(Okoboji)– Discussion of a dock permit at Tuesday evening’s Okoboji City Council meeting attracted a crowd that overflowed the council chambers and spilled into the office area and foyer of city hall.
The discussion was centered around a permit application for a vacant slip on a dock at what’s known as “public access 2”. Neighboring residents who already have hoists at that location expressed concern over the size of the hoist and boat listed in the application, saying it would interfere with their operations. The applicant says the concerns are being blown out of proportion.
The city initially considers the applications, which are then forwarded to the DNR. Okoboji City Council member Dan Sanders says some updates and changes need to be made to a city ordinance pertaining to dock permits…
“I’m not keen about the fact that we limit the access to these accesses to a 300 foot radius. Because what we have done, is we have created two kinds of citizens: people who live within 300 feet of an access, and those who don’t. So those who don’t will never have an opportunity to use any of these accesses. Personally I don’t like that.”
Sanders is also calling for an increase in fees the city charges for dock permits…
“This is an enormous asset for the city of Okoboji, and as the state legislature continues to limit our abilities to raise tax revenue and other things, that this would be another revenue stream for the city. So I guess I’m just saying that, I don’t know who did it, but this is going to cause a ripple effect through the community and perhaps even through your use of something that you’ve enjoyed for a number of years.”
The council voted to table any action on the permit and directed city staff to get measurements and additional information.
Council member Jim Hentges, who works for a hoist installation company, urged those involved in the matter to come up with a design that would be agreeable and bring it back to the council.
