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News/Events - Meeting Minutes

MEMBERS PRESENT: John Murphy, Chairperson; Howie Kreutzberg; Bill Schmid; Keith Walo; Larry Niland; Mark Patterson, Harbormaster; Don Hourihan; Peter Toppan; Dick Eckhouse. ALSO PRESENT: Rick Murray, Board of Selectmen Liaison; Bob McHugh, Associate Member; Jamie Noonan, Recreation Department Liaison.

1. Chairperson John Murphy called the meeting to order at 7:15 PM at the Scituate Maritime Center on Edward Foster Road.
2. Mr. Walo made a MOTION to accept the April, 2010 minutes as written, Mr. Nilsand SECONDED the motion, all voted in favor and the motion passed unanimously.

3. Harbormaster’s report. Mr. Patterson reported on the Rotary Club meeting and the Kayak Expo. Town Meeting was held on April 12 and the Waterways Enterprise Budget and the Harborwalk will be voted on. He talked about excursion boats in the Harbor, in particular a schooner owner whose 65 foot vessel is certified as an educational vessel and has a capacity of 23 persons. Regarding the Mill Wharf Marina, Mr. Patterson said that the owner has suggested a 32 foot piling which Mr. Patterson said is acceptable but that specific language in the permit will be included so that should the piling be considered a hazard at any time it will be removed by the Harbormaster. Mr Toppan made a MOTION to support the Harbormaster in allowing the installation of a 32 foot piling by the Mill Wharf marina and the inclusion of specific language in the permit saying that should the piling be considered a hazard at any time it will be removed by the Harbormaster; Mr. Eckhouse SECONDED the motion, all voted in favor and the motion passed unanimously.

Mr. Murphy mentioned a letter cc’ed to the Waterways Commission thanking the Governor for his visit to the Seaport Advisory Council meeting.

4. Old business

a) Scituate Marine Park update
1) Brian Curreri of Scituate Boatworks said that they are in full mode now and it is very busy but everything is on track and he is pleased with how things have gone this season. Mr. Eckhouse said Scituate Boatworks has contributed a lot of labor to installing the docks and piers and they were thanked for their efforts.
2) RFP for upland design. Mr. Patterson said the RFP is due back in the next couple of weeks.
3) 2010 Marina/dock plan. Mr. Patterson said that this is being finalized, the piers are being delivered in a couple of days and the goal is to be open on the 15th with slips and utilities.
4) SMP fairway. Mr. Walo said that moorings in question will be in by May 23. He said that he thinks that one mooring definitely needs to be moved, 6 might have to be moved, and he said that Mr. McMillen thinks that 12 need to be moved. Mr. Patterson said that whichever moorings are moved can be accommodated in the Inner Harbor. He said that if the fairway could be 30 feet wide at the narrowest portion would be an accomplishment.
5) There was a discussion about parking. Mr. Curreri said that this has been somewhat of an issue this week and he suggested roping off some areas. It was agreed that this was a good idea and some other ideas were shared including a dropoff area right in front of the building, which will also be kept clear for handicapped parking.
b) Scituate Maritime Center
1) Non-profit agenda. Mr. Eckhouse said that 10 chairs and 4 round tables have been purchased so far with donated funds. There will be a flea market this weekend.
2) SMC use update. Photos from April’s initial events can be seen on scituatemaritimecenter.com.
3) Fund raising: banner & plaques. Mr. Murphy reviewed the ongoing progress. The building will be officially opened on May 15.
c) Other business
1) Scituate Sailing Program. Mr. Noonan reported that the non resident signup is next week and the few openings should be filled. They anticipate putting in 2 more 420s than last year. John is working on the Recycling Regatta scheduled for mid-August.
2) Harbor Management Plan. A meeting is scheduled with DEP next week to check that the language in plan is proper.
3) New business. Mr. White said that a State-funded “roving dredge” is available free of charge for cleanup, maintenance etc and Marshfield is using it.

Mr. Walo showed a sample flag that will be used for pumpouts on the North and South rivers. Mr. Patterson said that the system could be expanded to the Harbor if it is successful on the rivers. He said that the cost of the flags purchased by Mr. Walo will be covered by the Town. Mr. Niland made a MOTION that the WWC recommend the implementation of flag system to promote the No Discharge Zone, Mr. Eckhouse SECONDED the motion, all voted in favor and the motion passed unanimously. It was agreed to label the flags with permanent ink to indicate their use. It was also agreed that a waterproof pouch for collecting gratuities is appropriate.

Mr. Walo brought up making Jericho ramp a fee for use ramp. The ramp is public access and there was a question whether a fee can be charged. Mr. Patterson said that he thinks it is a potential source of revenue and that current heavy use will result in the need for more frequent repairs. Mr. Murphy said that mooring owners pay a $125 Harbor use fee and that those using the ramp do not pay a fee. Mr. Patterson suggested looking at how other Towns are collecting such fees. Mr. Murray said that he thinks that a sticker is not the best way to collect a fee but that a “parking meter” type of setup would work and that the Town Administrator has some experience with collecting fees in this way; he also suggested that it is important to check whether it is legal to collect this revenue and if so, whether the State will want a portion or all of the funds. Mr. Kreutzberg said that this matter was thoroughly discussed a couple of years ago and he suggested reviewing the minutes of those meetings to see what was concluded prior to continuing the discussion.

Mr. Murray spoke about the potential purchase of Pier 44 for $1.87 million, it is under agreement and with a positive vote at Town Meeting the purchase can continue. The MBTA has approved the use of the mitigation funds in this way, for public access and for community use.

Mr. Murphy said that he will contact WWC members regarding the annual appointment process.

Tuesday meetings are recommended for June – Sept as the Sailing Program will be held at the Maritime Center on Wednesday evenings starting later this month.

Next meeting: date to be advised, at the Maritime Center.

3) Adjournment. 8:52 PM

Respectfully submitted,

Jean Martin