May 23, 2016
Monday PM

It's only human nature to resort to nasty name calling of our politically appointed city officials when our personal lives are encroached on by those enforcing more rules and regulations on us. That said, I shall refrain from engaging in or joining in on the frey. However, I will donate my two cents worth regarding the proposed Poo-patrol.

I have lived on a boat in Ketchikan in my past so I can relate to the emotional response by the liveaboards.

Do an Internet search on what other ports and marinas are doing regarding sanitation rules. Compare with all ports in Southeast and even Southcentral and Pacific Northwest.

I have noticed the ones I researched all had sanitation rules for all vessels to properly dispose of effluent. Some marinas also allowed vessel with portable camp commode and owners could use an appropriate dump station provided by the marina. Rates increased a bit but a lot of headaches were avoided and happy campers on the water remained in compliance with sanitation policy.

Not all boat people be it long-term liveaboards or short-term liveaboards fall under the category of yachts equipped with a marine toilet and holding tank with a pump out for the sanitation tug to come to your yacht and pump out your affluent effluent!

I agree it sounds pretty ridiculous to come aboard your vessel if you are a suspect of not disposing your effluent by enforced regulation. And to keep a journal of your bodily waste products is more anal than one should tolerate!

Now I purchased a small sailboat on a trailer in Port Townsend and I had planned on using it for the summer in beautiful Ketchikan, but if this ordinance is passed then I won't be able to stay on my boat past 15 days. This ordinance can also affect other boaters who come to Ketchikan to enjoy.

I respectfully ask the City Council members to thoughtfully revise your proposed new ordinance and come to an agreeable resolution.

And Ketchikan doesn't need its local homeless shelter to swell to beyond capacity simply because a boat owner did not have the financial wherewithal to install a throne with a holding tank.

So come on folks let's get real. Ketchikan community are really good people and I expect our elected officials to mirror that same spirit.

Nancy Elizabeth York
Email: nfriesyork@gmail.com
Port Townsend, Washington

Received May 22, 2016 - Published May 23, 2016

Related Viewpoints:

Addendum RE: Poo Journal Wanted! By Douglas J. Thompson

RE: Poo Journal Wanted! By Douglas J. Thompson

Poo Journal Wanted! By Marie Zellmer

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