Belpre-Blennerhassett continue talks

By Jolene Craig
BELPRE ­- An agreement between the city of Belpre and the state of West Virginia for tours of Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park to dock from Civitan Park is almost complete.

During Monday's meeting, city council passed the second of three readings of a resolution that will bind the agreement.

Matt Baker, assistant superintendent for Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park, said the state had two small changes to be made to the resolution.

The document states the park "agrees that all visitors using the city's boat landing area and parking area. . . shall be covered under general commercial liability insurance coverage maintained by the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources."

Baker said the state will not cover the people, but will cover the city of Belpre. Baker asked for the language to be changed to state this.

It was also asked for the city to remove the section pertaining to indemnification.

"The state of West Virginia usually doesn't sign any type of indemnity clauses," Baker said.

City Law Director Jim McCauley said the indemnity clause means one party will cover anything the other party does not cover pertaining to liability.

"I understand their position," McCauley said.

Due to these changes, the third and final reading of the agreement to allow the Blennerhassett Island tours to dock from Civitan Park will be May 19 during the regular council meeting.

Mayor Mike Lorentz said he is continuing to work with Dave Ruble of Ruble's Sternwheelers on scheduling to allow his charter tours of the river to use the same dock as the island tours.

"It's going to take some time and we're going to have to work together, but we should be able to work things out," Lorentz said.

There will be a calendar with open dates and times for people who wish to use the area, but they must sign up with the city, McCauley said.

Lorentz said during a committee meeting April 1, he was told by West Virginia parks officials that construction of the Parkersburg Riverfront Park would most likely begin in June.

The small tract of land, with a dock, is across the street from the Belpre swimming pool.

In other business, council will hold its next regular meeting May 19, as opposed to May 26, because of the Memorial Day holiday.