MEMORANDUM

 

 

TO:                  Mayor Hornaday and City Council

 

FROM:              Beach Policy Committee

 

DATE:              April 13, 2005

 

SUBJECT:            Final Recommendations

 

At the April 12, 2005 Beach Policy Committee meeting the members agreed to cease operation of the Committee.  This being the final meeting of the Committee, the following recommendations were approved:

 

The Beach Policy Committee has progressed to a point where it is appropriate to hand off its remaining responsibilities and cease operation.

 

1.                    The annual assessment of the condition of the Homer shoreline be the annual coastwalk report prepared by the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies.

 

2.             The erection and maintenance of signs pertaining to beach use be assigned to                 the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies and that any remaining funds for such                 work be paid to the Center for this work.  The Center has agreed to accept this responsibility with appropriate compensation.

 

3.             The City establish a campground host program to allow a summer visitor living      in an RV to maintain a presence at Bishop's Beach Park. Consideration should be given to establish the same at Mariner Park.

 

4.             The City follow through with last year's commitment and place boulders and improved signage at Mariner Park Lagoon through remaining grant funds.

 

5.             The City obtain a lease or ownership of the state parcel to the west of the intersection of Kachemak Drive and the Spit Road.  This area should be developed and signs.

 

6.             The City post notice in the parking lot at the start of the Homer Spit Trail which explains the additional parking available with a map depiction.

 

7.             The City work with the State of Alaska to install signs indicating the parking  areas at Green Timbers and Louis's Lagoon.

 

8.             The City never vacate any portion of any Rights=of=Way which may provide any sort of  access to the Kachemak Bay Shoreline.  Privatization of the few remaining access points is not in the public interest.

 

9.             The City Council should assign to the Parks and Recreation Commission the responsibility for oversight of trails leading to the Kachemak Bay shoreline and the activities which take place on our largest natural park:  The shoreline of Homer.

 

10.           The City request the Parks & Recreation Commission to begin a plan for development of the remaining Rights-of-Way which provide access to Kachemak Bay.  Said development may be parking, trails, stairs or other appropriate ways to facilitate the access by the                 public to our natural  treasure, Homer's shoreline.  Also important are those areas which may simply provide viewing of the natural wonders of Kachemak Bay.

 

11.           The City revise and publish the informative brochure (first produced in 2004) to aid users in responsible enjoyment of our beaches. This brochure should                 be widely distributed by the Parks and Recreation Department and displayed in places obvious to visitors.

 

12.           The City follow through on last year's recommendation to replace the sign display at Bishop's beach with a more attractive mounting system.

 

13.           The City maintain the Homer shoreline in a natural state. We should not allow our shoreline to become privatized or to become a built environment.

 

The Committee wishes to thank the City Council and City staff for their support and assistance over the years.  This support has been key to devising and implementing policies which have been widely accepted by the community.  Tangible benefits have been derived from this process and we hope this cooperation continues to everyone's benefit.

 

SMITH/LENTFER - MOVED TO FORWARD THE AMENDED RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE CITY COUNCIL.

 

VOTE:  YES.  NON OBJECTION.  UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.