Over the last two months we have been in discussion with Muncie Parks Department about changes to dock fees. As of this date we still do not have an agreement. We are continuing to hold the position that the fees we pay take into account that we and maintain our own docks as well as the shoreline. As a result we have not issued a new membership form on line or in hard copy. Hopefully we will have this resolved in the next couple of weeks so we can begin preparing for the 2023 sailing season. For lack of a plan from the Parks Department we have submitted a plan that we feel would provide an adequate revenue stream to Prairie Creek and have a minimal to no impact on our membership. Once an agreement has been reached will will send out a notice with the details of the structure.
Our preparation for the new season continues and January will be a kick off to start firming up programs for racing, socials and youth eduction. Planning for each of these programs will require the participation of membership to be successful. In the upcoming weeks you will begin seeing requests for help to play a part in the planning and execution to make these programs happen. Without member participation we will need to make adjustments to what is possible.Please consider how you can contribute to these programs. In addition to the various programs we will complete the prep work necessary to install the permanent anchoring system for A dock and the dock addition. We expect to do the installation of the anchors and the addition at the end of March or early April depending on weather. Once we complete this work on A dock it will only require a couple people a couple hours to set everything on A and B docks in place. We also have some light maintenance on our club boats that needs to be completed in early spring and will require a few volunteers.
In January the Parks Board plans to adopt a formal set of rules. While rules have been present in the past they were never formalize and it is questionable how those utilizing the reservoir ever had knowledge of the rules. There is a plan to by Prairie Creek to issue a copy of the rules with each renewal as well as post them on the Prairie Creek website. We have submitted a request to add prohibiting fishing and anchoring in all harbor areas. Originally we had designated only the MSC harbor but as Prairie Creek installs floating docks they will experience the same problem we have with books and other hardware on moored boats. By including all harbors this becomes a general rule and not one specific to MSC and hopefully have greater acceptance. As part of of our submittal I include a detailed justification noting the safety and damage to property issues. Their is no guarantee that this request will be accepted by the board.
Looking at membership for the coming year we do know that unfortunately we will lose 8 memberships due to relocations and personal reasons. Over the last three years we have been fortunate to be able to attract new new members and close each year with an increase in membership. We expect that this year will be more difficult to attract new members as inflation continues to be an issue.
As we approach the holidays I want to take this opportunity to wish you and your families a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!