HomeMy WebLinkAbout08. 21-168KAYAK/CANOE STORAGE RACKS
INITIATED BY: PARKS DEPARTMENT
WHEREAS, the City currently has storage facilities and mooring plugs in
Miller’s Bay for sailboats; and
WHEREAS, the sailboat mooring program has seen a decline in usage in recent
years resulting in dinghy racks that are unused; and
WHEREAS, the City has received requests for kayak/canoe storage at Miller’s
Bay; and
WHEREAS, it has been determined that providing the extra storage spaces for
use by park patrons would be a better use of the space rather than going unused; and
WHEREAS, the Advisory Parks Board has reviewed the proposed fees for
kayak/canoe storage in Miller’s Bay and recommends the approval of a fee of $50 for
city residents and $75 for non-residents.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of
Oshkosh that there is hereby established a fee of $50 for city residents and $75 for non-
city residents for kayak/canoe storage in the Miller’s Bay mooring program.
APRIL 13, 2021 21-168 RESOLUTION
(CARRIED__7-0_____LOST________LAID OVER________WITHDRAWN________)
PURPOSE: APPROVE ANNUAL FEE FOR USE OF MILLER’S BAY
ADVISORY PARK BOARD
MINUTES MARCH 8, 2021
1) DISCUSS RENTAL OF DINGHY RACKS FOR KAYAKS/CANOES AT MILLER’S
BAY AND RECOMMEND ANNUAL FEE
Mr. Maurer advises the Board that discussions have been held in house as the result of public
requests from people looking for a convenient way to store canoes and/or kayaks at Miller’s Bay
in the summer months. He has been contacted by the Community Foundation stating that there
is a group willing to come forward and fund improvements that would be needed to make this
possible. He gave some history for the program which includes sailboat mooring, on-land
storage for sailboats and trailers as well as a catamaran dock along the shore. Over the past 10-
15 years the mooring site usage has gone down considerably. There are storage racks on site for
the dinghies that sailors would use to access their boat. Currently there are 8 racks that hold 6
boats each leaving 48 potential spots. The department agrees that opening up the racks that are
unused for the mooring program could be beneficial for the public as well as improve usage at
the site. He is bringing the recommendation to the board to allow 6 of the 8 racks to be used for
canoe/kayak storage at an annual rate of $50 for residents and $75 for non-residents. Rentals
would be from May-October each year similar to the mooring program. The current cost for
catamaran storage along the shoreline is $100 for residents and $125 for non-residents.
Ms. Palmeri questioned what the requirements would be for insurance and securing the
canoes/kayaks. Mr. Maurer states that it will be similar to the mooring program in that the city
is not liable, so it the owner’s responsibility to insure their property as well as securing the unit
when not in use. Mr. Dirth asked for clarification regarding the boat launch fee and whether
their annual fee would include that as well. Mr. Maurer responded that it would be similar to
the Miller’s Bay Mooring program so yes the launch fee is included.
Motion by Davis to recommend approval of renting dinghy racks for kayaks/canoes at
Miller’s Bay with annual fee of $50 for residents and $75 for non-residents. Seconded by
Hudak. Motion carried 9-0.
City Hall, 215 Church Avenue P.O. Box 1130 Oshkosh, WI 54903-1130 920.236.5000 http://www.ci.oshkosh.wi.us
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the Common Council
FROM: Ray Maurer, Parks Director
DATE: April 6, 2021
RE: Approve Annual Fee for Use of Miller’s Bay Kayak/Canoe Storage
Racks (Advisory Parks Board recommends approval)
BACKGROUND
The Parks Department has received requests in the past for an area for citizens to store
kayaks/canoes during the boating season. The department currently has racks available
for participants of the Miller’s Bay Mooring program to store their dinghies. With
decreased demand for the sailboat mooring program, 12 of the 48 available dinghy racks
currently being used. This leaves 36 racks available to rent for seasonal kayak/canoe
storage.
ANALYSIS
On March 8, 2021, the Advisory Park Board discussed the potential of renting out the
available racks for kayak/canoe storage and unanimously recommended moving forward
with the project and proposed fees. Draft meeting minutes excerpt is attached.
FISCAL IMPACT
The Advisory Park Board recommends an annual fee of $50 for city residents and $75 for
non-residents. With 36 spots available to rent, this could potentially provide additional
revenue for the Miller’s Bay program of approximately $2,000 annually.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff and the Advisory Parks Board recommends the Common Council approve the fees
for 2021.
Respectfully Submitted, Approved:
Ray Maurer Mark A. Rohloff
Parks Director City Manager