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Board OKs up to $7,000 from reserves after harbormaster flags worn moorings at Pulpit Harbor
Summary
Town staff described worn mooring chains and single‑point float connections at Pulpit Harbor and the board authorized up to $7,000 from reserves for immediate hardware replacement and underwater inspection.
Town staff told the Select Board on July 15 that Pulpit Harbor’s float system has deteriorated mooring hardware and single‑set connections that create a safety risk if a single mooring fails.
Staff member (S4) summarized the inspection: "The visible ends of the tanks connected to the roof are extremely worn ... the chains were not held for inspection, but it is anticipated condition may be worse below the water line." The staff report noted three connecting main floats secured by only one set of moorings rather than the industry practice of multiple moorings providing redundancy; loss of one mooring could cause swings, damage and safety hazards to vessels.
S4 presented cost estimates for replacement chains, associated hardware and diver labor and recommended an authorization not to exceed $7,000 to permit immediate repairs and underwater inspection. "If we did it not to exceed $7,000, he goes, oh, yeah. That should be fine," S4 reported, summarizing contractor feedback.
The board authorized spending up to $7,000 from the town’s reserve funds to pay for materials and labor. Staff will engage a diver and return to the board with an invoice and condition report once work is complete.
Ending: Work is authorized so the harbormaster and public works can proceed with inspection and hardware replacement; staff will report back with receipts and a condition assessment.
