Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutC.054.93009_1237 (2)408 VOTING: Ayes - 5; Nays 0. REQUEST FOR ENDORSEMENT OF JET SEI ORDINANCE FOR UPPER CATAWBA RIVER: Mike Struve, with the Western Piedmont Council of Government, Hickory, NC, stated he was representing the Catawba River Study Committee. The committee is a citizen advisory committee with members from Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, and Catawba tee is to Countpertaiies. too the Catawba Rivera and to make irecomne missueional recommendations to area local governments when appropriate. Water safety has always been an area of concern. Struve mentioned that jet ski usage causes many problems because of the speed, quick maneuverability, and small size of the watercraft. The ordinance is patterned after a similar one adopted by the Lake Norman Marine Commission in 1992. There are two major provisions: (1) The prohibition of individuals under 12 years of age operating or driving a personal watercraft apparatus and (2) Teens between the ages two 13 -of could following erate a personal watercraft only if on requirements were met: a. Accompanied by an adult (16 years old or greater) b. Completion of a coast guard approved boating safety course. (These are offered in the Hickory area by the Lake Hickory Flotilla.) Commissioner Johnson asked who would get the proceeds from the fines. Struve said he didn't know who would receive the fine proceeds; however, the ordinance that would be introduced to the General d be itten so ife Commissions would havelprimaryro enforcement sponsibilities. Mr Johnson said he didn't want to see a mandate from the that requires the additional hiring of more people to patrol stheelake. Commissioner Madison said the concern he had was that after enactment, a request from the Lookout Shoals Marine Commission would probably be received requesting that a deputy (in a boat) be placed in the area to patrol (similar to Lake Norman). The State of North Carolina is taking care of less and less every day. The State can be asked to enact and enforce the ordinance; however, Mr. Madison said he felt it was highly improbable that the Wildlife Commission could do all of this. "It will come back to the County at some point in time." Commissioner Stewart said the $50 fee would need to be increased if the ordinance comes back to the County to enforce. Attorney Pope asked Mr. Struve what he was requesting of the Board of Commissioners. Struve said the request was only to endorse the ordinance -- as written. Pope mentioned that the County could not fine more than $50; however, the legislature can impose any fine amount deemed appropriate. MOTION by Commissioner Madison to adopt a resolution supporting the jet ski ordinance with a stipulation that no County dollars be required. VOTING: Ayes - 5; Nays - 0. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF IREDBLL COUNTY CONSTRUCTION E DEMOLITION PERMIT: Ron Weatherman advised that he was given permission about two months ago to develop a permit in keeping with Senate Bill 9. The law allows individuals to bury construction/de lition debris on own prert in mo conditions. Weatherman said he could rr member one request under einal3 years for the disposal of this type of debris. Commissioner Madison asked if there was a cost for the permit. Weatherman responded, that at this point, there was no charge. A