Docks Committee Report
I’ve had reason to look back over the 9 years I’ve been involved with the docks. It’s amazing to see what has been accomplished and to think about just how many members have been involved. We’ve seen some very large projects take shape and some are already here in hardware form. We have acted proactively to create long term management and care systems for the major parts of these expensive facilities.
The dock inspection program, in particular, has guided work to put this marina into a condition of reliable and predictable long term good health. We just completed inspection of 1/3 of the facility and the results show we are in very good and improving condition. It’s been a long time coming, but it feels great to report to you so positively as that.
We have combined the two year smoke vent plan into one year and posted it as the big project for 2012-2013. This should save some on the over-all price-tag and will be the final big piece of our plan for compliance with Seattle Fire Code extensions adopted in June of 2005. For a volunteer organization to lead the pack on something as large and complex as meeting all the demands of this code is a remarkable accomplishment. You belong to an amazing organization.
It’s nigh-on winter-time again. You are reminded that hoses must not be left connected to hose bibs when not in use. Check those tie-ups and fenders an extra time. It’s never comfortable to make adjustments to tenant’s tie-ups, and it takes a lot of unavailable time. Winds can blow through here and occasional boat waves can cause a lot of motion. Your moorings need a lot of flexibility to accommodate those motions and the variability in lake height. It can change up to 8 or 9 inches in a day. We need to be resourceful with our use of electrical power. That’s a nice word for conserve. The marina’s system really is stressed to its limits.
We’re still working to adopt standards for safety ladders and invite comments and input. A decision is due in December or January. We showed two alternatives at the second October meeting. The stainless dry stored ladder sample is installed at slip #374. We’ll be installing a sample plastic ladder at some finger pier where the wooden ladder is broken. We’re still in process of gathering comparative information regarding a replacement work-float for the number 1 unit.
We’ve made a few repairs to leaks on the metal roofs over the float moorage units, and a talented crew installed new downspouts to the north end of those units. Those downspouts should cut maintenance costs on those units. Everyone is asked to observe and to report any roof leaks in the marina. If we catch them early, the cures are no big deal. If we wait, considerable damage can accrue.
A bulletin board in Cummings Hall now holds task cards, and we’re trying to use photos of that board to communicate needs among committee members. I also promise to start making the clipboard reporting system on the docks functional again. My promise is another member’s volunteering! Or… maybe we get us a draft? ☺
Next committee meetings scheduled: 6:00pm Tuesdays: December 27, and January 24. Next scheduled docks work parties: 8:30am Saturdays: December 10, and January 14. Lunch is on the house. Breakfast is our time to discuss the day tasks. ☺
Arthur Mauldin
Docks Chairman
