(Editor's Note: Our own Times/New columnist Earline Byers has been chosen as a Grand Marshall for the July 23 Des Moines Waterland Parade. Congratulations, Earline.)

So bring in tall hotels, call in the tourists, develop new businesses on the marina floor and crank up high- tech communication. May sound good from a Chamber of Commerce viewpoint -- yet, maybe not from folks who love to walk in the marina.

I asked Harbormaster Joe Dusenbury, "Is it true building hotels within Des Moines Marina are being considered?"

He didn't say yes or no, yet did share the vision city committees are working on for the marina.

The committees will discuss the need to hire a consultant to identify preferred potential uses for selected sites. Second, are sites already suggested feasible? Third, present plan to City Council for approval.

When uses are approved, the next step is to identify accomplished business partners to move forward with the city in planning. Decision makers are in the infancy of considering marina retail feasibility options.

To keep informed, check the city website, attend meetings and be proactive, using all technology available. If you don't have a computer attend meetings and know your local council members. Get involved!

Everyone's busy trying to make ends meet with little spare time. City employees and department managers are no longer easily available to the public for personal assistance. Management is actively working to cover for lost personnel.

As to building hotels within the Marina District itself -- that impact must be weighed extensively by City Council before rezoning or approving future use.

Building a hotel right on the marina floor sounds like a debatable decision. Ideal locations for a Marina District hotel, in my opinion, are 7th Avenue at 227th across the street from Red Robin hamburgers, (How good can it get?) and/or within QFC nearby areas.

So, what is the official city plan for a hotel at the marina? Dusenbury did not say one-way or the other. He did provide details of plans that are being discussed for the marina.

So far, that plan allows the city to possibly build a new structure with a roof for use by the present boat yard repair business. A roof-covered building will decrease disturbing boatyard work noise levels that presently echo loud sounds.

At the north end where a few boats are stored, the city is considering; (1) Construction of a building that a developer could lease, (2) Have a developer build it and lease the land from the city.

The type of businesses that will be allowed to build there is being discussed. The working committee struggled for two months developing a process to go forward and expects to have it in place by September.
Dusenbury said year-round business present a huge winter minus in bad weather. Businesses must be seen and easily accessible by prospective customers to become successful.

A really attention-getting draw is a must - other than watching fantastic sunsets. Decisions on what and how to do that belongs to the City Council and committees. If you have suggestions, email City Council at www.desmoineswa.gov

A friend, Paula Henderson, and I were chatting about what a marina year-around attraction might be and she said, "An indoor carousel!" Now that's a bright idea moms and dads could appreciate.

Gone from the Marina over the past decade are the quartermaster tore, public boat launch and Port Hole Restaurant.

These attractions drew people to the marina and local businesses.

Ivan, the 40-year owner of Des Moines Boats Sales and Services, said he had to close his doors due largely to closing the public launch. Next door, ABC Grocery's owner said he's also struggling financially, due to fewer boaters to buy fishing supplies.

Closing the boat launch lost that average income of $60,000 per year and reduced staff to 9 fulltime employees from 15. The little restaurant with a top-deck view has not been replaced. The City Council must approve that kind of lease.

With elections coming up, it's time to be informed, proactive and know your council members priorities.

So, is the city considering a "marina hotel?" Time will tell. We know "money people" are interested in Des Moines. Your City Council decides. If having "no hotels in the marina" is your preference -- get informed and involved.

Or as the preacher says at weddings, "Speak now or forever hold your peace." Amen!

Today's Thought: "Many things are opened by mistake, yet none so often as the mouth."