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West Richland staff to seek park board review of draft ordinance allowing supervised youth fishing and nonmotorized boats
Summary
City staff said a draft parks ordinance that would permit youth bank fishing (with adult supervision) and conditionally allow nonmotorized boats will go to the park board Jan. 27; council could adopt it Feb. 18 if recommended.
Ruskell, a City staff member, told the West Richland City Council on Jan. 7 that the city has drafted an ordinance to regulate recreational use of the lakes, including youth fishing and conditional use of nonmotorized boats. The draft ordinance will be reviewed by the park board at 6 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 27, Ruskell said.
The draft ordinance would allow nonmotorized boat use — paddleboards and similar craft — under conditions such as required personal flotation devices. It also would allow youth bank fishing with adult supervision, include catch-and-release provisions and require adult supervision for minors, Ruskell said. If the park board issues a favorable recommendation, staff will return the ordinance to the City Council for consideration at its Feb. 18 meeting, with signs ordered and implementation intended in the spring.
Resident Terry Davies raised the lakes fishing item during public comment and asked for status on the previously announced fishing report. Council and staff encouraged Davies to remain after the public comment period to discuss details with staff (Ruskell and other staff were present), and Ruskell said the park board review is the next formal step.
No formal council vote was taken on the ordinance at the Jan. 7 meeting; the item remains under review. The city asked interested residents to follow the park board meeting notice and indicated signage and implementation steps would be coordinated if the ordinance is adopted.
