Newsletter

 May 2008

We all know that spring has sprung when our grounds crew begins to spread the mulch. Craig, Ron, and Steve picked a cool day to do the work. The use of Ron’s Cub Cadet sure made the job go faster, plus it helped the workers avoid undue stress on their backs. The crew has already put down the weed killer and spread the fertilizer. Now they are hoping that Mother Nature will supply us with some nice refreshing rain. Reclaim water is okay as a backup, but we all know that nothing can beat the rain.

We’ve started the bathhouse tile and partition replacement project in the public restrooms located at the Harbormaster Building. We began there in order to get a good look at how such a project would go, and what pitfalls we’d experience. All in all, things fell right in place, and the job went without a hitch. Maintenance employee Kevin Roehl and Harbormaster Bob got things rolling on Monday morning (4/14) by removing the old partitions. This allowed the tile installers to jump right into it upon their arrival. It didn’t take long to remove the old, ugly tiles and replace them with new. We all agree that the larger and lighter gray color tile, combined with updated partitions, truly helps the overall look of the rooms. Even though it will take a few months to complete the entire project, we’d like to apologize in advance for any inconvenience you may experience when we start on the Pink, Yellow and Blue Bathhouses. Notices will be posted long before any work begins on the other bathhouses. Port-o-lets with sinks will be placed outside bathhouses when work begins; however you’ll have to choose another bathhouse to take a refreshing shower.

We’ve been informed of a new fuel price information service that’s being offered free on the "net" for boaters from the Florida Keys up to and including North Carolina. We immediately asked our web master to place a "button" on our www.halifaxharbor.net homepage for easy access by our customers. A "Cruiser’s Net" button has been placed on our homepage. Just click on the link to the left, move over to the left hand column, scroll down until you see the "Fuel Prices" category and select the cruising area you’d like to check out. This is a very neat service; one that I hope the provider will keep up to date since fuel prices change daily.

We haven’t heard a peep about the electrical upgrade on J and Plaza docks. I’ve written that so much, that now I can just cut and paste my words! It’s only too obvious that this project has moved well outside my "circle of influence." I remain confident that the job will get done, as long as it’s not during the summer!

As for the Management contract…the first City Staff Selection Committee met on April 11th. They concluded that both SkipperBud’s and Marinas International should make presentations before The Committee on May 6th, starting at 9:00am in City Hall Room 116.

The Aquarium is offering Halifax Harbor Marina customers a 10% discount off your food & drink bill when you present your marina key. Additionally, if you show the key at the door after 10:00pm, the Club cover charge will be waived.

My email is: phillipsm@codb.us, and my phone numbers are: 1-386-671-3603, 1-800-343-2899 ext.3603. Enjoy your May! Marc

April 2008

After fourteen years of dedicated service to Halifax Harbor Marina and the many highly regarded customers, Harbormaster George Wakefield gave up his SkipperBud’s hat for a fancy green retirement hat. Even though the weather turned windy and cool on Friday, March 14th, we managed to throw a successful "Retired Not Expired" going away party. More than fifty people that had worked with George over the years stopped by to devour hot dogs, potato salad, cole slaw…well, you get the idea, to say good-bye and good luck. Then on Saturday, a nice size group of Marina boaters strolled over to the office to munch on more dogs, and to wish George well. It was a fitting send off for someone that was at the forefront of the day-to-day operations of a marina, that is, considered home to many, and more than just a work place to others.

The marina staff is anxious to begin a new era working with Harbormaster Bob Hopkins. Bob has been ready to meet the unique challenges that can arise for a marina Harbormaster. Like every job, some days are uneventful, while other days present one opportunity after another and never seem to end. Bob’s will be a great addition to the marina staff, and SkipperBud’s. When you see Bob on the docks, be sure to say "hi," and don’t be bashful to ask him those questions that all good marina occupants like to ask. If he doesn’t know the answer, he’ll get it for you!

It was 1989 when the South Basin floating docks were put in place. Since then, the tough saltwater environment has deteriorated some of the washers and nuts that hold the dock through rods together. We were taken aback when we realized that we would have to so much replace hardware; but then again, it’s been 19 years!

Island Bound Marine Services, Inc. has been busy cleaning the threaded rods and replacing washers and nuts on the fuel dock. We figured that would be a good place to start the replacement process. Now that the fuel dock has been repaired, we’ll begin to determine our next step. Replacing the hardware on docks where boats are tied up presents more of a challenge for workers than an empty fuel dock.

One project that's in the works is the replacement of the flooring tile and privacy partitions in the three South Basin bathhouses. This will be a large job, and one that will create an unfortunate inconvenience to customers. Our first shot at this task will be the public bathrooms at the Harbormaster building. We want to see how long the smaller job takes, and what problems may be encountered trying to coordinate tile workers and partition installers. We have picked a light gray 6" x 6" tile and "Parchment" (tanish) color partitions.

The legal ramblings of the electrical renovations to J and Plaza docks continue to move slowly forward. The final wire and accessories count owed to the City by the contractor has been determined and submitted. The City is holding firm on seeking retribution for the materials they have been paid for, but never received. This is the way that they have always approached this project, and I applaud them for holding the contractor accountable.

The Marina Management Request for Proposals were opened at 2:00pm today, March 20th. I thought that the SkipperBud’s package looked very good! J The next step in the process is for J. Paul Wetzel, Director, Support Services to review the proposals, and then provide City Manager James Chisholm with his recommendation. Under the best of circumstances, we will not know which company the City Commission selects until May 7th, and it could easily take until the May 21st City Commission meeting for a decision.

While we wait and see about our contract, we’ll remain at the ready to assist you as needed. Please don’t hesitate to contact the marina office or myself with questions concerning the marina. My email is phillipsm@codb.us. Phone is 386-671-3603, or 1-800-343-2899 ext. 3603. Marc

March 2008

     On March 15th between 11:30am – 1:00pm, try to stop by the Marina office to wish Harbormaster George Wakefield well, as he retires from the marina business. Also, this will be good time to introduce yourself to Bob Hopkins, the Harbormaster in waiting. Many of you already know Bob and his wife Evie from their liveaboard days in the South Basin, and their current residence in the North Basin. Bob and Evie, along with other investors are the owners of the River Queen II, as well as the Rivership Romance in Sanford. As a native Floridian growing up in the Sanford area on the St. Johns River, Bob is widely recognized for his efforts to preserve the environment of our area, and to develop ways in which a growing population and visitors can co-exist with the flora and fauna of the region. After graduating from the Seminole County School District, Bob attended and graduated from the University of Florida with degrees in architecture and construction. He joined the U.S. Air Force after college.

     Bob holds a 100 ton Master License (off shore), a FAA Commercial Pilot License w/multi-engine rating, and is a NRA firearms instructor. Since mid-January, Bob has been Working with the various marina employees getting to know them and the tasks they perform. He has also been shadowing George, trying to absorb the mass of knowledge he has accumulated over the years.

As George sails into a busy retirement, we welcome Bob to our family as he hits the ground running!

Even though the marina management contract expires on March 15th, we will continue as the operators until it’s been determined which company is awarded the new contract. The Request for Proposals (RFP) were mailed to a variety of management firms on Friday, February 15th, and posted in the Daytona Beach News-Journal on Monday, February 18, 2008. A pre-proposal meeting is scheduled for March 4th for those interested parties. All responses to the RFP must be received in the City’s Purchasing Department by 2:00pm, March 20, 2008, at which time the envelopes will be opened. Once again, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to those of you that have sent correspondence to Paul Wetzel, Director, Support Services (wetzelp@codb.us) in support of the SkipperBud’s Halifax Harbor Marina team.

This seems like a good time to introduce/reintroduce three longtime marina employees. It’s hard to believe, but our bookkeeper Ron Turner, Assistant Manager, Pam Means, and Maintenance specialist Kevin Roehl, have been an integral part of the marina since 1991. I’m sure they can’t believe it’s been that long either! Their countless contributions to Halifax Harbor have been appreciated by thousands, maybe millions! J

More kudos are in line for the Guards of Security Concepts, Inc. for being alert, on the ball, vigilant, and active throughout the marina. They continue to request the assistance of the Daytona Beach PD with the issuance of trespass warnings to people loitering about the marina after hours. They have stopped suspects checking out vehicles and boats, calling on the PD for issuance of a trespass warning, only to discover that four suspects had outstanding warrants for arrest. They were hauled away. The Security Guards have done a wonderful job. They are proving that one guard that’s actually doing "the job" can be very effective. They have the right attitude and approach to get the job done. I know they’ll keep up the great work!

On January 25th, Lawrence M. Watson, Jr. of Upchurch, Watson, White and Max Mediation Group, Maitland, FL., met with the Surety Attorney for Ace Electric and a City Attorney to hammer out a workable compromise concerning the J and Plaza dock electrical project. Due to ethical parameters, I was not provided details of the meeting. I can only say that the snail is still crawling, and that this thing will eventually be accomplished.

Over the past couple of months, I’ve taken the liberty to poke around the new Aquarium Restaurant at the Plaza as Todd, Damien, and the work crews create a totally new dining/dancing facility. It’s simply amazing to see both the interior and exterior go through such a huge metamorphosis. Everything is new, everything is different. Large covered gliders dot the deck for those guests wishing to dine over the water. The tiki bar was dismantled and rebuilt. All of the galley equipment is either new, or has been thoroughly cleaned and checked. You’ll enjoy the large saltwater fish tanks, the bubbling panels, and the very cool looking bar. Even the restrooms were gutted and given a completely new look. And, that’s just a sampling. You should be able to experience the Aquarium Restaurant by the time you receive this Newsletter. I’m looking forward to the opening!

My email is: phillipsm@codb.us. Marc

February 2008

It didn’t take long for the freezing cold weather to navigate its way deep into Florida. We went from a beautiful New Year’s Day, to a wacky version of Wisconsin’s frozen tundra! Is that any way to treat people that fled the tundra in search of warmth? Heck no! The nice thing is, by the time we stop complaining about the cold, sunshine will have spread golden rays all over the marina. That’s a great feeling.

There have been a number of emails sent to Paul Wetzel, Support Services Director of Daytona Beach, wetzelp@codb.us, in support of SkipperBud’s continued management of the marina…we can’t thank you enough for the kind, generous, and encouraging words that each of you have offered. It’s greatly appreciated.

The January Neighborhood Watch Meeting was attended by four boaters. Boater participation is what makes this program work. Next meeting: Thursday, Feb. 7th, 5:30pm.

Feel like heading south? The Miami International Boat Show is scheduled for February 14th (Premier Day) through the 18th at the Miami Beach Convention Center. Show hours are: 10:00am – 8:00pm Friday – Sunday, and 10:00am – 6:00pm on Monday. Ticket prices are: Adults - $16.00, 2 Day Pass - $28.00. Youth, age 13–15 years - $6.00. Children, age 12 and younger are able to enter FREE of charge once again this year.

The 41st Annual Central Florida Boat Show was held at the Orange County Convention Center on I-Drive January 21st. Maybe you had an opportunity to visit the show, browse around the over 500 boats on the floor while enjoying all of the things a boat show has to offer, including the roasted almonds!

The gate/bathhouse key exchange is on! If you haven’t exchanged your old key for a new one, better hightail it to the office so you don’t get locked out! As a reminder, the key exchange runs from January 11th to February 11th. After February 11th, only the newly recoded keys will work. This is a no cost exchange.

Harbormaster George Wakefield has decided to set sail into retirement on March 15, 2008. George came to HHM in November 1994 after working sixteen years as the Harbormaster at the Daytona Marina and Boat Works. Ever since George assumed the duties as Harbormaster, he has worked relentlessly to make our marina the best marina for the boater. You may know George as a no non-sense, "get it done right the first time" kind of guy, so do I. There’s not much that gets by him, an inherent quality needed to be a productive Harbormaster. George has accomplished numerous things since his arrival. Top among them would be the procurement of our pump out boat. George purchased it entirely with Grant money! A close second came in 2000, when George made certain that HHM was the first marina on Florida’s East Coast to be designated as a Florida Clean Marina. In 2001, The Marine Industries Association of Florida presented George and HHM with the Green Marina Award, an honor that "best exemplifies stewardship for the environment through actions and policies." After HHM was selected as the 2001 Marina of the Year, the Volusia County Council figured all the recognition deserved recognition! So, on February 22, 2001 by Proclamation, they declared February 22nd as Halifax Harbor Marina Day. George’s hard work and dedication to detail has resulted in many accolades for HHM. Beyond that, his doggedness for precision has always been geared toward making the marina the best place it can be for both our permanent and guest boaters.

An avid motorcyclist, frequent cruise ship passenger, and licensed travel agent, George will have plenty of things to do during his new found freedom. First on the list, what else…a cruise with family and friends. The entire staff, especially me, will miss George’s daily banter and his great wealth of knowledge, but more than that, we’ll all miss his friendship.

HHM boaters are cordially invited to the marina office breezeway on March 15th between 11:30am – 1:00pm, to celebrate George’s accomplishments, and to wish him fair winds and following seas in his retirement. I know George will greatly appreciate your kind gesture. We look forward to seeing you here on this special occasion.

My email is phillipsm@codb.us. Phone: 1-800-343-2899 ext. 3603, or 386-671-3603. BTW…Happy Valentine’s Day! Marc

Jan 2008

   Happy New Year to all Halifax Harbor Marina Boaters!  May everyone find health and happiness as we enter into 2008.  We hope your Holiday Season was enjoyable, relaxing, and not too hectic. Did you get everything you wanted?

      We’re trying our best to make sure that all of our customers keep in mind that the gate/bathhouse key exchange begins January 11^th.  New and currently held keys will work between January 11^th and February 11^th.  After the February date, ONLY the new key will operate the locks. Simply come by the marina office between January 11^th and February 11^th to exchange your old key for one that’s been newly recoded. No cost is involved. J

      We have been very pleased with our new security company, Security Concepts. They have certainly been putting the miles on their professional looking vehicle, not to mention burning up the shoe leather. They really seem to enjoy the job they were hired to perform.

      The bright yellow decal included in this month’s Newsletter   is    the    brainchild Jeanne Swann, our Senior Watch Captain. The pressure sensitive decal can be posted in a visible spot on your boat in the event you must contact the Security Guard.  Along with the decal, it is highly recommended that you save the Guard’s cell phone number in your cell phone. Thanks Jeanne, for the excellent idea!

      We had a great turnout for our Holiday Open House on December 7^th.  There must have been 500 people…well, maybe not 500, but there was a solid line of people that snaked out the door and down the sidewalk.  It was nice to see so many boaters and their friends enjoying the eats on one of the most beautiful nights on record! We couldn’t have ordered anything more perfect.  Please allow me to mention what a great job Marina Staffers, George, Pam, Jeanne, Alexis, and Kevin G. put forth to make the Holiday party a success.  Everyone on staff seemed to pick up on the Holiday spirit by lending a hand wherever possible; from setup to cleanup. Once again this year, Yacht Brokers, Inc. came through with a generous amount of ice cold  boater beverages.  Many thanks to Ron Stokke and Joe Egberg for their thoughtful generosity.   Next year, it looks like we’ll need to order more shrimp, as the 24^lbs went pretty quick, even though some of it was still frosty! Sorry about that! And, there would’ve been enough sandwiches, if I hadn’t left a tray of them on the front floor of my truck! Doh!                                    John Bozzo, a Staff Writer for the Daytona Beach News-Journal reported on December 7^th that the Stock Exchange Restaurant had been sold to the father/son team of Todd and Damien Schneider. The restaurant will be closed until early February for remodeling. During the closure, Todd said that the place would be dipped into a “bucket of new!” The name will change to The Aquarium.  The Aquarium will be the sixth restaurant to occupy the ground floor space in the Plaza. If Todd and Damien are able to accomplish half of what they want, we’ll finally have a marina eatery we can all support.

      In the December Newsletter, I mentioned that the SkipperBud’s 10-year management contract is set to expire on March 15, 2008. Many of you have asked which City staff member to email voicing support of your HHM team. We definitely appreciate the fact that you’d take time to do that for us. Email J. Paul Wetzel, wetzelp@codb.us, Director, Support Services.      A special thanks to the 261 HHM boaters that took the time to complete the 2007 Boater Satisfaction Survey.  Your comments were very kind and thoughtful. We hope we have the opportunity to work with you for the next 10-years! My email is phillipsm@codb.us.  Phone 386-671-3603/1-800-343-2899.      Thanks,  Marc