Harbor Commission Meeting - 2020-06-10

Detailed briefing

Harbor Commission Meeting — June 10, 2020 ATTENDEES: Tim Fletcher Rice, Nick Schiller, Jim Bartlett, Michael Esposito, Fred Rocklitz, Tom Graham, Al Daika, Laura Coors and Flicka Reagan were recorded present during roll call. - The commission approved the April 15 special-meeting minutes with a correction to the final sentence on page 2. The agenda was approved by consensus. - Commissioners denied Carter Williams’ request to alter a city outer-harbor mooring to provide additional safety margin for his boat. Discussion focused on preserving uniform city standards, avoiding precedent for customized moorings or docks, maintenance complications, and possible liability concerns. The commission said administration—not the commission—will determine whether the boat meets the existing 25,000-pound displacement limit. - The Little Traverse Bay Ferry Foundation reported that its vessel was being refurbished and that its Ford Park dock was expected to be completed June 26, followed by installation. The commission supported, by consensus, temporary use of the end of the two-hour dock for ferry pickup and drop-off for an anticipated three to five days if needed. Ferry representatives said school property would serve as overflow parking and staff would not park at Ford Park. - The Ford Park dock was reported under construction, with installation hoped for no later than June 28. Public and commissioner comments also raised concerns about the narrow, curving Ford Park road and boat-launch traffic. Parks staff said temporary measures would be considered for this season, while a wider road and larger turning radius are part of longer-range thinking. - Jim Bartlett was re-elected chair, and Bill McCullough was re-elected vice chair. The commission also heard that 12 electrical pedestals had been installed, but supplier delays could postpone the remaining pedestal work until fall. - On proposed shade sails for Marina Park, commissioners raised concerns about wind loading, noise, safety, maintenance, appearance, and whether a low-cost temporary installation would be suitable for the waterfront. Umbrellas, trees, and other alternatives were discussed. The comments were to be taken to the Planning Commission and City Council. Worth watching: - Administration must verify whether the Williams vessel complies with the existing mooring weight limit. - The ferry’s temporary two-hour-dock use depends on the Ford Park dock installation timeline. - Parks staff must develop a workable short-term response to Ford Park launch-road congestion and wet ground. Upcoming: The next Harbor Commission meeting was scheduled for July 8 at 4 p.m.; the blessing of the fleet was announced for July 2. Why it matters: The meeting addressed how Harbor Springs manages limited waterfront infrastructure during high water, seasonal demand, and changing public-health conditions.

No open public follow-ups are linked to this meeting yet.