Harbor Commission

HARBOR COMMISSION MINUTES MEETING OF JULY 18, 2017 A regular meeting of the Manistee Harbor Commission was held on Tuesday, July 18, 2017 at 1:00 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. Roll Call Present Excused Absence Unexcused Absence Commissioner Fritz Boehm  Commissioner Ty Cook  Commissioner Tim Kozal  Commissioner Jim Smith  Commissioner Alex Zaccanelli  Commissioner Glenn Zaring  Commissioner Roger Zielinski  City Manager Thad Taylor  OTHERS PRESENT: DPW Director Jeff Mikula, Marketing Vendor Maralee Cook, DDA Director Tyler Leppanen, LRBOI Biologists Joshua Beaulaurier and Allison Smart APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION by Roger Zielinski, second by Glenn Zaring, to approve the agenda as amended, moving the DPW Director to the first item under reports. Voice vote - Motion carried. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS  Marketing Vendor had questions about the minutes and her proposal; clarifications provided. APPROVAL OF MINUTES MOTION by Glenn Zaring second by Jim Smith, to approve the minutes for the June 20, 2017 meeting as presented. Voice vote - Motion carried. STAFF REPORTS DPW Director. DPW Director Jeff Mikula provided information on the proposed Edgewater and North Channel boat docks. Proposing courtesy/transient docks for brewery patrons and possible docks for condo owners using City’s seawall. Harbor Commission discussed potential lost revenue for City marina, City easements for this property, any liability for City, potential for continuation of North Riverwalk, potential to add value to City marina. The City engineer has no objections and the DPW Director is comfortable with proposed usage. The developer will need to seek permits from both the MDEQ and the USACOE. No further questions, Jeff Mikula left the meeting at 1:20 p.m. Harbor Commission Minutes – July 18, 2017 Page 1 Harbormaster. Marina was full this weekend. One adult employee has left and younger staff cannot work a shift alone so they have posted for two positions. Seasonal slips are full this season. Getting new TV for the boaters lounge. A few boats from the Chicago to Mac race took refuge at the marina during a storm; hoping to also attract a few return sailors. Laura has been handing out survey cards and asking patrons directly on how they discovered the marina to help track usefulness of marketing efforts. City Manager. Launch ramp revenue report distributed and reviewed. Discussion on riverfront leases. It appears that the City subsidizes private marinas along the river channel by providing them a lease rate much lower than what the City charges using State rates, at the City Marina. Leases expire at the end of 2017. Past staff recommended not competing with private entities, but at what cost? City Manager will continue to investigate and will make a recommendation to Council on riverfront lease renewals. Marketing Vendor. Maralee Cook provided a written update and a renewal agreement to continue her efforts to market the marina for July and August. The agreement was reviewed by Tim Kozal and is recommended. Discussed boosted posts and upcoming events. Maralee noted that Frank Post has been doing additional posts and has changed his focus a little. MOTION by Tim Kozal, second by Glenn Zaring to continue the Facebook marketing arrangement with Maralee Cook for July and August, 2017; for the not to exceed amount of $500.00. Voice vote – Motion carried. UNFINISHED BUSINESS  Sponsorship Idea for Marina Patio Area. Glenn Zaring provided an update on the feasibility of sponsorship(s) for patio area improvements from area corporations. Needs to explore options and create a package to present to potential sponsors. Requested estimates from the DPW Director/City Engineer for a permanent fix to the patio area. Tyler Leppanen suggested that a project like this could be considered for a “patronicity” grant through MEDC. There is no local match except for conceptual plans and process costs; funds are raised via crowd- funding. Could be a spring 2018 project at the earliest.  Port Authority. Glenn Zaring provided an update on his research about establishing a Port Authority. Could this provide additional benefit to the City? In talking to area manufacturers he found that they are not in favor of this. Harbor Commission consensus that this is a dead issue.  Partnerships with the DDA and the Parks Commission. Not a lot of interest or desire by downtown merchants to get more involved with the marina. Downtown maps have been given to the marina for public distribution. NEW BUSINESS  LRBOI Wild Rice Signs at Arthur Street Launch Ramp. Thad Taylor presented a request by Joshua Beaulaurier, Biologist for the LRBOI, to place signs educating the public on the existence of wild rice in the launch area. Wild rice is a culturally significant plant for the Anishinaabek people and allowing the signs would hopefully ensure people do not destroy Harbor Commission Minutes – July 18, 2017 Page 2  the plants in the area. Glenn Zaring suggested that the tribal word for wild rice “Manoomin” be incorporated into the sign. Zaring observed that use of the tribal language helps to create curiosity and interest in the part of the boating public. MOTION by Glenn Zaring, support by Jim Smith, that the Harbor Commission endorses the concept of wild rice informational signs to be placed at the Arthur Street launch ramp. Voice vote – Motion carried.  Wolverine Sculpture at Municipal Marina. Douglas Radcliffe North, a proud Michigander from The Great Wolverine State has submitted a request to install a life-size Wolverine sculpture on the Municipal Marina grounds to commemorate Mort Neff, Mr. Michigan Outdoors. There is currently one on display in the Presidential Ford Museum and Library. No stipulations, City would need to provide a base for the sculpture and provide general maintenance. Following discussion, general consensus for the City Manager to move forward on this request.  Marina Dock Repairs and Upgrade. Tim Kozal provided a report on the current state of marina docks. Higher water levels this year have made it even worse and some immediate repairs are needed. Working with Swidorski to create a phased plan for funding the repairs. Additional emergency repairs are needed at the Arthur Street marina on the retaining wall. PUBLIC COMMENTS  None OTHER COMMENTS  None. ADJOURNMENT Next meeting is scheduled for August 15, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. in the Second Floor Conference Room, City Hall, 70 Maple Street, Manistee, Michigan. MOTION to adjourn by Roger Zielinski, second by Glenn Zaring at 2:15 p.m. Cynthia Lokovich, CAP-OM Recording Secretary Harbor Commission Minutes – July 18, 2017 Page 3