2012-08-15CITY OF BEVERLY
PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
Board: Harbor Management Authority
Date: August 15, 2012
Location: Glover Wharf
Members Present Chair Paul Earl, Rinus Oosthoek, Maureen Troubetaris, George
Simon, David Suminsby, Chris D'Alfonso
Members Absent: Paul Miedzionoski, Wes Slate
Recorder: David Suminsby
Earl called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Public Input
Earl invited comments from the members of the public who were present.
Jeremy Harrison of the Sandy Point Beach Association provided a summary of the association's
on -going efforts. Harrison relayed thanks from the association to the BHMA for their assistance
in helping push through some of the improvements at the beach such as the improvements to the
racks and the signage. Harrison noted a couple areas at the beach that the association has
concerns about. He reported that the storm drain outflow pipe is unsafe as it is damaged and
rebar is exposed and protruding from it. He also reported that there are concerns regarding the
use of the boat ramp with some boat launchers driving around others and on to the sand.
Recreational marina customers in attendance Richard and Pat Watt commented on the current
issues with fishing in the area. They noted that even drop lines float out into the waterways and
have been known to get entangled in propellers. They thanked the board for the recent efforts to
keep fishing off the lower docks as that problem has subsided. General discussion ensued.
Newman commented that an alternative place for fishing should be on the agenda in the future.
He suggested that this should be added to the future steel float project as that project will
essentially eliminate fishing from the end of the wharf. Earl noted that the subject of fishing
comes up often and it should be treated as a separate item on the agenda.
Minutes
Earl noted that the minutes from the previous Harbor Management Authority meeting were not
available yet.
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Facilities
Brown Building: D'Alfonso reported that the construction materials ordering process has begun
to enable winter work. Newman commented that getting the restrooms operating by next season
should be a priority. D'Alfonso noted that we need to improve coordination with public
works/Mike Collins on this.
Connector: D'Alfonso noted that the problem appears to be under control as Sea & Shore has
made adjustments to the dock anchorage system and are monitoring the situation.
Gate: D'Alfonso stated that the gate is working, and the combo lock was replaced with a key
lock. Newman question how the management of the keys is working. D'Alfonso noted that
anyone can make copies of the keys, but proposed that we re -key the lock every season. Earl and
other members agreed with that approach.
Slip Status: D'Alfonso reported that two new 40' tenants are in place. D'Alfonso also reported
that he had met with Dan McPherson and observed that he had a good policy in place to handle
transient slip usage. Simon indicated an interest in finding out how the new customers were
found. D'Alfonso said he will follow up on that.
Signage: D'Alfonso reported the work commenced mid -June on this and is still in- process.
Cameras: D'Alfonso reported that the camera installation is still in queue - no change. General
discussion ensued regarding how to get this completed.
Communications: D'Alfonso indicated that the updated ordinances will be sent out to the slip
holders along with info on the Harbor Fest.
Earl asked how things are working out with the new marina manager. D'Alfonso offered that the
boaters have noted the docks are cleaner and the fishing issues have improved, but some are still
reporting seeing fishermen casting over the public docks.
Fishin
Earl introduced attorney David Smith who had comments on the fishing ordinances. Smith
indicated that he was here informally to share the concerns that some Beverly residents had
discussed with him.
Smith indicated that there may be issues with ordinances regarding access and enforcement. Of
particular concern to the residents was the question of fishing from the apron. Currently the
ordinance disallows any fishing from the apron.
D'Alfonso expressed his personal opposition as a slip holder to fishing on the apron because of
ongoing problems with fish debris and gear. Newman stated that allowing fishing on the apron
would create a point of conflict between boaters in the fairway and the fishermen. Oosthoek
pointed out that public access on the apron is for the public as a walkway.
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Earl noted that most of the ordinance was written to be flexible enough to allow for fishing in
designated areas, and proposed that the wording for the apron be updated to allow for that
flexibility as well although there are no current plans to designate it as such. General discussion
on the subject ensued.
Earl offered the following motion:
The ordinance "Sec. 22.41 Glover Wharf Regulations" to be modified as follows:
The wording of part (a) of section (4) be changed from "No fishing allowed at any time." to
"Fishing will be allowed in designated areas only."
Newman seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
Finance Report
Earl stated that the financial report needed correcting and would be reviewed at the next meeting.
Newman noted that Vine Engineering has confirmed that the estimate for the commercial float
work remains unchanged.
Grants Committee
Simon reported that current grants to be submitted are still waiting on review by Tina Cassidy.
Newman offered to follow up on this with Cassidy.
Commercial docks
Newman indicated he had met with Vine Engineering to review the project schedule. Newman
expressed his concerns regarding the effort needed to meet the March 29th completion date. He
noted the importance that the City meets its obligations during the various phases of the project.
Newman stated that the contract included a penalty clause of $1000 per day, but may need to
also address potential loss of slip customers if the completion date is missed. Newman offered to
follow up with City officials to ensure that we will be able to ensure the City's obligations for the
project are met in a timely manner. Newman stated that the project is to go to bid Sept 20th and
is to be awarded on Oct 5th. Newman noted that this would necessitate a quick turn around by
the City. Newman stated that the recreational slips would be opened to the commercial vessels
on November 1 st to allow for their movement there and the mobilization of the contractor for the
project.
New Member Search
Earl introduced Pat McAleer as a prospective new member. General discussion ensued
regarding additional candidates needed to complete the board membership.
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Harbor Fest
Earl suggested that the Harbor Fest scheduled for September 8th be dedicated to the memory of
former member Sylvan Menezes, and all agreed. General discussion followed on the details for
the upcoming event.
Next Meeting
The next meeting of the Harbor Management Authority will be held on Wednesday, September
19, 2012.
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the Harbor Management Authority this evening,
Earl moved to adjourn the meeting, the motion was seconded and carried.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:51 p.m.
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