HomeMy WebLinkAbout1980-03-13 Harbor Commission SummaryKENAI HARBOR COMMISSION
P.O. BOX 580
Kenai, A1 aska 99611
AGENDA - SPECIAL MEETING MARCH 13, 1980
SPECIAL HARBOR COMMISSION MEETING:
March .13, 1980 - 7:00 p.m.
the Public Safety Building,
at
Kenai
HARBOR COMMISSION MEMBERS:
Mr.
Mr.
Mr.
Mr.
Mr.
Robert Peterkin, Chairman
John Wi 11 i ams, Vi ce-Chai man
Tom Ackerly
Wi 11 i am Burnett
Tom Wagoner
EX-OFF I C I 0 MEMBERS:
Mrs.
Mr.
Betty Glick, Councilwoman
Vince O'Reilly, Mayor
A-G- E-N-D-A
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Introduction of Guests
(a) Captain Wayne Reynolds and Phil Brna
4. Communi cations
(a) Letter from Marvin L. Dragseth, President, Royal Pacific Fisheries
(b) Letterlto Captain Wayne Reynolds from Mayor O'Reilly
(c) Memo from Mayor O'Reilly to Chairman Peterkin on Sen. Tillion
5. Persons present not scheduled to be heard.
6. Adjourn
MAR
SPECIAL
KENAI HARBOR COMMISSION MEETING
PUBL I C SAFETY BU I L'D I NG
KENAI, ALASKA~
March 13, 1980
· HARBOR COMMISSION MEMBERS:
EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS:
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Robert Peterkin, Chairman
Mr. John Wi 11.i ams, Vice-Chai rman
Mr. Tom Ackerly
Mr. Wi 11 iam Burnett
Mr. Tom Wagoner
Mr. Ron Isaacs, Pro tern
Mrs. Betty G1 ick~, ..... '~ouncilwoman
Mr. ~ince O'Reilly, :Mayor
Commissioner 'Peterkin called the meeting to order"at 7'10 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
Commissioner Peterkin, Commissioner Ackerly, Commissioner Wagoner,
.Commissioner Issacs (Pro tem) Commissioner Williams joined the meeting
at 8-45 p.m. Commissioner Burnett was absent.
3. INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS
Chairman Peterkin introduced Captain .Wayne 'Reynolds of the Corps of Engineers.
This is a public hearing with the processors and people who own boats. The
City'of.Kenai has entered into-a 107 stud~ with the Corps. This is a type of
windshield study to find out if it's feasible to build a small boat harbor in
the mouth of the Kenai River. The basic idea is should the're be a harbor and
what should it do to benefit, would it be feasible for you and what locations ':
are preferred. The Captain has brought some maps, with tentative locations
and also some literature we would like to go through. Chairman Peter~kin turned
the meeting over to Captain Reynol ds.
Captain Reynolds introduced Phil Brna from the Environmental Section of the Corps,
Captain Reynolds is from the Report Section. Colonel Nunn sends his regards.
H~ then gave some background on What a 107 study is, !ts under our Continuing
Authorities Program, In order to get a project constructed under a Corps. Authority
you can get it through'a Congressional 'Act or a Continuing Authority Program ~'~.
whereby we have a certain amount of money set aside every year to do studies,
The 107 is a 2 million dollar study, which would mean the federal ,portion of~?b.e
construction would ...... be 2 m~llion dollars. This ~~d>coYer the construction of
breakwaters, entrance channels and turning basins, In a 107 study there are
three stages. We are in the reconnaisance stage now, which means ve'ry l~ttle
money and little time to develop information, The object is to find out whether
or not the're is economic feasibility in'order to continue with the study, The
second part of the study is the Detailed Project 'Report, In that phase detailed
engineering and analysis would take place. The key is benefit cost ratio, The
benefits that accrue from the project must be equal to or greater than the cost
of the cost of the project over the lifetime of the structure, If we find that
the benefit cost ratio is less than One, we may not go into th~ second phase of
the study. We would .conclude at that time there is a lack of economic justification,
therefore the Corps of Engineers would not participate.
.
-1-
T r,
, ,
SPECIAL HARBOR COMMISSION MEETING
of March 13, 1980
The detailed project report is the same thing but more detailed. We end up with
a design and then into construction. Reconnaissance is not detailed engineerin.g
or analysis. He then referred to the list the Harbor CommiSsion had sent him of
what was most important for this area. He. would like' to find out if the list
was satisfactory in importance. 'and where is a feasible location, and will any of
the alternatives answer our needs.. The alternatives were developed in his office
with Phil Brna and a. hydraulics engineer.~
The~first~alternative is "R". It is close to.the mouth of the River and they
believed that it was City property. A creek could flush the harbor.
· The primary area considered was TraCt D, or ABCDE.. I.t is on the outside of the
curve. The .channel, according to hydraulic~ is al'so on the outside of the curve.
It was al so City property.
The third alternative is KLMNO. It was believed to be CitY property, it was
close to the mouth of the River and was on the outside of the curve.
The fourth was FGHI. It looked like ~ good.place from the air.
A1 so, they looked at Salamatof Creek ~area, .but the creek is no longer there.
Kal ifonsky Beach was another alternative. They thought about Something outside
the River, rather than in the River. Another consideration was Kasilof.
Concepts that were cons. idered were a dredged basin; or a perched harbor (which
would be concrete, a basin built as opposed to dredged). A dry harbor is not in
the Corps of Engineers authority to construct. One alternative is a fill area
for dry storage, ramps for boats; also, considered mooring in th~ River, or
finding a place to put temporary floats or permanent.floats that would be o~t
of the channel, or mixing those. What we have to do is ~come up with one or
two designs that we can say how much it would cost to build it. He hoped to
get an idea what kind of harbor we should have in the report and put a cost to
it.
Chairman Peterkin gave some background on the City of Kenai and the financial
aspect of the harbor. We are dealing with the Corps of Engineers on the 107
study. We have asked our legislators for a $500,000 grant to do the engineering
and hydraulics study. This report and a report being done by Wince Corthell
along with all the information .we.get from this meeting, and information from
the Borough will be'ta.ken down to our legislators in Juneau. For this season
we asked for the'$500,O00.' This summer and next winter the engineering and
hyd~'~ulics..studies will'be done. At that~point there is an additional 4 mill~ion
dollars being asked from the legislature, plus 2 million dollars from the
Corps of Engineers to start the boat harbor possibly in the summer of 1981.
Captain Reynolds stated the othe'r important aspect~of the benefit cost ratio,
is benefits. In 1976 the .Corps of Engineers .did a feasibility studY and it
was found not economically feasible because the cost was greater than the
· benefits. We need as many benefits as possible, we don't want to mi ss any.
.The costs will be obvious, the benefits will be more illusive. We must send
a report to our superiors in Portland, Oregon, the North Pacific Division, and
they will agree or disagree. We need~backup information.
-2-
SPECIAL HARBOR COMMISSION MEETING
of March 13, 1980
Phil Brna asked Captain Reynolds to explain what he meant by benefits.
Captain Wayne Reynolds explained that benefits are things like damage
that occurs now, that a small boat harbor would prevent. · If We can
relate the quality of fish to delay time in the mouth of the River we
can count that as a benefit. The complete loss of your fish because of
delay time would be a benefit.. When barges can't get into the mouth of
the River, the number of times that happens and the time and its worth
would be a benefit. When we finish with this reconnaissance study,'it
shou!d~ not Say~'that no development is ~easible,. only that it is not
feasible'to the Corps of Eng~'neers. ~
Chairman Peterkin stated that we have the personal property tax rolls from
the Borough to April 1978. We have identified 825 boats in Sterling, Kenai,
Soldotna, and North Kenai. We don'~t have a dollar and cent figure or break-
down with commercial fishing boats or recreational boats. Would like some
fix on how many boats are used in the mouth of the River. On the processor's
side of benefits, would it be possi~ble to go into .another species .line than
salmon, such as halibut, herring, sh-rimp~etc.? This could be a benefit'
Mr'. Norm Mapes, fi sherman~ stated that the number One concern is human life.
That river is dangerous. His next concern is his boat. With 5 - 7 boats
tied to a buoy, when it's rough they are smashing together. As far as being
economical for Kenai he Will run 6 hours further to go to Homer to avoid
Kenai Rive~r. I don'~ know how many people we have lost, but it is dangerous,
Captain-Reynolds pointed out that on 'the priority list for the small boat
harbor the Harbor Commission did not put environmental on the top of the list.
The Corps of Engineers did. They are only one agency, and when they do some-
thing, many agencies get involved.
Mr: Mapes commented that they care more' about ducks 'than his kids,
Captain Reynolds stated that maintenance was not on the Harbor Commission'-s
list. I't must be maintained and we will have to live with that cost,
Chairman Peterkin questioned Mr. Mapes as to'the location that he p.referred,
Mr. Mapes thought that KLMNO because it didn'.t seem like it would take that
much work or money. ~
Chairman Peterkin asked him if he could relate specifically to a small boat
harbor. Would he get more money for his fish?.
Mr. Mapes replied that he would save fuel~on the 6 - 8 hours it takes him to
go to Homer. If fishing halibut, you go to Homer, spend time driving back and
.forth, He would save 200 miles round trip, twice a week,
Chairman Peterkin asked if the fish is l0 - 12 hours old, what does. it do to'
the fish~'in specific dollars and cents.
-3-
SPECIAL HARBOR COMMISSION MEETING
Of March 13, 1980
Mr. Mapes stated that there is a possibility that he could 'get more money for
his fish. So far, the fisherman have had a base price. He hasn't had any fish
spoil, but they've been in pretty rough shape some~-$mes.
Commissioner Wagoner stated that the number one priority is life saving needs.
Does the Corps have any way to relate that to a cost 'benefit ratio?
Captain Reynolds replied that if a fisherman is lost, we can relate to how
much money he makes every year. He apologized 'for .how terrible it sounded, but
the Corps is limited in that way. He was sure that it will be considered..
Commissioner wagoner read a report of a telephone conversation between John Sullivan
of the Coast Guard and the administrative assistant, The Coast Guard has had
trouble getting cooperation wi'th the-people in this area and had no statistics
on casualties in the mouth of the Kenai. Commissioner-Wagoner stated that he
knew of two drownings in the last two years directly related to commercial
fishing.
Chairman Peterkin requested that' Marvin Dra§seth, President of Royal Pacific
Fisheries, Inc., .explain what happens to the fish once it goes out of the water.
Mr. Dragseth explained that it's downhill in qual'ity, Even in brine and brine
chilled boa ts, the small boa ts can'~t use that
Chairman Peterkin aSked whydoesn~t the price flucuate to the fisherman?
Mr. Dragseth replied that in the past fish were processed in the can, Now,
a buyer can go into any freezer in the country and tell how' long that fish has
been out of the water before it was frozen. Up to this time there has been no
grading in the Cook Inlet area. In 1981 there will be different prices for
fish; good fish, bad fish and no fish,
Chairman Peterkin asked him to speculate the price between good fish and bad
fish?
Mr. Dragseth replied .15.~ to '20¢ per pound,
Chai~man Peterkin asked him to estimate time of. fish caught, to the dock,
Mr. Dragseth said by-the time they are unloaded 24 - 28 hours, In !978 it
was 30 -36- hours,
Captain ReynOlds stated that he believed that there was a klutz in th.e moUth
of the River and everybody can't get offloaded.~ If the klutz is gone can. the
cannery take fish any faster?
Mr. Dragseth replied that the biggest Problem is there are 3 - 4 docks and
there are 11 processors.
Captain Reynolds stated that'Norther~ Paci.fic Division will ask me if your
-4-
SPECIAL HARBOR COMMISSION MEETING
of March 13, 1980
·
gOing to get .10¢ .more per pound, can the canneries handle them any fas'ter.
Mr. Dragseth replied that he unloaded in Kasilof. AbOut si.x of them do.
Chairman Peterkin'stated that Mr. Dragseth's processing plant is on Kalifon-
sky Beach Road.
Mr. Dragseth commented that there was only one dock that yOu can unload at
low tide, that i.s Salamatof. He also stated that there must be a fuel
facility in this River. He thought that ABCDE would be the best place, for
a small boat harbor. Ther. e is 'a creek running ~own' to flush that harbor, it
is above all the heavy freight traffic, there is lots of room and it is City
owned 1 and.
Mr. Dan Clausen had an. objection to location KLMNO. One big factor is ice,
there is a heavy flow there. There is considerabl-e debris that could injure
vessels and docks. There is considerable wind generated wave aCtion. With
the current it would be di-fficult to dock. The Port of Kenai is above this
and there will be a considerable amount of barge traffic. This year Northern
Service, Inc. has scheduled 5 barges, you are talking about a big unit. A
dock there will be in the way of these barges and there will be congestion of
vessels. ABCDE area is out of the way of everybody. The curve would provide a
fl ushing out.
Phil Brna stated that there may be some concern about the snow geese. Fish &
Wildlife, Fish & Game and EPA haVe approval of any project.
Mr. Clausen pointed out that the geese will move to another spot, they won'-t
fall down and die.
Mr. Brna said that' they are there 'for a reason.
Mr. Clausen said they said the same thing when they were going to put the high-
way i n.
Captain Reynolds said the environmental approval or disapproval would be there
and should be addressed.
Mr. Brna commented that there may be indirect effects that we can.'t see,
Chairman Peterkin .remarked that Tract D runs approximately 16 - 18 feet up
River past two existing, recently received Engineer's permits, The City has
also selected this as our #1 choice, We know-that we are crowding the environ-
mental factor, but we didn't figure that 16 - 18 feet would be that critical,
Mr. Brna stated that they looked at all alternatives and ranked them, That came
out last because of the geese, That is not saying that it would have a s'i§nificance,
Captain Reynolds commented that if everything el~se comes out fine, but the
environmental aspect is questionable, the permit may not be authorized, The
importance of the envirOnmental aspect is impressed upon us. If you can pick
another place you have a better chance,
-5-
SPECIAL HARBOR COMMISSION MEETING
of March 13, 1980
There was further discussion on the geese situation. Several people stated
that theY had never seen Snow Geese in that area, only Canadians. Mr Dragseth
stated that they are only in the river area .for three weeks, and 99% ~f th~
fishing is done after the first of May.
Mr. Bob Barton, Manager for Dragnet Fisheries spoke. He mentioned that in
applying for fuel applications the priorities this year have changed from
food production (Dept. of Agriculture) to mass transit. We go for fuel
allocations and they are talkin.g about .saving fuel. You are talking about
thousands of gallons of fuel with these big boats .and tenders.-You have
more traffic up River rather than if they unload at a central point.
Mr. Dragseth uses about 50 gallons for a round trip to Kasilof where he is
unloading now because he can'~t unload in Kenai.
Captain Reynolds asked how often.
Mr. Dragseth said 20 trips for 3 tenders per season or 60 trips per year.
Mr. Barton estimated 40 - 50 boats to Homer instead of Kenai.~ 40 - 50
boats that are fishing the Upper Cook ~'nlet would go to Homer rather than
go into the mouth of the Kenai because of the congestion.
Mrs, Ruby Coyle added that you are talking about salmon. Some fish halibut,
which is a longer season.
Chairman Peterkin asked Mr, Mapes how' many' WOrk hal.ibut season.
Mr. Mapes replied 20 - 30, maybe 40 boats fishing out of Kenat, there are more
every yea
Captain Reynolds asked how much of that trip 'from Kenai to Homer is excess?
Chairman Peterkin said 60 gallons per round trip, about 20 round trips with
salmon, 40- 50 boats doing that.
Mr. Mapes stated 30 - 40 boats out of Kenai fishing halibut. 15 days in May,
supposedly 15 in June, 30 days that the boats would be fishing,
Chairman Peterkin stated that ou~ of that 30 day period I0 trips to Homer for
those 30 boats, About 3 days avera§e to Homer and back,
Captain Reynolds suggested that we get this ~written down, and encourage anyone
to make a written statement.
Mr. Tommy Thompson asked how many years before this could become a reality,
Chairman Peterkin stated that if everything fell into place, the summer of 198!,
Mr. Thompson thought that ABCDE area would be the logical location, ~e sunk his
boat in the Kenai River 2 years ago. Cost him $10,'000 to $12,000, It wouldn't
have happened if there had been a small, boat harbor, because he'd have been in
his slip,
-6-
SPECIAL HARBOR COMMISSION MEETING
of March 13, 1980
Mr. Thompson said we are driving to Homer when we could be here. We always
have to work on the boats and spend a lot of time driving back and forth.
Kasilof, Ninilchik, Seward and Homer- we have as many boats as those places.
Chairman peterkin-'asked Mr. Thompson if he would be willing to write in and
estimate, date and damage to boat for the Corps of 'Engineers, Concentrate
on dollar and cents figures.
Captain Reynolds commented that in the Corps 1976 report we attributed a
number for damage per boat~.~ He would be glad to have a number like that.
He needs' historical record or recollection on the values Of those boats.
He commented that the money used to build the harbor comes from the taxpayers
in the entire country.
Chairman Peterkin noted that the Corps of Engineers was not coming.up with all
the money, only for turning areas, breakwaters, and entrance channels. We
are appealing to the legislature for 4 million dollars to design the boat
harbor. The Corps of Engineers would come in with 2 million and the State
of Alaska 4 million and possibly more from Coastal Energy on the recreational
side. We are going for $500,000 grant money for design. We are looking at
4- 6 million dollars. The economist at the Co'rps of Engineers put a rough
figure of $600,000 to $700,000 worth of cost benefits savings to the people
that use that boat harbor. We have to prove that there is $600,000 to $700,000
worth of need over a 20 year period.
Mr. Phil Ames spoke and stated that the benefits would accr. ue to all people.
In 1977 the Coast Guard. hired him to run-up and down the river from tidewater
to Skilak Lake. As early as 1977 they. count~ed as many as 600 recreational
boats on one Saturday downstream from Moose River. Upstream from Moose River
another 400 boats. That's 1000 boats total. Since the commercial fishe'rman
was pretty well represented tonight he would stick with sport fishing. Most
are launched from one of three sites in the Soldotna area. One above the
Soldotna bridge and the other two below. All are 'in areas where its not
too safe. They launch a longways from where he intends to go fishing. With a
small boat basin and facility you would immediately get about 200 small sport
fishing boats that would run 'up river to fish. There are local people but you
~wOuld probably find 500 campers and trailers that represent people from the
lower 48 states. He thought alternative "R:' was a bad choice. It is totally
unprotected.
Captain Reynolds stated that they had considered breakwater for this area.
Mr. Ames stated that at one time the coast Guard hired him and they did a study
on the depth of the river. West of the K i'n the word Kenai (on map Captain
Reynolds had) was the deepest point in the entire river, 35 feet deep.
Commissioner Williams arrived at 8'45 p,m.
Mr. Phil Ames drew the channel of the river on the map for Captain Reynolds,
-7-
SPECIAL HARBOR COMMISSION MEETI~NG
of March 13, 1980
Mr. Dan Clausen explained that he had ~spend 32,years at sea, about 1.5 years
of that time on tugboats and had last been employed as tug captain. He felt
there was a need to el imate from .the river the400 - 450 boats that anchor.
along the river during the salmon season Those boats are an obstacle for
tug captains. The effort of bringing a 3~0 foot barge into the fiver is
very difficult, it is difficult to control, and is very discouraging. NOrth-
land Services, Inc, plans on bringing 5 barges .into this river this year.
Somehow the river has to be reasonable cleared for commercial traffic.
Captain Reynolds stated to put numbers on that, It is very valid,
Mr. Clausen stated that Mr. Wilt Hancock has the schedule on proposed barge
traffic coming into the river. Mr. Clausen had a boat tip off of a trailer
and had to hire a crane.
Chairman Peterkin said we could use any dollar and cents figures on launching
boats in and out of the river for cost benefit ratio,
At 9'00 p.m. Chairman Peterkin-called a recess.
At 9-15 p.m. Chairman Peterkin called the meeting back to order.
Phil Brna commented that no one stated that we couldn't build ABCDE, only the
environmental impact is greatest there.
Mrs. Ruby Coyle, 'part ~boat owner, stated that further down river from ABCDE
the cost of keeping up the entrance would be small. She believed ~that the
Corps of Engineers selected this site as second priority-in the 50's. It ~s'
~rd for her to rationalize that Bob Roper got a permit from the Corps of
Engineers in the past few years on Tracts B & C. He couldn't see the priorities
of the birds.
Commissioner Williams-noted that every report or study even those "warranting
special interest" shows ABCDE as a site of development; it's already shown as.
a boat harbor.
Mr.. Waldo C°yle.,' fisherman, has spent 32 years on the Kenai River and remarked
that anyplace the Corps of Engineers saw fit to put a boat harbor, he would
go along with it. He would not argue w!th-any.~of ~hese s~tes, 'h.e would use ~ny
of them. Last year I tipped my boat over, it would never haYe happened if there
had been. a small boat harbor, He runs from the cannery-, after del!ver~n§ his
fish up river; it takes an extra hour every, time he goes fish!n§ because there
no harbor. He has a mooring and a permit to moor from the COrps of' Eng?neers,
Chairman Peterkin asked Mr. Coyle how bi§. was his boat and what i~s th.e appraised
value.
Mr. Coyle replied 36 foot, and is appraised at $40,000,
Commissioner Wagoner stated that his is appraised at $!38'000 with a replacement
value of $150,000. He has a 37 foot boat,
-8-
SPECIAL HARBOR COMMISSION MEETING
of March 13, 1980
Mr. Bob Barton of Dragnet Fisheries stated that'the fisherman always got
one price. The packer had to eat the difference; about 50% caused by the
condition of the fish.
Captain Reynolds asked 50% is 'the result of that delay?
Mr. Barton stated that in a slugged market the buyers will buy number 1.
In canned salmon the buyer's can't tell, in frozen they can. A matter of
number 1 versus number 3 fish, There is new attention, the packers are being
graded hard. Number 2's last year may be number 3's this year. There is a
much more demanding market.
.Commissioner Wagoner asked when does belly burn start on the fish. Belly
burn is acid going through the belly Of the fish. Could be cost benifit ratio.
Mr. Barton said it would depend on the temperature of the .fish.
Captain Reynolds wanted to find out what will answer our needs. Specifically,
whether or not a dry harbor concept can or cannot fill the bill. Perhaps a
combination do the job? Can mooring in the river?
Mr. Dragseth said that at 3~00 in the morning it's hard with that many fisherman and
· boats in and out., twice a week. Sometimes, there is a 12 hour announceme~t, we
usually know not later th-an lO p.m.
Captain Reynolds suggested some boats in the river and some on dry land;could use
t~m~rar¥ floats.
Mr. Dragseth said there aren't enough cranes in the Kenai area to use cranes.
Captain Reynolds questioned a full tide harbor or a half tide harbor? Does
everybody at low tide leave at the same time?
Mr. Dragseth replied in 1 1/2 hours, 500 boats.
Captain Reynolds ques.tioned if you can't get out now, a full tide harbor will
not get you out any faster. Why have a full time time operating harbor when
you are not operating 24 hours?
Mr. Clausen pointed out that with a dry harbor a fire coul~d wipe the entire
fleet out and there would be no way to move the boats out of the rive.r. A
dry harbor is hopeless.
Captain Reynolds stated that the Corps of Engineers is not .authorized to
build a dry harbor.
Chairman Peterkin commented that Mr. Don Statter, Division of Harbor Design &
Public Facilities for the State of Alaska feels that we should have a dry
harbor. That is why the Harbor Commission instructed the Corps Of Engineers
to build a dry harbor.
SPECIAL HARBOR COMMISSION MEETING
of March 13, 1980
Mr. Clausen asked Mr. Oberts what will happen to his insurance width a dry
harbor versus a wet harbor.
Mr. Oberts, of Oberts Insurance Company, stated that with catastrophe danger
the insurance would be considerable higher.
Captain Reynolds stated that in a full tide harbor the depth of the channel
basin is the depth of the channel in the ri'ver, That is a maintenance night-
mare because of the sedimentation.
Commissioner iWoangoner explained a system of locks that would reduce the amount
of~edimen'i~at" ~' There was further discussion on 'this.
On the full tide versus half tide harbor Mr, Coyle commented that the fisher-
man might only haVe 6 hours notice, Fish and Game dosen'i~ annonce by--tides.
Chairman Peterkin noted that if you can't get from the River to. the Inlet,
you miss the fishing.
Captain Reynolds stated that the Foundations and Materials Section did some
studies to measure how fast holes would fill in and found out the sedimeni~ation
rate was very high.
Mr. Dragseth commented that a creek would flush the harbor. There is a creek
by ABCDE.
Commissioner Williams suggested building our own creek'
Chairman Peterkin suggested diverting the flow of water from Beaver Creek or
another place; or constructing a gate that would be closed during the months
that the harbor is not in use.
Captain Reynolds stated that the 1976 report came~'~ out negative because of the
maintenance costs of'.the-harbor. This phase of the study is general. The
maintenance costs must be bumPed up against the benefits.
There was some discussion on the possible uses of the silt.
Commissioner Williams requested that the processor's and fisherman document
in writing any cost benefit savings and send to the City of Kenai,
Chairman Peterkin added that the guiding services last year took out well over
1,000 people in sport fishing on the Kenai River. He then read the "Random
Sample Telephone Survey of Central Peninsula Permit ~Holders'' done by Derry &
Associates.
Captain Reynolds asked for a. solid count of tenders in the River.
Mr. Dragseth stated 18- 20. tenders.
SPECIAL HARBOR COMMISSION MEETING
of March 13, 1980
Chairman Peterkin asked for any final statements from the audience.
Mrs. Ruby CoYle remarked that ~there is 'no place for anyone to come out and
tie their boat. There is no Public dock, only private docks.
Captain Reynolds Concluded that the location that the peoPle ~,n this'~area
want is ABCDE, Above'Cherrier & King dock you are out of the way of barges.
The'fisherman and processor's' do not'~want it in the Inlet because it is not
convenient, and there is more ,,. ~s to rm acti'vity You want the boats out of the
River because the removal of congestion is one of th'e major benefits. The
fish could get to the processor faster. Safety is a major concern. You want
a full tide harbor s.o you have the ability to get into the inTet from the
River..
Mr. Clausen commented that Homer would be. nothing without its harbor. A
small boat harbor would draw more buSiness to Kenai.
Chairman Peterkin asked Mr. Oberts if he recalled any comparison with this
meeting and a hearing held in 1971 with Mr. Gravel.
Mr. Oberts felt that Captain ReYnolds should be complimented' It is the
best meeting that he has ever attended.
Captain Reynol'ds thanked the Harbor Commission and-the fishermen and
processor's for their help.
The meeting adjourned at 11'15 p.m.
Ro~~t ~6'rki n ,\Cha i rman
Harbo Commi ssi on
Respectful ly submitted,
Kim Howard
^dmini'str~ti've ~ss'i st~nt