Ports eye fees, Shoemaker designs

Wrangell's Port Commission got to take a look at preliminary designs for a new float system at Shoemaker Bay Harbor at its April 2 meeting. Designed by PND Engineers of Juneau, projected costs for the redesign are currently at around $10 million.

Harbormaster Greg Meissner presented the concept, which will feature four fingers built using polyethylene tubs. Three of these envisioned fingers will be enough to accommodate the currently berthed boats, with the fourth offering space for longer, wider craft.

"We're a long ways from being done," he told commissioners, who in turn offered some suggestions on the harbor's arrangement.

Funding for the project is planned to come through an Alaska Department of Transportation Tier I grant. While Meissner anticipates the Borough would be able to meet the $5 million in matching funds, impending cuts to the state budget for next year threaten the community's ability to pursue the project.

For the present, the Harbor Department plans tomorrow to repair the south launch float at Shoemaker, where rusted-through bolts have made it unstable.

"It's repairable," Meissner commented.

Shoemaker is also due to be pressure washed by Harbor personnel, followed by the docks at Reliance and Inner harbors. Heritage facilities were cleaned last week.

"It was an encouraging sight to see them out there blazing away. First sign of spring," said Clay Hammer, chairing the commission.

Commissioners also passed on their recommendation that the Borough Assembly approve the sale of 27,000 square feet of tidal property adjacent to the Stikine Inn.

Hotel owner Bill Goodale is putting forward the proposal, adding boarding and retail space to the current building.

"What we're trying to do is be forward-thinking about what Wrangell is going to be like in three to four years," he told the commission. Goodale expects an Army Corps of Engineers permit allowing development will take about that long to acquire.

Commissioner John Yeager asked him how many retail units are planned to be added.

"We're planning on at least seven," Goodale replied, with more possibly on the back side of the property. These would be venues geared toward local artists and producers, allowing them open-air access to the nearby walk during good weather while otherwise

keeping them near tourist traffic.

Goodale told commissioners once the deal moves forward he plans to repair and improve up the current dockside sheds and allow free usage of them until construction can begin. Afterward, the kiosks will be torn down for the expansion.

Design plans for the future Mariners Memorial at Heritage Harbor are nearly complete and should be presented to

commissioners at next month's meeting.

On rates and storage,

commissioners agreed to establish a $100 deposit for boats scheduling haul-out at the boatyard. The deposit will be forfeited if the job is canceled within 30 days of the agreed-upon date.

It goes to the Assembly for reading and a public hearing at its April 14 meeting. If approved, the reservations and new Meyers Chuck user rates take effect beginning July 1.

Ports also discussed what its strategy should be with regards to raising workspace rates at the boatyard. A previous attempt to raise rates from 50 cents to 75 cents per square foot was rejected by the Assembly last month.

"People get wrapped up in the size of the increase," said Meissner. However, he pointed out the 150 percent rise is deceptive since it has been about seven years since the last change.

"We should be talking about this every year," agreed commissioner John Martin. "We also need to be socking money away for the future." He pointed out the department's current system for new projects is largely dependent on state matching grants, which may not be practicable in coming years.

"It's something that we're obviously going to have to keep our eye on," said Clay Hammer, chairing the commission. "We're going to do our homework and make a good case for it."

A budget for the Harbor Department's next fiscal year is also being drawn up and should be ready for review by the

commission by its next meeting.

Recleating work on the city dock is complete, and Meissner reported log camels are on the way. These are meant to buffer ships from the dock's concrete exterior. The facelift replaces the 30 year old fender system, costing $327,000.

The summer floats are due to be put down on May 1. Meissner reported the Wrangell Police Department will start to monitor speeds in the city harbors, reminding boaters the limit is 10 mph.

Hammer reported extra outlets could be added to utility island at the boatyard without too much work. A complaint from a vendor at the previous meeting cited a lack of power suitable for his equipment. Hammer felt connections for single-phase 208 volt equipment.

"It looks like it would be very doable to me," said Hammer, who also heads up the Light and Power Department.