In accordance with notice to member of the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council, a meeting was held on Tuesday, July 18, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. located at the Administration Building, Conference Room A, One Capitol Hill, Providence, RI.

Members Present
Raymond Coia, Chair
Terrence Gray, DEM
Donald Gomez
Patricia Reynolds
Stephen Izzi
Catherine Robinson Hall
Joseph Russolino
Kevin Flynn

Staff Present
Jeffrey Willis, Executive Director
Laura Miguel, Deputy Director
Benjamin Goetsch, Aquaculture Coordinator
Anthony DeSisto, Legal Counsel
Mark Hartman, Asst Legal Counsel
Lisa Turner, Office Manager, Recording Secretary
Cindy Tangney, Court Reporter
Rich Lucia

1. CALL TO ORDER

Chair Coia called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

Welcome to new Council Member Kevin Flynn.

2. Approval of the Minutes of the Previous Meeting

Chair Coia called for a motion regarding the minutes for the Tuesday, June 27, 2023 Semi-monthly Meeting.

Motion: Ms. Hall
Second: Mr. Gomez

The June 27th, 2023 minutes were approved on a voice vote with abstention from Mr. Flynn and Mr. Gray.

3. Subcommittee Reports

None were heard.

4. Staff Reports

Mr. Willis updated the Council on the following:

• Shoreline access bill intent and purpose for CRMC, AG and DEM
• Lawsuit against CRMC and RIDEM and AG’s (Mr DeSisto asked if Jeff and Terry were served)
• RISAA and URI Recreational Fishing Task – where rec fishing occurs throughout the state
• RI Governor appointed a hearing officer – process of becoming an employee of the state

5. Per Ocean SAMP § 11.9.4(H), appointment to the Fishermen’s Advisory Board of member Meghan Lapp, representing Seafood Processing Facilities

Mr. Willis gave brief accounting to Council explaining that a member of the FAB had resigned and the FAB members recommended Meghan Lapp to be replacement for Rick Hittinger.

Mr. Gomez motioned for the appointment of Meghan Lapp Mr. Gray seconded the motion.

Chair Coia polled the Council:
Mr. Flynn Aye
Mr. Izzi Aye
Mr. Gomez Aye
Mr. Russolino Aye
Ms. Hall Aye
Mr. Gray Aye
Ms. Reynolds Aye
Chair Coia Aye

6. Additional Ratification of Decision in the Matter of Jamestown Boat Yard - 2019-06-014

Mr. DeSisto explained that the ratification could be voted on by only members that were present at the meeting of the Jamestown Boat Yard. Members in attendance were Chair Coia, Ms. Reynolds, and Mr. Gomez.

Mr. DeSisto explained that in the Jamestown Boat Yard case, when the Council reviewed the Decision, the Council Chair at the time, Jennifer Cervenka, recommended a change in Findings of Fact #4 asking for the addition of the “three piers”.

There were no questions from the Council for Mr. DeSisto.

Ms. Reynolds motioned to ratify the decision as amended with changes.
Mr. Gomez seconded.

Chair Coia polled the Council:
Chair Coia polled the Council:
Mr. Russolino Abstain
Ms. Hall Abstain
Mr. Gray Abstain
Ms. Reynolds Aye
Mr. Flynn Abstain
Mr. Izzi Abstain
Mr. Gomez Aye
Chair Coia Aye

The motion to Ratify the Jamestown Boat Yard Decision passed unanimously from eligible voting members.

Applications that have been Out to Public Notice before the Council for Review and Action:

2020-04-037 JOHN BOWEN & PATRICK BOWEN - Establish a 0.97 oyster farm using submerged cases in Sapowet Cove, Tiverton, Rhode Island. Discussion and possible action on referral to the CRMC Hearing Officer based on objections received regarding the application.

Mr. Willis explained that a request came from the Bowen’s to continue the application to obtain their own legal Counsel.

Chair Coia asked for a motion to continue and reschedule at the next date available. Mr. Gomez motioned with a second from Ms. Hall.

Chair Coia polled the Council:
Mr. Russolino Aye
Ms. Hall Aye
Mr. Gray Aye
Ms. Reynolds Aye
Mr. Flynn Aye
Mr. Izzi Aye
Mr. Gomez Aye
Chair Coia Aye

Motion carried to continue the application.

7. ADJOURN

Motion to adjourn:
Motion: Ms. Hall
Second: Mr. Gomez

Motion to adjourn approved on a unanimous voice vote.

Meeting adjourned 6:22 pm.

 

Minutes respectfully submitted,

Lisa A. Turner
Recording Secretary

 

CALENDAR INDEX