Loading...
2011-01-19CITY OF BEVERLY PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES Board: Harbor Management Authority Date: January 19, 2011 Location: Beverly Public Library Members Present Paul Miedzionowski, Rinus Oosthoek, Charles Raymond, Don Neuman, Maureen Troubetaris Sylvan Menezes, George Simon, Members Absent: David Suminsby, Wes Slate Others Present: Rob Dever, Paul Earl Recorder: Eileen Sacco Neuman called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Approval of Minutes The minutes of the Harbor Management Authority meeting held on November 17, 2010 were presented for approval. Oosthoek moved approval as amended. Raymond seconds the motion. The motion carries (7 -0). Neuman introduced new Harbor Management Authority member Paul Earl, who is here this evening. Earl greeted members and explains his background noting that he runs an online education, coaching and counseling service. He notes that he has watched the progress of the waterfront over the years and he thinks that the HMA is doing good work and he is happy to be here. He also notes that he has not been sworn in by the City Clerk yet so he is here as an observer this evening. Neuman also notes that Chris D'Alphonso has also been appointed to the HMA but was unable to attend this evening. Neuman recalled that he informed the HMA members the Greg Ward was not reappointed to the Authority and Miranda Gooding resigned. He suggests that members who are available may want to join him in taking them to lunch. He will arrange a time and let members know of the plans. Members of the HMA praised the work that Ward did on behalf of the Harbor Management Authority during his tenure. Members also expressed their dismay at the Mayor's decision not to reappoint Ward. Neuman notes that Ward was an original member of the HMA. Harbor Management Authority January 19, 2011 Page 1 of 4 Draft Minutes Neuman suggests that Earl take over the role of reviewing the HMA bills for approval. Dever explains that a lot of work has been done regarding the bills and they are up to date. Public Input There was no public input at this meeting. Report from Facilities Committee Dever explains that preparations for the dredging has started. He explains that the city has a landfill deal that allows for the dredged material and it will be going to a facility in Haverhill. He notes that this is a bargain cost wise and a credit will be issued by the contractor. He also notes that the preconstruction meeting with the Conservation Commission has been scheduled. Dever also reports that Manchester Marine Mooring Service has been in the water and six new mooring blocks will be installed and will be secure in February and March. Dever reviews the waiting list for the recreational marina and notes that 20 people have confirmed that they want their spots. He also notes 12 people have paid their deposit. Neuman suggest that the HMA advertise for the additional four spots. Oosthoek agrees noting that Craig's List should be used. Dever suggests that the HMA contact boat sales businesses and let them know that spaces are available so that they can mention it to customers. Troubetaris notes that the marina is public property and it should be advertised publicly. Neuman agrees and suggests that it be advertised in the Salem News and the Beverly Citizen. Dever will contact boat businesses and Menezes will contact the Salem News and the Ciitizen. Dever reports that he talked with the city's Information Technology person about installing WiFi at the marina. He explains that it is possible. He explains the equipment needed and the costs associated with the service. He suggests that the HMA should charge a fee to cover the cost. Discussion ensues regarding ways to implement the charges. Oosthoek suggests that D'Alphonso check with tenants at the marina to see how they feel about the service for an additional charge. Neuman states that he would like to see a good cost estimate for the initial costs and then go from there. Dever reported that National Grid finally arrived to disconnect the power so that the Brown Building can be moved. He noted that the move will have to wait until spring. Dever reports that the signs have been installed at Sandy Point for the kayak racks. Oosthoek suggests that public access signage throughout the city should be checked for accuracy. Oosthoek and Simon will audit the signage and report back to the HMA. Neuman asks Dever what the status of the cameras offered by Mr. Leone in lieu of transient fees owed at the marina. Dever states that he has not talked further with Leone about that. He will follow up. Harbor Management Authority January 19, 2011 Page 2 of 4 Draft Minutes Neuman reports that he talked to the city regarding the possibility of taking credit card payments for rents. He explained that the answer was no. He explains that the city has a contract for credit card payments for taxes and water bills only. Dever reviews the Commercial Marina and the slips available down there. He notes that the city has a new fire boat that will be taking up another spot down there. He explains that there are 8 boats belonging to the city at the marina. Neuman states that a conversation should be held noting that this is lost revenue of approximately $20,000 and the rental fees for these slips should be paid from other city budgets. He also noted that it is up to the city to authorize that. Oosthoek suggests that the HMA approach the Mayor about this. Miedzionowski reports that according to his records there are 18 spaces rented at the Commercial Marina. Neuman suggests that the HMA advertise for the available slips at the Commercial Marina as well as the Recreational Marina. Outstanding Fees Miedzionowski reviews the finance report from John Dunn He reviews the outstanding balances that are owed to the HMA. Neuman reports that the City Solicitor is handling those matters and one tenant has agreed to leave by Friday. Fees for Commercial Marina Menezes reviews the rates from area marinas that Raymond complied. He notes that Beverly is at the top of range now noting that the range is $40 -$82 per foot. He recommends that the fee for the commercial marina remain as it is, noting that quite a bit of work needs to be done, and the HMA should take a look at increasing it next year. Oosthoek moves to set the rental rate for the Commercial Marina at $82 per foot for the 2011 season. Simon seconds the motion. The motion carries (7 -0). Finance Report Miedzionowski reviews the finance report from John Dunn. He notes that there is nothing new to report. Grants Committee There was no report on grants this evening. Oosthoek notes that the HMA will be notified of Seaport Council Meetings from now on. 44 -46 River Street — National Grid Proposed Proiect Menezes reports that National Grid has filed plans with various city Boards and Commissions for work to be done on the 44 -46 River Street site. He suggests that the HMA should require that they be in compliance with Chapter 91. Earl states that he will follow up on this with Tina Harbor Management Authority January 19, 2011 Page 3 of 4 Draft Minutes Cassidy. Neuman notes that he is concerned about the effect that this will have on the Bass River Dredging project. He also suggests that mitigation should be a topic for discussion. Oosthoek suggests that the HMA refile the comments made to DEP regarding this site, the last time plans were filed for the site. He will follow up on that and report back to the HMA. Software Purchase Neuman proposed that the HMA authorize him to purchase MAC software for the HMA to put files on the city server. Simon moves to authorize the purchase of MAC Software for the Harbor Management Authority in an amount not to exceed $200. Raymond seconds the motion. The motion carries (7 -0). Next Meeting The next meeting of the Harbor Management Authority will be held on Wednesday, February 16, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. Adiournment There being no further business to come before the Harbor Management Authority this evening, Troubetaris moved to adjourn the meeting. Simon seconds the motion. The motion carries The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m. Harbor Management Authority January 19, 2011 Page 4 of 4 Draft Minutes