• Here is a summary of the Town Clerk's Boaters' Advisory Council meeting of 3/8/07.

Meeting notice was only mailed to slip holders, but open to all boaters.

From the agenda sheet:

• "Objective: The purpose of tonight's meeting is to continue the Town's community outreach program in engaging a constructive dialogue that will improve conditions and procedures at out marinas. We also wish to develop a fairness of usage to all our town residents that will increase access to a unique Town asset."

• Town Clerk, Pamela Betheil, introduced the staff and town officials present and reviewed the regulation changes.  Then opened the meeting up to answer questions from the audience. (Broadwater impact on boaters was not discussed)

• (Summary from my notes and memory)

The Town Clerk went over regulation changes relating to open slips: after 2 years they will not be sent a renewal. Relocating smaller boats to more appropriate slips. This may happen if you have a big boat and sell it, and replace it with a smaller size boat. Minimum payment for a boat is now 18 feet. Residents to pay a $25 fee(per marina) to put their name on the waiting list. Numbered colored stickers now given to slip holders so dockmaster can verify correct use of slips. Asked for two volunteers from each marina area to serve on a Town Clerk's advisory committee to advise on problems/issues specific to their respective marinas. (I, and several others from MSSA volunteered for Mt Sinai) This advisory board is separate from the current harbor advisory board run by the Parks & Recreation. (I'm not sure why/how this will work, but it can't hurt to have more boater input to all areas of town gov't)

• The rest of the meeting mainly was a question/answer session, with people raising specific questions about their respective marina & slips. In general, topics/issued raised where: Harbor security and night time access & patrols. Answer: Not enough money in the budget. Problems about parking in general and space being taken up by boat trailers. Requested electrical updates to floating docks so each slip gets an electrical outlet. Dock steps (up or down) to allow boarding a boat - how to attach/secure and use without violation of the regulations about no boat boxes attached to the docks. Asked that the town be responsible for maintenance of the poles and pipes since they are common to 2 slips. Questions raised about dinghy docks & racks & ramp(?) to the water.  Issue raised as to why there is no harbor hurricane plan to enact within 24 hours of a possible hit. Question about bringing pets to a boat where "no pets allowed" is posted. Answer: you can receive a summons if it's enforced. Asked where the money goes collected for slips/moorings. Answer: to the general fund. (why are you not surprised ! ) Suggestion made to funnel specific monies collected into marina operation, maintenance and security.  Taken under advisement. Statement made to the effect that if the town wants to increase the slip fees, when compared to private marinas, that we already pay taxes and the private marinas provide MANY more services that the town does. Asked why south shore slip fees are $41/ft while north shore is $52/ft. Water? Electricity? No answer. Question was asked as to why there is a senior citizens discount for trailer ramp permits but not slip holders. No answer - taken under advisement.

• That about covers all the major points.

George Sintchak

MSSA Secretary