C7S - Fund $250k for North Beach Kayak Launch

Resolutions - C7 S

COMMISSION MEMORANDUM

RECOMMENDATION

The Administration supports accepting the recommendation of the Public Safety and Neighborhood Quality of Life Committee (PSNQLC) to approve the funding request of $250,000 to support the design and permitting phase for a Kayak Launch in North Beach.

The Administration recommends that while the Mayor and Commission evaluates establishing a Kayak Launch in North Beach, it also carefully considers several critical factors that will significantly impact the General Fund budget, beginning in FY2026:

1. The City’s increasing unfunded capital improvement program. 2. Long-term General Fund financial projections indicating a potential shortfall in upcoming fiscal years. 3. The passage of Amendment 5 in November 2024, which increases the homestead exemption and further constrains the growth of taxable property values.

These considerations are essential to ensure that decisions regarding establishing a new Kayak Launch in North Beach align with the City’s broader long-term financial stability and strategic priorities. If the Mayor and Commission approves funding a Kayak Launch in North Beach, the Administration recommends it to be considered as part of the FY 2026 budget process.

BACKGROUND/HISTORY

In May 2017, the City opened a Kayak/Non-Motorized Vessel (NMV) Launch at the Parkview Island Annex. However, due to ongoing water quality concerns in the adjacent canal, the launch has been closed since March 2020.

Given the continued closure and the desire to provide access to non-motorized watercraft, there is interest in identifying an alternative location for a Kayak/NMV Launch in the North Beach area while water quality issues at Parkview are being addressed.

During the April 23, 2025 Commission meeting, at the request of Commissioner Laura Dominguez, the Mayor and City Commission referred an item (C4 M) to the Public Safety and Neighborhood Quality of Life Committee (“PSNQLC”), to discuss a suitable location for a Kayak Launch in North Beach. (Exhibit A).

At the June 11, 2025 Public Safety and Neighborhood Quality of Life Committee (PSNQLC) meeting, the item received a favorable recommendation. The Parks and Recreation and Environmental Sustainability Departments estimate an initial appropriation of $250,000 to support the design and permitting phase of the Kayak Launch in North Beach This phase is anticipated to take approximately 24 months to complete, and will include all required design work and regulatory approvals. (Exhibit B)

Following completion of the design and permitting phase, a separate funding request for the construction phase will be submitted during a future fiscal year.

ANALYSIS

To evaluate alternative locations for a Kayak/Non-Motorized Vessel (NMV) launch in North Beach, City staff reviewed monthly water quality data from sites north of 63rd Street, focusing on Enterococcus and Fecal coliform levels. While the City’s monitoring program is designed for stormwater evaluation, results were compared against State standards for recreational waters 70 MPN/100mL (Enterococcus) 800 CFU/100mL (Fecal coliform).

The waterfront adjacent to the P100 lot at 81st Street and Hawthorne Avenue was identified as a promising alternative due to acceptable water quality, nearby sampling sites, and available parking.

The southern portion of Tatum Waterway near Crab Alley was also considered, but not recommended due to lack of consistent water quality data, proximity to the Parkview Canal, upcoming infrastructure projects, limited parking, and high stormwater runoff.

Staff also noted a prior attempt to permit a kayak launch at 81st Street and Crespi Boulevard was denied due to the adjacent property owner refusing to provide a required Letter of Consent.

Any future kayak launch will require coordination with DERM, FDEP, and USACE, with permitting considerations including water depth, benthic resources, endangered species habitat, navigational concerns, and property owner consent.

FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT

If approved by Commission the funding request of $250,000 for the design and permitting phase of a kayak launch at North Beach will be submitted and reviewed for consideration during the FY 2026 budget process.

Does this Ordinance require a Business Impact Estimate? (FOR ORDINANCES ONLY)

If applicable, the Business Impact Estimate (BIE) was published on: See BIE at: https://www.miamibeachfl.gov/city-hall/city-clerk/meeting-notices/

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

$250,000 design and permitting cost.

CONCLUSION

The Administration supports the acceptance of the recommendation from the PSNQLC to include an initial appropriation of $250,000 to fund the design and permitting phase of the Kayak Launch in North Beach as part of the FY 26 budget process. This phase is expected to take approximately 24 months to complete and will encompass all necessary design efforts and required regulatory approvals.

Upon completion of this phase, a separate funding request for the construction phase will be submitted in a future fiscal year, based on finalized plans and permitting outcomes.

Applicable Area

North Beach

Was this Agenda Item initially requested by a lobbyist which, as defined in Code Sec. 2-481, includes a principal engaged in lobbying? No

If so, specify the name of lobbyist(s) and principal(s):

Department

Parks and Recreation

Sponsor(s)

Commissioner Laura Dominguez

Co-sponsor(s)

Commissioner David Suarez

Condensed Title

Accept Recommendation, Kayak Launch in North Beach. (Dominguez/Suarez) PKS

Previous Action (For City Clerk Use Only)