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Public voices concerns about harbor commission conduct, censure of commissioner and financial strain
Summary
Multiple public commenters told the board the Harbor Commission is dysfunctional, citing attempts to remove public attendees, a censure of a commissioner (Annie Niemer), alleged editing of meeting videos and missing insurance at the harbor — concerns the board did not act on at this session.
Several members of the public urged the Board of Supervisors to pay attention to ongoing problems at the Harbor Commission, saying the commission’s internal disputes and legal disputes threaten the harbor’s ability to operate and generate revenue.
Public commenters said a Harbor Commission chair had repeatedly tried to expel women from commission meetings earlier in the year and that a recent censure of Commissioner Annie Niemer (spelled variously in public comments) was preventing effective commission governance. One commenter said they had filed an ACLU complaint and accused the commission of editing meeting videos and falsifying minutes; another said the harbor faced fines for lacking insurance and was at risk of insolvency.
Speakers named a newly seated commissioner, identified as Mr. Evans, who is a sworn peace officer at Pelican Bay, and said his appointment followed Niemer’s censure. Commenters expressed concern about whether a person with separate law‑enforcement affiliations should serve on the commission. Several speakers said the commission’s internal conflict has led to legal expenses (one commenter estimated $55,000 in defense costs) and reduced revenue generation.
Other commenters urged caution in the supervisors’ involvement, noting a supervisor who spoke at a harbor meeting had encouraged a commissioner to violate terms of office and warning supervisors to “stay in their lane.” Speakers urged supervisors to address the harbor’s governance problems to prevent the harbor from becoming a county liability.
Board members did not take immediate action on these public‑comment allegations at this meeting. The public record shows several speakers made similar claims during the open‑comment period; the board did not refer the matter to staff for an independent inquiry during the session recorded in the transcript.
