The Des Moines Marina repairs as proposed are incredibly discriminatory against trailer boat owners, sail boat owners, boat businesses, senior citizens and any resident who boats in anything smaller than 40 feet. The Marina is public property owned by all the taxpaying residents living in Des Moines. In 2001 the proposed Marina changes were killed by public protest. This year after the filing for office period expired the Council dropped this on the residents of Des Moines.

As this $32.75 million project is a very radical change in the use of this public park, the Council should first put the project up for a public vote. The City could easily be found in violation of the American's With Disabilities Act. Using the sling launch as one example, this sling predates the act. If it is removed baby boomers, senior citizens, women and handicapped will be unable to launch and retrieve their trailer boats. There is a back down launch at Redondo; however, parking is limited and you need to be in good physical condition as the launch is a real challenge. Hip boots are a good idea as the slope is treacherous and almost always needs maintenance. A sign is posted warning Recommended For Use Only In Calm Weather. If a wind comes up a boater can be in real trouble.

In 2001 the Council opted to keep the sling; however, the Marina retaliated by raising the rates from $5 to $25 in addition to requiring alterations on trailers which used bolsters rather then rollers. These changes eliminated a substantial number of boats and the death of some boat businesses. The Marina's argument now is that the slings are not used enough.

These drastic Marina changes must first be put up for Public Vote.

Dan Caldwell

Des Moines