VERMILION — A group of Riverside Drive residents is asking the Vermilion Port Authority to reconsider lease fees connected to riverfront access and private docks, arguing that the current arrangement is no longer needed and may be creating confusion over what residents are actually paying for.
The discussion took place during the May 14 Vermilion Port Authority meeting, where residents presented an updated proposal asking the authority to terminate the existing lease agreement tied to adjacent riverfront property. The proposal was submitted as part of the official meeting record.
Residents question purpose of fees
Nancy Pesek, of Vermilion Road, presented the updated proposal to Port Authority members. Pamela Dreher, of Riverside Drive, also spoke during the meeting and questioned why residents are being charged for use of property they believe is owned by the City of Vermilion.
According to the minutes, Dreher said she wanted additional points considered, including whether residents were being charged for street access, tree lawn access or simply access to their private docks.
Port Authority chairman Peter Corogin said the homeowners do not own the parcel in question. Dreher said the city owns the property, while Corogin said it falls under the jurisdiction of the Port Authority and is the authority’s responsibility to manage.
The discussion centered on whether residents should continue paying the Port Authority for riverfront access. Dreher said residents already pay property taxes to the city and county and questioned whether the current lease effectively creates a form of double taxation.
Port Authority says lease covers dock access
Port Authority members said the fees are not tied to the street or tree lawn, but to dock access along the riverfront.
Jonathan Hauck said residents are paying to dock a boat there. Dreher responded that she believed residents were being charged for the same width of property as their lots, and said the arrangement had become confusing since she moved in.
Corogin said residents have the choice of whether to rent the space from the Port Authority at a rate the authority will establish. If they choose not to rent the space, he said, the Port Authority understands.
Dreher told members she bought her house to be on the river, have a boat and enjoy that access. She said she has paid $4,520 to the Port Authority since moving in.
Residents submit new proposal
The written proposal submitted by residents asks the Port Authority to terminate the existing lease agreement and establish terms that residents say would better reflect the current situation.
The proposal asks that no fee be imposed for use of the adjacent property to access private docks on the Vermilion River.
It also states that residents would be solely responsible for maintaining and caring for the property, covering any dredging costs if dredging is needed and maintaining any personal docks they choose to have.
The proposal was signed by residents Bill McCarthy, Debbie Nagy, Nancy Pesek and Pam Dreher.
Discussion tabled for future meeting
After the discussion, Port Authority member Larry Drouhard said he would need more time to consider the proposal and suggested it be discussed at the next meeting.
Drouhard then moved to table the Riverside Drive lease discussion. Hauck seconded the motion, and the motion carried by a 4-0 vote.
The Port Authority’s next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 11, at 6:30 p.m. at the Vermilion Municipal Court Complex, 687 Decatur Street.
