Thirteen floating home owners may be forced to pay more than $35,000 in back rent that marina officials illegally waived for seven months, according to a recommendation passed by the Berkeley Waterfront Commission Wednesday.

Construction on marina docks H and I that began in March pushed more than a dozen floating homes normally stationed there to other docks. Until September, marina officials excused the homeowners’ rent and other living fees without the City Council’s approval, a violation of local law that city officials say cost the marina almost $60,000.

The commission’s recommendation, which the council will vote on next month, would back-bill the 13 floating home owners the majority of the unpaid fees, via an 18-month interest-free payment plan. Each resident could be required to pay as much as an additional $286 per month under the recommendation.

Every month residents pay a regular berth charge–ranging from $396 to $1,086–and a $140 live aboard fee, not including additional storage and utility expenses.

Former harbormaster Cliff Marchetti, who stepped down earlier this year, initially waived the homeowners’ rent to compensate for any utility services forgone during construction, said William Rogers, director of the city’s Parks, Recreation and Waterfront Department. In fact, while the deteriorating docks were replaced, the residents had electricity and phone service, as well as sewage pump-out service at their own expense.

After stepping into Marchetti’s position, acting waterfront manager Ann Hardinger said she did not notice the violation until around August.

“It’s extremely unfortunate that it didn’t go through the process it should have, and will not happen again,” Hardinger said. “I should have looked for a council resolution … I am going to scrutinize my staff and myself.”

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