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:
> Increase in the recreational use of City canals.
> Designated launch locations will decrease the likelihood of the public launching vessels at unsafe locations.
> Boat launch locations would have designated parking for vehicles keeping them out of the City rights-of-way.
> Construction of boat launches could be coordinated with future Canal and Creek Master Plan launch sites.
Cons:
> Increased public use of canals could lead to an increased pollution of the City's main...
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