Harbor Commission Meeting - 2023-05-10

Detailed briefing

Harbor Commission Meeting — May 10, 2023 ATTENDEES: Bill McCullough, Laura Coors, Chip Everest, Tom Graham Jr., Karen Serradonelli, Bill Brown, John Baker, Matt Baghera, and Greg Fisher were recorded present; JB was reported absent. • The commission approved minutes from its December 14 meeting and added a new-business discussion of a potential stand-up paddleboard unloading area at Ford Park. • Annual commercial licenses were approved for Irish Boat Shop and Walstrom Marine, the two applicants received this year. One member said they should abstain because they work for Irish Boat Shop. Staff said any additional applications could be presented at the June 14 meeting if submitted. A prospective boat-rental operator had been told of permit and trailer-sticker requirements but had not applied. • Staff reported progress toward hiring a new marine patrol officer. A Harbor Springs resident and retired firefighter was interviewed and was awaiting a background check. The hoped-for goal was to train and have the person operating by June 1. Proposed hours would supplement existing patrol coverage, generally extending service from around noon or 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. most days, weather permitting. Staff expected the two patrol positions to remain under the $30,000 budget. • Bob Thoma was hired to assist or potentially take over high-demand launch-ramp shifts from Mary Jane, primarily Saturdays and Sundays. Members discussed recognizing Mary Jane's years of service, but first wanted to determine whether she planned to return. • The Historical Society said the Blessing of the Fleet will continue its established harbor-cruise program, with dockage again donated by Wahlstrom. The group is taking on the sunset cruise and plans to have its curator present a history of the harbor. It also reported ongoing work with Odawa representatives on the on-land ceremonial component. • The city selected Mark Boudet as architect for final Harbor Master building plans and construction documents. Commission review is anticipated sometime in summer, with a hoped-for late-fall bid process for 2024 construction. The project will also require Planning Commission review. • Members discussed allowing short-term unloading of paddleboards and kayaks near the southwest corner of Ford Park. Concerns included muddy ground, grass damage, parking demand and traffic flow. Staff said they would consult DPW; gravel or another surface was discussed as a possible low-cost interim option. Worth watching: • Whether the marine patrol candidate completes the background check and begins work by the hoped-for June 1 timeline. • DPW feedback and any action on a Ford Park paddleboard/kayak unloading area. • Delivery of final Harbor Master building plans and the proposed 2024 construction schedule. Upcoming: The next meeting was identified as June 14, when additional commercial-license applications may be considered if received. Why it matters: The commission is preparing harbor staffing, launch operations, events and facilities for the summer boating season while considering safety and access improvements at Ford Park.

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