DEEPHAVEN BOAT COMMITTEE

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City of Deephaven, Minnesota

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DEEPHAVEN BOAT COMMITTEE

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2004

MINUTES

Call Meeting to Order

Chairperson Bob Voyles called the meeting to order at 7:08 p.m.

Members Present

Bob Voyles, Larry Parkhurst, David Paulson, Pete Onstad, Steve Pavek, John Gresens, Council Liaison Kim Crockett, Administrator Dana Young

Members Absent

Joe Ladner, Ed Towey, Oliver Arrett

July 14, 2004 Minutes

The Committee approved the July 14, 2004 minutes on a motion by John Gresens, seconded by Steve Pavek. Motion declared carried.

Subcommittee Reports

Steve Pavek introduced Hank Mullen, owner of Ramp Master, and asked Mr. Mullen to present information to the Committee on his ramps. Mr. Mullen stated that his ramp has been in existence for 31 years and there is no other ramp in that market that can do what his ramp does for such a low price. He stated that his 16’ deluxe ramp kit costs $235.00, which does not include the price of the lumber or installation. He stated that he has other ramp kits that can accommodate up to 20’ long boats.

Kim Crockett asked how long the hardware is lasting? Mr. Mullen stated that he has had brackets last as long as 25 years. He added that the wood frame would need to replaced sooner. He stated that aluminum hardware is also an option to consider. He stated that the aluminum hardware costs 12% more and lasts virtually forever.

David Paulson asked if there is a difference in strength between the aluminum and steel hardware? Mr. Mullen stated that there is no difference.

Mr. Mullen stated that he recommends 2’ x 6’ pressure treated wood for the frame. David Paulson asked if you could use a 2’ x 8’ if you had a larger boat. Mr. Mullen stated that he found 2’ x 6’ to be a better size in terms of strength and durability.

Steve Pavek asked if the ramps would be better suited to replace our current slides or would they be placed on top of the slides? David Paulson replied that the intention of looking at this ramp system is to reduce the cost of replacing our existing slides due to wear and tear caused by heavier boats. Hank Mullen added the other benefits of a ramp system is that each boat could be evenly spaced, longer lasting and provide a much cleaner look than the present slide system.

David Paulson asked if the wheels on the ramp would eventually wear down the gelcoat on boats? Mr. Mullen stated that the wheels have no impact on the boat.

Mr. Mullen was asked what he would charge if he built the ramps himself. He stated that he charges from $125-$150 per ramp, including delivery. He added that he is very careful to determine the type, size and weight of each boat before he builds the ramp. He stated that he can provide up to 40 ramps pretty quickly and can construct approximately 40 ramps every two weeks.

The Committee thanked Mr. Mullen for his presentation.

After Mr. Mullen left the meeting, the Committee discussed a number of issues pertaining to the ramp system, including:

	Adding the new ramps where there are unresolved width issues
	Adding the new ramps only when our existing slides need to be replaced
	Whether the ramps should be built by the City or the permit holder
	Whether the ramps should be owned by the City or the permit holder and does the current rate structure cover the cost of these new ramps
	The potential liability and maintenance issues if the City owned and/or built the ramps versus if they were built and owned by the permit holder
	How these new ramps would fit into the long-range plan to accommodate bigger and wider boats
	How these new ramps would fit into the long-range plan to replace slide space with additional dock space
	If the City were to require permit holders to purchase the ramps, the City should provide at least two vendors who supply this product so that permit holders have a choice in the selection of a ramp

The Committee recommended purchasing three ramps from Ramp Master at a cost not to exceed $1,200.00 in order to fully test the product, with the condition that Mr. Mullen construct the ramps at his own cost and the lumber be provided to the City at cost, on a motion by David Paulson, seconded by Pete Onstad. Motion declared carried.

Discontinuation of Subleasing for Class B Spaces

Bob Voyles stated that he had met with Kim Crockett, David Paulson, Dana Young and Deborah Hicks on August 2^nd to discuss a variety of administrative issues. He stated that some of these issues were policy issues and others would require an ordinance change. He stated one such issue requiring an ordinance change would be the elimination of subleasing for Class B permit holders.

The Committee recommended the elimination of subleasing for Class B permit holders on a motion by John Gresens, seconded by Larry Parkhurst. David Paulson opposed. Motion declared carried.

David Paulson stated his concern that without the ability to sublet, Class B permit holders would be left without a remedy to resolve an emergency situation. Bob Voyles stated that he would rather they be able to appeal the matter before the Boat Committee than to allow subleasing to continue. Further discussion was held on the possibility of drafting an ordinance that would allow for some sort of appeal process for those without access to subleasing.

Timelines for Dealing with Permanent Spaces following the June 15^th Deadline

Bob Voyles stated that this item was the second issue resulting from the meeting with staff on August 2^nd. He stated that following the June 15^th deadline, there are usually a number of permanent spaces that become available resulting from individuals not adhering to the June 15^th deadline requirements. As a result of trying to fill these new permanent spaces, two issues usually result – how long does staff give each new permit holder to purchase a boat and are these new permit holders subject to the 90 day rule.

John Gresens stated that it is very difficult to purchase a new boat after June since most dealers are out of stock by that time. He stated that he would be willing to give the new permit holder’s who receive a permanent space after June 15^th a season’s grace period. He stated that they should still be required to pay for the space and allow the City the opportunity to fill their space for the remainder of the season. He added that they also should not be obligated to meet the 90-day rule. Further discussion was held on whether this same standard should apply to Class B permit holders since it is not nearly so difficult to find a smaller boat or canoe. Bob Voyles suggested that individuals on the subleasing priority list, which City staff intends to compile this fall, could be contacted to fill those empty spaces made available once the June 15^th Deadline standards are applied.

Remaining Agenda Items

The Committee tabled discussion on the remaining agenda items on a motion by David Paulson, seconded by John Gresens. Motion declared carried.

Other

Dana Young stated that there is a dispute regarding shore space infringement between Tim Laurent and his immediate neighbor, the Minnetonka Yacht Club. He stated that some property markers indicate that several feet of the Yacht Club dock may be infringing into Mr. Laurent’s shore space, making the access to and from his dock difficult. However, he cautioned that the property markers may not be accurate and the issue still needs to be reviewed at some point in time by the Boat Committee.

Dana Young stated that Bayview is requesting permission to pick up a city resident with one of their charter boats at the St. Louis Bay dock. The Boat Committee denied Bayview’s request due to concerns that the city docks are not strong enough to support a 60-foot charter boat and the bay is far too crowded.

Adjournment

Motion to adjourn by Bob Voyles, seconded by John Gresens. Motion declared carried. The meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m. The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Deephaven Boat Committee will be held on Wednesday, September 8^th.