PORT ADVISORY
COMMITTEE (PAC) MONTHLY MEETING 4-16-09 3RD THURSDAY, 5:30PM, MANCHESTER
LIBRARY
Those
in attendance included Paul and Janice Gilligan, Bob Edwards, Norma Brady, Joe
and Margaret Guariz, Bud and Wanda Larsen, John Winslow, Steve Pedersen, Eric
Cisney and Dave Kimble.
A
non-agenda safety item was presented by Bob Edwards, concerning the EXIT sign
at the former exit to the library meeting room. Though the door is locked
, disabled, and not in use, the lighted exit sign remains and in the event of a
fire including smoke, could be confusing to anyone in panic. John
Winslow stated that he would see that the problem was corrected.
Chair,
Steve Pedersen asked that we prioritize the list of items that we have had on
our agenda’s for some time and also look at Port finances along with a
recommendation from the PC on how best to proceed with increasing
revenues. It was agreed that we select only 5 to 6 priority issues for
each meeting. Wanda was asked to pencil out a list of the committee’s
accomplishments for 2008, to review at our next meeting on May 21st,
prior to submitting to the commissioners for their information. We
feel that the PAC is a very productive group within the community.
#1……was
comments on the highly successful March 28th Port of Manchester Work
Party. 23 workers turned accounted for 81 volunteer hours in helping with
the slope beautification and other projects in the launch and park area.
The bull-rail to be painted as soon as it warms up a bit.
Commissioner Strode had asked how the group would feel about assisting with
completion of the slope and the making up of a Kayakers path. The PAC
recommends that contact be made with kayak user groups to determine the
physical needs and requirements for such a pathway in-between the North and
South floats. Would they be will to help with the design, construction,
and costs? A path would need to be completed prior to the completion of
the shrub beautification of the slope. Planting of the slope could take
place this Fall.
#2
The PAC recommends full support by the Commissioner of an IDD levy lid
lift of .30 for a 6 year plan. It was felt this is the best way to
insure an increase of revenue needed to maintain the present Port of Manchester
facility and address economic development. Members of the PAC are
asked to be on hand at the 4-20-09 Port Commissioners meeting, to be available
for their comments.
#3
The PAC Special Project Committee intends to clarify where they stand on forming
a special PAC committee to assist the project manager in reducing construction
costs by using volunteer labor, materials, and equipment as backup on the
construction parking grant for the Daniel’s Loop acquisition
#4
It was felt there is a need strongly encourage donations for use of the launch
to make self supporting funds available to the Port. A resolution to the
Port Commissioners was proposed for submission at the next Port Commissioners
meeting on Monday, 4-20-09, 6:00PM, Manchester Library. The resolution,
prepared by John Winslow, will be presented by Joe Gauriz.
The proposal addresses the need for mandatory parking/launch fees and a total
review of collections at the end of the summer season, or by 10-1-09. The
words “PAY HERE” were recommended for placement on the donation box, to better
point it out to users.
#5
Chair, Steve Pedersen passed around the draft outline for the new Port of
Manchester bi-fold informational publication. With a few changes
and printing (courtesy of Ron Rada) the piece will be ready soon for
distribution at all public meetings and events, as well as being available at
the Manchester Library and the Manchester Market,
#6
It was noted that it is time to be thinking about the annual 4th of
July cleanup at the Port launch area and park that takes places early morning
of July 5th. It was suggested that the amount paid last year
($250) could be given to one or more of the community groups who could use
their member volunteers to do the cleanup. The Friends and
the MCC members in attendance at this meeting will take the suggestion to their
groups and report on interest at next month’s meeting. It was suggested
if this can be done through one or more groups, there might be some interest in
using the $250. For a Port of Manchester recognition picnic.
Commissioner approval will be necessary.
#7
The PAC would like to see the “For Sale” sign on the recent acquisition
property removed from the building. This would require approval of the
renters, and also the Commissioners. The PAC is prepared to take
the sign that is taken down and turn it over to restore it to read “Port of
Manchester….Future Community Parking”. Margaret Guariz volunteered
to restore the sign.
Paul
Gilligan volunteered to review the 2008 Port of Manchester user surveys.
We hope to look ahead to future user information.
The
funding for the Manchester Community Sign is only $350 short of the goal set by
the sign committee. There are several contacts that still need to
be finalized. The sign is underway at Dalton Art Studios, and the permitting
almost complete. As soon as Dalton is close to completion, the Manchester
Water District will do the necessary excavation for placement of the
sign. It closely resembles the sign at Miracle Mile and
Colchester. In addition a similar design will be used for T
Shirts designed by Dawn Gogel, they will be done in time for the Father’s
Day Salmon Bake, the front features a similar design to the Manchester Signs being
done by Dalton. The back will state Port of Manchester –Charting
Our Future.
Topics
for future consideration include overnight paid trailer/vehicle parking for
Blake Island, etc., Leash Law update, Mutt Mitts for park area, life jacket
loaner program, Port records permanent repository.
Submitted
by: Wanda Larsen