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Council approves $200/month live-aboard surcharge at Pleasure Island Marina amid questions on enforcement and marina upgrades
Summary
The council adopted a $200-per-month surcharge for vessels with live-aboard occupants at Pleasure Island Marina and approved several related marina actions, while council members pressed staff about how the city will identify live-aboards, electrical safety (GFI), restroom renovations and a plan for cameras before reopening restrooms in Lakefront
The Port Arthur City Council on Aug. 12 approved a monthly "live-aboard" surcharge of $200 for vessels that are occupied as primary residences at Pleasure Island Marina.
What the ordinance does: The resolution establishes a $200-per-month surcharge in addition to standard slip fees. City staff said the surcharge is intended to offset additional municipal services used by live-aboard residents, including electricity, trash collection, restroom and shower upkeep, and grounds maintenance.
Enforcement and process questions: Councilmembers pressed staff on how the city will determine who qualifies as a live-aboard. Staff said the plan includes an application process and outreach to all marina tenants; staff told council they generally can identify habitual live-aboards by vehicle parking patterns and direct contact. Councilmember Beckham asked how the city will distinguish weekend occupants from live-aboards; staff said the city intends to treat extended occupancy (for example, residents present consistently and parking daily) as the qualifying standard and proposed an application that live-aboards would complete.
Safety and infrastructure concerns: Council members asked about electrical safety at the slips and whether pedestal outlets include ground-fault interrupters (GFI). Staff replied many pedestals do have GFI and that electricians will be called to repair or upgrade pedestals when problems are reported. Council members also discussed the state of marina fleet maintenance and boat repairs that affect operations.
Lakefront Park restroom renovations and cameras: Separately, council accepted closeout documents and authorized release of $11,736.14 in retainage to the contractor for restroom renovations at Lakefront Park. Council members said the restrooms will remain closed until external camera coverage is installed to deter vandalism; staff said the camera installation cost was expected to be included in the next fiscal budget and that portable restrooms remain available until cameras and final security measures are in place. Council members urged staff to identify funding and accelerate camera installation because the restrooms are public-health facilities.
Next steps: Staff will implement the live-aboard application and enforcement process, outreach to marina tenants, and continue repairs for electrical pedestals as needed. Staff will also follow up on restroom camera procurement and report back on timeline and funding.
Ending: The council recorded the vote to implement the surcharge and approved contract closeout for the Lakefront Park restrooms, while directing staff to clarify enforcement details and safe electrical service at the marina.
