Statements of Function FY2022

We are pleased to submit our FY22 budget reflecting a number of important and positive changes made over the past year. The budget also reflects the synergies enabled by continuing the relationship with PPPC for management of Marine /Harbormaster Services. We encourage you to renew this agreement at your earliest opportunity as it continues the considerable cost savings in the coming fiscal year.

BACKGROUND: On March 29, 2005 pursuant to Chapter 13 of the Acts of 2000, the Board of Selectmen entered into a twenty-year lease of MacMillan Pier and a five-year Marine Management Agreement (MMA) to provide harbormaster and other marine-related services with the Provincetown Public Pier Corporation. The MMA assigned operational responsibility of the Marine Department to the Pier Corp. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed June 15th, 2015. The MOU clarified key operational, financial and reporting elements The Pier Corp worked with the Select Board and Town Manager to revise and sign a new MOU and HM Service agreement which would now separate the roles of Pier Manager and Harbormaster from each other as well as create a new position and role referred to as Marine Coordinator. This report covers the harbormaster and marine coordinator functions.

FUNCTION OF THE MARINE DEPARTMENT: The HM/ Marine Services Department is primarily concerned with marine and public safety, law enforcement and resource protection in Provincetown Harbor. The Department serves many Harbor users, including commercial fishermen, recreational boaters, waterfront property owners and the general public. We are governed by M.G.L. Chapters 91 (Moorings) and 90B (Marine Safety) and enforce Federal, State and Town regulations and laws. We also coordinate enforcement efforts and training with the U.S. Coast Guard, the State Environmental Police and the Provincetown Police & Fire Departments. We also liaise with other regional groups to move forward with Town goals and operational considerations.

HARBORMASTER ROUTINE ACTIVITIES: HM services include traffic control, pump-outs, overnight shifts and work on the Harbor in season. In the off season, the work of the Harbormaster continues with grant writing, planning and permitting work and with the handling of storm issues in the Harbor and on the beaches. The Harbormaster and Marine Coordinator are on the Town emergency management team, provide staff liaison for the Harbor Committee and serves the Conservation Commission as needed.

REVENUE COLLECTION: Through the Harbormaster office and staff Department, the Pier Corp collects moorings fees that are transferred directly to the Town. In addition, the Town collects embarkation fees through the State from the three ferry companies whose vessels dock at the Pier.

PERSONNEL: The separation of the HM and Marine Coordinator positions provides an opportunity to better address the myriad responsibilities the department has grown into. The Marine Coordinator along with the Harbormaster focus on addressing Harbor Plan implementation. The Marine Coordinator addresses Chapter 91, environmental issues and emergency management supporting town wide goals for coastal resiliency, hazard and emergency response, and environmental issues. These personnel are available to support each other, as well as support the Shellfish Constable, seasonal staff and the Pier Corp when needed.

During the 2020 Season FY21 PPPC evaluated the part time seasonal employee coverage and made adjustments to reduce staff, maximize hours to improve cost without compromising services to the public or to public safety. Additional reductions were made in light of the COVID pandemic.

HARBOR PLAN: The Harbor Committee completed their update of the Provincetown Municipal Harbor Plan. The State approved the Plan in April of 2019. As staff liaisons, the Harbormaster and Marine Coordinator continue to work with Harbor Committee to implement Harbor Plan recommendations. The Harbor Plan is a medium range planning tool to guide improvements to infrastructure, identify sensitive environmental issues to be protected and to manage competing uses of the harbor, beaches and piers. The Plan highlights needs associated with climate change and resiliency.

Statement of Goals FY2022

During the coming year we hope to achieve the following goals:

1. Improving our data collection and mooring management. Among these changes will be

• refining the new mooring log database
• better tracking of mooring inspections
• analyze increasing efficiency of on line data base and mooring locations

2. Working with 2020 as a tool to move projects forward in a positive direction.

3. Refine public safety procedures for ferry traffic control and cruise ship visits.

4. Help and support the implementation of the Harbor Plan and work closely with the Harbor Committee.