On August 27, Mattapoisett Harbormaster Jamie McIntosh proposed a number of changes to the Harbormaster’s department, including but not limited to an examination of waterway fees with an eye toward increases.
McIntosh explained in his written proposal a necessity to offset the 21-percent increase in salaries now in place with a full-time harbormaster and more seasonal staff members. Of the seasonal staff, he wrote, “During COVID-19 restrictions and sanitation measures has forced the department to have an expanded role during the daytime hours to meet the demands of cleaning and disinfecting bathrooms, gangways, docks, and department vessels.” He went on to say that, “The popularity of the expanded staff has been a positive feature for the department, but we feel it has developed into an expectation for the coming seasons.” He also stated that an increase to fees, “will afford the same expectation of service and expanded hours,” without the funding that the department received from the CARES Act reimbursement program.
Continuing on the theme of staffing, McIntosh proposed that a part-time, clerical-staff position should be developed with the responsibilities of, “streamlining the waitlist, permits, and stickers directly out of the Harbormaster’s office… one-stop shopping which would eliminate communication issues between multiple departments and permit holders.” While McIntosh said that the town clerk’s office did a fine job this change would benefit the public.
The new clerical staff member would also be available during business hours to assist walk-ins when the harbormaster or deputies are unavailable, assisting with general inquires as well as performing data-entry functions.
McIntosh acknowledged that the current Harbormaster office would need to be renovated with heat for year-round use until a more appropriate location or building is secured.
Regarding a recent discussion at the Board of Selectmen meeting on August 25, McIntosh said he was on-board with moving the Shellfish Warden duties to his department, adding that this additional responsibility further warranted a new Harbormaster’s office in the future.
Waterside safety was also discussed, as McIntosh said he wanted to add more navigational aids to better define the harbor’s channel and recreational area. Some new markers have been placed with encouraging results, he said, but said more are needed, specifically announcing “Special Anchorage/Recreational Area.” Further, he said swim markers are needed at Aucoot Beach to restrict vessels and jet ski activities to 300 feet from the shoreline. Rounding out areas of concern, Brandt Cove needs “Slow No Wake” and “Rock” markers as well.
McIntosh said he would prepare a suggested new fee structure for the next meeting. Chairman Carlos DaSousa said the board was not prepared to discuss fees on this night, but would take his proposal under consideration for further discussion. DaSousa said, “The advisory board has been in favor of a clerical-staff person for some time,” and agreed that streamlining the permit process should take place.
The board and harbormaster also discussed changes to the mooring inspection rules and regulations. McIntosh said he had been in discussion with TRIAD Boatyard and had negotiated a flat fee of $300 for two moorings or $150 for one mooring, a fee that would be paid over three years and would include the inspection of mooring equipment and the replacement of same as needed – an all-inclusive fee. DaSousa responded that some boat owners have been doing their own inspections for years. McIntosh countered that certification is required to perform the mooring inspections. The issue was tabled until the next meeting of the Mattapoisett Marine Advisory Board, scheduled for Thursday, September 24, at 7:00 pm.
Mattapoisett Marine Advisory Board
By Marilou Newell