Waterways Commission Meeting

SPECIAL MEETING

Harwich, Massachusetts

Community Center Room #5

MINUTES—October 5, 2004

Meeting Called to Order 7:12 PM

Members Present: Paul Donovan Chairman, Fred Clancy, Murray Johnson, Bill McShane, Matt Hart

Members Absent Alex Thompson, Lee Scarbrough (excused)

Other Attendees: Tom Leach (Harbormaster), Dan Lowery (Harwich Port Boat Works), Ed Conway (MSA), Gail Smart, John Our

MINUTES READ: Sept. 21, 2004 – Murray Johnson motion to accept. Bill McShane second. Action- Passed unanimously

August 18, 2004 – Bill McShane motion to accept as written. Fred Clancy second. Action: passed unanimously

COMMUNICATIONS:

HARBORMASTER ITEMS:

1. Saquatucket Harbor Boat Ramp Improvements funding approved by State

2. Chartering by trailer launched boats is allowed by the State Access Board, although there are parking issues that are in the town’s area of control. Fishing charters are allowed Jet Ski rental operation is not.

3. Harbormaster gives a heads up about the non-use of many moorings. 60 – 70 moorings involved. A reason to lose a mooring. He told the Committee to expect many appeals.

OPEN FORUM:

APPEALS: NONE

OLD BUSINESS:

1. 5.0 Waiting List, Assignments:

Motion: Matt Hart …to accept as amended

Second: Murray Johnson…Second

Action:. …Passed unanimously at 8:25

NEW BUSINESS: Amendments to Harbor Management Plan suggested by Assistant Town Manager’s Office

1. To change Section 3.10 Mooring Hardware, Installation and Removal, change annual mooring inspections to every other year,

“ All moorings in the Town of Harwich are required to be inspected by the town of Harwich harbormaster or by a licensed, Town of Harwich mooring servicing agent every two (2) years. The ball shall be inspected annually, to insure that the name and number on the ball are clearly legible. No mooring can be placed at any designated mooring site prior to passing the Harwich mooring hardware inspection, which includes the issuance of a Town of Harwich inspection tag and payment of the annual fee to the Town of Harwich.

The Town of Harwich recommends that the mooring be removed for the winter months. Ice build up can cause the loss of mooring”

Motion: By Murray Johnson to accept Item 1 (sec. 3.10 HMP) as changed.

Second: by Matt Hart

Action: passed unanimously.

2. Section 25.0, Appeals

Proposed language:

Any appeals to the regulations contained here in shall be made, in writing, to the Harbormaster on a form created by the Harbormaster’s Office in concert with the Waterways Committee. If said appeal is denied by the Harbormaster, the appellant may request that the appeal be forwarded to the Waterways Committee for consideration. Appeals denied by the Waterways Committee may be forwarded for further consideration to the Board of Selectmen at the request of the appellant. In the case of denial by the Board of Selectmen, further action by the appellant may be pursued as allowed by law,

Motion: by Matt Hart to approve changes to Section 25.0, Appeals:

Second: by Murray Johnson

Action: passed unanimously

3. Appendix B, Marine Fee Schedule:

Section A,……. To assess a late fee of $100, on slip fees made after May 1.

Section B,……. Mooring Rates – All harbors: State that mooring fees are non-refundable.

Section D, …...Trailer Rates: Change” Saturday of Labor Day Weekend” to “ Monday of Labor Day Weekend” pertaining to one day trailer permits and seasonal trailer permits.

I. Boat Ramp Fees

Type	Fee	Notes
Seasonal boat ramp passes*	$80.00	Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend to Monday of Labor Day Weekend
Daily (one-day) passes	$8.00/day	Saquatucket boat ramp only
Parking Violation	$125.00	Each offense

* For use at Saquatucket, Allen Harbor and First Landing at Long Pond

Motion: by Bill McShane to accept changes

Second: by Matt Hart

Action: passed unanimously

ADJOURNMENT: Motion to adjourn at 9.30

Next Meeting Oct 19, 2004 Community Center Rm. #1 at 7PM