Bethel’s thoughts
turn to boating

By CHRIS CONROY

BETHEL, NY — The water may still be frozen, but plans are already underway for how to deal with the summer’s promised traffic on White Lake.

At the January 23 town board meeting, board member Vicky Vassmer Simpson announced a “very rough draft” of a new boating and personal watercraft law. Finalized, the law will regulate the permitting and usage of boats, Jet Skis and other personal watercraft on White Lake/Kauneonga Lake.

Past versions of the law have drawn harsh criticism and legal action from boat livery owners. Settlement for the last round of litigation came before the case went to court and led to changes in a previous law regarding livery permit fees.

The goal this time around is to avoid litigation. During past discussion, the board has said that the purpose of the law is not to hurt the business of the boat rental outlets on the lake or stop people from using the lake. Safety of those using the lake is of utmost importance, board members said.

“I’d like to set up a little committee to review this,” said Simpson. “I would appreciate it if [anyone with comments] would put them in writing so the committee can review them.”

Every summer over the past few years has seen usage of the lake, which has one New York State boat launch open to the public, increase. Much of this usage has taken the form of small, high powered vehicles like Jet Skis. Many reports, including some issued by New York State departments, have cited these personal watercraft as sources of numerous accidents and generally consider them a hazard to others on waterways. Many communities across the country have banned Jet Ski usage entirely.

Since Bethel has no control over the state run boat launch, there is no simple solution to controlling who uses the lakes or how they use it. This past summer, additional constables were added to the Bethel force to provide better enforcement of current regulations.

In other business, the board:

• Announced that it will not be counting on the normal amount of state provided highway department funds. According to the board, this will lead to a very tight highway budget and will limit the amount of road paving that will be done;
• Completed the approval process of fund transfers between accounts to completely close out the 2002 budget;
• Set the pay rate to time-and-a-half for highway department employees who are called into work on holidays; and
• Appointed Lyndon Lilley as deputy supervisor.