SAUGATUCK, MI (WHTC-AM/FM) – A distinct feature of the season in Saugatuck will continue this year.
During tonight’s business meeting, the City Council is expected to approve a five-year deal with Star of Saugatuck to operate the chain ferry that runs between the downtown district and the western peninsula that is across the Kalamazoo River. The Star will pay the city three thousand dollars this year, with a seven percent annual increase, during the length of the agreement.
The future of the chain ferry was in some doubt due to federal regulations involving proper licensing of boat operators that pertained more to conventional ships. These regulations, which hampered efforts in getting teens to operate the chain ferry, as has been the case for years, were lifted for this service.
According to City Manager Kirk Harrier, two firms responded to a March posting for operating proposals. “The City Council reviewed the proposals,” he wrote in documents supporting tonight’s meeting agenda, “and based on extensive analysis, the Council instructed the City Manager to prepare a services agreement with the Star of Saugatuck, LLC and present to City Council for approval.” Harrier didn’t disclose who the other firm was.
Also during this evening’s meeting: Allegan County Sheriff’s Lieutenant Brett Ensfield will brief Council on ongoing policing of Saugatuck as the one-year anniversary of when the department took over those duties from the City of the Village of Douglas approaches at the end of June; former Saugatuck/Douglas CVB chief Felicia Fairchild has the results of a Michigan Port Collaborative Economic Impact Study; and John Sharar will present a Willow Park Public Boat Dock Proposal.
Tonight’s Saugatuck City Council meeting will be held in City Hall at 7 PM.
