The Atlantic Highlands Harbor Commission took a lot of criticism, learned a lot of less than great news and promised action on all to rectify whatever problems they can.
But Commission Chairman Tom Wall was joined by the entire Commission in first expressing thanks and appreciation not only to their employees but also residents, and Hurricane Marine for their cooperation during the storm that battered the coastline last weekend and caused considerable damage throughout the area.
Wall pointed out while the harbor was fortunate in that no boats were damaged and comparatively little damage was caused when compared to other areas, he credited Harbormaster Lou Fligor and the entire harbor staff for their long hours, extra efforts and dedication that kept damages as low as they were. His thanks also went to Donna from Hurricane Marine who checks the boat’s anchoring and pier equipment and ensures it meets the highest levels as one of the reasons damages was kept low.
Wall congratulated and thanked the entire harbor yard crew for their excellence and dedication, including Daniel Johnstone, Dock Master, Thomas Ortiz, Assistant Dock Master and employees Sara Beveridge, Johnathan Everett, Dylan Grover, Christopher Kelty, Barry McKeller, Jeffrey Merker, Dylan Olsen and Kevin Young.
In his report, Fligor itemized the damages , saying pier 4, where the T-head had the most damage and repairs were begun immediately following the storm. Frank’s Pier had a broken ramp, he said, and that repair is underway., The Pier 1 T-head had a broken bracket, Pier 3 T-Head also had a broken bracket and the ramps to Piers 7 and 8 are also being repaired, with all repairs from all the storm damage underway.
The severe damage at the Keyport Marina that created the movement of the Keyport Princess, an 88-foot-long head boat to Pier one in the harbor was a move for someone in immediate need of assistance; However, placement of that boat, larger than the other head boats at Pier 1, brought a letter of objection and fear of damage to his own boat from the captain of the Fishermen, a complaint that was referred to the leases committee for a solution. Captain Ron Santee, who has been in the Harbor has a customer for more than 50 years, aid the visiting boat is too large for the slip where it is docked, and creates serious mobility problems for his own boat.
Ethan Hartley, Captain of the Princess, appeared at the meeting to thank the Commission and the borough for recognizing his situation and coming to his aid. He said several times he knows his boat is larger than the other head boats and conceded that the pier where he is docked “is little tight.” He said he had spoken with Jack Bevins who also indicated the tight fit could be remedied by possibly extending the slip “a little way out.” Bevins is an employee of Sea Streak.
During the meeting, Scott Vagar of Middletown noted he had a charter boat at the harbor for ten years during which he was also an avid supporter not only of the harbor and its operations but all numerous local businesses in the borough, and asked why the boat he has had in the harbor for the past two years is not able to get winter storage.
Vagar recalled the previous year when two winter storage spots were paid for but remained empty with no possibility they would be filled; yet his offer to pay once again for the spot so he could store his boat there was denied and the two spots remained vacant through the winter season. He questioned why slip holders during the active season are not given priority over other boat owners who use less expensive marinas for docking during seasonal months, but are apparently given priority over this marina’s tenants during the winter season. Vagar said he believed the harbor commission should recognize the loyalty of its own customers before taking on others.
Blake Deakin, a local resident who is also moored at the harbor and several recommendations for changes he believes are necessary to correct inconsistencies concerning mooring and chains for boats docked in the harbor.
Gordon Milnes, representing the Yacht Club said the club wants to electrify its launch area and agreed with the Commission recommendation to use Sodon Electric, the local firm that has done work on the pier in the past and is familiar with it.
In his report as lease committee chairman, Jim Krauss noted two leases approved last month by the harbor were ratified by the governing body during its September meetings. The five-year lease with an option for renewal was proved for Evolution, the beauty salon on First Avenue, and a two-year lease with no renewal approved, was approved for the former Shore Casino effective this month.
Krauss also acknowledged there are some issues with parking for the head boats, presumably referring to Captain Hal Hagaman’s appearance at the council meeting citing how the lack of parking available for even boat captains, let alone customers for the head boats, are difficult to find because of Sea Streak riders parking in the harbor area by the head boats, At Krauss’ recommendation, the committee and the Chairman will speak with Sea Streak about a temporary parking lease to grant immediate relief, before more study and a solution is reached to aid the fishing captain’s problem.
