03/09/2011
MARINE ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
March 9, 2011
Present: Tim Trager Chair
Tom Calhoun Board Member
Paul E. Lightfoot Board Member
David J. Napoli Board Member – departed 8:50 a.m.
Eric D. Spaulding Board Member
Donald O. McFarland Board Member
Absent: F. David Hemerick 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 8, 2010
Member Calhoun moved to approve the minutes of the Marine Advisory Board meeting
of December 8, 2010, as submitted in written summation to each board member. The motion
was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
3 – Old Business
3.1. New Name for Downtown Boatslips
Marine & Aviation Department Director Bill Morris reported the City Council had renamed
the Downtown Boatslips “Clearwater Harbor Marina.”
3.2. Channel Dredging
Mr. Morris discussed complexities of dredging channels near the beach marina and
reviewed the Army Corps of Engineers’ process. Previously, Pinellas and Hillsborough counties
had opted out of Florida west coast special taxing districts that set aside funds for dredging; the
counties relied on congressional earmarks for funding. Since 2009, earmarks no longer are a
viable funding source. City dredging permits expire in January 2012. The application process
takes almost 3 years just to get the permit and a new permit may not be received until 2015.
The Army Corps of Engineers indicated the project could not be done without valid permits. Mr.
Morris said the City may decide to use reserves for the project while permits remain valid and
Corps equipment is nearby. Clearwater Pass hotels could not receive sand from this project as
permitted. The sand will be deposited near shore, north of the pass as a condition of the permit.
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Discussion ensued with shoaling reported that reduces the depth of the channel inland
of the Clearwater Pass Bridge to four feet on some days. Concern was expressed that access
to the marina will be blocked. It was recommended that the City set aside funds for future
dredging needs and to determine if membership in a nearby special taxing district is possible.
Member Lightfoot moved to recommend that the City proceed with Clearwater Pass
maintenance dredging for channels noted in the Army COE survey of the Clearwater Pass
Project. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Member Lightfoot moved to recommend that the City determine if membership in the
Gulf Coast Inland Navigation District is possible. The motion was duly seconded and carried
unanimously.
It was recommended that staff consider purchasing a dredge to lower costs. Mr. Morris
said the City was fined previously for dredging too deep. Contaminated dredged materials must
be disposed of as hazardous waste. Assistant City Attorney Camilo Soto said the City would be
responsible for hazardous waste disposal no matter who performs dredging operations.
4 – New Business
4.1. Federal Aids to Navigation Maintenance
Mr. Morris said the Coast Guard has indicated it wants to shift responsibility for
maintaining Federal aids to navigation to Pinellas County. To reduce costs, the County is
considering removing aids off the Seminole launch ramp and around Island Estates. Mr. Morris
expressed concern that shoaling spots in these areas are tricky and boaters will run aground
without the aids. Three City positions that could have helped maintain them were eliminated.
Discussion ensued regarding the importance of navigation aids to the community.
Member Spaulding moved to recommend that staff research Coast Guard intentions
related to the maintenance of federal navigation aids. The motion was duly seconded and
carried unanimously.
Items Not on the Agenda
Clearwater Marinas
Discussion ensued regarding a letter from Frank Dame suggesting the names of the
City’s marinas be changed.
Member McFarland moved to recommend that City marinas be referenced in
advertisements as Clearwater Municipal Marinas and to call them the Clearwater Beach Marina
and Clearwater Harbor Marina. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
In response to questions, Mr. Morris said nearly half of the downtown slips are rented
and 84% of beach slips are rented. Reservations for transient spaces have not been a problem;
Jazz Holiday reservations will be accepted on a first-come first-served basis.
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Bay Esplanade Boat Ramp
Mr. Morris reported the Bay Esplanade boat ramp was rebuilt and is open. The ramp
now extends beyond the sea wall and the floating dock was moved to allow boats to tie up when
the ramp is busy. The lack of trailer parking may become an issue.
Quarterly Meetings
Concern was expressed that reducing the meeting schedule to quarterly has made it
difficult for board members to keep up with marine activities.
5 - Agenda for next meeting on June 8, 2011
6 - Adjourn tl?
The meeting adjourned at 9:08 a.m.
c. ,
Chair
Marine Advisory
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