MASKGI Meeting Minutes:
Date:
April 28, 2005
Location: Dept. of Marine
Resources, Gardiner, ME
Attendees:
Due to the number of guest speakers present at this meeting, the officer's
reports were conducted after the invited guest presented their information.
Meeting called to order.
I. Presentation by
John Hart:
America’s Waterway
Watch: As part of 911 Homeland Security
Goal: to help
prevent acts of Terrorism by having members of boating public report if they
see suspicious activities.
Purpose of John Harts
Presentation is to ask MASKGI members to be part of Americas
Waterway Watch.
- If you notice immediate
danger call 911
- If you notice suspicious
behavior or call National Response Center at 800-424 -8802, do not call on
your marine band as people in question may be listening.
Note: Al Johnson noted
that the number to call listed on the MASKGI from Store to Shore brochure
needs to be changed in the next printing.
II. Presentation by Al Johnson
1. Kayak fatality
in Gardiner in recreation boat got caught in alders and was drowned
2. Canoeist in Long Island
3. Rafter on the Hudson
River
Many close
calls this spring, Among them;
- 4
canoeists capsized
- Canoeists
on the Stillwater in Orono, capsize and swim over the dam
- A
kayaker on Pushaw lake was capsized and close to hypothermia
*
Motion: Create public service announcements to get the message
out via radio. PASSED
PSA Committee
Volunteers:
Karen Francoeur
Scott Shea
Caroline Blairsmith
Natalie Springel
Alice Bean
Task to create 30 second
spot
Deadline: May
13th
III. Freeport
Kayak Access Issue
- Thornton Ring,
(the outfitter using the dock) Spoke out to say that the area is very tidal
and low tide access is limited and the only way into the water and low tide
is by using the dock.
- This summer the
dock can still be used.
- Town is talking
about having access in Winslow Park for kayakers, which flats out at low
tide. It was suggested that a floating dock be created there.
- Dave Mention
tried to resolve the issue last year with the harbor master who had safety
concerns.
- Congestion is
a problem
- Timing of boats
arriving and leaving seems to be an issue.
- Dave is trying
to decide if MASKGI should take a stance on an issue that can’t be investigated.
Dave stated that he feels uncomfortable in making a statement.
- Suggestion was
made to solve the problem by offering to contribute or build another float.
- Educational issue
about sharing the space.
- Suggestions was
made for the outfitter using the area to contribute to insurance costs incurred
by the town
- Natalie felt
that we should work to maintain and educate about public access.
- Major Fetterman
stated that user fees are nationally being charged to canoes and kayaks to
be equal share users.
Maintenance
of boat access comes from
- gas tax
- Fishing
equipment
- Motor boat
gas tax
- Zoning ordinances
list permitted use
- In Stonington:
Floats are limited to motor craft and sailcraft. Kayaks are only allowed
at boat ramp.
How
Can Maskgi Be at the Table?
- Maskgi
should be able to provide technical support to members in problem solving.
- Maskgi
should educate how kayakers can share access
Mire Point issue
will not allow kayakers to use the ramp or the docks
- Advocate
for continued access to all class of boats
Access issue
1.
Motion to : Maskgi offer
support to towns for boating safety and access information…ie signs and best
practices
Membership Action:
Please review the website to see access points as listed _Write
in Website link__Send information about public boat launches in your area
IV. Formation
of Non Profit Organization : Maine Paddlers Association
- To include
all the organizations such as:
- MACRO
- MOAC
- Penobscot
Paddle and Chowder Club
- Rafting
Organizations
Action:
Meeting in Augusta, May 6, 1-4pm
Purpose of
Meeting: to discuss forming the Maine Paddlers Association
For more info
call 430-0139. Ian Burns Maine’s Project Director for the Northern
Forest Alliance
Motion was made to have two MASKGI members in attendance at the meeting
PASSED
Dave Lenz and
Karen Francoeur
- Leaders
or Representatives should be compensated.
- Website
- Events
V. Treasurers
report:
Previous Balance: $ 4,688.33
Deposits:
$ 614.85
Withdrawals
$1,780.00
New England Paddlesport Show $100
New Jersey Show
$614.85
Atkins Printing
$935.55
Jody Miller
$130.00
*
Motion to form a committee to improve the display for shows
PASSED
Display Committee
volunteers:
Robert Shaw
Dave Mention
Dave Legere
Thornton
Ring
*
Motion to have all outfitter members submit proof of insurance as
stated in by-laws.
All members must send in proof of insurance by May 31st.
VI.
Website: (done by Dave)
Please check and send any errors you may find:
-
Boat Launches
-
Radar Trial
-
Float Plan
-
Will add a PDF of Store to Shore brochure
VII.
John Fetterman Presentation:
NASBLA: conference will be held in September
Model
of Hawian Bill addresses proximity to shore
Law
passed in Hawaii and model that is being reviewed by other states
-
Anyone who travels more than a mile off shore
-
Law VHF radio or personal EPIRB
-
Organized group at least one person must have one
-
John Fetterman is looking for a letter of support from MASKGI or feedback
by July 1st
-
Dave will send information when he receives it
RESULTS OF MOTIONS PRESENTED AT THIS MEETING:
1. Motion Passed: Create public service announcements
to get the message out via radio.
2.
Motion Passed: was made to have two MASKGI members in attendance at
the meeting
3.
Motion Passed: to form a committee to improve the display for shows
PASSED
4.
Motion Passed: to support Hawaii Emergeny Notification Equipment Requirement
(rule out cell phones as an option)
5.
Motion to : Maskgi offer support to towns for boating safety and access
information…ie signs and best practices NOT VOTED ON
6.
Motion Passed: outfitter members must submit proof of
insurance by May 31st, 2005.
Membership Action:
-
Please review the website to see access points as listed
-
Write in Website link
-
Send information about public boat launches in your area
-
Outfitter members submit proof of insurance to David Legere by May 31, 2005.
Mailing Address: POB 632, Mt. Desert, ME 04660