The Vermilion Port Authority met Thursday, December 11, 2025, at the Vermilion Municipal Court Complex, where board members reviewed year-to-date financial performance, approved updated lease terms, and received operational updates as the port transitions into the winter season.
Chairman Larry Drouhard called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Board members present included Drouhard, David Miklos, Heidi Riddle, and Jonathan Hauck, who arrived shortly after the meeting began. Vice Chair Peter Corogin was absent. Also present were Port Operations Manager Arron Bias and Assistant Clerk of Council Dannin Strittmather.
The board unanimously approved minutes from the November 13, 2025 meeting. No public comments or correspondence were received.
Bias presented a financial report for the period ending October 31, 2025. The Port Authority’s Special Revenue Fund showed an ending balance of $68,827.14, while the Capital Fund ended the period with $15,780.13. The Dredge Grant Fund remained unchanged with a balance of $404.99. The Port Authority’s total year-to-date cash position stood at $276,115.94. Bias noted that when donations are excluded, revenue levels are consistent with the previous two years, indicating stable operations.
Marina performance showed notable gains. Water Works Marina reported year-to-date dock revenue of $71,551.25, an increase of 11.67 percent compared to 2024 and more than $11,000 above the three-year average. McGarvey’s Landing also exceeded expectations, generating $26,891.33 year-to-date, nearly 50 percent above its three-year average and up 37.32 percent compared to last year.
Revenue at the South Street Launch Ramp declined, with year-to-date totals of $40,815.00, down 14.36 percent from the three-year average and 8.18 percent compared to 2024. Despite this decrease, Bias reported that overall marina operations are up 8.7 percent, with higher marina revenues offsetting the shortfall at South Street. He estimated the Port Authority’s year-end carryover will be approximately $119,542 and confirmed that staffing levels and salary expenses remained within budget.
During the activity report, Bias stated that all port facilities have been fully closed and winterized. He plans to focus on grant writing during the off-season, including applications for the Lake Erie Shores and Islands Grant, while continuing routine administrative work.
The board approved a request to renew street-end leases for a five-year term, with a $10 annual increase each year over the life of the lease. The motion passed unanimously.
Board members also discussed maintenance observations from the season. Bias confirmed that two docks at Water Works Marina were removed for future repairs after concerns were raised about a dock appearing to sink. No additional issues were identified during winterization. Hauck commented favorably on recent paving work completed at the South Street launch ramp.
With no old or new business, the meeting was adjourned. The next Vermilion Port Authority meeting is scheduled for January 8, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at the Vermilion Municipal Court Complex.
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