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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.