HomeMy Public PortalAbout2022.02.04 S Ball Fw: Concern over pedal party boat operating next to May Hardware MarinaCAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Hi Kurt and Bessi Jo:
I am forwarding an email that I sent to Anette last weekend expressing my concern about the decision to allow a party boat to dock on the west side of the public dock at Bear Park...adjacent
to the marina. I wanted to check in with you to understand what I need to do to ensure that I adhere to any formal/public process to express my concerns. I also am hoping you can clear
up confusion surrounding this matter. Has the decision been finalized? If not, what is the process to finalize the decision? Are other locations under consideration?
My primary concern is that the proposed area is already a crowded area and the channel that the party boat would be entering and exiting is very narrow. My marina slip is #69 which
I believe will be directly across from the party boat. I am a very strong boat driver but getting my boat in and out of my slip and that channel is a challenge even for me, especially
in the afternoons when it's usually windy. I am also am very concerned about the swimmers who use the public beach and dock.
I believe other locations have been proposed to you, locations that are not nearly as crowded and that have few, if any, safety concerns. Another location such as this seems much better
for the city of McCall, its residents and its visitors.
Please let me know what else I need to do to make sure my voice is heard.
Respectfully,
Staci Ball
Staci Ball
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________________________________
From: Staci Ball
Sent: Sunday, January 30, 2022 1:25 PM
To: aspickard@mccall.id.us <aspickard@mccall.id.us>
Subject: Concern over pedal party boat operating next to May Hardware Marina
Dear Ms. Spickard:
My family has rented a slip at the May Hardware Marina for many, many years. It has come to my attention that the City has approved a concession agreement for a 16-person pedal party
boat to be moored on the east side of the Sheriff's dock. I am very, very alarmed and concerned with this decision and implore the city to reverse this decision. Following are my concerns:
Safety & Damage
* Adults, teens, and children swim and dive in the areas surrounding the public beach, public dock and marina docks: a party boat operating in this small area poses an extreme danger
and a major liability to the city of McCall.
* The proposed docking location of the party boat will make it very difficult and potentially dangerous for the marina boats parked across from this location to safely enter and exit
their slips and the path to the open water, particularly if party boat operators are under the influence. The marina boats on the west side deserve easy, safe egress from the marina
dock. The marina was there and the agreed upon access obvious.
* There will most certainly be damage to marina resident boats from potential collisions, vandalism, etc. Similarly, there will most certainly be damage to our dock and facilities from
inebriated party boat patrons.
* This particular location on the lake is very constrained and used by several emergency vehicles – the deputy patrol boat and fire boat both need clear access to this area. This area
is also used for boats using the dump station to our facility. Multiple departures and arrivals from a party boat in a high traffic area such as this will likely cause accidents.
* There are several submerged pilings in that area that can cause severe damage or sinking if hit. Party boat operators will not know to look for these hazards.
* Who will be responsible for paying damages to marina boats, docks, and facilities caused by the party boat? Is the city carrying liability and insurance given that the party boat
is operating off of a city owned dock?
Family environment
* Inappropriate behavior and language is unfortunately a byproduct of alcohol. Bear Park and the Marina is largely used by families, many with young children. We do not want our families,
nor any family, exposed to obnoxious drinking behavior including language, nudity, other drug use (marijuana), sexual conduct, etc.
* Bear park will likely become less attractive to families and ultimately become a party site.
Exacerbate already existing issues
* The marina and its residents already have issues with people trespassing our dock, facilities, and boats. This will become an even bigger issue with a regular cadence of people who
are under the influence.
Lack of input from the public on this decision
* Commercial operations should be limited to commercial docks. Temporary public docking locations are scarce to begin with. By allowing this, the city is opening the door to additional
commercial requests at the sacrifice of the tax payers who funded these locations
McCall’s image and the visitors it will attract
* McCall has worked hard to clean up its reputation as a party place. This decision contradicts the work that has been done. Does the city want McCall to become the next Lake Havasu?
Is this decision aligned with the desired visitor profile that McCall seeks to attract?
Ms. Spickard, my slip is directly across from where this party boat will be docked. I am very concerned about the safety of my family, including my two children, and the safety of my
boat.
Thank you for your serious consideration of this matter.
Staci Maher Ball
Staci Ball
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