5-Feb-17 – When the Chicago Harbor Safety Committee was formed in 2013, its biggest concern was an increasing number of close calls between larger commercial vessels and kayaks. The committee should have a better understanding of the issue now that the owner of Urban Kayaks has been elected as its president.

James Morro was elected on January 26. He takes over for Michael Borgstrom, president of Wendella Sightseeing Company, who had served as president of the committee since January 14, 2014.

“I think we’ve come a long way in a short time as a [waterway] community,” said Morro (left). Being elected president of the safety committee is a “reflection of the hard work my partners and I have done to deliver on our promise of safe and functional services. Providing better education, putting in place better systems, and working with those around you really is the only path to success in this kind of environment.”

Maritime consultant Bill Russell was elected vice-president of Chicago Harbor Safety Committee, replacing Susan Urbas, president of Chicago River Rowing & Paddling Center. Re-elected as secretary was Warren Marwedel, a lawyer and owner of Marwedel, Minichello & Reeb. Dan Russell, regional vice president of Entertainment Cruises, was re-elected treasurer.

The committee’s goal, according to its website, is “the safe, secure, efficient, and balanced management, operation, and development of Chicago area waterways” that include the Chicago River and Lake Michigan.