The meeting was called to order by Mayor Russell at the above mentioned date and time.

Invocation (Pledge of Allegiance)

Roll Call of Members Present

Council members present: Bill Bellows, Gabe Campbell, Norm Carlson, Jr. Shirley Gibson and Bill Haggard.
Council members absent: Sherm Chamberlain
DDA members present: Dan Barron, Fred DiMartino, Mary Feindt, John Kurtz, Hugh Mason, Jeff Porter, and John Taylor
DDA members absent: Jeannine Wallace

Inquiry Regarding Possible Conflicts of Interest

General Business

A. Review and revision by City Council and DDA and possible approval of design goals for marina side of park plan and general discussion by public.

Peter Pollack reviewed the proposed goals and objectives dated August 7, 2002. The beauty of Round Lake and the respect for the delicate balance of water surface to boat occupancy, marina land-based support facilities to festival/performance activity needs, and the view of the entire area from Bridge Street, are important to the community and are all key to successful change. Citizens have expressed their desire that touch what we touch very carefully.

There are five major goals. 1) Honor environmental responsibilities and regulations; 2) Provide facilities and dockage appropriate for Waterways funding; 3) Recognize functional needs of adjacent dockage operations; 4) Design using accepted yet inventive engineering standards; and 5) Integrate water-based facilities with land-based facilities.

The City Council and DDA received comments on the proposed goals from the general public. Following is a list of general public comments on the proposed goals:

Paul Weston feels that private enterprise should not be permitted in the marina. He also feels that there should be no seasonal slips in the marina. There are no parking spaces for boaters.

Jim Sell, a former seasonal boater stated that there are only 11 seasonal slips at the marina. These boats pay for a slip whether they use it or not. If a seasonal boat is out, the Harbormaster can than rent out the vacant slip. He stated that adjacent City marinas have a larger percentage of seasonal slips than we do. A seasonal boater pays for the privilege to be in the marina.

Michael Buttigieg asked if the City has looked at the cost of refurbishing existing facilities over having new docks built? What is the cost of upgrading the facility? And what are the proposed costs to maintain the new facility?

The majority of the audience felt that we should keep what we have presently, and only refurbish and not install a new facility.

A number of questions were asked, of which were unable to be answered due to the fact the design of the facility is not completed. The questions were: What is the cost of maintaining an enlarged facility? What is the role of the Waterways Commission and its impact upon day to day marina operations? What type of improvements are needed in order to qualify for Waterways funding? Is there a number of docks that must be added to qualify for funding? Should the enlargement of the marina facilities be a ballot issue? What are the costs of maintaining floating docks verses fixed docks. Should the City consider adding moorings, instead of docks?

Mr. Pollack reminded that audience that tonight's meeting is to establish goals for the design of the marina. The consensus of the meeting is that we should be modest in the addition of docks and the length of the docks into Round Lake. The changes to the seawall should also be at a minimum. After the goals are set, then proposals for marina improvements will be prepared and presented in the near future. At the request of the audience, marina layout marina plans submitted by WATCH, Josh Barnes and Charles Unbehaun were presented.

Jim Muscell of United Design advised that floating docks are best in the long term. Fixed piers have concerns with soil stability and ice.

Mary Nardo of the Waterways Commission stated that their funds are primarily used for transient dockage. There is a lot of demand for dockage in Charlevoix's harbor. The funds come from boater's fees and marina gas taxes. Recently, the City received $500,000 from the Waterways Commission to help purchase the Wharfside property to expand the park land. Charlevoix's marina facilities are presently ranked low in boater surveys. Waterways funding will not be available until 2005. In order to be considered for funding in 2005, the City must receive a permit to build the facility before Waterways funding will be considered. If only improvements for the landside of the park were submitted to the Waterways, than its participation will be limited.

Jerry Puhl stated that the community is against changing Round Lake and large dock extensions. The community just spent over $ 1 million to improve the view, we shouldn't consider placing any buildings which would block views. He also supports Mr. Barnes bulkhead proposal.

Bill Coen stated that Charlevoix has reputation that it is impossible to get a slip here. If we want more boaters and their money, we need more slips. Would the community desire the marina to be in Lake Michigan?

Comments were made on the pros and cons of setting the guidelines.

Mr. Pollack stated that changes in the park are necessary, the comments received from the audience re not to do anything and that is not possible. We are striving to hold the public meetings when the majority of the community is here. (i.e. not in the Winter months) If the goals are appropriate, then we can discuss what to fix and to what degree. The City Council and the DDA are to be part of the decision process. Our goal is to have the next public meeting to review preliminary plans on August 29th.

The public comment section of the meeting was closed.



Mary Nardo of the Waterways Commission stated that the DEQ and the Corps of Engineers will determine what changes will be permitted along the waterfront. But they (the DEQ and Corps) have strong reservations of land areas being cut away and other areas filled to create a straighten bulkhead. They will consider minor trimming of the points. They are sensitive that the shoreline be maintained.

Josh Barnes stated we should have a marina goal that provides for the dock facility not sticking out a great deal further than the existing facility.

Dan Barron asked if representatives of the DEQ could attend the next meeting.

The Mayor asked members of the City Council and the DDA if every one agrees that we are on the right track? There was no comment.

Adjourn

It was generally agreed to adjourned.
Meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m.