The floating dock at Bradenton Beach’s Historic Bridge Street Pier has a problem.
It’s too popular. There are days when too many boats arrive, lay by and embark.
But city commissioners are addressing the issue.
City attorney Ricinda Perry told commissioners at their Oct. 19 meeting that she had fielded complaints from businesses and boaters about a lack of slips available at the new finger docks.
Complaints included commercial vessels using the finger docks for business endeavors and taking up slip space for extended periods of time.
“You are basically having commercial business use at no cost,” Perry said. “They are not paying anything to the city.”
She questioned the possibility of uninsured business operators and possible liability the city might face as a result of their use of the docks.
Damage from improperly moored and oversized vessels also has been an issue since the docks opened in August.
Perry suggested a franchise agreement could help the city control docking.
According to a sample agreement used by the city of Cocoa Beach, included in the meeting packet, the city could require commercial vessels to indemnify the city for any damages they cause, require proof of insurance and possibly charge a franchise fee.
Due to a submerged land lease with the state, Perry said the city can not charge for dockage.
Commissioner Ralph Cole warned against a lack of action that might allow business owners to monopolize the docks.
“When we put this in, it was supposed to be for the water taxi and private individuals,” Cole said of the docks. “It wasn’t to put people into business.”
Cole made comparisons to businesses that take advantage of public space along Palma Sola Bay on the causeway on Manatee Avenue.
Commissioners also discussed signage, such as limits on loading time limit.
Commissioner Jake Spooner motioned to direct Perry to draft an ordinance and create a franchise agreement to be reviewed by commissioners at a later date.
The motion was seconded by Commissioner Jan Vosburgh and passed 4-0. Commissioner Marilyn Maro was absent with excuse.
Word at the dock
Capt. Isander Santiago, owner of the company Bay2Bay Tours, was at the floating dock Oct. 19 and spoke to The Islander while he waited for customers.
He said he averaged about 12 pickups a week at the location.
He also said he was amenable to a fee and franchise agreement.
“I would agree with that if there is some sort of reciprocity,” Santiago said. “Something that we can benefit from at the same time. I wouldn’t mind paying a certain fee if we needed to do that. I would be open to discuss it.”
Santiago said many tour boats are bringing customers to the city.
“When we bring our groups, I always recommend different businesses around here,” he said.