Efforts to shore up issues that have plagued the Clinton Lake Marina were approved last Thursday night but not without some serious discussion of the money that is getting poured into the infrastructure of the operation.
Marina Committee Chairman Dan Matthews, as part of his report Thursday night, proposed for service and barge work for up to $40,000. The estimate was questioned and Matthews explains that is their estimate based on bids they've received so far. The Board decided they would reduce the action to $28,000 since that was the cost they knew they had.
The action by the board calls to remove the old gas dock, secure the wooden breakwater, reset dock seven and connect a new ramp for that dock. Matthews says it will create over a dozen slips that could create $20,000 in slip renter revenue.
Melonie Tilley wanted clarity about what exactly was taking place at the Marina. Matthews indicates they want to get things started now so they can begin renting the slips in time for the boating season.
The Board Thursday night also took up a proposal to declare the installation of a breakwater system for the marina an emergency status for $350,000. Board Chair Terry Ferguson explains this winter has been particularly harsh on the existing breakwater and the search for something durable has spanned the country.
Breakwater issues at the marina have been on and off the radar of the Marina Committee for a few years now. When pressed about taking the project out to bid, Ferguson explains the current bid is specific to Marina's need, and bidding it out would likely delay the work getting done.
Tilley wondered about how much more money would need to be poured into the breakwater issues. She says did not like the idea the Board 'hopes' this would work and was also concerned it wasn't a US-based company.
Matthews believes the Marina Committee has done its homework on the breakwater they are proposing. He says there have been pros and cons considered with the options they've explored and he feels this is going to be the durable option they need.
Funding for durable breakwater could be problematic. There's no sure source of funding and the County could end up borrowing money if all else fails.
All the motions for work on the Marina passed the Board.
