Chapter 14.07
PORT OPERATIONS AND OTHER SERVICES
Sections:
14.07.005 Wrangell dock and barge ramp facilities.
14.07.010 Wharfage and transfer of freight.
14.07.013 Port development fees.
14.07.015 Impoundment of cargo or stored property.
14.07.040 Services of the harbormaster.
14.07.050 Water supplied from Wrangell dock.
14.07.090 Dolphin moorage storage.
14.07.095 Marine Service Center.
14.07.005 Wrangell dock and barge ramp facilities.
A. Availability. Moorage exists at the Wrangell dock and barge ramp facilities for ships, barges and other large vessels that desire to use the Port of Wrangell. Reservations may be made with the harbormaster for vessels making regular calls, subject to change without notice as circumstances require.
B. Application. An individual, business or government agency may apply for moorage privileges at the Wrangell dock or barge ramp facility by providing the harbormaster with the following information prior to any operation:
1. The gross tonnage and overall length of vessel;
2. The tonnage of any cargo transferred, if any; and
3. The name or entity, if other than the owner, master or managing agent of the vessel, to whom moorage, wharfage and storage fees are to be billed.
C. Wrangell Dock and Barge Ramp Facilities Moorage. The moorage fee for use of any Wrangell dock or barge ramp facility is in addition to all other fees assessed in this chapter, and shall be assessed against all vessels as listed in WMC 14.11.005.
D. Net and Gear Work. The owner, master or managing agent of a vessel may make advanced arrangements with the harbormaster to use the dock as a work area for fishing net and gear repairs. The fee for use of the dock as a net and gear work area shall be assessed regardless of whether the net was delivered to and/or removed from the dock by a vessel. The fee is in addition to other fees assessed in this chapter, and shall be assessed as listed in WMC 14.11.005.
E. Summer Float and Dock Transient Moorage. Vessels that otherwise would be qualified to moor within Wrangell Harbor and are assigned transient moorage space at the borough dock or summer float will be charged moorage pursuant to WMC 14.11.005. [Ord. 625 § 5, 1996.]
14.07.010 Wharfage and transfer of freight.
A. Location. The transfer of freight may occur at the Wrangell dock and barge ramp facility, and other areas as designated by the harbormaster.
B. Application. Berths at the Wrangell dock and barge ramp facilities shall be assigned by the harbormaster upon application. No freight may be transferred within the harbor without prior written application and approval by the harbormaster, on such form as the harbormaster shall specify, of the berth and quantity and kind of freight to be transferred. Transfers which occur on a regular basis may be approved in advance on such basis.
C. Payment. Wharfage fees shall be charged for all freight coming into or out of the Wrangell dock and barge ramp facility, or other areas designated by the harbormaster as listed in WMC 14.11.005.
D. Prepayment. The harbormaster may require prepayment of the estimated fees due under this title prior to any freight transfer.
E. Refusal of Freight. The harbormaster may refuse to permit the transfer of any freight whose volume, weight, hazardous nature, or other characteristics would present a risk to the safety of persons or property, private or public, within the harbor or whose value is less than the fees due under this title.
F. Manifests. A complete copy of the manifest showing all the freight unloaded or discharged at the harbor may be required by the harbormaster. In lieu of manifest, freight bills containing all information as required in this section may be accepted.
G. Persons Responsible for Fees. Vessels, their owners, agents, masters, and shippers and/or consignees of freight transferred within the harbor shall be jointly and severally liable for all fees due for activities described in this section notwithstanding any contrary provisions, any bills of lading, charter party agreements, contracts, or other agreements.
H. Freight on Which Fees Have Become Delinquent. Freight on which fees have become delinquent may be impounded pursuant to WMC 14.07.015.
I. Liability and Indemnity. All risk of loss from theft, fire, or other casualty to freight shall be assumed by the parties to the shipping agreement and not the City and Borough of Wrangell. The person making application for the berth shall defend, indemnify, and hold the City and Borough of Wrangell harmless from all claims arising from the transfer of freight within the harbor. [Ord. 668 § 4, 2000; Ord. 625 § 5, 1996.]
14.07.013 Port development fees.
A. In addition to any other fees assessed pursuant to this chapter, a port development fee shall be assessed against each vessel which exceeds 120 feet in length overall and carries revenue generating passengers and docks to any Port of Wrangell facilities or lighters to any such facilities. This additional fee shall be assessed each time the vessel uses Port of Wrangell facilities. A vessel will be considered to have used Port of Wrangell facilities once it has moored to a Port of Wrangell facility, or lightered to a Port of Wrangell facility as described and provided in WMC 14.07.014.
B. The additional fee shall be assessed as listed in WMC 14.11.005.
C. The master or agent of each vessel shall provide the length overall of the vessel upon request of the borough.
D. Proceeds from this fee shall be dedicated for the operation, maintenance, design and construction of port facilities. [Ord. 943 § 2, 2018; Ord. 749 § 5, 2004.]
14.07.014 Lightering fee.
A. In addition to any other fees assessed pursuant to this chapter, a lightering fee shall be assessed against each vessel which exceeds 120 feet in length overall and carries revenue generating passengers when the vessel drops off or picks up its passengers at any Port of Wrangell facility. A vessel will be considered to be lightering once the first tender has unloaded or loaded passengers until the last tender has loaded or unloaded passengers, and the period of time for which the lightering fee shall be assessed will commence when the first tender has moored and will continue until the last tender has cast off and vacated the position allocated.
B. The lightering fee shall be assessed as listed in WMC 14.11.005.
C. The master or agent of each vessel shall provide the length overall of the vessel upon request of the borough.
D. The lightering fee will consist of a portion of the applicable dockage and port development fees.
E. Proceeds from this fee shall be dedicated for the operation, maintenance, design and construction of port facilities. [Ord. 943 § 2, 2018.]
14.07.015 Impoundment of cargo or stored property.
Cargo and/or stored property may be impounded and sold in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 14.15 WMC. [Ord. 625 § 5, 1996.]
14.07.020 Storage.
A. Availability. Storage space may be available within the Wrangell port facilities. A person may apply to use storage space by completing an application on a form provided by the harbormaster.
B. Assignment of Storage. Storage space shall be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis by the harbormaster. Property may be stored in outside or inside storage areas on application. Storage areas will be designated by the harbormaster. Persons, excluding minor children, requesting use of storage yard for sale of items will be charged the minimum fee on a daily basis and three days without charge will not apply.
C. Rental Period. Outside storage shall be computed on a daily basis. The daily rental period is 8:00 a.m. on the first calendar day to 8:00 a.m. on the next calendar day. Items may be placed in the storage area for up to three days without charge, but all items left in storage area beyond that period will be charged for storage beginning on the next daily rental period. Inside storage shall be computed on a monthly basis. Storage fees will be charged as listed in WMC 14.11.005.
D. Specific Types of Storage. The following requirements apply to the kind of storage indicated:
1. Storage Containers. Storage containers must be:
a. Completely enclosed with four walls (one of which is able to function as a door), a roof, and a floor;
b. In good condition and repair;
c. Neat, safe and clean; and
d. Not attached or affixed permanently to any storage space but able to be moved by a reasonable means within 24 hours of notice to move it.
2. Trailers. Property may be stored in or on a trailer or any similar type of wheeled conveyance which is capable of being pulled or drawn from the storage area within 24 hours after notice is given by the harbormaster. The contents shall be completely covered so the stored property is not visible from the outside. Clear plastic materials are not acceptable as coverings. Boats and boat trailers may be stored in their manufactured state, provided they do not create a safety hazard to persons or property.
3. Vessels. Vessels may be stored without trailers but must be blocked up and properly supported so as not to create a safety hazard.
4. Other Cargo. Incoming and outgoing cargo and commodities of a size and type not suitable for containerized storage may be neatly stored in the open at areas designated by the harbormaster.
E. Markings. Items placed in a storage area, including goods on pallets, shall be clearly marked with the name of the owner or responsible person, mailing address, telephone number, and a general description of the item.
F. Liability and Indemnity. The user of storage space in the harbor assumes all risk of loss from theft, fire, or other casualty. Storage areas in the harbor may not be guarded or fenced. The users shall defend, indemnify, and hold the City and Borough of Wrangell harmless from all claims arising from storage within the harbor. [Ord. 706 § 4, 2001; Ord. 639 § 5, 1998; Ord. 625 § 5, 1996.]
14.07.025 Gridiron.
A. Availability. The gridiron shall be available to any vessel on a first-come, first-served basis. Vessels are required to locate on the gridiron in such a manner as to allow maximum utilization of gridiron space by other vessels.
B. Payment. The gridiron use shall be computed on a daily basis. The daily rental period is 8:00 a.m. on the first calendar day to 8:00 a.m. on the next calendar day. Vessels may use the gridiron for two days without charge but all vessels left on the gridiron beyond that period will be charged beginning on the next daily rental period. Fees charged are listed in WMC 14.11.005.
C. Occupation. No vessel may occupy gridiron space except for such reasonable time as is required to accomplish bottom painting, repairs and other customary gridiron uses.
D. Vessel Limits. The gridiron may only be used by a vessel within the following limits:
1. The vessel actual weight, not registered tonnage, and keel configuration must be such that the vessel load on each bent (cross timber) is less than 15,000 pounds. For example, if the keel of a vessel bears on three bents, the actual weight of the vessel shall not exceed 45,000 pounds.
2. The overall bearing surface of the vessel resting on the gridiron shall not extend beyond the width of the bent.
E. Surety. The harbormaster may require a vessel to post a bond or other surety when, in the opinion of the harbormaster, the condition of the vessel or other circumstances make posting of such security necessary for the protection of the Port of Wrangell. [Ord. 625 § 5, 1996.]
14.07.030 Launch ramps.
A. Availability. Launch ramps within Wrangell port and harbor facilities are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
B. Conditions and Restrictions of Use. The harbormaster may place reasonable restrictions and conditions of use on any launch ramp operated by the Port of Wrangell by posting a notice of such restrictions or conditions of use on a sign at that launch ramp.
C. Payment. Persons using a launch ramp shall be charged according to fees listed in WMC 14.11.005. [Ord. 625 § 5, 1996.]
14.07.035 Parking.
The borough assembly may establish by resolution, upon the recommendation of the port commission, designated off-street parking lots in the Port of Wrangell. Each parking lot shall be governed and parking enforced according to WMC 11.30.010 through 11.30.060. [Ord. 625 § 5, 1996.]
14.07.040 Services of the harbormaster.
The harbormaster is granted power and authority, from time to time, without any obligation or duty to do so, and without liability therefor, to board any vessel, replace inadequate mooring lines on any vessel, pump water out of any vessel in danger of sinking, and move any vessel within the harbor which has been improperly located, and take any other action with respect to any vessel to prevent loss of life or property or to abate pollution or risk of pollution. Whenever any act above is performed, fees as listed in WMC 14.11.005 shall be charged. [Ord. 625 § 5, 1996.]
14.07.045 Electrical service.
Vessels using Wrangell port and harbor facilities may connect to designated electrical service on an interruptible temporary basis not to exceed 21 days. Vessels shall comply with requirements as listed in WMC 14.05.045. A fee as listed in WMC 14.11.005 shall be charged for each daily rental period or portion thereof. Fees collected for the use of electrical service by vessels connected to a meter in reserved moorage space with approval of the holder shall be credited to the holder’s electrical account. The harbormaster may disconnect any vessel causing disruption to the electrical system, using inadequate equipment for service connections or for which payment has not been received. This section does not constitute resale of electrical energy pursuant to WMC 15.12.080. [Ord. 625 § 5, 1996.]
14.07.050 Water supplied from Wrangell dock.
Water is available to vessels qualified to moor at Wrangell dock for the fee listed in WMC 14.11.005. [Ord. 625 § 5, 1996.]
14.07.055 Hoists.
Hoists in the ports and harbors of the borough shall be activated, used and deactivated by access cards issued by the harbor department. Required fees for access cards and use of the hoists are as set forth in WMC 14.11.005. Users of hoists will comply with the procedures set forth by the harbor department and shall sign user agreements as a condition to using the hoists. Hoist users shall not exceed the posted operational limits of the hoists. Users of the hoists do so at their own risk and shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless the City and Borough of Wrangell and its officials and employees from any claims relating to the use of the hoists. [Ord. 765 § 4, 2005; Ord. 625 § 5, 1996.]
14.07.060 Work float.
The work float is available on a first-come, first-served basis to any vessel qualified for repairs and maintenance to that vessel. There is no charge for the first daily rental period for holders of reserved moorage. Transient moorage vessels will be charged pursuant to WMC 14.05.010. All vessels are subject to a trespass fee, as listed in WMC 14.11.005, if the vessel occupies the work float more than one daily rental period without permission of the harbormaster. [Ord. 625 § 5, 1996.]
14.07.065 Gear float.
The gear float located in the center of the in-town harbors is available for repair and maintenance of fishing gear on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no charge for the first 36 hours of use. Gear float users are subject to a trespass fee, as listed in WMC 14.11.005, for each daily rental period or portion thereof. [Ord. 625 § 5, 1996.]
14.07.070 Vendor shelter.
The port vendor shelter is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Persons may apply for vendor shelter space on a form provided by the harbormaster. The harbormaster may place reasonable restrictions and conditions on the use of the vendor shelter. Users of vendor shelter space shall be charged pursuant to WMC 14.11.005. [Ord. 625 § 5, 1996.]
14.07.075 Fish processing.
Fish or shellfish may be cleaned or processed within the harbor only in areas, and with equipment and provision for waste disposal, approved by the harbormaster. [Ord. 625 § 5, 1996.]
14.07.080 Signs.
Signs or other printed matter shall not be placed on any part of the harbor without the prior approval of the harbormaster. [Ord. 625 § 5, 1996.]
14.07.085 Seaplane float.
A. Availability. Moorage exists at the seaplane float for seaplanes and floatplanes on a first-come, first-served basis.
B. Application. A person may apply for moorage at the seaplane float by completing an application form provided by the harbormaster. Information provided by the applicant shall include the sign-up date, the applicant’s name, mailing address, telephone number, aircraft description and aircraft registration number.
C. Payment. Seaplanes and floatplanes mooring at the seaplane float shall be charged according to fees listed in WMC 14.11.005. [Ord. 625 § 5, 1996.]
14.07.090 Dolphin moorage storage.
One-half the moorage at piling with no shore access will be charged. One-half daily rate for up to four days, and one-half monthly after four days to a calendar month. [Ord. 668 § 4, 2000.]
14.07.095 Marine Service Center.
A. Facility Use Agreement Required. Every user of the Wrangell Marine Service Center, both private vessel owners and business vendors/contractors, using the facility to work on vessels owned by third-parties must be approved and have a written facility use agreement on file with the harbormaster.
B. Availability. Lease space is available within the Wrangell Marine Service Center at locations designated or assigned by the harbormaster.
C. One Space Limit.
1. No person or business who is currently a lease holder within the Wrangell Marine Service Center may be assigned an additional lease space within the Marine Service Center.
2. A person or business who holds more than one lease at the date of enactment of the ordinance codified in this section may maintain the additional lease(s).
D. Payment. Persons using the Marine Service Center shall be charged according to fee listed in WMC 14.11.005. [Ord. 879 § 2, 2014.]