Board of Port Wardens Meeting – August 14, 2025

The Board of Port Wardens met on Thursday, August 14, 2025 at 2:00 PM in the Council Chambers to consider 12 cases (3 minor, 9 major) involving bulkhead repairs, boat lifts, floating docks, and a pier extension. The meeting lasted approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes. All votes were unanimous except where noted.

Consent Calendar

• PW 25-054 – 600 Gulf Stream Drive: Replacement of ~153 linear feet of bulkhead with vinyl. Approved per staff recommendations. Vote: 5-0.
• PW 25-055 – 220 Trimper Avenue: Installation of 50′ replacement vinyl bulkhead. Approved per staff recommendations. Vote: 5-0.
• PW 25-058 – 10626 Shifting Sands Drive: Repair of ~85′ timber batter pile bulkhead and ~66′ timber bulkhead with vinyl navy wall. Approved per staff recommendations. Vote: 5-0.
• PW 25-057 – 113 Newport Bay Drive, Unit D: Installation of one boatlift (4 pilings) not to exceed 20′ channelward. Approved per staff recommendations. Vote: 5-0.
• PW 25-061 – 708 Bradley Road, Unit B: Installation of one boatlift not to exceed 17.5′ channelward (within existing pier). Approved per staff recommendations. Vote: 5-0.
• PW 25-063 – 719 Rusty Anchor Road, Unit 8: Installation of a 6′ x 12′ floating dock not to exceed 12′ channelward. Approved per staff recommendations. Vote: 5-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Tom O'Keefe (601 Seaweed Lane, Unit 5): Asked for clarification on PW 25-056 regarding the 20% rule and existing 22′ pier. Was informed the rule changed about 12 years ago and the proposal fits within the existing structure.
• June Robinson (772 Sunset View, Unit A, 94th Street): Objected to PW 25-059, stating the floating dock (already installed) is 11′ x 22′, larger than advertised as 10′ x 18′, and is hitting a pylon for her boat slip. Expressed concern about damage and demanded proper installation with diagrams.
• Kelly Barr (770 94th Street, Unit D, applicant): Acknowledged the dock is too large (22′ long) due to a broken reverse launch; agreed to remove it by the weekend. Expressed intent to resubmit for a 10′ x 20′ dock (200 sq. ft. max).
• Catherine (770 A 94th Street): Inquired about a missing orange sign at the entryway; board confirmed they do not remove signs.
• Sean Harmon / BEA Marine (2107 Herring Way): Strenuously objected to PW 25-062, citing safety hazards (congestion in the basin), lack of notice, and concern that the slip (originally advertised as 53 but actually 52) lacked permits. Questioned the 49′ clearance between structures, arguing it is insufficient for larger boats and jet skis. Also claimed the HOA only allowed rentals, not lifts.
• Dylan Kerry (West Ocean City / Ocean City): Supported Sean Harmon’s objections, presented photos showing congestion, and argued the lift would worsen safety. However, board members noted the boat lift does not change the physical footprint compared to a boat moored in the slip.
• Kayla Short (applicant for PW 25-062): Clarified the correct slip number is 52 and that distance measurements from shoreline to end of pier are 118′ and 49′ to the closest opposing shoreline structure.

Discussion Items

• PW 25-026 – 151 Pine Tree Road: After-the-fact authorization for an unauthorized platform on a boat lift, plus construction of one boatlift and one PWC lift on existing pilings (max 36.5′ channelward). Board member Joe Wiedorfer noted everything exists and was unauthorized. No objections. Approved per staff recommendations.
• PW 25-056 – 2802 Tern Drive, Unit 305: Staff found channelward extension (22′) exceeds allowable 20% (max 15.2′ based on canal width of 76′). Board discussed and agreed it is deserving of a waiver because the extension is within the confines of an existing 22′ pier. Motion to approve with condition that construction does not exceed the existing 22′ pier. Approved (Joe Wiedorfer motion, seconded by Rich Brucki).
• PW 25-059 – 770 94th Street, Unit D: Heated discussion about actual dock size (11′ x 22′ vs advertised 10′ x 18′). Neighbor June Robinson objected and provided testimony. Applicant Kelly Barr admitted size discrepancy and agreed to resubmit as 10′ x 20′ (200 sq. ft. max). Board tabled the case until the September meeting pending readvertisement and provision of installation specifications, including a diagram. Motion by Joe Wiedorfer, seconded by Rich Brucki. Vote: all in favor.
• PW 25-060 – 205 125th Street, Slip 363: Staff noted channelward extension of 27.5′ exceeds allowable 20% (25′ max). Board member questioned applicant J. Stacey Hart, confirming the 21′ finger pier length from boardwalk matches other piers. Approved with condition that construction not exceed 27.5′ from the bulkhead. Motion by Joe Wiedorfer, seconded by Rich Brucki.
• PW 25-062 – 2205 Philadelphia Avenue, Slip 53 (actually Slip 52): Staff found application meets specs. However, after public testimony it was revealed the advertisement listed the wrong slip number (53 instead of 52). Board determined readvertisement is required. Tabled to September meeting to allow readvertisement with correct slip number. Motion by Joe Wiedorfer, seconded by Rich Brucki.

Key Outcomes

• All three minor cases (PW 25-054, 055, 058) approved unanimously.
• PW 25-026, 25-057, 25-061, 25-063 approved unanimously with standard conditions.
• PW 25-056 and PW 25-060 approved with additional condition limiting channelward extension to the existing pier length.
• PW 25-059 and PW 25-062 continued to the September 2025 meeting for readvertisement and additional information (size/diagram for 059; correct slip number for 062).
• No fees were waived for continuations, but the board indicated the fee for an amended application (059) would be waived.
• Meeting adjourned at approximately 3:40 PM.