12/08/2010
MARINE ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
December 8, 2010
Present: Tim Trager Chair
F. David Hemerick Board Member
Tom Calhoun Board Member
Paul E. Lightfoot Board Member
David J. Napoli Board Member
Eric D. Spaulding Board Member
Donald O. McFarland 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 8, 2010
Member Lightfoot moved to approve the minutes of the Marine Advisory Board meeting
of September 8, 2010, as submitted in written summation to each board member. The motion
was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
3 – Old Business
3.1. Names for Downtown Boatslips
Marine & Aviation Department Director Bill Morris reviewed suggested names for the
downtown boatslips. Discussion ensued regarding the location on the mainland next to the
Memorial Causeway and Coachman Park. Opposition was expressed to use of the word yacht.
It was commented that the name needs to identify the location; few visitors know that Cleveland
Street is in downtown Clearwater.
Member Hemerick moved to recommend that the Downtown Boat Slips be renamed one
of the following: 1) Clearwater Downtown Boat Slips; 2) Clearwater Downtown Marina; 3)
Clearwater Harbor Marina; 4) Clearwater Docks on the Bay; or 5) Clearwater Memorial Marina.
The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Items not on the Agenda
Mr. Morris discussed the Super Boat Race and stated the only problem was between the
race organizers and 501(c)(3) organizations designated to receive race proceeds; he did not
know if that had transpired. The turnout was excellent and the boat docks worked well. An
extra person was stationed at the north entrance to direct traffic; having someone available to
handle the lines was important. Telephone numbers for dock space were posted at multiple
locations. One boat incurred damage; the captain accepted responsibility for misjudging the
Marine Advisory 2010-12-08 1
current. Also the dock was not damaged when hit hard by a boat. The City received many
compliments regarding the boat docks. The boat docks are kept open later than usual during
special events, such as Jazz Holiday.
Mr. Morris requested input regarding how far in advance the boat docks should accept
nonrefundable reservations for space during major events; he suggested 60 to 90 days. He
expressed concern that owners of boats in the 40 to 50-foot range will demand space at the last
minute. He said inside boat docks cannot handle vessels longer than 55 feet. The high end
market is purchasing larger boats; few slips can handle 80-foot boats.
Discussion ensued with recommendations to treat large and small boats differently and
to have a lottery. It was suggested that larger boats should be able to make reservations up to
120 days before an event with reservations for smaller boat reservations opening 60 to 90 days
prior. Mr. Morris will share board input with staff and City Hall and present a plan to the board
for discussion in March.
Member Hemerick moved to defer special event boat slip reservation procedures to the
Harbormaster's judgment; if problems occur a policy will be instituted. The motion was duly
seconded. Members Hemerick, Calhoun, Napoli, Spaulding, McFarland, and Chair Trager
voted "Aye"; Member Lightfoot voted "Nay." Motion carried.
Mr. Morris said more information regarding slip availability will be available later next
year. Concerts have not brought heavy demand. Most small boaters drop anchor during the 4th
of July fireworks
In response to a question, Mr. Morris said Clearwater Pass hotels have been silent
regarding plans to dredge the channel. The Coast Guard had to shift several channel markers
due to shoaling off Clearwater Point, impacting access by larger vessels to Clearwater Pass and
the Marina using the "shortcut" channel connecting the Municipal Marina to the pass. The City
does not have sufficient staff to procure and operate a dredger. He reviewed efforts to
encourage the Army Corps of Engineers to perform necessary dredging of the federally marked
channel, which last was dredged in 2002. He said the Army had indicated it did not anticipate
having sufficient funds for this project.
Mr. Morris reported all work has halted on the Army Corps of Engineers project to
dredge Stevenson Creek to improve water quality. The two dredging projects are unrelated.
In response to a question, Mr. Morris said downtown docks with boats have dock boxes.
Fire extinguishers required by the Fire Marshall are installed on the side of the dock boxes.