Harbor Master Chris resigns; commission plans expedited hiring and possible contractor support

Chris, the harbor master, informed the Marine Advisory Commission that he has submitted his resignation and will relocate south to be closer to family. The commission and staff expressed appreciation for his service and discussed next steps to fill the position.

City staff said they will post a revised Harbor Master job description this week and expedite hiring. Staff also said they may temporarily relocate an office to the marina to provide additional hands during the transition. Commissioners asked staff to consider retaining Chris on a contract basis for project continuity, particularly for capital planning and ongoing work with engineering consultants.

Separately, staff reported operational updates: the marina is already sold out for the music festival and receiving Fourth of July reservations, and the marina is recruiting for a new year-round, part-time Marina Maintenance Level 1 position at roughly 20 hours per week (seasonal staff will also return).

The commission discussed enforcement of marina rules, including letters to owners whose vessels show excessive growth and the requirement that boats be operational within 72 hours. Staff explained they had sent certified letters to about 20 boats and received responses from several owners who pledged to remedy conditions.

Staff also reviewed the state's derelict boat reimbursement program with commissioners. Staff said the city used the program late last year to pay $8,500 for hauling and disposal of derelict vessels and later received reimbursement from the state after submitting required documentation.