CC Minutes 06/11/2007 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Commission Meeting June 11, 2007 Page 12 the surface use oflakes to prevent pollution in Florida. Any alternative must be designed to protect citizens' safety, not protect their private property without a public purpose. The following options are presented for Commission consideration: I. Status Quo - Continue to service complaints as they are reported presently. Currently complaints are minimal. No additional investment with this option. 2. Invest in Enforcement - To provide enforcement, even on a limited basis, would require an investment in manpower and equipment that would exceed $35,000. 3. Restrict Hours of the Boat Ramps - Restrict hours of public access to the lakes for all users by closing the gates at 5 :30 p.m. This option would serve the lakefront residents but would eliminate morning or after-work fishing from the lakes. 4. Remove Public Access - This option would reduce the number of users on North Lake Triplet and Middle Lake Triplet where the two public boat ramps are located. This would eliminate access to the lakes for residents not living on the lake. There is some costs associated with the removal of the ramps and subsequent renovation to the surrounding area. 5. Increase Public Access - Investing in additional boat ramps on the larger lakes within the City, i.e Lake Kathryn and Lake Howell could reduce the crowded conditions on North Lake Triplet and Middle Lake Triplet. The City could potentially us recreational and/or stormwater grants to offset some of the investment for purchase or development ofland on Lake Kathryn. Additionally, having public access frees up state funding for aquatic weed control such as hydrilla and water hyacinth. 6. Limit Motorized Vessels - This could be accomplished by restricting all motorized vessels from lakes less than 25 acres in order to preserve the natural environment and eliminate erosion that damages water quality. The enforcement ofthis restriction might prove difficult due to the number oflakes and the limited access. After extensive Commission discussion, the following suggestions were opined: · Public ramps on all lakes and not be limited to North Lake Triplet and Middle Lake Triplet. . Limiting the size of motorized vehicles . Limiting ramp access, staggering times and days for use · Allow only passive use of lakes, i.e. canoes, fishing, etc. . Increased use of code enforcement, i.e. no wake zones, speed limits. · Authorize a study to determine the environmental impact on the lakes by watercrafts for the protection of the environment and to meet the requirements ofthe St. Johns Water Management for water quality. . Develop a sound mythology that defines the quality oflakes and a scientifically defensible program to deal with the erosion of lakes and stormwater retention, especially the shallow lakes such as Middle Lake Triplet. The Public Works Director stated there would be justification to changing the boating habits of the City, particularly on shallow lakes, for protection of the wetlands and limiting particular types of watercrafts that may affect the water quality. The Public Works Director stated there would be justification to changing the boating habits of the City, particularly on shallow lakes, for protection of the wetlands and limiting particular types of watercrafts that may affect the water quality. This item will be placed on the June 25, 2007 Commission Agenda for further discussion.