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Council asked to explore pontoon‑boat and guided jet‑ski concessions at Fleischmann Pier
Summary
A waterfront working group recommended exploring two new uses at Fleischmann Pier — two six‑passenger pontoon boats (seasonal) and guided jet‑ski tours — with staff and counsel to review safety, insurance and licensing details before council decides whether to pursue agreements.
Matt Rudacoff, reporting on waterfront activity and a newly formed Waterfront Workforce Working Group, asked the council to consider authorizing staff and the city attorney to explore two new concession types at Fleischmann Pier: a small pontoon‑boat service (two six‑passenger boats) and guided jet‑ski tours.
Rudacoff said Molgrade Marine submitted a pontoon‑boat proposal; the boats would operate seasonally (June–mid‑September), carry six passengers plus a captain and be bookable to single parties. He described the service as "high end" and said it would not directly compete with existing tour operators. Rudacoff also described a guided-jet‑ski tour model in which operators would supply floating docks and lead small groups on escorted outings rather than rent jet skis for independent use.
The working group identified infrastructure and safety considerations — dock configuration, CCTV coverage, insurance and indemnity terms — and recommended staff negotiate license terms and vet operators' insurance and safety records before any license is granted. Council members asked about speeds, safety on the Hudson River and fee structures; Rudacoff said the license fee model would mirror existing cruise‑boat arrangements but that staff would develop specific fee proposals.
No licensing decisions were made at the meeting; council support focused on directing staff to pursue negotiations and return with detailed proposals addressing safety, insurance and pricing.
