Harbor Commission

Manistee Harbor Commission Agenda Tuesday, January 16, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. – Second Floor Conference Room, 70 Maple Street, Manistee MI 49660 ____________________________________________________________________ Call to Order Approval of Agenda Public Comments on Agenda Items (5 minute limit) Election of Officers Approval of Minutes  Minutes of October 17, 2017  Minutes of December 5, 2017 Reports  Harbormaster  City Manager Unfinished Business  Legal Opinion on Patio Use New Business  Annual Review of Bylaws  Annual Review of Strategic Plan  Update Member Roster Public Comment (5 minute limit) Comments by Harbor Commissioners Adjourn Strategic Plan Action Items:  1.1.1 Ordinance Review  4.1.2 Change of Focus  1.1.2 Recruitment  4.1.3 Early & Late Season  2.1.1 Skid Piers  5.1.1 Around the Lake Discussions  2.1.2 Docks  5.1.2 Sister Marina  2.1.3 Boat Launches  5.1.3 Reach Out to Key Stakeholders  3.1.1 Loss Revenue  6.1.1 Update Website Info  3.1.2 Revenue Sources  6.1.2 Marina Relationships / DDA  3.1.3 Expenses  6.1.3 Update Info in Visitors Guide  4.1.1 Transient Users Needs  HARBOR COMMISSION MINUTES MEETING OF OCTOBER 17, 2017 A regular meeting of the Manistee Harbor Commission was held on Tuesday, October 17, 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, Maralee Cook APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION by Roger Zielinski, second by Jim Smith, to amend the agenda to move the discussion of Patio Options / Cost Estimates to the first item of business. Voice vote - Motion carried. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS None APPROVAL OF MINUTES MOTION by Jim Smith, second by Roger Zielinski, to approve the minutes for the August 15, 2017 meeting as presented. Voice vote - Motion carried. UNFINISHED BUSINESS  Marina Patio Options / Cost Estimates. Jeff Mikula reviewed the memo prepared by Engineer of Record, Shawn Middleton, providing several options and cost estimates for the patio and storm water management. Discussed various options, previous measures taken to address wet area, potential for erosion, and access to the patio area. Jeff left the meeting at 1:20 p.m. STAFF REPORTS Harbormaster. Marina Manager Laura Brennan and staff did a wonderful job again this year. Hoping that Laura will stick around for at least one more year. Provided 2016 and 2017 Harbor Occupancy reports and the current balance sheet for the Marina fund. While the number of boats were down, more revenue was received. Believed to be a result of larger boats using the facilities. Shared a few customer survey cards, staff continues to receive high marks, the only negative was the condition of the docks. City Manager. Launch ramp revenue report distributed. The number of permits were down from last year for both seasonal and daily; as well as total revenue. This could be attributed to the negative press on the area fishery. Contrary to DNR warnings, the fish were plentiful and of good size. General discussion on fishery meetings. Harbor Commission Minutes – October 17, 2017 Page 1 UNFINISHED BUSINESS  Marina Dock Repairs / Replacement. Received a quote for gas dock repairs at $1,250; will work toward completing these repairs for next season. Extensive discussion on needed repairs, water levels, metal vs. wood pilings, floating docks, and the fact that there are no funds available to match grant funding. Tim Kozal will put together a plan for future dock replacement.  Sponsorship Idea for Marina Patio Area. Harbor Commission needs to decide on a course of action/plan so that this committee can solicit sponsors/donations. Looking at approximately $11,000 to $15,000 using concrete as the best option and addressing storm water and access. Also discussed the need for donor recognition with a plaque and publicity. The committee will form a plan to solicit funds using this information. NEW BUSINESS  Marina – Slip Rates for 2018. Slip rates are set by the State. The marina has been at the “C” rate for many years and is lower than other marinas around us. The Harbormaster is recommending that the Marina move to the “D” rate for the next season. Seasonal slip rates will not increase. MOTION by Jim Smith, second by Roger Zielinski, that the Harbor Commission endorses increasing the 2018 slip rates to level “D.” Voice vote – Motion carried.  Set Meeting Dates for 2018. MOTION by Roger Zielinski, second by Jim Smith to accept the 2018 meeting dates as presented. Voice vote – Motion carried. PUBLIC COMMENTS  Maralee Cook – Provided a wrap-up of her services as the Marketing Vendor. Has enjoyed this and will continue to post items of interest on the Facebook page; no boosted posts. Both Frank Post and Cindy Lokovich have been active participants on Facebook. Hard to determine what impact this has had but the number of followers has increased immensely. OTHER COMMENTS None ADJOURNMENT Next meeting is scheduled for January 16, 2018 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 Jim Smith at 2:10 p.m. Draft – cl Cynthia Lokovich, CAP-OM Recording Secretary Harbor Commission Minutes – October 17, 2017 Page 2  HARBOR COMMISSION MINUTES MEETING OF DECEMBER 5, 2017 A special meeting of the Manistee Harbor Commission was held on Tuesday, December 5, 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: Tyler Leppannen PUBLIC COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS None UNFINISHED BUSINESS Sponsorship Idea for Marina Patio Area. Committee members Glenn Zaring and Ty Cook requested a special meeting to initiate a discussion to define the basis for the creation / improvement of the marina patio area. At the October meeting the Harbor Commission approved the committee moving forward to form a plan to solicit funds (approximately $11,000 to $15,000) to complete the improvements using concrete as the best option; and addressing storm water and access. Draft promotional material was distributed. The fundamental issue is jurisdiction over the patio area. Will the patio be considered a part of the marina facility and available only to marina patrons or will it be considered a part of the public park and available to all? Positions varied, points made:  Restricting use could restrict donations.  Marina viability is a priority of this commission.  If open to the public, a patronicity grant has potential for matching funds.  Who would be responsible to maintain; the marina or the parks department?  Legal question for the City Attorney.  We should avoid using any additional taxpayer dollars for this facility.  DDA is researching opportunities to add picnic tables and additional seating along the Harbor Commission Minutes – December 5, 2017 Page 1  Riverwalk.  Was originally designed to be a patio for marina patrons accessible from inside the building but was deleted from the project because of a lack of funds.  A plaque could be installed in the area stating: this patio brought to you by _____.  Could this area be rented for additional revenue with a reservation system? Following discussion the Harbor Commission arrived at a consensus for Mr. Taylor or Mr. Kozal to contact the City Attorney for an opinion on this matter and reconvene at a future date. PUBLIC COMMENTS None OTHER COMMENTS  Thad Taylor – While in town for the Sleighbell Weekend, a family member provided high praise about Laura at the marina and the community in general.  Tyler Leppanen – The Century Boat Club has decided to not return next year for Hops and Props. Looking for other boat club ideas. Ty Cook mentioned the Seaway Boat Club.  General comments about the Sleighbell Weekend, larger than normal crowd. ADJOURNMENT Next meeting is scheduled for January 16, 2018 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 1:30 p.m. Draft – cl Cynthia Lokovich, CAP-OM Recording Secretary Harbor Commission Minutes – December 5, 2017 Page 2  2016- 2019 City of Manistee Harbor Commission Strategic Plan Prepared with the assistance from the Alliance for Economic Success 2016-2019 Purpose of the Harbor Commission It is important for all interests in the City of Manistee’s harbor to understand the purpose of the City’s Harbor Commission. The City’s Codified Ordinances establishes that the Harbor Commission’s purposes are to provide recommendations to City Council concerning:  Operation, maintenance and policy about the City Municipal Marina and City owned boat launches.  Improvements involving the City Municipal Marina and boat launches.  Acquisition of waterfront property, wharves, and docks.  Use of waterways, channels, municipal docks and other City navigational facilities.  Ordinances/rules regarding public safety. What Does the Manistee “Harbor” include? In keeping with the City Charter and Strategic Plan of the City, the Harbor Commission is concerned with:  All City owned boat launches.  All developments, improvements, and the safe use and operations involving the Manistee harbor from its point of entry through the Federally owned navigation structure into Manistee Lake within the physical boundary of the City. It is important to note that the Harbor Commission does not currently become involved with beach or park maintenance or signage. What are we proud of?  New marina facility.  Spectacular view as you approach the marina.  Welcome sign at the Harbor entrance.  New United States of America flag.  Positive feedback from users of the marina about the facility and the quality of staff that the marina employs. 1 What are some of the issues that the marina faces?  Slow use of the facility at the beginning and end of the season.  Significant factors affect the marina business that are beyond our control such as the weather, changing fishery industry, changing types of users in the boating industry in general (trailering versus docking).  Maintenance of the docks is a struggle due to cash flow issues.  Need a good picture of the operating expenses because the budget isn’t clear on what those expenses are.  Deficit of about $40,000.00 a year. What are our opportunities that we could take advantage of?  More fishing tournaments especially in the shoulder season before July/August.  Early and late season deals (reduced rates, pay for 2 days get the 3rd day free, etc.)  Increase/Improve marketing efforts with a couple of ideas including developing a welcoming packet for marina users and arranging for shuttles to the casino.  Develop a sister city program with Kewanee, Wisconsin and/or other partners with neighboring ports.  Reach out to key stakeholders/groups/organizations such as the Chicago Yacht Club to tap into the opportunities that the Mackinac Race presents.  Update the website.  Create opportunities and improve efforts to create a meaningful interaction with the downtown area.  Create an Explore the Shores kayak/canoe launch site. 2 What is our goal? GOAL: To make the Harbor profitable. What are the strategies and actions we are going to take to achieve our goal? BOARD COMPOSITION 1. Strategy: Ensure that the Board is composed of a wide variety of stakeholders. 1.1. Action Item(s): 1.1.1. ORDINANCE REVIEW: Evaluate, and take action to revise, the Ordinance to ensure that it allows for a wide variety of stakeholders. 1.1.2. RECRUITMENT: Each current Board member will continuously ask key stakeholders to apply for a Board position. 2. Strategy: Work to ensure that the infrastructure of the marina is well maintained and replaced when needed promptly to ensure that the facility is meeting the demands of the users. 2.1. Actions Item(s): 2.1.1. SKID PIERS: Ensure that the skid piers are maintained on a regular basis as part of the City’s capital improvement plan. 2.1.2. DOCKS: Evaluate and identify docks that need repairing and establish a schedule and allocate funds to have the work done. 2.1.3. BOAT LAUNCHES: Evaluate, identify priorities, and support efforts to maintain the City owned boat launches (1st Street and Arthur Street). PROFITABILITY 3. Strategy: Understand the Marinas profitability and take steps to rectify the outcome of the evaluation. Action Item(s): 3.1.1. LOSS REVENUE: Identify loss revenue opportunities. 3.1.2. REVENUE SOURCES: Identify potential revenue sources such as grants and philanthropy. 3.1.3. EXPENSES: Evaluate the budget to determine actual expenses in order to identify ways to reduce those expenses. 3 EXPANDING REVENUE STREAMS 4. Strategy: Identify opportunities to expand the revenue stream of the marina. Action Items: 4.1.1. TRANSIENT USERS NEEDS: Understand the needs, and competition for, transient users. 4.1.2. CHANGE OF FOCUS: Work to change the focus of the harbor from fisheries dependent to transient users. 4.1.3. EARLY & LATE SEASON: Increase the use of the Marina in the early and late seasons. COLLABOARTION 5. Strategy: Collaborate with strategic partners. Action Item(s): 5.1.1. Lead the effort to have “around the lake” discussions in order to understand … 5.1.2. Form a sister’s marina relationship with Kewanee, Wisconsin. 5.1.3. Reach out to key stakeholders/groups/organizations (such as the Chicago Yacht Club and the associated Mackinaw Race event) to tap into the opportunities. MARKETING & PROMOTION 6. Strategy: Improve marketing and promotion efforts to include not only the fisheries industry but also the tourism industry. Action Item(s): 6.1.1. Update the website. 6.1.2. Strengthen the marinas relationship and impact to the downtown district. 6.1.3. Update information in the Manistee County Visitors Guide. 4  MANISTEE CITY HARBOR COMMISSION MEMBER ROSTER NAME PHONE ADDRESS E-MAIL TERM / APPOINTED Tyler Cook 231-723-4387 (h) 373 Second Street cook.jt38@yahoo.com 10/31/19 / (05/11) Vice-Chair 231-714-8543 (m) Manistee MI 49660 Alex Zaccanelli 231-398-0351 (h) 457 Fourth Street alex@bearlake-net.com 10/31/19 / (2/13) Chair 231-864-3373 (w) Manistee MI 49660 Roger Zielinski 989-329-3081 (m) 529 First Street rzielinski@manisteemi.gov 10/13/17 / (07/09) 231-299-5032 (m) Manistee MI 49660 Fritz Boehm 231-723-7207 (h) P. O. Box 634 putterpop@yahoo.com 10/31/18 / (03/16) 231-510-5339 (w) 200 Cutter Ridge Drive Manistee MI 49660 Jim Smith 231-690-3948 (m) 353 First Street jsmith@manisteemi.gov 10/31/18 / (10/15) Manistee MI 49660 Glenn Zaring 231-510-5283 (m) 321 Fifth Street gzaring@gmail.com 10/31/18 / (03/16) Manistee MI 49660 Tim Kozal 231-723-2533 (w) City Hall tkozal@manisteemi.gov Position required in Harbormaster 269-929-3141 (m) bylaws / (04/17) Thad Taylor 231-398-2801 (w) City Hall ttaylor@manisteemi.gov City Manager / (04/15) (Non-Voting Ex-Officio) Cindy Lokovich 231-398-2801 (w) City Hall clokovich@manisteemi.gov Position required in Recording Secretary bylaws / (09/94) Updated: April 10, 2017