Resident says marina bill rose to $5,700; board declines immediate exception

Corey Bridal, a boat owner who said he has kept his boat in town for about four years, told the board his annual marina bill has spiked and he is receiving fewer amenities. "And now my bill is is $5,700 this year," Bridal said, adding that he had previously received seasonal dock access and hookups that are now not available.

Staff explained the marina lacks a May-to-October full-season slip for a boat of Bridal's size, that earlier accommodations had been an informal, one-off arrangement, and that city rules regulate transient wall use. As staff summarized, "It sets the rate. It sets a 3 night limit on the wall," and later noted that "we were making no special arrangements" this spring. Board members also said there are roughly 30 people ahead on the waiting list for bigger slips and that allowing a special arrangement could displace people on that list.

The board discussed options including creating a special seasonal category, charging a monthly-equivalent on the wall, or asking Bridal to use mooring buoys for part of the season. Bridal offered to pay $4,000 now while the matter is considered, but the board indicated that it would not create routine exceptions to the posted rules and that the appropriate next step for a contested policy decision would be the city council. The board concluded the discussion by agreeing to take no formal action at this meeting and to continue with current policy; members suggested Bridal could raise the matter with the city council if he wished.