12/10/2008
MARINE ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
December 10, 2008
Present: Tim Trager Chair
Edward O’Brien, Jr. Board Member
F. David Hemerick Board Member
Tom Calhoun Board Member
Donald O. McFarland Board Member
Vacant Seat Board Member
Vacant Seat Board Member
Also Present: Camilo Soto Assistant City Attorney
Bill Morris Marine & Aviation Department Director
Patricia O. Sullivan Board Reporter
The Chair called the meeting to order at 8:10 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 – November 12, 2008
Member McFarland moved to approve the minutes of the Marine Advisory Board
meeting of November 12, 2008, as submitted in written summation to each board member. The
motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
3 – New Business
Timeline for the downtown boat slips
Marine & Aviation Department Director Bill Morris reviewed modifications to the
downtown boat slip project’s configuration, designed to meet Army Corps of Engineers’
concerns regarding seagrasses and setbacks from the channel. Installation of riprap along the
seawall may be postponed to avoid further delays. Security will be similar to staffing at the
Marina’s fuel dock. Construction should be completed by November 2009. Staff is continuing
marketing efforts for the boat slips and Marina.
St. Petersburg Boat Show
Mr. Morris attended the St. Petersburg Boat Show: 1) 50 people signed up for the
downtown boat slip interest list (now at 698); 2) One new Marina tenant signed a lease (one
current tenant quit); 3) Tampa Bay residents thought boat slip rates were high; those from south
of the bay thought they were affordable; and 4) “The Coastal Angler” magazine representative
reported inshore fishing excursions are gaining in popularity.
4 – Old Business
Modification to Marine Business Plan Rates
Marine Advisory 2008-12-10 1
On January 15, 2009, Mr. Morris will recommend to the City Council that Marina rates be
frozen at their current levels until the economy improves.
Discussion ensued regarding escalating deep-sea fishing restrictions and economic
difficulties faced by small commercial fishing boats and their inability to navigate outside of
channels to fish inshore. Mr. Morris said the Marina will continue to limit parasail and personal
watercraft businesses to current levels. Based on fairness concerns, staff will contact those on
the commercial waiting list to confirm if they want to be listed as sole proprieter or established
corporation.
Mr. Morris said staff is working on a cost analysis related to reducing the number of
Marina slips by reconfiguring some narrow docks to berth larger vessels. Discussion ensued
regarding a future conversion of the Tortuga dock. It was recommended that the dock be
reserved for transients.
Board Vacancies
Assistant City Attorney Camilo Soto said Paul Kelley's business interests would not
preclude him from serving on the board. Consensus was to recommend that Eric Spaulding
and Paul Kelley fill board vacancies.
Sand Pearl
Mr. Morris reported construction of the Sand Pearl boat docks is scheduled to begin early
next year.
Sailing Center
Members were invited to see recent improvements at the Sailing Center.
5 - Aqenda for next meetino on January 14. 2009
Downtown boat slips.
The meeting adjourned at 8:55 a.m.
Chair
Marine Advisory Board
6 - Adiourn
Marine Advisory 2008-12-10
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