FAQs

The Harbour Master, Brett Ulisnik.

The Harbour Master should always be your first contact.

The Harbour Master’s contact information (910-270-4017) is posted on the door to his office, and on the web site.  If he is not in, call the specified number(s) and leave a message.  The messages are regularly monitored and will be handled by the Harbour Master in order of their urgency.

In a true emergency, call 911.  Otherwise see Q3 above.

The Harbour Master will not share your name beyond the Board of Directors. Your name will not be used unless absolutely necessary to resolve the issue, and then only if you have not requested anonymity.

Your first contact should always be the Harbour Master.  If your issue is not resolved, you may send a letter to the attention of the Board of Directors at PO Box 993, Hampstead, NC 28443 with both your original question and the Harbour Master’s response noted.  This will aid the Board in addressing the issue more effectively and quickly.

In general, you should ignore rumors.  The Harbour Master is your best source for accurate information regarding marina operations.  Alternately, your answer may be found in these FAQ.

The HVMI Board of Directors requests that any member who receives such anonymous information contact the Harbour Master or Member of the Board of Directors with any questions these communications may raise.  Remember “anonymous” is exactly that, and may not be in the best interest of the entire Membership. Also, please note, that the latest Rules and Regulations for the Marina, prohibits solititation of members in person, by email, by phone, or by letter.

HVMI and the HVHOA share use of the roads and entrance, but the roadways are solely owned by HVHOA.  Since HVMI uses this property, HVMI has three shares in the HVHOA and contributes $2700/year towards the road and landscape funds. In return, HVMI receives voting rights on any issues that deal with the roads.  HVMI also has an ex-officio seat on the HVHOA Board of Directors.

PMHI is a member of HVMI as multiple-slip owner, including the fuel dock.  PMHI owns the boat ramp, the parking lots and some of the land surrounding the marina.  PMHI also owns the marina building (from which we lease the bathrooms and lounge).

PLHI owns most of the property around the marina.  HVMI only owns the quay walls, and the small piece of land where the picnic tables are located.

No, each member’s deed gives them non-exclusive perpetual use of the parking lots owned by Pender Holdings.

None, HVMI has no authority or ownership of the boat ramp as stated in the Deed to every slip. The ramp belongs to PMHI.

HVMI contracts with BAYR Marine INC to provide the day to day management of the marina.

There is a contract between HVMI and BAYR Marine INC as noted in Q7 above.  Brett Ulisnik is the person designated by BAYR Marine INC as the Harbour Master.

Any payments received after the due date posted on the invoice are assessed interest at the rate of 1% per month until paid.  This percentage rate is the maximum allowed by the North Carolina Public Utilities Commission, and applies to all billings by HVMI.

The water is turned on and off at the discretion of the Harbour Master to prevent undue repair costs to the Slip Owners due to frozen pipes and faucets. Normally all members will be notified of the off/on via a text message.

This money goes to HVMI to offset operational costs of the marina.

No additional pay is provided to the Harbour Master for reading the meters, creating bills, handling payments, or turning on and off the power to slips.

Members are sent a past due notice including interest. If the bill continues to go unpaid the member will be turned over to our attorney for collection.

HVMI is operated like a business for the slip owners with budgeted income and expenses.  A late payment affects the marina’s ability to operate within the budgeted amount and causes an increase in the administration costs.  This practice is no different than the one used by other businesses.

The Board of Directors is prohibited by the By-Laws of the association from receiving any monetary remuneration for their work on the Board.  All work is on a volunteer basis.

The Board of Directors receives no special privileges. They are members just like everyone else.  The only “perks” they receive is a plaque, awarded when they leave the board after serving their full term(s). They also receive an annual dinner, with their spouse, at a local restaurant.  This was initiated by, and approved by the membership.

Nominations and/or submissions for any expiring Board positions are requested in the April 1^st billing cycle, and resumes are due by April 15^th of each year.   A nominee must be willing to serve 4-8 hours per week, attend 8-10 Board meetings per year, and be internet savvy.  The full membership then votes on the slate of candidates via a mail-in ballot.  The results of each year’s election are announced at the Annual Meeting of the membership.

Yes, the minutes are available for review by contacting the HVMI Board of Directors, Secretary.

Marina operational costs have been controlled by having the Harbour Master handle many repairs in house and not using outside venders. The Harbour Master also tries re-negotiating various service contracts such as garbage pick-up and fire extinguisher maintenance.

When an owner rents their slip to someone they give up all his usage rights to the renter. The owner does retain all their voting rights. Therefore the renter is a member without voting rights so there is no distinction.  The renters are a very important part of the marina as a whole as over 60% of the slips in the marina are rented.

The Harbour Master makes every attempt to make repairs in house.  For larger projects, e.g. docks and quay wall repair, outside contractors are used.  Outside contractors are also used if a special license is needed.

This is done to avoid paying insurance, workman’s compensation, and other benefits for an employee.  In addition the marina does not have to process social security and Medicare taxes.

Most day-to-day issues are handled daily by the Harbour Master.  A small number of issues come directly to the Board of Directors, and most of these could easily have been addressed by the Harbour Master.

If members do not send their proxies to the Board, their interests will not be voted.  If an insufficient number of members plus proxies are not available for each meeting, no business can be conducted.  The Board will always pre-inform the membership of any known significant motions expected at the annual meeting prior to the meeting.

The Board of Directors is empowered by the members to make decisions about the marina as specified in the By-Laws of the Association.

Yes, the Board makes decisions to maintain, care for and preserve the boat slips, docks, piers and all other property of the association and/or the members.  As members themselves, the Board endeavors to make decisions that are in the best interest of all the members.

The full membership votes on the yearly budget proposed by the Board, assessments in excess of $100 per owner, per year, the membership of the Board of Directors, and any changes to the By-Laws or Covenants of the Association.

Yes, the Articles of Incorporation, Covenants, By-Laws, and original Rules and Regulations were established many years ago.  The present Rules and Regulations are updated slightly each year if needed, but the majority has been in place for many years.

The HVMI Treasurer reviews all funds expended, and a Board executive member signs all checks that are paid from Association funds.

Yes, voting members in good standing may attend the open portions of the Board of Directors’ meetings.  Some topics involving individual member’s issues and financials are dealt with in a closed Executive Session for privacy reasons.  The Board requests that any member wishing to attend any regular meeting of the board should send an email prior to the meeting stating their interests.  This will allow the Board to schedule their agenda accordingly.

Non-members with specific interests such as Coast Guard, insurance representatives, and Association attorneys may be invited to attend a portion of the meetings by the Board.

Receiving all mail at a common address saves the cost of a second P.O. Box. All mail sent Attn: Board of Directors is referred to a board member. Please remember, your inquiries should be directed to the Harbour Master first and the Board only when he is unable to resolve your concern.

The Board has done a number of things to improve the rental program. The Board encourages all slip owners to use the services of the Harbour Master to rent their slips.  All slips rentals, currently about 100 per year, are handled by the Harbour Master as follows:

1. All slips are rented at the established rate per slip foot.
2. All slips are rented on an annual basis. Normally the lease end date is one year from the start date. (IE June 1 – May 31)
3. The Harbour Master does not “steer” renters to a particular slip.  When a rental inquiry is made, the potential renter is given a list of slips available, and the renter chooses from this list.
4. No fee is currently charged to the slip owner for this service.
5. Checks made payable to the slip owner and are forwarded directly to the slip owner.
6. If issues arise, they are handled directly between the Harbour Master and the renter, The Owner is not normally involved.

Owners are not required to use this service.  It is strictly voluntary. If a slip is vacated with past due bills, the owner is ultimately responsible to collect from their renter or pay the amounts due to the marina.

Pender Marina Holdings Inc. (PMHI) owns the boat ramp and sets all policies regarding its use.  Even though the ramp is not owned or controlled by HVMI, we have worked together with PMHI to make the ramp available for member’s use.

PMHI has contracted with BAYR Marine. (BAYR) to manage day to day access to the boat ramp.  BAYR receives no compensation for managing the ramp from PMHI.

As the owners of the ramp, Pender Marina Holdings Inc. (PMHI) set the original regulations and has modified them over time as changes were needed.

The boat ramp is available only during normal office hours as posted at the Fuel Sales office and on the HVMI website.

No. Only boats that have a current Slip Registration Form on file for it may use the ramp.

After several members were found misusing the ramp privileges, PMHI revised the ramp use policy to limit the number of in and outs per year. This is the same policy that was in effect in prior years.  Please note that the two sets of in and outs are not counted during storms and additional uses may be purchased from PMHI if needed.

The Marina Rules and Regulations require that all slips and boats are to complete a Slip Registration Form within 24 hours of occupying a slip.  It is important that all the documents are completed and correct for the vessel and the slip.  Notice to the Harbour Master is also required when vacating a slip.

After  an investigation with NC Fish and Wildlife, US Coast Guard, and North Carolina Marine Patrol, it has been determined that HVMI cannot prevent this activity.  These fishing boaters are within their rights to use tidal waters.

No, this is expressly prohibited on any of the docks with the exception of your own slip’s finger pier as per the Rules and Regulations

No, this is expressly prohibited in the Rules and Regulations.

As per the Rules and Regulations, fishing is allowed from your vessel and on your slip’s finger pier only.  Fishing will be limited to “lobbing” only.  No casting will be permitted for safety reasons.

Non-Ethanol, Mid-Grade, 90 Octane Gasoline is sold in the marina.  Many older boats and newer outboard motors have parts which will degrade in ethanol-based fuels.  See the website for more information on Ethanol based fuels.

Red dyed non highway Diesel Fuel is sold in keeping with NC State Law.

BAYR Marine (BAYR), who pays Pender Marine Holdings Inc. (PMHI) for the lease of the fuel dock and Fuel Sales Office.

Pender Marine Holdings Inc. (PMHI)

Yes, BAYR Marine pays HVMI a fee from the revenue based on a per gallon sold basis.  This money is used by HVMI as an offset to the monthly contract fee paid to BAYR.

BAYR Marine (BAYR)

Pender Marine Holdings Inc. (PMHI) and BAYR Marine (BAYR).

One set of recommendations for line sizes may be found at the following website:  http://www.ropeinc.com/docklines.html

Per the Rules and Regulations, Any number of vessels may occupy a single slip provided:

1. Each vessel occupying a slip has its own ingress and egress with the rectangular footprint of the slip.
2. Each vessel conforms to the vessel registration requirements.
3. Their combined lengths plus a 1 foot spacing between boats does not exceed the total length of the slip.

The revenue is split evenly between the slip owner and the Fuel Sales Office.

No.  All boats in the marina must fit into the slip to which they are assigned.  The “appearance” of being too long is generated based upon how the boat is tied in the slip.  For many larger boats, the dock corner gussets prevent tying the vessel close to the dock.

Yes.  HVMI had the walls inspected and repairs, suggested by that inspection, were completed to the sea wall along the marina entrance and at other lengths around the marina.  The Harbour Master continues to monitor the sea walls.

The live-aboard fee is assessed as an impact fee.  Those who live on the vessels full time create additional maintenance and cleaning beyond that of the non live-aboard members.

Yes, based upon a survey conducted of other residential marinas in the local area.  In addition, there are some marinas which do not allow anyone to live-aboard.

HVMI owns the dock boxes. However, any damages are the responsibility of the offending party. If damage is noted and the cause or person responsible can’t be identified, then the responsibility ultimately falls on the slip owner for repairs. These costs will be added to the HOA dues invoiced the the owner.

Damages caused to the dock boxes by negligence are the slip owners’ responsibility. (e.g. not latching the lid closed and the wind rips off the lid.)   Incidental repairs will be made by the Association upon request to the Harbour Master and could be invoiced.

No, as clearly stated in each deed, the member owns a stated percentage of the entire marina based on the slip footage owned, but has the exclusive use of an assigned slip.

HVMI hopes that each member would respect each other’s renters and not try to undermine the process. The association prohibits all solicitation in the marina. If you have a specific problem concerning this, please notify the Harbour Master.

All members of HVMI are responsible for assisting the Harbour Master with enforcing the rules.  Any violations, especially safety violations, should be addressed with the offending member, and if no results are obtained, members should notify the Harbour Master.

A dampening material has been installed on all gates.

The limited warranty period is ten (10) years, which expired in 2018

Yes, it is contained in the signed dock construction agreement.

The spots on our decking are mold/mildew.   They do not affect the structural performance of the decking, and will cause no harm.  Mold, spreads easily and is prevalent in damp environments, despite proper cleaning measures. Due the large number of species, mold is very hard to control and impossible to totally eliminate.  The marina will do annual cleaning of the docks as in the past.

When an owner rents their slip, the renter is assigned all of the membership rights of the owner with the exception of voting rights.

Currently over 60% of the slips in Harbour Village Marina are engaged in rental activity.

The Harbour Master will assist in renting your slip upon your request currently for no charge.

The slip rental program continues to be very successful program for the membership.

Yes, as stated above, over 60% of the marina’s owners participate in the slip rental program.  This is a valuable service for the membership.

This is best addressed by asking the member to refrain from speaking with you on the particular subject that bothers you.  The Board of Directors and the Harbour Master cannot monitor all conversations, but if the member continues to bother you, please report this to the Harbour Master. Everyone comes to the marina to have fun and get away from the day to day stresses.

Yes, provided that they and their vessels are properly registered with the Harbour Master, and they adhere to the Rules and Regulations of the association.

Yes, as best as possible.

BAYR Marine provides and completes small repairs around the marina within their ability, unless special licensing is required.

This activity is included in the Harbour Master contract.

Yes, the Harbour Master is always your first contact.

The amount of time spent varies from month to month.  The Harbour Master spends the time that is needed to adequately perform these tasks.  The addition of the accounting and billing for electrical services has increased this time.

The Harbour Master does not have an office paid for by HVMI.  BAYR Marine. (BAYR) pays PMHI for the Fuel Sales Office and conducts HVMI business from there.

BAYR Marine

The Harbour Master works 5 days a week, selected by the Board of Directors to cover the busy times in the marina.  Tuesday and Wednesday comprise his weekend.

The current contract with BAYR is for a eight year period which began January 1 of 2021.

No, the Board of Directors can terminate the contract with BAYR at any time.

The goal was to provide continuity to the day to day management of the marina and to offer to the Harbour Master some level of longer term stability. This is important in the contracting process in order to hire the best possible company.

The current contract requires that any costs be borne by the hired company.

Yes, the registration form they complete is similar to the one used for all boats in the marina.

All Golf carts operated on any public roadways with a speed limit of 35 MPH or less are required by NC State law to have license tags, seat belts, headlights, taillights, turn signals, brake lights, wipers, safety flashers, a current vehicle inspection and insurance. Golf Carts are not allowed on any roadway that has a posted speed limit of more than 35 MPH.

Yes, at this time insurance is required for all outside marine contractors.  The contractor is expected to sign in with the Harbour Master and show proof of insurance.

The exact date is not known, but it was sometime prior to 1999.

The original insurance requirements for HVMI were established by PMHI.

No, but all renters are required to provide insurance for any vessel in a rented slip.

This is specified in the Rules and Regulations.  If you have specific questions, contact the Harbour Master.

No, the fuel spill liability amount is established by NC State Law. Insurance policies must state that they include fuel spill coverage. It is recommended that HVMI be listed as a certificate holder on your policy to ensure that your latest insurance information is provided to the Marina as expeditiously as possible.

Yes, the lounge can be reserved exclusively for a fee. Please see the Harbour Master for the details. Attendance is only up to the capacity allowed (67) by the Pender County Fire Marshall

Everyone who uses the lounge is responsible for cleaning it and leaving it as they found it.  BAYR Marine provides periodic cleaning, and PMHI provides the maintenance.

BAYR Marine provides the cleaning, and the cost of any cleaning supplies is taken from the HVMI HOA dues.  PMHI provides maintenance or repair.

The lounge is used daily for various activities and events, and is viewed as an asset to HVMI members in obtaining renters and improving slip value for sales purposes.

Restroom facilities are required by law for all public facilities.

PMHI established the facilities rental fee. This fee is not only for the lounge and restrooms, but for the parking lots, grounds and all associated properties.

Yes, the lounge is used by members quite often for various events and occasions.

Please see the Harbour Master to reserve the lounge and sign release forms. A member can use the lounge for family events (or any event) for no cost, but must pay a $250 refundable deposit. For exclusive use – there is a $250 usage fee, and a $250 refundable deposit. The deposit is refundable if the lounge is left clean and undamaged.  Reservations for any use of the lounge must be made prior to the event.

Yes – non-members can reserve the lounge for a $500 fee and a $500 refundable deposit.  The deposit is refunabled if the lounge is left clean and undamaged.

Please enjoy the camera’s as they were intended, to provide a window on the marina from your home.  The Harbour Master monitors the marina both from his office and remotely if he is away from the marina. The marina cameras were never intended to be used for surveillance, only to be relied upon for security.

The gates provide a reasonable measure to reduce the liability to the Membership and to stop anby non member, bicycles and skate boards from using the docks. Most marinas are completely gated and fenced.

No.  Please contact the Harbour Master with any change requests. Members may purchase additional cleats for their slip if needed.

The parking lots were not originally built to the specifications required for trailer parking, and there is not enough room to allow for the space required by trailers.

According to NC Fish and Wildlife regulations, if you scrape oysters from the wall and they fall to the bottom of the marina, the entire area becomes an oyster bed.  In this event, we may be severely limited from future dredging to these areas within the marina.  In truth, the oysters are considered to be a stabilizing force on the sea walls and provide a great environmental asset towards the cleansing of the waters within the marina.

No boats are over length in the marina, but depending on how lines are tied relative to the dock corner gussets, they may appear to be longer and extend outside the end of the slip.

The Harbour Master monitors these boats, and currently everyone uses the pump-out at the fuel dock.

Vessels can not be fueled in the marina under any circumstances. Fuel may only be transported on Marina property in a Coast Guard approved outboard fuel container with the proper outboard quick disconnect fittings.

The signs were installed to properly notify and remind members of the rules and regulations.

First, approach the child’s parent and remind them of the Rules and Regulations.  If this is unsuccessful, notify the Harbour Master.

Yes, they are within their rights.  See Q1 in the Marina Fishing section of the FAQ.

The Rules only allow for Members, and Guests accompanied by Members, on the docks.  This person would be considered to be an outside sub-contractor if the member does not accompany them.

To provide relief in the event they damage a member’s property or the marina property.

Anyone conducting any kind of business on the docks must have liability insurance.  Currently HVMI requires insurance for all outside sub-contractors.

The trash is collected, usually every 2-3 days.  It is sometimes collected more often during peak season and holidays.

It should be the goal of every member to keep the entire area clean and neat.

Some debris enters and leaves the marina on the tides. Large debris is removed by the Harbour Master when it is seen.  Some debris and foam is a natural occurrence in any body of water.

Currently no.