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Council Approves $34,536 Purchase of 200 Safety Ladders for Barker's Island Marina
Summary
Council approved a $34,536 purchase and installation of 200 safety ladders for Barker's Island Marina. Vendor representative Eric Thomas cited past incidents and a limited lifetime warranty; council discussed installation, spacing and possible insurance benefits.
The City of Superior Common Council on May 2 approved the purchase and installation of 200 safety ladders for Barker's Island Marina at a contract price of $34,536.
Parks, Recreation and Forestry Director Cadott presented the request (item 7.2). Eric Thomas—who identified himself at the podium as representing the vendor or marina interests—said the marina lacked safety ladders and described two incidents in the prior year in which people who fell into the water were in the water a "significant amount of time" before being noticed; he also referenced a serious accident in Bayfield last spring. Thomas said the vendor found a ladder that "minimizes maintenance" and remains out of the water until deployed, and noted a "limited lifetime warranty." He said the 200 ladders will be placed between finger docks to provide near-full coverage for the facility; the marina has capacity for over 400 boats, so the chosen spacing provides coverage for the most likely distress locations.
Councilors asked practical questions about installation and warranty. Councilor B. asked whether city staff could install the ladders to save roughly $3,000; Director Cadott and the vendor said improper installation could void the limited lifetime warranty, so the contractor-led installation was deemed prudent. Councilor Kern asked whether the city might see an insurance credit for the proactive safety measure; the vendor said the marina's underwriter would likely appreciate the mitigation but did not confirm a specific credit. Councilor Sutherland and others expressed support for a proactive safety approach.
The motion to approve the purchase was made by Councilor Garfield and seconded by Councilor Bender; the council approved the purchase by voice vote.
Next steps: Vendor to proceed with purchase and installation under the approved contract; warranty and installation responsibilities to be handled as discussed. The transcript does not record a separate timeline for installation or expected completion dates.
