CALL TO ORDER

Chair Wolgast called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m.

1. ROLL CALL

COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Kamen, Smith, Kawczynska

Windham, Thomas, Cobb, Wolgast,

COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Felix, Wozniak

2. PUBLIC COMMENT

John Shively spoke in opposition to fee increases for berthers. He recommended that the “request to address waterfront commission” form be eliminated.

Bob Griffith read a letter he had written to the commission regarding cost overruns at F& G docks and its effect on the marina’s revenue. He suggested that the “the City’s Engineers” take responsibility for the revenue loss and that the Marina budget not absorb the loss. He said that the Hornblower’s plan to use a boat for food preparation be examined by “The City of Berkeley Fire Department, The U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office and the Waterfront Commission.” He objected to the proposed slip fee increases.

Willie Phillip, President of the West Berkeley Neighborhood Corporation spoke on the Corporation’s desire to establish a “Mercado”near the docks. He explained that the corporation would make a more formal presentation at the next Waterfront Commission meeting.

3. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

Commissioner Kawczynska moved to approve the agenda. Commissioner Windham seconded the motion, which passed 7-0-0-2.

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 10 MEETING

Commissioner Smith moved approval of the minutes of the March 10, 1999 meeting. Commissioner Cobb seconded the motion which passed, 7-0-0-2

4. COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

The chair announced that Commissioners who would like to inspect the locked areas of the Marina, the docks and bathrooms, may borrow a key from the harbormaster, Brad Gross, if they leave their Drivers License as security. The Harbormaster will give a guided tour if desired. Prior arrangement is advised.

5. ELECTION OF VICE CHAIR

Commissioner Kawczynska withdrew her name from consideration. Commissioner Cobb asked the remaining candidate – Commissioner Smith to make a brief presentation. Commissioner Smith was elected vice chair with 6 votes, 1 abstention and 2 absences.

6. FEE INCREASES

The Commission declined to act on the proposed slip fee increase because berthers had not been given adequate notice. Ed Murphy outlined his proposal for water use licenses and Day Use Permits for Aquatic Parks and Waterfront

Commissioner Smith moved to establish water use license fees for exclusive use of the lake as outlined in staff’s report not to exceed $200 per month. Commissioner Kawczynska seconded the motion which passed 6-0-1-2.

Commissioner Kamen moved to adopt the special event permit for the Lagoon at Aquatic Park as outlined in staff’s report at $25.00 a day plus 5% of gross receipts over $1,000. Commissioner Smith seconded the motion which passed 7-0-0-2.

Commissioner Cobb moved to adopt the day use fee schedule as outlined in staff’s report. Commissioner Kawczynska seconded the motion which passed 7-0-0-2.

7. RADISSON’S PLAN TO REMOVE ITS SMALL POOL AND USE THE SPACE FOR A CONFERENCE ROOM/MEETING FACILITY.

Bob Allen, Architect and Brij Misra, General Manager spoke about the Radisson’s plans to convert the smaller of its two pools to a conference space. Cliff Marchetti said that he had asked the City Attorney’s Office whether or not the change violated the moratorium. He offered to report at the next meeting on this issue and on whether Waterfront Commissioners who were also members of the health club had a conflict of interest when acting on the issue in their capacity as commissioners.

8. AQUATIC PARK CONTRIBUTIONS PROPOSED AS PART OF THE BAYER DEVELOPMENT AGREEMNT AMENDMENT PROPOSAL

Heather Macmillan updated the commission on the public amenities negotiated with Bayer as part of their request to expand facilities near Aquatic Park. Commissioner Windham requested information on how many residents of West Berkeley work at Bayer and how many of the additional hires are expected to be from Berkeley.

Commissioner Cobb moved that the commission recommend that the City Council accept the contributions as negotiated by City staff. Commissioner Kawczynska seconded the motion which passed 7-0-0-2.

9. COMMISSIONER THOMAS RESIGNS

Commissioner Guy Thomas announced his resignation in order to dedicate more time to being president of the Center for Independent Living.

10. FUND ANALYSIS AND MASTER PLAN

Commissioner Smith presented a 20 year Marina Fund analysis.

11. PROPOSAL TO LEASE 80 BOLIVAR DRIVE PROPERTY IN AQUATIC PARK.

Ed Murphy discussed his efforts to lease the above property. He agreed to report on further developments at its next meeting.

12. ALGAE CONTROL AT AQUATIC PARK

Cliff Marchetti described the problem of Algae growth in Aquatic Park and discussed the various options available for dealing with the problem including harvesting. Heather McMillan agreed to investigate the possibility of selling Harvested Algae to American Soil for compost.

13. HORNBLOWER’S COOKING VESSEL

The Commission discussed the Hornblower’s plan to dock a cooking vessel near the Radisson. Commissioner Kamen questioned whether the vessel could meet the definition of an operating vessel and suggested that their logs be inspected in the future to determine this. Commissioner Wolgast questioned whether they would discharge gray water into the harbor. Cliff Marchetti agreed to call BCDC to determine on what basis approval for the vessel was issued. Commissioner Cobb agreed to speak with the Save SF Bay BCDC representative on the issue.

14. ADJOURNMENT

Chairman Wolgast adjourned the meeting at 10:00 p.m.