10/17/1989 - Laserfiche WebLink

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ALTERNATIVES & ANALYSIS: On April 25, 1989, the Board of County Commissioners adopted a resolution (No. 89-40) in support of FDNR's efforts to establish a manatee protectionzone in the Sebastian River. Mr. Kiefer's concern, while generally supporting the establishment of boating safety and manatee protection measures, is that there needs to be close coordination between state and local governments to derive regulations that are effective, yet not overly restrictive. Local participation in the creation of such regulations is important to account for local concerns and issues. Based on his attendance at FDNR workshops, Mr. Kiefer is of the position that there has not been enough state/local interaction on the proposed recommen- dations. Planning staff have recently contacted Mr. .Randy Lewis, FDNR Director of Communications, and have learned that the recommenda- tions have been modified based on input from the regional work- shops. Changes include: a maximum 40 mph ;speed limit in marked navigational channels and 30 mph allowances throughout inland waters in evening hours vs. the previously proposed 30 and 20 mph restrictions, respectively; and wording that would provide more flexibility in FDNR's interim regulation of boating facilities until local regulations are established for manatee protection and boat facilities siting. Mr. Lewis assured staff that FDNR fully supports state/local coordination and that the recommendations promote shared, coordinated efforts in addressing boater safety and manatee protection. Moreover, he explained that the recommen- dations allow enough flexibility for counties to work with the State to address local -specific concerns. Planning staff concur that State coordination with Indian River County is important, in determining the extent of local vs. state responsibilities in implementing boating and manatee protection regulations. In conferring with Mr. Lewis, it is apparent that FDNR is aware of the need to coordinate locally and has taken 'that into consideration in their modified recommendations. It is planning staff's position that, rather than the resolution proposed by Mr. Kiefer, a letter prepared for the County Commis- sion Chairman's signature emphasizing local/state coordination would be appropriate. Based on staff discussions and review of FDNR's recommendations, staff feel that there is not a need to request postponement of FDNR's plans/recommendations, and that a reinforcement letter of coordination would serve to express the County's concern that local interests/issues are not preempted. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the Board of County Commissioners authorize staff to draft a letter for the Chairman's signature to the Governor and Cabinet emphasizing close coordination with the County on the establishment of boating safety and manatee pro- tection measures in Indian River County. 27 OCT 1 re A89 FOR. 176