Harbor Committee – September 4, 2014
HARBOR COMMITTEE, SEDGWICK, MAINE
SEPTEMBER 4, 2014
MEMBERS PRESENT: John Dunbar, Chair; Dennis DeSilvey, Secretary; Bill Sweetland; Tom Reilly
Dwayne Ford, Deputy Harbor Master
ABSENT: Victor Smith, Representing the Selectmen; Tom Higgins
Prior to beginning the meeting there was a discussion between Mr. Dunbar and Mr. Ford regarding the
concept of transferring a mooring with the sale of a home. Mr. Ford pointed out that while the mooring
tackle can transfer with the sale the location of the mooring in the harbor does not and must be
renegotiated if the new owner wishes to have a mooring.
THE MEETING WAS CALLED TO ORDER AT 1705
THE MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING WERE REVIEWED: There was discussion of the issue of enforcing the regulations of the harbor. Mr. Dunbar pointed out the historically this had fallen to the
Harbor Committee since the Harbor Master did not wish to have any involvement with enforcement. In
the past members of the harbor committee have attempted to enforce the regulations as best as
possible. For the past 3 years one member of the committee has been more involved in that process. It
was pointed out to the Selectmen that the harbor committee is advisory to the selectmen and should
not be involved in enforcement. It was for this reason that Mr. Ford has been appointed Deputy Harbor
Master with a duty to enforce the harbor regulations under the direction of the selectmen.
THE MINUTES WERE THEN APPROVED WITH A UNAMOUS VOTE.
Sending letters to mooring owners in the winter and spring was also discussed and it was decided that
that would be done starting with the 2015 year. During this same year we will also begin issuing colored
dinghy permits which will make the identification of registered dinghies easier.
A discussion then followed about the definition of a resident. For the purposes of the harbor it was felt
that a resident would be someone who owns land and pays taxes in the Town of Sedgwick. There was
subsequent discussion as to how we should treat a long term renter but there was no resolution.
Mr. Dunbar then brought up the question of whether the mooring permits should be approved by the
Harbor Committee. This was discussed but not voted.
There then followed a brief discussion of the ordinances and whether exceptions could be granted to
the terms of the ordinance. The ordinance does allow temporary exemptions.
It was then discussed that the Harbor Committee, according to the ordinance, consists of 4 members
and a representative of the selectmen. Mr. Ford is now attending meetings representing the
Harbormaster. It was felt that we will keep the current membership with an alternate.