Docks Committee
Opening Day is just around the corner and the season for progress with the docks grows short even as the days grow long. This winter we need some extra efforts from members to continue with maintenance of this important facility. When we can have some special work parties, we will let you know via broadcast email. In the meantime, there are monthly work parties already scheduled for Feb. 12, March 12, April 9: the second Saturday of the month. Work parties commence with breakfast and discussion at 8:30 and work on the docks at about 9:15. An afternoon lunch is provided and we try to wrap it up by 3:00 PM or so. We need people willing to head up several projects on the docks. Committee meetings are the 4th Tuesday at 6:00 PM. Feb. 22, March 22, April 26.
We need to get ahead of some of the rot in the planking on the docks. Chuck Gould and Mitch Garton have so graciously volunteered to lead this sizable and endless task. They need your help whenever we can make a work party happen.
The new waste oil disposal tank is in place, near the laundry room. You are reminded that it is here for waste motor oil only. Please be cautious not to spill any oil and to carefully clean up any if you do. It not only stains the concrete but could induce more costly cleanup like we’ve already experienced. If you find the gauge showing that the tank is nearing full, please report it to the office at 206-709-2000.
With hiccups and strikingly momentum-less fury, our cleat replacement project exists. Bob Maruska and Bill Brunkhorst have worked to create a standard and most of the parts are now on hand. It would be terrific to get a team together to have at this important project for a while. New cleat mountings really are important.
Your Fire Code Compliance Committee, needs to meet fairly soon. Committee members are asked to let me know the best time for that. There are still issues to plan and it important that we periodically remind ourselves that it’s a job that’s not yet done. The club has done remarkably well with progress toward meeting Chapter 94 requirements. The big project remaining is the installation of smoke vents over two years’ time starting 2012 or 2013. Your committee has successfully argued for a change in the plan that has reduced the requirement by almost 30%. You should be very proud of that effort.
Speaking of fire (which we all despise even thinking about) it’s important to understand a few things about “modern fires.” All those wonderful plastics, of which most everything is made, present very different hazards than were present in fires of the good old days. The energy release is magnified many fold as these resins burn very hot and very fast, igniting additional material at an astonishing rate. The growth of fire is so hugely enhanced. The nature of the fire itself is very greatly changed and I suspect that fact is a part of the need for some changes in how we prepare for fire and most certainly in how it is dealt with. You are also warned of the very toxic nature of the smoke that is released. Wood smoke is wood smoke. Plastic smoke is rich in some very poisonous compounds. Don’t breathe that smoke. It shortens lives, even in small doses. Again the nature of fire in our manmade stuff is so very different than in days of the past. Perhaps a little awareness of that can make you just a tiny bit more safe.
Our major repairs contractor should be on site as you read this. The work is scattered around the marina this year and should be completed during the first half of March.
Arthur Mauldin
Docks Chairman
now available at: docks@queencity.org
