2015-01-21Harbor Management Authority
Minutes
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Location:
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Recorder:
CITY OF BEVERLY
PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
Harbor Management Authority
January 21, 2015
Beverly Public Library
Chair Paul Earl, David Suminsby, David Lang, Don Neuman, Paul
Miedzionoski, Rinus Oosthoek, Pat McAleer, Scott Houseman,
Chris D'Alfonso, George Simon
Rob Dever (Marina Manager/Engineering), Emily Flaherty (Salem
Sound Coast Watch), Charles Mann & David Gardner (Open Space
Committee)
Greg Howard
Pat McAleer
Earl called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Discussion with Charlie Mann, David Gardner — Open Space Committee
Lang presented re: CPA's grant application process. He stated there appears to be approximately
one million USD for potential distribution. Ayers PTO is in the process of seeking transfer of title
to plot 27X at Green's Hill. Abridge needs to be built and trails potentially moved due to tidal
issues.
Mann stated that the City is trying to add stone dust trails. Earl stated that HMA has allotted
$20,000 to assist with these new improvement efforts.
Lang and Earl stated that HMA's grant money should only be utilized per HMA's resolution/vote.
Lang stated that the Ryal Side Civic Association needs to address certain erosion issues at Ober
Park near the Bathhouse in order to stabilize the water's edge. Some of the removed material
could be utilized to redo the beach as well. Lang stated that the project may also include benches,
picnic tables and other amenities. Lang stated that he is looking for support from the HMA for
this project.
Earl stated that HMA supports said project. Oosthoek made a motion to support said project.
Motion passed unanimously.
Mann presented re: lot 27A which will complete /preserve the waterfront in the area. The owners
had a realtor's evaluation of $260,000. Mann stated for what is left of useable space versus costs
etc. is a value of $36,000. Mann stated that the first step is to speak with the landowners in one
voice with the City's own appraisal (approx. cost of $5k) to get an accurate evaluation as to
property value.
Lang stated that the "pork chop" zoning for the lot may have expired. Neuman inquired as to
whether the owners were interested in selling before paying for an appraisal. Gardner stated that
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the family is interested. He further stated that the new FEMA demarcations have reduced the
value of the property as well. City planners are seeking a cost of an independent appraisal.
Gardner stated that an appraisal may be helpful to the family /owners in order to initiate
negotiations. Houseman stated that an appraisal should be more like $2,000. A "solid" figure via
an appraisal would assist with negotiations as well by incorporating flood plain zone issues etc.
Mann stated that a comprehensive appraisal could be done at various levels. Houseman stated the
fashion in which the parties appraised Camp Paradise might be a way to appraise the property.
Neuman stated he is hesitant to apportion any monies for an appraisal until HMA can see a
potential return on that assessment. Dever stated that the City has the existing flood line online.
Suminsby stated that there may be an alternative to utilizing a portion of the parcel. Mann stated
that the City will need a professional anchored value and approach. All agreed that the end goal
is to preserve this parcel.
Earl stated again that HMA has already allotted $20,000 to Green's Hill and that HMA is
interested in assisting with this project but that more information is required before HMA can
recommend allocation of part of that funding for an appraisal etc.
Houseman made a motion that the HMA establish moral support for City's purchase of the
parcel. Motion was unanimous. Gardner asked HMA to think about a joint CPC venture between
Open Space Committee and HMA. Gardner further stated that there are additional waterfront
plots for consideration by HMA and Open Space Committee ... to be continued.
Approval of Minutes
The minutes of the Harbor Management Authority meeting held on November 19, 2014 were
presented for approval and discussed.
Oosthoek moved for approval of the minutes of the Harbor Management Authority meeting as
amended. Lang seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.
Marina Rates and Capacity for the 2015 Season
Commercial Rate:
Suminsby stated that the commercial rate should remain the same at this juncture.
Oosthoek made a motion to keep the commercial rate as is ($82/ft annually). Motion passed
unanimously.
Marina Customer Data:
Earl stated that Mark Sousa has been very responsive with customer data. Earl asked if there is a
waiting list at this juncture. Dever stated that Sousa is putting together a waiting list based upon
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vessel size and slip availability. Earl stated that Sousa believes the recreational marina should be
full for the 2015 season. Oosthoek asked that the waiting list data be added to the spread sheet.
Commercial marina has 19 customers and room for approximately 3 or 4 more.
Facilities Report
Dever stated that there is much going on with National Grid and the utilities in the former
"Brown Building" and the need to meet /exceed the electrical code. Earl stated that Mike Collins
advised that the plumbing will be addressed next along with the cement floor. Collins advised
that he has all intentions of completing the project by Spring 2015.
Oosthoek stated that a hard "move in" date would be a good goal/idea in that it also impacts the
Gruppe mural /McDonald's building. Dever and Earl stated that the bathrooms are the first
priority with the second stage being the harbormaster's office and police kiosk.
Neuman asked if HMA should consider laundry machines. Dever stated that access to a laundry
facility would need to be addressed in that unlike the bathrooms laundry access would be for
only customers of the marina - not the public. Oosthoek asked if there is a way to facilitate a
laundry within the confines of the existing footprint /space.
Target Dates: Bathrooms — Mid April, Harbormaster - Memorial Day.
Dever advised that the City should find out by January 26 I if a $30,000 waterfront security grant
will be awarded to the City.
Finance
Miedzionoski stated that the recreational and commercial numbers could be up substantially for
2015. Earl agreed which would benefit the HMA Fund. Neuman stated the discounts offered to
customers were effective.
Neuman asked if we have any winter slip fees due. Earl stated that they are probably under the
recreation portion (allocation issue).
Other Projects
Gruppe Mural in McDonalds Building:
Oosthoek stated that an outside company was brought in to view the painting. He stated that it is
in better shape than believed and that there is a process within the City for a RFP for said project.
Neuman stated that HMA needs to determine the proper "home" for the painting.
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Bass River Dredging:
Neuman stated that a resubmission to the Seaport Council was made, signed by the Mayor,
submitted and acknowledged. Neuman reported that an environmental impact report is in place
and that the next step with the assistance of Bourne is permitting.
Walkway Under Bridge:
Dever stated that the State has placed a deadline of one year for the walkway (under the bridge).
Cummings Apartment Project:
Neuman verified that Cummings is obligated for remediation if they go forward with the
apartments /condos project. A question remains as to what projects on or off site would be most
beneficial to the City. Neuman stated he will reach out to the DEP attorney re: same under HMA
charter and Chapter 91.
CPA:
Earl stated that potential joint endeavors with others wrt CPA funding make sense. Neuman
stated that a question exists as to what waterfront projects would be considered for CPA - fishing
float, steel float /structure etc.
Grants
Seaport Advisory Council:
Neuman stated that the Bass River and steel float remain projects need to be resubmitted /
readdressed with the Seaport Advisory Council due to the passage of time.
Other Initiatives
Earl stated that he will approach Beverly Main Streets regarding management of Beverly Harbor
Fest.
Oosthoek asked what HMAs role is with respect to the proposed pier project at Brackenberry
Beach. Neuman advised that HMAs role is limited to whether or not a Chapter 91 license is
required.
Public Input
Emily Flaherty (Salem Sound Coast Watch) spoke briefly about the organization and its interest
in the Beverly waterfront.
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Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the Beverly Harbor Management Authority this
evening, Suminsby made a motion to adjourn. Motion was unanimous.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:35 p.m.
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