Harbor Commission Meeting 3.24.2021

Detailed briefing

Harbor Commission Meeting — March 24, 2021 ATTENDEES: Roll call was conducted; the transcript records commissioners and remote participants, though some names and speaker labels are inconsistently transcribed. • The commission approved the October meeting minutes after a correction to a member's name. No other correction was described. • Commissioners agreed to return to normal enforcement of the seasonal occupancy rule that had received a blanket COVID-19 waiver the previous year. The discussion stated that a city manager may still consider individual, fact-specific requests under the existing rule, such as circumstances preventing a seasonal boater from using a slip. • The Detroit Athletic Club received unanimous approval for a rendezvous of approximately 20 boats from Wednesday, August 11 through Saturday, August 14. The group must provide confirmation details to the harbormaster by July 1. The commission selected these dates rather than the weekend immediately after the regatta because that period is high demand and the harbor was described as near full occupancy. • The Detroit Athletic Club said its event is part of a long-running Harbor Springs tradition and that it can provide needed participation specifics in advance. The harbormaster said any boats seeking to arrive before the rendezvous would remain subject to the marina's first-come, first-served approach and seven-day stay rule; earlier dockage would not be guaranteed. • The Marina Park Committee's first meeting focused on introductions, members' initial visions, and the possible effect of the harbormaster building's location. Its immediate priority is short-term, nonpermanent improvements such as landscaping, shade, picnic tables, or grass repair. A short-term proposal may go to City Council by mid- or end-May. • The harbormaster reported that an electrical inspection had begun and was expected by no later than the following Monday. Surplus five-foot floating dock sections are planned for reuse to replace the Shoppers Dock transition/trestle section, which had problems during high water and east winds. Work was expected before the marina's mid-May opening, weather and ice permitting. Worth watching: • Whether the Detroit Athletic Club meets its July 1 confirmation deadline and how many boats ultimately participate. • The Marina Park Committee's short-term recommendation and the funding amount available for it. • Completion of electrical inspection and dock work before the mid-May opening. Upcoming: Marina Park short-term proposal anticipated by mid- or end-May; marina opening targeted for mid-May; Harbor Commission electrical update anticipated at its June meeting. Why it matters: The actions balance organized boating events and marina safety improvements with access for general transient boaters during a busy summer period.

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