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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-12-11 Harbor Commission SummaryKENAI HARBOR COMMISSION MEETING DECEMBER 11, 2017 — 6:00 P.M. CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS CHAIR CHRISTINE HUTCHINSON, PRESIDING MEETING SUMMARY CALL TO ORDER & ROLL CALL Commission Chair Hutchinson called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Roll was confirmed as follows: Commissioners present: Commissioners Absent: Staff/Council Liaison present: A quorum was present. 2. AGENDA APPROVAL MOTION: C. Hutchison, G. Greenberg, N. DuPerron, J. Desimone, B. Peters, M. Dunn, C. Crandall None Public Works Assistant K. Feltman, Council Member J. Glendening Commissioner DuPerron MOVED to approve the meeting agenda; and Commissioner Peters SECONDED the motion. There were no objections; SO ORDERED. 3. APPROVAL OF MEETING SUMMARY a. November 6, 2017 MOTION: Commissioner DuPerron MOVED to approve the meeting summary of November 6, 2017; and Commissioner Crandall SECONDED the motion. There were no objections; SO ORDERED. 4. PERSONS SCHEDULED TO BE HEARD Jesse Bjorkman of Nikiski, owner of commercial fishing vessel, Fancy Nancy, expressed concern about the mooring situation in the Kenai River and the affect it has on the fishery. He reported that much of the river filled in with mud/silt this last year, creating dry areas in the river channel during low -tide and does not allow boats to float during that time. Bjorkman noted that it caused an unsafe situation for those fishing boats unsuspecting of running aground in areas of the river at low -tide, as it was historically a location to float. Bjorkman requested that the issue be addressed to make sure there is safe moorage for those boats in the river. Bjorkman also requested better policing for dedicated moorings permitted through the Army Corps of Engineers. Bjorkman stated that dedicated moorings are being taken up by commercial fishing operations or individuals that just do not realize that those sites are permitted through the Corps of Engineers. Bjorkman further noted that this past season there was very little organization or policing of that process. Mr. Bjorkman expressed concern on the safety of the Dipnet fishery and the ability for people to participate in Dipnet boat fishery in a safe manner along with commercial fishery, and its regular operation. He emphasized that more enforcement could be used on the river to patrol the No - Wake zone in front of the City dock. He noted it was a constant safety concern and hazard for boats launching at the Dock while commercial boats are maneuvering that same water. He added that it seemed many individuals in both fisheries do not understand their rights of way and applying that process safely. He suggested a permanent enforcement at the City Dock location during summer months. The responsibility for the moorings and where those anchorages are located was asked about. Chairperson C. Hutchison noted that at the next meeting in January, the Commission will hold a work session town -hall meeting and a public meeting notice will be in the newspaper. Hutchison requested that Bjorkman attend and noted that she contacted some stakeholders to attend. It was suggested to invite the Corp of Engineers to the meeting. 5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Discussion — Defining Roles & Responsibilities Commissioner DuPerron recommended to table this discussion until the next meeting. MOTION: Commissioner DuPerron MOVED to postpone the discussion of defining roles and responsibilities until the next scheduled meeting; Commissioner Crandall SECONDED the motion. There were no objections; SO ORDERED. 6. NEW BUSINESS Discussion — FY2018 Dipnet Report The Commission reviewed and discussed the FY2018 Dipnet Report, as provided in the packet. Council Member Glendening noted that the Chamber of Commerce would be helping manage the Dipnet app for personal use fishery and should be more dynamic. It was agreed that it would be beneficial to contact Johnna Beech and request her attendance at the next meeting to provide information about the website and answer questions. It was suggested that the Parks and Recreation Director, Bob Frates or representative from the Parks and Recreations Commission to attend the next meeting to discuss the pedestrian trails, specifically the interest expressed for public access to the mouth of the Kenai River. It could possibly be of interest surrounding the topic of defining roles and responsibilities of the Harbor Commission. 7. REPORTS a. Public Works Director— None. Harbor Commission Meeting December 11, 2017 Page 2 b. Commission Chair — Hutchison reported that the City Clerk would develop Public Notices for the upcoming Town -Hall meeting. She noted that she would share that further and contact additional individuals requesting attendance. C. City Council Liaison —Council Member Glendening reported on the action taken at the December 6 City Council meeting. 8. NEXT MEETING ATTENDANCE NOTIFICATION — January 8, 2018 B. Peters noted he would be absent at the next meeting. 9. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS/QUESTIONS Chairperson Hutchison thanked everyone for attending and reminded them to spread the word about the town hall meeting on January 8. Commission members expressed appreciation to Bjorkman for his comments and information. Council Member Glendening reported that Council Member Molloy will be the new Harbor Commission Liaison for next year. He also expressed his gratitude and encouragement to the Harbor Commission. 10. PERSONS NOT SCHEDULED TO BE HEARD — None. 11. INFORMATION — None. 12. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned at 7:10 p.m. Meeting summary prepared and submitted by: P\ yn Ked nedyOF Y, City Clerk ED Harbor Commission Meeting December 11, 2017 Page 3