Council OKs harbor commission idea

Superior’s City Council approved creating a harbor commission — in concept anyway.

Tuesday night, the council approved a resolution that would create a panel to guide policy and set priorities for the Superior harbor. In two weeks, the council will be asked to consider a city ordinance that would guide the body’s size and authority.

Its authority is guided by state statute, said City Attorney Frog Prell, who will draft the ordinance for the council to consider at its March 18 meeting. The ordinance would also determine the terms of service on the board.

Once the ordinance is adopted, appointments would be made by the mayor and confirmed by the city council.

Port and Planning Director Jason Serck said he envisions a board of three to five members with one city councilor seated on the panel. Serck hopes to attract people with a connection to the harbor to serve on the commission. All applicants must live within the city limits.

In other business:

• The council approved a special use permit for Teen Harbor. The teen center, spearheaded by Councilor Jackie Stenberg, is expected to open April 4. Stenberg abstained from the vote because of her involvement in the center.

• Councilors delayed action on a proposal to limit the late payment fee on arrears sewage fees to 1 percent per month. The matter was referred to the finance committee for further discussion. The next regularly scheduled finance committee meeting is Feb. 13.

Tags: harbor, city, attorney