HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 2 - Harbor Commission Goals - Draft Goals Newport Harbor Commission Objectives
FY 2014 - 2015
(Draft for Commission Review, November 17, 2014)
These objectives support the mission of the Harbor Area Management Plan and the
two most essential responsibilities of the Harbor Commission: (1) to ensure the long
term welfare of Newport Harbor for all residential, recreational, and commercial
users; (2) to promote Newport Harbor as a preferred and welcoming destination for
visitors and residents alike.
These objectives are subject to the review and approval of the Commission, and final
approval of the Newport Beach City Council. Principal responsibility for the
achievement of each objective is assigned to a subcommittee of the Harbor
Commission, as noted below. The chair of each subcommittee is shown in italics.
Progress towards these objectives will be reported, when appropriate, by the chair
of each subcommittee during regular meetings of the Harbor Commission.
Ensuring the Long Term Welfare of Newport Harbor
1) Support Harbor Resources staff in achieving final interagency approval of the
Newport Shallow Waters Eelgrass Mitigation Plan, facilitating a new Regional
General Permit (RGP 54). The purpose of the Plan is to enable a more efficient and
cost-effective RGP 54 permitting process for dock maintenance dredging through an
ecosystem-based approach to sustaining and promoting the population of shallow
water eelgrass in all areas of Lower Newport Bay where such eelgrass is found.
[West, McIntosh,Avery]
2) Complete the development of recommendations for the best pubic use of Lower
Castaways, the last remaining undeveloped city-owned waterfront property.
Collaborate with City Staff and the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission in
evaluating RFP-solicited design proposals for presentation to the City Council.
[Girling,Avery]
3) Secure California Department of Recreation approval for a proposed amendment
to the Harbor Code which would grant an exception to the harbor speed limit for
sanctioned sail racing and human powered racing events. With such authorization
recommend the proposed amendment to the City Council for enactment. [Blank,
West]
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4) Review current vessel overhang regulations and compliance throughout the
harbor and present findings to the Commission. If changes to the overhang
regulations or their enforcement are deemed appropriate, present specific
recommendations to the City Council. [TBD]
5) Create a forum for dialogue with representatives of the harbor Charter Fleet to
promote the development of a shared vision of charter boat operation standards to
be achieved collaboratively by 2020,with particular emphasis on environmental
considerations. [Avery, Girling, Kenney]
6) Collaborate with the Marine Committee of the Newport Beach Chamber of
Commerce in the development of strategy recommendations to support the
preservation of water-dependent commercial and recreational activities as
prescribed in the Harbor Area Management Plan and the Harbor and Bay Element of
the General Plan. [Stapleton, Girling, Blank]
Promoting Newport Harbor as a Preferred and Welcoming
Destination
7) Complete the evaluation of public moorage and anchorage alternatives.
Specifically address the concept of an anchorage in the Turning Basin such as the
one used on a temporary basis during the 2012 Lower Bay dredging project and the
suggestion of day moorings off Big Corona beach. [Avery, McIntosh,TBD]
8) Update and publish a 3rd edition of The Complete Cruising Guide to Newport
Harbor, first published by the Harbor Commission in 2010. [West, Kenney,
Stapleton]
9) Investigate the availability and sufficiency of launch ramp facilities in the harbor
and report findings to the Commission. Present specific recommendations to the
City Council, as appropriate. [McIntosh, Girling]
10) Support the Harbor Resources Staff and City Council in the ongoing evaluation
of a potential Harbor Waterbus Service. [West, Girling, Stapelton]
11) Develop and present to City Council the Commission's policy recommendations
concerning the operation of water propelled vessels in Newport Harbor [Kenney,
TBD]