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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 th  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.