A major portion of the meeting was dedicated to the detailed presentation of the marina’s master plan by representatives from Kimley Horn, the consulting firm responsible for its development. The representatives outlined proposed improvements, including the addition of aluminum floating docks, boat ramp enhancements, and expanded pedestrian areas. The plan aims to address overdue infrastructure needs while balancing community access to the marina, which is considered a significant local asset.

Central to the discussion was the choice between aluminum and concrete floating docks. The cost analysis presented showed that aluminum docks fall between fixed wood and concrete floating docks in terms of expense. While aluminum was deemed suitable for calmer waters behind the breakwater, concrete docks were recommended for commercial areas due to their robustness against wave action. The estimated cost for fixed wood docks for Dock A was around $1.5 million, with concrete floating docks nearly a million dollars more expensive. The aluminum option was presented as a potentially more affordable alternative, with adjustable finishes during the design process.

Financial feasibility dominated the conversation, with discussions on how to fund the proposed improvements. The budget overview included a $2.8 million allocation for upland improvements, $400,000 for structural repairs to the Harbor Master building, and three funding scenarios for the marina enterprise fund. These scenarios proposed varying rate increases for slip renters, with the most significant being a 20% increase through 2026 for the floating dock scenario. The potential for a 10% annual rate increase through 2031 was also discussed.

The public input segment highlighted concerns from residents about the fairness of slip rate increases and the overall cost of the project. Jim Davis, a member of the Marine Advisory Committee, warned that a 10% annual increase could double slip rates in seven years, posing a financial burden to boat owners. Another resident, Zeke Daica, pointed out perceived inequities in cost distribution.

Safety and environmental considerations were also pivotal in the discussions. Concerns were raised about the narrowness of finger docks, which at 24 inches wide, were deemed problematic for maneuvering and potentially hazardous. The need for a coastal study to assess wave and sediment transport impacts was emphasized, with a recommendation for concrete docks in commercial areas to better withstand environmental factors.

The environmental permitting process was highlighted as a critical step in advancing the project. The complexities of obtaining permits from various environmental agencies were discussed, particularly in relation to seagrasses and aquatic species in the marina area. The phased approach for construction was outlined, starting with structural repairs and dock replacements, followed by park improvements and expansions to the fishing pier and breakwater.

Concerns about the loss of green space due to parking expansions were repeatedly voiced. One commissioner expressed discomfort with the potential reduction of park acreage, advocating for a balance between necessary infrastructure improvements and the preservation of community green spaces. The proposed relocation of a playground to make way for parking was met with resistance, with suggestions to consider alternative solutions that would not compromise the park’s integrity.

The meeting also addressed the proposed ferry service and its implications for parking and traffic management. The necessity of accommodating increased traffic from the ferry service was underscored, with calls for a thorough assessment of parking requirements to avoid exacerbating existing challenges.