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MANAGER’S
REPORT
To:
Mayor Ash and Honorable Members of Belfast City Council Agenda Items: 11.B Discussion and action on 2008 Harbor Usage Fees. Harbor Master Katherine Messier and the Harbor Committee recommend a fee schedule for 2008, which is attached (BLUE). I have great respect for their combined knowledge and perspective on these issues. There is also a Memo dated February 28th from the Harbormaster providing some insight into the proposed changes. Fee setting is a balancing skill. High fees dissuade, low fees attract and the weather and the economy will do what it will. It would be great to hope that fees pay all the bills, but it is unlikely. The harbor belongs to all Belfast Citizens and the benefits it conveys, and the services our Harbor Staff provide- goes far beyond the convenience and enjoyment of boaters. I recommend these fees. 11.C Discussion and action on the proposed amendments to the City Code of Harbor Ordinances, Chapter 30 Marine Activities. The proposed amendments are attached (LILAC) and the changes are marked in red. Katherine Messier will be at the meeting to answer any questions you may have. Updating Ordinances to make sure they reflect current policy and practical management is a good thing. 11.D Introduction of Proposed Amendments to the City Code of Ordinances, Chapter 98, Technical Standards, regarding parking requirements, as recommended by the Planning Board. Wayne Marshall, City Planner has an attachment explaining this proposal (GRAY). Essentially this proposal will give the Planning Board some flexibility on parking standards. 11.E Discussion and “follow up” on various topics from the Belfast Leadership and Action Summit. In December City Council indicated it wanted to periodically discuss the status/progress/developments of various goals and themes identified at last springs two Summit meetings. I again suggest that we have an informal discussion on these matters one at a time. Some of the Council Members themselves have been involved with some of these issues and I look forward to exchanging information all around. The idea here is to move these issues and matters forward. There is no strict timetable. (GREEN) 11.F Update on City Budget. More than one City Council member has mentioned to me the idea of getting together before the budget is prepared to discuss ideas, concerns, projects, spending limitations etc. It’s a great idea. I would appreciate your thoughts, input, concerns and consideration. 11.G Update on Council Goals. These are listed in your agenda. Again I see this as an opportunity to exchange updated information, keep us all on the same page and discuss future steps. It would take pages to summarize everything so I think it best that this detail is left to our discussion. (SALMON) If you have any questions before hand please let me know. Thank you and have a good weekend. |
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