Waterways Committee Meeting

TOWN OF       HARWICH

WATERWAYS COMMITTEE

Harwich Fire House Conference Room

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

6:30 PM

Members Present: Chairman, Matt Hart; Joe Johnson; Tom Themistos; and Roger Peterson.

Members Absent: Daniel Hall; Steve Root; Mort Terry; and Dan Casey

Others Present:  John Rendon, Harbormaster; Heinz Proft, Natural Resources Director and Ellen Pelan, Board Secretary

Call to Order:  With a quorum established, Chairman Matt Hart called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM. Everyone was advised that the meeting was being audiotaped.

Minutes:  Motion made by Tom Themistos to approve the Minutes of December 16, 2015.  Seconded by Joe Johnson.  Voting: 4-0-0.

Consent Agenda:  Nothing this month

Open Forum:  Nothing this month

Financial Report YTD & Monthly:    John Rendon (Copy included with Minutes) Revenues are tracking real good considering some timing differences.

New Business:   

1. The Harbormaster requested adding a $5 charge for replacement permit stickers. This was discussed.

Motion made by Joe Johnson to add a $5 charge for replacement permit stickers.  Seconded by Tom Themistos.  VOTING:  4-0-0.

1. The Harbormaster summarized his financial plan to fund the Saquatucket Municipal Marina Reconstruction capital project, estimated at $7 million. He will be going in front of the Board of Selectmen on February 27 to present this plan. He said that he applied for and received received a grant that should reduce the cost of this project by $1 million. He summarized the project description, justification, recommendations, benefits, costs and funding. Everyone will receive a copy of his plan before the next meeting. This was discussed.

 Motion made by Joe Johnson to support the Harbormaster’s financial plan which calls for a large portion of the debt service on a $7 million bond over a 20 year period to be funded by harbor receipts. A portion of current revenue generated by the Department, combined with other harbor revenue sources, and new estimated revenue generated as a result of the marina upgrade will fund this project.  Seconded by Tom Themistos.  VOTING:  4-0-0.

3.) Vote on the Harbormaster’s Marina recommendations for 2016 Town Meeting Warrant was postponed until the next meeting

Old Business:

None

Monthly Reports:

Board of Selectmen – None

Harbormaster:  - Prepared a dock lines report

Natural Resources – Copy of report attached.

Correspondence:       - None

Next Meeting:                       Wednesday, March 16, 2016 at 6:30 PM Harwich Fire House.

Adjournment:                        Motion made by Joe Johnson to Adjourn at 7:15 PM.  Seconded by Tom Themistos.  All voting in Favor.

Minutes transcribed by Ellen Pelan, Board Secretary