The Wiscasset Waterfront Committee reviewed pier policies June 13 for the 2018 season, and drafted a memo to selectmen recommending commercial boaters’ use of the recreational floats after the busy summer season.

In December, several commercial fishermen asked to use the recreational floats after most recreational sail and motor boats are pulled out of the water. The fishermen cited the difficulty of using the commercial float while many commercial boaters are trying to lift their vessels out of the water for winter storage. A minority of commercial boaters remain in the water until winter sets in, sometime in late November or December, and asked for permission to use the recreational float until Dec. 1.

The floats are not usually removed for cleaning and maintenance until after December.

The commercial fishermen have said they are willing to pay a fee to use the floats while they are still in the water and are not being used by the recreational boaters. At the June 13 meeting, the committee suggested a price for the late fall and early spring season of $100 per vessel. The memo will go to selectmen. If the proposal is approved, commercial boaters will be able to tie up at the recreational float at any time, including overnight hours.

The pier policies would include allowing vendors on the piers earlier in the season and later in the season if they wished, and a more specific siting plan so more vendors could be added.

The committee also discussed the upcoming Rock Lobster Relay, which will have an early morning stop at the waterfront June 24; and the committee mulled some of the July 4 activities on the waterfront that might affect vendors, including the kayak regatta and the band at the recreational pier.

Members also agreed to look more carefully at the pump out station and determine what, if anything, needs to be done to fix it, as Town Planner Ben Averill said the Department of Environmental Protection has money for repair or replacement.

Finally, the committee decided to approach town officials about the schedule for bathroom pump out. Members said it needs attention more frequently.