[Bboa-members] focus for tonight

[D A]

I think our f9ocus for this evening should be on the
rate hikes. We can cite many of the issues that Tom
has raised, however, they should definitely not be our
sticking point. If we decry the lack of services they
will only cite them as reasons for the teh increased
rate hikes.  
Our focus should be that the marina needs to live
within it's current means. If past financial
mismanagement has caused today's problems, then it is
up to the city to find soultions without raising fees.


Here are some thoughts.

1. Why do we need so many people in the office during
the day?  At times there are four Marina Assistants at
teh front desk. Can't they be used to restore the
evening shifts? 

2. Enforcement of current rules. They marina is rife
with violations of the Berkeley Municipal Code. 
Enforcing these codes/rules would bring in quitre a
bit of $$$. 

3. Consistent regulation of the launch ramp. 
Currently the marina assistants leave courtesy notices
on vehicles that do not pay the $5 launch fee.
However, if the fee is not paid then nothing else is
done.  There is no system for follow up. These
violators are habitual, as they know there is no
further enforcement.  These lost funds are in the tens
of thousands annually. And why not fine the violators?
 The fine is $100 per incident. Why aren't these fines
being levied and collected?

Rather than approach the fee increase by pointing
fingers at what we have lost, it might be more
productive to identify areas where funds can be found
by simply enforcing the rules on the books.  

History has demonstrated that they always use the
excuse that services are lost due to inadequate
funding, hence the rate increases. We need to focus on
the lack of collection on their part in other areas. 
They cannot deny or deflect these facts. 

Thanks everyone for posting your responses. I think we
should plan a get together soon after tonight's
meeting to discuss other ways to be both proactive and
effective at the same time. 

See you tonight!

Dan


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