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Harbor master reports unpermitted kayaks, questions harbor‑float rentals; committee to revise ordinance language
Summary
At its July 14 meeting the Camden Harbor Committee heard a detailed Harbor Master report on unpermitted dinghies and contested use of harbor floats for informal rentals; the Harbor Master said he will propose ordinance language to close loopholes and members agreed to review proposed changes next month.
At the July 14 Camden Harbor Committee meeting, the Harbor Master reported a rise in unpermitted dinghies and said dockage revenue is down this season. “Out of the 13 dinghies that we tagged that weren't permitted, I think only 1 got impounded,” the Harbor Master said, adding that impound fees start at $100 and rise to $200 if further action is required.
The report centered on several operational problems: unpermitted dinghies, unclear pump‑out fee classifications, and what the Harbor Master described as questionable uses of harbor floats and finger floats. The Harbor Master said one float owner placed a “for rent” sign and has been allowing others to use the float for short periods. “The 1st thing he does is puts a sign that says for rent,” the Harbor Master said, and the Harbor Master plans to inspect the site and check whether the owner meets booking‑agent requirements in the ordinance.
Committee members pressed on liability and fairness. One member noted the town’s ordinance distinguishes transient moorings from residential moorings and said the harbor’s waiting list contains many residents who hope to get floats; another warned that allowing casual rentals could undercut people on the waiting list. The Harbor Master said the ordinance’s booking‑agent requirements (including dinghy storage and restroom access) were intentional barriers to keep commercial activity from displacing residential mooring use.
On pump‑outs and fees, the Harbor Master described a period when commercial craft were charged a $20 pump‑out fee but said the fee schedule has changed; members asked the Harbor Master to clarify current billing practice. The committee also discussed enforcement: the Harbor Master said staff will continue tagging unpermitted vessels and pursue follow‑up with Public Works when boats are abandoned.
The committee took no formal ordinance action at the meeting but directed the Harbor Master to draft suggested language to close identified loopholes and to present those edits at the next meeting. The Chair scheduled an ordinance workshop next month to review proposed changes and invited town staff to participate.
The minutes of the previous meeting were approved at the start of the session.
