Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-02-15 Council Minutes - Work SessionKENAI CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION FEBRUARY 15, 2011 6:00 P.M. KENAI CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS CITY OF KENAI 2010 DIP NET FISHERY REPORT KENAI CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION FEBRUARY 15, 2011 6:00 P.M. KENAI CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS MAYOR PAT PORTER, PRESIDING NOTES Council Present: R. Molloy, B. Gabriel, T. Bookey, R. Marquis, P. Porter Council Absent: J. Moore and M. Boyle Staff Present: C. Freas, K. Stearns, T. Eubank, R. Koch, D. Ross, B. Frates, K. Lyon Mayor Porter called the work session to order at approximately 6 00 p. Cit Manager Koch reviewed an electronic slideshow (copy distributed at the beginning of the work session). The information included: Dip Net Activity comparison between 2009 and 2010 Reports of the Fire, Public Works, Parks Recreation and Police Departments Capital Improvements and Scheduled Capital Improvements Volunteer activities Revenue information Expenditures Proposed Expenditures Koch noted, the City was preparing grants to assist in covering costs of the Personal Use Fishery. The floor was opened for public comment. Vince Goddard, Kenai Stated concerns related to personal use fishers taking more fish than allowable; belief that illegal fish were being shipped out of state; lack of State enforcement of fishing regulations; suggested the City work with the State Troopers, Fish 86 Game with regard to the Lacey Act and get .Federal Express involved as well; belief the City was doing an excellent job if the intention was to grow the fishery, but thought the City should put a cap on what it does; he would be testifying at the Board of Fisheries meeting; and, suggested Council consider what actions it could take, including a resolution stating more enforcement was needed. Rick Buoy, Soldotna Stated he had been involved with retail for many years; the fishery's impact on the retail business tax revenue was huge; he appreciated how the City had gone out of its way to support the fishery; and, the fishery was a huge economic impact to the area. Brenda Crim, Salmon Frenzy, Anchorage Crim reviewed the services her group performed during the summer, including a day camp for children, trash patrol, gave away food (approximately S50,000 to the local economy), render first aid, warming stations, fish tables, etc.; they partner with area churches; they use 450 volunteers over three weekends; they have some skilled laborers who would like to provide services for three weeks, partnering with the City; and, they do background checks on all the volunteers. KENAI CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION FEBRUARY 15, 2011 PAGE 2 of 2 Asked if she was aware of any problems with mobile food vendors, Grim stated she was unaware of any. Bob Peters, Kenai Stated he appreciated the Salmon Frenzy's contribution to the community; believed it would be helpful to have fish- cleaning tables; suggested an ordinance prohibiting fishers leaving fish garbage on the beach; suggested the City pave Kenai Avenue; and, suggested signage be added at the end of Kenai Avenue discussing the environmental good to stay off the dunes. Council /Administration comments included: Shifts were adjusted to accommodate the 24 -hour fishery and the cost to the City was not substantial. Concern of boaters relieving themselves from their boats or on the banks in clear view of others. Concern lots were being purchased along the river and used as recreational lots with many visitors, boats, recreational vehicles, etc. and these types of activities were becoming progressively worse. Concern the City should not make money on the fishery and money that does come in from the fishery should be used to manage the fishery. Instead of having a negative attitude of the fishery, the City and its residents /businesses needed to embrace it and welcome the fishery users. Concern fishery users were burying garbage in campfires which presented hazards when cleaning the beaches. Requested Administration work toward a finding a solution. Additional fire pits would be placed on the North beach, including metal pits. Administration would explore placing signage to warn users not to dump fish carcasses in the creek. Suggestion to add funds to the Beautification budget so that summer hires would not be pulled from beautification responsibilities to work on fishery issues. Administration would discuss the concern. Suggestion to use two Conex trailers for storage instead of building a storage facility. Suggestion the City purchase a portion of the Anchor Trailer Park to assist with accommodating parking needs during the fishery. Code identified several areas with regard to burning and burying of refuge, camping on private property, and trespassing violations. The work session ended at approximately 7:45 p.m. Notes prepared and submitted by: Carol L. Freas, City Clerk APPROVED BY COU L �ecr,jr�r i�