Agenda 10/23/2001 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Enclosure #3 Martinsville A CITY WITHOUT LIMITS DATE: TO: FROM: SUBJECT: October 15, 2001 Earl B. Reynolds, Jr., City Manager John H. Dyches, Director of Water Resources Reservoir Rules and Regulations I am recommending the following changes, which will require approval by City Council, to the "Rules and Regulations Governing the Use of Beaver Creek Reservoir and the Adjacent Areas for Recreational Purposes". The propOsed revisions are shown inserted into the attached copy of the current rules. Additions are in bom italic and deletions are ~. 1. Hours of Operation: For many years, the policy has been to open the gates from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset, meaning that the park would open as early as 5:00 AM and close as late as 9:30 PM, making for unreasonably long days during the summer and an unnecessary obligation with very little traffic during the winter. I recommend that the hours be changed to from sunrise to sunset. As I understand, this would be more consistent with other park areas in'the City. Prohibited Acts: A large percentage of the inappropriate activities in the park area involve alcohol. Although drinking in public is illegal and signs are displayed in the park area indicating that alcohol is not allowed, there is no specific prohibition in the "Rules and Regulations". I recommend that a statement (item h.) prohibiting the possession or consumption of alcohol in the park be added. This will not change any existing policy, but will provide backup for any alcohol related enforcement action needed. Also, this facility occasionally attracts "free spirited" visitors who sometimes disrupt the wholesome atmosphere preferred at this facility. I therefore suggest adding prohibitive language (item i.) to assist the Lake Warden in controlling excessive expressiveness. Power Boats: Currently, gasoline powered boats with a maximum six horsepower motor are permitted on the reservoir. The VDH is more and more emphasizing source water protection, and has recommended that gasoline powered boats not be allowed. Following is a comment excerpted from the most recent VDH Inspection Report for the Martinsville Water Treatment Plant. "In order to better protect the raw water source at the Beaver Creek Reservoir, it is highly recommended that the City reconsider the policy of allowing motorized boats access to the reservoir. Gasoline from the boats poses a risk of contamination of the water supply". I am therefore recommending that the use of gasoline powered motors and the presence of gasoline in containers be prohibited, except for emergency purposes. Battery powered trolling motors will be permitted and are already used by many. Also, the reference to life preservers is to be moved from "Power Boats" (item d.) to "General Requirements" (item i.) and made applicable to all boats. Wording has also been revised to conform to current state requirements. This does not change but does clarify our current policy. The proposed revisions are to become effective January 1, 2002 since annual boating permits are issued on a calendar year basis. The Lake Warden has been advising boaters for some time that gasoline may be prohibited in the coming year. 55 West Church Street P.O. Box 1 112 Martinsville, VA 24114-1112 540-656-5000 www.ci.martinsville.va.us