The Town of Wethersfield hereby designates the Advisory Parks
and Recreation Board as the Harbor Management Commission under the
Connecticut Harbor Management Act (Sections 22a-113k et seq. of the
Connecticut General Statutes), the "Act," for the purpose of ensuring
the safe, proper and responsible use of the navigable waters comprising
the area located in or contiguous to the waters of the Town. The Town
of Wethersfield wishes to protect its marine-historic resources and
sensitive natural resource areas found along its harbor and in near
shore coastal waters; to provide greater public opportunities for
water-based recreational activities; to allocate water resources in
an equitable and environmentally sound manner and to maintain and
enhance navigational facilities for the benefit of all harbor users.
The membership of the Advisory Parks and Recreation Board which will serve as the Harbor Management Commission consists of seven members and two alternates who shall serve for terms of three years commencing July 1 of the year of appointment. All appointments to the Advisory Parks and Recreation Board shall be made by the Council and shall be made in such a manner that the terms of two members expire on July 1 of each year. Any vacancy on the Advisory Parks and Recreation Board shall be filled by appointment of the Council for the unexpired portion of the term for which a vacancy exists. (Wethersfield Code §§
10-61 and
10-62.)
The Harbor Management Commission shall have jurisdiction within
the area located in or contiguous to the waters of the Town as delimited
by the jurisdiction of the Town Council and bounded by the projection
of the boundary line of neighboring towns. This area includes the
Wethersfield Cove, the channel to the Connecticut River and the Connecticut
River within Town boundaries.
The Harbor Management Commission:
A. Directs the development of a municipal Harbor Management Plan pursuant
to the Act.
B. Provides an annual review of the Harbor Management Plan and makes
changes as appropriate.
C. Recommends ordinances for adoption by the Town Council which implement
the Harbor Management Plan.
D. Provides input to the Harbormaster and Town staff in the assignment
of the moorings and slips, the management of the boat launch, dock,
mooring, and anchorage areas and the collection of the boat launch,
slip and mooring fees in compliance with the local user fee system.
E. Assists staff in the coordination of all public and private agencies,
commissions and other organizations which have interest or jurisdiction
within the harbor area.
F. Conducts or causes to be conducted studies of the conditions and
operations in and adjacent to Wethersfield Cove and presents proposals
to the Town Council.
G. Requests, when appropriate, a general permit from the United States
Army Corps of Engineers and/or delegation of state inspection and
enforcement authority pursuant to Section 221-21 of the Connecticut
General Statutes.