HMC

Island Manager Report

Board Meeting

July 14, 2001

The ferry piers (docks) have been inspected by an engineer who specializes in structures of this type. No major problems were found but he is recommending that some maintenance items be addressed. One project that needs to be attended to soon is re-painting the moveable steel ramps, particularly the undersides.
Installation of two large signs, one mounted on the ramp structure at both the island and the mainland, has started. These signs, a part of the emphasis on safety in all aspects of the Herron Island ferry operations, remind drivers not to start their motors until advised to do so by the ferry crew.
Our DNR lease requires that we have spill (fuel or oil) containment capability. To augment the existing equipment now carried on the ferry (such as absorbent pads) we have purchased a spill containment kit with boom material that can be placed adjacent to the ferry in event of a spill. The boom keeps a spill from spreading away from the initial location. The kit will be installed next week.

The annual Consumer Confidence report on the island’s water quality has been mailed. The island is fortunate to have an excellent water source that meets all Health Department requirements and does not need any treatment.

Roads

Peninsula Light Company sent an engineer to the island to ascertain what will be required on their part to bring power to the north beach for a permanent electric pump station (for road watering). The engineer reported that power can be hooked up for minimal cost, utilizing an existing transformer nearby.
Additional drivers are being trained for the road dust watering truck.

Safety reminder: except when the ferry is being loaded or unloaded, no persons other than ferry employees are allowed past the gates on the ferry piers. The moveable ramps and associated machinery are dangerous places and there is no protection in place at the end of the ramps to prevent falling into deep water.

HMC purchase of the County-owned, former Lewis property: County has agreed to sell the lot for about $300. Our contact person at the County stated recently that the final paperwork should be here in late May. To date, they are “still working on it.” We continue to try to bring this transaction to a close.

We continue to assist the attorneys working on the lawsuits and quite a bit of time has been spent in the past two months on legal issues. The Island Manager and the Board of Trustees president have been required to attend hearings on motions and for mediation. Our attorneys did not prevail at the “motions” hearing to have certain claims, including those for punitive damages, dismissed. The mediation process, however, is moving forward and there appears to be a possibility that a reasonable outcome (a settlement) will occur prior to going to trial later this year.
HMC now has clear title to three properties (deeds in lieu of foreclosure): Guarisco, Irvin and Menashe.