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Council briefed on boat-operator interest at Fleischmann Pier; staff pursuing immediate and longer-term tracks
Summary
Staff reported RFP responses from commercial boat operators interested in home-porting at Fleischmann Pier and described two tracks: immediate seasonal operations (3 months) to bring activity back this spring and a longer-term licensing/lease track requiring review of fees, capital needs and pier condition before council action in April.
Matt Peterkoff briefed the council on RFP responses for Fleischmann Pier and described two parallel tracks: a short-term, limited arrangement to bring operators in for the spring season and a longer-term home-port licensing or lease that would require more detailed agreements, capital work and ordinance adjustments. He said fall 2024 operations showed strong public interest and that some respondents are seeking permanent home-port status.
"We prepared for that in September 2024 by issuing an RFP to potential commercial boat operators," Peterkoff said, describing strong interest and estimated season passenger volumes based on prior experience. Staff told council they are working on dock readiness (including a punch-list and a bathroom order) and coordinating with health and parks staff on utilities; they aim to bring an initial operations package to council in April while simultaneously working on longer-term lease/licensing and capital items. Councilmembers asked staff to protect existing local operators, to clarify restroom and water utility timelines, and to show how proposed operator fees and capital contributions will support recurring pier maintenance.
