City of South Haven

City Hall • 539 Phoenix Street • South Haven, Michigan 49090-1499

Telephone (269) 637-0700 • Fax (269) 637-5319

January 16, 2020

To: Harbor Commission

Fr: Kate Hosier, Harbormaster
RE: High Water Policy for 2020 Boating Season

The Harbor Commission held a workshop on January 14 to discuss the potential impacts for
boaters during the 2020 season caused by elevated water levels projected to rise above municipal
docks. This memorandum is to outline a policy as discussed at that meeting. The Harbor
Commission will review this policy at their January 21, 2020 regular meeting and it will be
presented to the City Council at their meeting on February 3, 2020.

The Harbor Commission’s chief concerns if the water levels rise above the docks are (1) electricity
shut off and (2) slippery deck surfaces. During the 2019 season, high pressure storm systems
pushed water into the harbor causing water to rise above the dock decking. Power to the docks
was shut off and remained off until the water levels subsided below the decking. If the water levels
rise as projected, the decking could be under water for days, weeks, or months. If the decking is
underwater for a sustained period of time, scum builds up making the surface slippery and
hazardous.

High Water Policy:

• As the season opening date of April 15, 2020 approaches, staff and Harbor Commission
will monitor water levels. If the water level is at or near the surface of the decking, the
marina opening may be delayed one month. The Harbormaster and Harbor Commission
will reevaluate the water levels every month to determine if and when the marinas can be
opened.
• At the end of the 2020 boating season, seasonal boaters will receive a refund for periods
where the marina was closed on a pro-rata basis.
• Seasonal boaters may request a refund for the 2020 slip fee due to the uncertainty of the
season giving up their slip the for the season.
• If seasonal boaters elect to keep their deposit at the marina, the deposit will hold their slip
for the 2021 season.
• If seasonal boaters elect to have their deposit refunded (as one-time event), they lose their
slip which is then offered to wait list applicants.

Seasonal boaters paid a non-refundable deposit to secure their slips for the 2020 season. Under
the 2020 contract, balances for the remainder of the slip payment were due January 15. To give
seasonal boaters time to consider the high water policy, the deadline for balances to be paid has
been extended to February 15, 2020. No late fees will be charged due to the change in due date.