HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-02-15Harbor and shellfish Advisory Board
Minutes
June 2, 2015
Community Room, 4 Fairgrounds Road
Members Present: Peter Brace, Wendy McCrae, Bill Blount, Kenneth Gullicksen and
Andy Lowell
Members absent: Peter Boyce, Michael Glowacki
Marine Department: Sheila Lucey
Natural Resources: Tara Riley
Call to Order
Agenda Approved
Minutes of May 28, 2015 approved
Brace reported that Boyce will be leaving the island, probably in the fall, which will
result in the Selectmen appointing someone to serve out his term and asked any members
of the public in attendance who are interested in serving to contact the Selectmen's
office.
Marine Dept. report by Sheila Lucey: Some aids buoys are in, rest should be by June 7.
Floating dock is open. Dinghy dock open. Head Hunter operational. Water is still
available at Nantucket Boat Basin. Elec. and plumbing being worked on. Dioms- have
done painting and cleanup, working with Land Bank. Tomorrow expect to do painting in
Surfside and mark no -drive areas. Madaket channel ready. 106 beach access signs to be
placed with 4x4 posts rather than metal. All boats are in. Town pier should be open end
of July.
Natural Resources, report by Tara Riley: Have two interns. Looking for someone part
time for shell project. Hatchery started- algae growing. Expecting oysters tomorrow -
about 35 thousand.. Last week went to Island Creek Oyster Hatchery for visit. Two sets
of spat lines in. 2 -3 weeks until scallops spawn.
Public comment: none
Old Business: Transient fees on town pier: Per Brace- proposal is to cap fees for >_5 Vat
$25 /ft/yr. Dan Pronk asked what current fees are. A: <_50' $.75/ft., >_51' $1.50 1ft.
Michael McInerney asked if all boats affected by proposal. A:(Brace) need to make
written proposal for consideration of others. Blount (from floor) commented that
intended for all residents. Gullicksen asked why 50' division when maximum size for
slips is 32' and stated he thought all sizes open to discussion under Agenda item.
Pronk reported that Menemsha does not charge a fee, but holds boats responsible for
any damage. Hyannis charges a $25 fee to dock but usually waives it if you buy fuel and
that Stage Harbor has an annual fee of $500. He suggested a one time fee for commercial
fishermen who could then dock on a first come first serve basis. He also asked about
boarding modifications that had been made previously to the town pier. Chief Pittman
responded that was allowed by prior personnel and would not be permitted in the future.
He also suggested doing all proposed changes at once rather than piecemeal would be
better received by the Selectmen.
Gullicksen asked why transient fees, with the proposed cap, should be less than seasonal
slip fees. Response, from audience members, was that slip space is guaranteed, lines
could be left in place and water and electric is available.
Elaine Russell stated that with a $1700 minimum recreational slip fee the proposed cap
of $25/ft is too low. Lowell stated it is for transients so is treated differently.
Dan Pronk said that his boat is on two moorings in Madaket but that would love to have
a spot on the pier if not too cost prohibitive and that commercial vessels had to be in the
water but that it is optional for recreational vessels.
Gullicksen asked the practice regarding transients rafting on the town pier. Lucey
stated it was up to the captain and if too crowded they would go to the Boat Basin or
anchor.
McCrae pointed out that information was provided previously regarding other prots and
that higher fees could push fishermen away.
Ryan McPherson pointed out that the Harbor and Master Plans empathized access to the
water and asked why the Steamship dock is not open to commercial boats. A ( Lucey):
post 9/11 security clearance is required as it is a regulated facility.
Gullicksen suggested an annual cap for transient dockage, if paid in advance.
Pronk stated that Stage Harbor issues a sticker which permits docking for the season.
Ara Charter stated that there was no transient language in the motion, to which Brace
stated there was no motion yet.
Motion (Gullicksen): Moved that the following language be added at the end of
250.5.4.4 and 250.5.4.5: Provided however, a Nantucket ported commercial fishing
vessel may pay an annual fee of $25 /ft., provided the fee is paid in advance. Motion was
seconded and discussed, including whether a deadline for payment should be specified
and if the cap should be the same for both sections.
The motion was then amended to read: Moved that the following language be added at
the end of 250.5.4.4 and 250.5.4.5: Provided however, a Nantucket ported commercial
fishing vessel may pay an annual fee of $25/ft., provided the fee is paid by June 30, 2015
and by January 30 in subsequent years. The motion passed 4 -0 (Bount abstaining).
Slip regulations -
Elaine Russell stated that last week costs in other harbors were presented and that there
was a big increase in Nantucket this year- $100 to $150 for A and $100 to $125 for B.
McCrae asked what the rational for the increase was. A ( Lucey): other towns were
surveyed and the new fees were in the middle. Class A is higher because they get
stability.
Michelle Whelan asked why commercial boats are charged more than residential, stated
that commercial use should be encouraged and that higher fees may be a bar to new
business and fishermen. A(Brace): they account for more use of the pier and are making
money. Lucey pointed out that commercial boats on dock are not commercial fishermen.
Lowell, regarding commercial vs recreational suggested maybe having fewer categories
with equal access or more categories.
Brace asked if the change would affect this year (based upon timing of payment).
A(Lucey): it depends what the Selectmen do.
Whelan asked for clarification regarding commercial fishermen on town pier.
A(Lucey): there are two guys with tuna licenses and one with a permit for stripers but it
is not their main source of income.
Russell stated that she is okay with A & B but felt it was a huge jump and $110 might
be more appropriate.
McCrae made a motion to amend A to $125/ft. Gullicksen stated that he thought there
should be a distinction between A and B. Lucey stated that they were equal and A people
asked for the increase. McCrae withdrew her motion.
McCrae asked that the meeting end with a moment of silence for scalloper Oscar
Bunting.
Potential change of meeting dates: Brace reported no new information is available as to
the availability of other rooms.
The meeting adjourned.