Resident urges McCall council to ban wake boats, reconsider marina lease over milfoil

David Gallipoli, a resident who addressed the council during the public-comment period, urged local officials to take immediate action to protect Payette Lake from invasive milfoil and shoreline damage.

Gallipoli said state plans to treat milfoil with herbicide without limiting power-boat activity are insufficient and compared the approach to prescribing medication without lifestyle changes. He asked the council to review its approval of the Mile High Marina expansion and the marina lease and to consider limiting power boats and banning wake boats for the 2026 season to reduce spread of the aquatic plant.

Gallipoli cited examples in other states, noting that Lake Waramaug, Conn., approved wake-boat bans and that some California lakes have removed power boats in response to invasive species. He also criticized county zoning and enforcement, saying county actions have weakened protection for lakeshore areas.

Council members did not take immediate action on Gallipoli’s requests during the meeting. The comment was recorded as part of the general public-comment period; no council motion or directive to staff was made on the subject at this session.

The council may address the issues raised during subsequent agenda items or through staff follow-up; Gallipoli specifically requested reconsideration of the Mile High Marina approval and lease.