Memorandum 16-018 Vehicles on Beaches

Memorandum 16-018

TO:                       Mayor Wythe and Homer City Council

FROM:                 Katie Koester, City Manager

DATE:                  January 20, 2015

SUBJECT:         Ordinance 16-05

Ordinance 16-05 would prohibit vehicles east of the Bishops Beach parking lot (Beluga Slough to Mariner Park). A physical barrier and educational signage at entry points to this newly prohibited area was suggested by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission. Fish and Wildlife, who owns the property just east of the parking lot, is interested in partnering with the City on this project to protect their land and habitat. Councilmember Reynolds and I met with Refuge Manager Steve Delehanty before the holidays to discuss what this might look like. The conclusion we came to was that each organization should cater to its strengths: Fish and Wildlife should take the lead on signage and the City in creating a physical barrier, budget permitting for both organizations.

According to Public Works Director Meyer, the most cost effective barrier would be a series of boulders (20) above the high tide line.  Though vehicles could still access the area at low tide, the barrier and the signage would make it very clear that if they did, they would be engaging in a prohibited activity. Any work below the high tide line would be more expensive because of the high wave energy at the beach and would require permitting. Cost estimate for labor and materials above high tide only is $9,000.

Fish and Wildlife would like to see signage at Bishops Beach parking lot that is informative, educational and friendly. The cost for the signage will be dependent on the quality – according to Steve, high quality long lasting interpretive signage to Fish and Wildlife standards would run around $10,000. The City would like similar signage at Mariner Park so we can send the public a consistent message on beach access. I anticipate there is an acceptable compromise between cost and quality.    

If Ordinance 16-05 passes, a Resolution amending the Beach Policy and an Ordinance asking for the appropriation of funds will follow. Funding will have to come from general fund as there are no funds in the parks and recreation reserve (the balance was eliminated for the Hickerson Cemetery expansion during the 2016 budget).