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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-03-09 Harbor Commission SummaryKENAI ADVISORY HARBOR COMMYSSION MEETING MARCH 9, 1998 KENAI COUNCYL CHAMBERS '7:00 P.M. CHAIRMAN WILL JAHRIG AGENDA ITEM 1: CALL TO ORDER & ROLL CALL YTEM 2: AGENDA APPROVAL YTEM 3: APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. Regular Meeting of February 9, 1998. ITEM 4: PERSONS SCHEDULED TO BE HEARD ITEM 5: REPORTS a. Director b. Dock Foreman ITEM 6: OLD BUSINESS a. Corps of Engineers/Reconnaissance Report for Navigation Improvements and Erosion Control. b. Promoting Small Business at Dock ITEM 7: NEW BUSINESS a. Renewal of Existing Boat Yard Lease/Snug I3arbor Seafoods, Inc. b. New/Update Goals and Objectives ITEM 8: COMMISSIONERS' COMMENTS/OUESTYONS YTEM 9: INFORMATION a. Kenai City Council Action Agendas of February 4 and 18, 1998. b. 2/ 18/98 KK letter to DOT/Bridge Access Road and Boat Launch Road Intersection. ITEM IO: ADJOURNMENT KENAI ADVISORY HARBOR COMMISSION March 9, 1998 - 7:00 p.m. City Hall Council Chambers Chairman: Will Jahrig *** MINL•TES *** 1. ROLL CALL: Vice Chairman Thompson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Members Present: Barry Eldridge, Michael McCune, Torn Thompson, George Spracher Members Absent: Will Jahrig Others Present: Councilman James Bookey, Public Works Director Keith Kornelis, Contract Secretary Barb Roper, Paul Dale, Snug Harbor 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA ELDRIDGE MOVED TO APPROVE THE AGENDA. MOTION SECONDED BY MCCUNE. THE AGENDA WAS APPROVED AS PRESENTED. 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. Regular Meeting of February 9, 1998 MCCUNE MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 9, 1998. MOTION WAS SECONDED BY ELDRIDGE WHO ASKED FOR UNANIMOUS CONSENT. MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 9, 1998 WERE APPROVED BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT. 4. PERSONS SCHEDULED TO BE HEARD -None 5. REPORTS a. Director - No report. b. Dock Foreman - No report. It was decided that item 7a would be discussed before Old Business since Paul Dale from Snug Harbor was in attendance. Harbor Commission March 9, 1998 Page 1 7. a. Renewal of Existing Boat Yard Lease/Snug Harbor Seafoods, Inc. Dale reported his current boat yard lease with the City will expire this summer and he world like to have it renewed. Dale also requested additional yard space so that he may provide more parking in the summer and boat storage in the winter. Dale indicated that a decision to install a removable fence around the. area will be postponed until the amount of business was determined. Discussion took place on the current $250.00 per month lease rate. McCune stated the $250.00 rate was randomly chosen due to the time constraints. Bookey reported the original figure was much lower as the City Manager based it on appraised value using the same formula the airport uses. The rate was subsequently increased to $250.00. Bookey recommended the City Attorney be notified to determine whether or not an RFP is required. Kornelis thought it could be handled with a Special Use Permit as what is done at the airport for fuel. Eldridge pointed out that promoting small businesses at the dock was included on the agenda and according to the plat there wouldn't be any room for that should Snug Harbor be given additional land. Bookey didn't think it was appropriate to continue at the $250.00 rate and that some type of bid or RFP process is required. McCune thought the RFP process was waived before due to the time constraints. McCune continued, a rate would have to be determined for the additional land. A similar lease in Seward runs about 3.5 cents per square foot per month. It does come with some tide lands as well and with that footage it brings it to about 2 cents per square foot. For the City's piece of property the rate would be about X600.00 per month at 2 cents per square foot. Spracher asked if Snug Harbor would consider a two year lease. Dale answered, amulti-year lease would be fine but may not be feasible at this time based on other suggested uses for the property. After a general group discussion it was determined that Kornelis and Bookey will meet with the City Attorney to determine whether or not an RFP process is required, whether amulti-year lease is allowed, to get a decision on an appropriate method of determining the rate and a determination on whether additional space is an option in the agreement. Harbor Commission March 9, 1998 Page 2 6. OLD BUSINESS a. Corps of Engineers /Reconnaissance Report for Navigation Improvements Kornelis referenced his memo in the packet which requests That the Corps of Engineering Reconnaissance Report for Navigation Improvements be made inactive as very little is being accomplished at this time and it doesn't appear that other funding is available from the state and federal governments. If it appears funds are available at a later date the issue can be made active again. After a brief discussion the general consensus was to continue pursuing funds to keep the Corps of Engineers interested. ELDRIDGE MOVED TO PLACE THE RECONNAISSANCE REPORT FOR NAVIGATION IMPROVEMENTS INACTIVE AT THIS TIME BUT ADMINISTRATION SHOULD CONTINUE TO PURSUE FUNDS. MOTION WAS SECONDED BY MCCUNE. VOICE VOTE: All in favor, motion passed unanimously. Promoting Small Business at Dock Eldridge suggested that some plats be made available in the dock area so that the City could solicit interested businesses to lease them. Bookey reported research was done in the past for that same purpose but there were drastic restrictions that did not allow leasing any of the land. Kornelis stated that BLM placed the restrictions on the City when the land was purchased. The restrictions include not being able to sell the land or leasing it to make a profit. Bookey added that all activities in the area had to pertain to marine-type functions. Bookey continued, the City should continue their efforts in having some of those restrictions lifted. Kornelis stated the City could probably lease the land if the proceeds were actually going to benefit marine activities. After further discussion it was decided that Kornelis would review the original BLM grant restrictions and will make an effort to have some of the restrictions lifted. Bookey suggested the congressional delegation be contacted to assist in having the property restrictions released. Kornelis and Bookey will discuss this issue with the City Attorney. It was also noted there are no utilities in the area and the cost of incorporating them will far exceed any revenue the City could make from the leases. Harbor Commission March 9, 1998 Page 3 a. b. New/Update Goals and Objectives The 1994 goals and objectives were included in the meeting packet and it was noted t hey were nct updated since 1994. Tl-~e Commission reviewed the goals and the following will summarize their decisions and/or action. Short-term Objectives Item 1 is complete. Item 2 is complete. Safety audits were performed by both the City and OSHA. Bookey reported this item was placed into the preventative maintenance plan and is performed on an annual basis. Item 3 is partially complete. An oil spill contingency plan was complete. Eldridge spoke with CISPRI and their Operations Manager will report back as to what they can do with regard to assistance. Bookey indicated that containment boom and clean up materials are on site. Kornelis reported that additional boom was budgeted but never ordered. It was determined this item will stay in as a short-term goal and will move up on the priority list. Item 4 is complete. Item S is ongoing. Kornelis reported that other methods of reducing siltation at the dock and boat ramps is being considered. The current plan is to attempt to pump water on the ramp at a slow rate which should help the situation. McCune reported he had a similar situation and a small trickling of water does help. Various methods were discussed and it was noted that proper permits should be obtained before performing any work. Long-term Objectives Item 1 is partially complete and will be moved to the short-term goals list. Item 2 will remain a long term goal. It was noted that the problems of the past have been diminished with the organization efforts made at the dock but since there is still some congestion during the dip net season the item will remain as a goal. It was noted the cost would probably exceed $100,000.00. Harbor Commission March 9, 1998 Page 4 Item 3 will remain a long term goal and is ongoing Item 4 was discussed in detail and was going to be removed because of the liability involved. After a lengthy discussion on the problems encountered with boats getting stuck on the ramps and discussion on other options it was decided the item would remain as a tong term goal It was determined the following goals and objectives would be added New Short-term goals Kornelis recommended paving in and around the restrooms and the top of the ramp to make a nice staging area for boats entering and leaving the river. Thompson stated a drainage system would need to be considered. Kornelis reported a paved staging area would be more beneficial as eventually the gravel begins to smell, the paved area would be easier to keep clean. Bookey suggested that attempts to have some of these items paid for by the State should be made as they will be taken to task on the dip net fishery and the impact it has had on the City. Bookey continued, don't look at general funds to finish these projects but attempt to get State funding. Thompson asked if there were other needs required for the dip net fishery and whether or not the Harbor Commission should do more for organizing and generating revenues. Bookey reported that Administration is working with Fish and Game for signage, dumpsters for fish disposal, and the City would take care of the slime line during high water. Bookey also stated he would like to see a fee structure for parking for the users of the dip net fishery but staff would be needed to collect the fees. Kornelis stated the packet for Exxon Valdez funding just came out and is due by April 15 and if awarded, funds for establishing parking fees may be available. After discussion it was determined a new short term goal would be to develop road access and parking on the south side of the mouth of the river to include sanitation facilities (toilets and dumpsters). Another short term goal is to add parking at the end of South Spruce and the beach. Kornelis indicated the Corps permit is in place and everything is ready except for funding. The Exxon Valdez funding is being considered and the cost of the project is approximately $100,000.00. Harbor Commission March 9, 1998 Page 5 Bookey recommended consideration be given to a fee area for dip net parking. Discussion took place on the need to keep the area complimentary but at the same time generate revenue to support the fishery. It was suggested that signage be made available explaining that the money is being used to improve the areas. Sanitation problems. Kornelis reported that Fish and Game is designing two special dumpsters to be used for just fish waste. These will be marked "For Fish Waste Only". Peninsula Sanitation will pick the dumpsters up for a fee and deliver them to the Borough Landfill. The Borough will waive the disposal fee. Fish and Game will post signs explaining the waste regulations and it was noted they encourage dumping waste in the river. Bookey stated it was the intent of the City and Fish and Game to educate the users in utilizing the dumpsters for fish waste. The financial impact will be closely monitored so that the City can go back to the State in the future to ask for financial assistance for the dip net fishery. A very lengthy discussion took place on providing afish-cleaning facility and it was determined not to be feasible at this time. New Long Term Goals Continue to seek funding for the Corps of Engineers Reconnaissance Report for Navigation Improvement and Erosion Control to include feasibility studies and the actual work. Enlarge the current parking lot Provide a combination of boardwalk and pathway from the dock pad to the existing boardwalk at the bird watch area on Bridge Access Road to include parking and viewing areas. A lengthy discussion took place on this item and it was noted that funding can come from various sources to include Exxon Valdez, Ducks Unlimited and the State. Ducks Unlimited can also assist with building ponds for nesting. Continue efforts to make the dock operations more profitable Provide water and sewer to facilities off Bridge Access Road. It was decided the short and long-term goals would be listed and prioritized at the next meeting. Harbor Commission March 9, 1998 Page 6 8. COMMISSION COMMENTS & QUESTIONS Discussion took place on the fish processor in Anchorage and the fact they would probably need a facility to store fish here on the Peninsula. It was noted the actual role has not yet been determined but it will be a very large operation. McCune stated it was not decided whether or not they would go directly to the fishers or through the processors for their fish. Dale reported there is a lot of concern as a facility that size can adversely affect the fishery as amega-project wouldn't help the industry. Councilman Bookey requested that more effort be made to fill the vacancies on the Harbor Commission. Discussion took place on the residency requirement and it was noted Commissioners must reside within the Kenai city limits. Commissioner Eldridge reported that he would not be able to attend the April 6 meeting. After discussion, the Commissioner's requested that Councilman Bookey seek approval from Council to change the meeting date to Monday, April 13, 1998. 9. INFORMATION a. Kenai City Council Action Agendas of February 4 and 18, 1998 a. 2/18/98 KK Letter to DOT/Bridge Access Road and Boat Launch Road Intersection. 10. ADJOURNMENT MEETYNG ADJOURNED AT 9:15 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Barbara Roper, Contr c Secretary Harbor Commission March 9, 1998 Page 7 KENAI ADVISORY HARBOR COMMISSION 1996 Goals and objectives Short-term Goals 1. Continue efforts in establishing an oil spill response and emergency contingency plan with necessary containment and cleanup materials. Also explore possibility of cooperating with a local spill response organization in the placement of cleanup supplies at the dock area to be used if necessary. Continue efforts to discover means of preventing or dock and boat ramps and documenting for the rl which become grounded due to low water. Pave in and around the restroom staging area for boats entering ar Develop road access and par River to include sanitation fa Add parking at the end of South Develop a parking fee for the Continue sanitation Monitor the financis assistance with they nice of the Kenai irtment of Fish and Game. to the State for financial commercial leased area, either for a third boat launch ramp. and add a second causeway. This will expand the dock CFfic congestion. gad with short chains or cables or similar apparatus at the boat disabled vehicles. siltation at the leer all boats 4. Continue seeking funding for the Corps of Engineers Reconnaissance Report for Navigation Improvements and Erosion Control to include feasibility studies and the actual work. 5. Enlarge the current parking tot. 6. Provide a combination boardwalk/pathway from the dock pad to the existing boardwalk at the bird watch area on Bridge Access Road to include additional parking and viewing areas. Consider building ponds for nesting birds.