Link back to Harbor Development Committee page
Meeting was called to order at 7:35 pm; a quorum was confirmed.
Committee Members Present:
Nick Amdur, Dave Beal, Chris Daly, Sturt English, Adrienne Fowkes Ramsey, Warren Nottleson
Other Speakers:
Jim Doyle, Nick Bonn
Previous Meeting Minutes:
Minutes from meeting of February 13, 2008 were approved.
Town Meeting Actions:
Sturt English reported on Town Meeting action on two items:
(a) Approval for engineering study of pedestrian bridge at Mill Fall outlet.
Next steps: Sturt and Dave Beal will confirm process for selecting engineering company.
(b) No action on parking lease for Old Salt (3A Otis Street)
Sturt reported on the activities of the ad-hoc committee to address Harbor parking
issues.
(c) Mobil Station was approved for acquisition by the Town. The HHDC is looking
forward to working with the Community Preservation Committee as plans develop
for specific use of this waterfront property.
Dredging:
Nick Amdur reported that Senator Hedlund’s representative Bradley’s office have been contacted by Charlie Cristello. State funding is still not confirmed for this calendar year.
Nick will follow-up with Charlie.
Dock Policy and Hearings:
Sturt English updated the committee on a dock application for 7 Howard Rd. The HHDC is on record as opposed to this application.
Chris Daly will continue to work with the Conservation Planning Committee for a dock policy.
Inner Harbor Boat Length Restrictions:
Chris Daly asked about policies for mooring of boats over 30 feet in length. The town by-laws limit the length to preserve the number of moorings and swing room. Any exceptions require approval of the Harbormaster. Boats on slips do not face the same restriction, as swing room is not an issue.
Mooring Fees:
Discussion on possible support for increased mooring fees and alignment of resident/non-resident fees. Identified the need to associate mooring fees to specific harbor and waterfront projects and improvements. No further action at this time.
Jim Doyle provided background and perspective on mooring fees and their role to the town. Hingham’s fees at $2 and $4 per foot are significantly less than comparable towns. More important, unless the fees are designated for a specific purpose (such as Whitney Wharf bonds, due to expire in 2011), the fees revert to the Town’s general fund. The HHDC should be planning for the specific use of current and future fees.
Discussion with Ted Alexios (Town Treasurer) would be helpful, and it was agreed that this would be scheduled after the next meeting in June.
Introduction:
Nick Bonn introduced himself to the committee and stated that he was in discussion with the owner of Old Salt for purchase of the marina. Mr. Bonn’s efforts last year, as a potential buyer, to provide restrooms, harbormaster space and other amenities in exchange for parking were recognized and appreciated by the committee.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 pm. Next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 11.