HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-07-21 Harbor Committee Minutes
City of Bangor
Harbor Committee Minutes
Joint Workshop with Parks and Recreation Committee
Meeting: Thursday, July 21, 2011
City Council Chamber
Harbor Committee Members in Attendance: Art Morgan, City Engineer; Daniel Cassidy; Richard
Reinhardt, Peter D’Errico; Pat Blanchette, City Council Representative; Jerry Ledwith, Harbormaster
Charles Longo, Council Alternate Representative;
Parks and Recreation Committee Members: Tracy Willette, Parks and Recreation Director; Ryan Robbins;
Matt Donahue
Guests: Tanya Pereira, Business Development Specialist;
I Project Updates
Tracy Willette briefly updated summer Parks and Recreation Activities, including the community
garden project.
Art Morgan briefly updated waterfront projects, including the just-completed small craft access
dock.
“No Wake” speed limit buoys will be installed as soon as Coast Guard approval is obtained.
Frequent violations are being noted.
II Waterfront Securitiy and Safety during Concerts and Other Waterfront Activities
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Peter D’Errico discussed the lack of crowd management on the docks during the 4 of July events.
Large numbers were on the docks shooting their own fireworks. This was a problem for boaters
renting space on the dock and a significant safety hazard. The possibility of city liability was
raised. Better awareness of the problem and the responsibility of crowd management needs to be
addressed. The Committee specifically recommends to the Council that they review the
Harbormaster position and security and access to the docks especially during special events.
III “Marketing” Workshop
In follow-up of the last committee meeting, Tanya Pereira prepared discussion format to help
clarify objectives.
1. Market Research –
The area most needed is in the area of recreational boat owners who are potential
users of the docks. A survey similar to that developed by this committee several
years ago may be helpful. There may be a role for a focus group.
2. Product Development
Small Vessel Access – Now that the dock is in, getting the word out to potential users is important.
A formal official opening should be considered to generate publicity through the local press.
Moorings – Mooring access is felt to be important to bring more vessels up the river to Bangor.
The Committee advises moving forward at least at the staff level to explore a proposal to re-
establish moorings in the channel under the currently existing 1990 Army Corps permit.
Councilor Blanchette suggested that seeking support from our congressional delegation might be
helpful at some point.
3. Marketing and Advertising
Work on developing a “brand identity for the Harbor/Marina/Waterfront should be considered and
integrated with future advertising.
Refining the Harbor brochure is advisable so that next year’s brochure can be out this Fall. This
would require the annual review and approval of docking fees to be completed early. The
committee will put this on the agenda for September.
Website – A website by early February is advised to include:
1. Docking and Mooring fees for 2012
2. The facilities and services available
3. Links to sites such as Downtownbangor.com, WaterfrontConcerts.com,
AmericanFolkFestival.com, BassPark.com
4. Weather conditions and tides
5. Ability to book dock space or a mooring on line
Research key cruising guides and coastal publications to draw in more visitors by way of the river
Explore cooperative advertising with other Penobscot River towns with marina facilities.
The committee recognizes that instituting the above recommendations requires cooperative action
among different city departments. The development of these harbor activities would enhance the
City’s overall objectives for the entire waterfront area. The Committee advises the Council to
endorse the use of Staff time to meet these objectives.