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<br />. Does the Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) have the right to dictate the type of <br />dredging? Yes, because it's a federal channel. If the channel was de federalized, a <br />permit from the Corps for the work would still be required. <br />. Will the dredging cost in four years be less because the inner harbor does not need <br />to be dredged? In four years only the channels will need to be dredged, so there <br />could be cost savings if the price of dredging and disposal remains relatively flat. <br />. How often do docks need to be replaced? The wooden docks that are currently in <br />need of replacement were installed in the 1970s as part of the second phase of the <br />marina harbor. In addition to replacing the docks, the replacement project includes <br />reconfiguration of the harbor to accommodate larger boats. <br /> <br />Mayor Santos expressed his concern that the marina harbor is a financial liability to the City. <br />He continued that the harbor is an expensive operation to maintain and unless a major change <br />occurs, the City will need to make a decision regarding the continuation of operations. He <br />also shared that the City has been lobbying in Washington DC, along with State <br />representatives. The Mayor further reported that he spoke with the President of the Port of <br />Oakland who indicated that no funds were available to assist the City with dredging. <br /> <br />2. Public Comments <br /> <br />Robert Brannan, President of the Chamber of Commerce, shared that it was his belief that the <br />best process is for the Council to make a decision based on assumed City control/funding of <br />the marina harbor in the long run. <br /> <br />Ed Hernandez asked if the City has explored fees such as visitor parking, a boat tax, user <br />fees, etc. to keep the harbor open. <br /> <br />Jeff Houston commended the City for understanding the importance of the Dredge Material <br />Management Site (DMMS) as a shorebird habitat. He shared his hopes that the DMMS be <br />included in future plans as a dedicated shorebird habitat area. <br /> <br />Gerd Marggraff recommended that the City fast track the development of two more <br />restaurants at the shoreline area to cover the costs of dredging. <br /> <br />Al Fernandez wanted to know why we can't dump the dredged material south of the channel <br />or at Alcatrez. <br /> <br />John Manuel asked who developed the dredging costs estimates and wanted to know when <br />the Council would be making a decision. <br /> <br />Bo Johanson shared his belief that sending out letters to the boaters in January that the City <br />can no longer guarantee ingress and egress to the harbor has a negative impact and makes it <br />appear that a decision has already been made. He further expressed his concern that the <br />harbor does not appear to be a priority to Council. <br /> <br />2 <br />