HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Agenda Item No. 9C ITY OF
LADE
DREAM EXTREME-
REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR
AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: ROBERT A. BRADY
CITY MANAGER
DATE: MAY 12, 2009
SUBJECT: LAKE ELSINORE MUNICIPAL CODE WAIVERS FOR NATIONAL JET
BOAT ASSOCIATION SPECIAL EVENT
Background
The National Jet Boat Association (NJBA) has submitted a Special Event Permit
Application for the return of drag boat racing within the Lake Elsinore Inlet Channel on
May 30 & 31 2009. City Staff is in the process of finalizing conditions of approval for
the event. A pre - requisite for finalizing the permit for the event is obtaining City
Council's approval to waive certain Lake Elsinore Municipal Codes (LEMC) related to
boat speed limits, motorboat noise, serving of alcoholic beverages and daily lake use
pass.
The NJBA's drag boat races held in March were a success. The March event set a
record for spectator and racer turnout for an NJBA event. It was also highlight by the
fastest pass ever by a Top Alcohol Hydro boat, with a record run of 5.49 seconds at
more than 223 mph down the liquid quarter mile race course. This event provided a
learning experience for the Organizers and City Staff, in which to improve the May
event.
Discussion
The NJBA Special Event proposes drag boat racing, food vendors, wine & beer garden,
live music and various exhibitors. The Organizers estimate attendance at 3,000 to
5,000 people per day. The event and boat races are scheduled to start at 7:00 AM and
end at dusk for both Saturday and Sunday.
The NJBA Special Event will feature a wide classification of jet and propeller driven race
boats competing side by side in quarter mile races within the Inlet Channel.
Approximately, one - hundred (100) race boats per day would compete. The range of
speed attained over all boat classifications is estimated between 90 to 250 miles per
hour. As a reference, the maximum speed limit in the High Speed Zone of Lake
Agenda Item No. 9
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National Jet Boat Association Event
May 12, 2009
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Elsinore is 150 mph. Racing vessels capable of traveling at these high speeds are
anticipated to exceed the decibel limit (75 to 90 dB) established under California
Boating Law (sec. 654.05) and may cause a local noise disturbance. The Organizers
are requesting a waiver of LEMC Sections 9.96.120 (Boat Speed Limits) and 9.96.200
(Motorboat Noise) to accommodate the Special Event. California Boating Law allows
an exception from the standard decibel limit for boat races authorized by the local public
entity.
The event would be staged off the City's earthen levee system. Spectators of the event
would be charged an admission and parking fee; therefore, the levee system would be
temporarily closed to the general public. The event, itself, is open to the general public
upon paid admission.
The Organizers propose to serve beer and wine at the event. During the March event,
the beer & wine garden proved to be far too small and uncomfortable for patrons. To
improve this feature of the event, the Organizers intend to meet the State's Alcoholic
Beverage Control (ABC) requirements by fencing the entire event area. Those
purchasing alcohol will be required to provide proper identification to prove legal
drinking age and be required to consume the alcoholic beverage within the confines of
the event area. The Organizers are requesting a waiver of LEMC Sections 8.40.040A
(Alcohol is prohibited in City parks) and 9.28.030 (Furnishing alcoholic beverages in
public).
Racing boats require significant maintenance in preparation for the next race. To
protect water quality and the Lake's ecosystem, City Staff believes many maintenance
activities will need to be performed out of the water, such as refueling of vessels. The
Organizers agree, but request permission to launch from the levee system to reduce the
time for repeated boat launching. This is acceptable to City Staff; however the Lake
Elsinore Municipal Code requires all vessels to have a Lake Use Pass. In -lieu of
purchasing a Daily Lake Use Pass for each vessel, City Staff intends to include a flat
fee for use of the Inlet Channel in the conditions of approval. Therefore, the NJBA
Organizers are requesting a waiver of LEMC Section 8.40.060E (Lake Use Pass).
One meeting has been held to review the NJBA Special Event Application between the
Organizers, City Staff, Sheriffs and Fire Department. City Staff is preparing extensive
conditions of approval for the event. The NJBA has developed racing rules and safety
measures for participants to reduce the likelihood of accidents. City Staff notes that the
participants understand the risks associated with the sport and will be required to
indemnify the City. City Staff will be preparing conditions of approval to primarily ensure
the safety of spectators and an orderly event.
Fiscal Impact
City Staff estimates $3,500 will be received by the City in direct fees paid by NJBA. In
addition, it's estimated the City will receive $3,500 in parking fees. The Organizers shall
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National Jet Boat Association Event
May 12, 2009
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pay the law enforcement and fire inspection fees directly to the Riverside County
Sheriffs Department and Fire Department. It's anticipated that the event will have a
positive economic benefit to the community as a whole.
Recommendation
Staff recommends the City Council waive the Lake Elsinore Municipal Code sections
listed below for the proposed National Jet Boat Association Special Event, subject to
compliance with all other conditions for the event as approved by the City Manager.
Waive LEMC sections:
• 9.96.120
(Boat Speed Limits)
• 9.96.200
(Motorboat Noise)
• 8.40.040A
(Alcohol is prohibited in City parks)
• 9.28.030
(Furnishing alcoholic beverages in public)
• 8.40.060E
(Lake Use Pass)
Prepared by: Pat Kilroy
Director of Lake and Aquatic Resources
Approved by: Robert A. Brad
City Manager
Attachment: Event Site Map
Agenda Item No. 9
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