Harbor Commission Meeting - 2023-10-11

Detailed briefing

Harbor Commission Meeting — October 11, 2023 • The commission approved several 2024 rate changes. Seasonal dockage and mooring rates will rise 3% after an initial proposed 5% increase did not pass. Transient dockage will remain at DNR Schedule I. Non-seasonal dinghy and kayak storage will increase by $10. Commercial lodging permits will rise $15 for city businesses and $20 for non-city businesses. Launch-ramp fees were discussed but not changed. • Ford Park remains in the planning stage. A committee presentation outlined possible future changes to traffic flow, trailer and car parking, pedestrian access, drainage, green space, the building, and a short-term kayak or paddlecraft drop-off area. Commissioners agreed the concepts need more review before commissioning a professional design or committing funding. Members were asked to inspect the site and send comments for a future discussion. • The harbormaster building renovation is still being planned for completion by 2025. Construction was discussed for fall 2024 through spring 2025. Bid documents may be issued in early or midwinter, but the commission had not yet received final documents. • Harbor operations were mixed but generally described as solid. The harbormaster reported transient revenue down about 5.5%, while overall revenue was up about 1.5% when seasonal revenue was included. Total registrations and boat days were also reported lower than the prior year. A new pump-out unit has been delivered and is expected to be installed in spring; a DNR grant funds 75% of its cost. • The commission asked staff to budget about $15,000 for marine patrol next season, based on roughly $13,000 spent this year. Commissioners said the increased on-water presence was useful, while noting that complaint data about boat wakes had not been established. • The Historical Society presented preliminary plans for the 2024 Blessing of the Fleet, including a partnership with Little Traverse Ferry and use of the Harbor Princess. The commission supported the general plan, subject to feasibility and operating details with the harbormaster. The society also requested that the south end of the main dock remain open for the boat parade from 5 to 7 p.m.; it said it has paid for that dockage in prior years. Worth watching: • Whether Ford Park concepts advance to a formal design, and how parking, drop-off access, drainage, and pedestrian safety are balanced. • When final harbormaster-building bid documents are released and whether the fall 2024 construction schedule holds. • Feasibility and safety details for Harbor Princess access during the 2024 Blessing of the Fleet. Upcoming: The commission may hold a meeting in early winter to revisit Ford Park and building-related items; no date was set. Why it matters: The meeting set next season’s user fees while leaving major waterfront access and facility decisions open for further public review.

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