Waterways Commission Meeting

Harwich, Massachusetts

Meeting August 20, 2002

(Town Hall Library Room)

MINUTES

Members Present: Alan McMullen, Charles Beggs, Fred Clancy, Lee Scarbrough and Matt Hart

Members Absent: Eric Weiner and Paul Donovan

Other Attendees: Ted Barrett, representing Finance Committee and Tom Leach, Harbor Master; also Clem & Marylin Kacergis, owners of the M/V Yankee

MEETING OPENED: at 7:00 PM by Matt Hart, Chairman Waterways Commission

MINUTES READ: May 28, 2002 Waterways Commission Meeting were read and approved.

(unanimous vote). July 16, 2002 Waterways Commission Meeting Minutes were revised and the approved. (unanimous vote)

CORRESPONDENCE: Letter from Wayne Melville responding to Alan McMullen’s letter about parking at Saquatucket (copies included). Copy of Memo to Joe Borgesi, Town Engineer about the proposed Allen Harbor Bulkhead, Parking and Wychmere Harbor Channel relocation. (copies included). Letter from Mr. Clem Kacergis about the Saquatucket Parking situation (copy included). E-mail letter from Mr. William Henchy requesting an continuation of Tom Birch’s hearing to September 17, 2002 (copy included)

NEW BUSINESS: (The order of business before the Waterways Commission was reversed with New Business first to allow Mr. Kacergis to speak to the Commission).

Mr. Clem Kacergis came before the Waterways Commission and provided a letter indicating that he believed that after 32 years of being in Saquatucket Harbor, it was an unfair and biased decision that parking for the D Permit Holders would not be grandfather if the ownership of his boat were sold or transferred. “If Saquatucket Harbor is a municipal parking lot, how can a governing board discriminate between vessels designated as C or D permit holders ? Why are there no restrictions placed on Brax customers who use more parking spaces than anyone else?” He said. “The Yankee is worthless, unless parking privileges can be transferred. My passengers occupy no more than ten to fifteen spaces per trip. You must realize that business enterprises like mine bring tourist dollars and good will into the town of Harwich.” (copy of letter attached).

The general agreement of the Commission was that Parking was a real important issue for the harbor and that it was one of the main topics for the meeting that evening.

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1. Under New Business the Matt Hart informed the members of the Waterways Commission that the Annual Meeting with the Board of Selectmen and the discussion about requested Waterways Business Issues would be on September 3^rd, 2002 at the regular Board of Selectmen’s meeting. In addition to the Annual Report from the Waterways Chairman the following subjects are scheduled to be discussed:

1) Allen Harbor New Bulkhead 2) Allen Harbor property purchase

Engineering Feasibility Evaluation for potential additional parking

3) Wychmere Harbor Channel Location 4) Public Hearing about restricting

Engineering Feasibility Evaluation Boat Slips to Two (2)

5) Requesting that Slip/Mooring Fees 6) Waterways Commission

to be set by Sept. of each year. Charter change for 2 Alternates

7) Establish Clerical Budget ($3,000) 8) Provide Winter Boat Storage

for Minutes Recording & Transcribing at Commercial rates at Saquatucket

9) Establish Public Parking Fees for non-boat slip holders at Saquatucket Harbor from

5:00 AM to 10:00 PM from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day Weekend. Also

investigate the potential of leasing or purchasing the adjacent property (if available) for

additional paid vehicle and trailer parking during the Summer season and Winter Boat

storage at standard commercial rates for the off-season. Suggested fees for parking

Is $1.00 per hour with a maximum of $7.00 per eight-hour segment, or $21.00 for each

24 hour segment of parking for all individual vehicles. Individuals who pay the rental fee

for an assigned boat slip in Saquatucket Harbor would not be charged

1. Review of the three bidders for the Allen Harbor replacement float (Nauset Marine, Anchor Marine and Ames Marine); Ames Marine was the low bidder and they were awarded the contract. The new float has been installed and accepted by the Harbor Master.

2. Review of requirement for Long Term Dredging Plan and potential Sub-Committee to assist the Town and Waterways Commission.

3. Extensive discussion about the present and future parking plans for Saquatucket Harbor and Wychmere Harbor. It was decided that the charging for parking would provide some relief from parking. But with the additional cars for the Commercial Fishermen’s passengers who are being forced to consider taking out more Charter Fishing trips, (do to the cut backs in Commercial Fishing) the parking problem will get worse. The Waterways Commission is recommending that the Board of Selectmen consider leasing or purchasing the adjacent property for this anticipated additional parking requirement and that the revenues from paid parking and winter boat storage would more than off-set these additional expenses.

4. Discussion about the rules, guidelines and pricing for the potential Winter Boat Storage at Saquatucket Harbor.

5. Alan McMullen wants to review the Waterways regulation about the definition of who can rent and open Commercial or Recreational Town Slip and for what period, or periods of time can this individual rent these slips. At the present time only the designated Transient Slips have any specific regulations as to the length of time (2-weeks) that one individual can stay in the Transient Slips. After that two weeks it is a day to day agreement based on availability.

7. Charles Biggs requested, but no motion was made, that the Waterways Commission Meeting

start at 5:00 PM vs. 7:00 PM. There was a general discussion about how this would cause

problems for people who have to work until 5 – 5:30 PM and conflicts for the public to attend

earlier meetings. It was decided to bring up the question at the next meeting when all

members were present. The suggestion was also made that if the 7:00 PM start time is retained

that and understanding should be agreed to that all meetings would end at 8:30 PM. This topic

will also be discussed at the next Waterways Meeting when the full membership is present.

OLD BUSINESS:

1 Review of Documented Ownership, Five individuals were notified by registered mail that they had to come before the Waterways Commission or provide the requested documentation about boat ownership and slip/mooring assignments.

Mr. Leon Pasani provided the new Mass. Boat Registration showing his name and address, previously the name of his 49% partner Mr. Bogardus was listed. The new title listed both names alphabetically but the bill of Sale and Insurance document indicate Mr. Pisani is the responsible owner as far as Harwich Waterways Commission regulations. APPROVED by WWC

Mr. Michael Fusco provided the required documentation. APPROVED by WWC

Mr. Richard Tavano provided the required documentation. APPROVED by WWC

Mr. Michael Rubin, information still incomplete…renewal restricted

Mr. Tom Birch, requested continuance until Sept. 17, 2002 Meeting

Mr. Sawaki, Violation of Harwich Waterways regulations. The boat was sold in May and the ownership and insurance for a Mr. Campbell became effective in June . Mr. Campbell will be billed for the period of June 1^st through September at the standard daily rates. The Board of Selectmen will be notified about these transactions at the September 03, 2002 Board of Selectmen’s meeting for their review and comments.

2. Discussion about Long Term Dredging plans and establishment of a sub-committee.

3. Review of Barnstable County Outreach Program for assistance with Waterways Grant Writing assistance.

4. Review of Wychmere Harbor drainage system removal and expanded parking

ADJOURNMENT: Motion to adjourn at 9:00 PM

NEXT MEETING: TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 27, 2002 7:00 PM Harwich Town Hall