09/12/2012
MARINE ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
September 12, 2012
Present: Eric D. Spaulding Acting Chair
Tom Calhoun Board Member
Donald O. McFarland Board Member
Paul E. Lightfoot Board Member
Paul J. Kelley Board Member
Absent: Tim Trager Chair
F. David Hemerick Board Member
Also Present: William Morris Marine & Aviation Department Director
Patricia O. Sullivan Board Reporter
The Acting Chair called the meeting to order at 8:05 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
– June 13, 2012
Member Lightfoot moved to approve the minutes of the Marine Advisory Board meeting
of June 13, 2012, as submitted in written summation to each board member. The motion was
duly seconded and carried unanimously.
3 – Old Business
3.1. Idle Speed No Wake Zone inside Clearwater Harbor Marina
Marine & Aviation Department Director Bill Morris said the Idle Speed No Wake Zone
inside Clearwater Harbor Marina is unchanged. In response to the City’s request to widen and
extend the slow speed minimum wake zone near the downtown marina, the FWC (Fish &
Wildlife Conservation Commission) for 6 months monitored boat traffic on the Intracoastal and
down the causeway toward the beach. The FWC has delayed its decision until it reviews wake
zones under all Pinellas County bridges.
It was stated that wake restrictions under Pinellas County bridges were adopted
following a fatal boating accident on the Intracoastal in 1989. Discussion ensued regarding
buoys in local waters. Mr. Morris said the City Marina flyer needs to be updated regarding the
Mandalay Channel ski zone and wake zone near the Seminole launch ramps.
3.2. Little Pass Dredge Update
Acting Chair Spaulding said he rode on the new dredge, MURDEN, to identify bumps
that require dredging. He reported the dredge’s propulsion unit nozzle popped off twice, once
lodging in the prop and killing the engine. He said it takes a long time to dredge the fine sand in
the harbor; the project is scheduled for completion by October.
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Mr. Morris said the dredge’s dock space will be needed before the September 30, 2012,
Super Boat National Championship off Clearwater Beach. The City retrieved the dredge’s
1,000-pound+ prop shroud from Clearwater Pass following the last mishap. As the dredge is in
its trial period, the project was expanded to remove 38,000 cubic yards of sand, saving the City
more than $200,000 for the additional sand projected to be removed, based on $25.13/cubic
yard. Sand will be deposited north of Pier 60.
In response to a question, Mr. Morris said it would take 3 years to obtain a permit to
dredge the Intracoastal near the Seminole launch ramps. Concern was expressed that mud is
stirred near the docks during low tide. Mr. Morris said dredging would be limited to the Federal
channel.
3.3. Marina Lot Parking Enforcement Update
Mr. Morris reviewed proposals under discussion to address parking activity at the Beach
Marina parking lot. When the new restaurant opens, parking spaces for Marina use will need to
be preserved until 11:00 p.m.
Concerns were expressed that non Marina parking activity will increase in the lot due to
new nearby entertainment venues that have no parking. It was stated that beach goers and
others will gravitate to the Marina parking lot as long as its rates are lower than nearby lots. It
was suggested that parking lot signage be improved and it was noted one Marina business
patron had received a ticket while obtaining a permit inside the building.
It was stated that based on the Causeway’s original lease, parking should be permitted
east of the small bridge. Mr. Morris said FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation) has
jurisdiction over the Causeway and prohibits parking there. Assistant Attorney Camilo Soto will
provide related materials.
4 – New Business
4.1. FWC Boating Advisory Council Meeting: September 20, 2012 in St. Petersburg
Mr. Morris distributed the Boating Advisory Council Agenda for the upcoming meeting at
the FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute. Presentation of the Anchoring and Mooring Pilot
Program Update is scheduled. The City has recommended that mooring be limited to 30 days.
He encouraged members to attend.
In response to a question regarding enforcement of wake restrictions near the Memorial
Causeway bridge, Mr. Morris aid the FWC provided training to City marine enforcement officers
on marine waterway issues. Also, the City provides a Clearwater Harbor Marina slip for FWC’s
boat, which is parked in a visible location whenever possible. Homeland Security also rents two
slips at Harbor Marina adjacent to FWC’s location.
Miscellaneous
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In response to a request for an update on fishing restrictions, Mr. Morris said the City
had sent a letter requesting the Gulf Fisheries Council to provide better guidance and
regulations, if necessary, for commercial and recreational boaters.
It was stated that the Marine Advisory Board should meet monthly and a policy review
was requested; it was felt that quarterly meetings are wasteful. Mr. Morris reviewed City
Council and City Manager direction establishing the current schedule.
5 -Agenda for next meeting on December 12, 2012
6 — Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 9:03 a.m.
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Chair
Marine Advisory Board
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Board Reporter
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