ATTENDANCE: Steve Bartush, Chairman; Pete Johnson; Nick Sacchinelli; Mark Hiller STAFF: Bill Mooney, Assistant Director of Health OTHERS: Alan Kibbe, Norwalk Harbor Management; John Pinto, Norwalk Harbor Management; Tom Ryder; Jim Bajek; Sgt. Justin Bisceglie CALL TO ORDER Chairman Bartush called the meeting to order at 6:32 P.M. There was a quorum present. ROLL CALL A roll call of those present was performed. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES REGULAR MEETING: JUNE 5, 2025 ** MR. SACCHINELLI MOVED TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF JUNE 5, 2025, AS SUBMITTED. ** MARK HILLER SECONDED THE MOTION. ** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION There was no Public Participation at this time. REPORTS TREASURER Mr. Mooney came forward to deliver his report. He reported there were no transactions during the month; the balance remains at $29,292.00. SECRETARY Chairman Bartush came forward to deliver his report. He mentioned making a remark at last month’s Norwalk Harbor Management Commission meeting concerning the lack of regulatory City Of Norwalk Norwalk Shellfish Commission Regular Meeting July 10, 2025 Page 1 of 3 Page 3 of 5 oversight regarding the removal of oil tanks on Manresa Island. He has contacted Mr. Ray Frigon at DEEP to inquire about the regulatory process. A meeting is being arranged, potentially to include Chairman Kibbe, Dr. Pinto, and Mr. Steadman, to gain clarity. Mr. Bartush emphasized that the Commission supports progress but believes proper review by local experts is necessary. HEALTH DEPARTMENT Mr. Mooney came forward to deliver his report. He advised that the rainfall for June was 2.22 inches. There have been two closures. There were no bypasses reported. WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT There was no report at this time. PERMITS There was no report at this time. POLICE Sgt. Bisceglie came forward to deliver his report. He advised that there was not much to report on the shell fishing front. ADVISORY Sgt. Bisceglie reported that the water temperature is around 71 to 70. HARBOR MANAGEMENT Mr. Kibbe came forward to deliver his report. He said that the transit moorings are really busy again this year. Boaters are coming into Norwalk and spending a good amount of time. He hasn’t received a report yet on the resident moorings. Mr. Mangles is shepherding a project with the Eagle Scouts out on the islands to improve the sanitary conditions. Mr. Pinto advised that some people have reported trash and possible fires being set on Simmons Island. Sgt. Bisceglie confirmed they haven’t noticed and fires but they will increase their presence and frequent the island more. ** MR. SACCHINELLI MOVED TO ACCEPT THE REPORTS AS PRESENTED. ** MR. JOHNSON SECONDED THE MOTION. ** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. OLD BUSINESS City Of Norwalk Norwalk Shellfish Commission Regular Meeting July 10, 2025 Page 2 of 3 Page 4 of 5 26 SHOREFRONT PARK Mr. Bajek came forward to discuss this matter. He reported they’re waiting to receive a letter from The Boat Club so they may revise the plans. Then they will share with everyone and proceed with forwarding that to the state. 18 MARION AVENUE Mr. Ryder welcomed any questions the Commission may have. Chairman Bartush advised that they will approve the application pending a visit, which he has already completed. He informed Mr. Ryder to check his email for the following steps. 66 CALF PASTURE BEACH ROAD Chairman Bartush reported communication with the agent, Mr. Hiltz, has been tabled by the agent/applicant pending additional information. NEW BUSINESS SHELLFISH STATUS CALL LINE Mr. Mooney presented a proposal from the Health Department IT staff to create a web page for shellfish status reports, currently communicated via a call-in line that received 474 calls last month. Commissioners discussed the possibility of offering both options to accommodate all users, especially among seniors. Additional ideas were discussed, such as online clamming permit sales through the new system, mass text notifications for shellfish bed closures, and maintaining existing in-person payment options for those who prefer this method. Aquaculture supports the web-based system and will be involved. Mr. Mooney will work with staff on initial development and present a draft to the Commission later this year. ADJOURNMENT ** MR. JOHNSON MOVED TO ADJOURN. ** MR. HILLER SECONDED THE MOTION. ** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. The meeting adjourned at 6:55 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Zulma Roundtree City Of Norwalk Norwalk Shellfish Commission Regular Meeting July 10, 2025 Page 3 of 3 Page 5 of 5