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01/08/2003 (2)e MAB Marine Advisory Board MINUTES 01 08 03 MARINE ADVISORY BOARD CITY OF CLEARWATER January 8, 2003 Present: Tom Horne Chair Hank Epstein Board Member Nick Matsis Board Member Dick Safirstein Board Member Paul J. Kelley Board Member Denis Sparks Board Member Absent: Edward O'Brien Board Member Also Present: Bill Morris Marine & Aviation Department Director Beverly Buysse Assistant Marine and Aviation Director Catherine Yellin Senior Staff Assistant Brenda Moses 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. ITEM #2 - Minutes Approval from December _111 2002 Member Matsis moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of December 11, 2002, as submitted in written summation to each Board Member. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. ITEM #3 --- Other Business Election Chairperson for one year Discussion ensued regarding election of a Chair. It was remarked that Chair Horne has done an excellent job. It was suggested that he be reelected until such time another member wishes to serve as Chair. Member Matsis moved to reelect Tom Horne as Chair. The motion was duly seconded. Chair Horne said although he was willing to accept the nomination, he felt it important that all board members be given the opportunity to serve as Chair. Upon the vote being taken, the motion carried unanimously. December 2002 Commission Work Session re Advisory Board Discussion Member Kelley represented the MAB (Marine Advisory Board) at the December 2, 2002, Commission Work Session regarding an item about City advisory boards. He said the discussion was basically positive. The Commission heard from some of the boards' representatives and City staff regarding various items including length of terms Marine Advisory 2003=0108 1 1/08/03 and the number of people serving on boards. They were looking for more uniformity regarding,those issues. Some suggestions included limiting board membership to five members versus seven, and three-year terms versus four-year terms. The Commission said they wanted to continue interfacing with board members but they did not specify in what manner. They said they are open to receiving input from the board as a whole or from individual members. They would ensure the appropriate advisory board would be provided with information relative to their specific areas of expertise for review and . recommendation to the Commission. They stated advisory boards' input are a valuable asset to them. Attendance It was requested that someone contact board member O'Brien to determine if he is still willing to serve on the board. He has missed several meetings. The Board. Reporter said she would inform the City Clerk of the request. Municipal Marina Dredging The Pinellas County Board of Commissioners approved the permit for dredging the Clearwater Marina this morning without incident. If the City decides to use an outside contractor, it would take approximately three months to bid and award a contract. The cost to dredge approximately 11,650 cubic yards of material may cost as much as $516,000 based on $50,000 mobilization and $40 per cubic yard. Mr. Morris said he is considering purchasing a new self-contained dredge that can pump a mile long of piped material without a booster pump. The equipment would cost $225,000. The Army Crops of Engineers has indicated they would ask the Marina to perform annual/as-needed maintenance of the main channels should the Marina purchase that equipment. Initial start-up costs have been estimated. The dredge also could be used for beach renourishment and other projects. The board had previously recommended to the Commission that Mr. Morris proceed with the purchase and operation of a dredge, It was remarked that it should be made clear that it should not be used to help out homeowners who try to convince employees to work near their seawalls. Wake Zone off Marina Del Ray and Sand Key Mr. Moms said the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission denied a wake zone off Marina Del Rey and Sand Key. They felt the markers in that area were adequate and that the Clearwater marine unit should focus its enforcement in this area to address speeding. Mr. Morris pointed out that Clearwater doesn't have a marine unit. Vessel Exclusion Area Mr. Morris is working with the State Fish and Wildlife Commission to put a vessel exclusion area from the Clearwater Pass bridge to the jetty by the Adam's Mark with access corridors so businesses can still run rental operations such as jet skis, etc. This action would push boats and wakes into deeper water. This proposal is a result of various problems by boaters in this area including alcohol. drugs, etc. The MAB had expressed their support of this action at their last meeting in November. Marine Advisory 2003-0108 2 1108103 Discussion ensued and it was felt this is a law enforcement issue. It was felt that pushing boats into the channel would create more safety issues such as boating accidents and swimmers drowning. It was suggested that the County step up marine patrols in the area. Mr. Morris said Shephard's Beach Resort has hired off-duty police to control crowds, etc. on land. Problems occur from activities that are taking place in the water. Member Epstein moved that the Commission be informed that the Marine Advisory Board is not in favor of the 150-foot vessel exclusion zone, but is in favor of police monitoring of the situation. It was suggested the motion be amended to state the MAB is not in favor of the vessel exclusion zone due to adverse safety concerns, but would be in favor of it if there was an increased law enforcement presence. It was remarked that the City needs to establish a marine unit to address safety concerns. It was felt that one boat would not be sufficient to police this area. The Coast Guard has patrolled the area, but doesn't have enough personnel to patrol this area continuously. Boats are anchored too close together creating more problems. It was suggested that the mere presence of law enforcement in the water and more enforcement on land would deter some of the unlawful behavior. It was felt that if the vessel exclusion zone were implemented, the problem would continue without enforcement. It was suggested that a law enforcement boat be stationed in this area early in the morning to ensure boaters know they are going to enforce the law. Member Epstein moved to recommend to the Commission that the Marine Advisory Board is not in favor of the vessel exclusion zone due to safety concerns, but is in favor of a strong marine law enforcement unit that is required now and in the future. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously., Chair Horne said he would attend the January 9, 2003, Commission meeting and speak to this item when it is discussed at the public hearing. Lifeguard . Beverly Buysse, Assistant Marine and Aviation Director, said that Clearwater has been selected by USLA (United States Lifesaving Association) to host the Southeastern United States Regional Life Guard Competition at Clearwater Beach on July 16 and 17, 2003. This is a great opportunity for the Sailing Center and Clearwater, as this event historically has been held on the east coast. Sailing Center The Sailing Center has a junior member, Paige Riley, who was selected as the Female Athlete of the Year by U.S. Sailing, 'a National Sailing Organization, which coordinates and promotes Sailing instruction and competition, for both recreation and racing. The award at this level is given to one person in the entire United States, so it is quite an honor. This award also will bring more recognition to the Sailing Center. It was remarked that the Sailing Center is well-organized and well run. • Marine Advisory 2003-0108 3 1108/03 January 9 Commission Item It was remarked that an item would be considered at the January 9 Commission meeting regarding variances for docks on Bayside, Brightwater; etc' One member remarked that he hopes the State Fish and Wildlife Commission will not change the status of the manatee to a more protected species as it would adversely affect the number of docks and dock builders and SWFWMD (Southwest Florida Water Management District) already is making dock construction more difficult. 'ITEM #5 - Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 9:11 a. m. hai Marine Advisory Board Attest: : Board Reporter Marine Advisory 2003-0108 4 1/08103