PHOTO BY JENNIFER COLTON
To drink or not to drink in Umatilla’s city parks was one question on the council’s minds during its most recent meeting.
The council faced a decision on Ordinance No. 809, which would establish policies and rules for the city’s parks and trails. The ordinance was drafted by the Parks and Recreations Committee.
The ordinance prompted some discussion among councilors and staff, but in the end, the council tabled the ordinance for further discussion at its Oct. 20 meeting.
“Surprisingly enough, we don’t have any rules on behavior in our parks,” Umatilla City Manager Bob Ward said. “It will help us better manage what goes on in our parks.”
The proposed ordinance outlines park access times and the process for reserving parks while also banning actions like violence, vandalism, and littering.
One part of the ordinance, however, hit a nerve for Umatilla Councilor Mel Ray – the part referencing the prohibition of any alcoholic beverage except during approved community events. Ray pointed to the potential issues of prohibiting alcoholic beverages at the Umatilla Marina and RV Park, which is included in the ordinance.
“If I take my trailer down and park it in the RV park, I want to be able to have a beer,” Ray said, pointing out much of the traffic at the RV park and marina comes from people hunting and fishing – both activities associated with moderate alcohol consumption.
The regulations also ban smoking – including e-cigarettes – and allowing dogs to run at large.
The most severe penalties for violating park rules and regulation could end with a fine of $250 or five days in jail.
During the meeting, the council also renewed the contract for CRIS INC for management of the Umatilla Marina and RV Park and spoke about the increased traffic at the location. The city took over the properties about a year ago when the Port of Umatilla voted to step away from the business.
Ward said despite fears, the property is operating in the black.
“More weekends than not, the “no vacancy” sign is out,” Umatilla Councilor Roak Ten Eyck said. “I love seeing that.”
