HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-08-13 Harbor Committee Minutes
City of Bangor
Harbor Committee Minutes
Meeting: Thursday, August 13, 2009
City Council Chambers
Committee Members in Attendance: Jim Ring, City Engineer; Daniel Cassidy; Robert Woods;
Harbormaster, Jerry Ledwith;
Guests: Tracy Willette, Parks and Recreation Director; Peter D’Erico, Councilor; Geoffrey
Gratwick, Councilor
I July 16, 2009 minutes: Accepted as distributed
II Fiscal Year 2010 Budget Impacts on the Waterfront & Suggestions:
1. It was recommended that city investigate the option of seeking a private entity to operate
and manage the city docks.
Current budget reductions will result in closure of the seasonal rental dock, and
possibly others.
Private company sponsorship of specific docks could be considered, e.g. Sea Dog
sponsorship of the dock immediately behind the Sea Dog.
The long range plan should be to maintain recreational boat use on the waterfront.
Efforts to avert suspension of activities due to short term (hopefully) budget
restrictions should be considered.
III Updates
Tar Remediation
City Engineer, Jim Ring, reported that permitting is completed, though additional regulatory issues
continue to be raised, e.g. underwater noise issues and the fish population. Work will begin
immediately, with temporary suspension for the Folk Festival, and dredging in mid September.
The hope is to complete the project this Fall before the ice sets in.
IV Boating Club/Waterfront Usage Forum
2. Development of a “Boating Club” was discussed as an organization that to foster activities
on the Waterfront.
3. In other ports this may be more oriented towards larger motor/sailboats. Bangor would be
more likely oriented towards small boat activities.
4. A Waterfront Usage Forum was discussed as a useful activity to bring together various
interest groups and individuals to see where interests lie, including whether some form of
club would facilitate this function.
5. An early evening meeting in mid/late Fall (? October) was suggested. Tracy Willette will
try to secure a location for this meeting.
6. The current list of organizations/groups that might participate include:
7. Penobscot Riverkeepers, Maine Canoe and Kayak Racing Organization, Brewer Parks and
Rec, MOAC (Maine Outdoor Adventure Club), Penobscot Cruising Club, Penobscot
Paddle and Chowder Society, EPIC Sports
8. How to structure this meeting needs to be outlined in advance to achieve its desired effect.
This will be defined at the next committee meeting.
V Harbor Activities
The Economy and poor weather has continued to limit waterfront usage. Activity is expected to be
lower than average this year. There continue to be more shore-side events this year
VI Future Agenda Items
Harbor History Project – Report deferred until the next meeting
Army Corps permitting and future waterside usage will be addressed after all permitting
is completed for the Tar Remediation Project.