The Bartlesville City Council voted 5-0 on Tuesday to approve a lease with local resident David Valdez for the operation of a paddle boat rental business at the City-owned Lee Lake. The agreement also permits the installation of privately-funded improvements at the lake to facilitate the business.
Assistant Community Development Director Greg Collins presented the item at the regular council meeting on Tuesday, telling the council that Valdez plans to make, at his own cost, non-permanent improvements at the lake, located on Adams Boulevard near Silver Lake Road, to facilitate the rental business.
“The improvements include the installation of a two-story floating dock that can anchor at least 10 paddle boats, or similar non-motorized vessels, for rental as well as a pontoon boat from which business can be conducted,” Collins said.
Collins said the lease agreement with Valdez provides for a five-year lease of successive one year terms which will be reviewed annually and extended as authorized by the City Park Board.
“The Park Board reviewed this proposal at its regular meeting on June 17, 2021, and determined that the proposal meets a public need or purpose and therefore is an appropriate use of public park property,” he said.
Collins said the Park Board voted unanimously to recommend approval of the proposal. Valdez’ goal is to open for business “around the beginning of September of shortly thereafter,” Collins said today.