Boyne City commission approves temporary dock reconfiguration for 2025 season after deterioration found

Boyne City commissioners voted to proceed with a temporary reconfiguration of the marina docks for the 2025 season after contractor Cody of FDS reported deterioration of existing sections of the DOC dock that were slated to become part of EDOC.

The commissioners chose “option one,” a short-term reuse of existing DOC pieces, to preserve seasonal reservations and avoid large immediate revenue losses, even though designers and the contractor warned the arrangement is not recommended beyond one season. "The short and dirty version is...we can move DOC to become EDOC," the contractor said when outlining the two choices and their tradeoffs.

Why it matters: the temporary fix will reduce usable slips this season. Alyssa of Aba/Aban Marsh told the commission that converting the T end to a U would yield a net loss of four slips on EDOC while the current phase also reduces six slips on DD dock, a combined planned net loss of 10 slips unless the commission approves an estimated $55,000 add-on to restore four of them later. Staff reported 14 seasonal reservations and two transient slips on the affected section of EDOC; commissioners and marina staff warned that events such as Boyne Thunder could be affected by limited capacity.

The financial picture and timing: FDS detailed bid-line comparisons: hauling and disposal of salvage material would add about $7,200, modifying the existing T end about $6,000, and a $13,500 bid line means the net difference is roughly a $300 credit in unit-price terms. Cody said restoring the original slip count in a future phase would likely cost about $55,000, though he cautioned that costs could rise with market escalation. The manufacturer said it lacks capacity to complete that add-on during the current season and cited fall (September–October) or spring 2026 as plausible windows.

Commission direction and safeguards: commissioners signaled support for using the reused dockage for one season only and asked the design and contractor teams to document that recommendation. Mayor Martin and consultant Martin recommended placing prominent signage on any reused sections reading essentially “use at your own risk” and suggested a written acknowledgement signed by the city, Aba/Aban Marsh and FDS to record the limited, season-only recommendation.

Formal action: a commissioner moved that the city proceed with option one after consulting with Cody (FDS) and Aba/Aban Marsh and that the city revisit next-step build-out options this summer; the motion passed on roll call. Staff were asked to return with follow-up information in time for a July decision on whether to fund the $55,000 add-on or pursue other restoration timing.

What comes next: staff and consultants will supply written documentation of the one-season recommendation, sample signage language, and a clearer revenue-impact analysis for lost seasonal and transient reservations. The commission directed staff to consult with FDS and Aba/Aban Marsh and provide a timeline to allow a July decision for any additional build work.