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Proposal to ban water jetpacks heads to Newport council

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The fate of water-propelled jetpacks at the Newport Beach harbor may be decided at the City Council’s meeting Tuesday.

The council is expected to vote on an ordinance that would ban such devices in the harbor.

If Councilman Keith Curry, who was absent last month when the council voted 3 to 2 to pursue the ban, votes his stated preference to allow water jetpacks with regulations, the proposed ordinance could fail on a 3-3 vote. Councilman Marshall “Duffy” Duffield recused himself last month because he owns a business in the harbor.

Water jetpacks are backpack-style devices that use seawater to propel riders into the air while they are tethered to an instructor’s watercraft via a long hose. The issue has been the topic of roughly a year of debate between the sole jetpack operator in the harbor, Jetpack America, and nearby homeowners who say the activity is too loud for the otherwise sleepy waters.

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In June, the City Council agreed to a six-month moratorium on permits for businesses operating water-propelled vessels like jetpacks. The council directed the Harbor Commission to study the issue and come up with a recommendation.

For years, Jetpack America has operated in various areas throughout the harbor and was able to continue operating throughout the moratorium.

During a February study session, the majority of the council expressed a desire to allow one jetpack business in the harbor, despite the Harbor Commission’s recommendation that the activity be prohibited.

However, when city staff presented an ordinance to that effect on April 28, some council members had a change of heart.

Mayor Pro Tem Diane Dixon and Councilmen Scott Peotter and Tony Petros voted against the proposal; Mayor Ed Selich and Councilman Kevin Muldoon disagreed.

Curry, who was absent, had said during the February study session that he preferred regulating jetpacks instead of a ban.

He indicated during an interview Friday that he stands by that idea. “I think we can find a way to regulate it,” he said.

If the ban ordinance does not win a majority vote, commercial jetpack operators would be allowed to apply for a permit for the harbor, and private users would be allowed to fly freely, according to a staff report.

“To staff, the status quo is less than ideal, as it would allow an unlimited number of commercial and non-commercial water-propelled vessels in the harbor,” the report states.

If the ban does not pass, city staff would present an alternative plan that would prohibit residents and visitors from using their own jetpacks in the harbor but would allow one business to operate with restrictions.

Jetpack America President Dean O’Malley said a ban would force him out of business in Newport Beach, since it is not economically feasible for him to operate on the open ocean.

Tuesday’s City Council meeting will begin at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 100 Civic Center Drive.

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