07/09/2008
MARINE ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
July 9, 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: 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 – June 11, 2008
Member O’Brien moved to approve the minutes of the Marine Advisory Board meeting of
June 11, 2008, as submitted in written summation to each board member. The motion was duly
seconded and carried unanimously.
3 – New Business
National Marina Day
– August 9, 2008
Assistant Marine & Aviation Department Director Bev Buysse reviewed exhibits,
participants, and marketing efforts planned for the National Marina Day event at the Clearwater
Marina on August 9, 2008, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Staff will request board member
participation in planning next year’s event. In response to a question, she said the City cannot
afford to offer additional fuel discounts.
Appoint new Chair
Chair Kelley reported his term had expired and this was his last meeting. He reviewed
marine issues and changes addressed during his eight years on the board.
Member Calhoun moved to appoint Tim Trager as Chair. The motion was duly
seconded and carried unanimously.
Marine Advisory 2008-07-09 1
4 – Old Business
Ability to modify Code to limit vessel size
In his June 19, 2008 memorandum, Assistant City Attorney Camilo Soto responded to
the MAB’s (Marine Advisory Board) inquiry regarding the City’s ability to limit vessel size within
City limits. He opined the City may restrict the length of vessels, boats, and watercraft when
anchored, moored, or tied up to waterfront property to ensure that navigable waters are
unobstructed.
The current dock ordinance establishes standards related to dock setbacks, length,
width, number of boatlifts, etc., but does not limit the length of a vessel moored or anchored to a
dock. This is of concern as there is nothing to limit the length of moored vessels from infringing
on the navigable waters zone within the City. The Code now only outlaws blocking navigation
channels with a device, defined as any net, seine, rope, stake, piling, pontoon, floatline wire,
trap, buoy or any similar device, except a hand thrown cast net.
To address the lack of vessel length regulation, the City Attorney’s office recommends
amending the Code by executing a dock ordinance and navigable waters ordinance. If adopted,
terms would need to be defined and it would need to be determined if changes would apply
retroactively.
Consensus was that vessels moored or anchored to docks should be prohibited from
blocking navigable waterways. It was felt such restrictions would address problems related to
large boats in narrow canals. Discussion ensued regarding proposed language. Support was
expressed for restricting tie poles to extending out not more than 25% of the navigable portion
of a water body or 50% of a property’s width, whichever is less. It was stated this restriction is
already in the Code.
It was stated this recommendation to the City Council was made after the MAB reviewed
the City’s Development Code regarding docks and invited Pinellas County Water & Navigation
Control Authority representative Tom Hogan to discuss the County’s dock ordinance process
and regulations. The MAB will address future items on a case-by-case basis.
Member Hemerick moved to recommend that the City Council adopt additional language
to the City Code, “Notwithstanding any other part of this section, in no case shall a dock or
mooring structure together with a moored vessel preempt more than 25% of the navigable
portion of a water body thereby creating a significant navigational obstruction.” The motion was
duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Items not on the Agenda
It was requested that staff provide quarterly updates on the downtown marina and
SandPearl docks. Airport Operations Manager Gordie Wills said the City Council had accepted
the cost overrun for the promenade. Staff awaits final plans. Staff is working on a lottery for the
downtown boat docks, which are scheduled for completion in July 2009. Painting should be
completed on the pedestrian bridge under SR 60 by August 1, 2008. The new pedestrian
bridge to temporary parking on the Causeway should be open in two weeks. Removable
bollards will allow emergency vehicle use. Causeway parking improvements are planned.
Marine Advisory 2008-07-09 2
5 - Aoenda for next meetino on Auoust 13, 2008
6 - Adiourn
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The meeting adjourned at 8:44 a.m.
Chair, Marine.
Attest:
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ard Reporter
Marine Advisory 2008-07-09
Board
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