Harbor Commission Meeting - 2024-05-08

Detailed briefing

HARBOR COMMISSION — MAY 8, 2024 ATTENDEES: Bill Brown, Bill McCullough, Kathy Marshall, Stan Maholic and John Baker were marked present during roll call. Sharon Maholic was introduced as a new commission member. • The commission approved the October 11 meeting minutes. Members also expressed consensus for resolutions thanking Laura Coors and Tom Graham Jr. for their service and contributions. • The Harbor Master Building renovation is moving toward bidding, but no final project approval was made; that authority belongs to City Council. Construction documents were reported complete, with construction planned from September 9 through May 15. The entire building, including its public restrooms, would be closed during construction, and stakeholders are to receive notice. • The renovation would add separate public restrooms, convert an existing restroom into a four-washer/four-dryer laundry, create a new mechanical room, improve accessible circulation, replace sidewalks and refresh existing boater facilities. The design also includes heated pavement and drains for winter restroom access, new skylights, bike racks and screened trash and recycling areas. Three parking spaces would be lost, while vehicle access to the waterfront would remain. • Cost remains a major uncertainty. The project’s stated budget basis is $500,000, but the designer said it will cost more than that. No firm ceiling or fallback plan was identified. Bid alternatives will compare standard and exposed-aggregate sidewalks and all-electric versus gas-fired systems. • The commission passed a motion recommending City Council funding for two short-term Ford Park improvements: a gravel or similar kayak drop-off pullout and repaving and reconfiguring the congested traffic lane. Work is to occur as seasonal traffic permits, either before the busiest period or in the fall. Staff will develop costs for council consideration. • A larger Ford Park redesign remains conceptual. Ideas include a circulation loop that keeps trailers off Bay Street, additional car and trailer spaces, more waterfront green space, improved pedestrian movement and kayak storage capacity of up to 120 spaces. Concerns included turning room for larger trucks and trailers, tree removal, drainage, landscaping and whether the loop solves a documented traffic problem. • The commission supported staff issuing three charter licenses and two commercial licenses. Staff said unlicensed commercial use remains difficult to monitor continuously and relies partly on reports. The Blessing of the Fleet organizers also announced continued use of the ferry dock and two ferry cruises, with required city permits still to be filed. Worth watching: 1. Whether Harbor Master Building bids exceed available funding and what City Council does without a stated cost ceiling. 2. Timing and cost of the Ford Park kayak pullout and lane work, particularly the commitment not to disrupt busy-season use. 3. Further public and board review of the conceptual Ford Park redesign, including trees and trailer turning dimensions. Upcoming: Ford Park funding was expected to go to City Council on May 20; Harbor Master Building construction was planned to begin September 9, subject to bidding and council action. Why it matters: The decisions affect public restroom access, marina services, launch safety, parking and the city’s long-term waterfront costs.

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