Public docks at county lake to be scrutinized
Is there such a thing as too many docks at Marion County Lake?
That was the question Marion County Commission asked Monday regarding a request for a new dock at the lake.
The commission had no problem approving the request for the dock at Mullikin Flats on the northeast part of the lake near the low water bridge. It was the location of a dock at one time because steps and railing remaining at the site. The 12-foot-by-16-foot dock would increase public fishing accessibility.
Commission chairman Randy Dallke asked the commission to discuss dock locations.
"We need to preserve the attractiveness of the lake," Dallke said, "and we need to determine the number of docks to be allowed."
He continued that there are lake residents with the "means to build 100 more docks and I don't want to see 100 more docks."
Dallke said he has heard comments from the general public that one dock at the lake looked like a private dock. The lake requires all docks that are built on the lake be available for all to use when the owners are not using them. The dock Dallke referred to was enclosed with minimal access.
The commission agreed that all docks should have the same public access which could include ladders from the shoreline to the docks.
County lake superintendent Steve Hudson said his predecessor, Dale Snelling, had a map with designated dock areas around the lake. Since that map was made, some of the docks have been removed because they have become dilapidated or the owners removed them. Hudson asked if docks should be allowed in those areas that previously had docks but do not allowing any new locations?
The commission conferred that would be OK.
Commissioner Dan Holub said he was concerned about the safety of the public in accessing some of the docks.
"Some have walkways that go into the water which becomes slick," Holub said.
Hudson said he would do a survey of the existing docks and report the information to the commission.
In other department business:
— Supreme Floor Company of Hillsboro had the low bid for floor covering at the superintendent's house of $2,245 which included prep work. The covering will be used in the kitchen, living room, and a hallway.
Other bids were presented from Baker Furniture & Carpet of Peabody for $2,251 without prep work, and County Seat of Marion which had several different bids for various prep work that ranged from $2,700-$2,800.
