05/14/2008
MARINE ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
May 14, 2008
Present: Paul J. Kelley Chair
Edward O’Brien, Jr. Board Member
F. David Hemerick Board Member
Tim Trager Board Member
Tom Calhoun Board Member
Donald O. McFarland Board Member
Vacant Seat Board Member
Also Present: Bill Morris Marine & Aviation Department Director
Bev Buysse Assistant Marine & Aviation Department Director
Patricia O. Sullivan Board Reporter
The Chair called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m. at the Marina.
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not
necessarily discussed in that order.
2 – Minutes Approval – April 9, 2008
On page 2, under Old Business, it was requested that the person who submitted dock
ordinance discussion items be identified as Member Smith and that sentence two in the next
paragraph read, “It was indicated that the City and County have different levels of review.”
Member Calhoun moved to approve the minutes of the Marine Advisory Board meeting
of April 9, 2008, as amended. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
3 – New Business
Safe Boating Week
– May 19 - 25, 2008
Marine & Aviation Department Director Bill Morris reported the Mayor would issue a
proclamation on May 15, 2008, acknowledging Safe Boating Week.
National Marina Day
– August 9, 2008
Mr. Morris said National Marina Day has national sponsors, some with local ties.
Assistant Marine & Aviation Department Director Bev Buysse reviewed ideas proposed to
celebrate National Marina Day, including an open house with marine related display booths, hot
dogs, and discounted boat rides. It was suggested that the marina offer discounted fuel.
Ms Buysse requested board involvement in planning and staffing the event. There is a
need for those with marina knowledge to discuss boating at the booths and promote the marina.
Assistant City Attorney Camilo Soto opined that board members could meet regarding the open
house as long as MAB business is not discussed.
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4 – Old Business
Chair Report of Council Work Session
The Chair reviewed his appearance before the City Council, which had expressed
concerns regarding board member demeanor and the lack of board response to the Council’s
request for input on a dock ordinance. Council discussion also considered board composition
and meeting location. There was no resolution.
Downtown Boat Slips and Marina
– not on agenda
Mr. Morris said the promenade, which is on a separate track from the downtown boat
slips, is not designed to be boater friendly. While it will not provide access to the downtown
boat slips, it will overlook the slips. More than 550 people have signed up for the downtown
boat slip lottery. Deposits will be required once the final design is completed. He supported
deferring that process until the project is permitted and construction has begun.
Discussion ensued regarding consequences of high fuel costs on boating. St.
Petersburg’s new marina is not full and has begun advertising. Mr. Morris said Clearwater’s
Marina has significant walk up interest, but averages eight vacancies. Marina slips are too
narrow for many newer boats and boaters often are unwilling to pay for more length than they
need, especially with rates increasing 31.5 % next year. The downtown design of wider and
shorter slips was based on a market study. Mr. Morris reviewed plans to market City transient
slips in Mobile, Alabama and establish a website, MyClearwaterMarina.com, that would link to
the City’s website.
Dock ordinance
– not on agenda
Mr. Morris reviewed the current boat dock approval process, which does not consider
channel location. It was stated the City Council had concerns that the MAB had inserted itself
into the commercial dock approval process without Council direction. Discussion ensued with a
comment that the MAB would be most effective if it provided input on proposed amendments
and a suggestion that the MAB review all County, City, and FDEP (Florida Department of
Environmental Protection) regulations to understand current levels of review before it makes
recommendations. Concern was expressed that current regulations allow construction of docks
that block access to existing docks.
It was recommended that a work session be scheduled in Chambers and noticed for
public input to review current regulations and to invite the County’s Water & Navigation Control
Authority representative to explain the County’s function. It was recommended that the board
forward a letter to the City Council reviewing this proposed action and asking if it reflects City
Council direction. Mr. Morris said current regulations, which are available online, were
distributed previously to the board. Information regarding issues under FDEP jurisdiction was
offered for distribution.
Member McFarland moved for the MAB to schedule a work session in Chambers,
noticed for public input, to review current regulations and to invite the County Water &
Navigation Control Authority representative to explain the County’s function in the dock approval
process. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
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It was stated the MAB makes recommendations to the City Council, not the COB
(Community Development Board).
Sand Pearl Docks - not on the agenda
Mr. Morris said the SandPearl docks only require FDEP approval for final permitting.
The project is moving forward slowly.
5 - Aqenda for next meetinq on June 11, 2008
6 - Adiourn
The meeting adjourned at 9:04 a.m.
Chair, Marine Advisory Board
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