PORTAGE | A Port Authority member will be appointed the new public marina harbor master.
Mayor James Snyder told the board Thursday night he intends to appoint Barbara Lusco as the new harbor master beginning Jan. 1.
Snyder told five-year harbor master Al Ekdahl last week that his services would not be needed after Dec. 31.
"The Redevelopment Commission and city have big plans next year," Snyder told the board, adding those plans required someone to spend more time on marina duties.
He did not elaborate on the city's plans for the public marina.
Ekdahl worked as a volunteer for the city. Snyder said Lusco will be part-time and will be paid $1,000 per month for her services.
Lusco will resign her seat on the Port Authority.
"I have a great love for the city of Portage," she said, adding she retired about a year ago. She has spent 30 years in the construction industry and 25 years as a boater on the Burns Waterway. "I will give it 1,000 percent."
Ekdahl estimated he worked eight to 10 hours a week at the marina in the winter and 16 to 30 hours a week during the boating season.
Ekdahl was thanked by several Port Authority members for his service. Boater Jeff Webb also thanked Ekdahl and called his removal "sad" because of all the time and energy Ekdahl has spent at the public marina and providing service to boaters.
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