May 14, 2015 Dear Boaters, I am writing to let you know the latest on the potential rate increases that I have considered recommending to the City Council. As you will recall, I considered raising the Marina annual parking permit fee from $120 to $240; raising the hoist fee from $1.50 to $3.00 per 15 minutes; raising the Yellow Boat Dock monthly permit fee from $150 to $200; and, raising the Outer Harbor mooring fees by 10% each year for the next three years. Over the past several weeks I have spoken and emailed with many boaters, and received some different perspectives, and new ideas. I have also engaged in discussions with other City staff regarding the relationship between the Parking and Marina Funds, and how services and money are accounted. As a result, I will NOT recommend that the Marina annual parking permit fee be increased, at this time. It will remain at $120/year. I will also NOT be recommending that the Yellow Boat Dock permit fee be increased at this time, as the City is now requiring a higher level of insurance for these permit holders, which is already increasing their costs. I WILL recommend that the hoist fee be increased to $3.00/15 minutes. The costs of maintaining the aging hoist are real. I WILL be recommending the 10% per year, for each of the next three years, increase in Outer Harbor mooring fees, including the surcharge to live aboard. The existing fee simply does not pay for the level of services the City provides to Outer Harbor boaters. Even after these increases, I believe that these moorings will remain a low-cost boating opportunity. I am happy to answer questions from Outer Harbor boaters about City costs. The fee increases will be considered at a future City Council meeting, the date of which is not yet determined, but likely will be in late summer or fall. I will send out the date for this meeting as soon as it is known, posting it as a gate notice, and through our electronic newsletter. There will be opportunities for public comment at this City Council meeting. Thank you,
Steve Scheiblauer Harbormaster (831) 646-3950 scheibla@monterey.org
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