Essex Harbor Commission Approves 2027 Mooring Fees, Harbor Services Bid Request

ESSEX, CT — The Essex Harbor Management Commission unanimously approved a new mooring permit rate structure for 2027 and a request for proposals for harbor services during its Aug. 27 meeting.

The commission also discussed improvements to South Cove navigation markers and the Nott Lane public access point, while Harbor Master Paul Riggio reported that all 10 applicants recently offered mooring permits had accepted them.

New Mooring Rates Approved For 2027

Commissioners reviewed a new mooring permit fee structure for the 2027 season before voting 4-0 to approve it and send the information to permit holders.

Jeff Going made the motion, which Kit Schellens seconded. Going, Susan Malan, Schellens and Ken Thomsen voted in favor.

Riggio will draft a notice about the rates for distribution to permit holders.

The commission also received an update on its mooring waiting list. Following a decision at the previous meeting, the top 10 people on the list were offered permits, and all 10 were issued permits.

There are now 26 applicants on the waiting list. Daniel Preli submitted a new application for a Meadows mooring Aug. 23. Updated mooring permit and Bushnell Access waiting lists have been posted on the town website.

During public comment, Daniel Dombrowik and his brother, Bob, asked whether an unused mooring at Pettipaug Yacht Club could be sublet while Daniel waits for a Meadows mooring. He was No. 4 on that waiting list, according to the minutes.

Riggio said the yacht club is required to use a certain number of moorings during the season or lose them, and they are not available for seasonal subletting.

Harbor Services Contract Goes Out For Bids

The commission voted 4-0 to approve, with discussed changes, a request for proposals for harbor services.

Going made the motion and Thomsen seconded it. Responses are due Sept. 24 and are scheduled to be reviewed at the commission's next meeting.

As part of the work, the commission is planning new markers at the entrance to South Cove. Riggio said the markers will consist of red and green mooring balls with chains about 4 feet longer than the maximum high-tide depth at their locations.

The markers are intended to identify the entrance to South Cove rather than a channel within the cove. They are expected to be installed next year and added to the harbor services contract.

Dockmaster Alex Twachtman offered to work with Riggio this fall to establish coordinates for the two markers. Going will also participate, and the group plans to check water depths at the same time.

Harbor Management Plan Remains Under Review

Commissioners are also continuing work on an updated Harbor Management Plan.

The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection directed the commission to language in Guilford's Harbor Management Plan and a DEEP model plan called Old Riverport as examples of wording the agency wants included.

Commission Chair Terry Stewart prepared a draft incorporating language from the model into Essex's Sensitive Site Appendix. The commission requested a telephone discussion with DEEP before submitting another version in an effort to address the agency's requirements before making further revisions.

The commission also received an update on research into land ownership at Thatchbed. The minutes say ownership of several small parcels is uncertain and that the parcels appear to have been abandoned. The town plans to take legal steps necessary to establish and accept ownership.

Nott Lane Signs To Be Improved

Commission member Andy Roussel raised concerns about confusing signs directing visitors to the Nott Lane public access point.

Roussel will propose clearer signage after discussions with the parties involved. The town crew will then be asked to make and install the new signs.

At Bushnell Access, John Hincks reported that 63 permitted kayaks were on the racks.

Thomsen also reported that gravel or fill had been placed behind the iron bulkhead at Mack Lane. He discussed the possibility of a dinghy access dock with the Connecticut River Museum, but museum representatives considered such a facility a potential liability and did not want to take it on. Commissioners agreed to further examine the level of demand for dinghy access.

Ferry Street Project Pushed To Next Fall

Schellens asked for an update on the Ferry Street project. The minutes describe it as an involved project and say it is now being pushed to next fall. No additional details were provided.

Commissioners were also told about a new Connecticut Port Authority Community Grant Program offering grants of up to $10,000 for eligible projects benefiting maritime communities. Stewart asked members to submit possible project ideas.

The commission unanimously approved its July 23 minutes and the July financial report, which showed a combined closing balance of $50,617.40 as of July 31 across three accounts. It also approved a $357.40 invoice for administrative support, 4-0.

The meeting began at 6:30 p.m. at Essex Town Hall and adjourned at 7:11 p.m.