Harbor Commission Approves 90-Day Hoist Lease After Third Special Meeting

by ROGER GITLIN, Eye on Del Norte

The Crescent City Harbor District approved a 90-day interim lease to operate harbor hoists Sunday afternoon after a third special meeting held within one week, securing the required quorum to move the agreement forward during the peak Dungeness crab season.

The lease approval ensures that all six hoists will remain operational and that crab catches can continue to be unloaded and processed without interruption. Under the agreement, hoist operations will be handled on an interim basis by Dandy Fish Inc., Long Fisheries, and Fishermen’s Catch.

Series of Special Meetings

The Harbor Commission first considered the matter during a special meeting on Tuesday, January 14. At that meeting, Commissioner Dan Schmidt stated he had not had an opportunity to ask questions of Harbor legal counsel. Meeting records indicate Harbor counsel was present via Zoom and available to answer questions.

The motion failed to pass at that meeting due to the lack of three affirmative votes, which are required under Harbor bylaws for action when recusals reduce the number of eligible commissioners.

A second special meeting was held Friday, January 16. Schmidt again voted no, and the motion failed for lack of a quorum of affirmative votes.

Third Meeting Secures Approval

A third special meeting was convened Sunday, January 18, at 3:00 p.m. Harbor Commission Chair Rick Shepherd and Commissioner Annie Nehmer recused themselves due to conflicts of interest related to their status as active fishermen in the harbor.

With only three commissioners eligible to vote, unanimous approval was required. Schmidt voted yes, joining Vice Chair John Evans and Commissioner Gerhard Weber, allowing the motion to pass.

Lease Details and Financial Context

The approved 90-day lease authorizes interim operation of the hoists through most of the crab season. Fishermen’s Catch, operated by Peter Nguyen, is among the entities involved in the interim arrangement.

According to Harbor District information, Nguyen currently owes approximately $16,000 in past-due hoist fees to the Harbor District and an estimated $200,000 to several fishermen. Harbor officials indicated that collection of outstanding fees owed to both the Harbor District and fishermen will be a priority during the interim operating period.

Impact on Harbor Operations

The delay in approval required the Harbor District to hold multiple special meetings and temporarily postponed formal authorization of hoist operations. Approval of the lease establishes a defined operating framework intended to maintain continuous offloading capacity during the height of the crab season.