Consent 1.J.
Regular City Council Meeting
- Meeting Date:
- 05/10/2010
- TITLE
- Resolution for Temporary Suspension of the Camping Ordinance
- PRESENTED BY:
- Tom Binford
- Department:
Presentation:
PROBLEM/ISSUE STATEMENT
Each year the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) conducts large scale fire cache staging and tanker base operations at the Airport to mobilize fire fighting services during the Summer fire season. This seasonal operation includes the addition of temporary mobile structures, tents, aircraft, ground support equipment and supplies, as well as campers to accommodate the rotation of fire fighting personnel. This expanded operation is a vital component of the region's fire fighting operations and is set up on the east end of the Airport near the BLM's current leasehold area in the Airport Business Park. The BLM has significantly increased its fire fighting capability at the Airport in the last year, by leasing additional land to build a new fire station, which is currently under construction.
The BLM is requesting an exemption from BMCC Section 24-411, the City's RV and Camper Parking Ordinance, for its annual seasonal fire mobilization operation for the period beginning July 1, 2010 through October 31, 2010 as it prepares for the fire season. The Ordinance prohibits parking for camping in anything other than an authorized tourist park, except for a 10-hour rest period in a parking lot in which the owner permits it. The Ordinance does provide for a temporary suspension of the Ordinance for a special event. The Airport also enters into a Letter of Understanding (LOU) establishing the terms and conditions of the BLM's use of the area for this seasonal operation. The Council has granted a similar request from the BLM each year since 2007.
Due to the vital nature of this BLM operation and the agency's significant investment in expanding its fire fighting operations at the Airport, staff is requesting that the Council approve a standing annual waiver to the Camping Ordinance for as long as the BLM continues its Lease at the Airport. Each year the BLM would be required to submit a new map of its proposed Summer staging area and sign a new LOU, which would be executed by the City Administrator.
The BLM is requesting an exemption from BMCC Section 24-411, the City's RV and Camper Parking Ordinance, for its annual seasonal fire mobilization operation for the period beginning July 1, 2010 through October 31, 2010 as it prepares for the fire season. The Ordinance prohibits parking for camping in anything other than an authorized tourist park, except for a 10-hour rest period in a parking lot in which the owner permits it. The Ordinance does provide for a temporary suspension of the Ordinance for a special event. The Airport also enters into a Letter of Understanding (LOU) establishing the terms and conditions of the BLM's use of the area for this seasonal operation. The Council has granted a similar request from the BLM each year since 2007.
Due to the vital nature of this BLM operation and the agency's significant investment in expanding its fire fighting operations at the Airport, staff is requesting that the Council approve a standing annual waiver to the Camping Ordinance for as long as the BLM continues its Lease at the Airport. Each year the BLM would be required to submit a new map of its proposed Summer staging area and sign a new LOU, which would be executed by the City Administrator.
ALTERNATIVES ANALYZED
The City Council may:
- Approve the annual Resolution to allow camper parking in the Airport's Business Park for the BLM's annual seasonal fire mobilization operations and require staff to submit the temporary suspension of the Camping Ordinance each year; or
- Approve a standing Resolution to allow camper parking in the Airport's Business Park for the BLM's annual seasonal fire mobilization operations; or
- Do not approve either Resolution.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no financial impact anticipated. The BLM pays for any additional costs incurred in setting up the seasonal operation and restoring the location.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends Council approve a standing Resolution to allow camper parking in the Airport's Business Park for the BLM's annual seasonal fire mobilization operations for 48 hours on either side of the period each year beginning July 1 through October 31, and requiring the BLM to execute a new LOU each year.