Harbor Commission Meeting - 2020-08-12

Detailed briefing

Harbor Commission Meeting — August 12, 2020 ATTENDEES: Michael Esposito, Jeff James, Laura Coors, Tom Graham, Fred Rockwitz (remote), Bill McCullough (later participation); other attendance details were unclear in the transcript. • With the chair and vice chair absent, the commission confirmed it had a quorum under COVID-era remote-participation rules and elected Michael Esposito acting chair for the meeting. Members approved the revised July 8 minutes and approved the agenda. • Resident Carol Brown asked the commission to consider more kayak-storage racks, citing a 37-person waiting list and an estimated wait of six or seven years. She suggested locations near Zola Street/Ford Park and raised the possibility of a lottery. Commissioners said rack locations, trees, parking, congestion and access all need review. No change was adopted; the issue will return in October after the season. • The commission heard additional concern about crowding and parking at Ford Park/Zola Street, particularly on weekends. A commissioner said enforcement activity has increased and that boat launches, kayak activity, ferry traffic and trailers are creating pressure on the site. The commission will include parking and service issues in its October review. • The commission supported Steve Arbogast's effort to seek reconditioning of the Little Traverse Light Tower at Harbor Point. Arbogast described the tower as deteriorated and difficult to see from the water. Members amended the proposed language to make the support less prescriptive and noted that Coast Guard approval would be necessary for any work. The motion carried, and staff said the matter would be taken to City Council for possible support. • The harbormaster reported that replacement power poles were expected August 17, with installation planned after Labor Day so the dock can remain partly usable. Staff also repaired a moving east-dock joint, identified an electrical-cable problem, and repaired and raised the courtesy dock. Harbor revenue was reported at $146,000 through the meeting date, compared with $103,000 at the same point in 2019. • After buoy No. 46's chain failed, staff approved replacement of suspect chain and shackles across the mooring field. Divers replaced chain on the eastern third of the field at their own expense after finding a missed, zebra-mussel-encrusted worn section. Completion was expected by the October water bill. Worth watching: • Whether City Council also endorses the Little Traverse Light Tower reconditioning effort. • October decisions on kayak racks, Ford Park/Zola Street parking and possible parking provisions for mooring holders. • Completion of mooring-chain replacements and the planned post-Labor Day power-pole installation. Upcoming: No September meeting; the commission expects to review end-of-season services, parking, kayak storage and pricing in October. Why it matters: Harbor demand and revenue were strong, but the meeting identified maintenance, access and parking pressures requiring follow-through before next season.

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