Michael LaValle, captain of the Jon Anderson White charter boat, has asked the city of West Des Moines for more than $30,000 in aid to move the craft from the Des Moines River to the suburb’s 232-acre Heron Lake at Raccoon River Park.

Documents obtained by the Business Record show that LaValle has asked the city to consider paying the $30,000 it would cost to move the boat to West Des Moines. He also requested help with utilities in the dock area, and a year free of concessionaire fees. He also wants a path to the dock and help promoting the cruises.

We told you last week about LaValle’s plans to move the boat due to frequent flooding on the Des Moines River. Now, some of the fine points have been revealed.  Read last week’s article on BusinessRecord.com.

A report by West Des Moines city staff noted that any vendor offering excursions on the lake likely would make similar requests. The city would issue a request for proposals so others could offer a boat operation, should the city decide to allow one at the park. LaValle would pay a negotiated fee to the city after the first year, and give the city one free excursion.

The 79-foot-long, 83-passenger boat, built in 1967, would be docked between the boat ramps and the fishing piers on the west side of the park.

Last week, LaValle met with park officials from West Des Moines, who agreed to review the proposal and offer a recommendation to the park board in May. LaValle also noted he has looked into moving the boat to Saylorville Lake, the Iowa Great Lakes, Clear Lake or another location.