The Scituate Waterways Commission is charting a course toward significant fee increases for local boaters as it prepares for a projected revenue shortfall driven by multi-million dollar dredging obligations. During its December 3 meeting, the commission reviewed a five-year capital plan indicating that without intervention, the Waterways Enterprise Fund could face a negative balance by fiscal year 2028. Brian Kelly, who developed the financial projections alongside town officials, warned that the current pace of spending on infrastructure requires a new revenue baseline. "By changing rates, based upon the dredge project occurring in the time frame that has been agreed to, we would go into a negative situation in FY28," Kelly noted. To counter this, the commission is weighing a proposal to increase slip fees by 10% in alternating years, raise mooring fees by $1 per foot, and boost the annual Waterway User Fee—which has remained stagnant for over two decades—by at least $25 to $50.

The discussion on fee equity became a central theme as members debated whether to implement a "flat" increase or more granular charges for premium amenities. Howie Kreutzberg advocated for a more aggressive adjustment to the flat user fee, noting the long gap since the last update. "I think we should go up 50 bucks starting in this year. That hasn't been touched since 2001," Kreutzberg said. Rick Murray suggested that a simplified percentage increase might be easier for the public to digest and for staff to manage. "Listen, everybody’s going up X... instead of having all these arguments and complaints about people coming up to Stephen [Mone] saying 'I only use' this or that," Murray proposed. However, Select Board Liaison Susan Harrison indicated that town leadership is looking for a more nuanced approach. "The select board is thinking of making sure folks are paying for equity in what they’re paying... paying for what you get versus the pass," Harrison explained, referencing the disparity between mooring holders and those in slips with electricity.

The commission also moved to protect the town’s limited commercial mooring space from recreational boaters seeking "backdoor" access via federal tuna licenses. Harbor Master Stephen Mone explained that the commercial waiting list is being crowded by individuals who catch only one fish a year to qualify for a shorter wait time. "I'm just trying to do something short-term to clean up the list," Mone said, advocating for a stricter definition of professional fishing. Motion made by Rick Murray to update the mooring rules and regulations to reflect the definition of commercial fisherman in the town bylaws in section 30900, ensuring the status is reserved for those whose principal means of employment is the sale of catch. Seconded by Brian Cronin. Motion Passed (7-0). David Zinci, participating remotely, signaled his support with a "thumbs up" during the roll call.

Infrastructure challenges beyond dredging were highlighted by the news that one of the town's three pier hoists has been officially condemned. Mone presented a replacement estimate of $135,000, prompting a debate over timing. While some members suggested waiting for a total pier rehabilitation project, others worried about the immediate impact on the commercial fleet. Resident Paul Manning asked if three cranes were truly necessary, to which Mone responded that commercial fishermen would insist they are. Commission member TJ emphasized that these infrastructure costs should be shared broadly, noting, "Everybody kind of benefits from the dredging and the other projects that we have going on, pumpout stations and so forth."

Public comment reflected concerns over the rising cost of boating in Scituate. Resident Jen Bill challenged the idea of charging premiums for specific slips, arguing that boaters have little choice in their assignments. "I don’t get to choose where I put my boat... a bigger boat has to be out there on those outer slips," Bill said. Paul Manning also urged the board to consider the percentage impact of the hikes, noting that a $1 increase on an $8 mooring fee represents a 12.5% jump. Amid the heavy financial talk, Assistant Harbor Master Mike Pierce provided a seasonal bright spot, detailing plans for Santa’s arrival at the harbor this weekend. "We’re expecting a big crowd... we’ve been doing a bunch of social media posts really getting it out there," Pierce said. Chairman David Dineen closed the session by announcing a follow-up remote meeting for the coming Monday to finalize the rate recommendations for the Select Board.

Motion made by Rick Murray to accept the agenda. Seconded by Brian Kelly. Motion Passed (7-0).

Motion made by Rick Murray to approve the minutes of the November 15 meeting. Seconded by Brian Kelly. Motion Passed (7-0).

The meeting was adjourned at 7:55 PM.