Dear Equity Yacht Members,
This past week, the Marina Committee met to continue the effort to finalize the plan to repair or replace our docks. While some critical tasks are already underway, we have been also taking deliberate actions to gather information and consult with professionals to ensure a complete picture of our options. This information, in addition to other information, will be presented at our upcoming town hall on December 8 at 3 pm. You will be able to attend in person or by Zoom. We encourage any Member interested to attend. Among the items discussed at the Marina Committee meeting Wednesday that will be relevant to the December 8th meeting are:
1) STATUS OF BELLINGHAM PROPOSAL: Bellingham Marine Industries is developing a proposal that will will be based on our currently permitted slip configuration and will address all components of our Marina Systems. This proposal will include the engineering drawings of the electrical and utility systems to meet current code requirements. There are three bidders for the electrical system, at least two bidders for the fixed docks, plus one we have solicited on our own. We have further requested a break out for cost and time to repair or replace as well as start dates. Fixed dock repair or replacement can start independent of floating docks. Electrical design for the fixed docks will need to be compatible with the floating docks.
2) CONDITION OF THE FIXED DOCKS AND SEAWALLS: Staff, with input from the Marina Committee, have created the attached document summarizing a study from Turrell Hall and Associates, a reputable marine engineering firm, who assessed the condition of our fixed docks and seawall in June 2022 before the hurricane. They rated the condition of the fixed dock pilings, hardware, substructure, connections, and the East canal seawall to which fixed docks are attached. Their ratings are between fair and poor. The other seawalls inspected after the hurricane appear to be in good-to-fair condition depending on their location. The additional damage to the fixed docks caused by the storm is mostly observable by physical inspection, although there may be damage below the surface which will can only be ascertained during the repair process.
3) ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS REQUIREMENTS TO REPAIR OR REPLACE: The current standards for marinas are the 2017 National Electrical Code (NEC) plus applicable Tentative Interim Amendments (TIAs) which, in effect, make the 2020 NEC requirements the current standard. Other information informing our planning and actions include:
- NEMA Evaluating water-damaged electrical equipment
- Schneider electrical (Square D) Data Bulletin “water damaged electrical distribution and control equipment"
- Collier County Bulletin #11: Reinstatement of Electrical Equipment Service
- PIYC Marina Committee Electrical Systems Summary Description
4) OWNER'S REPRESENTATIVE: A sub-committee of the Marina Committee was formed to evaluate options and select an owner's representative with the required skills and experience to assist in managing a project of this complexity. We plan to move swiftly on this and involve them in the contract process.
5) COMMUNICATION WITH OUR MEMBERS: We will continue to place an emphasis on transparent communication with our boating Members. In addition to using email and our website, we will also conduct town hall forums and actively survey our Members. The goal is to ensure we have opportunities for two way communication and understand expectations and concerns.
6) COST TO OUR MEMBERS: At this time, there is not enough information to provide an estimate on what the cost to each Equity Yacht Member will be, but in accordance with our Bylaws, the cost of Marina repairs will be shared equally amongst Equity Yacht Members. The exact amount and how it will be billed will be influenced by:
- Insurance settlement for Marina policy
- Total cost of project
- Amount of reserves to be applied
- Available financing options from our banking partners
We expect to be able to speak to this in more detail at our December town hall.
This above information is intended to begin to fill in the facts on which a final recommendation to the Board of Directors will be based. In addition, there are financing and income tax considerations related to casualty losses to be considered that may impact some of our boaters.
It is a complex process. The Marina Committee is working diligently to finalize a plan that will get our Members back on the water as quickly as possible while restoring our facility to a safe, functioning, and first class Marina. I hope to see everyone at the December 8th town hall.
Sincerely,
