The Harbor Report: Council approves dock rent increases

Lots to talk about this week, so let’s push off the dock and get underway.

On Sept. 12 the Newport Beach City Council voted 4 to 3 to increase the marina tidelands permit costs over the next seven years. The annual rate will be 36 cents per square foot through 2014 and will rise to $2.52 per square foot by 2020.

Will the marina owners continue their fight? You betcha.

While putting this weeks column together, I kept flashing back to the Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and Elmer Fudd skit centering on “duck season-wabbit season.” I changed “duck” to “dock.”

That’s right, the city is Elmer with his shotgun and laugh.

For the homeowners who received City Manager Dave Kiff’s letter this week, it seems it’s definitely dock season right now. The letter goes on to explain the difference between tax and rent, and that the bottom line is the rent will go up soon.

The devil is always is always in the details.

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Harbor Commission divvies up tasks

I attended last week’s Harbor Commission meeting, an important meeting because our commissioners volunteered to take on certain tasks this year.

The following is my rendition of their tasks, as pulled from the commission’s agenda. To see the complete list, visit https://www.newportbeachca.gov.

“Ensuring the long-term welfare of our harbor”

1. “Investigate potential solutions to long standing obstacles to maintenance,” like permitting, the lack of small-scale dredging operators. Chairman Doug West and Commissioners Duncan McIntosh and Brad Avery. Strange that this was the first task listed because it is the most important.

2. Best use of the Lower Castaways: Commissioners Avery, David Girling and Karen Rhyne

3. Resetting harbor lines: Commissioners Ralph Rodheim and Rhyne

4. Enforcement of harbor codes: Commissioners West, Paul Blank, Avery

5. Improve boating education, especially for Newport Beach residents: Blank, Rodheim

7. “ ... Strategies to maintain water-related businesses” on the harbor: McIntosh, Rodheim

8. Communicate the Harbor Commission’s role with the public: Girling, Avery

9. Alternative mooring design solutions: Rodheim, Avery

“Promoting Newport Harbor as a preferred and welcoming destination”

1. Define strategies for increasing the number of visiting vessels: Blank, Girling, West

2. “Evaluate public anchorage alternatives”: West, Avery

3. Evaluate public piers that facilitate visitor access: Girling, Blank

If you would like to get more involved with the harbor this coming year, go over this list, then contact the commissioners tasked with the issues that interest or affect you.

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Want a marine recycling center?

We might have made some progress this week toward the installation of a marine recycling center.

What is a marine recycling? It’s where anyone can dispose of waste oil, oil filters, batteries, transmission fluid, zincs and coolant at no cost.

How many times a year do you have to dispose of such items? Not easy, is it?

Mayor Nancy Gardner invited me to speak at the Coastal/Bay Water Quality Committee meeting last week regarding the need for these centers, and I felt it was well received. With the mayor’s help copying what’s already in place in Dana Point, this might just happen!

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BCYC crowns champs

Last weekends Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club’s championship races were a huge success, with 21 teams competing in the championship division and 18 teams in the family division. Mark Gaudio won the championship division and the Mayol family won the family division.

The competition was exceedingly tough, and I am confident the event will improve next year. I made it into the championship finals and finished in sixth place. The club also awarded me with one of the five Corinthian Awards for sportsmanship, which I am having framed.

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Harbor 20s for the weekend

This weekend I will be sailing with Marry Bacon aboard her Harbor 20 Rascal II in BCYC Tune-up Regatta and then I will charter the Harbor 20 Adrenalin from the Harbor 20 Sailing Club for Sunday’s Fall Schock Regatta.

If you ever wanted to sail a Harbor 20, contact the sailing club; it’s a great way to give these boats a try and see if this fleet works for you.

Sea ya!

LEN BOSE is an experienced boater, yacht broker and boating columnist.