DATE: June 6, 2017
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Margaret Mims, Sheriff-Coroner
SUBJECT: Proclamation and Ratification of Kings River Closure
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
Adopt Resolution proclaiming and ratifying the closure of the Kings River to prohibit and restrict boating, swimming, and other recreational activities for sixty (60) days.
REPORT
Approval of the recommended action will ensure the closure of the Kings River waterways subject to the County of Fresno’s jurisdiction to prohibit and restrict boating, swimming, and other recreational activities for sixty (60) days.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
No viable options are available.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact associated with the recommended action.
DISCUSSION:
The water flows on the Kings River beginning at the Pine Flat Dam and continuing downstream to the Fresno County border with Tulare County have increased substantially due to excessive rainfall and runoff creating hazardous conditions in said portion of the Kings River including but not limited to dangerously swift currents, downed trees and other obstacles blocking portions of the river flow and creating hazards to water craft and humans, dangerous erosion of river banks and other hazards.
Under County of Fresno Ordinance §13.32.080 the Board of Supervisors is authorized to prohibit and restrict boating, swimming and other recreational activity on waterways subject to the County of Fresno’s jurisdiction as public safety and welfare may require.
Under California general law, including but not limited to California Penal Code §409.5 and general police powers authorize the Sheriff to determine certain areas dangerous to the public safety and welfare and restrict access to said areas.
Under the authority granted above, the Sheriff has declared that portion of the Kings River within the jurisdiction of the County of Fresno closed to all manner of recreational access including but not limited to swimming, floating with swimming aids or boating until further notice for public safety reasons.
The Sheriff-Coroner may lift or modify the prohibition of recreational access established by this resolution in whole or for designated portions of the Kings River based on the Sheriff’s determination of the safety of conditions in and around the river.
The resolution to close the designated portion of the Kings River shall continue in effect, except as any prohibition is lifted or modified by the Sheriff, for sixty (60) days.
ATTACHMENTS INCLUDED AND/OR ON FILE:
Resolution closing Kings River
CAO ANALYST:
Jeannie Z. Figueroa