Harbor Commission Meeting - 2022-03-16

Detailed briefing

Harbor Commission Meeting — March 16, 2022 • The commission reviewed the updated Harbor Plan draft. Staff said the document refreshes data and clarifies language but does not yet change goals or objectives. Commissioners asked staff to consider adding context on marina-funded parking, COVID-19’s possible effect on recent boating data, dock and mooring inventory east of Artesian, and outdated legal citations. The goals-and-objectives discussion is planned for May, followed by public surveys and public-information meetings. • The commission approved advisory guidance for enforcing the “boom down” provision in Wallstrom Dock & Dredge’s lease: when the vessel is stored, the end of the crane boom should match the height of the spud. Operators said lowering the boom farther increases equipment strain, while commissioners favored the spud-height reference because it is visible without anyone needing to inspect the crane’s angle indicator. • The Historical Society outlined its 10th-year Blessing of the Fleet plans, including a museum exhibit, history talk, possible historic-schooner tours, and the boat parade. The commission supported reserving dockage for a schooner for three nights, with normal dockage charges and the specific boat to be confirmed by mid-May. The group also flagged that viewing access at the end of the dock may depend on which schooner is used. • The commission approved a Detroit Athletic Club rendezvous for Aug. 11-14 as a one-year arrangement. The event is capped at 20 boats, and the club must provide commitments to the harbormaster by July 1. Members discussed last year’s no-shows but did not adopt a deposit requirement. • Staff reported that 16 West Dock power poles will be replaced this spring. The Harbor Beach building flooded and will require carpet replacement, though staff said electrical equipment was not damaged. As of the meeting, 99 boats were registered for the regatta and seven were on a waitlist. • Ferry details remained incomplete. Staff said requested information had not been received by the meeting; one commissioner said the ferry is planning to return with its existing vessel after thruster and fuel-tank work, while the larger vessel previously discussed is not expected. Worth watching: • Harbor Plan goals, objectives, survey questions, and public-engagement process are due for May discussion. • Blessing of the Fleet schooner selection and dock-use logistics are expected to be clearer by mid-May. • The Detroit Athletic Club’s July 1 boat-commitment deadline will determine the scope of its August rendezvous. Upcoming: The next regular Harbor Commission meeting is scheduled for May 11 at 4 p.m. at City Hall. Why it matters: The commission’s decisions affect harbor planning, marina operations, seasonal dock capacity, waterfront events, and public access.

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