Dixon mayor: Many docks will be needed

Mayor Jim Burke spoke Saturday during a meeting of the Riverfront Commission's subcommittee of boating enthusiasts, which is looking at two proposals for docks east of the Peoria Avenue bridge on the south side of the Rock River.

One proposal called for docks farther out in the river, with 14 boats able to dock at one time. The other proposal, with angled docks that wouldn't extend as far, would allow for 10.

Burke said no such docks are available now between Dixon and Sterling-Rock Falls.

"We will be astounded at how many people will use the docks," Burke said. "We'll find them totally inadequate. Fourteen is not close to adequate."

Riverfront Commission member Priscilla Brickley said she didn't oppose the docks but she was concerned about who would do the maintenance. As it is, she said, the commission struggles to pay for maintenance at the upper level of the Riverfront at Heritage Crossing.

"It's got to be addressed," Burke said.

Vern Gottel, a subcommittee member, said volunteers wouldn't be sufficient, especially in a flooding disaster when the docks would have to be immediately removed. The Riverfront Commission, he said, would have to work something out with the city or park district.

Under each proposal, the cost would be about $100,000, although the commission needs to firm up the prices, said Scott Brown, an engineer who is volunteering his time for the project.

Burke is optimistic the commission would get help with the costs.

"We have a great opportunity with a grant application with DNR [Illinois Department of Natural Resources]. The time couldn't be better because of the lack of docking facilities between here and Rock Falls," the mayor said.

The commission also is raising funds to help pay for the project. On July 28, it is holding the Midsummer Jubilee, a semiformal dinner and dance under a tent at the Riverfront. Some of the proceeds will benefit the docks.

On Saturday, subcommittee members generally agreed on some of the features of the structure involving the angled docks, But they wanted to make the docks perpendicular to the river. In so doing, they hoped to have space for more boats.