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York supervisors consolidate decades of no-wake rules into single ordinance amid strong public backlash over Chisholm Creek marker
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Summary
The board adopted an ordinance to consolidate existing no‑wake zones into a single section of the county code and authorized formation of an advisory committee; the measure prompted dozens of public speakers who called for clarity, latitude/longitude markers, and removal of a disputed marker near 'Wildey/Wildy Marina.'
The York County Board of Supervisors voted March 3 to consolidate existing no‑wake resolutions into one ordinance section (O26‑3 R). Staff said the action collects legally established no‑wake zones from across decades into a single code section to reduce ambiguity and improve enforcement; staff emphasized the consolidation does not, by itself, create or expand no‑wake areas.
Deputy County Administrator Brian Fuller told the board staff had combed county records and state resolutions to identify legal no‑wake zones and proposed combining them so county code, mapping, and GIS tools can provide a single reference for boaters and enforcement. Fuller said the consolidation was meant to improve administrative clarity; any future additions or removals of no‑wake zones would require separate board action.
The public hearing drew extensive comment, focused most sharply on Chisholm/Chisholmick Creek and a day‑marker near what many speakers called "Wildey/Wildy Marina." Several marina operators, business owners and residents said the marker had been placed in an incorrect location and resulted in confusing enforcement and warnings by VMRC and game wardens. Captain Bob James (speaker 7) and multiple marina owners said the creek is wide and commonly used for family boating; legacy marina representatives submitted a petition and told the board they want the creek opened to navigation and the contested marker removed.
Thomas Raffetto (speaker 31) urged the board to table the ordinance because public materials and online postings contained inconsistent maps and descriptions; he requested precise latitude/longitude delineation for any contested lines. Multiple speakers asked for an ad hoc citizen advisory committee to review all wake markers and establish clear placement and criteria.
Board members acknowledged the confusion. Chair (speaker 2) asked county administration to create an ad hoc advisory committee of supervisors, marine representatives, boaters and waterfront property owners to review the consolidated map and recommend changes. Several board members said enforcement warnings issued earlier were educational rather than punitive and that VMRC had agreed to limit citations while the county resolves ambiguities.
After debate about drafting and which language versions applied to Chisholm Creek, the board adopted the consolidated ordinance and a companion resolution (R26‑18) and recorded unanimous votes in favor. Supervisors said the consolidated code gives staff and a future advisory committee a single, authoritative starting point to correct mapping errors and move markers when legally appropriate.
Action taken: ordinance O26‑3 R (consolidation) and resolution R26‑18 were adopted; the chair requested staff form an advisory committee and publicize the application process to recruit resident and stakeholder members.
