TOWN OF CHATHAM
Waterways Advisory Committee
Tuesday, May 6, 2010 – 4 pm
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Community Center Club Room, Main Street, Chatham
Present: Ed Conway, Tim Linnell, Peter Taylor, Dave Davis, Bob Hamblet, Tom King
Absent: Don St, Pierre
Others present: Stuart Smith, Harbormaster; Dave Cowles and Chet Gould
The meeting was called to order at 4 pm.
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Item 1: Meeting Minutes - Minutes of the March meeting were not distributed and will be reviewed at the June meeting. .
Item 2: Correspondence
Ed Conway reported on correspondence received:
- Email from the Harbormaster regarding the Simonitsch moorings in Stage Harbor. This to be discussed at the next meeting
- A letter from Stuart Smith regarding the dinghy lottery on Stage Harbor (Battlefield Landing). Bob Hamblet and Don St. Pierre will be asked to draw names for the lottery on May 17 at 2 p.m.. There is space for 16 dinghies on the property.
Item 3: Mooring Renewal Issues
There was discussion about how to process appeals regarding mooring assignments. Stuart Smith submitted a sample letter he received demonstrating how difficult some appeals situations can be. There is no provision in the regulations to accommodate those who have failed to renew their mooring permits. Stuart Smith indicated that each year approximately 6 to 8 people write expressing dissatisfaction with their loss of a mooring because of their failure to renew by deadline. All those who have failed to renew their permits are notified by mail of the potential loss of their permits. Problems arise when divorces or deaths result in name and address changes and mooring permit holders do not receive these written notifications. Stuart Smith asked that this be discussed at a future meeting
to develop some guidelines regarding appeals.
Item 4: Meeting Dates
There was discussion of setting a regular day and time for future meetings. It was agreed that the last Thursday of every month would be the meeting date with the meetings to begin at 6:00 p.m. It is hoped that this will accommodate those who have difficulty attending day-time meetings.
The next regular meeting will be on Thursday, June 24 at 6:00 p.m.
Item 5: Other Business
Town Landings – In response to questions regarding budgets and major maintenance needed at Town Landings, Stuart Smith indicated that capital improvements at landings were included in Ted Keon’s budget; minor improvements were often shared between coastal Resources and the Harbormaster’s budget. Dave Davis asked about sharing costs with the Highway Department. Stuart Smith indicated that the Highway Department cannot work on bulkheads, ramps, gangways and pilings which are often in need of repair.
There was brief discussion about future financial needs for major repairs, and also the need for dredging.
Mooring Fees – Discussion turned to the proposed increases in mooring fees. Stuart Smith indicated that Town Counsel has stated that moorings can be permitted by classes. He added that there can be no increase in mooring fees without a public hearing being held by the Waterways Advisory Committee. This should be discussed at this next meeting.
Dave Davis asked about how the money from mooring fees is used. Stuart Smith indicated that the mooring fees and boat excise taxes go into a waterways improvement account which partially funds maintenance of facilities and dredging. Much of the dredging costs also comes from federal funds, grants, and general tax revenues.
The idea of collecting ramp-use fees was also mentioned as was the need for a Town Landing Officer.
Stuart Smith pointed out that many towns have centralized facilities for water access but Chatham has at least seven landings that are well used to access the water.
Dave Davis suggested a $15 fee for ramp use at Ryder’s Cove Boatyard for non-residents.
There was also brief mention of unused moorings which Stuart Smith explained can be maintained for up to two years without a boat. He also noted that there are “storm moorings” in Ryder’s Cove which are unused but cannot be used for those on the wait list.
Also discussed:
- Stuart Smith asked that committee members send questions in advance of future discussions regarding mooring fees.
- Dave Davis asked how money from mooring fees was being used by the Town.
- Peter Taylor asked how Chatham’s mooring fee revenues compared with other towns.
- Moorings associated with the Simonitsch Pier (now Stage Harbor Yacht Club) were discussed. Stuart Smith indicated that there is a need to codify how these moorings are used. Bob Hamblet agreed to discuss this issue with Town Counsel.
Oil Spill Responses: Ed Conway asked about oil spill response systems. Stuart Smith explained that the Town has a trailer of “hard boom” (to corral oil) and also “sausage boom” (to absorb oil) for use in cleaning oil spills. The trailer is kept at the Fire Department. A protocol is in place to deal with oil spills. The Town also has dispersant on hand. The Coast Guard no longer participates in oil pollution response so they have given their equipment to the Town.
Item 6: Committee Reorganization: Dave Davis made the following motion, seconded by Peter Taylor: That Bob Hamblet serve as committee chair.
The motion passed by a vote of 5 – 1.
Tom King made the following motion, seconded by Dave Davis: That Ed Conway serve as committee vice-chair.
The motion passed by unanimous vote.
Item 7: Adjournment - There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:35 p.m.
NEXT MEETING: Thursday, June 24, 2010 at 6:00 p.m.
Notes by Marie Williams
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