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2013-03-20CITY OF BEVERLY PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES Board: Harbor Management Authority Date: March 20, 2013 Location: Beverly Public Library Fogg Room Members Present Chair Paul Earl, David Suminsby, Pat McAleer, Rinus Oosthoek, Don Neuman, Paul Miedzionoski, George Simon Members Absent: Chris D'Alfonso, Maureen Troubetaris, Wes Slate Others Present: Rob Dever, Facilities Manager, Greg Howard Recorder: Eileen Sacco Earl called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Public Input Earl addressed those present and noted that public comment will be held for twenty (20) minutes this evening due to the length of the agenda that the HMA has this evening. He opened the meeting up for public comment at this time. Steve Lotito the owner of Al's Bait and Tackle Shop addressed the HMA and explained that the area on the public pier between the light poles is an area where fishing was allowed. He noted that last year the fishing allowed and this year "no fishing" signs were posted with no notice. He explained that last year squid fishing was good and it generated large amounts of people fishing in that area. He stated that it is a safe area for people to fish. He showed the HMA photos of the area. Lotito also presented a petition signed by 500 Beverly residents requesting that the HMA reopen the area between the poles. Ryan Wilkins of Peabody addressed the HMA and stated that he respects the job that the HMA does. He reported that fisherman fish almost every day from May through October. He stated that he feels that everyone should not suffer for the wrong doing of a few people. Mr. Wilkins noted that the funding source for the pier was through a federal grant through the office of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs and the project was for the public use. He requested that through a public records request that the provisions of the grant be released that show that fishing is not allowed on the pier. Earl stated that he would make that request. Mr. Wilkins also noted that enforcement and education of the people is important. Harbor Management Authority March 20, 2013 Page 1 of 5 Draft Minutes Dave Marciano a Beverly resident addressed the HMA and urged them to re -open the section of the dock between the poles. He stated that it is unfortunate to lose another section when there is so little left. He stated that he feels that the issues could be overcome through proper signage down there. Ross Kessler of the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries addressed the HMA and explained that 1/3 of the money from permits goes to support the continued public access to the fishing industry. He stated that once fishing access is lost it is typically lost for good. Kessler explained that MDMF can provide signage to the city and they are open to doing so. He stated that they would like to see an increase in recreational fishing and in the near future they are going to be offering a competitive RFP for cities and towns to apply for funding for small projects. Robert LeBel addressed the HMA and stated that he is 15 years old and he spends many of his days in the summer down at the pier. He stated that it is a good spot for kids to fish and noted that he occasionally picks up trash when he is down there. Earl addressed those present and noted that this will be the second fishing season since the completion of the renovation of the marina. He noted that last year we clearly had problems and with no ordinance to enforce anything it was challenging. He explained that now that the City Council has passed an ordinance, trash disposal and fishing area designations can be enforced by the Harbor Master and the Police Department. He explained that the HMA has the authority to designate fishing areas and the ordinance is flexible to make changes should they be needed. He also noted that signage will be installed. Earl reviewed the areas where fishing will be allowed on the public pier and on apron B. He suggested that the HMA keep fishing open in the existing areas and install appropriate signage be installed. He also noted that the HMA would keep an eye on things for the next few months and encouraged the fisherman to attend HMA meetings. Earl also noted that he wanted the signage to be positive in nature and stated that perhaps temporary signage would be installed for the time being. Minutes The minutes of the Harbor Management Authority meeting held in February 21, 2013 were presented for approval. Oosthoek moved to approve the February 21, 2013 minutes as amended. Miedzionoski, seconded the motion. The motion carried. Facilities Report Dever reported that six slips are confirmed for this year so far. Harbor Management Authority March 20, 2013 Page 2 of 5 Draft Minutes Dever reported that there is a problem with the concrete curing in the commercial side of the marina. He explained that it is not curing as fast as it should noting that they cannot pop the mold until it is at 4,000 pounds. Dever reported that the bathrooms need heat and hot water and it is supposed to be finished by the end of March. Earl suggested that Mike Collins be invited to the next meeting of the HMA to discuss the marina. He noted that the boaters should be promised restrooms. Neuman noted that there are limited resources for the DPW and that needs to be considered. Dever reported that Mayor Scanlon has gone to the state for more money to complete the project. Earl explained that the bid is $150,000 over the budget and we will have to take the money from the enterprise fund. He also suggested that if we watch spending and concentrate on renting all of the slips, we should be able to partially replenish the fund. Suminsby reported that he spoke with Chris D'Alfonso and he relayed that there is concern about the schedule and whether people will be able to get their boats in on time. Earl stated that we need to get a date for boaters to come in and then it is up to us to get them in when they want. He also noted that the contractor is aware of the April 1 st date. He explained that the delay could be because of the slips and floats installation and suggested maybe it could be arranged so that they could get half of the marina functional. Marketing Suminsby reported that the banners advertising the slips have been made and one is hanging in the McDonalds building. He also reported that they have met with some local boat dealers and they would not be interested in slips because they need a travel lift. Suminsby reported that there was an issue with the mailing list but it was solved and labels will be made and the mailing will go out soon. D'Alfonso reported that flyers will be going out as well. Suminsby requested that he be reimbursed $192.93 for expenses incurred for marketing and advertising for the marina slips. Simon moved to authorize the reimbursement of $192.93 to David Suminsby for expenses incurred for marketing and supplies for the marina slips. McAleer seconded the motion. The motion carried. Finance Harbor Management Authority March 20, 2013 Page 3 of 5 Draft Minutes Miedzionoski reported that there is a wide swing in the amount for the fund balance and explained that John Dunn had warned that there would be a wide swing due to the payments for the project. Earl reported that the two lobster boats that did not pay in 2012 have had liens placed on them and they have agreed to a payment schedule for 2013 over four months. He also explained that they have agreed to pay in advance for 2013 or their boats will be removed from the marina. Active Proiects Ordinance Update Oosthoek explained the proposed fishing areas on the map to those present. He noted that the J area there should be no commercial fishing. He noted the areas where fishing is to be allowed. Miedzionoski stated that he agrees that fishing should not be allowed on Apron A where the recreational dock starts. McAleer agreed with Miedzionoski and stated that fishing on the Apron starting from the bow of the fire boat westward of docked vessels is acceptable. Simon stated that the Apron is good and fishing on the end of the pier makes sense. Oosthoek explained that the boaters are against allowing fishing near their boats. Earl reported that he went down there today and stated that he would like to talk with the boaters who had concerns. He stated that he understands their concerns and they pay a lot of money to keep their boats there and they should expect some consideration in return. Suminsby reported that he talked with D'Alfonso who keeps his boat down there and his concern is that there were incidents down there last summer and his boat was damaged. He stated that he supports open access in the area B Apron and he feels that is reasonable public use of the pier. Neuman stated that we need a compromise and suggested that we start with this recommendation and see what happens. He noted that we have to provide open waterway access to the harbor and recommended trying this and if there are problems work to address them. McAleer stated that he thinks that this is a good start to a compromise for all interested parties and that self enforcement by those fishing the area is important. He also stated that he has heard a lot of positive comments this evening. Harbor Management Authority March 20, 2013 Page 4 of 5 Draft Minutes Miedzionoski moved to approve the recommended plan for fishing areas on the public pier at Glovers Wharf. Simon seconded the motion. The motion carried (6 -1) with Oosthoek opposed. Earl suggested that the signage for the pier be replaced and that it be positive. Dever reported that the DPW will put them up. Oosthoek and McAleer will work on the proposed signage for the pier. Earl requested that the signs between the poles be removed and that a temporary sign allowing fishing be installed. Public Pier Repairs Dever reported that the light posts are in and brand new planks will be installed. Bass River Dredging Neuman reported that the grant application for the remainder of the permitting process has been submitted. He noted that Dave Gelineau is working on the larger grant. Public Walkway under Bridge Neuman reported that the schedule has slowed down due to the right of easement for the project. He explained that the state is waiting on the city and he will follow up with Tina Cassidy. Document Archiving Neuman reported that the National Grid Study has been put up on the server. Grants Committee No report. Other Business Next Meeting The next meeting of the Harbor Management Authority will be held on Wednesday, April 17, 2013. Adiournment There being no further business to come before the Beverly Harbor Management Authority this evening, Simon moved to adjourn the meeting. Miedzionoski seconded and the motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m. Harbor Management Authority March 20, 2013 Page 5 of 5 Draft Minutes