Commission approves mooring transfer to resident's nephew despite ordinance limits

Resident Kathy Sylvia asked the Harbor Commission for permission to transfer her West Ferry mooring permit to her nephew, arguing she has no children and that the nephew is a long-time Jamestown resident. "My name is Kathy Sylvia, and I am here ... I would like to do is be allowed to transfer my mooring to my nephew because I have no children," Sylvia said during the New Business discussion.

Commissioners noted the harbor ordinance generally allows permitted moorings to be transferred only to a child or grandchild. Chair raised concerns about maintaining fairness given a current wait list; Hegney and another commissioner noted a 2014 precedent in which a similar transfer was allowed. Hegney told the commission that staff would coordinate with the harbor master on vessel size and activation rules; the chair emphasized a new boat on a long-held mooring should not exceed 27 feet to avoid conflicts. Harrison Scott Bennett, the nephew and prospective permit holder, introduced himself and said returning to Jamestown would be "a lifeline." A motion to approve the transfer was moved and seconded; the motion carried at the meeting with at least one commissioner recorded as opposed. The commission directed the approved transferee to coordinate with the harbor office and harbor master on vessel specifications before the permit becomes active.

Next steps: The transferee must work with the harbor master to confirm vessel size and to complete administrative transfer steps as directed by the harbor office.