TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: Peter D. Lear, CPA, CGMA, City Manager
TITLE: Discussion and possible action regarding critique of Infrastructure in the City of North Port for Access of the Canals for the Public.
Recommended Action
Discussion and possible action regarding the critique of infrastructure in the City of North Port for access of the canals for the public.
Background Information
During the City Commission Workshop held on March 6, 2019, discussion ensued regarding fishing tournaments on the canals, motorized boats, types of fish, fishing locations and providing ramps. At the end of the discussion, there was a majority consensus “to look at infrastructure in the City for access of the canals for the public.”
Staff has identified the sections of the canals that allow the most use from one launch point. These sections as well as the City-owned adjacent properties are identified on the maps provided. It would be the Commission’s discretion to identify the boat launch and ramp locations they would prefer to be designated on each of the canals. These properties could be utilized for a boat launch and ramp location as well as parking facilities. Also, included for reference is a map showing the current boat launch location and the access it provides to the canals.
The following list of pros and cons were identified while researching the possible installation of boat launches to increase public access to the City of North Port canals:
Pros:
Ø Increase in the recreational use of City canals.
Ø Designated launch locations will decrease the likelihood of the public launching vessels at unsafe locations.
Ø Boat launch locations would have designated parking for vehicles keeping them out of the City rights-of-way.
Ø Construction of boat launches could be coordinated with future Canal and Creek Master Plan launch sites.
Cons:
Ø Increased public use of canals could lead to an increased pollution of the City’s main water supply.
Ø The North Port Police Department does not have a Marine Unit to patrol the canals and enforce laws and regulations.
Ø The North Port Fire Rescue does not have a Marine Unit to respond to an emergency on the canals, currently Fire Rescue partners with Public Works to address any issues on the canals.
Ø Risk of damage to Water Control Structures.
Ø Potential liability issues.
Ø Fast moving waters during the rainy season.
Ø Boat launch locations would require maintenance and upkeep.
Ø Construction of a boat launch and dock could require State and Federal permitting.
Ø The cost to construct each boat ramp and dock could range in price between $50,000 and $200,000 depending on the type of construction.
Ø Possible conflict between motorized vessels and paddle vessels in narrow canals.
Strategic Plan
Parks and Recreation
Financial Impact
The cost to construct all four boat ramps and docks would range in price between $200,000 to $800,000 depending on the type of construction. Funding would need to be budgeted in a future fiscal year to construct the four boat ramps and docks.
Procurement
Not applicable.
Attachments:
1. Existing Ramp and Canal Access - Cocoplum and MacCaughey Waterway
2. Proposed Map 1 - Snover and Cosmic Waterway
3. Proposed Map 2 - Snover and Creighton Waterway
4. Proposed Map 3 - Snover and Newman Waterway
5. Proposed Map 4 - New London and Cocoplum Waterway
6. March 6, 2019, City Commission Workshop Minutes
Prepared by: Chuck Speake, Operations and Maintenance Manager
Department Director: Juliana B. Bellia, Public Works Director