Harbor Commission Meeting 10.12.2022

Detailed briefing

Harbor Commission Meeting — October 12, 2022 • The commission approved the Harbor Plan in its current form, pending outstanding updated data from Tip of the Mitt. Members said the missing material is expected to be data rather than policy changes. The plan will next go to City Council and, pending that process, to the State of Michigan and both townships. • Commissioners discussed a proposal to make the entire harbor no-wake. They did not change the current dual-zone system. Comments reflected concerns about paddler safety and wakes, but also concern that a full no-wake designation could be difficult to reverse and would limit some small powerboat use. Members said more data, education and enforcement are needed before reconsidering a rule change. • The commission voted to recommend that City Council hire a dedicated seasonal marine patrol officer, funded through waterfront funds, for approximately mid-June through mid-September. The stated goals are a more consistent on-water presence, education and enforcement during busy periods. The police chief said the department expects to be able to provide more patrol coverage than it did this year, though not necessarily a full-time dedicated officer. • For the 2023 season, seasonal dock-slip and mooring rates will rise 8%. Launch-ramp permit rates will remain unchanged. Transient mooring rates will increase from $25 to $30 for smaller boats and from $35 to $40 for larger boats. Non-seasonal dinghy and kayak storage will rise from $200 to $215, while seasonal mooring-holder dinghy storage remains $50. The commission also kept transient dockage at the current state Schedule I rate. • Every boat launching at Ford Park will be required to have the applicable launch permit. Commercial launch-permit rates remain $400 for city businesses and $600 for non-city businesses. Members said implementation details still need to be worked out because current permits are associated with vehicles. • The commission recommended a five-year Dock and Dredge lease renewal at $6,000 per year, subject to state-related contingency language. It also approved hosting up to eight Great Lakes 52s racing boats from August 7 through August 14, 2023. Worth watching: • City Council action on the proposed dedicated seasonal marine patrol officer. • Follow-through on public education, enforcement coverage and possible future no-wake review. • State guidance on whether commercial operations can continue at Ford Park under funding restrictions. Upcoming: The next regular meeting is May 10, though members said a winter meeting may be needed. Why it matters: The commission’s actions balance harbor access and boating activity with safety enforcement, rising operating costs and long-term waterfront use.

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