Residents complain about idle barge, blocking boats; committee points to police and code enforcement

During public comment, residents raised concerns about a barge that had been stationary near Tripoli for more than a month and about pile-driving noise and prolonged dock activity.

Mike Petrov described a barge and prolonged work near two or three doors down from his house and said neighbors were concerned about leakage and activity while the barge sat idle. "They had it all ... making a lot of sound, like a pile driver going on all day long," Petrov said, asking whether the committee or staff monitored contractors for compliance.

Brian Clements of Public Works replied that dock work and dock installations are generally permitted through the building department and that Public Works does not routinely track private dock contractors unless a complaint triggers an inspection. "If it's a dock install or something like that, those generally just are permitted to the building department," Clements said, advising residents to call code enforcement or the non-emergency police number for blocking/navigation complaints; he added that Fish and Wildlife can be involved if navigation is being impeded.

The committee also discussed boats left in perimeter canals and the limits of local enforcement: members noted land-development regulations requiring boat lifts for houses constructed after a certain date but acknowledged practical limits when large vessels predate the rule or cannot fit on lifts. Committee members urged residents to report persistent navigation obstructions to the non-emergency police line or call code enforcement when appropriate.

No formal enforcement action was taken by the advisory committee; staff said they would follow up on complaints if notified.