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HomeMy WebLinkAboutRESOLUTION 2001-62CITY OF KENAI RF~OLUTION NO. 2001-62 Suggested by: COuncil A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KENAI, ALASKA, SUPPORTING THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES PURCHASE OF PROPERTY IDENTIFIED AS TRACT 1, HORSESHOE END AT RIVER BEND SUBDIVISION, KENAI, ALASKA FOR DEVELOPMENT OF A BOAT LAUNCH ACCESS FACILITY FOR THE LOWER KENAI RIVER. WHEREAS, the Kenai City Council has for many years desired to develop a boat launch in the lower Kenai River; and, WHEREAS, due to increased interest, the Alaska Legislature appropriated $350,000 to the Department of Natural Resources in the 2001-2002 Capital Budget for the purchase of property to be used for the development of a boat launch access facility for the lower Kenai River; and, WHEREAS, because the identified property adjoins Cunningham Park, the issue of constructing a boat launch facility was discussed with the City of Kenai Parks & Recreation and Harbor Commissions where both concerns and support were expressed in regard to developing a facility that will not impact the current users of Cunningham Park; and, WHEREAS, representations by the Department of Natural Resources, Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation assure involvement of the City of Kenai and public input in the design of the boat launch facility. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KENAI, ALASKA, that it supports the State Department of Natural Resources purchase of property identified as Tract 1, Horseshoe End at River Bend Subdivision, Kenai, Alaska for the development of a boat launch access facility for the lower Kenai River. PASSED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KENAI, ALASKA, this fifth day of September, 2001. ATTEST: John J. Williams, Mayor Carol L. Freas, City Clerk clf i i,1 i , , ,Ill , I, II Il , I I I , Il I ' ' I I , ,1 I I I I I HI I Il I · 45 ~,C. G NO. ~ - ...... ~----F-T'T' R ~...L.J..L. ~.,~"~' "-~. ~N~' gu~ '~'~ .' ~. ~ ~c. 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USE ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED I:O~-ANY OTNE~ USE O12 ~EP~ESENTATION NOTE - Assessor's Block Numbers Shown In Ellipses Assessor's Parcel Numbers ,Shown In Circles DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES DIVISION OF PARKS & OUTDOOR RECREATION TONY KNOWLES, Gi- Kenai Area P.O. Box 1247 Soidotna, AK 99669 Phone: 907-262-5581 Fax: 907-262-3717 July 16, 2001 Kenai City Council 227 Caviar St. Kenai, AK 99611 Re: August 1 Council Meeting- Briefing Dear Council Members: During this past legislative session, the capital budget included an appropriation to the Department of Nalural Resources for $350.0 to purchase a parcel of land located several lots upstream from Cunningham Park (Tract 1, Horseshoe End at River Bend Subdivision). The legislature directed DNR to purchase these lands and construct a boat launch access facility for the lower Kenai River. In discussing this issue with the Kenai River Special Management Area Advisory Board, other resource agency staff members and interested members of the public, there were a number of concerns identified with the identified parcel. Concerns about wetland impacts and the fact that another public access facility was located so close were the predominant issues. More recently, discussions have centered uPon the block of four parcels within the Wild Rose Subdivision (Lots 3-6) that are on the market currently. These parcels are located immediately downstream from Cunningham Park. Since we are in the very beginning stages of the discussion, I thought it would be appropriate to discuss some ideas with the City of Kenai leadership before this process moves any further. During your City Council meeting on August 1, I would like to discuss with you the idea of a boat launch facility on the lands downstream from Cunningham Park. In discussing some of the pros and cons of any new acceSs facility on the Kenai River, them are a number of issues that I think should be carefully considered. Here are a few of the issues that I'd like to discuss with you at your meeting' Is there a need for a new access facility on the lower Kenai River? How would a new access facility benefit or impact existing recreational users or nearby private property owners? ITEM B: SCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENTS (10 minutes) B-1. Chris Degernes, Parks/h Outdoor Recreation -- Boat Launch Ramp Williams and Degernes 'reviewed the history of adding a boat'launch facility at or near Cunningham Park. Williams noted the boat launch proposal transpired through some conversations he and CoUncilman Bookey had with several legislators in Juneau and who were very interested in adding a boat. launch in the lower river. Information was compiled and sent to Representative Mulder and consequentlY $350,000 was funded for purchase land for development of a boat launch on the lower river (Tract 1, Horseshoe-End at River Bend Subdivision, several lots upstream from Cunningham Park). Degernes noted earlier attempts by the city to develop a boat launch on the Chester Cone property, upstream from Cunningham park. Due to opposition by permitting agencies and their concern for damage to the wetlands, that development did not take place, however the Pillars site was identified and developed. Because the upgrade done to Cunningham Park removed the boat launch that developed over the years, there were complaints and discussion followed on how the launch could be replaced. She noted there was some initial opposition to the development of the Horseshoe lots due to the wetlands across the front of the property and a difference of vegetation, and because the property proposed for development of a launch by the city several years ago was denied due to the same concerns about damage to wetlands. They then started looking for another site for a launch and identified the Wild Rose Subdivision lots. In discussing a different site'with Representative Mulder, he noted that if a better place coUld be identified and would meet the needs', he would work to make the appropriate changes to allow the transfer of intent. Degernes noted that if there was significant opposition from the city in regard to the purchase and development of the Wild Rose properties, it would be good to know early. She noted benefits to these properties as 1) there are no wetlands; 2) the properties are immediately contiguous with Cunningham Park (they will want to consolidate public access); and 3) it would allow expansion opportunity for Cunningham Park. Challenges with the site were identified as 1) a really thick peat underlying the ground surface; 2) a steep bank that would require a bigger cut through the riverbank and stabilization for development of a boat launch; 3) trespass/increased traffic concerns voiced by neighbors; and 4) changes affecting historical users of Cunningham Park. Degernes asked if there were any specific concerns from council and whether they would authorize the city maintaining the launch if the state is successful in purchasing the property and then designing and constructing the launch. Council and administration questions and comments included: · Would the two facilities share a parking lot? Early thoughts are to share a common entrance and have separate parking and restrooms, boat ramp access with or without a stair access (depending on how bank fishing and boat traffic can be accommodated). · Previous designs of a boat launch area developed by the city may be considered for incorporation into the state's design. MOTION: Commissioner Baxter MOVED to recommend the applicant be allowed to place the memorial rock in proposed site "B' of Leif Hansen Memorial Park. Commissioner Hultberg SECONDED the motion. VOTE: klaxter .... Castimore Wisniewski Yes Absent Yes Gifford Steiner No Yes Sandahl Hultberg No Yes MOTION PASSED. 4-b. Chris Degernes -- Department of Natural Resources Boat Launch Near Cunningham Park 'Chris Degernes announced the State of Alaska budgeted $350,000 for a boat launch in ~the lower Kenai River. Two potential sites are being considered: A ten-acre parcel above and a five-acre parcel below Cunningham Park. Degemes reported Representative Eldon Mulder was supporting the project and had originally focused on the property above Cunningham Park. The smaller parcel of land is being considered because wetlands and other challenges involve the larger parcel above Cunningham Park. Degemes stated her reason for bringing the issue to the City of Kenai is that the State would like to combine the boat launch effort w/t~ Cunningham Park and ask the City of Kenai to..maintain it. Discussion followed and the first question asked was whether or not another boat launch was needed on the Kenai River. Degernes listed some impacts another boat launch would bring, including more congestion and traffic on the river. Commissioner Sandahl stated his opposition to any type of boat launch near or tied into Cunningham Park as the original intent of the Park was for children and bank fishers. Sandahl expressed concern for the safety of both user groups. City Manager Snow reported Mrs. Cunningham placed a stipulation on the deed when the land was provided for the park that there be no boat launches. Discussion took place on making the new boat launch a drift boat only launch. Degemes stated Mulder was adamant the boat launch be for powerboats. If limited to drift boats, the funding source could be removed. Degemes also noted the urgency to know the City's position due to the active land purchase efforts. The purchase could take up to six months and once the land is purchased, a design would be developed, permits obtained, and. construction could begin in early 2003. Other locations were discussed such as the cow pastures and Degernes indicated there were many expensive issues for that location. PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING AUGUST 2. 2001 PAGE 9. KENAI HARBOR COMMISSION MEETING AUGUST 6, 2001 KENAI COUNCIL CHAMBERS 7:00 P.M. CHAIRMAN TOM THOMPSON, PRESIDING MINUTES ITEM 1' CALL TO ORDER & ROLL CALL Chairman Thompson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Roll was confirmed as follows: Members Present: Eldridge, Rogers, Spracher, Thompson Members Absent· Foster Others Present: City Manager Snow, Councilman Bookey, City Engineer La Shot, Contract Secretary Roper ITEM 2' AGENDA APPROVAL MOTION: Commissioner Eldridge MOVED to approve the agenda and Commissioner Rogers SECONDED the motion. There were no objections. SO ORDERED. ITEM 3' APPROVAL OF MINUTES -- July 9,2001 . MOTION: Commissioner Rogers MOVED to approve the minutes of July 9, 2001 and Commissioner Spracher SECONDED the motion. There were no objections. ORDERED. SO ITEM 4: PERSONS SCHEDULED TO BE HEARD 4-a. Chris Degernes~ Parks/i~ Outdoor Recreation -- Boat Launch Near Cunningham Park Chris Degernes, State Parks reported the State appropriated $350,000 to purchase land that would support a boat launch in the lower Kenai River near Cunningham Park. Degernes stated there two parcels were being considered; one above Cunningham Parks and ten acres in size, the second, a parcel of five acres and below Cunningham Park. Discussion took place regarding both parcels and Degernes listed pros and cons for each. She added, the upper parcel has considerable wetlands that would make obtaining the necessary permits very difficult if not impossible and that she was told that particular parcel had a nice gravel base. KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING AUGUST 15,2001 PAGE 8 Bryson noted the City of Soldotna recently opposed the ordinance in general and the borough administration recommended opposing the ordinance. Williams referred to a memorandum included with the proposed ordinance from the Assembly President which stated, "...the administration has determined that the planning commission membership must be adjusted to comply with the statutory requirement that the number of members from home rule and first class cities reflects the proportion of the borough population residing in home rule and first class cities." He asked if that determination was actually made and Bryson answered yes. He added, the latest figures substantiated there had been a significant shift from in-city to out-of-city areas (now approximately 34% are within first-class and home-rule cities) and projects two more members from rural areas would be added and would increase the number of commission members from nine to 13. However, the Assembly is declining to increase the commission members and are offering this proposal to bring it into a numerical balance. Williams stated he was concerned a situation could exist wher'e a mayor could appoint five people from one area and other areas would have no representation. Bannock stated Assembly Member Popp requested the city not make any decisions on the ordinance as Assembly President Navarre would like to address the issue with the council at a future council meeting. Bannock added, if the ordinance is amended as proposed, Kenal would give up a lot of control of who represents the city on the commission and felt increasing the number of members to the commission was better than losing the ability to make recommendations for appointment to the commission. Williams requested a letter be sent to President Navarre to invite him to a council meeting to discuss this issue and a letter to encourage members of the city's Planning & Zoning Commission to attend. There were no objections from council. ~H-H-10. Discussion -- Lower Kenai River Boat Launch Draft Resolution of l Support Williams referred to a draft resolution included in the packet and urged comments from the public. P. aul Shadura -- Suggested the legislator who proposed the purchase of property on t.he River in order to build a boat launch was hoping the construction would help the city in managing the dip net fishery. Shadura noted, ~ · He believed adding the boat launch would increase the management problems and suggested the problems at the mouth of the river be addressed first; · The proposed purchase properties include a lot of wetlands, would require a lot of excavation, and would impact the roadway to the boat launch area, etc. · Suggested expanding the area to accommodate the displaced drift boat fishery and urge drift-only fishing on the river. KENAI CITY COUNCIL MEETING AUGUST 15,2001 PAGE 10 Ashwell added he was not opposed to the project, but thought there are many problems that need attention. Councilman Moore noted he couldn't disagree with any of the comments made and stated he would not support the resolution if it moved forward and thought other exploration of areas of the river would be more appropriate. Chris Degernes-- Department of Natural Resources, Division of.Outdoor Recreation. Degernes noted, · * The current legislation Specifically appropriated funding to purchase the upstream ten acres.. If council took no action, the Department would continue with the purchase of those ten acres; .if council recommended purchasing an alternate property, they would work toward purchasing the recommended property. · Believed the council had the greatest ability to make a decision as to what property should be purchased. Councilman Bannock stated he believed the city would be better with a boat ramp than without and noted the ten acres would have a wetlands issue. Williams stated his opposition .to thinking the upper property was wetlands and preferred the ten-acre site but was concerned it would cause a problem for the city to recommend different properties than what was designated by the Legislature. Councilwoman Porter stated she would support the ten-acre property, but would not support the Wild Rose property next to Cunningham Park. Councilman Bookey stated he agreed with the public and Mayor Williams' comments. He noted his concerns for using the Wild Rose'properties unless council takes the position it must only be for drift boat use only and because the property available would not allow enough parking and staging area. Bookey stated he believed the ten-acre parcel would be better and that a portion of th~tt property could be used without impacting the wetlands, however he also was aware of problems in getting the agencies to support placing a boat launch at the site. Councilwoman Swarner stated she liked the idea of a drift boat pull out, but questioned how it could be policed. Councilman Moore stated a drift boat only use would be to beto take out and wouldn't have parking problems that would take place if power boats would be allowed. It was noted the decision of whether it would be a drift boat only area was the State's choice. Chris Degernes -- Stated she spoke to the Director of Outdoor Parks, Jim Stratton, about whether the launch could be restricted to drift boats only and he noted that if it were the wishes of the city, it was something that could be considered, however it would affect the funding sources.