SPECIAL

Waterways Commission Meeting

 

                                                     Harwich, Massachusetts

                                                      Meeting July 21, 2003

                                                    Town Hall Library Room

 

                                                            MINUTES

Members Present: Alan McMullen, Lee Scarbrough, Paul Doherty, Matt Hart and Murray Johnson

Members Absent: Eric Weiner

Other Attendees: Tom Leach (Harbormaster) Fred Clancy, James Swirdler, Ren Nichols (Allen Harbor Marine), Dave Nolan (Cape Yachts), Arthur Cote (Harwichport Boatworks)

 

MEETING OPENED:  7:15 PM by Chairman Matt Hart

MINUTES READ:  Minutes for June 17, 2003 and July 15, 2003 were approved as written.

COMMUNICATIONS: 

OLD BUSINESS:

 

Winter Boat Storage at Saquatucket Harbor.

Alan McMullen left the room to avoid any potential Conflict of Interest.

Fred Clancy could not vote because his re-appointment has not been completed.

 

There was a great deal of discussion and concern by the Harbormaster and some of the Commission Members about:

 

A.) The problems with clean up from boat washing, sanding and re-painting of boats.

B.) The potential problems of competing with other Commercial Boat Storage facilities

C.)  The problems with lack of people to manage the effort for the Town

 

The representatives from the Boat Yards & Retail Boat Sales were interested leasing the facility for Winter Storage Parking but were against the Town of Harwich becoming competitors. They were also concerned about the ability of the Town to manage the requirements including assurance of clean up of the site. In addition Mr. Cote believed the price per foot should be the same as the area commercial rates.

 

Matt Hart recommended that the draft of the potential “Winter Boat Storage” regulations along with the recommendation be provided to the Board of Selectmen. In the event the BOS decides to consider the Winter Storage Concept at Saquatucket Harbor. The Waterways Commission has recommended:

 

A.)  A one-year, Saquatucket Marina Winter Storage Pilot.

B.)   That the quantity be limited between for 25 to 30 boats.

C.)  That these storage spaces be limited to present Town of Harwich slip/mooring holders and/or Harwich Tax Payers, on a first come first serve basis.

 

Paul Donovan made the Motion that was seconded by Matt Hart:

“I make a motion Against the Saquatucket Harbor Winter Storage Concept:”

 

Paul Donovan, Lee Scarborough and Murray Johnson vote in favor of being against the Winter Storage Concept. Matt Hart voted against the motion and in favor of trying the Pilot Concept.

 

Non-Harwich based Special Charter Fishing  Permit:

After a lengthy discussion about the Special Fishing Charter Permit;

Paul Donovan made the Motion:

 

“I move for a Special Permit for a “One Day Charter Fishing Permit” to allow Resorts and other organizations that need a non-Harwich based, Charter Boats. In addition to utilization of the present Harwich Charter Fleet boats that are available for that day.  Suggested Fee for each “one day Special Charter Permit” would be $50.00 per vessel. The Organization, Resort or the Individual representing a Harwich Charter Boat would be responsible for documenting of the required insurance similar to that of Harwich based Charter Boats.

 

In addition, the individual above will be responsible for coordinating the activity with the Harwich Harbormaster. The requesting individual or organization would apply to the Harbormaster’s office with the required details. All documents would be available from Waterways.com and Board of Selectmen. The actual written approval would come from the Harbormaster’s Office.”

 

Harwich Charter Boat compliance change:

 

The previous motion that was accepted by the Waterways Commission in June 03 with regard to the Charter Fishing “20 trip plus” Compliance regulation did not include a specific type of record process: the footnote reference to the previous motion is now include in the motion;  the new footnote statement  “ Boat Log & Record Book and/or  National Fisheries Service Charter Permit reporting requirement documents are required annually.”

 

Allen Harbor Bulkhead repair & Docking Expansion:

Discussions about the potential grant process for the Town of Harwich Allen Harbor area.

Paul Donovan made the following Motion that was seconded by Murray Johnson:

 
“I make the motion to move forward on the repair of bulkheads at Allen Harbor, upgrade the Storm Drains, pursue the grant for the new bulkhead construction, dredging, 10 new boat slips and additional 15 to 20 vehicle parking spaces. A sub-committee to be formed to facilitate the items above and to facilitate obtaining the Dept. of Interior (Fishing and Game Division) grant moneys.”

 

Harwich Mooring Regulations draft:

 

The Chairman Matt Hart, distributed a draft of potential Harwich Mooring & related Waterways regulation recommendations. After reading the entire document out loud, Mr. Hart requested that all participant review and make recommendations, (in writing) about the document and to be ready to discuss the document in it’s entirety at the next Waterways Commission Meeting on August 19th, 2003. At that meeting, in a effort to deal with the complexity of the document, it was requested by members of the Waterways Commission and agreed to by the Chairman that each section of the document will be voted on separately to allow for more time and discussion on the more controversial sections.

 

Seasonal “Paid” Parking at Marina’s:

 

The chairman, Matt Hart, indicated that the Waterways Commission would be meeting before the Harwich Board of Selectmen on Monday August 18, 2003. In addition to the Waterways Commission presenting the Charter Compliance, Charter Special Permit and Winter Boat Storage recommendations there is the tentative potential of a brief presentation by Guardian Industries about the Seasonal Parking Concept/Equipment the same evening.  (To be confirmed by Friday August 1st.)

 

NEW  BUSINESS:

 

Handicap Toilet Facilities and Fresh water at Round Cove Docks:

 

Several individuals “boaters” have complained about the lack of toilet facilities or fresh water at the Round Cove docks, for the 99 plus boat owners there during the season. A suggestion was made that a Handicap Port-a-potty should be located in the parking area and an automatic shut-off, fresh water faucet is installed in the dock area for the boaters. There was also concern that a fire hydrant should be located near the docks along with a public pay phone for emergencies.

 

Tom leach indicated that he did not think the idea would be acceptable to the Town of Harwich Water Department. He indicated that a previous Town Meeting had approve the expenditure for the water outlet but the Water Department had rejected the idea, due to concern about wasted water if the faucet were not turned off.

 

Matt Hart was concerned about fire & safety and questioned the health standards of having people using private property as their bathroom. He was also concerned that if the Town is going to charge more for Town Moorings, these boaters deserve a bathroom and fresh water to rinse down their boats.

 

Removal of Storm Drain Filters & Expanded Parking At Wychmere Harbor Docks:

Matt Hart indicated he would send a letter to Wayne Melville about these issues.

 

ADJOURNMENT:

Meeting adjourned at 9:30 PM

 

 

Next Scheduled Meeting is Tuesday August 19th at 7:00 PM at the Library Room of the Harwich Town Hall.