HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 2003-218 N.C.S. 11/03/2003resolution No.2003-218N.C.S.
of the City of Petaluma, California
TO RESTRICT MOORING OR ANCHORAGE ON CERTAIN SECTIONS OF THE
PETALUMA RIVER WATERWAYS, AS WELL AS VESSEL SIZE/LENGTH
UPSTREAM OF THE BALSHAW BRIDGE.
WHEREAS, because of the narrow, shallow chamiel in the part of the Petaluma River
upstream of the Balshaw Bridge, vessels larger than 18 feet in length risk. running aground and
obstructing the channel, thus creating a hazard; and,
WHEREAS, vessels of any size that anchor or moor in Petaluma's waterways overnight.
in places other than at established docks such as existing private/commercial docks and the docks
in the marina, also pose navigational hazards to vessels using the waterways at night; and,
WHEREAS, the Fire Chief has indicated that accessibility to vessels anchored or
moored as stated above is significantly impaired, and that such vessels are in effect cut off from
any timely emergency response by fire and other emergency personnel; and,
WHEREAS, vessels have recently been anchoring overnight in the aforementioned
areas, creating significant fire and pollution hazards to the vessel occupants and to others in the
immediate vicinity thereof; and,
WHEREAS, in view of the significant public health, safety and welfare threats being
posed by such vessels, there is an immediate need to establish restrictions for mooring or
anchorage of vessels in undesignated areas along the Petaluma River as well as to regulate the
size/length of vessels allowed upstream of the Balshaw Bridge, within the City's corporate limits;
and,
WHEREAS, under Harbors and Navigations Code section 660 (d), the City may adopt
emergency rules and regulations governing vessels on waters within the City's jurisdiction if
they are required to insure the .safety of persons and property because of disaster or other public
calamity; and may adopt such emergency regulations without prior review by the State
Department of Boating and Waterways and then submit them for such review upon adoption;
and,
WHEREAS, Chapter 13.24.170 of the Petaluma Municipal Code provides for the
adoption, by resolution, of additional rules and regulations necessary to operate and manage the
waterways; and,
Resolution No. 2003-218 N.C.S.
WHEREAS, the City's Public Works Director has authority to place and maintain signs,
as deemed necessary to secure public safety and the orderly and efficient use of the turning
basin, waterways and marina, including the designation of anchorage or mooring areas; and,
WHEREAS, posting signs along the Petaluma River, restricting vessel size/length
upstream of the Balshaw Bridge and mooring or anchorage outside of designated areas, will
allow the City to enforce these restrictions.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of
Petaluma approves the immediate prohibition of vessels larger than 18 feet in length on the
Petaluma River upstream of the Balshaw Bridge, and the immediate prohibition of the mooring
or anchorage of vessels, regardless of size, within the City's waterways between sunset of any
day and sunrise of the next day, except at established public/private/commercial docks or when a
bona fide emergency exists, and authorizes the City Manager to direct the Public Works Director
to place signage along the Petaluma River, from its junction with Washington Creek,
downstream to the southern corporate limits of the City, giving notice of these restrictions.
Under the power and authority conferred upon this Council by the Charter of said City.
REFERENCE: I hereby certify the foregoing Resolution was introduced and adopted by the Approved as to
Council of th~dCity of Petaluma at ~~Re~u~lar) (Adjourned) (Speci~l meeting
ve ear ..................... 20.....33., by the
on the .......................... day of ..................................
following vote: ......................................
City Attorney
AYES: Canevaro, Mayor Glass, Harris, Moynihan., Vice Mayor O'Brien, Torliatt
NOES: None
ABSENT: Healy
ATTEST: ................................... ..................................................... ...~ .. ...........................................
City C rk Mayor
Council FileZOT13=~i$""""""""'
Res. No ...................................N.C.S.