Memorandum 16-025 Port and Harbor Advisory Commission Recommendation on Spit Camping

Memorandum ID: 
16-025
Memorandum Status: 
Information Only

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Memorandum 16-025

TO:                       MAYOR WYTHE AND THE HOMER CITY COUNCIL

FROM:                 MELISSA JACOBSEN, CMC, DEPUTY CITY CLERK

DATE:                  FEBRUARY 1, 2016

SUBJECT:         PORT AND HARBOR ADVISORY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION REGARDING SPIT CAMPING

The Port and Harbor Advisory Commission has discussed camping on the spit at various times over the past year.  Most recently it came before them at their December 16, 2015 meeting when Scott Adams commented about the RV’s parking near the Seafarer Memorial and the damage that occurred with someone breaking the electrical box and plugging into the outlet at the memorial. 

 

Police Chief Robl provided information to the Commission explaining Homer Police Department’s work to get the RV’s relocated to the camping area that City Manager Koester opened near the Pier One Theatre. Chief Robl further explained the challenges and expense to the City in dealing with abandoned vehicles and RV’s that show up in the winter, a problem that continues year after year.

 

The Commission reviewed this and other information at their January 27, 2016 regular meeting and took the following action:

 

CARROLL/STOCKBURGER MOVED TO FORWARD THE RECOMMENDATION IN THE MEMO ON PAGE 49 TO CITY COUNCIL.

 

Move that the City Council amend Homer City Code Chapter 19.08.030 (d) to eliminate the Spit camping area that is designated as the parking area immediately northwest of the Mariner Memorial and on the same side of the Spit Road; and amend the ordinance to provide a winter camping area designated and open to the public with normal camping fees and rules applied.

 

There was brief discussion clarifying that the 14 day camping limits and fees will apply to winter camping on the spit, that Parks and Recreation will manage the campground, and confirming that this amendment will provide for a winter camping location without the City Manager having to take action to open an area each year.

 

VOTE: NON OBJECTION: UNANIMOUS CONSENT

 

Motion carried.