6/02/1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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• MEMORANDUM To: Board of County Commissioners From: Alice White Date: June 1, 1998 Subject: Airboat tours on Sebastian River We have received 16 letters asking that the Board of County Commissioners ban airboats on the Sebastian River. Chief of Environmental Planning Roland DeBlois noted that staff has received a number of complaints about the speed zones being violated, boating safety, the impact on wildlife, and the main complaint has been about the noise. MANWAC voted 8 to 3 to recommend the Board consider adopting an ordinance prohibiting airboats. They also recommended coordination of efforts with Brevard County. Brevard County held a public meeting but postponed any action to await this Board's action. The proposed ordinance would prohibit all airboats. Mr. DeBlois reviewed staff s memorandum and noted that staff has not found that airboats have significantly more impact on the wildlife m the area than other vessels. With the aid of the ELMO, Mr. DeBlois went over the description of the area involved and noted the various widths of the river at differing points. Airboats cannot go into reverse and the narrow river is a concern, particularly as to canoes and kayaks. Staff has met with the Department of Environmental Protection, Fish & Game Department, the Sheriffs Department and Marine Patrol, and all enforcement agencies have stepped up enforcement. Commissioner Ginn noted that the City of Melbourne has an ordinance prohibiting airboats on tributaries of the river. County Attorney Vitunac advised he had talked to Melbourne's City Attorney who had no knowledge of the ordinance but checked and advised it was passed in 1984 and never had been an issue. Commissioner Ginn stated she had been on an airboat and things really do not get interesting until you get very close to the banks. She also noted that they are very noisy. The Chairman opened the public hearing and asked if anyone wished to be heard regarding this matter. JUNE 291998 -61-�''' iSGt.