HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Watershore And Beach Advisory Committee - 09/03/2009 •
WATERSHORE AND BEACH ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING
REt.. E D
Regular Called Meeting,Thursday, September 3,�p
5:30 p.m.
Staff Conference Room, City Hall FEB 1 0 2D1O
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1201 Leopard Street, Corpus Christi,TX
Members Present Member Absent Staff Present CITY SECRETARY'S OFFICE
Jake Herring Kyle Garrison, Chair Michele Thomas
Neil McQueen Guy Davis Tara Mireles
Kimberly Lemley
Robert Thomas Derek Herzog,
Jim Needham Gulf Beach Lifeguard
JoAnn Gilbertson Supervisor
Joanna Mott
I. CALL TO ORDER
In absence of the Chair,Vice Chair, Mr.Jake Herring called the meeting to order at 5:32 p.m.
II. ROLL CALL
The recording secretary called roll and announced that a quorum was present.
III.ADOPTION OF MINUTES
Regular called meeting August 6,2009
As no changes were requested, Ms. Kimberley Lemley made a motion to adopt the minutes. Mr. Rob
Thomas seconded the motion. The minutes were adopted unopposed.
IV. HEAR FROM THE PUBLIC—None.
V. BUSINESS FOR DISCUSSION/ACTION
New Business for Discussion/Action
Creation of signage not allowing swimming close to the jetty
Staff Liaison, Michele Thomas notified the committee that the item regarding prohibition of swimming
near the jetties has been pulled from the City Council Agenda.The committee has been tasked with
creating signage to warn swimmers of the dangerous conditions. Once the language for the signage has
been determined, a memo will be submitted to City Council for approval. The committee discussed the
incidents that have been occurring along the jetties. Some can swim without being injured, but many
sustain minor injuries including scrapes and cuts. The incidents recorded have occurred between the
Lifeguard Stand stationed on the beach and the jetty.
The sign would be a 3'x 5' double post sign to withstand the force of the winds on the beach. The
material has not been determined. Mr. Neil McQueen made a motion for the sign to read"Danger:
Strong Currents, Submerged Rocks, Swim at Your Own Risk."Mrs.Joann Gilbertson seconded. Dr.
Joanna Mott would like to see data recorded of how many incidents occurred with the new signage in
place as compared to when there was no signage. Mr. Herring called the vote.The motion passed
without opposition.
Update on Zahn Road
The representative scheduled to give the update on Zahn Road could not attend the meeting. Mrs.
Thomas will try to place the topic on the next agenda.
Trash on CC Beach
Mr. Herring reported on the area of city property off of Rincon Channel on North Beach that has been
collecting large amounts of trash. Representatives of The Texas State Aquarium have expressed
concerns regarding the build-up of garbage and would like to see some clean-up efforts made.A
solution has not been reached. Mrs. Gilbertson suggested a clean up effort similar to"WE Fest"held in
Minnesota.The committee discussed other alternatives including student volunteer clean-up groups. Mr.
Herring stated they would let the City take their suggestions, devise a game plan, and report on it at the
October meeting. Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Liaison Ms. Carrie Robertson commented
that the area is scheduled to be cleaned in September through"Adopt-a-spot." .
SCANNED
Old Business for Discussion
CC Beachwalk
Mrs.Thomas informed the committee that the City along with other tourist organizations have decided to
leave Corpus Christi Beachwalk on Corpus Christi Beach, instead of bringing the walk over into the
museum area. The issue arose that tourists have no way of getting from Corpus Christi Beach across
the Harbor Bridge to the museum area.The walk will remain on Corpus Christi Beach,with signage
placed throughout. Originally, the Harbor Ferry was intended to transport visitors from Corpus Christi
Beach to the Bayfront; however, the Harbor Ferry is often times out of service. This would not be a
reliable form of transportation for patrons to travel across. To avoid confusion, the Parks and Recreation
Department officials decided it would be in the visitor's best interest to keep the walk on Corpus Christi
Beach.The Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee was informed of this during their August
meeting.
Sargassum Maintenance Report
Mr. Derek Herzog included a draft of the proposed Beach Maintenance Plan in the committee's agenda
packets.The Sargassum Maintenance Sub-Committee is still meeting and will deliver a final draft via
email.
Updates on Park Police
Mr. Kyle Garrison was unable to attend; therefore, the Park Police update will be given at the next
scheduled meeting.
Updates on Water Quality
Dr. Mott stated they will be doing some initial work at Ropes and Cole Park looking at placing a marker
for human contamination. She stated they are still in discussions with the CBBEP to determine if there is
funding, but there has not been a directive yet.There will be an EPA meeting in October in Chicago. It
will be a stakeholder meeting on EPA's proposed new criteria for water quality.
Mrs.Joann Gilbertson asked a question regarding the painting of the bathhouse on Corpus Christi
Beach which was discussed during the previous meeting. She would like to see 2 of the walls painted a
color other than white.The topic will be placed on the next agenda for discussion.
Staff Liaison Report
Accident at Packery Channel
Mrs.Thomas had no information to report.
Mr. McQueen stated the Beach Watch sign needs to be moved closer to where windsurfers enter the
water. Mrs.Thomas will report the issue to the Bayfront Superintendent.
VI. Committee Concerns, Request for Information,Agenda Items
Identify Items to be placed on next agenda
The following items will be placed on the next agenda: Update on Zahn Road, Update on Park Police,
Status on North Side Amenities at Packery Channel, Status on South Side Amenities, Bathhouse at
Corpus Christi Beach, and Updates on Water Quality(Recurring).
VII. ADJOURNMENT
As there was no further business, Dr.Joanna Mott made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Rob
Thomas seconded. Mr. Herring adjourned the meeting at 6:32 pm.
Michele Thomas, Superintendent
Parks and Recreation Department