Harbor Commission 10.13.2021

Detailed briefing

Harbor Commission | October 13, 2021 - The commission approved revised commercial-license language for forwarding to City Council. The revisions replace specific references to jet skis and WaveRunners with broader personal-vessel language; call for commercial-license review and approval at a special Harbor Commission meeting in April or May; set seasonal license fees as payable by April 1; and provide that an appeal of a license suspension or revocation should first go to the Harbor Commission and then City Council. Staff said it would probably take the item to Council on November 1. - Members reviewed newly collected harbor-plan data. The report found increased north-shore private moorings, increased south-shore dock slips, more launches, and a major increase in kayaks and stand-up paddleboards compared with the prior plan period. The report also noted that Petoskey and Bay Harbor marinas were full. Members said the data will inform later discussion of harbor goals, capacity, density, public access, and whether changes are needed. - The commission discussed gathering harbor plans or other available information from communities such as Petoskey and Charlevoix. Staff said it could provide available documents, while cautioning that Harbor Springs may be difficult to compare directly because of its geography and shore-side constraints. Public input on the harbor plan was expected during the summer, with a hoped-for plan approval by October or November 2022. - Rather than continue pursuing a new harbormaster building, members discussed a potentially less costly two-part approach: renovate the existing building for needs such as laundry facilities and possibly boater space, while considering a separate Marina Park shelter/restroom structure in the northwest corner. The existing new-building estimate discussed was about $1.2 million before parking and other improvements. Staff said it would bring the concept to City Council for direction and possible planning funds. - A ferry operator asked the commission to consider a larger replacement ferry, citing weather-related cancellations, passenger comfort, limited seating and bike capacity, and demand. No approval was given. Commissioners requested a specific proposal showing vessel size, docking needs, operations, parking implications, and other impacts before considering the matter at a special meeting. - For 2022 marina rates, the commission rejected an increase from state transient-rate Schedule I to Schedule J after a tied vote, then approved keeping Schedule I. It also approved a 3% increase in seasonal dock-slip and mooring rates. The commission approved the Boyne City Yacht Club’s return rendezvous for mid-June 2022. Worth watching: - Whether City Council supports planning for the harbormaster-building renovation and separate public-restroom/shelter concept. - The ferry operator’s forthcoming larger-vessel proposal and its effects on Fort Park traffic, parking and docking. - How harbor-plan outreach addresses capacity, launch activity and the two-level wake system. Upcoming: The next regular meeting was scheduled for March 16, 2022, at 4 p.m. at City Hall. Why it matters: The commission’s rate, facility and planning choices will shape both harbor services and public waterfront use.

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