(Okoboji)– Yet another dispute is brewing between the city of Okoboji and a marina owner.
It stems from a city drainage tube that drains into Smith’s Bay of West Okoboji near the former Okoboji Boats, owned by Butch Parks.
Armed with photographs, Parks told the city council Tuesday an erosion problem around the outlet is washing silt and debris into the lake. Parks says he took it upon himself to start cleaning it up. The digging operations have been suspended as the Department of Natural Resources has been contacted by the city to look into the matter. Parks alleged the city contacted the D-N-R as part of what he says is an ongoing personal vendetta against him. City officials say they contacted the D-N-R after hearing concerns from residents. Parks maintained he has the proper permits to do the work. He’s also requesting the city help pay for it.
The council deferred any action on the matter. They agreed to take it up again at a future meeting.
In other business, the Okoboji City Council voted unanimously to enter into a five-year contract for trash and curbside recycling with Waste Management, Incorporated. Under the new arrangement, residential rates will increase about two dollars a month while commercial rates will remain at about five dollars a cubic yard.
