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Marine Advisory ,Board
MINUTES
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MARINE ADVISORY BOARD MEETING
CITY OF CLEARWATER
October 14, 1998
Present:
David C. Martens
Donald McFarland
David Hemerick
Bill Wilhelm
Hank Epstein
Nicholas Matsis
Chair
Vice-Chair
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Absent:
Ernie Cline
Board Member
Also Present: Mike Hancock
Brenda Moses
Acting Harbormaster
Board Reporter
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The Chair called the meeting to order at 8:00 3.m. at the City Marina. To
provide continuity for research, the items will be in agenda order although not
necessarily discussed In that order.
Approval of !"Iinutes . September 9, 1998
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No corrections or changes were suggested to the minutes and the Chair
declared them approved as submitted in writing to each member.
New Member
The Chair welcomed new member Nicholas Matsis. Edward Dohrman's term
has expired.
, ITEM 1 - Update on Jet Ski's off Courtnev-Camobell Causewav
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Acting Harbormaster Mike Hancock stated Police Chief Sid Klein was unable
to send a Police Department representative to discuss a proposal to draft an
ordinance to implement an idle speed zone off the Courtney-Campbell Causeway.
. The zone is proposed to be 300 feet from the causeway's high tide mark. Issues,
such as jet skier access to the channel in this zone, must be addressed before the
ordinance can be drafted. It was remarked the MAB's (Marine Advisory Board) idea
to install boat launch ramps at the Courtney-Campbell Causeway tiast of the
sanitary plant was discarded after it was determined the channel is too shallow. It
was noted beaches along the Courtney-Campbell Causeway in Pinellas County are
unregulated with swimming, jet skis, and boat trailers sharing the same space.
Concern was expressed the MAB had not been involved in discussions regarding the
regulation of these waters. It was remarked the MAB had never received a
response to Its recommendation, approximately 2 years ago, that FOOT (Florida
Department of Transportation) review causeway usage and adopt safety precautions
<_) that protect all users. It was thought FOOT regulates the causeway, not the City.
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It was suggested members visit the area at low tide. Chief Klein will be invited to
the November meeting for further discussion.
Item? - Harbormaster Selection
Discussion ensued regarding the method used to select a Harbormaster. Mr.
Hancock said William Morris will replace former Harbormaster William Held,
effective December 1, 1998. Mr. Morris is retiring from the Coast Guard and has a
diverse background including financial and operational experience. He is
knowledgeable of One City. One Future. concepts and the City's redevelopment
objectives. Consensus was to invite Mr. Morris to the November meeting.
Item 3 - Uodate on Wake Zones in Mandalav Channel
At the September meeting, the MAS had requested the Coast Guard review
Mandalay Channel markers with a recommendation to move the no wake zone one-
quarter mile north to green marker #1. Mr. Hancock stated FDEP (Florida
Department of Environmental Protection) had indicated no objection to amending the
wake zones. Upon receipt of Engineering Department drawings, he will contact the
Coast Guard regarding the marker's placement. In response to a question, he said
the MAS's recommendation had referred to the portion of the channel between
Somerset and Island Estates, which is shore to shore.
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Item 4 - Wake Zone in Clearwater Pass
Discussion ensued regarding how difficult it is to read the no wake zone sign
facing north in Clearwater Pass. The sign cannot be seen from the south. Mr.
Hancock said the Coast Guard will not allow a no wake zone sign to be placed on
west facing markers in Clearwater Pass where regulation signs are square and aid
signs are triangular. Mixing signs would confuse mariners, Mr. Hancock said the
Army Corps of Engineers requires signs on separate pilings be 50 feet from the
channel, which would defeat the purpose of signage. It was suggested a larger sign
be placed on the Sand Key jetty, in front of Shepard's on the channel's north side.
It was felt a sign on the Clearwater jetty would be more visible. Mr. Hancock will
contact the State regarding sign regulations.
Item 6 - Results of State Hearina on Sheoard's
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Mr. Hancock said tl,e Administrative Law Judge had upheld the Planning and
, Zoning Board's decision regarding Shepard's request to operate a jet ski operation.
Shepard's had obtained Commission approval to extend the no wake zone in
Clearwater Pass to the west, then obtained approval to operate a jet ski operation in
the same area. In the 5-hour hearing, it was noted a State Marine Patrol officer,
Pinellas County Marine Patrol officers, and area hotel operators had opposed the jet
ski operation. The Sheriff and Marine Patrol had presented statistically supported
testimony outlining safety concerns. MAS members expressed dismay the permit
had been granted after the board had voted unanimously in opposition. It was fe'~
safety issues had been ignored when the permit was granted. It was commented
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Shepard's had Indicated jet skiers will be Instructed to ride toward the Gulf of
'Mexico. The jet ski owner operating at the Hilton is instructing clientele to ride into
Clearwater Harbor.
, In September, Mr. Hancock had indicated Dunedin had requested a County-
wide ordinance regarding jet ski operators. Although consensus was for the Chair
to, attend all related meetings, the meeting schedule was not forwarded before a
meeting was missed. Mr. Hancock will contact Dunedin Parks and Recreation
, Director Harry Gross to invite Chair Martens to all applicable meetings.
Member Hemerick moved to recommend the City's liaison and Assistant City
Attorney Rob Surette Inform the MAB of all discussions and actions taken regarding
the proposed County-wide ordinance addressing jet ski operators. The motion was
duly seconded and carried unanimously.
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Other Business
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It was noted the City has been reorganized with several departments grouped
under "umbrellas." Marina operations now fall under Dr. Arlita Hallam's umbrella as
,Quality of Life Administrator. Discussion ensued. '
Consensus was to invite Dr. Hallam to a future meeting.
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The next MAS meeting is scheduled at 8:00 a.m. on November 4, 1998.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 8:53 a.m.
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Attest:
. \EJL'fYKJxo
oard Reporter
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