Docking fees raised for the first time since ?02

The Michigan State Waterways Commission recently approved the transient and seasonal rates for 2005, which included a five percent increase from the 2004 rates. At Monday’s regular meeting of the Rogers City Council, action was required to establish the new rates. Mayor Beach Hall said the Harbor Advisory Committee usually is charged with coming up with a recommendation, but this month’s meeting was canceled and the next session isn’t until December.

“WE NEED to get that information out to seasonal boaters before that,” said Hall. “From the standpoint of the boater it’s not good news that rates are increasing. However, from the standpoint of the city, it will enhance revenue at the boat harbor.” The seasonal moorage rates include: 30-foot slips, $1,340; 38-foot slips, $1,888; 45-foot slips, $2,608; 60-foot slips, $3,570. Presque Isle County is included in an area from the Straits of Mackinac to Huron/Sanilac County, which has the second-highest rates of the four areas in Michigan. It’s the first rate increase since 2002.

IN OTHER matters to come before council: * A resolution supporting planned improvements to traffic control signals was approved, authorizing city manager John Bruning to sign agreements with the Michigan Department of Transportation. The flashing beacon at the intersection of M-68 at US-23 will be modernized with a double flasher system installed with a “stop” lighted case sign. The traffic signal at Erie and Third also will be modernized with the signal head size being increased from eight inches to 12 inches. Both changes are expected to make the lights more visible, thus improving safety. There will be no cost for the new equipment. MDOT does ask the city to foot the electric bill, however.

google_ad_channel ='AdSense Default'; google_color_border = 'B0C9EB'; google_color_link = '164675'; google_color_bg = 'FFFFFF'; google_color_text = '333333'; google_color_url = '2666F5'; google_ui_features = 'rc:0'; //-->