12/09/2009
MARINE ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
December 9, 2009
Present: Tim Trager Chair
F. David Hemerick Board Member
Donald O. McFarland Board Member
Paul E. Lightfoot Board Member
Eric D. Spaulding Board Member
Absent: Tom Calhoun Board Member
David J. Napoli Board Member
Also Present: Camilo Soto Assistant City Attorney
William 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
– September 9, 2009
Member Hemerick moved to approve the minutes of the Marine Advisory Board meeting
of September 9, 2009, as submitted in written summation to each board member. The motion
was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
4 – Old Business
4.1. Slowspeed Minimum Wake Zones
Marine & Aviation Department Director Bill Morris said Florida has new marine
regulations. A public feedback meeting, focused on anchoring, was held more than a year ago
at a beach hotel. Boat US lobbied for the anchoring change; areas of Florida have a reputation
for inhospitality to recreational boaters. Assistant City Attorney Camilo Soto said the new
regulations create a uniform system for State waterways. As State law preempts local law,
marine language in the Code will be reduced substantially. State law clarifies the process to
establish slow speed minimum wake and idle speed no wake zones, etc.
4.2. Cost of Installing Buoys along Clearwater’s Shoreline
Mr. Morris said it would cost approximately $60,000 to install pencil buoys attached to
heliz anchors between the north end of the life-guarded swim zone and Caledesi Island. The
buoys would be set 100 yards apart, 100 yards off shore, and would designate a slow speed
minimum wake zone along the shoreline. North beach residents have reported increased boat
traffic close to the beach and requested public safety and noise protections similar to the buoys
off Sand Key beaches. As buoys are not budgeted this year, City Council approval would be
necessary.
Marine Advisory 2009-12-09 1
4.3. Update on Dredging Schedule
Mr. Morris said the Coast Guard agreed that the main channel to the Marina has
significant shoaling. The incoming tide carries sand as far as the Intracoastal Waterway, which
also needs to be dredged. Based on a recent survey, channel markers were realigned to
identify the best water. Mr. Morris hoped that the Coast Guard acting as lead agency may help
reduce the project’s timeline; dredging projects normally take three years from application to
completion.
5 – New Business
5.1 Construction update for Downtown Boat Slips
Mr. Morris discussed the Downtown Boat Slip project. Construction is underway with
completion set for late March 2010. Minor budget additions, such as rails on the fishing pier, did
not affect the schedule. The City does not intend to open the boatslips until the project is
completed but has offered tenants space at the Marina until the boatslips become available.
5.2 Sandpearl Docks
Construction has started on the Sandpearl Docks. Approximately 99 cubic yards of
sand, accumulated at the west end of the basin, needs to be dredged. The City may add a
catch basin after dredging is complete.
Items not on the Agenda
Proposed marina by Seminole Boat Dock
Mr. Morris said a new marina, proposed for property north of the Seminole Boat Ramp,
could not meet the City’s price point. At the request of nearby residents, hours of operation will
be limited to 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Discussion ensued. Concern was expressed that the new
marina could impact parking at Seminole Boat Ramps. Mr. Morris will report if gaming ships
would be permited to dock at the site. It was recommended that boat lifts be permitted as they
would not impinge on anyone’s views.
Turnstile
Mr. Morris said removal of the turnstile near the Seminole Boat Ramp will be put out to
bid; City reserves will pay for the project. Boats run into the turnstile several times a year.
Jetty
Mr. Morris distributed conceptual drawings of buoys to be located near the 750-foot jetty,
built by the City in 1975, at the Clearwater Pass entrance. The Coast Guard feels the channel
is properly lit. Several boats have hit the jetty at night; there was one death. It is hoped that the
Coast Guard would support this proposal. The lighted buoys will be lower than the jetty and not
Marine Advisory 2009-12-09 2
visible from the north. Discussion ensued regarding the location of the lights. Mr. Morris said
the State only recognizes 100-yard wide swim zones. Concerns were expressed that the
lighted buoys may create a hazard. Mr. Morris said flashing white lights mark hazards. With the
new boat slips, the City is inviting a large number of new boaters and has some responsibility to
make certain that nearby waters are safe and well marked.
6 . Agenda for next meeting on March 10, 2010
2010 meetings are scheduled for March 10
, September 8, and Decem er 8.
7 - Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 9:13 a.m.
Attest:
Marine Advisory 2009-12-09
3