Riverwatch Community Members who use the boat dock area are having issues when trying to use the boat dock. Because of the issues they are having community members are working on how to remedy this. If you are interested in helping to solve this issue - please send an e-mail to Tony and cc  This document is CURRENTLY ONLY a proposal.

This issue came up during the heat of summer and has since become very quiet.  Is the boat dock something that IS an issue?  I ask because I do not use the dock, so my input is only second hand.

Second hand I've heard from two people. 

PROPOSAL

RIVERWATCH RESIDENT BOAT LAUNCH PERMIT

A Permit is required to launch watercraft. Permits must be displayed on all vehicles, trailers and watercraft. Permits will be available at Ameri-Tech: 

THE BOAT RAMP RULES PROPOSAL

PURPOSE
The purpose shall be to:

A.    Protect the general health, safety and welfare of the residents and their guests of   RiverWatch;

2. Protect the Ramp and Ramp areas;
3. Provide for an orderly procedure for the enjoyment of the ramps and ramp areas by RiverWatch resident boaters and RiverWatch residents alike.

PERMIT REQUIRED
No one shall be permitted to use the Ramp without obtaining a Permit to be issued by the RiverWatch Board. 

The following rules apply:

1.      Only property owners are eligible for a Permit. 

2.      Property owners are determined by the names on the deed to the property. 

3.      Vehicles and Trailers not displaying a valid permit will be deemed in violation

4.      The Police Dept. shall be empowered to cause any vehicle parked in violation of these provisions to be ticketed and fined or towed away and impounded.

5.      Owners of multiple watercrafts must have multiple permits. 

6.      Permits are not transferable if property is sold rented or leased. 

7.      Permit fees are non-refundable. 

8.      Permit fees are not prorated. 

9.      Full fee is required regardless of when it is obtained.

Permits will be issued upon receipt and review of the following:

1.      Copy of Boat Registration.

2.      Copy of Trailer Registration.

3.      Copy of Towing Vehicle Registration.

4.      Copy of Owners Drivers License.

5.      If requested by RiverWatch resident for rental boat.

In all cases, and at all times, the registrations must match the Property Owners name and address.  Board must be immediately notified of any changes to vehicle(s).

The RiverWatch property owners must have paid all applicable community fees and be in good standing prior to obtaining a permit or using the boat launch.

SEASONAL LIMITS– HOURS
Hours are from Sunrise to Sunset.

FEES
A fee of 100 dollars is required?? 

 PARKING DECALS– HOURS AND RESTRICTIONS

A.    Upon receiving the Permit from the RiverWatch Board, Official decal’s shall be    issued which shall be placed upon each automotive vehicle, vessel and trailer permitted to park in the Ramp Parking Area.

B.     Permit’s are valid for the registered vessel, trailer and towing vehicle only.

3. No person shall park a vehicle in the designated Boat Ramp Parking Area unless such vehicle has a current decal displayed (where? next to its license tag, on windshield, on back window, etc?)
4. No parking shall be permitted beyond the hours that the Ramp is open.
5. The Police Dept. shall be empowered to cause any vehicle parked in violation of these provisions to be ticketed and fined, or towed away and impounded. 
6. Overflow parking shall be in the playground area.

BOAT RESTRICTIONS

A.    No boat that exceeds _30_ feet in length shall be permitted to use the Ramp.

2. No boat shall be permitted to tie up to dock for an extended period of time.  There shall be a ten-minute limit for docking.
3. Mooring of boats shall not be permitted in Ramp vicinity.

REGULATIONS

Only residents with official tags and with key access to the gate are allowed to use the area.

1) The association assumes no liability or responsibility for any damage, theft, injury, or accident while using this facility.

2) The gate shall be kept locked at ALL TIMES.

3) Use of the area is on a 1st come 1st served basis. Please use courtesy and consideration.

4) Children under 18 must be accompanied by a adult.  

5)   No powering out is permitted, it undermines the ramp.

6)   No wake in river.

7) Vehicle Repair. There shall be no repairing of vehicles, boats, vessels or trailers in    the Parking Lot Area.

8)   Loitering / Fishing. There shall be no loitering or fishing allowed or permitted in the Ramp or Dock Area when the ramp is in use.

9)  Removal of Fire Hazards. Any fire hazard condition near or in a boat or watercraft declared to be a fire hazard in the judgment of the Chief of the Fire Dept. or the Assistant Chief shall be removed by the owner or person in charge of such boat.

10)  Dumping, Littering. Garbage, paper and other refuse shall not be thrown overboard          from any boat while in the water or waterways.  The disposal of garbage, paper and other refuse shall be provided for by the owners, operator or other person in the watercraft.

11)  Waste Oil Deposits. Waste oil shall not be deposited or disposed of into the waters of the boat ramp, or into the waters adjacent thereto.

12) Walkways and Docks. Walkways and other facilities through or by which access   is gained to boats temporarily docked shall be kept clear at all times. No supplies,             equipment or material of any kind shall be piled or placed thereon.

13)  Children must be supervised on and off the docks and must wear appropriate personal floatation on the docks.

14) All non-swimmers must wear appropriate personal floatation on the docks.

15) No running permitted on the docks.

16) All pets must be kept on a leash.

OWNER LIABILITY
All persons using the RiverWatch Boat Launching Ramp shall do so at their own risk. The Association assumes no responsibility for theft, loss or damage to any boats or motor vehicles or any equipment used in connection with them.

VIOLATION– PENALTY
Any person who violates any one or more of these provisions shall be subject to penalties. In the case of a continuing violation or violations, a fine of not more than __one thousand dollars___$1,000___ may be assessed for each day that the violation or violations continue unabated, until such time as the violation of violations are corrected. A separate offense shall be deemed committed each day during or on which a violation occurs or continues. The amount of the fine shall be determined by the Association management with the approval of the board.

Some items for consideration/discussion relative to the use of the boat launch and associated parking lot:

1) Where is overflow parking allowed?  (Their residence, the park, their problem, etc.)

2) Should be renewal annually?  With associated fee for expenses to produce them and administer program?  This allows annual review of compliance etc.

3) Renewal notices sent 60 days prior to expiration?

4) Do we limit the # of permits issued?  If so, form a waiting list?

5) Multiple boat owners must have multiple permits.

6) Permits are not transferable if property is sold, or rented/leased.

7) Permit fees are non-refundable

8) Permit fees are not prorated.  Full fee is applied regardless of when in the season they are obtained.

9) What constitutes "a season"?

If you have any issues, concerns, questions ... whatever ... please e-mail me at