HomeMy Public PortalAboutPublic Comment #2 (Schifferle)1
March 29, 2013
Jenna Endres
Associate Planer
Town of Truckee
Truckee Community Development Department
10183 Truckee Airport Road
Truckee, CA 96161
RE: Comments on Initial Study/ Proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Tahoe Donner
Association [TDA] Marina Facility Expansion, including Native Tree Removal, Hill Excavation,
Expanded Hillside Terrace Area, Removal of Existing Boat Staging and Lawn Area to Establish a
Formal Dining Terrace, (14) 10-Foot Tall Pole Mounted Lights. [Application No: 12-020/AMND-
DP_UP]
Dear Ms. Endres:
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Tahoe Donner Association’s proposed Marina
expansion at Donner Lake. Tahoe-Donner Homeowners’ Association (TDA) maintains a beach and
boat launch facility at the east end of Donner Lake.
After reviewing the proposed project, initial study and the proposed mitigated negative declaration for
the TDA Marina Expansion project, one must conclude that there is insufficient information, data, and
analysis to reach the conclusion this project will not have a significant impact on the environment,
including Donner Lake and the Truckee Community. Without further information regarding the project
purpose and required construction elements, it is impossible to determine whether the project impacts
are reduced to insignificance. The proposed mitigation measures, including the peer review of lighting,
operating conditions, and erosion control measures will help, but additional measures are needed to
ensure that the public and community resources of the Town of Truckee are protected and the scenic
values of Donner Lake are not degraded.
At the heart of this project is a misleading purpose. The claim made by TDA that this project is not a
backdoor attempt to create an event center stretches logic and credibility. TDA claims that the project
will provide increased utilization of a site that is already over-utilized. The TDA Board has indicated
they are not ‘gaming’ the zoning regulations or trying to ‘hide’ in a piecemeal fashion an adopted event
center master plan.1 Thus, before the Planning Commission, public and community, is an event plan
disguised as simple improvement for access. The full impacts are not analyzed because the purpose of
the project is not made transparent by the project applicant.
A primary stated purpose of the project is that the grading and excavation and tree removal are
necessary for ADA access. And yet, the extensive new lighting, terrace area dining, and expansion of
the lower dining areas suggest otherwise. The other stated purpose—“increased utilization” for merely
1 http://www.tahoedonner.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Exhibit-A-Beach-Club-Marina-Master-Plan.pdf
2
water recreation activities—is also questionable. The extensive demolition, construction and
excavation, along with the building of a dining terrace, tree removal, electrical installation, and lighting
indicate preparations for an event center and party center. These construction activities have little to do
with water sports, fishing and swimming.
Furthermore, TDA fails to provide data to show that this project will not induce unacceptable growth.
This omission is particularly significant at a project where exploitation of the site is already to the point
of diminishing returns. The TDA Marina operates for a 4-month period from late May through the
beginning of October, with over 39,000 users operating during daylight-hours.2 At stake are the iconic
scenic resources of Donner Lake and impacts to the residents and surrounding Truckee Community.
The project as proposed would have significant impacts on the original conditional uses permitted at the
site—boating recreation—and increase the burden on community resources, including increased traffic,
congestion, and potentially undisclosed impacts to wildlife, scenic resources and the water quality of
Donner Lake—even with the proposed mitigation measures.
If the Planning Commission makes a determination to approve this conditional use plan, please include
at a minimum the following conditions:
1. The proposed Town of Truckee staff mitigation measures.
2. Peer review of the proposed native tree removal to certify health conditions claimed as
justification for removal and recommend better mitigation to ensure preservation of the
remaining native pines given the extensive excavation. The recommended drip line protection is
insufficient.
3. Prohibit events, amplified music and extended operating hours.
4. Reduce the lower dining terrace size by at least half to provide accessibility to the lower lawn for
all patrons and ensure there is sufficient space to stage water craft, allow children to travel safely
to the beach, and disabled access to this lower lawn for staging water craft and informal
lounging.
5. Upgrade storm water runoff containment at the site to ensure existing basin prohibitions are
enforced and no runoff from the parking lot is allowed onto adjoining State Park land or Donner
Lake.
A. Project Description & Purpose
The stated purpose of the project is better “utilization” and access for Tahoe Donner Association
homeowners and their guests to the existing beach, picnic terrace and snack bar, who travel on average 5
miles to get to the site. Approximately half the site is paved with a parking lot for guest vehicles and
boat/trailer parking. [MND @ pg 6].
The project is located at the east end of Donner Lake, adjacent to the Donner Memorial State Park, and
is accessed from Donner Pass Road approximately one half mile west of the Donner State Park
interchange on 1-80. The site consists of 2.3 acres owned by Tahoe Donner plus an L-shaped parcel (50'
x 150') of lake bottom leased from the State Lands Commission [SLC]. It has a forty-nine year non-
2 http://www.tahoedonner.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/TDNews_2011AnnualReport.pdf See page 34.
3
commercial lease with the State of California for non-commercial use and the land use purpose of
boating.3 The marina is provided for owners and guests and is not open to the public. In 2000, with
just about half the use of today, TDA already noted capacity limits and environmental constraints at the
site:
“Currently, the marina complex operates at near capacity during its early and late seasons and
capacity is exceeded during July and August. Looking at weekend usage, the average is 400
visitors per weekend day. The marina experiences maximum usage on five to ten days per year
as measured by parking, rental equipment use, and space occupancy of the sandy beach area.
The largest total usage on any one day is estimated at 1,000.”4
Since this 2000 assessment, usage has nearly doubled, which has created traffic congestion and back up
on Donner Pass Road as cars try to negotiate the left turn during heavy Donner Lake summer use.
For over 20 years, the Marina project operated without a Conditional Use Permit and under CEQA
exemptions.5 In addition, as noted in the MND the existing conditional use permit, issued around 1998,
has not been provided by the applicant or located in public agency files.6 Without this information it is
difficult for the public and decision makers to make an informed decision regarding the environmental
impact of the project. The existing State of California Lands Commission lease indicates use is for boat
access and swimming and not for commercial uses.
The CEQA Guidelines Section 15124(b) states that the project description must include “a statement of
objectives sought by the proposed project” and that the objectives are intended to help the lead agency
develop a reasonable range of alternatives to evaluate in an EIR. The CEQA Guidelines further state
“the statement of objectives should include the underlying purpose of the project.”
One of the most vexing elements of this project is the obfuscation of project purposes. The applicant
claims only existing uses—water sports, boating, swimming, fishing, beach lounging, picnicking-- are
contemplated rather than an event center. This stretches credibility. First, the TDA adopted master plan
elements, as shown below, are contained in the project design and, second, events are already being
3 See the attached 1974 SLC lease Section 1. In 2010, the lease was renegotiated to resolve trespass issues with the State of
California, penalties were paid and use was expanded to include swimming. Tahoe Donner Association is a homeowners
association that consists of 6,473 units. Of these 6,473 units, 247 are located within one mile of the lease facilities. Five of
these 247 units are not owned by natural persons. The majority are located at a distance greater than 1 mile.
4 2000 Tahoe Donner General Plan Marina Element. [See attached PDF]
5 Letter October 6, 1997 from Duane Hall, Senior Planner to Dale Cox, Cox & Kromydas Architects Re Tahoe Donner
Marina. The proposed project adopted under a CEQA exemption expanded the snack bar, boathouse, upper terrace, decking,
rental shop, storage, utility room, picnic areas, reconfiguration of boat ramp driveway and records storage. At that time 11
trees were removed and replaced more than 2 for one with 15 gallon native trees and shrubs. Letter 10-7-97 Lynn Phillips to
Verna Pooler Existing Marina Square Footage & Application 97-103/MSP also Permit Application # 98-6238 APN 18-340-
07.
6 Within the Town’s files from the Ministerial Site Plan, it was noted that a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) is required for
recreational uses in the previously-zoned Single-Family Residential zone district; however, no records of a CUP were found.
A requested volleyball court was ultimately not approved due to tree removal impacts. See MND @ pg 7.
4
advertized.7 The public and decision makers are misled and left in the dark regarding the environmental
impacts of the project when the underlying purposes of the project are withheld or misstated.
Below, the existing site plan is compared with the TDA adopted event center master plan. They are
almost identical. And yet the event and party center purpose is not disclosed.
Furthermore, the liquor license obtained in 2011, the extensive new lighting in the upper picnic terrace,
and additional lighting surrounding a lower dining area, all suggest that the purpose is to carry out
events and extend operating hours. Why does this site need such extensive lighting? Especially given
the facility is open basically during daylight hours. It appears this is a piece-meal approach to project
development.
Hopefully the Planning Commission can adopt firm operating and use conditions to thwart such a
backdoor approach the Town of Truckee codes, which should protect adjacent residential uses and the
scenic values of Donner Lake, along with the adjacent State Park users, from excessive noise, light
pollution of night skies, and damage to native trees from excessive trenching and excavation.
B. Environmental Baseline
7 See http://www.tahoedonner.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Exhibit-A-Beach-Club-Marina-Master-Plan.pdf
& http://www.tahoedonner.com/weddings/rates/
5
No traffic data or congestion data are provided for the existing facility. Air quality data as a result of
some 20,000 motorized trips from Tahoe Donner to the site are not provided. Approximately half the
site is paved with a parking lot for guest vehicles and boat/trailer parking. No usage or daily trip or peak
day statistics are provided. According to Tahoe Donner available statistics, there are about 300 to 400
daily usage during June and July and peak usage at 1000 a day.8 According to the TDA application
there are 38 vehicle parking stalls, including 3 ADA accessible, as well as 12 vehicle with trailer stalls. 9
Existing usage fills up the parking lot early with patrons pulling into the site, queuing up to drop off
equipment at the existing lower lawn staging area and then circulating back onto community streets in
search of parking along the Town of Truckee right-of-way, once inside parking is full.
“The steep hillside located along the northwest side of the property has not been graded or altered and
sits adjacent to the Marina beach” (MND @ pg 6). As can be seen below storm runoff and wash-down
wastewater from the existing parking lot runs off the TDA asphalt directly to State Park wetlands or to
Donner Lake.
8 Ibid. See 2000 General Plan and 2011 Annual Statistics.
9 See 11-1-11 Environmental Application Tahoe Donner Marina Facility to the Town of Truckee from Forrest Huisman and
attached 2000 and 2007 TDA General Planning documents. Also see 2011 Annual Report
http://www.tahoedonner.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/TDNews_2011AnnualReport.pdf
6
As now configured, the existing native trees and activities during daylight hours reduces the visual
impacts to residents, those enjoying Donner Lake, and State Park visitors.
The existing hillside terraced picnic area with native trees is slated for demolition along with extensive
excavation. Also the existing decking and food service tables, with an accessible lower lawn and boat
staging area, are also slated to be demolished and replaced with a much larger hardscape deck.
C. No-Action Alternative and Other Alternatives
No information in the MND is provided regarding the ‘no-action’ alternative. Nor are other alternatives
considered. For example, a less environmentally destructive alternative to provide access to the upper
picnic area could be from the existing Donner Pass Road entrance now used by Tahoe Donner
Association employees for access to the existing upper picnic area. An upgrade of this entrance to the
2010 access standards would result in less native tree removal, site excavation and environmental
impacts.
Another less environmentally damaging alternative would be to use the existing lower lawn area for
such picnic access, and reduce the proposed expansion of the new formal dining area and deck. This
would accommodate the site’s existing use, which is primarily water sports, fishing, lounging at the
beach, or using the beach picnic tables, while providing a more moderate expansion of the snack bar
eating area. This approach could provide additional picnic access while not removing the lower boat
staging lawn area, which is heavily used by kids and adults traveling to the beach. Existing restrooms,
food service access and accessible parking are in close proximity. These alternatives could meet access
goals in a less environmentally damaging manner.
Sacrificing approximately half the mature native pines, extensive excavation on slopes greater than 20%,
adding lighting, and grading and fill to expand the existing picnic terrace area is the most
environmentally damaging alternative and the only one considered. Other alternatives for picnicking
need to be considered rather than expanding this use at a site that is already operating at capacity and
where the primary use is boating, water sports, swimming, or lounging at the beach. The MND
indicates excavation of the native soils and tree removal at the existing picnic terrace on slopes greater
than 20% are justified because the site was landscaped and disturbed in 1997-98 when the existing
facility was built. Little information or data is provided to justify this conclusion.
D. Impacts
1. Expansion of the Outdoor Dining Deck and Patio
The existing sloping lawn area in front of the snack bar building is proposed to be graded and filled to
construct an outdoor dining patio. The outdoor dining patio will be armored with new rockery retaining
walls that will restrict existing watersport staging, access, and safe-kids drop-off area. The remaining
area is too small and unsafe to handle all existing functions.
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In addition, two gas fire pits, lighting with [4] 10 foot pole mounted light fixtures, and a 42” tall glass
windscreen on the south side of the patio looking towards the lake, will be added. As mentioned, a very
small portion of the existing lawn and water sport staging area would remain, with most of the access to
this area removed by rock armor lining the site. The safety impacts of having children (with fishing
poles, beach balls, towels etc.) walk to the beach along the same driveway as boat loaded cars and
trailers is not disclosed in the MND. No circulation study has been provided to determine how the
removal of this present lawn area will affect (1) water sports staging such as, windsurfers, paddle
boards, kayaks, rowing shells and pedestrian access, (2) accessibility to the boat ramp, and (3) traffic
congestion both internally and on Donner Pass Road.
2. New Walkways & Lawn Terrace Expansion
A series of new walkways are proposed starting at the existing snack bar building which head west
along the existing hillside. The excavation and terrace work along this hillside exceeds a 20% slope.
The walkways are proposed to provide accessible access to the existing lawn area at the top of the slope
and down to the beach from the lawn area. New rockery walls will be excavated and backfilled, with
approximately half of larger mature pines removed. Pathway lighting [15] and approximately 10, 10-
foot tall pole lights are proposed. The majority of fill is proposed to be installed to expand the existing
lawn and extend the terrace area above the existing beach and swimming area. [MND @ 2] No
mitigation measures for this disturbance and excavation are proposed other than native tree replacement
and some erosion controls. Given the potential for this area to be used for amplified music, staging
events, weddings and other activities unrelated to water sports, thought needs to be given to place
conditions on use to ensure the potential noise and incompatible activities are managed. This ought to
include limits on any night time use, amplified music, and events. If such use is contemplated, the
impacts need to be disclosed.
3. Traffic, Use and Congestion
In 2000 the Tahoe Donner Association General Plan Committee determined the facility was operating
nearly at capacity and that resolving local traffic congestion on Donner Pass Road was a high priority.
“Currently the marina complex operates at near capacity during its early and late season and capacity is
exceeded during July and August. “ Need for left-turn entry lane to reduce traffic backings on Donner
Pass Road.”10 The applicant has not conducted any circulation studies, provided data on how the design
will impact internal and external traffic, congestion and air quality, given the heavy use of this roadway
in the summer and potential for the design to increase congestion and create internal safety problems.
4. Native Tree Removal
About half of the mature Jeffery Pines range in size (i.e. diameter at breast height) from eight to 28
inches DBH. Of the native trees proposed for removal, the majority—17—are for tree stand health or
project design. A total of 20 size 15 Jeffrey Pine trees are proposed to be planted in the landscape area,
in addition to 11 Quaking Aspen trees. Despite the Town of Truckee Native Tree Protection Ordinance,
10 Tahoe Donner 2000 General Plan [See Attached document] The August 2007 General Plan had similar findings. Both
were adopted by the Tahoe Donner Board.
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no other alternatives were analyzed in the MND to minimize this tree removal. Further, given the
extensive excavation, grading and fill into sensitive root zones of the remaining native stand it remains
doubtful they will survive without additional mitigation. The impacts to the remaining trees were not
disclosed. A mitigation requirement to air spade around these root zones, clean cut the roots and treat
the roots in order to provide greater survival is warranted given the discretionary nature of this landscape
terrace expansion. The proposed drip line protection measures are likely inadequate to save the trees the
Tahoe Donner has indicated will be saved. Additional mitigation and/or conditions of approval ought to
be considered. Inspection of the trees slated for removal indicates that only three of the major pines are
in need of removal due to health or disease.
4. Water Quality and Erosion Control11
Temporary erosion control measures will be installed during construction, and will include straw
waddles and silt fencing in areas downslope of the proposed improvements with potential to transport
sediments to nearby waterways or floodplains (i.e. Donner Lake). Unidentified Permanent erosion
control measures are to be included as a part of final construction. The public is left in the dark about
what these measures are or the impact of these measures.
As noted the project construction would involve activities, such as excavation and soil stockpiling, that
would generate loose, erodible soils. The MND suggests that this extensive excavation and fill does not
present environmental impact because, during approximately 1998, TDA removed native trees and
terraced this portion of the hillside. Mitigation measures required replacement of native trees and shrubs
two to one with native trees at that time.12 No data or assessment is provided as to how this new
grading, fill and excavation will not result in environmental impacts especially to native vegetation,
water quality, air quality and the existing native trees that survived the previous construction activities.
According to the MND the project must comply with the Town’s drainage and stormwater runoff
regulations as specified in Section 18.30.050 of the Development Code and stormwater runoff treatment
and erosion control measures consistent with the LRWQCB’s guidelines. Conformance with these water
quality standards in addition to Mitigation Measures 9a and 9b will reduce water quality impacts to a
less-than-significant level and ensure that the project will not generate substantial additional sources of
polluted runoff. [MND @ pg 32] Existing runoff protection measures do not appear to be enforced.
Sheet flow from the existing parking area, curbing and collection systems funnel stormwater to the
adjacent state park wetlands or Donner Lake. Typically this is a violation of the LRWQCB’s basin plan
for the Truckee Watershed Basin, which prohibits such discharge. It appears this project is likely to
create or contribute runoff water which would exceed the capacity of existing or planned stormwater
drainage systems or provide substantial additional sources of polluted runoff and could, given the lack of
controls of existing runoff, degrade water quality.
11 December 1, 1997, CEQA Exemption and Waiver of Discharge Requirements. “Failure to abide by the conditions of thi s
waiver or the creation of a water quality problem due to the construction project may result in revocation of this waiver and
initiation of an enforcement action as authorized under the Water Code.
12 Application # 97-5224 March 18, 1998 Memo From Dale W. Cox to Town of Truckee.
9
Photos Taken February 2013 and March 2013
The MND states that “Construction of the new pedestrian pathways and graded areas could alter the
existing drainage patterns of the site or area and could increase the rate or amount of surface runoff in a
manner which would result in flooding on- or off-site. However, the proposed pathways are pervious
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and will allow percolation of surface runoff and not anticipated to create substantial new run-off,
resulting in a less-than-significant impact.” [MND @ pg 32] “Development Code Section 18.30.050
and the Town-required grading and stormwater runoff plans ensure that stormwater drainage is
accommodated on site and not impacting adjacent properties, nor are drainage patterns being altered.
Therefore, impacts are less-than-significant.” [MND @ pg 32] As can be seen in the photos above
stormwater is not presently accommodated on site. Flows run off to adjacent State Park land, so it is
difficult to see how additional flow will be accommodated to meet code and regulations.
5. West End Site Plan Walls Excavating Native Soils & Removing Trees
Also it is difficult for the public reading the existing site plans and proposed MND to understand
whether the two proposed west-end rock retaining walls, which would require excavating natural soils
on slopes greater than 30% , are in the project or out of the project. They are included in the submittals.
There is a great deal of impact for some 620 square feet of beach expansion. Town Codes prohibit this
type of activity and instead require preservation of this open space and protection of native steep slopes
from grading and excavation.13 The site plan includes these activities. The MND lists removal of these
walls as mitigation, but this seems illogical since they were prohibited in the first place. It is unclear,
given existing codes, why these walls are still included in the site plans for the project. The full impact
of building these walls, excavating the natural hillsides, and back filling impacts on surrounding mature
pines has not been disclosed.
6. Impacts to Scenic Resources at Donner Lake
This project will have substantial adverse effect on the scenic vistas from Donner Lake. The tree
removal, light additions and dining expansion have the potential to substantially degrade the existing
visual character of the site, especially from the surrounding State Park land. The mitigation measures
proposed go a long way to mitigating these impacts, but further action is needed. The Planning
Commission should consider limiting operating hours to posted existing hours of operation. No
nighttime operations and events should be allowed in order to protect the nighttime sky and impacts
from light pollution. No amplified music and no events also need to be considered because of the noise
and disturbance that could impact residents, adjacent land owners, and the State Park.
7. Impacts from Required Compliance with 2010 California Code Requirements and Accessibility
Issues.
According to the Town of Truckee building codes, this project will require a building permit and will
need to meet existing accessibility issues.14 New accessibility issues may have significant impacts to
showers, restrooms, foodservice, traffic circulation, along with access to the existing boat ramps. The
potential impacts of these new rules have not been disclosed in the existing project documents, so the
public and decision makers are left in the dark regarding required upgrades and potential environmental
impacts.
13 See Section 18.46.060 & 18.46.060 Preservation of Steep Slopes and Open Space Standards.
14 August 31, 2012 memo from Town of Truckee Chief Building, Michael Lavallee .
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8. Cumulative Impacts
The cumulative impacts to surrounding uses have not been fully disclosed. The potential indirect
impacts of the proposed project were not analyzed. Indirect effects of an action include those that occur
later in time or a distance away but that are still reasonably foreseeable (CEQA Guidelines Section
1508.8(b)). The indirect effects can include “growth-inducing effects and other effects related to induced
changes in the pattern of land use, growth rate, and related effects on air and water and other natural
systems, including ecosystems.” Use of this facility takes place amidst growing recreational use at
Donner Lake including Truckee-Donner Recreation and Park District between Memorial Day and Labor
Day with annual use over 100, 000; east end of lake Donner Lake Home with annual use in excess of
40,000; and Donner Memorial State Park with more than 200,000 visitors annually. The growth-
inducing impacts are not considered, including expanding burdens on community infrastructure and
service facilities, traffic congestion, and parking. Without careful control by the Town of Truckee, the
project will likely encourage events and other activities that would significantly affect the environment.
Any long term discharge of runoff from the site could also impact water from Donner Lake and Donner
Creek, which is released for the benefit of Lahontan Cutthroat Trout and cui-ui in the lower Truckee
River and Pyramid fish in the Truckee River.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment.
Regards,
Patricia Schifferle
15652 Alder Creek Rd.
Truckee CA 96161
Attachments: April 1974 Original TDA State Lands Commission Lease
January 1998 2nd Amendment State Lands Commission Lease
2000 TDA General Plan Marina Excerpts
12
.
GENERAL PLAN COMMITTEE
THE MARINA ELEMENT
(Updated 07-15-99)
PURPOSE
The purpose of this study is to review the marina amenity. We will consider background, capacity, and
future recommendations.
BACKGROUND
Of the Tahoe Donner amenities, the marina is the only one not located within the boundaries of the
development. It is located at the east end of Donner Lake adjacent to the Donner Memorial State Park
and may be accessed from Donner Pass Road approximately one half mile west of the Donner State Park
interchange on 1-80. The site consists of 2.3 acres owned by Tahoe Donner plus an L-shaped parcel (50'
x 150') of lake bottom leased from the state. The forty-nine year lease has an expiration date in the year
2023. Included in the aforementioned acreage owned by the association is a paved parking lot that can
accommodate 55 vehicles. The site is fenced on three sides (up to the high water mark of the lake) to
control access. The marina is provided for owners and guests and is not open to the public. The season
lasts for approximately three and a half months between the Memorial Day weekend and early
September (post Labor Day). Staffing for full operation consists of twelve people, including the assigned
supervisor. During the busy portion of the day, six to ten employees are on site.
INFORMATION AND STUDY
FACILITIES
In 1998, a new marina project was formally launched. The project consisted of the demolition of the old
Tahoe Donner marina buildings and replacing them with a new 2400 sq. ft. building. The new facilities
include rental space, food and beverage facilities, and restrooms.
EQUIPMENT
All of the rental equipment at the Marina is owned by Tahoe Donner. The list includes:
Canoes 6
Sailboats 3
Windsurfers 4
�� 1 - M a n K a y a k 4
�� 2 - M a n K a y a k 6
�� P e d a l b o a t s 4
�� W e t s u i t s 1 0
L e s s o n s f r o m q u a l i f i e d p e r s o n n e l a r e a v a i l a b l e f o r a l l t h o s e d e s i r i n g t o r e n t e q u i p m e n t . I n a d d i t i o n t o
t h e l i s t a b o v e , t h e a s s o c i a t i o n a l s o o w n s a p o w e r e d Z o d i a c ( b o a t ) f o r s t a f f u s e o n l y . A t w o - t i e r e d f e e
s t r u c t u r e ( o w n e r s / g u e s t s ) a p p l i e s t o a l l r e n t a l s . A c o p y o f t h e 1 9 9 8 f e e s c h e d u l e i s s h o w n b e l o w .
1 9 9 8 M A R I N A F E E S
1 - M a n K a y a k
P r o p e r t y O w n e r s $ 1 0 . 0 0
G u e s t s $ 1 3 . 0 0
2 - M a n K a y a k , C a n o e , W i n d s u r f e r , P e d a l b o a t
P r o p e r t y O w n e r $ 1 2 . 0 0
G u e s t s $ 2 0 . 0 0
L a s e r ( S a i l b o a t )
P r o p e r t y O w n e r $ 1 5 . 0 0
G u e s t s $ 2 0 . 0 0
H o b b i e 1
P r o p e r t y O w n e r $ 2 5 . 0 0
G u e s t s $ 3 0 . 0 0
S a i l i n g L e s s o n s
I n d i v i d u a l ( 1 - H o u r ) $ 1 5 . 0 0
E a c h A d d i t i o n a l P e r s o n $ 5 . 0 0
CAPACITY
The capacity of the marina can be measured by the amount of available parking, the size of the sandy
beach area, and the amount of rental equipment. At times of heavy usage, the fenced off highway
parking places are augmented by parking along the shoulders of Donner Pass Road.
USAGE
Currently, the marina complex operates at near capacity during its early and late seasons and capacity is
exceeded during July and August. According to the 1998 summer statistics, 24,906 individuals visited the
marina from May through September. Looking at weekend usage, the average is 400 visitors per
weekend day. It has been estimated that 15-20 percent of the users are repeaters (regulars). Also, the
statistics include all family members and guests, regardless of age.
MARINA USAGE STATISTICS
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
PO Recreation* 14,228 11,095 14,796 15,566
PO ID's** 1,431 607
Guests 4,194 3,437 3,132 2,856
Employee 426 377 375 465
TOTAL 18,848 16,340 18,303 19,006 24,906
Boat Launching 1,253 778 1,206 1,302 1,008
*Property Owner Recreation
** Property Owner Identification Cards
The marina experiences maximum usage on five to ten days per year as measured by parking, rental
equipment use, and space occupancy of the sandy beach area. The largest total usage on any one
day is estimated at 1,000. Small children comprise a significant percentage in the mix of patrons.
REVENUE AND TOTAL COST
The elements of income flow at the marina are:
�� F o o d a n d B e v e r a g e s a l e s
�� E q u i p m e n t r e n t a l s
M a r i n a 1 9 9 3 / 9 4 1 9 9 4 / 9 5 1 9 9 5 / 9 6 1 9 9 6 / 9 7 1 9 9 7 / 9 8
A n n u a l R e c . F e e
R e v e n u e $ 7 . 8 0 $ 1 1 . 1 0 $ 9 . 3 0 $ 1 0 . 5 3 $ 9 . 5 0
T h e f o l l o w i n g c h a r t s h o w s t h e d i r e c t m a r i n a r e v e n u e a n d c o s t f o r t h e y e a r s 1 9 9 4 t h r o u g h 1 9 9 8
c o m p a r e d t o t o t a l c o s t f o r t h e s a m e y e a r s .
1 9 9 4 1 9 9 5 1 9 9 6 1 9 9 7 1 9 9 8
R e v e n u e 6 7 , 6 7 5 7 9 , 2 3 2 8 7 , 8 7 4 8 6 , 3 9 2 1 0 9 , 3 3 8
O p e r a t i n g E x p e n s e 7 8 , 9 9 2 7 3 , 3 1 7 8 3 , 7 8 2 1 0 0 , 9 6 5 9 7 , 4 6 8
A l l o c a t e d O v e r h e a d 1 0 , 1 5 0 8 , 5 3 3 1 0 , 1 5 3 9 , 1 1 7 7 , 7 5 0
O p e r a t i o n a l D e f i c i t / S u r p l u s 2 1 , 4 6 7 2 , 6 1 8 6 , 0 6 1 2 3 , 6 9 0 ( 4 , 1 2 0 )
C o s t R e c o v e r y 7 6 % 9 7 % 9 4 % 7 8 % 1 0 4 %
R e s e r v e A l l o c a t i o n / M a c h i n e r y &
E q u i p m e n t 1 5 , 2 6 7 2 0 , 3 9 4 3 2 , 1 8 3 5 6 , 8 4 7 9 1 , 9 1 2
T o t a l D e f i c i t 3 6 , 7 3 4 2 3 , 0 1 2 3 8 , 2 4 4 8 0 , 5 3 7 8 7 , 7 9 2
A s s e s s m e n t p e r P a r c e l 5 . 9 3 3 . 7 0 6 . 1 5 1 2 . 9 3 1 4 . 0 7
* * C o s t o f s a l e s a r e i n c l u d e d i n o p e r a t i n g c o s t s
S U M M A R Y O F F E A T U R E S A N D O P E R A T I O N S
1 . F o o d a n d B e v e r a g e : T h e n e w b u i l d i n g p r o v i d e s a k i t c h e n f a c i l i t y w i t h a l l n e w a p p l i a n c e s . T h e
f a c i l i t y w i l l p r o v i d e f o r f o o d a n d b e v e r a g e s e r v i c e t o m e m b e r s a n d g u e s t s .
2. Rental: The new building has additional space for rental operations, which will allow for the
rental equipment storage and distribution.
3. Boat launch and trailer parking: During summer operation of 1998, 1206 boats use our boat
launch facilities. Our parking lot has ten trailer spaces.
4. Beach: As of Spring 1999, the beach space will be approximately 52,000 sq. ft., with floating
docks provided for boats, fishing, and a swimming platform.
5. Restrooms: New men's and women's restrooms have been incorporated into the facility which
meet all ADA standards.
6. Guest Grill: A guest grill barbecue has been installed with this facility.
7. Landscaping: The area surrounding the building and marina will be landscaped with native
flowers, shrubs, and trees.
8. Equipment Storage Building: In the past, administrative records were stored here. With the
recent changes, this building will now be utilized for various equipment storage pertaining to
the marina amenity. It is located at the east corner of the parking lot.
FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
limited parking.
need for left-turn entry lane to reduce traffic backings on Donner Pass Road.