Harbormaster outlines ramp repairs, used-oil totals and plans to sell surplus lift

At a Harbor Commission meeting in Cordova, the harbormaster, Tony, told members the harbor has ordered materials to replace two damaged ramp sections with parts expected in about 60–90 days.

The chair opened the session and members approved the meeting agenda and minutes before hearing the report. Tony said materials for the ramp replacement were estimated at roughly $14,000 and that, if shipping proceeds on schedule, repairs could be completed in mid-April. “We ordered it, 60 to 90 day window on those getting here,” he said.

Why it matters: the ramp provides launching access and dock infrastructure; delayed repairs can affect boat operations and transient visitors. Commission discussion repeatedly tied repairs and outreach to broader efforts to promote Cordova at trade shows and to encourage more local business participation.

Tony also summarized recent operations and maintenance metrics, saying the harbor collected “16,750 gallons of used oil” and reported 35 hours of security coverage for a named event. He warned that shipping excess oil off-site can be expensive and that seasonal storage levels fluctuate: “We usually have about 10,000 on hand when spring hits,” he said.

Members discussed outreach and promotion. Tony described Seattle Marine Expo attendance as increasingly costly — “close to $4,000 for a booth” — and urged finding local partners such as the chamber, shipyard businesses or market associations to share costs and better represent Cordova. He said several groups had declined to split expenses in prior years.

On infrastructure systems, Tony reported lingering problems with wireless metering and breaker configurations. He said the harbor has exchanged multiple emails with the contractor PEI and with Marina Electric, and that data-configuration work between vendor systems (Eaton and Marina Electric) remains unresolved: “The data guy says it’s gonna take a lot longer than that,” he said. The commission asked staff to keep pressing contractors for a timeline and fixes.

The commission also discussed surplus equipment. Tony said the harbor has listed a surplus bridal lift/transport trailer and declined a low offer; he is negotiating with a private buyer in Sitka who is arranging financing. “We got offered 50,000 for $400,000 trip transporter,” Tony said, adding that holding the item indefinitely reduces its value.

On outreach and user feedback, a committee member proposed adapting a Valdez-style customer survey into a multiple-choice format with a comment field to capture what transient and long-term harbor users value most — lighting, bathrooms, launching experience and other services. The member recommended rolling out the survey in the fall and distributing it via email lists, a website QR code and transient contact lists.

Operational details and facility logistics were also addressed: members confirmed shipyard bathroom access by key card, discussed charging a $50 deposit for cards issued during haul-outs, and noted a boat-installed incinerator toilet that would not power because of a breaker issue.

Procedural items: the commission approved the agenda and previous minutes by voice motion before the report; no roll-call tallies were given. Chair moved to adjourn at the meeting’s close and members seconded that motion.

Next steps and follow-up: staff said they would circulate the draft survey for feedback, continue to press contractors on metering data configuration, proceed with ramp material procurement and provide updates on the potential sale of the surplus lift. The meeting adjourned without further formal votes.