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Fairfield commission weighs providing harbormaster a town boat, insurance and role changes
Summary
Commissioners discussed whether the harbormaster should use a town-owned boat or stop using a personal craft, liability coverage and the job description as duties expand on the water.
The Fairfield Harbor Management Commission spent extensive time discussing whether to recommend that the town supply a boat for the harbormaster and whether the harbormaster’s duties should be clarified in the harbor management plan.
The Harbormaster (name not specified) told commissioners his personal boat is “Not really. No. It's 61 years old, I think it's 1963... And it's, yes, 13 foot Whaler, the Borderline Whaler, let's just call it.” He and commissioners described the boat as suitable for mooring checks but not ideal for rescue, enforcement or extended patrol duties.
Commission members said the town advised the commission that a town-supplied boat would be preferable and that insurance would be similar to other town vehicles. A town purchasing contactant provided a ballpark insurance cost of about $500 per year, the commission heard. Commissioners also reviewed three preliminary procurement quotes; one vendor quoted about $70,000 for a new skiff.
Why it matters: Commissioners said the harbormaster’s duties appear to be expanding from primarily administrative mooring management to more active on‑water responsibilities during busy weekends and events. That expansion raises liability, equipment and funding questions.
Discussion highlights included whether the harbormaster’s tasks should be redefined in the harbor management plan and job description, whether the town or the harbormaster should own a work boat, and whether state funding sources (including a supplemental environmental fund tied to enforcement fines) might be available. Commissioners asked for a clearer, written job description, more precise cost estimates, and a recommendation on where a town-owned craft would be stored and maintained.
No final vote was taken; the commission asked the subcommittee to return with a written recommendation, specific quotes, insurance estimates and a proposed job-description change for the next meeting.
