(Okoboji)– The Okoboji City Council voted 3-2 Tuesday evening to approve the first reading of a proposed ordinance that establishes new regulations for docks on public accesses that are owned by the city, not including those in the Dixon Beach area.
Some of the more noticeable revisions include an increase in liability insurance; no more than one hoist per household will be allowed; hoists can be no larger than 30 feet by 12 feet with current hoists larger than that be grandfathered in; and rafts, diving boards and other recreational items not being allowed, with existing ones being grandfathered in.
City Administrator Michael Meyers says another major change pertains to when new applications are received…
“As soon as we receive an application we notify the dock contact person for that particular public access point. I think some of the issue that came about earlier this spring was just kind of a breakdown in communication. We just want to make sure that that’s resolved. So as soon as the city were to receive an application for a public access point, whoever that designated contact person is would be advised of that application being placed with the city.”
Another establishes renewal and expiration dates for permits…
“All privileges expire on December 31 and than an application deadline of March 15th, so applications, insurance, fees, all that sort of stuff needs to be in to the city no later than March 15th. We have put together, this isn’t part of the ordinance but just for some extra information, we have put together an online application form so folks can get online and do this. Obviously if we’re going to require things by March 15th we want to make it as easy and efficient for folks, particularly for those who are not here full time.”
City councilman Dan Sanders again expressed his opposition to the grandfathering provisions. He and fellow council member Kae Hoppe voted against the first reading.
A motion to waive the 2nd and 3rd readings and to immediately adopt the new regulations failed for lack of a second, meaning it will need to come back to the city council before any final adoption could occur.
