Harbor Commission Meeting - 2022-08-10

Detailed briefing

Harbor Commission Meeting — August 10, 2022 ATTENDEES: A quorum was present; Greg Fisher attended by Zoom and could comment but not vote. • The commission approved the July 13 meeting minutes and agreed to add a harbormaster update to the agenda. No vote count was stated. • Public input on the draft 2022 Harbor Plan focused on harbor safety, wakes, and access. Commenters asked the city to encourage non-motorized use through more kayak, canoe, and paddleboard storage; raised concerns about wake boats and speeds in the harbor; and suggested considering a harbor-wide no-wake rule. Another commenter urged balance and said responsible power boaters should not be grouped with unsafe operators. • Staff summarized roughly 105-106 survey responses. The reported overall view was that summer conditions are somewhat congested. Most respondents reportedly thought the current number of docks, slips, and kayak racks was about right, while a sizable minority favored more kayak space and some additional dockage or moorings. Views of the bay and adequate facilities ranked highly among priorities. • Commissioners said the survey generally supported the Harbor Plan’s existing goals. They discussed possible edits and operational follow-up, including wording about whether additional dockage or moorings “may” increase boat traffic, Ford Park parking and circulation, walkway connectivity, dark-sky concerns, and maintenance of deteriorating Ford Park sidewalks. No substantive plan-goal change was directed at this meeting. • The commission agreed that a separate customer-satisfaction survey for transient or seasonal marina users could be useful, but said it should not delay the Harbor Plan process. • The harbormaster reported a successful regatta with 37 boats hosted at the marina. A DEC rendezvous beginning the next day was expected to bring eight boats, down from 20 initially proposed. Marina revenue was just under $147,000, compared with $153,000 at the same point in 2021; vessel registrations were 423, compared with 475. The harbormaster said guests appear to be staying longer. Worth watching: • The commission plans future discussion of whether the harbor’s no-wake zone should change, alongside concerns about enforcement and wake-related safety. • Ford Park single-car parking, unloading access, and overall circulation remain unresolved follow-through items. • Staff is seeking improved compliance with mooring-light rules and considering additional weekend help at Ford Park. Upcoming: October 12 at 4 p.m.; commissioners expect to review a final Harbor Plan draft and discuss next-year rates. Why it matters: The plan will guide how Harbor Springs balances boating, non-motorized access, safety, waterfront character, and public use of the harbor.

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