2018-03-21 BHMA MinutesHarbor Management Authority
Minutes of March 21, 2018 Meeting
CITY OF BEVERLY
PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES
Board: Harbor Management Authority
Date: March 21, 2018
Location: Beverly Public Library -Fogg Room
Members Present: Chair Paul Earl, Don Neuman, Emily Flaherty, Pat
McAleer, David Suminsby, George Simon, Larry Herman,
Estelle Rand, Rob Dever (Marina Manager)
Members Absent: Rinus Oosthoek, Chris D'Alfonso, David Lang
Others Present: Stephanie Williams, Catherine Barrett
Recorder: Brett Bauer
Earl calls the meeting to order at 7:00 pm
BPM Agreement
Williams reports that the agreement was signed by the Mayor on December 27, 2017, ending the
Kinzie's attempts to seek amnesty from Chapter 91 licensing. As background, the City had
appealed a DEP decision which eliminated the public access walkway along with some licensing
exemption. Not all of the City's appeals were favorable. As part of the settlement the Kinzie's
agree not to oppose any development projects introduced on the former McDonald's site within
the next three years (end of 2020), and the City agrees to drop any appeals or objections to the
licensing of pre- existing unlicensed structures and docks (those that weren't licensed with the
amnesty license) for the next three years. Simon asks if this includes the dock extending into the
federal channel. Williams responds, yes, that is included. McAleer expresses concerns about how
the agreement defines a "project" on the McDonald's site. He asks if BPM can object if the
project scope changes after the three -year period expires and what kind of leverage does the City
have after three years. Williams responds that the scope or definition of a "project" was never
disputed during contract negotiations and adds that BPM has not waived the right to object to a
variance. She states that she was not very involved in the conversations between the City Planner
and the Mayor about the development of the site, but the settlement is viewed as a better result
because the City had already lost on the appeal. Neuman asks if the City will look at requiring
public access for Birarelli's license, the property on the other side of BPM, now that the public
waterfront access is starting to open up. Williams responds that the City may look into this, but it
is probably not best to be initiated from the City Solicitor's office.
Waterfront - related Grants
Barrett introduces herself as the new Grants Director starting this past December. She was
previously the Grants Director at Endicott College. Her job is to find grants for city departments
and she follows grant awards to surrounding communities to discover new opportunities. Earl
asks if there are any grant opportunities for dredging. Barrett is not yet aware of grant
opportunities for dredging but notes that Peabody was recently awarded a grant for a river walk
and she is looking for grants for seawall and dock repairs. Flaherty asks if Barrett is on any list
1 I Page
Harbor Management Authority
Minutes of March 21, 2018 Meeting
servs. Barrett responds that anyone can forward her the name of list servs they feel she should be
on. Dever notes that we currently have a grant from the Seaport Council for the pilings project.
Flaherty asks what the marina's priorities are that require funding. The committee lists repairs to
the public pier, the decking, and the fish pier. Neuman expresses interest in a steel float at the end
of the public pier. Neuman notes that the HMA has done dredging, seawall repairs and dock
repairs, all of which were multi - million - dollar projects. The only funding source he has found is
from the Seaport Council. Suminsby states that a smaller grant could be used to install kayak
racks. Earl adds that but bond money has been discussed for dredging. Dever agrees that bond
money is more likely for dredging if a grant is found. Earl asks Flaherty about the deadlines for
DMF grant that could be used for Phase 2 of Obear Park improvements. Flaherty will check on
the deadline.
McAleer notes that the HMA should join the Massachusetts Marine Trade Association (MMTA)
for $325 per year (plus an extra $50 per year to be included in the boating local program) as they
lobbyists at the State and Federal level. Suminsby motions to join the MMTA. Seconded by
Herman. The motion is approved, 8 -0.
Approval of Minutes
Neuman provides some corrections. Suminsby motions to approve the February 21, 2018
meeting minutes as amended. Seconded by Herman. The motion is approved, 8 -0.
Project Updates
Piling Project
Neuman reports that this is still on schedule to be completed by April 15th. The contractor needs
to have some parts made by Bellingham, who made the pilings parts previously, and this may be
causing some delays. But the contractor is willing to coordinate logistics to help keep the project
moving. The contractor has been very easy to work with.
Bass River
Neuman reports that the permits have been obtained to dredge the upper and lower portions of
the river, and they are good through 2023. Now, the City and HMA just need to find the money
to do the actual dredging. Barrett asks how long the dredging will take. Neuman responds that
the entire project can be completed in two seasons; there are certain times of the year that
dredging is prohibited because of the fisheries.
Transient Moorings
McAleer reports that the Harbormaster is no longer getting mooring blocks from Marblehead but
has found a better deal in Manchester. Earl notes that they need to have a plan for dinghy
dockage for mooring users.
2 1 Page
Harbor Management Authority
Minutes of March 21, 2018 Meeting
Dinghy Float
Dever add that he has found someone that can build a new float for the marina dinghy racks. He
expects it can be done by May, and the costs will be covered by the City.
Kayak/SUP Rack Expansion
Suminsby provides a handout on the proposed equipment, locations, permitting, and marketing
for the additional kayak racks. He feels that the new racks made by "The Dock Doctors" are
commercial grade and sturdier. The new racks hold more boats or boards and the rack size is
adjustable. These new racks are also more expensive. There is an option to have the racks
powder coated and choose the color. The rack colors could be made to match the color of the
HMA signs, like the ones installed at Obear Park. The locations proposed are Dane Street Beach,
Lynch Park, and Gillis Park. The only permitting required is one RDA (Request for
Determination of Approvability) from the Conservation Commission that would cover all three
locations. For marketing, photos can be taken and advertised in the newspaper. McAleer adds
that Coast to Coast would likely be willing to help advertise and market. Some concerns are
discussed about the precise location proposed for Dane Street Beach. Neuman expresses concern
for kayakers and swimmers being near each other in the water. Earls asks Dever to check if the
City would contribute concrete footings required for the rack installations.
Earl hears agreement in support of the custom racks with custom color powder coating. Herman
motions to approve up to $12k for the purchase and installation of three kayak/SUP racks at
Dane Street Beach, Lynch Park, and Gillis Park. Seconded by Rand. Neuman calls for
discussion. He reiterates his concern for the close proximity of kayakers and swimmers in the
water. He proposes an amendment to the motion that the precise rack location at Dane Street
Beach continue to be discussed. Rand asks if some sort of student or senior discount can be
offered. Flaherty adds the thought of finding a health & wellness grant to reduce the cost of entry
for children and seniors by purchasing kayaks. A vote is called for the amended motion. The
motion is approved, 8 -0.
Seaport Grant
Dever reports that additional paperwork from GZA is needed to submit the hoist proposal for the
Seaport Grant. Earl asks if we can get a deadline for the Seaport Grant so a timeline can be
created by working backwards from the deadline. Dever also notes that he is waiting for a quote
on the Wi -Fi work.
North Shore Striper Blitz
Earl reports that the Harbormaster is supportive of the same permitting requirements for this
event as were in place last year.
Marina Facilities Report
3 1 Page
Harbor Management Authority
Minutes of March 21, 2018 Meeting
Dever reports that two security cameras were damaged during the past month's storms, and a
discussion should be had about who is responsible for the cost and the cameras.
Suminsby reports that the Facilities Committee proposes no change in the winter rates for the
recreational marina, which are a $50 per foot flat fee. Neuman motions to keep the winter
recreational marina rates the same. Seconded by Rand. The motion is approved, 8 -0.
Financials Report
Earl reports that all is tracking along fine. The capital fund is at $441k. Earl will ask the City to
consider waiving the remaining $5,000 fee since the HMA has covered the cost of utilities at the
McDonald's building. There is some question as to whether the recreational marina bills went out
for $140 per foot instead of $150 per foot as approved by the HMA. Dever will confirm what
amount was on the bills sent out.
Adjournment
There being no further business before the Harbor Management Authority this evening,
Suminsby makes a motion to adjourn. Rand seconds. Motion to adjourn approved unanimously
(8 -0).
The HMA Meeting was adjourned at 9:00 pm.
4 1 Page