02/11/2009
MARINE ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
February 11, 2009
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 8:00 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 – January 14, 2009
Member O’Brien moved to approve the minutes of the Marine Advisory Board meeting of
January 14, 2009, as submitted in written summation to each board member. The motion was
duly seconded and carried unanimously.
3 – New Business
Staff submission of a modified rate structure proposal
Marine & Aviation Department Director Bill Morris said due to economic conditions and
significant recreational slip rate increases, 40 of 118 Marina recreational boat slips are empty.
Market rates for recreational slips have declined. Resident and non-resident Marina rates are
now above the market average of $8.51/foot for residents (City is $9.13) and $10.33/foot for
non-residents (City is $13.14). Staff proposes to base new rates on the current local market
average with no increase in FY (Fiscal Year) 2010, and 5% increases in FY 2011 and FY 2012.
Staff also proposes to rollback commercial rates 10% to the FY 2008 level. Due to the
economy, fewer tourists, and new Federal fishing restrictions, commercial trips have decreased
and operators have fewer options regarding which fish species may be caught and kept.
Reduced rates will require the Marina to cut expenses. Staff has picked up the workload
for one position that no longer will be funded. The Marina will stop setting aside $85,000/year
for future dredging; the Marina channel was last dredged five years ago. Mr. Morris anticipated
that dredging would not be required for another five years, unless storms fill the channel. The
last dredging project cost $350,000. To balance the budget, the City could tap the $80,000 to
$90,000 accumulated for dredging. When the project becomes necessary, the Marina could
borrow shortfall funds from the City, and pay it back over five years.
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It was recommended that Marina tenants pay an assessment for future dredging
projects.
Mr. Morris said staff will recommend assessments for beach lifeguards in front of some
private properties. A portion of lifeguard funding may be offset by parking revenues now that
the number of City beach parking spaces has increased.
Staff proposes to set rates for the downtown boat slips at $9/foot for residents and
$10.50/foot for non-residents, with future 3% annual increases as an approximation of increases
to the CPI (Consumer Price Index). Staff also recommends moving forward with the lottery for
those who submitted deposits prior to the established deadline. Staff anticipates an increase in
interest with the new rates and will hold a second lottery or assign slips on a first-come first-
served basis. Clearwater residents (domiciliaries) will have first priority for downtown boat slips.
Member McFarland moved that the MAB (Marine Advisory Board) recommends that
proposed boat slip and commercial rates be presented to the City Council for approval. The
motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
It was suggested that non-resident rates may need to be decreased further. Mr. Morris
reviewed Marina marketing successes in attracting larger transient vessels.
4 – Old Business
Downtown boat slips
Mr. Morris said the City provided additional information and FDEP (Florida Department
of Environmental Protection) is now in support of the layout of the downtown boat slips, which
protects sea grass. Signage will identify where no mooring is permitted.
With lower rates, the City is discussing buying down the debt so that the Enterprise Fund
has a cash flow. It was stated that City assets, such as recreation centers and libraries, do not
have positive cash flow and this amenity will provide long term benefits.
Recommend freezing Marina rates – February 19 City Council meeting
Staff will present rate recommendations for Council action on February 19, 2009.
Member Hemerick said he would attend to answer questions regarding MAB recommendations.
Board Vacancies
The appointment of members to fill board vacancies will be brought forward to the City
Council in March.
5 - Agenda for next meeting on March 11, 2009
Items not on the Agenda
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Vessel Traffic Count
Mr. Morris requested that MAB (Marine Advisory Board) members again participate in a
vessel traffic count. Recommendations were made that vessel traffic counts be updated
biannually in the spring or early summer.
Member Hemerick moved to update the vessel traffic count in late Mayor early June.
The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Anchoraae
Mr. Morris said the FWC (Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission) will not support
the City's 72-hour anchorage limit as written due to pressure from the boating community who
are concerned that municipalities have different regulations and it is difficult for boaters to
determine City boundaries. The Pinellas County Sheriff intervenes if anchoring boats impede
safe navigation or discharge waste. Work on a State standard is underway.
Sandpearl
In response to a question, Mr. Morris said while the Sandpearl had reported that the
dock project would be put out to bid after the first of the year, he knew of no further action on the
project. Necessary permits have been approved.
6 - Adiourn
The meeting adjourned at 8:45 a.m. (. '.~ I. ~
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Marine Advisory 2009-02-11
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