Parks budget tweaks and pier safety measures discussed as visitors increase

Park staff reported steady lifeguard coverage this season and requested a modest equipment budget increase to buy a side-by-side utility vehicle and beach clean-up gear. The presenter said an upgraded pay increase for lifeguards "made a big difference" in staffing retention this summer.

Members raised safety concerns about boats driving into swimming areas and discussed options such as adding tie-off posts between the pier and beach, replacing stolen/damaged buoys and repainting or reinforcing delineation markers. Staff said they would investigate signage and buoy maintenance, and that enforcement produced more compliance after officers issued citations at the beach.