Harbormaster & Waterfront Committee Reports
Annual Reports for year ending December 31, 2003.
ROCKPORT HARBORMASTER DEPARTMENT
The year 2003 started out
with a Northeaster that did damage to all of the harbors in town. Heavy seas
and strong winds moved large stones and damaged floats. This storm caused the
Flat Ground buoy green #1 to break free and become hung up on the Sandy Bay
breakwater. The USCG replaced the buoy and eventually removed the old buoy
from the breakwater.
Harbormasters Rosemary
Lesch and Scott Story continue to work with the North Shore Harbormaster
Association to organize and run MCJ Harbormaster Certification classes during
the winter months. The classes are conducted on Tuesday nights at the Salem
Police Department and are sponsored by the Massachusetts Criminal Justice
Training Council. Each winter 30-40 harbormasters participate in the 60 hours
of training to accumulate the needed 351 hours to become a Massachusetts
Certified Harbormaster. Lesch and Story are Certified Harbormasters while
Assistant Harbormasters Ron Petoff and Story Reed are enrolled in the training
- Ron Petoff will complete the 351 hours this year.
T -Wharf and White Wharf
were used in the film production of "Stuck on You" along with several of
Rockport's commercial fishing vessels. Much of the shooting was done during
the cold and snowy winter month of March.
During the spring the
Harbormasters participated in numerous seminars and training sessions on
homeland security and terrorism: Massachusetts Crime Watch Convention in
Worcester, Homeland Security Conference on Preparing & Managing Terrorism of
Mass Destruction in Westfield, MA and Homeland Security Training at the Black
Falcon Pier in Boston. The Coast Guard and Environmental Police did seminars
at the local level at the Environmental Police Headquarters on the State Fish
Pier in Gloucester.
The Harbor Department,
Sandy Bay Yacht Club and numerous volunteers worked with the Great Eastern
Crane Company to launch and connect the Town's and SBYC floats for the summer
season.
The early part of the
summer was plagued with bad weather and slow boating activity.
In July Story R. Reed was
appointed an Assistant Harbormaster after being an active member of the Harbor
Department as a patrol boat operator for over 8 years.
By July 4th the season was
on a roll with heavy boating traffic and numerous overnight visitors both in
Rockport Harbor and anchored out in Sandy Bay.
At the end of July Rockport
Harbor was visited by the replica of the 'Elizabeth Tilley' a Howland Shallop
from Plymouth, Ma. A reception was held at the Sandy Bay Yacht Club for the
crew and members of the reenactment voyage.
The minus tides in late
July and early August contributed to a number of boating "May Day" calls. A
41ft Sea Ray and a 25ft Scarab went aground on the outer breakwater. Both
vessels sustained hull and lower unit damage which caused them to take on
water. The Rockport Harbor patrol assisted the sinking vessels to safety.
In early August the
Rockport Patrol responded to a "May Day" man overboard call east of Andrew Pt.
The F/V Lady Jane called to report a crew member had been knocked over the
side of the 78ft dragger. Upon our arrival the man had been hoisted back onto
the vessel but was in need of medical attention. We transported him into
Rockport Harbor and the Rockport Ambulance took him to the Addison Gilbert
hospital.
Among the visitors to our
area was the Marblehead Yacht Club who made reservations for the last weekend
in August. The group of 23 boats ranging from 25ft - 40ft power and sail
anchored off the beaches and tied up around the Motif #1. The group enjoyed
the area and "a get together" on White Wharf.
Our Pump Out boat was
active during the summer months thanks to the support of the State of
Massachusetts Clean Water Act (and heavy boating traffic). The State continues
to fund this program to Massachusetts waterfront communities for a Pump Out
boat and or shore side Pump Out facility.
September brought bad
weather which created problems on Thacher's and Milk Island. Heavy fog and
rolling seas contributed to an overdue vessel stranded off Milk Island for
over 6 hours with one person on board while at the same time the launch at
Thacher's Island was experiencing difficulties. The Rockport Harbor Department
responded with its two patrol boats working on the search and rescue and
medical emergency on Thacher's Island.
In mid-October the majority
of the Town floats were taken out of the water at Granite Pier (by Great
Eastern Crane, the Harbor Department, Sandy Bay Yacht Club & volunteers) and
secured for the winter. Alert 1 and the Pump Out boat were taken out of the
water and Alert 11 remained in service on a float in the North Basin.
On October 21 the
Harbormasters attended continuing education at a Harbormaster Law Seminar in
West Harwich, Massachusetts and on October 26 after a long day of training
became "Volunteers" for the New England Aquarium to deal with seals, dolphin,
stranded sea turtles and whales.
During the month of
November the patrol boat responded to numerous distress calls in the Sandy Bay
area.
December brought another
Northeaster which once again damaged the breakwaters at Pigeon Cove, White
Wharf and Rockport Harbors. The outer breakwater sustained severe damage to
both the southern and northern ends. The Flat Grounds buoy broke its mooring
and made it past the northern arm of the outer breakwater into the back side
of Bearskin Neck. This storm prevented the annual arrival by boat of Santa
Claus. Mr. Claus chose to arrive at the activities in Dock Square via Forest
Fire truck.
On December 22 at 2:30 am
we responded to a distress call from a 76ft fishing dragger that had gone
aground on Wet Salvages. The vessel was unsure if they were taking on water or
had hull damage. Upon our arrival we found the F/V St. Elmo hard aground on
the NW end of the Wet Salvages with 3 POB's. After assessing the situation it
was decided to stand by for the tide to turn and see if the St. Elmo would
float off the rocks. Several hours later the vessel floated free (with the
assistance of the Rockport Patrol and USCG 47ft cutter out of Gloucester
Station) and continued its voyage into Gloucester.
This report outlines some
of the events that were not in the day to day operation of the Rockport Harbor
Department in the year 2003. The Harbormasters thank all who have contributed
to our busy Department.
The North Shore
Harbormaster web page, www.harbormasters.org, is maintained by webmaster Ron
Petoff. Click on Rockport for information about the Rockport area or click on
any North Shore community.
| Assisted the public |
105 |
| May Day Calls |
6 |
| Search & Rescue |
30 |
| Divers in Distress |
6 |
| Medical
Emergencies |
4 |
| Boat Fires |
2 |
| Investigated Flare Sightings |
2 |
| Investigated Oil Spills |
4 |
| Assisted Seal/Shark/Whale |
6 |
Office Hours Thursday Night 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. at the
Harbormaster Office on T Wharf.
Rockport Harbormasters
Rosemary Lesch and Scott Story
Assistant Harbormasters Ron Petoff & Story Reed
HARBOR ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Overview
December 2002 through October 2003 - working on Harbor Plan with Harbor Department
(HD), Urban Harbors Institute (UHI), and Harbor Planning Committee (HPC).
12/05/2002 - A special meeting was held prior to the HAC meeting, which included the
Harbor Planning Committee (HPC). The purpose of the meeting was a vote to reduce
the number of HPC members required for a quorum from 8 to 5. The vote was
passed.
The remainder of the meeting the HAC discussed items that we feel are necessary
to be included in the new town leases, which is our next project.
12/18/2002 - Letter sent to Board of Selectmen (BOS) outlining required funding for FY2003 to fund the
Harbor Plan both monies expended and future expenses.
1/16/2003 - Letter sent to BOS requesting BOS review two attachments: 1. Proposed
town owned fish shacks and gear storage areas rules and regulations to be added
to new lease. 2. Proposed lease agreement as voted at November 2002 meeting.
1/30/2003 - Letter to BOS requesting a safety change be added to "Rockport code of
by-laws rev. 1 ". The safety issue to include White Wharf with the other town
harbors in Chapter 9. HARBORS & FLOATS page 36 - Section 10. Scuba Diving,
Swimming and Snorkeling.
1/23/2003 - A progress report as to where we are regarding the Harbormasters job
classification was heard. The town still is not happy with our request to change
the Harbormasters job classification from stipend to part time.
The no swimming in the harbor inclusion of White Wharf Harbor passed to make it
the same as all of the other harbors. It was decided that it was a safety issue
and should be done. The chair sent a letter to the BOS requesting this be added
to the rules and regulations.
A list of suggestions for rules to be added to the new town leases was made. The
chair was to send a letter to the BOS suggesting the items in this list be
considered for inclusion in the drafting of the new town waterfront leases. The
need for Summer Moorings was discussed at length. A copy of the overview for the
HAC portion of the town web site, written by the chair, was reviewed and
accepted.
2/27/2003 - The letters to the BOS regarding the White Wharf safety issue and
rules for new town leases respectively were sent on 1/30 and 1/27 2003.
3/12/2003 - The meeting was cancelled at 8:00 PM after only the Harbormaster and
chair attended with no quorum, however they discussed the float problem at the
Granite Pier.
4/11/2003 - Letter sent to BOS requesting BOS review attachments and schedule for
vote at a future meeting. The attachments being: 1- Proposed Town owned Fish
Shacks and Gear Storage areas rules and regulations to be added to proposed new
lease agreement. 2 - Proposed Lease Agreement.
4/10/2003 - Meeting - Old Business; White Wharf Safety issue is scheduled for
approval at BOS 4/15/2003 meeting. Chair has to explain the rules & regulations
to be added to new town lease agreement. New Business: Attendance, Summer
Moorings, and Harbormasters job classification and insurance.
5/13/2003 - Old Business: Rules and regulations for new town leases was accepted
by BOS. Chair met with town counsel, she made a few changes and sent it back for
approval. White Wharf safety issue was approved by BOS at their last meeting.
New Business: Vote on draft of summer moorings, Chair sent a request for a
transfer of reserve funds for $200.00 to the Finance Committee on 5/8/2003,
discussed the future use of the White Wharf Building, need for an additional
member of HAC to represent White Wharf Harbor, and enforcement of "Rockport
Harbor Department Rules and Regulations" moorings "designated use" was discussed
at length.
6/8/2003 - Letter to BOS with enclosure of final version of the Town of Rockport
Master Lease for all town owned Fish Shacks, Gear Storage Areas, and Town owned
land Fishermen owned Fish Shacks. To be reviewed and accepted at a future BOS
meeting.
6/10/2003 - Letter sent to BOS for their information, the new Summer Mooring
application and Mooring Area Rules. These documents were developed by the joint
efforts of the Harbor Department and Harbor Advisory Committee.
8/21/2003 - Old Business: Harbormasters insurance and job classification, New
Business: Skiff float problems mostly Granite Pier discussed and finally any
other Harbor related Problems. Those in attendance were the Chair and
Harbormaster. An agreement was met that a proposed sign initiated by the chair
be accepted and erected adjacent to the Granite Pier float in the Spring of
2004. Similar signs will be made by the Harbor Department and erected in the
other Harbors. These signs, if adhered to, will remedy skiff problems at the
town floats.
8/28/2003 - Meeting with Town Administrator and chair regarding sign for Granite
Pier for float, out come HAC will pay $39.00 for sign Town will make sign.
9/16/2003 - Sign was delivered to chair and will be installed in the Spring.
9/25/2003 - New Business: Readdress certain problem areas in our proposed lease
policy as directed by BOS:
1. Commercial Fisherman definition
2. Number of storage shacks allowed per individual.
3. Use of fish shacks, define with specifics.
4. Items stored in shacks and use must be defined in policy.
5. Items stored or worked on must belong to lessee.
6. Applications should by screened by HAC then sent to BOS with a
recommendation.
7. No Grandfather clauses.
The committee had a lengthily discussion about possible problems with the
proposed lease agreements of the town owned property to commercial fishermen. It
was noted that town council had drawn up agreements and BOS had accepted them.
The committee decided a letter to the BOS requesting the following be sent:
1. Rescind all new leases granted during the months of August and September of
2003. HAC review these leases for compliance to new lease polices.
2. Request the BOS to delegate to the HAC authority to receive, review and grant
all applications for leases of town owned property for water related purposes.
3. That any water related requests and/or disputes by citizens be heard first by
the Harbor Department and if not resolved next by the HAC and if not resolved be
sent to the BOS with a recommendation.
The BOS at a subsequent meeting gave a positive vote to request # 2 above.
10/15/2003 - Letter to BOS proposal that present policy requirements to new town
water related lease be amended to include fire protection of town buildings.
11/13/2003 - New Business: discuss the W. Donovan problem, not qualified to renew
shack lease. This took up most of the meeting, however after an equitable
solution was found and voted on the chair will compose a letter outlining the
conditions of the solution. The committee also voted to request of the BOS an
additional member to represent White Wharf. The candidate chosen was Arthur
Curry. The use of space heaters in town owned fish shacks was discussed and it
was decided that this should be covered by the Fire Department and Building
Inspector.
11/14/2003 - Letter to BOS requesting the addition of a full time member of the
Harbor Advisory Committee to represent the White Wharf Harbor. The BOS at its
next meeting voted to include A. Curry as a full time member of the committee.
12/15/2003 - Letter to the BOS was sent explaining that any water related requests
and/or disputes by citizens be heard first by the Harbor Department and if not
resolved next by the HAC and if not resolved be sent to the BOS with a
recommendation. The letter gave a detailed explanation of how this was handled
in the past.
12/16/2003 - The chair attended the BOS meeting and at the request of the BOS
explained the contents of the 12/15/2003 letter. The BOS voted favorably to
address water related problems as outlined in the 12/15/2003 letter.
C. Nichols, Chairman
Harbor Advisory Committee
HARBOR PLANNING COMMITTEE
The Harbor Planning Committee is an ad hoc single purpose committee appointed
by the Board of Selectmen, December 2000, to create a Municipal Harbor Plan.
Funding for the project was appropriated at the request of the Harbor Advisory
Committee who contracted with Urban Harbors Institute of the University of
Massachusetts (Boston) to assist the Harbor Planning Committee (HPC) in
research, provide guidance and produce a draft plan of Issues, Goals and
Policies incorporating input from the Committee and their own findings.
The members of the HPC were drawn by the Selectmen from nonaffiliated citizens
interested in waterfront usage problems, members of Town committees and other
local organizations whose jurisdiction or interests were concerned with harbor
use and facilities. At the time the Plan was accepted by the Board of
Selectmen, (9/30/03), the HPC was composed of the following members: Toby
Arsenian, Michael Clay, Sam Coulbourn, Don Johnson, John Krenn, Phyllis Krenn,
Rosemary Lesch, Jack Lucas, Alex McKenzie, Cynthia Mallette, Charles Nichols,
Steve Ouellette, Jay Reed, Benton Story, Scott Story and Michael Tupper.
The foundation for the planning process was provided by the following vision
statement developed by the Committee: Rockport's harbors and waterfront are
the defining assets of the community and central to its history, economy,
image and quality of life. The harbors are what attracted residents past and
present and continue to be a major attraction to visitors who are vital to the
Town's economy. The harbors provide a livelihood for fishermen, inspiration
for artists and visitors. These qualities underlie the goals of the Rockport
Harbor Plan and shape the plan's principal objectives which are to: increase
and enhance access to the harbor for commercial and recreational purposes,
protect the quality of the harbors' resources and preserve the scenic and
historical elements of the harbors and adjacent land, for this and future
generations.
The Plan provides a summary of existing conditions including a description of
Rockport's physical setting, our natural resources, regulatory conditions and
existing uses; it defines the harbor area as extending from Andrews Point to
Straitsmouth Light and landward to the first public roadway.
The remainder of the Plan addresses the issues, then the goals and policies.
All the goals and policies come from these primary themes:
- scenic value
- public access
- water use
- natural resource protection
- use of municipal waterfront facilities
- harbor administration
The goals endorsed in the Plan:
- Preserve and protect the scenic qualities of Rockport harbors and coast as
viewed from both the land and water.
- Preserve, increase and enhance access to the Harbor Plan study area for
water-dependent commercial and recreational purposes, including public and
pedestrian access to and along the waterfront.
- Identify, protect and recover historic Rights of Way.
- Protect and maintain existing commercial and recreational water-dependent
uses.
- Protect and improve the quality of land and water resources of Rockport
harbors and Sandy Bay.
- Minimize the impacts of recreational boating and boat-related activities
on water quality. Town waters should be clean enough for safe swimming.
- Ensure that land within the scope of the Harbor Plan is used appropriately
for the greatest public good.
- Improve the condition and function of Town-owned waterfront lands and
structures.
- Assign all mooring and Town slip facilities to vessels of appropriate
size, draft, hull configurations and similar means of propulsion.
- Pursue the goals and policies of the Rockport Harbor Plan.
The Harbor Planning Committee finalized and presented the first phase of the
Municipal Harbor Plan to the Board of Selectmen on September 30, 2003; it was
unanimously accepted at that time.
There are hard copies and CDs of the complete text of the Plan on loan at both
the Town Clerk's Office and the Rockport Public Library. In addition the
document can be viewed on the internet through the Rockport Town web site at
http://www.rockportma.gov/ under
the Reports section of the Harbor Planning Committee.
Phyllis Krenn, Chair
THACHER ISLAND TOWN COMMITTEE
This Committee consists of 11 members who have responsibility for the oversight
and stewardship of Thacher Island for the Board of Selectmen. It works in tandem
with the Thacher Island Association which is the fundraising component for the
Island.
2003 was an eventful year. The first priority was to restore electrical power to
the Island as the cable had become inoperative in the winter of 2002. A group of
volunteers headed by Billy Lee and his use of the Ocean Reporter found, fetched
and facilitated the re-splicing of the cable by a professional cable company and
power was restored on 2 July 2003. Immediately the keepers took up occupancy for
the next four months. Martha and Greg Fox of Rockport were the keepers for July,
Darlene and John Fulton of Georgia for August, Kathy and Andy Heinze of Rockport
for September, and Alan Tomasca and Ann Hernandez of Illinois for October. The
keepers provided oversight, help, support and information to the over 1,000
visitors, campers and apartment renters who used the Island this past year.
Special events on the Island included the Rockport Boy Scouts overnight in July,
the Artists Day in August and the Sails and Trails event in September.
Throughout the season volunteer work crews spent each Wednesday working on the
Island. A new porch was built on the assistant keeper's house, all windows were
refurbished and new storm windows installed, and weekly trail maintenance and
upkeep and enhancement continued.
This year the use fees for the apartment on the Island for weekends generated
$5,110 to the general fund. It was also used to house the contractors during
September and October.
Joe Napolitano, the general contractor who was selected to work on the principal
keeper's house, began work with re-roofing and refurbishing the exterior and has
75% of the job completed. Much of this work was funded through the $75,000 grant
awarded to Thacher Island by the Community Preservation Committee and has been
matched by the Thacher Island Association.
The Island closed for the season on October 25th and will re-open in June of
2004.
Sydney M. Wedmore, MD, Chair
