November, 2011
President’s Page
By: Carl Kirnbauer
President LBMBOA
carl.Kirnbauer@lbmboa.org
This publication marks the resumption of the President’s Page that was originally published in the hard copy version of our Gangway Gazette.
I intend that the President’s Page will be a monthly column of Marina news and will highlight the President’s opinions concerning news of concern to Marina permittees.
As necessary, it could include a boatowner call-to-action to protect the interests of all permittees.
The highlight of our recent Marina news has been the approval of the start of the ABM rebuild at Basin 4. To date, all boats, gangways and fingers, and pilings have been removed.
and the dredging was completed on November 8, the pile driving is in process as of November 9. For up to date information on the rebuil see our section on this website
at ABM Rebuild. Our hats are off to the excellent management of Mark Sandoval, the Marine Bureau manager,
who has made the rebuild possible.
As of the first of October, we have received the promised slip fee increase to cover the debt service on the loan to pay for the current construction.
This increase in slip fees covers only the initial construction loan. Be aware that the rest of the rebuild is unfunded.
We have been aware that a slip fee increase would be needed to get the initial rebuild process going. However, I understood that no further slip fee increases would be necessary
to fund the subsequent loans required to finish the ABM marina. I understood that the increased revenue from the new slip fee mix (the new larger slips would generate substantially
increased Marina revenues) coupled with substantial expense reductions would generate enough income to make further slip fee increases unnecessary. This no longer appears to be true.
Since all permittees in the Long Beach Marinas will be bearing the cost of any slip fee increases, not just ABM permittees, it is important for all of us to be aware of the potential
for numerous, substantial slip fee increases in the future. I believe that the vast majority of permittees will object to numerous, substantial slip fee increases. Please email your
opinion to letters@lbmboagg.org
Another point of concern is the fact that the ABM rebuild will be completed with no provision for additional security. There will be no gates, no surveillance cameras, and no gated
restrooms at ABM. That means that ABM will not even have the level of protection that is now enjoyed by Shoreline Marina. When I consider the increasing level of local crime,
I think that it is prudent to include security now, during the construction phase, rather than later.
BOA will be posting, a security survey to permittees whose email address is on file. However, everyone is welcome to email BOA at letters@lbmboagg.org with your comments,
opinions ands suggestions. We value your feedback on the potential slip fee increases as well as the potential ABM security issues.
You have my promise that your email will be answered.
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