Trustees approve RFP to assess village dock capacity and safety

Trustees asked Will Angelillo to issue an RFP to evaluate the village dock and determine what size and type of vessels can safely tie up. The scope was divided into two phases: (1) a near-term assessment of allowable vessel size and mooring tolerances and (2) a more comprehensive evaluation of pier condition and recommended short- and long-term repairs.

"The 1st phase is probably the more immediate concern, knowing what size vessel could be, moored at the pier," Will said as he explained phasing for the assessment. Trustees noted a 2011 assessment that recommended a 132-foot vessel limit and said some past proposals (including a large Circle Line vessel) would exceed current guidance. The board also discussed safety measures such as ladders and life-saving equipment, theft of gear at the dock, insurance questions and whether smaller ferry-type services (Peekskill) offer a different model.

Clearwater requested docking dates in late April and early May for educational tours; trustees asked the group to file a formal application and said they will condition approvals on safety and the outcome of the RFP. The board allocated funds from a general village-improvements line for initial engineering work and asked staff to return with budget numbers and comparative figures used by other river communities.