Advisory board approves 24/7 boat-and-trailer parking restriction, zero-tolerance ticketing and signage request

The Marine Advisory Board voted to ask the City Commission to restrict Lots C and D to boat-and-trailer parking 24 hours a day, remove bus parking from those lots, and request a zero-tolerance enforcement policy paired with increased signage.

A Committee member introduced the consolidated motion asking the commission to: (1) increase and clarify signage, (2) change the Lot C and D designation to boat-and-trailer-only 24/7, (3) prohibit bus parking in those lots, and (4) adopt a zero-tolerance ticketing policy enforced by police. The proposer said the intent is to preserve limited trailer spaces for boaters and avoid daytime misuse of slips and launch access.

Board members debated enforcement, with one member asking that the police chief explain the practical effect of a zero-tolerance policy versus officer discretion. A board speaker argued a strict rule would prevent selective enforcement problems: "These are trailer slots. You don't have a trailer, you get a ticket," the member said.

After discussion a motion was moved and seconded; the board voted and the motion carried (the transcript records the tally as "4 to 4 and 1 against" and records the motion as carried). Members noted the policy recommendation will be presented to the City Commission for any regulatory or enforcement changes.

The advisory board requested the commission hear from the police chief on operational details before the city adopts the proposal; the motion asks the commission to consider signage and enforcement language that matches operational reality.