La Crosse Joint Board of Harbor Commissioners
The regular meeting of the La Crosse Joint Board of Harbor Commissioners was held Monday, July 21, 2008 at 4:30 p.m. in the Fifth Floor Conference Room, City Hall, 400 La Crosse Street.
MEMBERS PRESENT: President John Fisher
Commissioner Marc Schultz
Commissioner Dale Wetterling
Commissioner Wayne Oliver
Commissioner Jim Bertram
Council Member Tom Sweeney
Capt. Mike Horstman
Commissioner Tom Thompson
County Supervisor Don Meyer
CITY STAFF PRESENT: Larry Kirch, City Planner
Jane Brunner, City Planning Staff
OTHERS PRESENT: Karl Green, UW Extension
Jerry Strok, Coast Guard Auxiliary
1) Approval of the minutes of the June 23, 2008 meeting of the Port of La Crosse Joint Board of Harbor Commissioners.
Marc Schultz made a motion to approve. Wayne Oliver seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
2) Discussion of City and County Harbor budgets.
Karl Green of the UW-Extension office said that the County’s portion of the budget will be the same as in 2008 with a few thing changes. The revenue for the Harold Craig fleeting site is changed to $17,400. The line item for public information remains at $1,000, mileage remains at $500 and the travel expenses for the WCPA remains at $500.
Larry Kirch said that the City budget will probably remain the same, the total of which is $1,600. However, the revenue of $14,400 should increase by $20,000. He added that the City has a resolution that states if the revenues are not used by the end of the year it goes to a City Surplus fund. There was discussion regarding possible use of revenue funds, such as signage repair at boat landings and new boating brochures for 2009.
Tom Sweeney made a motion to approve the County and City budgets as presented. Tom Thompson seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
3) Request to place a 100-ft no wake buoy in Catgut Slough adjacent to Bob’s Bait and Tackle (north of Clinton Street).
Marc Schultz had spoken to Duane McClain, who made this request, and told him that if he is looking for a 100 ft. buoy, an ordinance already exists which addresses these buoys and he just needs to get administrative approval. Larry Kirch had also spoken with Mr. McClain who said there was concern that boat traffic is creating a wake affect on the boat docks. Larry said that we need to communicate that evidence is needed that would warrant the placement of a buoy at the requested location. Tom Sweeney suggested that he could place a sign at the end of the dock as a reminder. It was thought this should be done at the next meeting of the Harbor Commission when a report could be given regarding the viability of the sign placement. Authorization must also be obtained from the WI DNR.
Larry Kirch was directed to send a letter informing Mr. McClain that there is currently a no wake ordinance in place for the area. In addition this request was referred until the next meeting of the Harbor Commission at which time a representative of the petitioner should be present.
Capt. Mike Horstman said that if he is having issues he can contact the Sheriff’s Department through the dispatch center. An officer could be placed in the area to see if registration numbers could be identified and with a follow up on that. Tom Sweeney added that he could also try to identify a registration number, as is done through the Citizen’s Riverwatch Group.
Tom Sweeney made a motion to refer to the next meeting of the Harbor Commission with direction to City Staff to send a letter informing him that there is currently a no wake ordinance in place for the area. In addition this request was referred until the next meeting of the Harbor Commission at which time a representative of the petitioner should be present. Marc Schultz seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
4) Discussion of use of Harbor Commission income and creation of a sinking fund.
Larry Kirch said that this sinking fund could be similar to the Industrial Park Sinking fund which is a segregated/revolving account. It is used for dues to LADCO, economic promotions, etc. As it stands the City harbor income lapses at the end of the year. Any left over harbor revenue funds would be placed into the City’s Surplus fund. A proposed sinking fund (floating fund) would be generated via the harbor and would impact the budget. So, if the Harbor Commission wants to do special projects like island reconstruction (which takes matching funds), no wake signs, dock repair, etc., the funds could be used for these projects. This would eliminate the step of having to carry money over at the end of the year.
Tom Sweeney voiced concerns that the floating funds could be used on projects in another city/town within the County. Larry Kirch this is money that can be used for City projects or joint projects. Dale Wetterling asked if consideration for use of the funds would still come to the Harbor Commission before it was used. Larry Kirch said this could be done.
Tom Sweeney suggested placing a cap on the amount in the floating fund. Tom Thompson thought that there should not be a cap and said more could be done if the Commission had the money to spend. However, John Fisher wanted to stay away from the idea that they might have a large “nest egg.” He also cautioned against use of the funds for “pet projects” as has been seen in previous years. The initial use of the plans would be for the waterfront plan. Larry Kirch said this will give a clearer idea as to the Harbor Commission’s duties and responsibilities. The plan would help to manage and allow public awareness.
Marc Schultz said that, although the County would stay within the existing system for the time being, he thought that creating the City floating fund would be a good idea. Tom Sweeney, as the City Common Council member, needs to introduce this. Tom Sweeney made a motion to direct City staff to work with the Finance Department to draft a resolution to create an enterprise fund, bring the draft back to the Harbor Commission and then submit to the Common Council for consideration.
5) Final solution regarding annual buoy placement.
Larry Kirch said that Riverfest, Inc. had donated six buoys to the Harbor Commission, for which a letter of appreciation was sent. These were placed in the heavier deeper water. He asked for direction from the Harbor Commission regarding buoy permits. He said that he would work to repeal the Main Channel speed ordinance and the Riverfest ordinance. The 100 ft. transient dock permit would be eliminated; and he hopes that all of the 100 ft. no wake permits could be combined into one permit. Bill Yearman had informed him that separate permits are probably needed to keep each of the red no wake buoys. The permits for the water ski area would be separate. All of the swim buoys would be included in the same permit. The Harbor Commission would be responsible for the buoys in the Main Channel and anything in the back waters. Waterworks, Inc. had placed the buoys this year at a cost of $175/hour. He asked for advice regarding billing those who had requested buoys. At this time there is no cost for placement as they are responsible for placing them. However, some are being placed in the wrong area. Don Meyer said that there would have to be an ordinance where the fee is addressed in the ordinance so it isn’t an arbitrary payment. Larry also wondered what the procedure would be once a buoy is past its usefulness.
Marc Schultz said that the County had always sent letters to individuals indicating if the buoys didn’t meet qualifications and needed to be upgraded. The unit of government that is involved is the one who holds a permit. The government is then liable, so we should come up with an estimate for placing and removing the buoys on a yearly basis. Marc Schultz said that Pools 7 and 8 should not be treated differently. He suggested that a few bids for placement and maintenance of the buoys should be obtained, which will give a clearer idea of the cost.
Larry Kirch then asked for the last bit of clear direction on the permitting side with Bill Yearman, wherein we would get all 100 ft. buoys on one permit, repeal the ordinances which he will send to Karl Green so that the County’s Riverfest and 30 mph ordinances are repealed by them. He will get a bid on putting in all of the buoys. Larry said that he will try to draft a one-page proposal for these actions, which will include addressing the buoys at Brice Prairie channel as well as the sailboat club.
6) Check that any application for funding to the Bureau of Railroads and Harbors, WDOT, Madison, is underway and ready for submission by or before the August 1 deadline.
Larry Kirch said that nothing is going to be submitted from either the City or the County. It was placed on the agenda because it was on the Harbor Commission annual calendar.
7) Riverfest Safety Event report.
Jim Bertram said that the cooperation of boaters was outstanding and a lot of credit goes to Tom Romaine. Jerry Strok said that the event went off well and had a good turn out, although there were two incidents where law enforcement would have been helpful. He said that Houston County had requested that someone from the Wisconsin Coast Guard Auxiliary join them on their patrol, though the auxiliary was unable to do that. Excellent cooperation was received from Marion Byerson, the Director of Riverfest, Inc. He reported that Mr. Byerson is now a member of the CGA.
He reported that Coastie and the Wiaconda have been assured for use at Riverfest next year. A member of the WI State Patrol is also a member of the CGA and has participated extensively each year in Riverfest. His help with safety patrols made a difference. Jerry said that there were no Harbor Commissioners were present at the Riverfest event, but that the CGA was able to man the gazebo and patrols without their help.
8) Discussion regarding an estimate for redoing the island project.
Wayne Oliver reported that he had spoken with Tony Binsfield of Brennan Marine with regard to redoing the estimate. He hoped to obtain that estimate after the Harbor Commission meeting. Larry Kirch said that the USACOE will do a preliminary design if we obtain the water levels. A check from the Stry Foundation has been received for this project and they have asked why it has not yet been cashed. The Fish and Wildlife grant agreement has not yet been obtained, which has kept the project on hold. The $10,000 from both of these entities will help to pay for the final design. Although the USACOE would do the conceptual design, a professional engineer needs to be hired in order for a permit to be issued.
9) Future agendas.
Island project estimate.
Request to place a 100-ft no wake buoy in Catgut Slough adjacent to Bob’s Bait and Tackle (north of Clinton Street) – Marc Schultz will contact with safety concerns.
Resolution regarding the creation of a City harbor “floating fund.”
Update on the main channel no wake (Report by Capt. Horstman.)
Recap of WCPA.
Discussion concerning obtain shirts for the entire commission.
Budgets on September agenda.
Discussion regarding the Port Plan Update.
Tom Sweeney made a motion to adjourn. Wayne Oliver seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
President John Fisher adjourned the meeting at 5:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
John A. Fisher, President
Port of La Crosse
Joint Board of Harbor Commissioners