Temporary repairs are about to underway at Stramski’s Pier as town officials race to reopen the popular waterfront facility before the height of the summer boating season.
The town-owned pier suffered significant structural damage when a sailboat broke free from its mooring during a February blizzard and slammed into the structure. Harbor officials estimate permanent repairs could cost as much as $300,000.
The town has already removed damaged materials and is awaiting final approval from the Conservation Commission for emergency repairs.
Harbormaster Mark Souza told the Harbor and Waters Board June 1 that engineering surveys had been completed and repair plans are moving forward. Souza’s own crews will do the temporary repairs. They are waiting for an “emergency work order from the Conservation Commission” which Souza expects to receive Wednesday.
“The nice thing is we’re not disturbing any of the sea floor; we don’t have to excavate anything,” Souza said. “It’s just really making sure the materials are not invading the waterway.”
If weather and tides cooperate, Souza hopes repairs can be completed by June 15.
The timeline is particularly important because summer sailing programs are about to begin.
“I spoke with Rec and Parks Jamie Bloch, who’s the director over there,” Souza said. “She’s well aware of the timing on that, and she said, ‘Do what you got to do; we can find other sailing chores for the group to do until that happens.’”
For now, the pier remains closed.
“We gated it off right now,” Souza said. “It’s closed off.”
While temporary repairs are intended to restore public access this summer, Souza has already begun planning the permanent reconstruction project.
“I’m starting to work on that scope, so we can figure it out to bid,” he said.
The town will be required to follow state procurement rules when seeking contractors. Souza said several marine construction companies have indicated they may be available to perform the work later this year.
Meanwhile, town officials continue to evaluate legal options related to the February collision.
Souza said he has consulted with town counsel Lisa Mead and Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer regarding the matter. One issue under review is insurance coverage. Souza said the town’s insurer denied coverage for the damage.
“What the insurance company said is we are only covered for the liability to somebody,” Souza said. “[If] someone walked out the dock, fell, and tripped on something and decided to sue the town, the insurance company will cover that. It doesn’t cover the opposite,” such as someone or something — in this case, a runaway sailboat — inflicting damage to town property.
As of now, no lawsuit has been filed, Souza said.
