Harbor Commission

HARBOR COMMISSION MINUTES MEETING OF JANUARY 20, 2015 A regular meeting of the Manistee Harbor Commission was held on Tuesday, January 20, 2015 at 1 p.m. in the Second Floor Conference Room, City Hall, 70 Maple Street, Manistee MI 49660. The meeting was called to order by the Chair at 1:00 p.m. Roll Call Present Excused Absence Unexcused Absence Commissioner Bachman  Commissioner Cook  Commissioner Vacancy --- --- --- Commissioner Memberto  Commissioner Smith  Commissioner Zaccanelli  Commissioner Zielinski  City Manager Mitch Deisch  OTHERS PRESENT: Councilmember Jim Smith APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION by Roger Zielinski, second by Alex Zaccanelli, to approve the agenda as presented. Voice vote - Motion carried. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS None. ELECTION OF OFFICERS As required in the bylaws, the election of officers shall occur at the first meeting of each calendar year and officers shall take office upon selection and shall hold officer for a term of one year. For the position of Chair: Alex Zaccanelli nominated Ty Cook, declined Alex Zaccanelli nominated Thomas Smith No further nominations. All voted in favor of Thomas Smith as Chair. For the position of Vice-Chair: Dave Bachman nominated Alex Zaccanelli No further nominations. All voted in favor of Alex Zaccanelli as Vice-Chair. Harbor Commission Minutes – January 20, 2015 Page 1 APPROVAL OF MINUTES MOTION by Dave Bachman, second by Alex Zaccanelli, to approve the minutes for the October 21, 2014 meeting as presented. Voice vote - Motion carried. Shelly Memberto arrived at 1:05 p.m. STAFF REPORTS Harbormaster.  Marina is closed, not too much action. No charge to tug for tying up to seawall. City Manager.  Recently attended Ludington Regional Fisheries Workshop – Bottom line is the salmon fishery in Lake Michigan is struggling; significantly reduced catch rates. Declining alewife population which is the food source for salmon. What’s the impact to the City? Reduced fish means reduced fishermen, which in turn means a significant financial impact to coastal communities. Another significant drop is anticipated in 2016, this year will be similar to last year. Local officials need to understand the impact of the fishery and help the DNR make decisions to diversify the fishery based on fact. City Manager is meeting tomorrow with the DNR Sea Grant Extension, AES and others to discuss how we can engage our communities. Harbor Commission stated that they are available to assist if needed.  Re-engaged discussions with Morton Salt on property exchange near the Ninth Street Boat Launch. No funding in the near future. Ty Cook noted that if fisheries are reduced as predicted there is no need for additional launch facilities. This item was removed from discussions at this time. COMMITTEE REPORTS Ty Cook resigned from the Marketing Committee. Dave Bachman and Shelly Memberto will work as a committee on future ideas.  Bicycles for marina facility, Shelly Memberto will check with the LRBOI to see if they would consider donating a couple of bikes in exchange for advertising on the bikes.  Drawings for Free Nights – Will be put into operation this season.  Ty Cook encouraged distribution of press releases for any promotional programs such as these.  Dave Bachman advised that he will continue marketing promotions for the Municipal Marina. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None Harbor Commission Minutes – January 20, 2015 Page 2 NEW BUSINESS  Annual Bylaw Review: Consensus that no changes were needed at this time.  Annual Strategic Plan Review: City Council will be starting their strategic plan review shortly. City Manager requested that Harbor Commissioners review the current plan and email him suggested updates.  Annual Member Roster Review: Noted one vacancy exists; no changes to the updated information. PUBLIC COMMENTS None. COMMENTS BY HARBOR COMMISSIONERS  Roger Zielinski reviewed recent water and electric bills for the Municipal Marina. Seem excessive when the facility is closed. Dave Bachman noted that they have been experiencing operational problems with the sensor. Believes that this meter covers more than just the marina facility and could include the open space that is rented, Riverwalk lights and possibly other things. Staff will check this out.  Dave Bachman noted another impact to this year’s budget; fuel was purchased at a high rate and will now be sold at a much lower rate.  Dave Bachman noted article in the Manistee News Advocate regarding the Harbor Commission.  Alex Zaccanelli presented certificates of appreciation from the Coast Guard Auxiliary to the Harbor Commission and the Marina. ADJOURNMENT Next meeting is scheduled for April 21, 2015 at 1 p.m. in the Second Floor Conference Room, City Hall. MOTION by Alex Zaccanelli, second by Ty Cook, to adjourn at 2:00 p.m. Cynthia Lokovich, CAP-OM Recording Secretary Harbor Commission Minutes – January 20, 2015 Page 3