03/10/2010
MARINE ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
March 10, 2010
Present: Tim Trager Chair
F. David Hemerick Board Member
Tom Calhoun Board Member
Donald O. McFarland Board Member
Paul E. Lightfoot Board Member
David J. Napoli Board Member
Eric D. Spaulding 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
– December 9, 2009
Member Hemerick moved to approve the minutes of the Marine Advisory Board meeting
of December 9, 2009, as submitted in written summation to each board member. The motion
was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
3 – Old Business
3.1. Update on Downtown Boat Slips
Marine & Aviation Department Director Bill Morris said the opening ceremony for the
Downtown boat slips is scheduled for April 23, 2010. Minor construction delays are due to
staff’s decision to update the City’s underwater utility maps. The location of up to six pilings in
the north basin may need to change. Project costs have not been affected.
3.2. Update on Sand Pearl Docks
Mr. Morris said construction of the Sand Pearl docks is nearly complete. Gates will be
installed to control access; hours of operation for the 15 City slips will be 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Additional signage will be added; slips will be numbered. As the fire boat may remain at the
Police Department substation, its slip will be reserved for official use, i.e. Pinellas County
Sheriff, FWC (Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission), Coast Guard, Coast Guard Auxiliary,
etc. to encourage a law enforcement presence. It was recommended that City slips clearly
indicate that they are for public use and that a buoy in the channel note its location. Mr. Morris
said when the slips become available, the City can send press releases to the media and inform
Seminole Launch Ramp patrons. The City is awaiting a permit to remove some sand under the
slips and install a baffle box system; sand adversly impacts two Sand Pearl slips.
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3.3. Gambling ships at marina next to Seminole Launch Ramp
Mr. Morris said gambling ships no longer are authorized to dock at the marina next to the
Seminole Launch Ramp. He will report on current plans for the site.
3.4. Code updates Section 33 – Ordinance 8146-10
Mr. Morris distributed copies of Ordinance 8146-10, which reflects State law and
updates City Code. Concern was expressed that the City Council had approved the ordinance
before the Marine Advisory Board had reviewed it and provided input.
4 – New Business
Marina on Brightwater
Concern was expressed that an application was submitted to construct the largest
private commercial marina in Clearwater on the north side of Brightwater, across from Devon
Drive. Information was requested regarding the marina and if sufficient parking exists for its
proposed activities.
New docks
Mr. Morris said the City received an application for docks on Hamden for property
guests. He will report on the project’s progress. The City has received many dock applications
for East Shore, which is designated by Beach by Design as the Marina District. Taxes for
properties with docks are lower than on “highest and best use.”
Boat count, Marina, buoys, etc.
In response to questions, Mr. Morris recommended scheduling the boat count after the
Downtown boat slips and Sand Pearl docks are open. Volunteers will be needed.
The City tracks fuel purchases. The Marina now attracts “Loopers.” Marina vacancies
remain at 29 – 31 slips; interest has increased since the weather began to improve. The City
has 30 deposits for Downtown boat slips.
Buoy system plans for jetty lights off Clearwater Pass have been well received. Mr.
Morris did not know how buoys in Clearwater Pass had been scattered; they have been
returned to proper positions.
Request for buoys on north beach
Discussion ensued regarding a resident’s request to install buoys on north beach to
designate a slow speed minimum wake zone along the shoreline. Concerns were expressed
the project’s $60,000 cost was too high, only one resident had come forward with the request,
and the City already had established this precedent by installing buoys on Sand Key.
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