Ventura Board of Port Commissioners approve new resolution, clearing up process for proposed slip rate increases

VENTURA—The Ventura Port District is clearing up its policy regarding how proposed slip rate increases by Ventura Harbor slip operators are reviewed and approved. On Oct.2, the Board of Port Commissioners voted to adopt Resolution No. 3379, eliminating a slip rate increase policy, thereby allowing the marina master leases to govern the process for slip rate adjustments. The new policy takes effect immediately. Ventura Port District General Manager Brian Pendleton said there will be no significant change; the policy just clarifies the procedures for slip rate increases. The district has long had a policy regarding how slip rents are set, but according to a recent report from legal counsel Andrew D. Turner, a question arose regarding how slip rates are determined, and what the district’s role is in the process. It was brought to the board’s attention that the marina master leases included provisions governing the procedure for implementing slip rate adjustments, which were often in conflict with the policy in place, Resolution No. 3038. It was also pointed out the procedures set forth in the master leases worked equally well. The port district had not been following Resolution No. 3038, which technically required a public hearing and the Ventura Port District to review...