11/04/26 Shellfish Commission

The Fairfield Shellfish Commission met on November 4, 2026. Procurement-related discussion included a motion, approved by the commission, to fund a replacement pump; the transcript does not state the amount. A new commercial shellfish boat is on order and expected between the meeting date and early spring. Members also discussed whether a roughly 40-foot storage container could house the commission’s boat and another vessel, estimating a possible cost of $2,500–$3,000, but no purchase decision was made. The commission discussed disposing of a shellfish tumbler through a municipal auction, with $3,500 mentioned as a possible figure; the transcript does not clearly establish that a sale was approved. The budget was reported unchanged, with a fund balance of $35,149.

Other business included shellfish-bed closures (20 days in October), permit sales and revenue, oyster restoration and educational programs, and outreach. Members discussed seeking information about a state proposal to shorten post-rain closures, while noting Fairfield follows state closure instructions; no local policy change was adopted. The 2027 clam clinic was set for June 12. The commission approved the October 14 draft minutes and adjourned.