08/13/2008
MARINE ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
August 13, 2008
Present: Tim Trager Chair
Edward O’Brien, Jr. Board Member
F. David Hemerick Board Member - left 8:30 am
Tom Calhoun Board Member
Donald O. McFarland Board Member
Vacant Seat Board Member
Vacant Seat Board Member
Also Present: William Morris Marine & Aviation Department Director
Catherine Yellin Recorder
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 – July 9, 2008
Member O’Brien moved to approve the minutes of the Marine Advisory Board meeting of
July 9, 2008, as submitted in written summation to each board member. The motion was duly
seconded and carried unanimously.
3 – New Business
Sand Key Wake Zone Request
After observing a manatee, a resident requested installation of an Idle Speed Only sign
in the channels between Marina Del Ray and the Moorings where a Slow Speed Minimum
Wake Zone exists. The City adopted an extension of this zone in November 2002, at the
request of area residents. The State Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission overruled the
change, indicating that the extension was excessive, it would restrict the boating public’s
enjoyment of waterways, and that boaters’ approach to the channels already was slowed by
existing signage. The City adopted Ordinance 7154-03 in July 2003 to repeal the wake zone
extension.
Marine & Aviation Department Director Bill Morris said the Code specifically prohibits
vessels from transiting within 50 feet of any dock, seawall, or shoreline at a speed greater than
five miles per hour. Residents can post signage on their docks to inform boaters of this
restriction.
Member McFarland moved that the Marine Advisory Board opposes an Idle Speed Only
Zone for the channels between Marina Del Ray and the Moorings. The motion was duly
seconded and carried unanimously. .
4 – Old Business
Marine Advisory 2008-08-13 1
Community Development Code update
Mr. Morris reviewed the Marine Advisory Board’s recommendation to add language to
the Code, “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 amendment will be presented first Quarter 2008/09 as part of the
next Code update.
Items not on the Agenda
Board vacancy/Board composition:
Mr. Morris requested input on the size of the board and meeting location. Discussion
ensued.
Member McFarland moved that the Marine Advisory Board recommends that the board
continue to have seven members. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Board members prefer meeting at the Marina location.
Mr. Morris suggested a member with a commercial background would be more likely to
attend meetings scheduled at the Marina.
Consensus was that the City Council should determine board composition.
National Marina Day – Saturday, August 9, 2008:
Mr. Morris reported that few people attended the marina’s first National Marina Day
celebration. The weather was not favorable, and commercial activity was limited. The marina’s
display board was well received and will be displayed at City Hall and at future City activities.
Attorney representation at meetings:
Appreciation of Assistant City Attorney Camilo Soto attendance at Marina Advisory
Board meetings was expressed
Drew Street Dock Building at Coachman Park:
Mr. Morris said the dockmaster’s office at the downtown boat slips will be elevated and
provide ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) access. The dock building will feature restrooms
and an office within the current footprint under the structure’s existing roof.
Downtown Boat Slips:
Mr. Morris said Meisner Marine was awarded the contract for the downtown promenade
and boat slips and will break ground on the promenade within two weeks. The boat slips are in
the permitting stage, with permit approval anticipated by December 2008, and construction to
start in January 2009. The City is not involved in a dispute between Meisner Marine and their
subcontractor involving wave attenuator criteria.
Marine Advisory 2008-08-13 2
Sand Pearl Public Docks:
Mr. Morris said he would review the status of the Sand Pearl public docks. Permits have
been obtained. Information was requested regarding the completion deadline.
Decade Properties:
Mr. Morris said a letter from Decade Properties, which sells daily City parking permits
from the Little Boat House next to the Seminole Launch Ramp and provides restrooms for public
use, reported that two sales contracts for the business had fallen through due to the current real
estate market and the business loses money each month. The letter requested an increase to
the percentage of daily City parking permit fees the firm receives from 25% to 75%.
Mr. Morris said the City will decline the request. The Marina department is considering
installing parking meters at the Seminole Launch Ramp. By next year, department reserves will
be sufficient to hire one FTE (Full-Time Equivalent) on weekends to monitor the lot.
Sailinq Center Expansion:
Mr. Morris reported the Sailing Center expansion was nearly $68,000 over budget due to
change orders, including ceiling fans not included in the original bid package. The City, not the
contractor, will take care of the fans. Additional changes are being reviewed to determine
necessity.
Access to Fish Piers under Clearwater Pass Bridqe:
Mr. Morris said access to fishing piers under the Clearwater Pass Bridge is available
through the County park and is handicapped accessible.
5 - Aqenda for next meetinq on September 10, 2008
The meeting adjourned at 8:41 a.m.
ry Board
6 - Adiourn
Marine Advisory 2008-08-13
3