HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Committees - Public Safety (Committee) - 04/15/1997 MINUTES FROM PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE MEETING
10 April 15, 1997
PRESENT: Jim Bennett, Chair Chief Ed Crawford
Leona Orr Tom Brotherton
Tim Clark Numerous unidentif ed citizens
Roger Lubovich
Meeting called to order at 5:00 p.m.
Personal Watercraft (Jet Ski) Ordinance
Opened for discussion by Chairman Bennett.
Tom Brotherton, President of Lake Meridian Community Association presented
handouts on noise intensity levels and provided explanation of the charts. Roger
Lubovich expressed concern with where the information came from and then explained
decibel level requirements. Leona Orr asked if there is any information available from
manufacturers on decibel readings.
Steve a advised that grant funding is on hold at this time, manufacturers have
• information that can be provided to the Council He feels that enforcement is the issue,
5% are spoiling it for all.
Donald West advised that he feels 75% are breaking the law and agrees that those
breaking the law need to betaken care of. It's an accident waiting to happen.
Lance Bache advised that he is an avid jet skier and boater. He agrees there are
hazards and feels enforcement is the issue. An officer needs to be out there any time
it's open.
Pat Healey advised that he is a jet skier and boater. He feels theyshould actually get a
decibel reader out there and test on Lake Meridian. There is a problem on the lake—
it's too crowded. He would be willing to pay to launch.
Doug Bankard expressed that jet skis are different as far as noise Is concerned and
there are safety issues out there.
Steve McDowell advised that he is in favor of the ordinance as proposed.
F
Casey Gibbs advised that he lives on the lake and moved there tote able to enjoy it.
He is against the ordinance. Safety is a concern, but enforcement is what is needed.
He feels that exhaust systems on older boats are also a noise problem.
• Marilyn Gibbs advised that she also lives on the lake. Noise is an Issue, but moved to
the lake to be able to enjoy the lake. It is a matter of enforcement. They were promised
40 hours, but doesn't feel they got it. When police are there, it's noticeabley different.
Maybe they should limit the amount of all boats on the lake -- parking limitations.
'M .
Minutes from Public Safety Committee Meeting
April 15, 1997
Page 2 of 3
Tom Orsman advised that he doesn't agree with extra ordinances. He believe we have
enough if used appropriately to deal with the situation. There needs to be some type of
capacity on the lake, parking limitations. Enforcement is the key issue and he disagrees
with every other day.
Jim Lacked advised that he didn't speak last time, but feels this meeting is loaded with
jet skiers and they drive him crazy.
Maribelle LackeX advised that she can hear if there is one jet ski on the lake. There is
no comparison with boats. The jet skis drive them crazy.
Mary Olsen advised that if there wasn't a problem, they wouldn't be here. People just
have a feeling that it's wrong. Advertising presents how it done with squirreling, etc.
With all the jet ski activity, they don't feel comfortable water skiing. Feels it should be
every other day for jet skis. If something isn't in place soon, the State is going to step
in.
John Nason advised that this is driving a wedge between homeowners and those
. coming in. Feels the ordinance limiting the days would work. The noise is high-pitched
— like having a motorcycle in your backyard.
Mike McDonald advised that there are three issues: overcrowding, noise, and safe
operation. Feels that limiting the days doubles the problem. Quiet time on the lake is
already in place. They are only as safe as the operator— enforce the law.
David Hokit advised that he had three elementary age kids and safety is a concern with
swimming, etc. Believes the lake is too small for all crafts.
Tony Bjornsen addressed noise issues advising that all personal watercraft are
manufactured to federal specs. Problems with both boats and personal watercraft is
safety.
Ron Pleasants advised that Seadoos are quieter than any outb has ever had;
they are different from jet skis. He uses his Seadoo for skiing mill this impact
him?
Donald West feels the conflict is between boats and personal wa ' ft. If they didn't
have the problem before personal watercraft—then where's the prb +m.
Chairman Bennett closed testimony at 6:05 p.m.
• Leona Orr moved to include all letters into the records; seconded Tim Clark. Motion
passed unanimously (3-0).
Minutes from Public Safety Committee Meeting
April 15, 1997
Page 3 of 3
Committee members thanked everyone for their comments, advising that they would
like to bring the issue forward at the next Council meeting provided they have
information on the noise issues.
Tim Clark moved to bring two proposals forward to Council in May: 1)a ban jet skis; 2)
limiting the days. Motion seconded by Leona Orr, but asked for any;information prior to
the meeting that could impact their decision. Clark explained the prg0ess to the
audience. The next Council meeting is May 6, 1997, at 7:00 p.m.
Motion passed 3-0.
Meeting adjourned at 6:20 p.m.
i
A
•
r