11/12/2008MARINE ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
November 12, 2008
Present: Tim Trager
Edward O'Brien, Jr.
F. David Hemerick
Tom Calhoun
Donald O. McFarland
Vacant Seat
Vacant Seat
Chair
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Also Present: Camilo Soto Assistant City Attorney
Bill Morris Marine & Aviation Department Director
Bev Buysse Assistant Marine & Aviation Department Director
Brenda Moses Board Reporter
The Chair called the meeting to order at 8:02 a.m. at City Hall.
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not
necessarily discussed in that order.
2 - Minutes Approval - October 8, 2008
Member Calhoun moved to approve the minutes of the Marine Advisory Board meeting
of October 8, 2008, as submitted in written summation to each board member. The motion was
duly seconded and carried unanimously.
3 - New Business
Modification to Marine Business Plan Rates
Marine & Aviation Department Director Bill Morris said he had received complaints from
recreational boat tenants regarding slip rental rate increases. A number of tenants have left and
while there are some new tenants, occupancy no longer is at 100%. The Marina occupancy
rate is currently 77%; a minimum rate of 72% (at today's rates) is necessary to maintain Marina
profitability. With past and future slip rent increases scheduled for 31.5% for resident
recreational boaters, some have indicated they would consider staying if rates do not increase
further. Mr. Morris is working on a revised business plan through the City administration to City
Council that rates be frozen at their current amount for the next year. Tenants will be noticed in
their bill that the City Council will consider amending the Marina Business Plan on January 15,
2009.
Mr. Morris spoke with Eric Spaulding, the head of an organized group of commercial
fishermen, regarding the scheduled 25% commercial slip rental rate increase next October.
Commercial tenants, affected by the economic downturn and an extended grouper ban, also
support a rate freeze (some support a reduction in current slip rents). The City Council
previously had reduced the first two 25% annual increases to 10%.
Marine Advisory 2008-11-12
Mr. Morris said he had relocated some tenants at the Marina and is planning to
reconfigure some slips to make them more attractive. While the City originally intended to raise
Beach Marina rates to the rates budgeted for the downtown boat slips, tenants have pointed out
district differences between the two locations; Downtown will feature easier access to parking,
quick access to the gulf, modern design, state of the art construction, and a convenient location
away from ongoing beach construction. The rate structures at the beach and Downtown are
under discussion by the Marine and Finance departments. The focus of the January meeting
would be on the Beach Marina rate structures and impacts of changes. Budget forecasts being
prepared do not reflect 100% occupancy.
Discussion ensued regarding the slowing economy with comments supporting a rate
freeze or reduction to the level of increases. It was felt the marina and its amenities offer good
value. Mr. Morris said a survey indicated three nearby municipal marinas that have similar rates
in the $9 to $10 per foot range for residents charge higher rates for non-residents. Others
however, like Tarpon Springs, and Gulfport charge in the $5.00/foot range. While some do not
accept non-residents (i.e. Dunedin) compared to the City's Marina $13+/ foot rate for
nonresidents.
The resident $9.13/foot rate is below the private market at the nearest Marina, Marker
One ($12.20) per foot. Suggestions were made that a lower rate for non-residents would attract
more tenants. It was felt nonresidents use City slips for a reason and would pay a slightly
higher rate. After much discussion it was felt that freezing current rates would improve the
occupancy rate.
Mr. Morris reported effective December 1, 2008, parking machines will be in place at
Seminole Boat Ramp and the Marina. This change was ordered after the Bait House at
Seminole launch ramp requested a higher fee for selling parking permits. While it was reported
the Seminole Boat Ramp bait house and its restrooms would close, it later was learned that the
bait house soon would operate under new management. In response to a question, he said
Marina fuel prices fluctuate and often are lower than other marinas.
4 - Old Business
Board Vacancies
Mr. Morris said term limits for advisory board had been abolished and reviewed interest
in board membership. He said the City Council had recommended that MAB (Marine Advisory
Board) members represent residential, recreational, and commercial boaters and industry and
sailing community representatives.
Member Hemerick moved to recommend that Eric Spaulding be appointed to the MAB.
The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Member O'Brien moved to recommend that Paul Kelley be appointed to the MAB. The
motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Marine Advisory 2008-11-12 2
Sailing Center Improvements
This weekend's annual event at the Sailing Center was reviewed.
It was recommended that the Sailing Center memorialize Nadine Carlisle, who was a
longtime supporter of the center. Ms. Carlisle recently passed away.
Mr. Morris reported Sailing Center steps have been repaired and now meet Code. Staff
will address ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) concerns related to the Marina's security
gates. An employee or Police Aide is always on site.
Sandpearl
Mr. Morris reported the Sandpearl docks have been permitted. He suggested the
Sandpearl may delay construction until the economy improves.
5 - Agenda for next meeting on December 10, 2008
Staff will report on the timeline for the downtown boat slips.
6 - Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 8:57 a.m.
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Marine Advisory 2008-11-12
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