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2013-08-21CITY OF BEVERLY PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES Board: Harbor Management Authority Date: August 21, 2013 Location: Glovers Wharf (McDonalds Building) Members Present Chair Paul Earl, David Suminsby, Pat McAleer, Rinus Oosthoek, Don Neuman, Paul Miedzionoski, Chris D'Alfonso, Maureen Troubetaris, Wes Slate Members Absent: George Simon Others Present: Rob Dever, Facilities Manager, Captain Chris Negrotti, Harbormaster Dan McPherson, City Solicitor Roy Gelineau, and multiple Glover Wharf slip customers Recorder: This meeting was recorded and transcribed by Eileen Sacco Earl called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Public Input Rene Gagnon addressed the HMA and reported that he has been a tenant at the marina for six years and he loves being down there. He stated that he does not feel that the marina is managed very well. He explained that he had to go to Danvers three times this summer to pump out his boat and he feels that for the money he is paying he should not have to go to Danvers to pump out his boat. Jay McGiness addressed the HMA and stated that he deals with 60 -70 marinas from here to Provincetown and he considers Glover Wharf to be more of a town dock. He noted that it is a beautiful location but he is concerned about the lack of bathroom and shower facilities, noting that other facilities provide little amenities like carts to bring equipment and supplies to the boats. He also noted that for the price they are paying there should be some distinction in price between a marina and a town dock. Umberto Eramo addressed the HMA and stated that he voiced his concerns in a letter to the HMA. He stated that he has been a tenant at Glover Wharf for three years and he is concerned about children roaming around the dock unsupervised and he is concerned for their safety. He also stated that there is squid ink left on the docks and they are a mess. He noted that cleanliness is important and he feels like he cannot spend time on his boat because he feels like he has an audience watching him from the public pier, noting that fishing is occurring in non - designated Harbor Management Authority August 21, 2013 Page 1 of 5 Draft Minutes areas. He also stated that the fees that are charged are high and they should be getting more in terms of safety and cleanliness, and bathroom facilities. Bob Albano addressed the HMA and stated that he had a lot of damage to his boat last year. He noted that Glover Wharf is modeled after a full service marina and it is not a full service marina. He noted that there are no amenities such as bathrooms, showers, laundry facilities, winter storage opportunities and security. He also stated that he has found evidence that people have been on his boat at night when he is not there. Kellie ?? addressed the HMA and stated that she is representing Al's Bait and Tackle. She noted that they were before the HMA several months ago and presented signatures in support of allowing fishing off the public pier. She also noted that they contacted the state and they provided trash barrels but they are not being emptied. She also stated that there are concerns about security and questioned why the area is not being policed. Karin D'Alfonso addressed the HMA and stated that she has been a tenant at Glovers Wharf for four years. She stated that she enjoys being down there but not that she has safety concerns and is not comfortable in the evenings. She further noted that there are no amenities and the place is a mess, noting the black ink on the docks. Nina ?? addressed the HMA and stated that people should be using the designated areas for fishing on the public dock and not in the area of the boats. She also stated that she agrees with the other comments made regarding cleanliness and other amenities that are not provided. Earl asked if any City Officials present wished to make comments. Beverly Police Captain Chris Negrotti addressed those present and stated that the Beverly Police Department does patrol the area. He explained that if people have a concern they should call the station and they will send someone down. He stated that they are trying to be proactive and are working in cooperation with the Harbormaster. It was noted by a member of the audience who did not identify himself that last year the marina was kept up well when Brett Marciano was there. He stated that Brett did a great job. Dever explained that Marciano was working for public services at the time and assigned to the marina. He also noted that they now have someone down there cleaning the docks daily. McPherson stated that a dock side pump -out service provided via a grant is scheduled to be put in. Dever added that they have received the equipment and it just needs to be installed. It was noted by a member of the audience who did not identify himself that there are still issues with the gate, explained that you can go around it or climb up on the skiff and go over it. He noted that addressing this matter may keep some people off the docks. Earl noted that fishing is allowed on the public dock in the areas that are posted but there is no casting allowed at any time. Harbor Management Authority August 21, 2013 Page 2 of 5 Draft Minutes Earl asked for comments from the members of the Harbor Management Authority. Troubetaris stated that the area should be treated like a public park noting that "Carry In/Carry Out has been instituted at Lynch Park and it works well. Earl noted that it is in the ordinance but it is not posted. Earl noted that the commercial marina project is still not finished, and that the Enterprise Fund was depleted to cover the project costs. He stated that the HMA is still committed to providing bathroom facilities down at Glover Wharf but he does not want to mislead expectations. Earl also explained that the HMA sets the rates for the season during the winter and suggested that the HMA will take the matter of the rates under advisement. Oosthoek stated that there are a number of concerns that the tenants have that are valid. He suggested that the HMA should look at what can be done for the current tenants and suggested that the rate be adjusted for the next few months. Earl stated that it is something that the HMA can put on the agenda for the next meeting. Oosthoek moved that the HMA consider the matter of lowering the current rate to $99 per month for the next few months on the next agenda in September. Troubetaris seconded the motion for the purposes of discussion. Discussion: Slate stated that the HMA needs to consider the impact that a reduction in rates would have on the budget and that the HMA should consult with City Finance Director John Dunn before making a decision in this. Earl noted that Mr. Dunn is scheduled to be at the next meeting in September and the HMA can discuss it with him at the meeting. He noted that the meeting on September 18, 2013 will be held at the Beverly Public Library. Mr. McGinnis stated that the marina is a prime location and if the HMA lowered their rates they could be at full occupancy next year. Suminsby noted that when the HMA considered the rates to charge they look at the rates from surrounding marinas and he thinks that the rates that they set are less than the others. Slate noted that the discussion on the rate setting was held earlier in the year with the expectation that work at the marina would be done. He stated that the issues regarding cleanliness and the amenities need to be addressed. He also noted that the City Council is informed of the rates but they do not approve them - they are set by the HMA. It was noted by a member of the audience who did not identify himself that he was told by a City Councilor that the City does not want to be in the marina business and that they would like to have someone else manage it as they do for the golf course. Harbor Management Authority August 21, 2013 Page 3 of 5 Draft Minutes City Solicitor Roy Gelineau stated that to his knowledge there is no plan by the city to give up management of the marina, noting that managing the marina is much different than running a golf course. He noted that this is a much smaller operation. It was noted by a member of the audience who did not identify himself that the rates are in effect from April 15 on and this year he could not get his boat in until Memorial Day. He stated that he was told by the Harbormaster that there was no room when he wanted to put it in. Rob Dever noted that they offered to move some of the commercial boats to accommodate the recreational boaters and the gentleman did not get back to them. There being no further questions or comments regarding this matter, Earl thanked the members of the public for attending and noted that the HMA would continue discussion of the matter at the next meeting on September 18, 2013. Earl noted that City Solicitor Roy Gelineau is present this evening to discuss a matter with the HMA. He stated that the HMA needs to go into Executive Session at this time to discuss a matter pertaining to pending litigation or the threat of litigation. Slate moved that the HMA go into Executive Session at this time to discuss pending or threatened litigation and the HMA will be returning to open session at the conclusion of the Executive Session. Earl called for a roll call vote at this time as follows: Paul Earl Yes David Suminsby Yes Pat McAleer Yes Rinus Oosthoek Yes Don Neuman Yes Paul Miedzionoski Yes Chris D'Alfonso Yes Maureen Troubetaris Yes Wes Slate Yes The motion carried (9 -0) The HMA reconvened the regular meeting at this time. Harbor Fest Earl noted that Harbor Fest is scheduled for Saturday, September 7, 2013 from 3 -6 p.m. He reviewed the list of vendors and activities that are planned and asked that members review the schedule and follow up on items that were assigned to them. He also suggested that if someone cannot do something to let him know so that it can be taken care of Harbor Management Authority August 21, 2013 Page 4 of 5 Draft Minutes Approval of Minutes The minutes of the July 17, 2013 Harbor Management Authority meeting were presented for approval. Earl noted that he made several revisions to the draft minutes and sent them to members. There being no further questions or comments regarding the minutes, Slate moved to approve the minutes of the July 17, 2013 Harbor Management Authority Meeting, seconded by Troubetaris. The motion carried (9 -0). Next Meeting The next meeting of the Harbor Management Authority will be held on Wednesday, September 18, 2013 at the Beverly Public Library. Adjournment 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 9:30 p.m. Harbor Management Authority August 21, 2013 Page 5 of 5 Draft Minutes