Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Invasive Species Watercraft Ordinance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board adopts first reading of ordinance expanding Lake County boat inspection program to cover golden mussel; board asks staff to return with stiffer fines
Summary
Supervisors approved an ordinance amendment expanding the county's water vessel inspection program to include golden mussel and other invasive freshwater mussels, and scheduled a second reading; board members pressed staff to return with options for higher administrative fines to strengthen deterrence.
Lake County supervisors voted Tuesday to approve the first reading of an ordinance that expands the county’s water vessel inspection program to add the golden mussel and other invasive freshwater mussels to the list of species that trigger inspection and enforcement requirements.
Director Upadhyay of the county Water Resources Department told the board the existing program in article 9, chapter 15 of the Lake County Code was originally aimed at quagga and zebra mussels and must be updated because of the recent discovery of golden mussel in the Bay Area. "Updating the water vessel inspection program is a necessary step to safeguard Lake County's water resources," Upadhyay said.
Why it matters: Aquatic invasive mussels can cause ecological damage and serious costs to water infrastructure and drinking water systems. Supervisors said they want the ordinance in place quickly to reduce the risk that a new invader could enter the county’s lakes on recreational vessels.
Board debate focused on enforcement. Supervisor Sabati expressed support for the expansion but urged that administrative fines — currently set in the ordinance at a starting level of $100 for some violations — be reconsidered. "All it takes is one boat, one time," Sabati said, arguing that the present fine schedule may not deter a violation that could imperil the lake. Several supervisors agreed they wanted "stiffer fines" but did not want to delay adoption of the change that adds golden mussels to the prohibited list.
County Counsel told the board there is no blanket countywide administrative fines ordinance and that penalties are generally set by code section; staff offered two options: make the changes today and return at the second reading with revised fine language, or continue the item and present revised penalties now. The board opted to adopt the amendment as presented and direct staff to research stiffer administrative fines and bring proposals back for the second reading.
Action taken: A supervisor moved to approve the ordinance amending article 9, chapter 15, read the title only and the motion passed by voice vote. Supervisors also directed staff to return with options that could include higher administrative fines. The board scheduled the ordinance’s second reading and adoption for a subsequent meeting.
Ending: County staff said they will pursue the updated ordinance now and bring back a recommended fine schedule for the board to consider before the second reading and final adoption.
