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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-10-11 Harbor Commission SummaryKENAI HARBOR COMMISSION MEETING OCTOBER 11, 1999 KENAI COUNCIL CHAMBERS 7:00 P.M. CHAIRMAN WILL JAHRIG AGENDA ITEM 1' CALL TO ORDER/~ ROLL CALL ITEM 2: AGENDA APPROVAL ITEM 3' APPROVAL OF MINUTES - September 13, 1999. ITEM 4: ao PERSONS SCHEDULED TO BE HEARD Bill Berkhahn, Kenai River District Manager -- Drift Boat Pull-Out Locations on the Lower Kenai River ITEM 5: ao REPORTS Director Dock Foreman Scrapbook Information ITEM 6' ao OLD BUSINESS Discussion -- Snug Harbor's Fence & Lighting/Boat Storage Yard ITEM 7: NEW BUSINESS ITEM 8: ITEM 9- a, COMMISSIONERS COMMENTS/QUESTIONS INFORMATION Kenai City Council Action Agendas of September 1 and '15, 1999. 9 / 22 / 99 W.L. Clay letter of resignation from Harbor Commission. ITEM 10: ADJOURNMENT KENAI HARBOR COMMISSION MEETING OCTOBER 11, 1999 KENAI COUNCIL CHAMBERS 7:00 P.M. It was noted at 7:15 p.m., there was no quorum available for the Harbor Commission meeting. Those present were: Commission Members present' Commission Members absent: Others present: Eldridge, Werner-Quade and Spracher Jahrig, Thompson, McCune Public Works Manager Kornelis, City Clerk Freas and Councilman Bookey (arriving at approximately 7:45 Due to the lack of a quorum, a general work session was held in order to discuss the possibility of placing a drift boat pull-out location on the lower Kenai River with Bill Berkhahn, District Ranger, Kenai River Special Management Area. Eldridge reviewed the concerns expressed by drift boat guides who used the pull-out at Cunningham Park. He noted, since the upgrade of the Park, the drift boat users could no longer use that area as a pull-out. The City of Kenai with the Harbor Commission were investigating other areas along the lower River to develop a pull-out for these users. Eldridge noted, one suggestion was to develop the Birch Island area as a park and place a pull-out in that area. Berkhahn explained the drifters were a varied group with special needs, who wanted every opportunity to develop their fishery. He noted, his organization's mission was to first protect the resource and second to provide recreational opportunities. Berkhahn added, the drifters were a small group who like to use the lower river, depending on their clients' needs. Berkhahn reviewed other areas on the river with access for drifters' use. He noted the difficulty drifters have to compete in the same area with motored boats. Although there are areas below the Pillars, i.e. Cone property and Kenai flats, it was his opinion and the Superintendent's, there would not be increased development in those areas because of the high habitat value (fish, birds, caribous, etc.). Berkhahn noted, there were no funds included in their budget for adding improvements at the flats (Birch Island area) and noted, there had been discussion about building a take-out at the flats, but the present facility would not be able to accommodate the additional cars, trailers, etc. Also, there would be a staffing problem to manage the area. Berkhahn added, the Cone property was purchased with EVOS funding with the understanding of the Trustee Council the habitat would be protected. He noted, it would be difficult to build a boat ramp in that area due to access, high bank, tidal fluctuation, etc. However, this was not the final word, but a good starting point. Eldridge noted, private land below Cunningham Park was a potential for a pull-out if there was strong enough need. He added, the Commission was interested in getting more people to see the wildlife activity on the flats and were in support of the State developing Birch Island. Eldridge explained, the Commission had been discussing the possibility of developing an elevated boardwalk from the Kenai Dock over the flats for wildlife viewing. He asked what type of development the State was considering for B.irch Island and the surrounding area. Berkhahn noted, the state owned only' half of Birch Island. Kornelis noted the city had approached the state to work out a plan for development of Birch Island. Berkhahn noted, if the Birch Island area was developed it would entail upgrading of the flats parking lot and restrooms (making them handicap-accessible). He noted the upgrading of the flats.parking lot was on the TRAK short list and they expect the upgrading would be done in the next two to three years. Berkhahn also reported a bank restoration project would take 'place at the flats next summer which will be very similar to the work done at-Cunningham Park. They have talked with landscapers and the Kenai River Sports Fishing Association has expressed interest in funding the project. After that work is completed, they could investigate developing a pedestrian walkway to get under the bridge abutment and on to Birch Island. He noted he would be in favor of that type of development however additional staff would be needed to provide protection of the Island, etc. He suggested his organization could work with the Parks & Recreation Department to pick up garbage, etc. Berkhahn reviewed the management plan in regard to the recommendations for the Kenai River Flats. He noted, it would be a pretty hard sell to have another ramp on the river in the flats area. Berkhahn added, there is a lot to consider when building a facility as the River is a limited resource with constraints and a high habitat area. The work session adjourned at approximately 7:49 p.m. Not_es transcribed and prel~ared by: .- Fr~as, ~i'ty Clerk