MARINE ISSUES SUB-COMMITTEE
MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24TH, 2006
(Approved as written 10.31.06)
PRESENT: Ken Hamilton (Chair), Cecil Doughty, Leon Hamilton, Jennifer Hamilton, Jeff Putnam, Gary Ross, Aaron Rugh
The meeting was called to order by Ken Hamilton at 5:40 PM
MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
Ken read the minutes aloud to the group as many had not received and/or reviewed
a copy. Leon requested a change to the section “Secession Team” to indicate that he passed out the complete version (not just the marine segment) of the Secession Team’s presentation to the ME Legislature (An Act to Authorize Chebeague to Secede from the Town of Cumberland/ LD 1735).
Leon moved that the minutes be accepted as revised. Jeff seconded the motion and it was approved unanimously.
AGENDA
OLD BUSINESS
COASTAL WATERS ORDINANCES
Committee members had reviewed various town ordinances and favored different choices. All members had not reviewed all suggested examples. Ken mentioned that all ordinances are derived from the same source, which Aaron identified as Title 38 MRSA. Aaron has forwarded the Title 38 PDF files to Leon/Jennifer. For purposes of ongoing discussion by the Committee, Jeff will copy and distribute the Long Island Ordinance. Leon will copy and distribute the Stone Wharf Ordinance.
HARBOR MASTER AUTHORITY
There was discussion on the requirements for the Harbor Master position. It is understood that a Harbor Master does not have to have arresting powers. Gary believes there is a course requirement for the job. Aaron pointed out that Title 38 includes description of Harbor Master position.
Claire is looking into obtaining information from Maine Harbor Master Association. It was recommended that Long Island Ordinance be reviewed by all for inclusion in future discussion on the subject. It was also recommended that we obtain the State regulations for Clam Warden, Harbor Master, and Police Officer. Title 38 covers Clam Warden, Harbor Master, but not Police Officer.
Leon urged that the Committee choose a Coastal Waters ordinance at the next meeting to use as a framework to build on. All agreed.
CLAM LICENSING WITH CUMBERLAND
This topic was tabled for future discussion as Leon was not able to find out the date of an upcoming meeting on the subject to be held by the Town of Cumberland. Bill Shane had not returned his call.
NEW BUSINESS:
Ken inserted the following items on the Agenda for clarification on some listings included as suggestions in the charge of the Committee:
WHARF USE BY FISHERMEN; Leon said this item was included to ensure that mention of both stone wharf and Chandlers would be included in any ordinance developed. Cecil pointed out that there is a yearly fee for using the Stone Pier floats, but no fee is levied at Chandlers. Chandlers wharf is owned by the State, and floats and ramps belong to the Town.
BARGING RAMP: Ken wanted explanation of previous reference to the possibility of charging fees. Leon said he did suggest charging fees for use of barging ramp, which led to discussion on the pros and cons of such action.
CHANNEL MARKERS: Leon had included this suggestion in the listing as he has seen many boats aground near the stone pier.
The Meeting convened at 7:00 PM with the reminder that next week the Committee will have reviewed relevant ordinances from other towns and come prepared to choose one as a base for the purpose of creating a proposed Marine Ordinance for the Town of Chebeague.
ACTION ITEMS
Jeff -provide each Committee member with copy of Long Island Marine Ordinance
Leon-provide each Committee member with copy of Stone Wharf Ordinance and Shellfish Ordinance
-Obtain clarification from Cumberland regarding clamming during the transition period, and afterwards. We need a definition of the term “equal access” in regard to the clam flats.
Claire-provide Harbor Master info
NEXT MEETING: Tuesday, October 31st at 5:30 PM in the Parish House
(secretary needed)
Respectfully submitted,
Jennifer Hamilton