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Gladstone signs on to shared river-rescue agreement for High Rocks Park, caps local share at about $11,630
Summary
The council authorized the city administrator to enter a short-term IGA with Oregon City and Clackamas County to keep AMR lifeguard/rescue coverage at High Rocks for holiday weekends and up to 12 hot days this summer; Gladstone's share would be about $11,630 if all 12 heat days are used.
The Gladstone City Council authorized an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with Clackamas County and the City of Oregon City to continue river-rescue coverage at High Rocks Park for the coming season.
Administrator Betts described negotiations after AMR indicated it could no longer fund full-season coverage. The plan splits coverage for the three holiday weekends (Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day) and budgets up to 12 days when the heat index exceeds 90°F — the period when the park typically sees the most visitors. Betts said the fully staffed program would have cost roughly $250,000 for a continuous staffing model; by sharing days the expected Gladstone portion is about $11,630 if all 12 heat days are used. Oregon City will host the IGA and handle activation and invoicing for partners.
Councilors asked about contingencies if the 12 days are exhausted and whether life jackets would be provided when lifeguards are not on duty. Betts said additional days could be renegotiated quickly if needed; life jackets were discussed but staff expressed concerns about theft and said jackets would be available while lifeguards were on duty, with signage posted when lifeguards were not present.
Councilor Garlington moved to authorize the city administrator to approve the agreement; Councilor Mitchell seconded. The motion passed 5-0.
