CHATHAM WATERWAYS ADVISORY COMMITTEE
February 19, 2009
Annex Meeting Room
Members Present: Vice-Chair Stephen King, Donald St. Pierre, David Davis, Robert Hamblet and Peter Taylor
Town Officials Present: Coastal Resources Director Keon and Harbormaster Smith
Vice Chairman King called the meeting to order at 4:14 p.m.
Mr. St. Pierre made a motion to approve the minutes of the January 29, 2009 meeting. Mr. Taylor seconded the motion and all voted in favor.
Fish Pier Parking
The Town is still in negotiations with CBI in regards to the parking lot lease.
Haul Out
The discussion regarding haul outs at Ryder’s Cove was tabled until the abutter could attend the discussion.
Parking –Town Landing Officer
Recently because of budget cutbacks, the landing officer’s position was eliminated. Mr. Hamblet brought up the importance of having a landing officer, especially at Ryder’s Cove. He explained that the congestion of boat trailer traffic at Ryder’s Cove really calls for someone to oversee the area to give it some structure.
It was discussed how the volume of trailer traffic at Ryder’s Cove is more than just the summer season. It gets very busy during bass season as well. The Committee overall felt a landing officer or some type of enforcement measurers are needed at Ryder’s Cove.
It was agreed that Mr. King would write a letter to the Board of Selectmen regarding the loss of the landing officer at Ryder’s Cove. That it was felt by the Waterways Committee that with no enforcement at the landing, the congestion of boat trailer traffic was going to create serious problems and therefore requests the Board to reconsider having a person there. Understanding the budgetary issues in the coming year, they would suggest a seasonal person with a limited amount of hours per week.
Mr. Taylor also suggested asking the Board of Selectmen to consider a fee be charged for the use of the ramp; a potential source of revenue
Marking Dinghy’s
Mr. King suggested adding to the regulations that all dinghies’ on Chatham beaches be identified with the owner’s name and phone number or with a sticker from the Harbormaster’s Office. Also, that all dinghies left on the shore over the winter months be removed unless otherwise authorized.
“Harbormaster Smith suggested tying the dinghy information, with the possibility of a sticker system, to a person’s mooring permit. The idea of using stickers was not favorably received.”
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Overall, the goal is to eliminate abandoned dinghies on private property and on the shoreline. If a dinghy was left on the shore unmarked, it would receive a warning and if still there after a certain amount of time, it would be considered abandoned and removed.
Harbormaster Smith will draft a regulation proposal for the next Waterways Meeting.
Emergency Moorings in Stage Harbor
Harbormaster Smith showed the members a map of the Stage Harbor mooring field of which he proposes to move the line to redefine the “no mooring area”. He is proposing this in preparation for emergency use should the fish pier become shoaled in.
Mr. Davis recommended the next meetings agenda include discussion on moving the fishing fleet to Stage Harbor if the conditions warrant as well as discussion regarding the old mill boat yard pier and float configurations.
The next meeting is scheduled for March 12 at 4:00 p.m.
Mr. St. Pierre made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 5:55 p.m. Mr. Davis seconded the motion and all were in favor.
Respectfully Submitted,
Amanda Love Monahan
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