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Residents complain of contractor trash and unlit barges; staff to coordinate with marine patrol
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Summary
Residents described contractors leaving trash in canals and barges without navigation lights at night, creating safety risks. Staff said the marine division will be contacted, contractors will be warned and fined if necessary, and staff will collect photographic evidence.
Residents raised safety and cleanliness concerns about contractors working on city seawall projects. At the public podium, Mark Janice said he regularly navigates the canals and described contractors leaving trash, Styrofoam, lunch debris and unsecured barges that sometimes block channels and operate without navigation lights at night.
Janice said he has repeatedly emailed staff and provided photos, and recounted a near-miss when a poorly moored barge nearly blocked a passage. “They leave a mess behind,” Janice said, and he asked what could be done to ensure lights and trash containment.
Mark Storm, Canal Maintenance with Public Works, acknowledged the complaints and said staff have documented unguarded staging lots and trash problems; he said the city will step up inspections and require better containment on dumpsters and signage at staging lots. Storm added the marine contractor is under city contract and the city has authority to enforce contract terms.
Committee members and staff discussed contacting the marine division in the police department for nighttime enforcement. A police-affiliated speaker offered to assist with patrols and documentation. Storm said the city can issue warnings and fines and that staff will take photographs to verify compliance and follow up with the contractor. Staff committed to contacting marine patrol and to reporting back to the committee.
The committee did not take formal disciplinary action during the meeting but directed staff to pursue enforcement and provide a status report.
