Harbor Commission Meeting - 2024-07-10

Detailed briefing

Harbor Commission — July 10, 2024 ATTENDEES: Harbor Commission members, city staff, the Harbor Master, police representatives and members of the public. • The commission approved the June meeting minutes with a correction adding August 9 as the date connected to a previously discussed Northern Michigan celebration and dockage request. No vote count was stated. • Commissioners reached a consensus to avoid a major Ford Park reconstruction in the near term. Instead, staff will explore targeted changes, especially widening the east-west drive, maintaining or adjusting the launch ramp, preserving the kayak unloading area and considering how longer boat trailers can be accommodated. Staff is expected to return with cost estimates, particularly for widening the road. • Two bids for the Harbor Master building project came in at approximately $1.9 million and $2.5 million. Staff said only two contractors bid and others cited insufficient time and difficulty securing subcontractors. The commission viewed the project as unaffordable in its current form and favored scaling back the scope, allowing a longer bid period and reconsidering elements beyond the original restroom-focused concept. Staff will take the bids and analysis to City Council. • The commission supported pursuing an agreement with the Michigan DNR marina reservation system for some transient slips. Commissioners said a reservation option could attract boaters who need certainty before traveling while leaving other space under local management. Staff is to obtain the proposed contract and verify costs, training and operating terms before returning it for review. • Public speakers requested security cameras after a vehicle was heavily damaged in a hit-and-run while parked near the marina. Staff was asked to review camera practices at other marinas and any privacy concerns. Staff also agreed to look into weak internet service near some slips and whether an antenna can be redirected. • The Harbor Master reported approximately $71,000 in transient revenue to date, compared with $48,000 at the same point last year. The marina passed its electrical inspection. The upcoming regatta remained at 100 boats, but larger average boat sizes are creating dock-capacity concerns; the Harbor Master plans to discuss future fleet size with event organizers after this year’s event. Worth watching: • Whether City Council authorizes a reduced Harbor Master building scope or a future rebid. • Ford Park widening costs and any recommendation on oversized trailer parking. • Final terms of the proposed state reservation agreement. Upcoming: The next Harbor Commission meeting was announced for August 14 at 4:00 p.m. Why it matters: The commission is balancing marina safety, capacity and visitor access against limited Waterfront Fund resources and sharply higher construction costs.

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