Loading...
2012-02-15CITY OF BEVERLY PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES Board: Harbor Management Authority Date: February 15, 2012 Location: Beverly Public Library — Fogg Room Members Present Chair Paul Earl, Charles Raymond, Don Neuman, Sylvan Menezes, Wes Slate, Maureen Troubetaris, David Suminsby, Chris D' Alfonso Members Absent: Paul Miedzionowski, Rinus Oosthoek, George Simon Others Present: Rob Dever (Beverly Marina Manager) Recorder: David Suminsby Earl called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Public Input Earl noted that there are members of the public present. None of the public present wished to comment at this time. Discussion with Beverly Police Chief Mark Ray Paul Earl addressed the HMA and stated that there have been complaints about security issues at the marina. He noted that the recreational boater are paying a lot of money to dock their boats there and they have certain expectations which they should be entitled to. He explained that with that in mind the HMA has invited Chief Ray to the meeting to have a discussion on security. Chief Ray addressed the HMA and stated that he met with Paul Earl regarding the new slips at the marina and the vandalism that has occurred on the site. He noted that he spoke with Harbor Master Dan McPhereson regarding public access to the slip area. He noted that the gate is supposed to be locked at 10:00 p.m. and the Harbormasters patrol from 8:00 a.m. to midnight. He noted that McPhereson relayed that the problems are with boats that come up to the water side and he will have them pay extra attention to that area. He stated that he looked at the signage down there to see if it could be improved. He also noted that there is not a lot of crime reported down there. Harbor Management Authority February 15, 2012 Page 1 of 5 Chief Ray stated that he has called for directed patrols in the area explaining that a unit is assigned to that area and they would pay a little extra attention in the area. He also explained that they would do walk throughs when possible. He also noted that there are special patrols such as the bike patrol that patrol the beaches and parks in the summer and they could patrol the marina as well. Chief Ray stated that there has been some talk of installing a security camera down there and he thinks that is a great idea. He also suggested a web interface which would allow owners (with the use of a password) access to see what is going on down there. Chief Ray noted that another issue that has come up is the 10:00 p.m. restriction on public access. He stated that he is not sure if it is a city ordinance and he needs to check on that with Roy Gelineau. Chief Ray noted that the issue with the security gate has been mentioned and noted that the Department of Public Services has been responsible for locking the gates at the beaches and the parks. Neuman stated that the gate to the marina should be locked at all times and it is not supposed to be open for public access. Dever noted that public access is required until 10:00 p.m. It was noted that even if the gate is locked, people can just walk around it to get in. One member of the public present, stated that he caught someone on his boat drinking. Chief Ray asked if there is anything that can be done with the gate. Dever states that if they stick it out any further from the dock people may get hurt while accessing a dinghy. Chief Ray suggested that signage could read that the area is private unless escorted by a boat owner and if found in violation they may be subject to criminal trespassing charges. It was reported that another issue down there is casting from the lower docks. He noted that he had damage to his boat from a lure that punctured a hold in his boat. Chris D'Alfonso stated that he talked to the Harbormaster and the signs say no fishing but fishing is allowed and the city needs to make a decision, noting that the signs are irrelevant. he suggested that the signs should be kept and enforced or take them down, noting that it is confusing. Neuman noted that there is nothing mentioned in the documents for the pier about fishing, noting that the renovations were done with a grant and there was nothing specified about fishing. Dever noted that fishing is allowed but there is no casting, only drop fishing is allowed. He noted that signage should be installed stating that, noting that signage would be a deterrent. D'Alfonso stated that the directed patrols could improve things. He noted that when the Assistant Harbormaster parks his boat in the U things are very quiet down there. Harbor Management Authority February 15, 2012 Page 2 of 5 Chief Ray urged the boaters to report anything that they may see down there to the police. He noted that they review crime on a regular basis and that helps him to analyze what is happening in the city. He also suggested that the boaters introduce themselves to the officers on patrol. Wes Slate noted that the Library had some issues a while back and installed a sign noting video surveillance in the building and the problems have been reduced. Maureen Troubetaris suggested motion sensor lights be installed. Earl noted that the lighting down there is good. D'Alfonso stated that as a boater he does not have a problem with the fishing as much as he does with them leaving their waste behind, noting that they should clean up after themselves. Earl also noted that there is no handicapped access to the pier and we need to allow fishing on the water level. He asked if handicap access is in the plan after the Brown Building gets moved. Dever reported that it will not be in for this boating season, but possibly next fall. Councillor Slate noted that the council can address issues regarding the city ordinances and if they let he or Troubetaris know of an issue they can bring it to the City Council. Earl suggested that the HMA look at the options in the next month and see what can be done in the line of signage regarding fishing on the site. Earl thanked Chief Earl for his time and attending the meeting. He noted that the HMA appreciates the cooperation of the Police Department. Minutes Earl invited all to comment and offer corrections to the January 2012 minutes. Slate moved to accept the minutes as revised. Troubetaris seconded. Motion carried 8 -0. Facilities Brown Building Dever reported that National Grid has been to the site and marked the pole. He will monitor the progress of that. He also reported that the bids are out for the foundation for the Brown Building. Dever reported that there is a concern about parking during the peak season noting it is tight and when the new area is opened up it may relieve that. He explained that it gets crowded down there in July and August and on weekends. He also noted that people getting picked up by boats there leave there cars there as well. He suggested that perhaps stickers could be issued. He also noted that there are 12 spots there that could be assigned to recreational boaters. Harbor Management Authority February 15, 2012 Page 3 of 5 slips Dever reported that two slip holders have departed because of the fees. Discussion ensues regarding the slip fees and a marketing plan to fill the vacant slips. It was noted that last year there were a lot of 40 foot slips open. A Discussion was held regarding leasing 40 foot slips fir 20 foot boats. Earl noted that the HMA has developed a budget on the assumption that 24 slips would be occupied with an expected revenue of $114,000. He stated that we need to market what is available and that we have space for big boats. Neuman agreed noting that he is concerned with filling the slips with smaller boats up front. He suggested that if after marketing there are still vacancies the HMA could consider filling the slips with small boats. Neuman requested that the HMA get monthly reports tracking the slip fees. Commercial Boat Fees Dever reported that gas is forecasted to be $5.00 per gallon this summer and questions if the HMA wants to have a discussion regarding the rates. He noted that these guys are struggling. Slate noted that part of the logic with keeping the rates the same was to give the commercial boaters some consideration. He stated that he would recommend that the rates stay as they are. Earl agreed stating that the rates should be left as they are and if things go well maybe the HMA could consider a rebate at a later date. Security Cameras Earl suggested that the HMA send a letter to Mr. Leone requesting that he follow through on his promise to install a security camera at the marina. Rubber Bumpers Dever reported that the rubber bumpers got pretty beat up and need to be replaced. Earl asked if we should stock things like this that routinely need to be replaced. Dever reported that we have two or three bumpers on hand. He suggested that he would look into the cost of them. Next Meeting The next meeting of the Harbor Management Authority will be held on Wednesday, March 21, 2012. Harbor Management Authority February 15, 2012 Page 4 of 5 Adjournment There being no further business to come before the Harbor Management Authority this evening, Slate moved to adjourn the meeting. Troubetaris seconded and the motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m. Harbor Management Authority February 15, 2012 Page 5 of 5