Port board proposes 'no-wake' ordinance for loop to protect marinas, jury to advertise ordinance in November

Ms. Kim (port board) proposed creating a no-wake zone that would cover the entire loop in order to reduce wake-related damage to commercial barges and shorelines and to enhance safety for fishing vessels. She presented mapped start and end points, signage guidance and said she has coordinated with Sheriff Savoy and the marine division to increase enforcement capacity.

"I'm getting several complaints of different boats moving through and causing damages to both commercial barges and to our fishermen boats," Kim said, and she told jurors she had drafted starting points and signage language as a starting point for an ordinance. Legal counsel and jurors discussed enforcement, whether the offense should be a misdemeanor, and typical fine ranges; counsel noted misdemeanors commonly carry up to $500 fines and court discretion on sentencing.

Staff recommended running the draft through legal and publishing it for public advertisement; the jury instructed staff to prepare the ordinance for advertisement and to include any additional areas members identify. The jury did not adopt the ordinance Oct. 6; staff said they will finalize the draft and begin advertising, with potential adoption in November after public notice.

What’s next: Staff will finalize ordinance language with counsel, incorporate suggested geographic adjustments, coordinate with the Sheriff’s marine division on enforcement expectations and advertise the draft in advance of a November adoption vote.