BHMA Notes August 16 2017Harbor Management Authority
Minutes of August 16, 2017 Meeting
CITY OF BEVERLY
PUBLIC MEETING NOTES
Board:
Harbor Management Authority
Date:
August 16, 2017
Location:
Glover Wharf
Members Present: Chair Paul Earl, George Simon, Emily Flaherty, Pat
McAleer, Scott Houseman
Members Absent: Don Neuman, David Suminsby, Rinus Oosthoek, Chris
D'Alfonso, Estelle Rand, Rob Dever (Marina Manager)
Others Present:
Recorder: Brett Bauer
Project Updates
Harbormaster Building
Rob Dever will be at the new building over the next two weeks. Construction and moving will
wrap up this coming week and Dever will be available for tours after next Wednesday. Bathroom
keys have been distributed to all boaters.
Pilings Project
Earl reports that borings are supposed to take place this coming week, and an RFP will be issued
after the results of the borings have been received. There is a limited window for this work to be
completed and the grant money will be lost if not used. Earl asks if an RFP should go out before
the boring results are received. McAleer notes that if the results are favorable, it will give them
more leverage in the bidding process.
Waterfront Master Plan
Flaherty reports that Harriman is the recommended consultant to lead the Master Planning
process, as they had a stronger background in land use. Clausen will have two HMA members on
the advisory committee. It was noted that the process could ultimately bolster the argument for
dredging the Bass River.
National Grid Public Hearing
Earl reports that the attendance was small. The walkway to the river access was discussed. It was
noted that the grass had been cut along the walkway. The suggestion was made that a vantage
point be created at the end of the walkway to expand the views of the river, but National Grid
had concerns about security. Earl proposed that a walkway along the river edge instead of a
vantage point, and National Grid seemed more receptive to this idea.
Dredging Listening Session
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Harbor Management Authority
Minutes of August 16, 2017 Meeting
Earl reports that this meeting was attended by many communities on the North Shore. State
officials are not interested in funding testing required for dredging but testing has already been
done in Beverly. There is $4 - $4.5 million available for dredging from the old Seaport money
and officials are looking for a 50/50 partnership in terms of funding. The City would need to
come up with $1 million per year for a two -year project. Houseman comments that this seems
feasible for the City. Earl reports that Neuman will connect with the Army Corp of Engineers to
see if the permitting approval process can be expedited.
Obear Park
Flaherty reports that the signs have been installed and they look good. The kayak rack has not
been installed and will hold up to 6 boats. $7,000 of the $14,000 from the grant money was spent
but the remainder of the project is well positioned to move forward with additional funding since
all of the permits are in place.
Seaport Grant Application
Neuman has been talking with Clausen to try and keep this moving.
Harbor Fest
Earl notes that everything is coming together. The event is getting lots of exposure on Facebook.
Flaherty asks if tours of the new Harbormaster Building can be available at the Harbor Fest. Earl
will check with Dever on this.
Financials Report
Earl reports that $2,000 has been added to the reserve, and that the financials are in good shape.
Adjournment
There being no further business before the Harbor Management Authority this evening, Simon
makes a motion to adjourn. Earl seconds. Motion to adjourn approved unanimously (5 -0).
The HMA Meeting was adjourned at 7:55 pm.
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