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RI Coastal Resources Management Council

...to preserve, protect, develop, and restore coastal resources for all Rhode Islanders

In accordance with notice to members of the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council, a meeting was held on Tuesday, March 8, 2011 at 4:00 p.m. in Conference Room C of the Administration Building, One Capitol Hill, Providence, RI.

Members Present
Michael Tikoian, Chair Paul Lemont, Vice Chair Dave Abedon Donald Gomez
Robert Driscoll Ray Coia Ron Gagnon, RIDEM

Staff Present
Grover J. Fugate, Executive Director Jeffrey M. Willis, Deputy Director Dave Reis, Spv Environmental Scientist Jim Boyd, Coastal Policy Analyst Caitlin Chaffee, Policy Analyst
Brian Goldman, Legal Counsel

Members Absent
Bruce Dawson

1. CALL TO ORDER

Chair Tikoian called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. (Stenographer to record the opening remarks.) Chair Tikoian thanked Council members for adjusting their schedule to be able to attend the meeting at an earlier time.

2. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING:

Chair Tikoian called for approval of the minutes from the previous meetings. Vice Chair Lemont motioned, seconded by Mr. Coia, for approval of minutes from February 22, 2011 meeting. Motion carried on a unanimous voice vote.

3. STAFF REPORTS

There were none

4. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

Vice Chair Lemont informed that Council that the Ocean SAMP Subcommittee had met on March 1, 2011 and that the subcommittee was seeking concurrence to revise the Ocean SAMP to address comments received from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Revisions to go out to notice.

5. EDUCATIONAL SERIES -- James Boyd, CRMC – the new RI Stormwater Manual

Mr. Boyd presented a brief overview of the development and implementation of the new 2010 state stormwater manual adopted by both DEM and CRMC through their respective regulatory programs. The new stormwater manual was revised in accordance with the requirements of the 2007 "Smart Development for a Cleaner Bay Act" (RIGL § 45-61.2). Mr. Boyd also explained the benefits of using low impact development techniques for treating and managing stormwater runoff as compared to conventional methods.

6. Coastal Habitat Restoration Trust Fund Applications before the Council for Review and Decision:

Projects recommended for FULL funding:

1. Gilbert Stuart Fish Ladder and Eelway Adjustments ($1,580)
2. Hog Island Salt Marsh Restoration ($2,300)
3. Shady Lea Fish Passage and Dam Assessment ($8,000)
4. Fish Passage Improvements to the Palisades Fishway ($20,000)
5. Factory Pond Bypass Fishway ($25,000)
6. Goosewing Beach Salt Marsh Restoration ($27,089)
7. Acquisition of aerial Imagery and Performance of Field Work to Update Mapping of Eelgrass (Zostera marina) in Rhode Island ($55,000)

Projects recommended for PARTIAL funding:

1. Fish Passage Improvements to the Main Street Dam and Fishway ($45,000)
2. Substrate Enhancement in Ninigret Pond ($41,031)

Contingency List of Projects:

1. Acquistion of Aerial Imagery and Performance of Field Work to Update Mapping of Eelgrass (Zostera marina) in Rhode Island (additional $5,000)
2. Gilbert Stuart Fish Ladder and Eelway Adjustments (additional funding if required)

Ms. Chaffee briefed the Council on the Coastal Habitat Restoration Fund stating that the Technical Advisory Committee met on February 16, 2011 and the nine projects before the Council were recommended for funding; seven for full funding and two for partial funding. Ms. Chaffee explained that five projects were for new fish passages and improvements to existing fishways; two projects were for salt marsh restoration; one eelgrass mapping project; and one shellfish restoration project. Ms. Chaffee explained the funding percentages from state, federal and local monies. Ms. Chaffee talked about the project timeframes stating that funding requirements allowed for no longer than a two year period for completion of the project. Vice Chair Lemont asked about the Hunts Mills project. Ms. Chaffee stated that the construction on the Hunts Mills project and Turner Reservoir project on the Ten Mile River is in progress. Ms. Chaffee stated that the Turner Reservoir project construction was delayed because of issues with the dewatering structure (coffer dam) leaking but the Hunts Mills project is now progressing on schedule. Mr. Abedon asked about eelway adjustments. Ms. Chaffee explained that some of the fishway passages required additional structuring to ease eel migration. Chair Tikoian inquired about the $55,000 for aerial imagery. Ms. Chaffee explained the funding for the eelgrass mapping stating that it is important to know where eelgrass is to prioritize eelgrass restoration sites. Vice Chair Lemont motioned, seconded by Mr. Coia, for funding approval. Motion carried on unanimous voice vote.

Brief recess.

7. APPLICATIONS WHICH HAVE BEEN OUT-TO-NOTICE FOR 30 DAYS AND ARE BEFORE THE FULL COUNCIL FOR DECISION

2010-11-067 FOX ISLAND – Construct and maintain an outfall pipe and diffuser for the desalinization system at Fox Island. Original work was approved by CRMC Permit 2005-08-076 in 2005 and the desalinization system and piping from the house to the well was completed, but the outfall pipe from the well to the permitted outfall location and diffuser was not installed before the permit expiration date. Located at plat 31, lot 48; Fox Island, North Kingstown, RI.

Ms. Laura Ernst, Senior Project Manager of Land and Coastal Services, LLC was present for the applicant. Mr. Reis gave a brief overview of the project stating that it was a continuation of an approved project that had expired prior to the completion of the desalinization system. Mr. Reis stated that there were no objections to the project from staff. Vice Chair Lemont asked what prevented the application from being approved administratively. Mr. Fugate stated that projects with in-water activity and new point source discharge require a Category B review which requires Council approval. Vice Chair Lemont motioned, seconded by Mr. Coia, for approval of project. Motion carried on unanimous voice vote.

2000-01-037 GARY REIS – Modification of assent – Modify design of an existing assented residential boating facility. The applicant seeks to extend the facility 20 feet further seaward than it currently exists by constructing an additional fixed pier and installing a new ramp and terminal float. The proposed facility is to extend 95 ft. seaward of the cited Mean Low Water mark. Located at plat Y-1, lot 7; 82 Harbour Island Road, Narragansett, RI.

Mr. Gary Reis was present. Mr. David Reis gave brief overview of application to the Council stating that the reason for the modification was to gain an additional 20 feet of dock space. Mr. Reis stated that there were no staff objections to the project. Mr. Coia motioned, seconded by Mr. Driscoll, approval of application. Mr. Gomez recommended that the motion include the staff recommended stipulations for restoration requirements. Mr. Coia amended motion to include staff stipulations. Motion carried on unanimous voice vote.

8. CATEGORY “A” LIST

None held.

Chair Tikoian asked about the schedule of future agenda for March 22, 2011 meeting and the scheduling of the Bard application. Mr. Willis stated that the continuation of the Bard application was tentatively set for the April 12, 2011 meeting.

9. ADJOURN

Vice Chair Lemont motioned, seconded by Mr. Coia, to adjourn. Motion carried on unanimous voice vote. Meeting adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,
Lisa A. Mattscheck
Recording Secretary

CALENDAR INDEX

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