Council approves contract not to exceed $12,000 for boat‑ramp ambassador pilot

The McCall City Council approved a contract to pilot a boat‑ramp ambassador program intended to augment seasonal staffing, increase boater education on invasive species and recreational etiquette, and improve ramp‑fee compliance.

Parks Director Kurt Wolf described the model as a time‑and‑materials contract with a local 501(c)(3) for an initial pilot season. "The goal is to start small, learn from it, pivot, adjust and revisit it at the end of the season with a good debrief," Wolf said. Staff estimated an initial not‑to‑exceed cost of $8,000–$12,000 and recommended a $12,000 cap for flexibility.

Council members expressed practical concerns about training and the safety of young or seasonal staff interacting with sometimes irate boaters; staff said oversight and the presence of marine deputies would be part of the plan and emphasized a walk‑away policy if an ambassador encounters a confrontational situation. The motion to authorize staff to finalize an agreement for contracted services not to exceed $12,000 passed on a roll call vote recorded as unanimous.

Why it matters: With limited seasonal staff and higher ramp use, the pilot aims to provide an educational presence at the ramp, protect the lake from invasive species, and help collect data to inform a potential formal program. Staff will return after the season with evaluation findings and recommendations on whether to expand or formalize the program.

What's next: Staff will finalize the contract, coordinate training and oversight arrangements, and report back after the pilot season.