Minutes 09/13/1994 - Laserfiche WebLink

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I recommend that you approve the resolution authorizing me to apply to the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries for permission to establish the zones. When approval is received from the State, you will be asked to adopt an ordinance for enforcement of the no wake zones." Motion by Mr. Clemons, and seconded by Mr. Pitts, to adopt the resolution. Amended motion by Mr. Hawks, and seconded by Mr. Pitts, to delete the last eight words in the portion dealing with and substituting language identifying the northern boundary of the Norfolk Naval Shipyard as that boundary of Area ~hree and to have the Area Three portion of the resolution contingent on the City of Norfolk adopting similar legislation for Area ~hree, and was adopted by unanimous vote. Motion by Mr. Clemons, and seconded by Mr. Pitts, to adopt the following resolution as amended, and was adopted by the follow~ng vote: "A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO APPLY TO THE VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF GAME AND INLAND FISHERIES TO PLACE "NO WAKE" SIGNS IN CERTAIN PORTIONS OF THE ELIZABETH RIVER AND IN SCOTTS CREEK. WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Portsmouth, Virginia is aware of its maritime heritage and of the presence of a large number of boats of all types and of a high'volume of boating traffic on its waterways; and WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Portsmouth, Virginia desires to take such measures as are necessary to protect the safety of the many boaters, both residents and visitors, using the waterways, as well as property adjacent to the waterways; and WHEREAS, concerns have been expressed that boats often proceed at excessive speed along certain portions of the waterways, creating damaging wakes, thereby potentially causing hazard to life, damage to boats which are berthed or moored and to other private and public property, causing erosion of the river banks, and causing damage to the Seawall; and WHEREAS, areas of special concern exist in portions of the Elizabeth River and in Scotts Creek; and WHEREAS, a Federal "No Wake" zone already exists in the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River between the Norfolk and Portsmouth Belt Line Railroad Bridge and the junction of the Southern and Eastern Branches of the Elizabeth River; and WHEREAS, the City of Portsmouth would benefit from establishing a local zone concurrent with this Federal zone; and WHEREAS, the City of Portsmouth is required to apply to the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Ga~ne and Inland Fisheries for permission to install regulatory markers, including "No Wake" signs, on public waters of Virginia; and WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Portsmouth, Virginia desires to make such application; and