Harbor Commission
Regular MeetingManistee, MI · December 10, 2019
Minutes
HARBOR COMMISSION MINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING OF DECEMBER 10, 2019
A meeting of the Manistee Harbor Commission was called to order by the Chair on Tuesday,
December 10, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. in the Second Floor Conference Room, City Hall, 70 Maple
Street, Manistee MI 49660.
Roll Call Present Excused Absence Unexcused Absence
Commissioner Fritz Boehm ✓
Commissioner Ty Cook ✓
Commissioner Tim Kozal ✓
Commissioner Tom Swedenborg ✓
Commissioner Tracey Lindeman ✓
Commissioner Alex Zaccanelli ✓
Commissioner - Vacancy --- --- ---
City Manager Thad Taylor ✓
OTHERS PRESENT: Kyle Storey (Manistee County Planner I/Zoning Administrator)
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION by Tim Kozal, second by Tracey Lindeman, to approve the agenda as submitted. Voice
vote - motion carried.
Alex Zaccanelli arrived at 1:05 p.m.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS - None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION by Tracey Lindeman, second by Tim Kozal, to approve the minutes for October 15,
2019 as presented. Voice vote - motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS
Discussion on Five-Year Harbor Recreational Plan
• Kyle Storey reviewed Five-Year Harbor Recreational Plan page by page with
Commissioners, asking for suggestions and/or corrections.
• Various suggestions and corrections were noted. Kyle will be reviewing and making
necessary changes along with others that may come up in the required 30 day public review.
• Future project rankings were discussed and recorded by Kyle.
• DNR suggestions, which had been included in the document, were reviewed.
• Timeline for the Waterways Grant application was mentioned.
Harbor Commission Minutes – December 10, 2019 Page 1
Contingent on the amendments suggested today, the consensus of the Commission is to move the
draft to City Council for approval on January 7, 2020.
PUBLIC COMMENTS - None
OTHER COMMENTS
• Appreciation was expressed and congratulations offered on her retirement to Recording
Secretary, Cindy Lokovich.
ADJOURNMENT
Next meeting is scheduled for January 21, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. in the Second Floor Conference
Room, City Hall, 70 Maple Street, Manistee, Michigan.
MOTION to adjourn by Alex Zaccanelli, second by Tracey Lindeman at 2:14 p.m.
Draft - km
Kelly McColl
Recording Secretary
Harbor Commission Minutes – December 10, 2019 Page 2
Agenda
Manistee Harbor Commission
Special Meeting Agenda
Tuesday, December 10, 2019 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)
Approval of Minutes
Minutes of October 15, 2019
New Business
Discussion on Five-Year Harbor Recreation Plan
Public Comment (5 minute limit)
Comments by Harbor Commissioners
Adjourn
Strategic Plan Action Items:
1.1.1 Ordinance Review
1.1.2 Recruitment
2.1.1 Skid Piers
2.1.2 Docks
2.1.3 Boat Launches
3.1.1 Loss Revenue
3.1.2 Revenue Sources
3.1.3 Expenses
4.1.1 Transient Users Needs
4.1.2 Change of Focus
4.1.3 Early & Late Season
5.1.1 Around the Lake Discussions
5.1.2 Sister Marina
5.1.3 Reach Out to Key Stakeholders
6.1.1 Update Website Info
6.1.2 Marina Relationships / DDA
6.1.3 Update Info in Visitors Guide
HARBOR COMMISSION MINUTES
MEETING OF OCTOBER 15, 2019
A meeting of the Manistee Harbor Commission was called to order by the Chair on Tuesday,
October 15, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. in the Second Floor Conference Room, City Hall, 70 Maple Street,
Manistee MI 49660.
Roll Call Present Excused Absence Unexcused Absence
Commissioner Fritz Boehm
Commissioner Ty Cook
Commissioner Tim Kozal
Commissioner Tom Swedenborg
Commissioner Tracey Lindeman
Commissioner Alex Zaccanelli
Commissioner - Vacancy --- --- ---
City Manager Thad Taylor
OTHERS PRESENT: Roger Zielinski
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION by Tim Kozal, second by Alex Zaccanelli, to approve the agenda as submitted. Voice
vote - motion carried.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS - None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION by Tim Kozal, second by Tracey Lindeman, to approve the minutes for August 20,
2019 as presented. Voice vote - motion carried.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None.
STAFF REPORTS
Harbormaster –
Kozal will take recommendation to City Council to increase the seasonal launch ramp rate
from $40 to $45.
No wake signs were approved by City Council on August 20, 2019. Signs will be purchased
and installed in spring of 2020.
Marina closed for the season; provided statistical data on occupancy, revenue, and expenses.
Marina facility storm damage repairs have been completed. Met with Spicer to review
Harbor Commission Minutes – October 15, 2019 Page 1
options to prevent future backups into the facility. A plug will be installed in the mechanical
room drain.
Discussed rental income from the open space.
Provided copies of the Launch Ramp Revenue Report for 2019. Significant decline in
revenue.
NEW BUSINESS
Discussion on creating Harbor Recreation Plan for grant applications. In order to apply for
state grant funds the City must prepare and submit a Harbor Recreation Plan. Staff will work
with the Spicer Group, using a plan template, to draft a Five-Year Recreation Plan for the
City of Manistee. A draft plan will be brought to the Harbor Commission in January for
review and recommendation to City Council.
As Chair, Tom Swedenborg will provide the annual Report to City Council at the
Wednesday, November 6, 2019 meeting. Tom requested a copy of last year’s report.
PUBLIC COMMENTS - None
OTHER COMMENTS
Ty Cook – Commented on lake level predictions for 2020 and potential impacts to Marina
docks and Riverwalk.
Tim Kozal – Even with the increase in the number of seasonal docks available, there were
only four rented this year. He has been approached by charter boats for seasonal docks which
could help increase revenues at the marina.
Tracey Lindeman – Charter boats usually have early departures which could be noisy for
other boaters. Charter boats should be charged more than the seasonal rate to do business out
of the marina.
Ty Cook – Commented on the amount of beach debris caused by shoreline erosion and the
erosion occurring near the Bar Lake access.
ADJOURNMENT
Next meeting is scheduled for January 21, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. in the Second Floor Conference
Room, City Hall, 70 Maple Street, Manistee, Michigan.
MOTION to adjourn by Tracey Lindeman, second by Alex Zaccanelli at 1:22 p.m.
Draft - cl
Cynthia Lokovich, CAP OM
Recording Secretary
Harbor Commission Minutes – October 15, 2019 Page 2
Manistee City
5-Year Recreation Harbor Plan
Prepared by: Manistee County Planning Department - Winter 2019
Table of Contents
Executive Summary…………………………………………………...…………………...….3
Lake Michigan Zone…………………………………………………………………..…….…5
Manistee River Channel Zone…………………………….………….…………….…..…8
Manistee Lake Zone…………………………..……………….………….……………..……11
Sites Development Plan……………..…………………………….…………………..……13
Marketing, Events and Partnerships.……………………….…………………..……18
Annual Maintenance Schedule…..…………………………….………….………….…19
Maintenance/Replacement Schedule…………………….…………………..….…20
Supporting Documentation/Agencies………………….…………………..…....…21
Contact Information…………………………………………………………………..….….22
Harbor Plan 2
City of Manistee, Michigan - Harbor Plan
Executive Summary
Name of Facilities
The Manistee Municipal Harbor is located on Lake Michigan within a thirty mile
radius of Ludington to the South and Frankfort to the North. The City of Manistee is
a historical city branded the ‘Victorian Port City’ with a robust Historic District and
Commission. The ornate victorian architectural infrastructure and mystique stems
from the vigorous industry and subsequent wealth from the late 1800’s. Industry has
since transitioned from lumber to manufacturing utilizing railroad transportation
and shipping corridors as major modes of transportation.
The Manistee City Municipal Marina is a City owned and operated property. This is
located on the Harbor and within walking distance to sandy Lake Michigan beaches,
playgrounds, restaurants, shops, grocery and hardware stores, theaters, free summer
concerts, museum and the library. One of the best features of the Manistee
Municipal Marina and Riverwalk is the fact it is handicap accessible, allowing
everyone to enjoy it. There are ramps at both ends of the Riverwalk including at First
Street Beach and next to the US-31 bridge.
Three main bodies of water directly affect the City. The Western boundary of the
City is Lake Michigan which the City owns and maintains approximately one mile of
beach front for recreational use. The Eastern boundary is Manistee Lake. The City is
divided into Northern and Southern portions by the Manistee River Channel. The
Channel is used primarily for transit from Lake Michigan to Manistee Lake and back
for pleasure boaters, private/commercial fishing and freighter access to industries
located along the Manistee lakeshore. There is over 1.5 miles of riverwalk along the
Manistee River Channel attracting an active and outdoorsy syndicate.
Many visitors find Manistee a great destination during the summer months to visit
the Manistee North Pierhead lighthouse, the Manistee County Historical Museum, as
well as numerous beaches. Further, Countywide recreation sites include around 276
Harbor Plan 3
miles of rivers and streams and 25 miles of Lake
Michigan Shoreline making Manistee a water lover’s key
destination. Accessing Chicago by boat is feasible, as
well as Milwaukee, Traverse City and other Lake
Michigan coastal towns.
The image at right showcases different 3 different
priority zones within Manistee City limits that are
considered in this Harbor Plan in numerical order. The
green outline, Number 1, is the Lake Michigan
shoreline. The purple, Number 2, showcases the
Manistee River Channel which has significant marina,
draw bridge and riverwalk infrastructure. The light blue, Number 3, defines Manistee
Lake area that is located within the City Boundary including a deep water port,
marinas, and boat launches.
The graphic at left
depicts waterfront
infrastructure owned by
the City of Manistee
outlined in black polygon
line; yellow triangles
depict boat launches;
green circles are
Riverwalk Entrances; the
light blue outline
showcases parcels owned
by the City; red line is the
City-owned Marina. This
infrastructure showcased
on this map is subject to
definition and inventory
in subsequent pages.
These areas are of
highest priority for the
City of Manistee to
maintain and plan future
improvements or
upgrades if feasible.
Harbor Plan 4
Lake Michigan Zone
General Purpose of Facilities
Zone 1 Purpose
● 5 recreational park sites including:
○ Rocket Park, Douglas Park, Lighthouse Park, First St. Dog Park,
70
Rotary Park
Acres ● 1st Street Beach: Public access, concession area, bathroom facility
● Viewing deck, 7 pavillion sites, picnic benches, grills, large parking lots
● 1st Street Boat Launch area
● Baseball fields, tennis, volleyball & basketball courts, kids play sets
Zone 2 Purpose
● North Pierhead Lighthouse
● Large parking areas
68
● Pavillion sites, picnic benches, kids play sets
Acres ● Man Made Lake and North Beach access
● City out beach abutting residential development along Dunes Drive
The Lake Michigan Zone, showcased in above left graphic is comprised of mostly
recreational facilities for citizens to partake in. These facilities require routine year
round maintenance of different infrastructure, structures and property. Many
residents and tourists frequent these areas in the warm weather months while the
colder weather months see a significant drop off in usage. Although the seasonal
transitions affect the amount of people enjoying these zones; it doesn’t fully
eradicate the necessary maintenance measures to keep these facilities in good
working condition. Residences make up the remaining City owned beach and water
frontage which has seen significant rising water levels in recent years.
Harbor Plan 5
Lake Michigan: Zone 1
Size of Facilities
1st Street Beach area as showcased in the
top right image, is the largest City-owned
recreation area to maintain being over 60
acres in size. The parking area itself is
around 6.5 acres of parking spaces, located
in red highlighted areas. Around 6,000 feet
of road surrounds the area with native plants
abounding. These areas are constantly in the
ebb and flow of being covered in some sort
of material whether it be sand or snow. This
puts a large strain on the City’s fleet of
maintenance vehicles to keep these spaces
in clean and safe condition for patrons to
enjoy. Recreation related facilities at this site
include the following: beach house, ball fields,
basketball courts, bike racks, concert site, dog run, drinking water, fish cleaning, fishing
area, playground equipment, tennis courts, and volleyball nets.
City owned Beach frontage on this site is nearly 2,000 feet long which requires
combing and regular upkeep. This includes removing debris from large storms, glass
from tourists, and other miscellaneous items that
find their way onto the beach. Structural
infrastructure on this recreation site include the
following: 7 beachfront pavilions/gazebos and
viewing station invite guests to enjoy the outdoors
with benches, picnic area and outdoor grills for
public usage. Further, public restrooms, and a
concession stand round out the structural
infrastructure maintained by the City of Manistee.
ADA Accessibility
Universal access from the parking areas is made possible through sidewalk ramps for
individuals in need. Beach house has ADA compliant doorways and restrooms. 1st
street boat launch has no stairs and is accessible via a minimal grade ramp. The site
has universal access to anglers of all abilities as well. There are sections of boardwalk
on beach that extend from concrete to hard pack sand at waters edge.
Harbor Plan 6
Lake Michigan: Zone 2
Size of Facilities
The North Pierhead Lighthouse, at right towers
about 40 feet above the drastic Lake Michigan
coastline. The pier is over 1,200 feet long and
around 35 feet wide with a 15 foot tall elevated
catwalk for keepers to access this still active
lighthouse. It is accessible via 5th street beach
public access and is a tourist destination for many different visitors. The wave action
and constant rising of lake levels as well as harsh winters are cause of concern for
the maintenance of the pier, catwalk and lighthouse itself. While the Lighthouse is
not universally accessible, plans are for a tour of the structure will be available on the
City’s web page for people of all abilities. Pedestrian traffic and fishing are permitted
on pier.
Manistee is a recreation friendly town with beach
access and water activities being a main interest. 5th
Street Beach area is located on the North side of
Manistee at the West end of Fifth Avenue on Lake
Michigan. A beach house, shown in the left image,
has concessions, drinking water, public restrooms,
indoor seating, fireplace, shower facility, free WiFi and
vending. Two garage doors open up in the summer
and provides an open air feeling at the facility. Other beach amenities at this facility
include: playground area, picnic area, emergency call and info station, grills, and
pavillions. City owned Lake Michigan frontage up to Man Made Lake creates over a
mile and a quarter of publicly owned beach. Access to this site is on the North end
through the North Beach Access Park and the South by Fifth Ave. Beach which
includes bike racks, car parking and waterfront access.
ADA Accessibility
Universal access from the Beach House to the beach includes ramps, and wider
doorways. Universal access to the Man-Made Lake beach area is currently achieved
through a plank walkway leading from the parking lot
through the trees to the beach. A universally accessible
boardwalk from the parking lot at North Beach Access
leads to viewing platforms, at right, overlooking Lake
Michigan which have built in benches and a telescope.
Harbor Plan 7
Manistee River Channel Zone
General Purpose of Facilities
Zone 1 Purpose
25 Ft. ● Deep Draft Commercial Harbor receiving sand, gravel, limestone, coal
● Regionally significant receiving port on the Great LakesLighthouse
Deep
Zone 2 Purpose
23 Ft. ● Access to Residential condominium complexes including Harbor Village
● Home to the U.S. Coast Guard Station Manistee, 2 prominent beaches
Deep
Zone 3 Purpose
23 Ft. ● Residential riverfront access on Northside of channel
● Access to Fishing Charters, Riverfront Hotel on Southside of channel
Deep
Zone 4 Purpose
23 Ft. ● Access to City of Manistee Municipal Marina on Southside
● Access to Downtown Development Authority and Historic District
Deep
Zone 5 Purpose
23 Ft. ● Access to Manistee Lake Industries via operational bridges including:
○ Martin Marietta Co., Morton Salt, Rieth-Riley, Packaging Co. of
Deep
America
The Manistee River Channel Zone, showcased in the above graphic is comprised of
recreational facilities for citizens to partake in as well as a transportation mechanism
for large vessels. The river channel needs constant maintenance in regards to
dredging when the water levels get too low. City infrastructure along the channel is
also subject to seasonal transitions and impending maintenance thereof.
Harbor Plan 8
River Channel Zones
Size of Facilities
1st Street Boat launch, at right, is the primary
launch for access to Lake Michigan. It is a
pay facility. The money collected at this
facility and other boat launches are
earmarked for repair, maintenance and
improvements to the facility and compliance is enforced by the Manistee Police. The
First Street launch is constantly being upgraded and improved. Recent work included
widening skid piers. The length of of access is nearly 50 yards with a parking lot
available.
The Manistee River Channel area has 5
Riverwalk entrances with access to and
Downtown businesses. The Riverwalk runs
along the south Manistee River bank behind a
major portion of the Central Business District
along River Street. The riverwalk extends East
to the U.S.-31, or Memorial, bridge and West
to Lake Michigan. The walkway includes:
benches, planters, fishing piers, historical
markers and a Net Shed Museum along the riverwalk. Other features include: benches,
bike racks, drinking water, fishing area, parking, picnic area, public restrooms, walking
workout route.
The Manistee Municipal Marina offers 18 seasonal dockage spots, 17 transient
dockage spots with slips up to 60’, broadside to 100’ available. Amenities include:
electricity (30 & 50-amp), boaters lounge,
dockside water hookups, dog run, grilling and
picnic areas, laundry facilities, benches, bike
racks, drinking water, fishing area, meeting
room, vending walking workout route, public
restrooms sewage pump-out and security
cameras. Also, a rentable open space situated
on the main level of the Municipal Marina is a
bright space with breathtaking views.
Harbor Plan 9
A main staple in the City of Manistee is Veterans
Memorial Park, at left, where there is a stone
monument and flag to commemorate those lost in
battle. 27 Hackberry Trees along Memorial Drive
commemorate the same number of soldiers from
Manistee lost in World War II. There is a large
parking area serving the park and the Central
Business District and is home to a Saturday
farmer's market run by the Downtown
Development Authority. Some features of the
Park include: benches, gateway sign, bike racks, concert site, fishing area, parking,
vending and gazebo area.
The City of Manistee operates three separate
bridges through town including the Maple
Street Bridge, Memorial Bridge, and the
Railroad Swing Bridge. These bridges utilize
City staff and personnel for maintenance and
operation in order to keep these in good
working condition. The City also owns
around 2,200 feet of shoreline along the
river channel, at right, that is experience
high levels of erosion in recent years. This shoreline abuts commercial and
residential properties alike and is where certain section of high-risk riverwalk exist.
ADA Accessibility
One of the best features of the Manistee Municipal Marina is the Universal
Accessibility Lift, image bottom left, to assist boaters for use by the general public
and not limited to boaters staying at Marina. All main
entrances to Marina and door hardware are compliant
with ADA guidelines. Upgrades to the First Street
Launch Ramps were made in 2010 and four of the eight
ramps are now Universally Accessible. Veterans
Memorial Park has ramps from the parking lot to the
gazebo, vending, benches and fishing area. Access to the
Manistee Riverwalk is mostly ADA accessible with
optional ramps leading down to the waterfront catering
to disabled individuals looking to enjoy the space.
Harbor Plan 10
Manistee Lake Zone
General Purpose of Facilities
Zone 1 Purpose
● Launching boats to Manistee Lake for recreational usage
● Handicap accessible pier for fishing and viewing wildlife
● Marina space for boats to park
● Explore the Shores placards providing pertinent information
Zone 2 Purpose
● Launching boats to Manistee Lake for recreational usage
● Marina space for boats to park
● Deep water port for large vessels to dock
The Manistee Lake Zone is showcased in above left graphic. Both zones have many
private marina access areas as well as a public boat launch each. Zone 1 has a nice
ADA accessible pier showcased in the above right photograph. Zone 2 sees more
large vessel traffic as there is a deep water port located along the South Eastern part
of lakefront in City limits. Lastly, Explore the Shores Program, in the bottom right
photo above, showcases specific information pertaining to the historical context,
recreational capabilities and wildlife information of the Zone 1 area.
Harbor Plan 11
Manistee Lake Zone
Size of Facilities
The Arthur Street boat launch, at right,
received the 2010 Great Lakes Fishery
Trust Grant which improved:
entrance/exit to facility, designated
mooring area and docking for small boats,
improved and enlarged ramps, expanded
parking lot and a reconfigured lot for
trailer parking. Rates to utilize this facility, though no kiosk, included a $10 daily pass,
or a seasonal sticker can be purchased from the City of Manistee for $40.
The 9th Street boat launch, below, includes a dock and insubstantial parking area.
This area was established in 1987 and hasn’t seen much upgrades since then. The
parking area is unpaved with stone aggregate at the base material. The boat ramp is
quite steep leading into the water although this is negated at times due to variant
high lake levels. The dock is in questionable
condition with some of the boards deteriorating
thus causing safety concerns. The lighting on site
is minimal which makes this site considerably
unsafe. There is no kiosk or any other form of
payment capture on site therefore, no charge for
use of this area. Restroom facilities and security
cameras do not exist on this site as well.
ADA Accessibility
Arthur Street boat launch area, at right, has
universally accessible fishing dock and pier
and restrooms. The dock is at a minimal
grade making it easy for disabled individuals
to access the waterway. The 9th street boat
launch doesn’t have anything in the capacity
of ADA accessible areas and is a great
candidate for significant site upgrades.
Harbor Plan 12
Site Development Plan
Below, the City of Manistee defines documented locations where residents can access
waterways, within City limits, and their required upgrades. These areas should be addressed
in the next 5 years to make the space viable for current and future usage. The City of
Manistee would like to present our 5-Year Recreation Harbor Plan as follows:
YEAR ACTION COST
2020 ● Install Arthur St. Boat Launch Automated Pay Station $25,000
● 1st St. Harbor overlook retaining wall and Bank erosion $490,000
protection
2021 ● Veterans Memorial Park improvements $400,000
● Upgrade existing Riverwalk lighting $25,000
2022 ● Dock replacement (5) and Miscellaneous sea wall $400,000
repairs at Municipal Marina
● ADA accessible improvements at Marina kiosk $25,000
● Marina patio and drainage improvements $12,000
● Replace fuel tanks at Marina $65,000
2023 ● 9th St. boat dock and parking lot improvements $300,000
● Install 9th St. boat launch access automated pay station $25,000
2024 ● 1st St. parking lot heavy rehab and stormwater mgmt $600,000
● Replace 1st boat launch access automated pay station $25,000
● Riverwalk extensions $200,000
Harbor Plan 13
Site Development Summary: Lake Michigan Shoreline
The Manistee Municipal government would like to move in the direction to grow and
sustain the needs of recreational focused visitors and residents. The following list,
though not exhaustive, pinpoints specific development projects on the Lake Michigan
property. The coast of Lake Michigan is a drastic and attractive area within the City
of Manistee. It is a gathering place for residents and tourists alike. The expansive
sunsets and well maintained beach make this area a unique staple of the City. Being
quite accessible to the Downtown area is also attractive. The graphic below
showcases definable project zones and development needs/opportunities.
Zone 1
● Replace
breakwall on
West Side of 1st
Street beach
● Update 1st St.
beach parking
lot to have more
than one
entry/exit point
● Manage flow of
run-off water
from 1st St.
beach parking
lot
● Concert area at
1st St. beach
area
Zone 2
● Bike path
● Advertise and
host more
events at 5th St.
beach
● Update
playground at
5th St. beach
Harbor Plan 14
Site Development Summary: Manistee Municipal Marina
Overall, the Manistee Municipal Marina would like to maintain the assets it already
has, while moving in the direction to grow and sustain the needs of boaters. The
following list, though not exhaustive, pinpoints specific development projects on the
Marina Boathouse property. This area is a high traffic area for recreational tourism.
The graphic at bottom of the page showcases definable project zones.
Zone 1:
● Update ADA Ramp on Boardwalk with slip resistant material on surface
● Replace wood retaining wall
● Address Lighting Issues/Seating/Fencing
Zone 2:
● Maintenance room flooding concerns- surface drainage improvements
● Install Outdoor patio on West side of Marina
Zone 3:
● Install Runoff
mitigation
landscaping including
new materials and
native plant species
● Replace underground
Storage Tank
Zone 4:
● Replace gas kiosk for
universal accessibility
lift
● Dock improvements
including upgrading
utilities
● Update light poles
along the Riverwalk
● Replace remaining old
docks and make them
adjustable
Harbor Plan 15
Site Development Summary: Veterans Memorial Park
Overall, the City Manistee would like to acknowledge current and past service
members through a nice park area. The following list, though not exhaustive,
pinpoints specific development projects on the Veterans Memorial Park property.
The graphic at bottom of the page showcases definable project zones.
Zone 1:
● Install Sidewalk along the South Side of Parking Area/Patio Area
● Install more trash receptacles
Zone 2:
● Vegetation replacement/retaining walls replacement
● Walkway issues/maintenance/extend riverwalk
Zone 3:
● Gazebo Maintenance/Replace older wood
● Sitting Area
Zone 4:
● Erosion Control/Add Vegetation
● Extend riverwalk
Harbor Plan 16
Site Development Summary: Manistee Lake Area
There are two City owned Boat Launches that maximize the opportunity for
recreational pursuits on Manistee Lake. The City of Manistee would like to maintain
and enhance City owned boat launch spaces in these areas. Overall, the 9th Street
Boat Launch needs some serious work compared to the Arthur Street boat Launch.
The following list, though not exhaustive, pinpoints specific development projects on
the 9th St. Boat launch and 1st St. Boat launch property. The graphics below
showcase the two individual project zones with aerials.
9th St. Boat Launch
● Update dock at 9th St. boat launch
● Install kiosk at 9th St. boat launch
● Install security cameras at 9th St.
boat launch
● Install bathroom at 9th St. boat
launch
● Install proper lighting at 9th St. boat
launch
● Add improved boat launch
● Install payment kiosk at Arthur St.
boat launch
Arthur St. Boat Launch
Harbor Plan 17
Marketing, Events, & Partnerships
Currently, the City of Manistee participates with local advertising in local print and
participates in the Manistee County Visitors Guide. The City and Marina work with
DDA and Chamber of Commerce offering event space for rent. The Harbor welcomes
and supports all types of partnerships including corporate, non-profit, education,
government, religious, philanthropic, etc. The Harbor maintains and operates its own
Facebook, and website: www.manisteemi.gov uploading event videos and photos. It
also works with the DNR offering the online reservation system. The City of Manistee
participates in the Redevelopment Ready Communities program through the Michigan
Economic Development Corporation as well as Project Rising Tide.
Our annual event schedule is as follows:
EVENT NAME DATE
Tightlines for Troops Mid-May
Hops and Props festival Late September
Forest Festival July 4th-July 7th
4th of July Parade July 4th
Victorian Sleighbell Parade Early December
Grapes on the River Early August
Tuesday Night Concert Series Tuesdays in Summer
Labor Fest (Rock ‘n’ Blues) Late August
Farmers Market Saturdays in Warm Months
Catamaran Regatta Early August
Jaycees: Themed Concerts Thursdays in Summer
Run the Pier 5K Race Early August
Harbor Plan 18
Annual Maintenance Schedule
Below is a sample budget for the Manistee Municipal Marina from 2019:
Net Income/(Loss) ($2,053)
The City of Manistee experienced around a $2,000 loss for the year 2019 due to some
unexpected events in the repairs and maintenance area of the budget. The Manistee
Harbor experienced an uncommon seiche
event, right, in 2018 displacing many gallons of
water and damaging many boat slips along the
Channel. The City Municipal Marina disbursed
around $20,000 for repair and maintenance
while recovering only around $10,000 making
up a large portion of said net loss for 2019.
Harbor Plan 19
Maintenance/Replacement Schedule
Small-Scale Infrastructure
EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT YEAR PROJECTED COST
Existing riverwalk lighting upgrades TBD $20,000
Replace/improve automated pay stations TBD $100,000
MINOR INFRASTRUCTURE YEAR PROJECTED COST
City Harbor buildings repair/maintenance Annual $10,000
Wood retaining walls repair/rehab Annual $2,500
Riverwalk/boardwalk/sidewalk repairs Annual $10,000
Marina Patio and Drainage improvements TBD $12,000
Large-Scale Infrastructure Replacement Schedule
PROJECT YEAR PROJECTED COST
Replace fuel tanks at Municipal Marina TBD $65,000
1st St. retaining wall and bank protection TBD $490,000
Dock replacement (5) and misc. sea wall repairs at Marina TBD $400,000
Veterans Memorial Park Improvements TBD $400,000
1st St. parking lot heavy rehab and stormwater management TBD $600,000
9th St. boat dock and parking lot improvements TBD $300,000
Riverwalk extensions TBD $200,000
Dredging
The City of Manistee contracts with the Army Corps of Engineers to manage the
Harbor dredging cycle, at right. According to the Army Corps of Engineers;
“approximately 40,000 to 70,000 cubic yards of material must be dredged on a 2 to 3
year cycle. The harbor was last dredged in 2016.
Maintenance dredging was completed in 2018. FY19
Work Plan funding used to initiate design for repairs to
South breakwater connector damaged in a 2018 storm
event.”
Harbor Plan 20
Supporting Documentation/Agencies
The Manistee County Recreation Plan
outlines priority sites in the City including
The Explore the Shores program which
addresses access to water. All Explore the
Shore sites are universally accessible and
have adequate information signs, at right.
Barrier-free access means visitors who are
physically limited by disabilities and families with small children can safely enjoy and
explore the natural beauty and resources of Manistee.
The City of Manistee Harbor Commission is charged with
overseeing in an advisory capacity the marina, boat launch
and related waterfront facilities. They 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, ordinance/rules regarding public
safety.
Manistee is part of the The Michigan Clean Marina
Program which was established in 2001 as a
public-private partnership to create a voluntary
program to assist marina and harbor operators in
identifying and implementing best practices. The
program has received support from Michigan Sea
Grant, the Michigan Department of Environmental
Quality – Michigan Coastal Zone Management
Program, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration and the Environmental Protection
Agency through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.
Harbor Plan 21
Contact Information
● City Police Chief/Harbor Master - Tim Kozal
○ tkozal@manisteemi.gov
● City Engineer - Shawn Middleton, PE CFM
○ shawnm@spicergroup.com
● City DPW Director - Jeff Mikula
○ JMikula@manisteemi.gov
● City Manager - Thad Taylor
○ ttaylor@manisteemi.gov
● County Planning Director - Robert Carson, AICP
○ rcarson@manisteecountymi.gov
● County Planner - Kyle Storey
○ kstorey@manisteecountymi.gov
Harbor Plan 22
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