BHMA Minutes October 21, 2020
Harbor Management Authority
Minutes of October 21, 2020 Meeting
CITY OF BEVERLY
PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
Board: Harbor Management Authority
Date: October 21, 2020
Location:Virtual via Google Meet
Members Present:Chair Paul Earl, Vice Chair Emily Flaherty, Todd
Callaghan, Larry Herman, Don Neuman, George Simon,
David Suminsby, Estelle Rand
Members Absent:Todd Rotondo
Others Present:Sean Ciancarelli (Marina Manager), Jim LaMarche
Recorder:Brett Bauer
Earl calls the meeting to order at 7:00 pm and roll call is taken.
Falco Presentation by Guest, Jim LaMarche
LaMarche presents a new technology platform for marinas called Falco by a company based in
France. It is a low power mesh network for rugged environments to measure metrics and collect
data. It is a way to bring the internet-of-things to a marina. LaMarche pitches the system to meet
the expectations of a new demographic of boaters, a way to plan for marina growth, a way to
provide information to boaters about their vessels, and a way to optimize operations. Sensors are
installed at the marina and on boats. There is a marketplace platform that can be used for contract
management, marina services, and third-party services such as takeout orders from restaurants.
No systems currently exist in the U.S., and LaMarche is looking for a marina to pilot the system.
Additional features coming out in the future include mooring monitors and kayak monitors. Earl
notes that there may be grant opportunities from the state for marina innovations, and this is an
opportunity for Beverly to be a model of innovation for public marinas.
LaMarche responds to questions from HMA members. He indicates that about ten boaters would
need to participate to make the pilot feasible. The range of the system is only within the marina
area. The boater app is fairly intuitive but the marina manager app may require more tech
savviness. The system typically integrates with a marina’s current management software. As
marina’s in Europe are typically much larger, the company is still learning how to adapt the
system to the U.S. marina market.
Callaghan is not sure if the system fits into a marina as small as Glover Wharf, but he is happy to
support a pilot if the cost is not too high. He would also like to be able to detect anglers to have
more data on this use of the marina and pier. Flaherty feels the value of the system would be
more for boat owners than for the marina manager. Earl notes that the next step would be for
LaMarche to submit a proposal for a pilot in the next two weeks. A vote to accept the project
could occur at the November meeting, and if approved, installation could begin in January or
February.
Approval of Minutes
Herman motions to approve the September 16, 2020 minutes. Seconded by Callaghan. Neuman
offers some corrections. The motion as amended is approved by roll call, 8-0.
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Harbor Management Authority
Minutes of October 21, 2020 Meeting
Financials Report
Earl reports that the financials are in good shape. The capital fund is at $440k and he has
included a line for the WIF (Waterfront Improvement Fund) at $100k. Earl adds that the
revenues and expenses are tracking well with last year’s numbers. Ciancarelli asks if the HMA
would allow recreational boats to stay later into the season since the many started the season late
because of COVID. No objections are heard.
Kayak/SUP Racks
Earl reports that the updated application for kayak rack space has been reviewed and he has
incorporated the edits provided by Callaghan and Rotondo. The contact information provided on
the application will be the HMA/Glover Wharf phone number. Ciancarelli is checking to make
sure the phone number still works. Earl adds that the application will reference the ordinance
about private property being left on public property. Callaghan asks how long it takes to cover
the cost of the racks. Earl responds about three to four years.
Signage Replacement
Flaherty reports that they are still waiting for the signs to be installed. The production of the
signs is estimated to be completed on 10/27. Flaherty will follow up with her contact after that
date.
Bass River Debris Clean Up
Flaherty reports that a clean-up contractor was looking at the site and found less debris than seen
previously. It appears that someone might have already removed some of the debris.
Bass River CAD cell
Neuman reports that the Mayor has approved getting started on all the work up to the permitting
for this project. Neuman is working with Foth and City officials on the grant application which is
due 11/1. Neuman adds that the grant application questions are written for a dredging project,
and it is tricky to answer them for CAD cell feasibility. Callaghan notes that New Bedford’s
waterfront economic development is strongly linked to their embrace and funding of CAD cells.
Commercial Area Grant - Hoist
Ciancarelli reports that Josh from GZA has submitted an invoice that covers the Chapter 91
permitting and the borings. He is still waiting to see their report/preliminary designs. Earl adds
that some pressure should be put on GZA to provide initial design drawings quickly so that
Chapter 91 potential issues can be resolved.
Public Pier Planks Replacement Grant
Ciancarelli reports that Barrett worked on the grant, and he felt it was worth adding a new fish
cutting table and water supply. The grant is for $15k. No match is required, but Earl indicates
that the HMA can consider contributing $5k if/as needed.
Transient/Commercial Float, Pier Appendage, and Fishing Float
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Harbor Management Authority
Minutes of October 21, 2020 Meeting
The recently formed working group to discuss this topic has not met yet and needs to set a date.
Facilities Report
Ciancarelli reports that LED replacement pedestal light has been received and is waiting to be
installed. He has also received replacement piling caps that are also waiting to be installed. Earl
asks Ciancarelli to notify HMA members when the LED light has been installed so that they can
see how it looks on the recreational floats at night.
Facilities Committee
Simon and Suminsby discussed the rates for the recreational marina and the kayak racks, and
they recommend leaving rates the same. Ciancarelli notes that there is a significant waiting list.
Herman motions to accept the recommendation of the Facilities Committee and keep rates the
same for the recreational marina and kayak racks. Flaherty seconds the motion. The motion is
approved by roll call, 8-0.
Obear Park Coastal Resiliency Grant
Flaherty reports that a site walk is scheduled to determine the needs for a consultant and
eventually hire a consultant.
Resilient Together - Beverly/Salem Climate Action and Resilience Plan
Earl and Ciancarelli attended a meeting to kick-off this project. Earl encourages all to spread the
word and feels this initiative is important to build awareness.
Congress Street Pocket Park
Earl reports that he is still working with the city to clear up the legal issues with the right-of-way.
Earl has updated the previously submitted application with the new dates. Callaghan notes that
the Open Space Committee brought this project to the Mayor’s attention.
Adjournment
There being no further business before the Harbor Management Authority this evening, Herman
makes a motion to adjourn. Callaghan seconds. Motion to adjourn approved by roll call (8-0).
The HMA Meeting is adjourned at 9:15 pm.
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