New Canoe Launch to Open in Spring

By spring, canoeists, rafters and tubers will have a easier and safer way to enter the Chattahoochee River at Rogers Bridge Park in Duluth.

The Duluth City Council Monday (Jan. 14) awarded a contract to construct a Canoe Launch at the park in an amount not to exceed $250,000 to Reeves Contracting Co. in Sugar Hill.

Duluth Parks and Recreation Director Kathy Marelle presented a drawing of the launch design and showed photos of the existing canoe ramp at the park.

The contact was scheduled to be signed Tuesday and a notice to proceed within 10 days issued. Duluth City Engineer Melissa Muscato said the contract requires the launch to be completed within 90 days. This means the launch should be completed this spring, she said.

Designed by Atlanta-based HDR Engineering, the concrete launch includes a walk-down canoe ramp, a step-down boardwalk, a viewing area, and natural plantings. It replaces a dirt ramp.

The launch construction is being paid for with Park SPLOST funds. The council approved adding $150,000 to already budgeted funds to cover the cost.

The council also approved spending $20,000 for storm water lids and supplies and catch basin repairs. The funds are coming from the city’s storm water fee.

$12,600 was approved to hire a contractor to remove debris from the old city administration building, which was damaged in a sprinkler accident. Insurance settlement funds are being used for this purpose.

Amendments to the city’s zoning ordinance regulating the placement and maintenance of unattended donation boxes were passed. Permits will be required for the boxes. The fee will be $50 with waivers available for non-profit organizations. The boxes will not be allowed on vacant and unoccupied property. There will also be limitations on size. Owners of non-conforming boxes will be notified and given 30 days to comply.

Also adopted were amendments to the zoning ordianance allowing more than one home occupation within a residence if it is office use in nature.

Councilwoman Marsha Bomar was named Mayor Pro Tem for 2013 as recommended by Mayor Nancy Harris. The position is rotated by the mayor among council members.