Good morning everyone. This is the Monday, November 24th meeting of the Anchorage Advisory Committee. I would like to call the meeting to order. Let's do the pledge of allegiance. >> I pledge allegiance to the flag United States of America and to the republic
for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> All right, roll call. Ed Skunover, >> Chris Rel King, >> John Wesley Nash,
>> Sam Lurri, >> Curtis Lewig. >> Do we have Jim on the phone? >> I'm on the phone, Madam Chair. >> All right. Thank you. Um, absent, we
have Ted Lawwell and Jennifer Rusk, but we do have a quorum, so we will continue public comment. I don't see anybody in the audience, so we will move on. Approval of minutes from October 27th. Has everybody had time to review the minutes?
Anybody have any changes? >> I'll move to approve the minutes. >> Um, I do have a couple of slight little things. Uh, and I don't know if they're worth mentioning, but under roll call, it said excused, absent, Ron Fleming, but Ron did not put in um his
his intent to continue with the committee. So, I think he was actually off the committee at that point. Um, and then on the second page, just a small change, Mary Torus's first name is M I. So,
>> I'll amend my motion to include the changes. >> Do I have a second? >> I second. >> All right. All in favor say I. >> I. >> I. Any opposed? >> No opposed. So, it passes unanimously. All righty.
staff report and update. Curtis. >> All righty. Good morning everyone. Um so just uh just want to go go down my um AAC uh morning field and maritime update. I got a few a few a few updates
for you. Um as of right now, um we have um roughly 10 boats in the front in the front anchorage. That has um increased in the last two months. Um we have 12 boats 12
to 13 boats in the back in the back anchorage right now. And we have the two the two sunken vessels um that are tagged by they're they are tagged by LCSO and FWC to um go through the vessel removal
process. So they're they are in that process right now. Um and then um moving down to uh the facilities section um we will be renegotiating our contract
here probably by the first of the year. um with them. So um we'll see how that goes. Um and uh we hope to get into a good negotiation with them to obtain to still
have our upland facilities which not should not be a problem. Um and then um moving down to the moing systems. Um we had a good good meeting with coastal with coastal engineering and the army corps of engineers along
along along with the US US coast guard. Um we discussed the project of uh realigning the Matanzis uh pass that is going to be taking place. They're also going to be um um dredging the the path
as well um to widen it um from the uh beach beach reourishment project and the shaw that's building off of uh Baldich uh park there. Um so every time we have storms that kind of moves around. So
they are um that's a big project that's going to happen down the road with just a lot of meetings. So right now we don't have a specific date. >> No. No. But um on the back end of that meeting, we discussed uh the realignment of the channel going towards the St.
Carlos Pass Bridge. Um and um to see if we can get two of the channel markers, I believe it's channel marker 13 and 15 to be moved to the reflection points of the
channel. the Coast Guard seemed um um they seem very um uh um uh uh acceptive uh to that. So uh that's in the works right now. It's going through the process with the Coast Guard. So hopefully when that's done, we'll have
and that's going to allow us to put Moring Balls 4 through 9 back into service. So, that was a huge huge uh meeting and um we were happy to hear that they were they were on board to help us out. Um the only thing is right now it might take some time. Um you know
there's a lot going on with the holidays and stuff like that. So um I see that happening more towards the springtime hopefully is my is my guess on that. So um that's the update with the morren balls right now. Um
I'm I'm gonna skip about the boat right now. Um, I just want to recap about um the roundt meeting we had with uh Mari Mari Torusen along with um
FWC Coast Guard Coast Guard Auxiliarist and um um uh LCSO, myself and Chad and uh Chris was there in the meeting. Um we discussed the no wake zones. There was a
um I believe it was it was a very good meeting. Um we kind of ironed out of what all the no wake zones or the speed zones mean. So we have uh no wake zone which means no wake at all. Uh we have
the slow slow slow speed zone which is what our back bay operates in. Um and there is a fine line. We talked about how boats um different boats
at different vessels slow slow speed varies by by the type of vessel, right? So, you know, a dinghy slow speed is going to be different from a 40 foot, you know, sport fisher coming
through. Um um regardless of that, you are going to have wakes back there no matter what, especially when there's a lot of boats operating back to that back bay. Um but the biggest thing that we we
um got around to and what the biggest problem that we see back there in the bay are the rental boat companies. Um we plan on uh I believe it's the first of the year, correct? 16th I think is the next meeting.
>> Uhhuh. >> Oh, I'm sorry. Why do I say November? What is wrong with me? January 16th. >> Correct. Um, so the first of the year, we're going to have another kind of in-house roundt meeting, but we're going to bring in all the rental companies.
Um, and we're going to provide them with some information and for them to um uh uh educate uh their boers um so they can operate kind of more in an efficient manner and know a little bit more of the
rules um for the Backbay and uh stuff of that nature. So I I thought it was a very good good meeting. >> Um excellent. Excellent. I I do have a question and I think it's probably I know the answer but I should asked it
anyway. Yeah. For the record. The backbay is regulated or advertised or posted as no wake zone. Is is there any possibility it could go to a speed regulation such
as a six knot zone? >> So it's a slow speed. So it's not an awake zone. It's a slow speed through there. Um um so that was determined in the meeting. We all kind of got that understanding. So um from from from
Matangas Pass um all the way to Snookbite or a little a little past that that is a slow it's a slow it's a slow speed zone um not in a wig. So it's a step up. So that's really kind of in your six knot
zone that you are talking about >> and it was really interesting the definition of those things. So me not being much of a boater, idle is as slow as your boat will go. Slow speed is the boat completely settled in the water.
>> So I thought that was interesting and there was quite a bit of discrepancy when people were talking about what that actually meant. And there's still quite a bit of discrepancy based on what type of boat you have. >> Correct. And uh just to um add this in um you know all all the signage uh for
the um uh um for the um uh um speed zones in the back bay. They are all posted. Um we confirmed that with Lee County LCSO and FWC um confirmed as well. So just wanted to
>> do we have any feel on how that's being enforced or or um being patrolled? Um is it pretty random when we have somebody in that area to enforce the regulations or do we have a regular um enforcement
that occurs or right now we're are we pretty much random on when it's enforced? Well, go ahead, Curtis. >> I wouldn't say it's random. Um, I know the LCSO has uh set days that they send send their units out here
to patrol and all that. Um, so I wouldn't say it's random. Um, they have a schedule for it. So, in certain areas, um, uh, they did tell us that they are short they're short staffed right now. So, it's kind of been a little bit a little bit harder um for them to be out
for their presence to be out here on a more on a more uh um consistent basis. So, um but but no, I wouldn't say it's random at all. Is there any uh use or possibility or feedback scenario where
we could encourage them to um be more direct or more enforceive of issuing tickets as opposed to warnings. Um I know they issue a lot of warnings. Uh unfortunately that doesn't go a long way in slowing down a lot of people. Um
but uh I think if we have the opportunity and I don't know if we will to encourage more ticketing as part in as in respect to uh uh warnings that that would we have that opportunity I would encourage that we
ask them to do that. >> Okay. >> And I think from the LCSO commentary um they do issue tickets. Their concern is that people aren't always paying the tickets and because it's such a transient sort of atmosphere. Um what
what came down to it is we have the real opportunity here to educate the people who are renting boats, the short-term rentals where a boat might come with the house. Um people who are here for the season in condos and might be part of boat clubs or have a boat down here. So,
it's just I think it came to a really good place that the opportunity is is less about trying to, you know, be punitive and go after people who aren't doing it because maybe they don't know, you know, maybe they aren't familiar
with the area. They're not reading the signs. Yes, there are signs up. But um you know if we can make the people who are renting the boats to people more accountable to the regulations and the rules that will help us get in front of people who are bad actors. And we've also you know talked about can there be
some sort of geo fencing geo tracking geo something so that when you enter a certain zone in your boat you get a ping on your phone or it alerts you somehow or it alerts the rental company. So there there are a lot of different ways to do that, but we really thought
education was was a a primary cons concern here and opportunity. >> Go ahead, Sam. >> I think um most of the rental companies probably have a tracker on on all these boats. So maybe in that January 16th
meeting, if if they would just monitor those and when they see somebody in a slow zone, really exceeding it, they can call their cell phone or VHF and uh warn them. That'd be a good way to self-regulate it. And I I don't know how practical this is
either, but possibly if they have been issued either a warning or or a ticket for that particular rental that uh they don't rerent to that individual until
that ticket is settled. >> But of course, I think that's an enforcement issue and probably would would simply uh be at the discretion of the rental company. But I would like to see their cooperation in in doing that
if uh if if they don't pay the ticket. >> Yeah. >> Don't rent. >> And I just want to just talk about sort of the model approach here that Mary used because I think it was a very thoughtful and civilized and adult way
to go about things. I mean, she could have just been calling Curtis all the time saying, "Hey, I saw this dinghy racing to a boat." But instead, she took her time and her money and her effort to reach out to all of these different organizations because, as you know, we live in a a complicated environment
where nobody has clear ownership or jurisdiction. We've got federal, state, county, town all involved in this. So, it's it's a complicated issue, but I appreciate that she, you know, in the spirit of positive intent and no
fingerpointing, she got these people in a room. Uh, it was a little tense at first because I think people had some turf issues going on in their mind and felt like they were going to be accused of something, but instead we had a really productive conversation. I mean, there was the environmental aspect,
there's the enforcement aspect, there's the education aspect. Jackie from the chamber was there, and she's going to be a great um person to help bring all of these people together. So, I just thought it was a very productive way to go about this. um you know it involved
the town but bringing people together to have discourse I think was was very very positive. >> Absolutely. >> There were facts not feelings. >> Um you know there were problems and challenges brought forward but there were solutions as well and not just you
have to fix this. So, you know, going forward, we're kind of a committee like that where we have a wide variety of experience, and I appreciate that we we come together in a positive way and and try to bring forward solutions and not just problems and and fingerpointing.
So, kudos to Mary for that. >> Yes, absolutely. Yes, she did a fantastic job. >> There's one more factor. when you're when there's wind at at your bow or current coming at you sometimes just to make way, you have to go above idle. And
I don't know if you know that's hard to factor in, but that's some of the circumstances that that people are running into. >> Continue. >> All righty. Um, >> moving on. So just a just an update for
the the um AAC rules rules and responsibilities um that we have uh put together to be added to the harbor management plan here soon. So, uh, they got pushed up to, uh, the town the town manager, um, uh, um,
he reviewed it, uh, made some edits, um, and we have passed that along to the town attorney now. So, um, we are just waiting on on NY's on NY's feedback with that. So once once that is done, we will
um bring that to council and make a request for that to be added to to the harbor management plan and make a revision. >> Can I assume what was passed on included the changes that we had talked about at the last meeting? >> Uh correct. Yes. And then um Will made
made some uh edits of his own. um he removed some a few things I believe in there and um and then I added just some information at the bottom that I had to to add in from my side. So um that's
>> so if you look at what was at your place today, this is the edited version and the edits uh occurred will made edits under AAC limitations. He basically rewrote that paragraph which is terrific. And under maritime operations overview, he changed what division um
maritime operations reports to. You see there's a little bit of a highlight where Curtis uh updated waters of Fort Myers Beach and then he updated the code of ordinances information. Otherwise, everything was as I had um revised it
the last time. Um, and in conversations with Will, he asked me to bring this forward to council uh on Monday. So, I will do that as part of my regular update. Um, I would like to ask your permission to do so. So, if I could have
a motion on that unless you have some anybody has any questions about the changes that were made or further additions. Just just to be clear, in our meetings from last meeting, we do outline changes that we had proposed. Did they make it into
>> Yes, they did. So, everything we talked about was in the revised version that I sent you sent through Curtis to all of you um for your review and what we sent on to Will. So, it it's all reflected in here. >> Excellent. >> I'll move to um
I don't know how to say it for sure. allow Chris to go to the council to present our roles and responsibilities. >> I'll second that motion. >> All right. Uh moved by Ed, seconded by John. All in favor say I.
>> I. Any opposed? No. Okay. Thank you very much. So, I will do that as part of my regular report to council on Monday. >> Curtis, what else? >> All righty. So, uh my last my last update that I have and I am excited to
announce that um we we took we took ownership of uh the new the new town town vessel. Um I went uh Tuesday of last week um we traveled to uh Morgan
City, Louisiana. Um we went and met with um um uh Mr. Scully and his son. Um he ran us he ran us through the vessel. Uh we did the sea trial. Um and uh you know we
learned uh we learned about our new boat. Um so we're very excited about that and uh we trailered it all the way back from uh Morgan City all the way back to to Fort Myers Beach. Uh we got back in late
Thursday night. Uh we put the boat back in the uh public works yard right now um um Friday. We got Friday morning. So um there's some things that we are we have to outfit the boat, get some uh um
safety gear on there and uh we have to register it and stuff. So, there's still some things we have to do um here uh for it to be fully fully operational and um uh I'm uh I'm uh in
the water at all times. So, um just wanted to let y'all know about that. We are excited. I think it's going to be a great It's going to be a great asset for the town. This boat um can do um
a number of different things. So um you know uh we can load up uh we can load up equipment. We can service the moring balls with it. Um it can get into shallow water. It could run off in the Gulf if we need it. So there's uh there's a lot of options we have we have
with this with this boat. So um we are we are uh very excited. So, so besides uh outfitting it with the required Coast Guard safety equipment, is there any electronics that need to be added to it? Um or is it is it
>> no >> fitted as it needs to be? >> No, all that all that is fitted and uh that was um uh part of the build. So, >> and what is the status of our stolen and recovered boat? >> Yes. So, uh the status of that uh vessel right now, we just picked up a trailer
part. So, we have to uh rebuild the trailer. The trailer the trailer is in some rough shape. Um we are going to be bringing the vessel to Fishtail Marina on December 8th for its maintenance to get the to get the engine tuned up and gone through. So after that
we hope uh um that will be ready to go by the first of the year as well. So um we are um you know we're kind of moving along here. So we should have all our boats in the water. Um, we will be pulling we will be pulling the pontoon boat out since this new boat's going to
be replacing that. Um, and um I don't know what we are going to do with the pontoon boat yet. That's still um there still needs to be discussion about that um um with my directors and stuff like
that. So um but um there's no set plan for it right now. Um, but once that comes about, I'll I'll give an update on it. >> Will there be um >> Yes, Jim. Go ahead. >> No, I'm sorry. You I'll you go first and
I'll follow up. I have a question. Go ahead. >> Okay. Just wondered if we're planning to do any sort of naming contest with parameters or christening or some sort of celebration of the boat. >> So, yes. Um, we plan on um doing something uh
um for the town whe whether that be posted on social media to um introduce the boat and everything like that. Um once we do that and and Jim, I know you asked last meeting, you know, um certain certain questions, you know, the
reason the reason why we bought the boat, um how it was paid for, um things of that nature, that'll all be um provided once we um you know, announce it and show it off uh
to the town. So, um, but that, uh, like I said, we just we got back Friday. Friday, we were rushing around. So, now we have the holidays coming up. So, um, after Thanksgiving, we'll get all that squared away and stuff like that. So, uh, we want to get the registration done
and some items first. Um, so that way we can we can have the ceremony or whatever we would like like to do for that. Um, but I will discuss with my director and will um and uh see see how they how they
want to go about about doing so. >> Jim, >> yeah, thank you. Curtis, could you just kind of give folks an a brief overview of the current inventory of boats, including the one that we just acquired
and the stolen boat? You touched on it briefly by saying I'm not sure what we're going to do with the pontoon boats. I I'm not sure I I'm not sure it's clear what our collection of votes actually is and and what do they do and what are what and if are there are any
redundancies. It sounds like there might be with the pontoon boat, but if you just give a brief overview of of of the inventory, what their purpose is and where the redundancies might be, and if so, what maybe for the example of the pontoon boat, would that be something we
potentially could sell or do you still think there would be a purpose for it? I just think it gets a little confusing, particularly with the stolen boat coming back into the fleet, you know, what what every boat what what the purpose of each boat is and how many we have and what And if there's any redundancies.
>> Yes, absolutely, Jim. Um I I I don't think with the stolen boat adds any I mean everything's kind of um I think everything's still going on as planned. If anything, we just added a new boat to the fleet. So I'll I'll run
down the boats um right now. So um first and foremost we have the pumpout boat that is used uh for for our daily for our daily pumpouts uh that we that we conduct uh do the moing field. That vessel will still be doing that.
Nothing's nothing's going to change there. Um as for the pontoon boat is used as our all-around boat right now. Um that's what we uh conduct conduct the maintenance in. um any calls or anything
like that. If we have to go check out canals, um any any uh environmental concerns or anything like that, that's the boat we use. Um that boat is you talked about if we were going to resell that boat, I don't know how much we
would get for that boat. I think we would >> It's kind of end of life, isn't it? I I think that we would get more money scrapping it, but um um so it's just a it's just a pontoon boat. Uh we redid the decking to get us
to get us by. We put um you know, brand new plywood pieces down and stuff like that. So um it's really that was kind of just a get us by type of boat. So, this new um 26 ft Scully landing craft is
going to be replacing the pontoon boat. Um it is going to be the town's um uh vessel to really do it all. Um so, um so that is
so that's what's going to happen there. Um we we will still have the engine from the pontoon boat. Um and um we are still in discussion to what we are going to do with that. Um as of right now, we're
going to keep it and then uh there'll be talks of what we're going to do with that. Uh we looked we looked into putting that engine on the um on the um 17 foot Carolina skiff, which
is the enforcement boat that was stolen. And now now we have it back. We recovered it. Um so um we looked at putting that 90 horse Yamaha engine that was on the pontoon boat on the enforcement boat, but the the
enforcement boat is not rated for that size engine. It's a little it's a little big. So um kind of in a predicament there. So, um, so what we decided to do with the enforcement boat is, uh, we're going to get it serviced. Um, we were
able to turn over the the engine. So, the engine does run. Um, we're just going to get it tuned up and and there's some parts that need to be replaced on it. So, that's what we are we are uh having done in December. Um now so um
and I think the plan moving forward for that enforcement boat we have a slip down at Fishtail Marina. Um so we that boat will be we plan on putting that at the at the south end so we can drive get
in the boat patrol the south end and do the work that we need to do um and have more of a presence down here on the south end of the island. So, >> and do you want to just explain um why it's great to have a boat down on the south end? You talked about how long it takes to actually
>> correct >> pilot a boat down there >> with the slow with the slow speed zone um from Matanis Pass all the way uh a little past Nookbite. um that takes us about an hour um from the bridge all the way down to
the south end to to like um around uh Laguna Bay and everything like that. Um so um having a boat down there, we can drive, you know, it'll take us 15 minutes to drive down there rather than transiting down there, you know, a full
a full hour. So um I think that'll that'll help us out help us out a lot. Um, and we are we're we're excited about that and looking forward to having that that that slip down down down
south. So, um, and just to um let you know, like, you know, we can also switch the boats around as well, you know, we can put the uh um um the new boat um you know, down there too. bring the
enforcement boat back up. Um you know, whatever our our needs are and stuff like that. So, um we have some room room to work with now. So, um we're excited and looking forward to it.
>> Great. Y that's very helpful. Thank you, Curtis. That's that's a good overview. >> You're welcome, Jim. Anything else, Curtis, that you want to talk about in your report or anything any questions from the committee members about reservations, how we're doing?
So, I will say about our reservations, uh reservations have been have been picking up a little bit. So, um we're excited for that. The season is is upon us. So, um things have definitely picked
up. pumpouts are um being uh um um requested a lot more now. So um you know we're uh we're a little busier now which is uh which is great. So um I will say we have about I don't know if you
noticed in my report um with the amount of anchored vessels now that number has increased since the since the summertime. Um there is about let's say six six or so more vessels
that used to be in the morning field that are now in the anchorage. So um just wanted you all to be aware of that and everything and I think that has a lot to do with the price with the price increases. So just keeping an eye on
that and everything like that. So >> So say that again. We've lost about six. >> There's about six boats. They used to be on mooring balls that are now in the in the um back or front
or front anchorages now. So Curtis, you report um number of pumpouts is 62 in your report for the past month. Does that include the resident vessels or is that simply transient vessels that number 62? That
is all vessels combined. So that's Anchorage, that's that's every boat in the morning field or who's who request pumpouts in the morning field. Um um so that includes transient and long-term as
well. I've seen some comments recently that um concerns that the long-term vessels um are are dumping right into the into the water and not pumping out. I don't believe that's the case.
>> I'm I would be very Yes, I can. I I we keep a very um sharp eye on that. That's something we we we watch constantly. That's one of our main our main duties in the morning field. So, um, I have a
hard time believing that's true. If they are doing it, it's at night or something that we we don't know about, but we keep an eye. We know who we're pumping out along with the anchorage vessels. We have we have tickets that they have to buy that we uh I'm keep keep track of.
So, we know the last time that their vessel's been pumped out. So, um I don't know where this information's coming from. I I haven't heard heard it. Um, so I would be curious to know where where that is coming from. Um, so I can get a
handle on that and talk to whoever is is doing so because um if so then um you know we need to call uh the Coast Guard and FWC LCSO and uh they need to be you know they need to go visit that vessel who is dumping because uh it's illegal.
So >> your response is exactly what I would expect it and and certainly believe is correct. Uh Jim, I'm wondering if there's any value in through town
publicity or or or town documentation or uh notices to public that that's being highly enforced and anyone that feels that that is not true, that is uh that is false. Do you think it's worth doing that and is there a proper way to do
that? I I think it's a good idea, John, not just for the purpose that you said, but just for the overall general purpose. I've heard people on the north end complain about smells from uh sort of septic like smells in the in the canals,
but it's also just a good educational piece as to what are what are the reasons why we have Curtis and his team and what what we do here to protect the environment, why we have a boring field. So, it sort of covers a lot of different bases. So, I think maybe part of our
challenge is maybe Curtis maybe making a a calendar this for a month or two out to to to attack this when we have a new PIO. I we're sort of without a PIO. I think our our assistant town manager is doing some and a few other people are helping out on that. So, I think a great
concept and maybe Curtis just kind of just uh maybe tagged that so we can revisit that when we have a a PIO come back because I do think that's a good idea. >> Thank you, Jim. >> Other questions for Curtis?
>> Uh, not necessarily a question. I just wanted to note that at the end of your report, it it does say that the town has money set aside to have surveying and appraising done. Oh yeah, >> judging of the canals. >> I'm sorry. I I um sorry that was discussed at last
meeting. I apologize. I meant to take that out, but there's nothing new from that. Um I I have I have no new information on that. Um I don't know. Um that's something I can follow back up on, but um I don't know. Um I can ask if
that has been done, where we're at, the status of that right now. Um I know that last I heard that that is just in the works. So um I don't have a date on that or when that is going to be conducted
and uh things of that nature. So um but I will um next meeting I can I can uh um have an update and a followup on that. >> Any other questions? >> No, that was that was all. Thanks,
Curtis. >> You're welcome. >> All right, member items and reports. Ed, do you have anything? >> Uh, no. Is actually Curtis's report covered anything that I could have possibly thought of.
>> Excellent. John, >> I I I second that and any questions I had. Uh um and I interjected during your during your report and you've answered them satisfactory. So, I feel that uh
everything I had has been covered. >> Sam, >> just wanted to thank Vice Mayor Adderhold for signing up to be our liaison again and I think he's a great fit. So, thank you, Jim. >> Appreciate that, Sam.
>> All right, I just have a couple of things. Um, just wanted to give a recap on my report to council on November 3rd. That went well. Uh, I thank them for reappointing me to another term on the committee. Uh, I thank them as well for
allowing me to go out with Curtis on Beach Talk Radio and do the boataround. I think that was hopefully educational for people. Um, >> Madam Chair, can I can I interrupt you on that? >> You sure can. >> Just a curious just a question. Obviously, that was a beautiful and very
successful tour, but I'm curious, did was there a strategic decision made that you weren't actually going to pump out a boat on the tour? Was that something that was done for your own uh benefit or was that done out of there just wasn't a boat available? Because I I really
wanted to see you uh hook up one of those boats and begin the pump out process and I was curious how that never made it into the otherwise excellent uh uh uh performance. Well, you know, I think the liability issue there, Jim, was probably a consideration why we didn't do that
>> since I had trouble putting on my >> story and you're sticking to that jacket. >> That's your story and you're sticking to that? >> It is, >> Mr. Adult. The jokes are endless >> on that topic. >> I also Okay, back on track now. I also asked the council for their permission
on our behalf to conduct our cruisers appreciation day on April 12th. I believe I said October. I don't know why. Um but yes, they gave us permission to go ahead and do that with the same protocols that we followed this year. So we will talk about that in a little bit
when we get to new business. Um let's see what else did we talk about? Uh we talked about roles and responsibilities. So that will come up when I talk to them on Monday. Uh and again just my thanks to uh Mary
Torerson for her very thoughtful approach to talking about a problem that I think we all agree we want to find some resolution to. >> Just throw one out there, Curtis. I know it has to do with um a different committee, but um Mr. Nash brought it up
at our last meeting, I believe. about the um the area that's in the jurisdiction of the of the town and and your jurisdiction covering the south end of the island.
And I see on our sheet here um with the roles and responsibilities, it just says the waters of Fort Myers Beach and Compass Hall waters within 1,000 ft of the island. Uh I know you were doing some research. on actually the legal definition of
that. Do you do you have an update on that? >> I do. So, um there really isn't a legal definition of it. It just states that we are um our jurisdiction is um 1,000 ft surrounding surrounding the entire
island. Um so people were worried about Big Carlos Pass in that area over there. So that is 1,000 ft off the island. pretty much goes halfway into Big Carlos Pass is what we are we are responsible
for. But we are not Lee count uh I don't I believe it's Lee County um but we are not responsible for the dredging of Big Carlos Pass or anything of that nature. So um but our boundary
line goes 1,000 ft from the shoreline out. And then just to reiterate, you you have done work in that area as far as debris removal and >> correct other things like that. So >> correct, >> you're certainly covering that area. >> Yes, we are.
>> Anything else? Ed, >> no. No, thanks Curtis. >> All right. Um, let's move on to new business. First thing is committee objectives for the upcoming year. Um, I'm I'm guessing that that is sort of related to our roles and
responsibilities and and Curtis, I mean, do you have any suggestions on what you would like our objectives, our priorities to be for the coming year and then we can have a discussion. Um so I think for our our objectives um it
needs I think things need to be kind of prioritized and and um maybe on you know somewhat of growing growing the moing field um ideas to kind
of help us out in the future. Um, so Chris, however you want to prioritize that with the members and and things of that nature, um, you know, um, I would, you know, um, with with, um, how the town is and our and our budget and how
we're tight right now. Um, but I would like to see hopefully in the next upcoming years, right? Um, I know it's not going to be right away, but us to finally find some way for us to get us
our permanent upland upland uh facilities. Um also with a Moringfield a permanent a permanent office um that's a big big goal um of mine um especially
you know to to kind of um grow the moing field, help out the town more. It could be an asset to the town. I think you know um I think that people forget that the waterways bring in a lot of a lot of
residents and things of that nature. So, um I think we need to focus ideas of um how we can how we can help making uh the back bay um you know um more acceptable for
residents to visit by water and stuff like that. So, however we need to do to build and work towards that that goal, um I think needs to be the focus for the next upcoming couple years, I believe. So, um do you
have any other ideas or suggestions, Chris? >> Yeah, I mean, I have a a small number of them and they're really just based on the conversation we've had today. So, if we think about um you know, what we can do, we can help promote, we can help educate. I mean, that's one of the things that I think this committee can
do. and cruisers appreciation day making that even bigger and better than it was this year is something that we can do to celebrate educate inform >> correct >> and get people excited about the morning field >> and then another item I want to bring up is um that we have we we need to do so
so right to to keep to keep growing us right we have to market ourselves as well so that's going to be a big focus on this next upcoming year for us and um I am going to lean on y'all for for the
uh ideas and ways that we can um you know market the morning field better and to get our name out there and um um I know that we can up our social media presence and stuff of that as well. So that's uh that's that's going to be a
focus here in uh 20 2026. So >> Curtis, you talked about possibly your own office and possibly our own facilities. Um, is there anyone working for the town that's currently out looking for grant money or anything to
get us a head start on that? >> Um, I know that we have discussed grants and and uh looking at them. Um, me and Frankie have discussed that. Um, we are we are still we are still looking. Um,
but I think now that we have the new boat, things have kind of came about. we got away. You know, we um the biggest thing is we didn't have any storms or anything this past year. So, hopefully now that we can get into that and we can
dig dig a little deeper and uh see if we can find us some help for that stuff. So, >> I'd just like to add that um it's just approximate and it's what I call beach talk radio math, but the um the money that we spend
>> on the the facilities at Matanis Bay is about the same amount of money that the that the Moringfield lost this year >> is about how much we lost. >> Yeah, it's about the the numbers are very close to what we spent and what we lost. or the gap between what we
>> I guess my point being is if we had our own facilities that would be money that the Moringfield would be keeping instead of paying up. >> Oh, you're talking about the the deficit and everything that we're in. That's what you're Yes. Correct. So, a lot of the money that people don't understand, a lot of the money um in that deficit is
tied up on our monthly bills and stuff like that. So that includes the uplane facilities and um that's just kind of like our operational money, you know what I mean? Um so with having anything, yeah, of course we're
going to have to, you know, buy whatever facilities or build or whatever, right? There's going to there's going to be money up front, >> a capital expense, >> correct? But it's going to cut all it's going to cut all that monthly monthly
payments that we're that we're doing right now. So, um I don't know. I mean to me I mean this is just me speaking here. So, but I think it and you know we got to find the money and that kind of thing. And I know we're we're tight
right now, but um I think it would be an asset to the town to own their own their own facilities and stuff like that and keep it all keep it all inhouse. Um you know, I just think it would be um it would just help out the town
tremendously that way and that way our our our spending expenses are down. So whatever money is being brought in goes goes back in to the town, you know what I mean? So
instead of having so many monthly payments and everything like that and expenses. >> So Curtis and Jim, do you know if we're still having conversations about um you know the opportunity as development comes to have permanent facilities in
line with something that's that's coming online? Um, yes, there has been discussions about it, but um, like I said, with our financial state that we're in right now, things are kind of locked up. So, there hasn't been too much more talk till we till we get in a
little bit better a better spot. So, um, um, but there's hope for the future. We can always still keep keep planning and looking for options. Um, you know, hopefully, um, we've we've had a few options brought to us, but as of right now, they're not they're not they're not
in our cards and exactly what we are looking for. So, >> other questions, Ed? >> Oh, no, I didn't. No, no, that just covers it all. I just think that it's just it seems it's hard for the town
because we're constantly looking for revenue sources that that we don't have and >> correct >> we need some help. So I would so I kind of based on what we've talked about here I mean objectives over the next year couple
years I think are um getting the moing field to full functionality which means getting our the rest of our balls online and making sure that we um have full occupancy as full of occupancy as we can have. Part of how we do that is
through our educations, promotion, marketing, making sure that uh our town residents and visitors understand the importance, the part that the Moringfield marine operations plays in the overall town. Um, and also then
marketing, reaching out to our cruisers and making sure that they understand what's here for them and and opportunities are definitely getting to a more permanent state for upland facilities. So that's, you know, we have we get good ratings now. We have
good amenities now. They can be better and we can have a more permanent location for our town staff. So that's kind of how I would wrap up those things. It's all about making sure that people know about it and can get get here, but then also making sure that
what we deliver is is first class and, you know, deserving of the people who come. >> Does that make sense? >> Yes, it does, >> Madam Chair. >> Yes, sir. >> Yeah, I think that's those are that's an excellent list. I think Ed Scoover's point is well taken. I would just add
one more thing particularly if we're going out one two years. I would add and I don't I don't know how this juxtaposes with your revisions of our responsibilities as an advisory committee, but I hope it I hope it fits. Curtis, I'd like to begin to think about
uh how the town can marriage and and and and assist the wa the potential water fairy that's coming our way with the development of the Arches uh uh proposal. Um, obviously they're facilitating the terminal, they're
facilitating the boats, but we have a stop hopefully at the moundhouse which will need to be accommodated. We we we need to wrestle with it. I've been pushing the cellcap folks to think about this too with respect to moundhouse. Some additional parking there. Uh, we
need to make sure the folks at Snookbite and Fishtail, everybody's talking with the Arches folks and and I see I see this committee is is is helping uh plan and facilitate encourage maybe even other stops. Uh, I
know the pink shell was interested. I'm sure there's some across the bay. You raised a point earlier unintentionally, but it makes got me thinking, you know, the time it takes to get from the north end to the south end without initiating a wake. And I just think we probably
some maybe a little early this year, but but soon we need to be thinking about making sure everybody's talking to each other and that we we're planning the stops and we're thinking about parking and we're thinking about managing the flow of the boats and the timing. And I
mean, I don't You're obviously not going to and the town won't be running the water fairy, but I think we're going to be in a position where we can really help it because I think there's tremendous public benefit across the island with the water fairy. But I just think this committee is naturally suited
to be part of this process and and I think the town really wants to I think the I hope the town wants to be a a significant booster of this uh this this this uh transportation service. So just I think that could be on the list
somehow and I just think as you talk to your I know you're talking to them rain this all the time and I just think getting challenging people to start thinking about how it would work and do they have space planned for it and how how the moundhouse would accommodate it
and how we would think about I just think because you're in the middle of all this Curtis and and and we're we're we're sort of an an adjunct to you I just think that should be something that begins to appear on our strategic plan or and and our objectives over the next
year or two. >> Understood, Jim. Um just to let you know, we're kind of already been we've already been planning and thinking about that for the moundhouse stop. Um we have been building one of our old docks to
hopefully get put in by the MA moundhouse because right now the mouth, if those fairies are going to going to come up there, they have no place to dock over there. um with the docks that are there. They got a small they got a small little finger pier that sticks out from the observation pier, but um we're
looking to put one of our temporary dinghy docks that we have um from the old from the old dinghy dock. Uh we would like to put there. So, we are um we are discussing that right now. We're getting with the engineers and stuff like that. So, um to see if that is
something that we can put in here in the near in the near future. Um my question to you, Jim, is um when are these fairies going to start running? When is this project going to start? When is this operation going to start um getting off the ground? And who
is the main organization that is running that is running the fairies? So maybe I can get in get in contact with them and discuss some things with them and kind of get on the same page with them. >> Those are all excellent questions. Some of them harder to answer than others,
but the the key point of contact is the Freeland family, Ben Freeland and his son because they will be either operating the ferry or hiring a firm to operate the the ferry. They're obviously building and housing the terminal for the ferry. And so uh but the timeline is
one that uh is anyone's guess uh with the various challenges we're having uh on the island as to uh you know what direction we're headed uh the investment capital and financing for big projects is a little bit up in
the air. So how quickly things go uh uh is is a little bit up in the air. Uh hopefully it goes quickly, but I mean certainly within the next couple of years there will be I would think substantial uh construction going on on that property and you know when it's
completed I it's difficult to know but it could be anywhere from two three four years but the planning for this of course is pretty significant. So, I think just particularly with our marina partners uh down the island at Snipbite
and Fishfield, I think having them begin to think about it, having them begin to have conversations to plan for it. And obviously the moundhouse piece, we've got a new church now that's been approved. It's the First Baptist Thief Baptist location that will it'll be a brand new church there with a new
leadership. Uh they'll hopefully we'll have some parking opportunities there. There's rumors that the new local patent the new the new pasture there will is a is a local guy who is a professional uh charter fisherman and a great guy. Uh so
I mean there's a lot of potential synergies here but I just think we just need to be mindful of them and uh and and try to try to husband all the resources and make sure everybody's talking to each other because it is it is in its infancy right now. But I do
think there's great potential there. >> Okay. Understood. And um >> answer any of your questions definitively, but >> so so just just so um one more question. So this is mainly being ran this this is
going to be ran off of the Arches project, correct? Is what I'm kind of understanding here. Or is it a separate >> No, no. This is a requirement of their their their their uh their their CPD that they operate
house and operate a ferry service with a minimum of four stops on the island. There could be more. >> Got it. >> Minimum of four. >> So what I'm getting at this realist sorry to cut you off for >> No, go ahead. That's right. Um so so kind of what I'm understanding is um
this isn't going to this isn't going to fire off pretty much until the arch is is built then correct is kind of what I'm understanding. >> I I think I think that I think that's a fair assumption although it could it could be on the front end of the
project. I I don't know. Uh I I assume they're going to want to time it with the the broader project. So that would make sense. They might do a little sampling or trials, you know, to see how it goes earlier on, but uh but yeah, I think it's going to be in sync with the broader project.
>> Okay. Okay. So, we have so we still have some time to plan and get with people. We got we got more than a couple of years, it sounds like. So, um, but but no, I I I understand I I understand your um your your concern and urgency to and
uh start the communication process with these with these parties. So, I do I do appreciate that, Jim. >> Excellent. All right. I just wanted to just make sure that's at least referenced as an objective even though it's very vague right now. It's it's
vague, but it's not vague. I mean, it's in their agreement. So they're required by the agreement to to to operate this. And quite quite greatly it's in their interest to operate it because it's going to bring people from the south end to the north end where they're otherwise couldn't get there because of the traffic. And of course the people on the
south end are thrilled about it because they don't have to sit in a car for an hour and a half. They can be on the water and watch the sunset and go and have a nice meal and do some shopping and then head back. It's it's a it's a win-win all around. But we do have to think about parking and access and and making sure there's space at the marinas
and making sure that you know the mouthouse is able to and I I I personally think it could double the uh the visitor the visitor uh uh count at the moundhouse which is which would be great because I think the moundhouse is underutilized but you know on a on a cloudy day that moundhouse would be
packed with people from that water ferry and uh because everybody's looking for stuff to do on a cloudy day or a rainy day or even on a sunny day. Well, Jim, that's another reason why we would like to put that um that other dock down at the at the moundhouse. It's just not for
the taxis, right? It could be another source for vessels to to uh tie up and visit the moundhouse and go go to the moundhouse by water, right? Um you know, we got to think about our back bays is another big big way of transportation
and stuff like that. So, um, I'd like to hoping to, you know, provide the town with more places for vessels to stop so they can access the town's the town's amenities.
>> That's wonderful. Wonderful. >> Well, thanks, Jim, for being a big proponent of this. There's a lot of a lot of pieces to the puzzle. Um the piece that I see that is maybe the biggest obstacle is in the initial
arches agreement. Um they they are agreeing to set up a ferry office and and do all this. However, there was a loophole. I'm not sure if it's still there regarding we will only operate it while it's profitable. I'm not sure
whether that means it's their opinion it's profitable our opinion but maybe there would be some kind of guidelines that go in there because that looks like the bailout for them under any circumstance. Is is that still in the uh tenative agreement?
>> Uh I don't remember that exact language but I think there was some language that it I think they needed the freedom to price it appropriately. In other words, I think they need to I mean, the town can't I mean, there was some discussion during the debate of, hey, why don't we
limit it to, you know, no more than $5 a trip or $10. And then I I spoke up and said, now listen, we have to allow the economics of this to make it to allow it to be successful. In other words, you can't you can't limit you have to price the cost otherwise to your point, Sam,
it will not be successful. I do think given the the quality of life issue of people on the south end that they they'll be willing to pay a substantive amount to get on that ferry. Plus, I think if we have the restaurants down on the north end, you maybe you get a $10
uh uh coupon if you if you've taken the ferry at your restaurant to draw those ferry uh uh customers in. There could be a real good synergy between the restaurants and the shops and the people on the ferry. I mean, there's all kinds of economic models in Florida where these fairies are working and they're
cash flowing. So, I just think that I think the freelance didn't want to be in a situation where they're just forced to subsidize a losing enterprise. I think they just wanted to be able to have the freedom to price it accordingly so it can be profitable or at least break even. I don't think they see it as a
money making uh venture, but I do think they want it to break even. And I think obviously it's going to bring a lot of business to their their tenants in their development. Not just them, but everybody in Time Square, Margaritavville, everybody on that north end where you can walk from that that that that terminal. I mean, that
terminal is in an area you can walk to all the different restaurants on the north end and be supportive. So I think again if I'm a restaurant owner and I say gosh you you can demonstrate your little coupon that you've taken the ferry and you get $10 off your meal that all of a sudden takes $10 off the price of your water ferry uh ticket. So I mean
there's and then some people have annual memberships etc etc. So, but yeah, I think to your point, Steve, I think that was the background on I just don't think they wanted to be forced in a situation where they couldn't couldn't they weren't allowed to make it cash flow by having this to put it at an artificially
low price. >> Yep, that makes sense. >> That's a long answer, but >> Well, that sounds good. Maybe we'll just make sure that uh that you and council keep an eye on that as we move forward to uh to, you know, make sure that it happens. Yeah. >> Thanks. And what we can do,
>> that's a good point. >> And what we can do as well, um, guys, we can we can kind of add add this to our our objectives and topics for this upcoming year. Y >> and um that way we can come up with
ideas just like you stated, Jim, like um uh food item tickets and stuff if you're running the ferry. Um once again we have some time to discuss this right and to work on this but um I think these are topics that we need to these are topics
we need to bring up in the upcoming meetings um and then we can then uh present them to to uh council um to see if they can consider these >> Yep. >> into into the uh
>> Yeah, I think that's great. And and I think just in the interim, uh, Curtis, as you I mean, you deal with all these marina older owners and you're going to be obviously working with the Freelands, just to begin to to have that dialogue as to how things are, what are they thinking about, what's their plan. >> Absolutely.
>> Connecting them with the other marina operators and making sure everybody's talking to each other and thinking through all these challenges and looking what other fairies have done in Florida that are successful. And I mean, there's just a lot. I mean, not this is not all on your shoulders, Curtis, but you're you would be kind of like a help. You
you'd be somebody who would help facilitate and obviously offer the town's assistance wherever we can. >> Understood. >> Yes, sir. >> Okay. So, based on all of that conversation, I have revised my themes of objectives. So, let me know if this
covers it and then I would ask that um we take a vote so that I can propose these or just introduce them to council on Monday when I do the roles and responsibilities. So I see three kind of buckets here. One, we really want to support a fully operational moing field.
That means getting all of our balls online, making sure we have capacity, um, you know, making sure that we have full use of the mooring field. Also down the line, we want to work forward to having owned amenities, owned upland
facilities, and owned staff facilities. Secondly, we want to be very involved in promotion, education, marketing, information, make sure that people understand what it's all about and getting them here. And then third, partnering with related projects and that could include the ferry projects as
well as canal maintenance and dredging. That work for people. >> I like it. So moved. >> Great. >> By Sam. >> Second. >> I'll second that. >> All in favor? Hi. >> Hi. Okay, perfect. Thank you.
>> Okay, let's move on from objectives and let's talk about cruisers appreciation day. Exciting. >> When was the MNP rescheduled? >> It was not. I mean, it was sort of I'm not sure why we were on the M&P. The M&P was actually cancelled for that meeting.
And uh I think what we're presenting here, roles and responsibilities and objectives, is what they were trying to get to. Correct. And we may be ahead of the curve. So, >> correct. And then that I I was told uh the um MMP meeting um was going to be uh
re, >> you know, re rescheduled. Um so, um but that date has not been passed along. They said that they they will pass it along once they once they figure that out. So, um that's still up in the air and pending right now. So,
>> so from my email conversations with the town manager, I think he just wanted to get this information out in front of the council. So, I'll do that on Monday. Um, I'll make sure that I send them the revised roles and responsibilities document and also um a list of our
objectives and I'll present that and hopefully that's the information they need and if they have more input, we would welcome it. Sound good? All right. Does everybody have the little cruisers outline in front of them? I It was sent out to you as an
attachment um November 1st. Yep, you've got it. Do you have it, Ed? >> I'm not sure. >> All right. If not, then I can share mine with you. But what I was hoping to do um for a few minutes today is go through this, see if you have any changes. What
I really did is just basically took last year's format, added some new information. Um, and because now we're way ahead of the game, I thought we could start talking about some assignments and get working on those.
You want to you can look at that one. Can I share with you? Oh, >> I have one. I'll share with >> you share with Chris. >> Well, it's okay. I'll just move down to chair. >> Okay. Move down to chair. All righty.
So last time we kind of broke out the responsibilities. Um Jennifer was responsible for the nonprofits. I'm assuming that she will want to do that again, but we will ask her at the next meeting that we have. Um and then we did
inind sponsors. John and I did a bunch of those. Sam did some. I think you did some, Ed. A whole bunch of us. Um, Curtis, do you think that the contributor that you brought in as a monetary sponsor would be willing to contribute again this year? I mean,
>> you're talking about >> uh marine operation uh >> Florida Marine and contracting. I will I will reach out to him um and see if he's willing to help us out again this year. um he was a big player last year because we were in the middle of the uh canal
debris removal project. So um I still keep in touch with him. Um so that's something I could reach out to and see if he's still um willing to uh support us in that. >> Would you have any other contractors that you think would be worth approaching?
>> Um yes I do. Okay. I do. I have some people that we can reach out to that that has helped us out and we've done business with. So, >> I mean, I think that would be terrific and then we wouldn't have to go to other people. We already have $2,000, right, >> in our budget. If we could get another
2,2500, we'd be golden and we'll be able to keep paying it forward, >> right? Absolutely. >> Okay. So, if you could check on that. I think I think Curtis Chad's got some vendors, too, that that are sort of synonymous to what we do as well. So you might check with K,
>> right? Absolutely. I will, Jim. Thank you. >> Okay. Um, like I said, we had a lot of nonprofits. I don't know that there are other organizations that we didn't have that actually exist that we would want to consider, but uh I don't know if
anybody has thoughts on that. It was a pretty comprehensive list and I'm not sure we can fit many more than that. I would sorry I would suggest that we get back to these as soon as possible. Make sure we had last year. Would like to do it again. Okay. >> Um
>> just to see if we have some early indication of how many additional openings we may have, >> but it would seem to be easy to to do a double check on that quickly. >> Okay. Well, when I do a recap of the information that I will get to Curtis,
he will send out to everybody. I will uh ping Jennifer and that and see if she can take that on. Inind sponsors. Do we want to um delegate those for people to reach out
to? If you can see the list, if you would tell me who you might be interested in reaching out to again, I can indicate that. Sam, who you got? I >> I would be willing to do um everything that I did last year. I just had one comment that I mean our the tables that
Jennifer put together all those that was fantastic. The meals was fantastic. I think the only thing that we could improve on from last year, Beach Talk Radio was there. Everybody, you know, we got everybody to turn out except the people on the mooring field. >> Yeah.
>> Um so maybe, you know, this year, but it was kind of last minute. So maybe this year we can make a little more effort to get um more of the Moringfield patrons um to show up, but other than that everything >> everything went great. I'm willing to do whatever I did last year.
>> Do do you remember what that was or I can look back >> that was um organizing the meals with Snug Harbor. Okay. >> Um doing Snug Harbor, Wahoo Willies, >> Nervous Nellies, >> and the permitting so the permitting. Okay, let's leave
something for everybody else. Sam didn't shoot you the keychains as well, which were awesome. >> Yeah. >> Oh, that was Curtis. But um but >> well, he he helped assist and gave me the information and then I just I just ordered them. But uh we we still have a
box full of those. So So we're good. >> Excellent. >> Okay. >> And I just a quick reminder. Yeah. Um, can we reach out to maybe Jennifer and Ted to let I don't know if their absence was excused or not to let them know that
they should ask for an excused absence on the committee? Thanks. >> Yep. >> Okay, John, which ones would you like to sign up for again? Again, what Sam said, I going to do everything I did last year. But I think
the maybe a more organized way is if uh uh you and I sit down and break up the list that we have here that uh that's not part of what Sam is is is addressing. And and then um and then we work together on who we're going to
approach. >> And I'm not sure that we can do that. I'm not sure that we can meet I think every time we meet >> I understand but possibly communicate. Yes. I think we should do at the next meeting I don't think we should approach anybody until the new year. Okay. >> But the next meeting why don't we
solidify all the assignments and then um you know after the new year we can get be off and running and get an early start this year. >> Yeah. So, what I can do is when I um send out a revision of this, I can make some suggested assignments and then we
can talk about it at our next meeting and make sure that that's kosher with everybody. Um, so that's that's a good thought. And I want to ask the question about our next meeting. We are scheduled to meet December 22nd. Does does everybody want to meet December 22nd or
you want to wait till January? I feel like we're I think we're way ahead of the game already because we already have a plan. So, I'm not too concerned. But what does everybody feel? >> I think and and Jim, maybe you can prove me right or wrong. I think most of the
committees take December off. >> That's been my experience. >> So, are we all good if we don't meet in December? >> I'm fine with that, >> John. >> Uh, yes, ma'am. >> Okay. All right. So, we would meet then
in January. And what day would that be, Curtis? >> Or somebody. >> It's the third. >> We usually have the >> fourth Monday. >> It's the fourth Monday. So, that would look like the 26th, January 26th.
>> Okay. >> All right. >> Um, just Madam Chair. >> Yes, sir. Just uh circling back to inind sponsors. Um maybe a better way to express it is I'm willing to approach everyone
>> that you approached >> that hasn't or won't be approached by anyone else. Um and u and certainly do some thought about uh possibly who who other people in the committee would have more success than I'll have uh was with
certain uh possible inconsp. >> Okay. Ed, is there any folks on this list that you know you would like to approach or any other um assignments that are exciting to you?
>> Um is the correct thing to say that I'm willing to do what I did last year? >> Okay, that is perfect. All right, >> you can add me for Matanza's hotel and restaurant. >> Okay, gotcha. All right. What I'm going to do is I'm going to put together a little
grid uh with assignments and I will get that out to you um in the next couple of weeks and then we will talk about it in January >> and then yeah and then um our next meeting we can lock all the assignments
in, right? And then we can get moving on the um you know move forward on the planning and what we have to do. And I encourage everybody in the committee to um just be thinking about people or organizations that didn't sponsor last year or we didn't approach last year
that we may want to add to the list uh or add to the target list this year. >> Absolutely. >> Yes, that's right. We do have new new people at Santini. That's exciting. All right. So, I will wrap up the information from today. Get it to
Curtis. Curtis will send it out. Uh I will go to council on Monday and tell them what we're up to. Talk about roles and responsibilities and the theme of our objectives. Let them know we're moving ahead with cruisers. Um what else do we need to talk about
>> in respect to cruisers or just generally? Uh, generally >> I I would like to ask um Councilman, do do we have any progress in filling the empty vacancy on our committee or is
there a process we should be encouraging either ourselves or any other organization on the island to try to get that filled? It doesn't seem like there's much progress occurring there and I hate to see that be stagnant. >> Yeah, I know I have reached out um and I know Ed has reached out. So, uh, I think
it's, you know, if we can help recruit, but but Jim, I don't know if you know of any outreach or any thoughts. >> You know, what happens traditionally is that periodically Amy will send out a release through our PIO
talking about all the various vacancies on the advisory committees, trying to get some PR for that. But I think really I mean just between us I think word of mouth by the committee members who particularly those who know folks who are in the voting world who might have
an interest this is a great committee for somebody who's retired and likes to vote or not retired I don't doesn't matter but I just think there's a lot of people out there and if they knew about this committee they would really enjoy uh being part of it. I just think they a
lot of people don't know that this kind of opportunity exists. So, it's a lot of word of mouth and talking to folks who uh have an interest in this kind of thing because I think somebody I mean well you all know you're here but I mean it's it's a great it's a great way to be involved in the community in an area
where you've got offer some sub subject matter expertise and and we're really doing things. It's a it's a I think but but I do think word of mouth is the best way to do it. Although again uh uh you know I know Ed Ed Ryan listens to our
meeting so he maybe he'll put something out maybe he'll mention something you know I mean it's on the show that's you know we got an opening. I just think the word of mouth helps really helps find people that have a background uh that would really I just it's really unfortunate because I I do think there
are a litany of people who would really enjoy this. They just don't know the opportunity exists. So when that new PIO comes on board, I'll encourage them to to do another notice about various vacancies, including this one. I just think that PIO piece has been a little bit of a
>> kind of a stumbling block and that's not we can do something, but I think when we get the new PIO on board, we'll be able to get some of those things back and forth. But I do think the word of mouth is the I mean, John, you're you're back there in Baby Lane. There's a lot of people with boats uh on the in our little marina there that are really
smart boat people that might really enjoy this. I I'll ask I've been asking around my building, too. So, >> I have a guy in my building who who who served for like nine years on the I didn't have no idea. He was telling me about it the other day. was on the acreage advisory committee for like nine
years of I think almost since the original that there was originally founded and he's telling me all this great history and so there's a but there's a lot of folks out there that if they only knew they would really enjoy serving I think >> yeah and I mean we uh we are kind of
southended in our committee uh membership so it might be nice if somebody on the north end who might live on the bay would be interested as well because I like having the variety perspectives that everybody brings to the table because of where they live, how they live, uh, and how they
experience voting. >> I I think the suggestions are excellent. Part of what I wanted to do was remind everyone that we we need to continue pursuing that. maybe Curtis possibly um an outreach to
some of the resident uh um voters, some of the resident morning >> the marinas >> marinas. Well, the I guess what I'm trying to say is we have several people that are permanently residents in the morning >> um in the morning field
>> and maybe uh just being able to remind them we have an opening and and encourage them uh would be at least a good way of of getting a a few people to understand what the committee is about and certainly anyone that's a resident on a on a moing ball I
would think should have a great interest in being part of this >> wonderful perspective >> part of this uh So, possibly there's something you can do to remind people. >> Yeah, absolutely. I I can do that and spread that word. Um I've mentioned it
to a few uh people in our um surrounding uh businesses um down on the north end. Um um that's a great idea to um ask some of our long-term residents, but first I want to make sure that they fit the criteria and
we can have them on the >> on the committee because there's because >> to be on the committee, what are the um criterias you have to meet to be on the committee? Right. >> Absolutely. Absolutely. I just thought maybe um you can think of a couple
people be worth approaching. Okay. That's all I have. >> Okay. Any other conversation public comment? I see no public. Um, next meeting. We talked about January 26
at 9:00 a.m. and I think one of our um so a couple things would be recap of what I discussed with the council on Monday and then we'll go through assignments for our cruisers appreciation day. >> Could you somehow get that maybe send it
to Curtis that that form that you had about cruisers appreciation day that I didn't have? >> Yeah, absolutely. >> Forward that to me. Yeah. Yeah. If she once once uh Chris sends me the recap and I send it out to everybody, I'll just include that in the attachment to send out. >> It'll be the updated version.
>> Okay. >> Yep. >> All right. Would somebody like to adjurnn us? >> Well, I I just have I have one little thing to say. Listen, I just want to say um it's been a pleasure working with y'all. Um we've made it I've made it
through a full whole year with y'all. So, um I just want to say thank you all for the uh for the support and everything that y'all have done um um for us here for the town and um uh um for the Morningfield office as well. Um
I think that um you know, we've done a lot this first year. We started the Cruisers Appreciation Day back up along along with some other things. So, um I just, you know, I appreciate the support and um you know, this is our last
meeting of 2025, so I'm looking forward to what uh 2026 has to has to offer and um I'm excited to keep to uh keep working with y'all. So, thank you all very much. Well, on behalf of the committee and more importantly the
patrons of the Mooring Field that I try to talk to every time I'm down there, they're very happy with you, Curtis, and we're very satisfied. So, thank you. >> Thank you. Appreciate it. >> Whenever you say it's been a pleasure
working with you, my heart kind of skips. >> Yeah. Right. Like, >> I I I truly hope that that that you're enjoying this as much as we're enjoying you. Uh, one other thing I'd like to say is, uh, with the holidays coming up and we haven't, uh, we don't schedule to
meet until after the holidays, I'd like to wish, uh, happy holidays to everyone, uh, on the committee and everyone listening and anyone in the town um, that that I can that happy holidays and I hope you have safe and pleasure holidays.
>> And I will echo that. I'm I'm very thankful for Curtis. I'm thankful for your leadership taking, you know, taking the bull by the horns and trying to make as much progress as possible. I'm very thankful for this committee. It's it's a joy to be here with you. I have learned so much from you. I will continue to
learn. I will never be able to pilot a boat, but you know, that's what you're here for. So, thank you all very much. And again, happy holidays to everybody out there who is watching or would like to watch the replay because you can do that. >> Who would like to adjurnn us?
>> I'll move to adjourn. I second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> All right, we are adjourned at 10:27. Happy holidays, everybody.