11/10/1999 (2)
t:'>t,.,'..
,,'
C.....:.., . : ...., ~ F ,.. ~ . '. .. .
\',.
J ",'
..
. C C ~
, .
C,:
'0
,.
["'"
"0
,I' >
roo,
;{"-. ~ . .
. ~, ,..
j .",
If/;. ~~:::
r:T;.
t,t_~,
: ~l' .
/
.O.t
t:' \
,'<
,., \'
MAB
"'~~ ':0.
....,., ,
-I., ',~ ..'
KJ: ,,~o' '
J ~: I '. .
~:(i<;,o
,}}'::' '
~:-- ...
. .,''> '.
.. -1-.
Marine Advisory Board
, ' '
MINUTES
,0,
,', "
':tt/\.
%L:" c.'
~~y~ ::;::.
,~~,I.:-~ '!'c:
\{..."..
l' ,\. ,
)-.1"
-to '
~::/
r;,,"
1;"0 '
X'~?:
,~ ~; , .
'.'
, l ~.
" L ~ j
~\:O>'O'F , ~o
;(.T'"
.c . ~.'
Date
to,
,q'l
::,'~,,':- .
{:
.....
. ;.
".
, 1.'
; ],
, ~
'0
'0 ,
','
-/
,',+
,0
"~ 7/P
I... ,. '0
'.
(~J
MARINE ADVISORY BOARD
CITY OF CLEARWATER
November 10, 1999
Present:
David Hemerick
Bill Wilhelm
Donald McFarland
Hank Epstein
Nick Matsis
Dick Safirstein
';.
Absent:
Tom Horne
: 0
Also Present: Bob Clark
Michael J. Roberto
Bill Horne
. William, Morris
Rich Baier
Bren'da Moses
Chair
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
City Commissioner
City Manager
Assistant City Manager
Harbormaster
Public Works Administrator
Board Reporter
The Chair called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m. at the Marina,
00
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not
necessarily discussed in that order.
Board members' welcomed Commissioner Bob Clark, City Manager Michael
Roberto, Assistant City Manager Bill Horne, and Public Works Adminsitrator Rich
Baier,
ITEM 2 - Minutes Approval
Member Safirstein moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of
October 13, 1999, as submitted in written summation to each board member, The
motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously,
ITEM 3 - Update on Armv Corps. Of Enaineers
Harbormaster William Morris s~id the Army Corps of Engineers, Coast Guard,
and FOEP (Florida Department of Environmental Protection) will tour the shoaling
area, the main channel to the Intracoastal, alongside the Memorial Causeway,
Information regarding the December date and time will be distributed, Participation
is welcome,
ITEM 4 - Other Business
ParasaiJ and Waverunner Accidents
o
. Mr. Morris reviewed recent parasail and waverunner accidents near
Clearwater Pass. The Florida Marine Patrol report indicates no injuries had occurred
mmab1199
.....~i,.40~-;,-.,_........r'"'-Iittl:'.'.'.,};:I:l':.' ..f, +.
. . , '
. I'" " . .,' .. ':..'.., . '. '._ ..: , ~ '. _ .'
1
11/10/99
/)
when a chartered fishing boat struck a reckless waverunner operator, Minor
damage to the boat and wave runner is estimated at $2,500, The waverunner
operator, helped to shore by a boater, has disappeared. After ticketing the operator
for violations of navigational rules, it was determined the driver's license presented
had been reported stolen, The MAB (Marine Advisory Board) had previously
expressed opposition to Shepherds' application fur a waverunner rental business. It
was felt these types of recreational activities are inappropriate in this area. It was
indicated the request by Clearwater Marineways had been denied, The Ramada Inn,
adjacent to Shepherds, has requested permission to run a waverunner rental
business,
In response to a question, Mr, Morris said this is the first waverunner
accident at Shepherds of which he is aware, He said Florida Marine Patrol and
Pinellas County Sheriff's Office accident tracking system makes it difficult to prove
an area is unsafe for personal watercraft operations, Many waverunner operations
are partnered with parasailing operations, The businesses have cooperated and
agreed to areas of operation, Mr, Morris has not discussed the incident with
Shepherds, In response to a question, he said the waverunner rental business at the
Radisson has no dock. The no-wake zone in Clearwater Pass is posted, enforced,
and violators are ticketed. Concern was expressed no.wake signs cannot be
collocated with existing navigational aids on the pass's south side due to a conflict
in the shapes of the signs,
/,..--~-
" )
'\,1.....,......
Mr, Morris said just prior to the parasail accident, he had discussed safety
concerns and operation areas with 3 of the 5 parasail operators, Seagrass beds on
the Intracoastal are of concern, Paras ail operators and fishermen have similar needs
related to water depth.
Consensus was "to recommend monitoring parasail operations, if approved,
on the Intracoastal and Channel 17 to ensure cooperation among waterway
enthusiasts.
Mr. Morris said the Coast Guard has no interest in regulating parasail
businesses. Of 200,000 parasailing operations in Clearwater waters during the past
9 years, only 2 accidents have been documented, Near misses, towline breaks, etc.
are not always reported, Mr, Morris is scheduling meetings with Mark McCullough,
a court-recognized expert witness in parasailing, and local parasail businesses to
review operation guidelines, equipment safety checks, and standard operating
oprocedures, discuss use of the Intracoastal, and consider the size, type, length, and
useful life of tow lines,
. ! '
'--.J
Discussion ensued regarding the permitting and regulatory process. Paras ail
and waverunner rental businesses are required to have insurance liability coverage,
Businesses operating out of the Clearwater Marina list the City as a co-insured
party, Concern was expressed that no wind condition/direction restrictions apply to
parasail operations, It was suggested an ordinance be adopted to regulate personal
watercraft operations in the Intracoastal. A balance between stringent rules and
negligent standards was recommended to control liability. While bay waters are
located within City limits, Gulf waters are not,
mmab1199
2
1.1/10/99
~:o-.'.
.' "
, ,iJ Roundabout Update
Public Works Administrator Rich Baier said traffic now moves through the
roundabout, Signs direct traffic to the Marina, Some Marina tenants have
requested signs be posted "Marina business parking only." Concerns have been
expressed regarding Marina business employees parking in prime spaces intended
for patrons, Mr, Morris recommended building and marina tenants discuss
restrictions for the Marina parking lot and nearby shell lot, The City is considering
moving beach lifeguards and concession operators to free up parking spaces at the
beach and 60 spaces in front of the Marina building. Mr, Baier said the temporary
lot on the Memorial Causeway has been enlarged and now accommodates buses.
The City Manager said that parking lot will remain open until the Mandalay Avenue
garage is constructed, It has not been determined if the lot will be permanent. Mr.
Morris said the Marina pays police aids on weekends and holidays to patrol the
Marina parking lot and encourage beach visitors to park at the causeway lot,
The Grand Opening of the roundabout is on December 21, 1999, at 5:30
p,m, A written invitation will be sent to the Board,
~., .
Mangroves
,
. ..--.
" )
,~..".
Mr, Baier reported mangrove trimming is heavily regulated. The issue will be
discussed at the next work session, It was remarked that legislation could be
amended,
I:,
Sailing Center Ramp Construction
Mr, Morris said on October 29, 1999, the County permit was issued for
Sailing Center launch ramps, Construction will be completed by late February 2000.
New City Waverunner
Mr, Morris said most waverunner manufacturers sponsor programs for fire
departments and law enforcement, Lifeguards cannot enforce safe bathing limits
from paddle boards due to waverunner and power boat intrusions, Barney's will
sponsor a waverunner for City lifeguard operations. The Fire Department will
provide operational and safety training, He noted the difficulty of identifying private
boat and waverunner license numbers, The City's waverunner will be used to patrol
the beach, not for pursuit.
MAS Participation in Marine-Related Decisions
,Jo.o"
j'
~,
Ongoing concerns were expressed that MAS does not participate in key
decisions affecting marine operations. It was felt communication related to bridges
and marine related issues is deficient, The City Manager said the City lacks
adequate logistical staff to determine which issues should be presented to MAS and
at what stage, All advisory boards would be overwhelmed if included in the
discussion stages of all proposed projects. Mr, Baier said public meetings are the
mmab1199
3
11110/99
-,
/"""'\ best way to inform residents and businesses of proposed projects and
.J } developments, It was noted MAS is responsible for making recommendations to the
Commission,
Concern was expressed the City had not requested MAS input related to the
bicycle path proposed for the new Memorial Causeway Bridge, boater's rights on
Sand Key, etc, The City Manager agreed bayfront docks and other water-related
activities should be presented to MAS for discussion, Staff expressed concern that
the MAS's scope may be too broad. It may not be possible to obtain MAS input
, regarding everything that floats. The pedestrian walkway beneath the small bridge
was not considered to be water-related nor requiring MAS input. It was stated the
walkway prevents use of the new fishing pier's north side and fishing activity off
the seawall,
.w.....
\
.~rt~l~;~,:
It was stated as many projects impact Intracoastal activities, the Marina,
bayfront, boating activities, docks, etc" the MAB should be involved in the planning
stages of projects, The City Manager said the underpass is as safe as p'osslble and
complies with all governmental regulations and specifications, In response to a
question, Mr, Baier said the $935,000 bicycle path between 'the City dock at the
bait house and existing bridge will be similar to one at the Glen Oaks golf course, A
minimum navigational clearance will be necessary. Only initial discussions have
occurred, Design and route have not been determined, Mr, Baier requested board
members forward to him any related concerns, In response to a question, Mr. Baier
said a turnaround opening through the median between the bridge and Island Way
has no designated turn lane,
It was suggested a dock be constructed at the rebuilt seawall in front of the
City's new Island Estates' park, Mr, Baier said the City does not own the
waterfront lot.
Concern was expressed a revised Ordinance defining a public beach was
presented as a law enforcement issue, not a waterway issue, The Harbormaster
was not included in discussions of this issue until marking the beach became an
issue. Staff has felt applying for project grants and initial project discussions are
beyond the MAS's scope of responsibility, Staff welcomes MAS input regarding
physical designs that impact waterways, The City Manager said staff has not
intentionally excluded the MAS regarding any water-related issues. MAS members
requested being "in the loop" in the future, For example, any bayfront
redevelopment would impact City waterways,
The City Manager suggested over the next 3 - 4 months that staff develop a
written plan regarding their capacity for addressing related waterway issues
affecting the MAS. After the City Commission has clarified the plan and provided
direction, staff will present the plan to the MAB to see if board expectations have
been met, In response to a question, the City Manager said copies of work session
and Commission meeting minutes are available from the City Clerk Department.
Commissioner Clark said he plans to attend MAS meetings when possible, share
\ MAS concerns with the Commission, and inform the board of pertinent information.
~)
mmab1199
4
11/10/99
........,1 ~T. '...- .
,.'.,. .
~:~:~',:.r: ;:::, :,/ '.:,. _" ::~::<' ~,'.o ,o;:o'::,,~,,'"i.,V;',;:i:':',,:':~i.\")~/;'(;'~: '<.',\>/ .:'
c~~~t~1~~T""""f,t'~l:.".";;'M,.~J~i;=i~~'~r~\~'f.~Y"'J""~"; :,1. "~".I~ "U.'.''; ".-'., '.'
l;}ri.~;',: ~:::.;: \': "~'l{'~~:r.! ~":i\,..)/,."::~'.:~~':::';....:;,: ;..;;. :.:: :- .0' .. . ':,.~ . I' ..... ..
~1:i:;:' .... .
" ,
~ .., . . ~. ~
; ,\ ',it
,h.: ".'
0"
/~.I!' .,. ....
}lo "
"
, :
,
~ < l :.1,
',.'
,;.\. "..
t,. '....
'It ~; M
:.:':::,10")0';"
'.r',; "."
, I>,
i:;_..~,o:
t\~ :';; ;::::/~.? .'
it ~.' ;: , '
'/1':');'0
~Z?;"
II\'",
Y':,:;,\::;-' ,',0-
.~.. r' I- >
t~ '" . .
~~~!,(\.~:' ~;.' , '
I:'~t' r ~ : .
II\\;~~,':'" '
t)}. : T
!:.~: :"~ ::'.
, ,<~.: ~ ~
O'\' ,00
'~ . (.
~\.;:
i;:~,:~,::::o.: )
.:7,.,:,0....~~,0
:0 j:' (;:':"'.1
'~.~..:~, ~:~.
l. 1\ : ~:.,~ ;'
~. i -i,' .:~. .. 'j
~:~~:: ~~., ,
~~~. :", ,
:.;;~ . "r, <
.,< --~ :,;!-
,0,: ..
';t,
0,
.'
"
~~'.'
,.
~~.'~"r.~.~
u. .,: ~
1,./."
. H: l'
'.;"
~~T' '"
:\ ~,
l':
,j':'
:>1,
:'
"-
\ ~ "
. J ,>c
"
t J
~', j'
0; ': Q)<'.o~'o~
(, . .i:
, '
:: ,. 0' '.
't'l':-'..' ,
{f~~~ . <.!~' .
},':;'.t;
lit~:.~' ',:,' . 'I>>
oio"; ." 0
;,;'j" "
--.:-
1','
.!,
, ,
- .~, ,
~l, .
,.....
;, .
, ,
.,' l.,;
~ ~ '. . ;
i-. ~
"
-..:'
0'
, '
,'r"
i
i
, J
i'
1.1. ",
ITEM' 6 ';..:. Adlournment
"::. The meeting adjourned ~lt 9:30 a.m,
"
C. ,j i
. " . . Q- .
~~~'-~
Chair' ' ,
Marine Advisory Board:
. "
-,/
"
o Att'est:o
"0 .~':/)'v.o:":~ULtiL~
, , ,',' oJo;:~~porte( 0 , 0 :
,.
'I
(
\
I
.1
'IC \.
.>,.
. ~ ..
,~ : <
0,0
. ~ :
3",1
,
..,'
" '
II>'
, ,
'~ ~
"
oj
"
,; .
,
..,
'J
, 0
-,'
,.0
.,1'
J\
0',
.C..' .
,;C
"
" (.
10:
"
,:',i:'
'1.
,;, .',. C
.' ,
<< IC'
, "
"
0, I
.(
,0
,',
" '
':;.
,"
'I
0,0
0,
.'
.,. r
:,
~' ~
,i
"
. : ~ '.
0'
.",
, ;
.(
0'
"
C:l
"C ,
1 '0
>,
",
,,0
, . .
, ,
0"
0,'
mniab1199
'I
6'
.11110/99
"
, "
1tT'o;l"".'#H.p-,.~,;1-, .'" ..-ti'"I.~ ...... ...,....
. J : ~... ~~ '.~ . :
.. ' .., '~. , ; ': . .,~~! '-." f'" . '.'.
.- ' : ~ ,.~., ; "
5-! ~'~I'. ;:.ti
.';-~ ~." ~ t " ..
L ~ ,~,
,* .-",