10/17/1995 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Community Development Director Bob Keating advised that it is a discretionary decision of the Board whether any use should be an accessory use to a park, the jet skis in particular. If there is business occurring in the park and a license is needed, then he felt the matter should go to the Parks & Recreation Committee. The question is whether jet skis off this particular location are being a nuisance and adversely affecting people,: Director Keating recalled that the manatee protection plan established speed zones for boats in certain areas of the Indian River Lagoon. A lot of the areas around the Wabasso Causeway are unregulated, however. - There are slow speed areas on the west side of the lagoon and on the east side by Jungle Trail. Commissioner Bird felt that the concern is discriminatory against businesses that use areas as accessories to their operations, pointing out that County codes allow such watercraft to be launched from parks as long as actual business isn't conducted from the launch site. He pointed out that the public boat ramps were built with State funds and in all the agreements signed with the State, there is an anti -discrimination clause. Commissioner Bird emphasized that even with all the waterfront we have in this county, virtually the only way the public or marine related businesses can gain access to the water is through public facilities. So, those businesses that want to rent a sailboard or a jet ski have no choice but to use public launching facilities because there is no commercially zoned area for this in the unincorporated part of the county. A few very small commercial facilities are located on the water in Vero Beach and Sebastian. Chairman Macht was concerned about the watercraft operating too close to shore, within 100 feet, where others may be boating or swimming. He didn't believe there is anything to prohibit the Board from establishing off limits, not so much for the manatees, but for general safety. Commissioner Adams agreed because she worries about those who operate the watercraft in reckless fashion, either jumping waves or doing 11360s". She pointed out that we don't allow all -terrain vehicles in Hobart Park to mix with soccer players. The jet skis are becoming increasingly popular and she would like to see us prevent a problem so we don't have a tragedy. Commissioner Bird agreed there should be some restriction on them operating too close to shore. It should be illegal, and it is stupid. _ Commissioner Adams suggested that the matter go back to MANWAC and the Parks & Recreation Committee for further study and also to research how other counties are handling the issue. OCTOBER 17, 1995 28 BOOK 96 FAF. ,3