Harbor Commission Meeting - 2021-06-09

Detailed briefing

Harbor Commission Meeting — June 9, 2021 ATTENDEES: A quorum was confirmed; two commissioners were absent. • The commission approved the April 22 special-meeting minutes with amendments. Corrections included the date of the prior meeting referenced in the minutes, wording about the waterfront fund, a name-style edit, and removal of a statement that a commissioner said did not reflect their concern about Harbor Eats parking. • Annual officer elections were completed. Jim Bartlett was reelected chair, Bill McCullough was reelected vice chair, and Karen Straub was elected secretary. Staff said the secretary role primarily includes reviewing draft minutes for corrections before they proceed. • Marina Park work is advancing: grass was reseeded, landscaping was installed, tables and benches were ordered, games were purchased for storage in a dock box, and umbrellas are expected to provide table shade. Shade sails will not be installed this season because of a misunderstanding that left insufficient time. No Harbor Eats restaurant applications had been received, though staff said some restaurants had expressed interest. • The commission discussed City Council's request for background on Ford Park launch-ramp fees, especially commercial permits. Members said rates have historically reflected maintenance needs, comparable nearby fees, public investment in the ramp, parking availability, and commercial operators' assistance to ramp users. Staff said the city needs a defensible rationale for differing commercial and other rates if challenged. • Discussion exposed disagreement over what commercial-launch data would mean. Commercial representatives said total launches alone would not reflect differing activities, parking impacts, or service types. A motion to have staff seek commercial launch data from all four commercial license holders by the end of September failed. No revised data request or fee recommendation was adopted. • The harbormaster reported a strong start to the season: seasonal slips, moorings, and kayak spots were full after replacements from waitlists. As of May 31, harbor receipts were reported at $11,000, compared with $709 on the same date the prior year. The regatta had 84 boats registered at the time of the report. Worth watching: • Whether City Council and the commission establish a shared question and process for reviewing commercial launch-ramp fees. • Whether the city clarifies the rules that list two commercial licenses while four recurring licenses currently exist. • Completion of pending Marina Park furnishings and the planned ferry and barge activity. Upcoming: The next Harbor Commission meeting is July 14 at 4 p.m. Why it matters: Ford Park policy affects public ramp access, commercial waterfront operations, parking, and the city’s ability to explain how fees are set.

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