The city’s ban on fishing in the lagoon on the lower terrace of Ceres River Bluff Regional Park will remain in place.

Members of the Ceres City Council last week decided not to take up the issue after Public Works Director Sam Royal expressed concerns about fishing lures potentially snagging the liner, which prevents the pond from seeping into the ground.

Since October one Ceres resident has appealed for the council to drop the prohibition, which was enacted in April 2023.

The city has already posted “no fishing” signs at the lagoon which collects storm water and is a place where waterfowl inhabit. The pond covers approximately 241,280 square feet and is lined with a PVC geomembrane rubberized liner installed in 2006. While stating that such a liner has an approximate lifespan of about 20 years – and is 19 years old – Royal said it could last longer if not punctured.

“As long as you don’t jeopardize the liner … the thickness of that liner is thick enough to hold onto an additional 20 years but the guarantee of the liner is only 20 years.

Replacing the liner at $2.25 per square foot would cost approximately $542,880 excluding costs of pond drainage and landscaping maintenance. The city paid about $766,000 for the installation of the liner in 2006, he said.

Citizens have the opportunity to fish in the Tuolumne River which is only about 250 feet from the lagoon and can either fish from the boat ramp dock or load a boat in the water and from there.

Royal was asked if the liner has been compromised and explained that there have no bubbles seen coming to the surface which would indicate a tear or seepage.

Moreover, since the retention pond has been designated as a wildlife preservation site by the California Fish and Game Department, modifications may require compliance with additional permitting activities mandated by the State.

“I understand how important this would be to many wish are fishers, especially those that like to take their children down there but at this time I think with that kind of cost we need to use that cost for other things,” said Councilwoman Cerina Otero. “We’re hurting in our Police Department, we’re hurting in other areas. I’d like to see that funding go toward something else.”

Councilwoman Rosalinda Vierra agreed but said perhaps the city could create a platform along the river so that she and others could take their children and grandchildren fishing.