DragonSports has received an urgent request from those working on the Transient Boat Issue to get letters to City and County elected officials now, as budget planning is underway, to make sure that adequate funds are allocated to address this issue in the coming year. 

There is a sample letter below. You may use it as is, modify it as noted, or send one of your own. Once finalized, email it to:

mayorcharliehales@portlandoregon.gov,
nick@portlandoregon.gov,
Amanda@portlandoregon.gov,
novick@portlandoregon.gov,
dan@portlandoregon.gov,
mult.chair@multco.us,
district1@multco.us,
district2@multco.us,
district3@multco.us,
district4@multco.us

Thank you!

Re: Transient Boat Issues

Dear City and County Officials,

I am writing in regard to the Transient Boat Task Force that has been assembled to address the derelict boat problem and lawlessness issues of some of the live aboard community in Portland and throughout the state.

[Optional to insert personal experience here. Note what you do on the water - paddler, fisherman, boater and what you have seen in terms of behavior, distressed boats, junk, safety concerns.]

Parks Security and River Patrol, both part of the Task Force, have put in numerous hours to come up with an executable plan for dealing with the crime and the derelict vessels. I support the efforts and hard work of the Parks Security and the River Patrol and would like to see city and county officials do the same.

I am asking you, an elected official, to allocate additional funding and/or personnel in the upcoming budget to aid the efforts of Parks Security and River Patrol and to set new policies and/or support legislation which would prevent the issues from continuing. There is much work to be done to keep this ever expanding problem in check and the work cannot be done without additional personnel, funding and/or equipment and new policies.

It is important to me, as a citizen, that priority be given to keeping our rivers, docks and waterfront safe and free from lawlessness. Live aboard boaters should be made to follow the same rules as the rest of the boating public.

Please respond and let me know what you will do to support Parks Security and River Patrol. Thank you.

Sincerely,
[Sign your name here, include any affiliations you think are important - paddling club, boating group, etc.]

One of our DragonSports members in an Assistant Scoutmaster with Boy Scout Troop 618 located in Beaverton, OR and is currently working with Eagle Scout potential Nick Boggs on his Eagle Project to replace the current DragonSports lockers. He's got great designs to eliminate theft, protect from weather damage, and improve usability for DragonSports members.

Nick has done an outstanding job of fundraising for his project, including asking many of you at the September race already, but he still needs help to reach his goal. At your remaining practices and holiday parties this month, please pass the hat and send what you can collect towards his goal. Individual contributions are also welcome.

Checks may be made payable to "Troop 618" and mailed to
Boy Scout Troop 618
6558 SW 88th Ave.
Portland OR 97223

Donations are needed in the next week, but latecomers through the end of the year will be welcome!

Announcements have been sent out to team contacts and captains already, but we wanted to make sure everyone knew that the scheduling meeting we typically hold in early December has been pushed out to January. We are working with the larger teams and the City on a plan to make sure there are enough boats for everyone during peak practices times.

The few teams that practice through the winter may maintain their current schedules for now.

Revenue totals from 2014, including volunteer points, are still being calculated and will be sent to interested parties soon. Our scheduling rules are currently under review, but for reference, are posted below:

1. Teams must be current in their accounts with DSUSA or have made arrangements for payment of outstanding balances with the treasurer.
2. Teams are ranked in order of highest to lowest revenue based on boat rentals, registration in the Portland Race, and volunteer service points.
3. Volunteer service is valued at $5 for each point. Each point roughly corresponds to one hour of volunteer service.
4. The team with the highest revenue is allowed to choose practice days and times followed by all other teams in descending order.
5. Teams may pick up to two boats for one hour each per practice time during peak practice times; teams may also pick up to two boats for up to two hours on the weekends and during non-peak practice times.
6. High School Teams that receive grants from DSUSA will receive credit for practices scheduled using grant funds (max. $1500) in addition to actual revenue received/points accrued in determining their revenue rankings.