Dock for Saint Charles Rowing Club approved
The formation of the Saint Charles Rowing Club involved a series of "obstacles, roadblocks, begging and borrowing of equipment, and more 'no's' than anyone should ever hear," according to the club's website.
On Tuesday, the club overcame one final "no" and received permission from city aldermen to construct its most permanent base of operations yet.
Alderman Ron Silkaitis was the lone "no" vote on a plan to build a 50-foot floating boat dock beneath the Red Gate Bridge on the northern border of the city. The club will access the site from private property that abuts the bridge. The owner of the property also is allowing the club to store its boats on his property.
Silkaitis continued his opposition to the plan out of concerns about the city opening itself up to legal liability if any mishaps occur with the dock. The rowing club increased its personal liability insurance policy after he first voiced those concerns, but Silkaitis still voted against the plan Tuesday.
City administrator Mark Koenen said his staff sent the plan forward to aldermen for approval after discussing the dock with the village of Wayne. The boat location is just off Wayne's border. Koenen said the discussions revealed no major areas of concern.
Part of the agreement with the rowing club will allow for public access to the dock. However, Koenen clarified that the public access is primarily for the city's fire department and any water-based rescue efforts. Aside from the private property the rowing club has an agreement with, the only other way to access the site is down a rocky, weed-filled sliver of land that runs under the Red Gate Bridge.
Club representatives have described the dock as being suitable only for the launching of boats; there will be no cleats for tethering.
Club members were not at Tuesday's meeting to provide comment. Aldermen had no questions or comments.
The nonprofit rowing club formed in 2012 to promote competitive rowing, particularly among high school students, to provide an outlet for fitness and a path to college. The club sent 15 of its members to college on rowing scholarships the past two years.
For details, visit saintcharlesrowing.com.