Marina master plan and failing South Seawall top capital concerns; design to precede debt discussion

Staff described a two‑part approach for the waterfront: a comprehensive Marina Master Plan to define community vision, market feasibility and what the city can afford, and immediate engineering design work for the failing South Seawall. "The number you're seeing in '28 includes both that project management, but you can tell it's a pretty small amount. That's really engineering design," Caffrey said, adding that actual reconstruction will likely require debt financing once design and cost estimates are complete.

Council and staff debated whether some parts of the marina work should be borne by the general fund if community benefits extend beyond the marina enterprise; Caffrey said the master plan will clarify what should remain an enterprise expense versus what might be appropriate for general fund support. Staff noted the marina fund has strong cash reserves and that initial design work would be paid from the marina; subsequent construction may require bonds or debt depending on cost and timing.