HomeMy WebLinkAboutAugusta Port Authority Meeting Minutes December 7, 2017
Minutes of Augusta Port Authority Meeting, December 7, 2017
The meeting was called to order at 9:06 AM. In attendance were Francis Christian, Brad
Holdren, Clarence Thompkins*, Andrew Williamson*, Gary Hegner, Frank Carl*, Beth
Christian, Tonya Bonitatibus*, Darrell Bennett. *indicates voting member of Augusta Port
Authority
There were no additions to the agenda. The minutes of the August (2017) meeting were
approved as written by voice vote (Tonya, Clarence).
Gary presented the financial report for the Port Authority. The 2018 budget for the Port
Authority remains about the same as the 2017 budget. The 2017 budget has been spent out
dealing with security issues, repair issues and making the warehouse inhabitable including
electrical service. Significant repair issues remain.
Francis reported that the negotiated contract for operation of the marinas and the warehouse was
approved by the Commission. He indicated that the rentals are about the same as they were in
August. Marina improvements include bathroom upgrades and painting. Marina needs include:
15 utility towers need to be replaced at Upper Marina, security cameras have been vandalized
and need repair or replace, C dock access needs upgrade to keep chain and lock from destruction,
and warehouse dock needs stabilization. On the final issue, Francis volunteered to supply the
labor to create the stabilization of the warehouse dock with a concrete ramp for the upper end of
the gangway to rest on so that the dock could be moored in one place.
There were several complaints about the service from Cruise Security Systems. It was suggested
that the Port Authority switch to Seymour for the maintenance of our security systems.
Brad reported that the regatta (HOTS) is growing. Indeed, it is the second largest one-day
regatta in the country creating a decision point for the Augusta Rowing Club, go to a two-day
regatta or limit the one-day event to less than the participation this year. Of course, the city
would like for the Rowing Club to expand to two days.
The presence of the Ironman in Augusta has created the requirement for a non- motorized lane in
the river in the sections of the river used by the Ironman and Gatorfest. Apparently, there have
been potential incidents between practicing swimmers and recreational motor boats. Tonya
suggested that the City, the Port Authority or the DNR designate and delineate a non-motorized
lane in the river for swimmers that would be enforced May through October.
Frank announced that, as indicated in the August meeting, elections of officers would take place
at this meeting. Clarence Thompkins was nominated for the position of chair of the Augusta
Port Authority in the August meeting. In the August meeting Elena Richards also volunteered to
continue as acting secretary even though she was not and is not an appointed member of the
Augusta Port Authority. In the interim Andrew Williamson volunteered to run for Vice chair of
the group. This slate was presented to the Augusta Port Authority at the meeting as candidates
for those respective offices. The motion (Tonya/Clarence) to accept the slate was approved
unanimously by voice vote. There were no additional nominations from the floor. A voice vote
(Tonya/Frank) to affirm the election of the nominees to their respective positions was
unanimous. From this date, December 7, 2017, forward the officers of the Augusta Port
Authority shall be Clarence Thompkins, Chair; Andrew Williamson, Vice Chair, and Elena
Richards, Secretary until subsequent elections shall replace them.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:50 AM.
Next meeting February 15, 2018, 9:00 AM, Rowing Club meeting room, Boathouse.