[Added 8-1-2011; amended 8-20-2018]
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.