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Clinton OKs new fee rates for new marina

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By Steven Martens | Thursday, May 08, 2008 |

CLINTON, Iowa — The Clinton City Council approved rates for boat slip rentals at the city’s new marina Thursday, but not before two council members expressed concern about

the rates.

Rental rates for slips north of the flood control closure gate at 9th Avenue North will remain unchanged, ranging from

$645 for a 25-foot slip to $1,225 for a 50-foot slip. South of the gate, and closer to the new marina amenities, the 50-foot slip will cost $2,450 and a covered 50-foot slip will cost $2,950.

City Administrator Gary Boden said the upgrade to the facilities justify the increase.

“From long ago, decisions were made to upgrade this marina, and these prices reflect that,” Boden said.

He said the rates are about

10 percent cheaper than those at comparable marinas in the Quad-Cities and about 20 percent to 25 percent cheaper than at comparable marinas in the Dubuque area.

Council member Mark Vulich, At-Large, said local boaters have contacted him saying the new rates are too expensive. Council member Ron Mallicoat, at-large, said local boaters shouldn’t have to be located north of the gate to have affordable rates.

The council approved the new rates by a 4-2 vote, with Mallicoat and Vulich voting no.

A vote to approve a contract with Skipper Marine Development to operate the marina was delayed over language in the contract that would give the company access to city funds to pay expenses.

City Attorney Paul Walter said he learned Thursday

morning that City Finance Director Deb Neels and the company hired by the city to audit the city’s finances had concerns that language in the proposed contract that would allow Skipper Marine Development direct access to city funds to pay expenses would violate city ordinance on financial oversight.

Walter said he had not had time to review the matter and asked that the approval of the contract be delayed until Tuesday’s regularly scheduled council meeting.

Boden said he did not believe the contract language was a problem, but that the matter could be delayed.

The proposed five-year contract would pay Skipper Marine $45,000 per year, with increases of between 2 percent and 5 percent based on the Consumer Price Index.

Steven Martens can be contacted at (563) 659-2595 or smartens@qctimes.com. Comment on this story at qctimes.com.