One item at the meeting was the announcement of a new dinghy dock at Morning Field, designed to withstand storm surges up to 15 feet. Curtis, providing updates on behalf of the staff, explained that the dock is a floating structure, capable of rising with water levels, and constructed with longer piles to enhance durability. This development aims to mitigate past storm damages and ensure the safety and accessibility of the dock for future use. The new infrastructure was praised for its stability and lack of gaps, meeting essential safety standards. The discussion also touched on the temporary relocation of the operations trailer to Morning Field, with ongoing talks about securing a more permanent facility, possibly by renting an old office space from Matanzas.

The council also addressed changes in the mooring field rates, with a new pricing structure set to take effect on October 1st, pending budget approval. The adjustments aim to clarify the transition from daily to monthly rates, with the monthly rate applicable only after a minimum of 28 days of occupancy. This change seeks to address misunderstandings related to flat rates caused by varying monthly lengths. The council discussed how these new rates compare with other marinas, noting that they position the mooring field in the middle to high range but offer value as a safe harbor, which has attracted vessels during previous storms. There was also a conversation about the potential introduction of a weekly rate, though current options remain limited to daily or monthly pricing.

A significant part of the meeting involved addressing waste management challenges at the mooring field, particularly the issue of overflowing garbage during a holiday weekend. The importance of proper waste management was emphasized, with suggestions to conceal garbage cans from public view and consider using a dumpster with a lid to prevent overflow and animal access.

Another topic of interest was the council’s exploration of advertising strategies for the mooring field. There was a suggestion to leverage platforms like cruisers.net to target Great Loop travelers, a boating adventure spanning 6,000 miles around the eastern half of North America. This initiative aims to attract more visitors and enhance engagement with potential clients. The council acknowledged the potential value of capturing port of call information for vessels, which could inform targeted promotional efforts.

The meeting also covered the canal and dredging plan for Fort Myers Beach, highlighting funding concerns and the need for an engineer to survey the canals. With over 30 canals, potentially branching up to 43, the council discussed the complexities of determining which canals require dredging and the amount of sediment to be removed. The involvement of homeowners associations (HOAs) was proposed as a potential avenue for funding or facilitating the dredging process, although this would require further discussions and approvals.

In an effort to address navigational and environmental concerns, the council discussed delineating responsibilities among committees, particularly the perceived “turf battle” between the council and the Marine Utility Resource Facility (MURF). The need for drafting clear language to codify these roles was highlighted, with plans to involve the town attorney in updating ordinances. This clarification is expected to improve overall efficiency and collaboration among various committees.

The meeting concluded with updates on a new boat acquisition, with progress reported on engine mounting and rigging, and an expected delivery by the end of October. There was also a proposal for a field trip planned for October 27th, intended to supplement a regular meeting and enhance members’ understanding of facilities.