Mr. Joseph Cabral, Town of Bristol Harbormaster present, along with Tony Teixeira, Town of Bristol Engineer. Also present is engineer, Ron Blanchard. Mr. Anderson gave a brief summary of the application to the Council stating that the application is for an expansion of their marina perimeter limit (which is the outline of the in-water facility footprint) of an existing marina owned by the Town of Bristol. Mr. Anderson stated that the permitting staff concluded that the proposal is consistent with the coastal program and recommended approval of the application. Vice Chair Lemont motioned, seconded by Mr. Gomez, approval of the application. Mr. Dawson inquired as to the need for additional parking. Mr. Cabral is put under oath and states that because the expansion of the facility was for transient boaters and explained the parking procedures as currently in place. It was clarified at the request of Mr. Dawson, that the new facility will have encapsulated floats and will the other facilities. Mr. Affigne asked how much traffic the facility will handle. Mr. Cabral stated that the facility will be very active on the weekend and the facility will also be convenient for the pumpout boats to discharge. Motion carried on a unanimous voice vote.

Ms. Rita Holahan of Pawtuxet River Authority is present as well as engineer Sam Whitin. Mr. Mike Moorman of the USDS NRCS present. Ms. Jane Austin of Save the Bay was present as STB is a project partner. Ms. Chaffee gave a brief summary of the project stating that is was a restoration project that will remove two sections of the concrete spillway at Pawtuxet Falls down which is a fish passage restoration project which is intended to benefit anadromous fish species that need upstream access to spawn. Ms. Chaffee stated that this project included the removal of two of the three sections of the existing dam resting on bedrock falls. Ms. Chaffee stated that the project will also improve the continuity of the river system; would be beneficial to the resident species in addition to anadromous fish species that are targeted; water quality improvements; and, reduction in property flooding upstream during smaller storm events. Ms. Chaffee stated that the project had also received a permit from RIDEM for freshwater wetlands. Ms. Chaffee explained that the dredging portion of the project was no longer necessary due to the mobilization of sediment after the spring floods of 2010. Ms. Chaffee stated that this project had been funded in other years by the council and that staff supported this project. Ms. Chaffee explained that sediment testing had been done and that a plan was developed for replanting of newly exposed areas. Mr. Fugate clarified that the council was essentially approving an alteration to a freshwater wetland since the dredging aspect of the project was no longer necessary. Ms. Holahan, Mr. Whitin, and Mr. Moorman are sworn in. Dr. Affigne inquired as to the ACOE permit. Ms Chaffee stated that the CRMC would coordinate with ACOE and that ACOE did not have any reservations about the project. Dr. Affigne inquired as to whether the lower stretch of the river would become tidal with the removal of the dam and if vegetation would encroach. Mr. Whitin stated that during mean high water there will be a slight influence back into the river system but that the salinity level would not change appreciably and that planting plans have been developed. Mr. Affigne asked if there were plans for more restoration projects up the river. Ms. Holahan talked about the next phase of the project being discussed which would be in the vicinity of the Warwick Mall. Mr. Dawson questioned whether the Pawtuxet River would qualify for an administrative dredging approval in the event of another storm or flooding event. Mr. Fugate explained the procedure for maintenance dredging projects. Mr. Dawson motioned, seconded my Dr. Affigne, approval of the project. Jane Austin of Save The Bay was sworn in and identified herself for the record. Ms. Austin spoke in support of the project. Motion carried on unanimous voice vote.

Present are Mr. Dan Gorriaran of the Narragansett Boat Club; Mr. Dan Potter and Mr. Jamie Reavis, Boat Club members. Mr. Anderson gave brief overview of the application to the Council stating that the applicant was proposing to expand its existing CRMC-approved floating array that facilitates the rowing shells and the support craft. Mr. Andersons stated that there would be an addition of 2,000 s.f. of float the existing and approved 2,500 s.f. of float. Mr. Anderson stated that the applicant was asking for a setback variance from the Federal navigation channel that runs up the middle of the Seekonk River. Mr. Anderson stated that the staff had no objection to the project and recommended approval of the application. Mr. Potter, Mr. Reavis, and Mr. Gorriaran were sworn in and identified themselves for the record. Vice Chair Lemont asked the applicants about the relationship between the fishermen and the rowers as he understood that there was some friction between the two groups. Mr. Gorriaran stated that he felt there was cooperation between the two groups and that only a few times were there words between the rowers and Fishermen. Mr. Gorriaran stated that they wanted to increase their rowing community. Mr. Potter stated that he is on the river every morning and that for the most part it is very friendly; only occasionally does it get uncomfortable. Mr. Potter stated that the rowing club has been using those waters since 1850 and the club was founded in 1838. Mr. Potter talked of the importance of both users sharing the resource. Vice Chair Lemont motioned approval of the application, seconded by Mr. Gomez. No further discussion. Motion carried on a unanimous voice vote.