06/09/2010
MARINE ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
June 9, 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
Gordie Wills Airport Operations Manager
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
– March 10, 2009
Member Calhoun moved to approve the minutes of the Marine Advisory Board meeting
of March 10, 2010, as submitted in written summation to each board member. The motion was
duly seconded and carried unanimously.
3 – Old Business
3.1. Questions re Ordinance 8146-10
Assistant City Attorney Camilo Soto said signficant language stricken from the Code
removed redundancies with State Statute. Some changes provide consistency. In response to
questions, he reviewed requirements for a temporary living accommodation permit. The City
can continue to regulate Mandalay Channel’s recreational area.
3.2. Boat Counts
Discussion ensued regarding boat counts and the need for volunteers. Airport
Operations Manager Gordie Wills will report on the purpose for the count.
3.3. Clearwater Basin Marina, next to Seminole Launch Ramp
Mr. Wills will email information regarding activity at the Clearwater Basin Marina.
3.4. Tropicana Resort Commercial Dock – Hamden Drive
Mr. Wills said last November, the CDB (Community Development Board) had
recommended City Council approval of the Tropicana Resort project. He said 18 slips were
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approved. Concern was expressed that the project will have insufficient parking. Mr. Wills will
provide additional information.
3.5. Proposed Marina - Brightwater Drive
Concerns were expressed that nearby residents received packets regarding a
commercial boat slip planned on Brightwater Drive, yet nothing regarding this development has
been presented to the MAB (Marine Advisory Board) for input. Mr. Wills will report.
It was stated that the MAB cannot be effective if member input on marine issues is never
requested before decisions are made. The reason for the board's existence was questioned.
4 - New Business
Board members to be heard:
Discussion ensued regarding the ongoing oil spill in the gulf, including mechanical
problems encountered by a vessel after running through oil. Concern was expressed the spill
will affect City marina traffic; corporate charters and 45-hour trips have already been canceled.
Fishing has been curtailed since the Federal government has closed large portions of the gulf,
including the continental shelf; the list of closed areas is updated daily. Concern was expressed
west winds will move oil toward Clearwater. A portion of marina fleet activity already is affected.
In response to a question, Mr. Wills said construction of the downtown boat slips should
be completed by the end of June. Misener Marine Construction determined that pilings only
need to be buried 10 feet deep rather than 40 feet as planned. Engineering behind this change
considered the effects of hurricanes. The City is discussing with Misener costs for this less
expensive procedure and other issues.
5 - Agenda for next meeting on September 8, 2010
1) Report on parking spaces planned for the Tropicana Resort commercial dock and
proposed marina on Brightwater Drive. - ?-'
2) Contingency plans to keep
6 - Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 8:47 a.m.
Attest:
of Clearwater Harbor.
Chair
Marine Advisory Board
rd Reporter
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