ShorelineMarina Highlights 2009 0526

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view mirror hanger permits. The daily fee collection systems ranged from aself-register envelope deposit box (Iron Ranger) to automated ticket dispensing machines similar to the parking meters in Oakland and Berkeley (Model 400 or Ventek). The least expensive was the Iron Ranger, $1,265 per box. The Model 400 was $10,325 per unit. Both the Iron Ranger and Model 400 were cash only systems. The Ventek was $21,621 per unit for a cash only machine and $22,004 per unit for a cash and credit card machine. This brand was more expensive due to the electrical connection and wireless Internet connection for credit card transactions. The daily fee would be implemented, to a great extent, on the `honor system' as there would not be a paid attendant to collect the fees. Marina staff would check the boat launch approximately twice a day to verify payment. Marina staff would implement public announcements about the proposed boat launch fee by sending letters to the fishermen's clubs, yacht clubs and marina berthers. They would also post signs at the launch ramp prior to implementation of the new fee. (The Marina Inn management has volunteered to have change on hand for the boaters at the hotel's front counter; this could be included on the signs). The proposed boat launch fee would require amendments to the Administrative Code to create a launch fee. Once the launch fee is implemented, staff will evaluate the need for further code revisions such as restricting boat trailer parking in surrounding parking lots to discourage persons from circumventing the boat launch fee by using the launch and parking elsewhere in the area other than the designated vehicle and trailer parking lot. In addition, the Code may have to be amended to allow citation authority for the Marina Supervisor. This is a common practice in other marinas and allows enforcement without demand on the Police Department services. The proposed fee is a launch fee and not a parking fee. Councilmember Prola shared that he has conducted an informal unscientific survey having talked with boaters and asking them about a proposed launch fee. They have told him that they would be willing to pay the launch fee. They also told him that in their opinion collection of the fee by the honor system would not likely work. Without an attendant to collect the fee and without strict enforcement people will choose not to pay the nominal fee. Of the various collection systems he preferred the Model 400. The proposed fees appeared inexpensive and stated that perhaps the $50 seasonal permit fee should be $100 and the $100 annual permit fee should be $200. Vice-Mayor Starosciak asked if the cost of the Iron Ranger was a onetime cost and if the Model 400 had monthly or annual maintenance costs. Supervisor Snodgrass replied that the Iron Ranger was a onetime cost without any maintenance or utility fees. The Model 400 had a very small monthly utility cost due to having electric hook up to operate it. Councilmember Starosciak stated that a $10/day launch fee seemed reasonable and that the honor system of collecting the fees was a good idea. She recommended that in addition to the letters and signs for the public announcement about the new launch fee, the City should provide a press release for the website and in the newspapers. She appreciated the Marina Inn for volunteering to have change available for the boaters. She supported the idea for a launch fee. Al Fernandez, from the public audience, interjected that the City of Berkeley has experienced problems with the Model 400 when the boaters did not have exact change or currency. He shared that the Iron Ranger at Half Moon Bay has been the best user friendly fee collection system. He recommended that due to the expensive cost of the automated systems the City first start the program with the less expensive Iron Ranger box system. San Leandro has a good launch ramp with a good location in relation to the Bay Area. A $200 annual fee may be too high; $150 annual fee would be a good compromise. Mayor Santos and Councilmember Prola commended Mr. Fernandez on his participation and time and resources he has spent collecting information in the topic of boat launch ramp fees.