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06/14/2006 MARINE ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES CITY OF CLEARWATER June 14, 2006 Present: Paul J. Kelley Chair Hank Epstein Vice-Chair Edward O’Brien, Jr. Board Member F. David Hemerick Board Member Frank L. Dame Board Member Mark A. Smith Board Member Absent: Charles Cashman Board Member Also Present: Bill Morris Marine & Aviation Department Director Bev Buysse Assistant Marine & Aviation Department Director Patricia O. Sullivan Board Reporter The Chair called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m. at the Marina. To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order. 2 – Minutes Approval – May 10, 2006 Member Epstein moved to approve the minutes of the May 10, 2006, meeting as motion submitted in written summation to each board member. The was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 3 – Old Business Boat Count Criteria Assistant Marine & Aviation Department Director Bev Buysse distributed charts and requested that participants mark them each time a vessel transits past their location. For each four hours, participants were asked to identify on their charts: 1) sailboats less than 25 feet; 2) sailboats above 25 feet; 3) power boats less than 25 feet; 4) power boats above 25 feet; and 5) PWC (Personal Water Craft). Boat counts are scheduled for June 28, and July 15, 2006, with July 22, 2006, as a rain date. Ms. Buysse said the counts will help identify Clearwater Harbor traffic patterns and channel use. Concerns were expressed that weather could skew data and the related decision process. Marine & Aviation Department Director Bill Morris said the City needs to start accumulating data so that trends emerge over time. Ms. Buysse is documenting Marina business items, such as slip rentals and fuel sales, to develop performance measures. A board member said that data are necessary to determine if statements related to harbor boat traffic are based on facts or generalizations. Marine Advisory 2006-06-14 1 Dock Length It was noted that some Island Estates residents are concerned that condominium docks under construction will extend too far into the channel and interfere with boat traffic. It was commented that the County reviews channel use before approving docks through a public hearing process. It was stated that many Island Estates properties are governed by deed restrictions referenced in property owner title documents. 4 – New Business Derelict/Improperly Moored Boats in Clearwater As the City has little control over the process to remove derelict vessels, it was recommended that the City adopt a new ordinance to increase its control over the process. Concern was expressed that an abandoned boat recently destroyed a dock and could have broken loose, seriously damaging nearby docks, had it not been removed before this week’s tropical storm. Mr. Morris said Florida Statutes govern the removal of derelict boats and reviewed the distribution of fuel tax funds. Unless a vessel is a safety hazard that is blocking a navigational channel, the City must receive State permission and post vessels for 60 days before taking action on derelict and improperly secured vessels. Pinellas County has established a specific fund for derelict boat removal. A legal opinion regarding the City’s ability to remove derelict boats is underway. As maritime law allows boat owners to sue the City for damages caused by impoundment, the entire process must be photographed and documented. In response to questions, Mr. Morris said impounding motor vehicles is an easier process. The City is working with a marine salver who will tow vessels that have salvage value. Spoil Islands Mr. Morris reviewed complaints related to debris on Intracoastal spoil islands. City staff has cleaned several islands. No official program allows groups to adopt the spoil islands, which are owned informally by the State. Member Smith moved to recommend that the three spoil islands north of the Memorial Causeway Bridge be posted with signs that request visitors to remove their trash and not motion pollute. The was duly seconded. Concern was expressed that signs will not be helpful. It was suggested that signs will be worthwhile if the amount of debris is reduced. Upon the vote being taken, Members Epstein, Hemerick, Dame, Smith, and Kelley voted carried “Aye”; Member O’Brien voted “Nay.” Motion . States Organization for Boating Access National Conference Mr. Morris reported the States Organization for Boating Access National Conference is scheduled for September 23 – 26, 2006, at the Wyndham Harbor Hotel in Tampa. Florida’s group meets monthly in Tallahassee. Marine Advisory 2006-06-14 2 Wind & Wave Study Mr. Morris reviewed the Wind & Wave Study recently performed by Olson Associates of Jacksonville to determine the proper location for wave attenuators at the proposed downtown boat slips. The seawall will need to be faced with rip rap (rock) to further attenuate waves, minimize wave reflection, and protect the enclosed boat slip basin area. Discussion ensued. Concern was expressed that large vessels could break from their moorings during inclement weather and damage the Memorial Causeway bridge. Ms. Buysse said only the Captain of Port in Tampa, with jurisdiction from Naples to the Panhandle, is authorized to demand where vessels moor. Promenade Mr. Morris reported that the contract to construct the promenade on the old Memorial Causeway Bridge footprint contains a line item to remove the turnstile, located outside the channel near the Seminole boat ramp. The contract also will remove a piling, six feet below the waterline beneath the new bridge, and chunks of concrete. The water between the bridge’s west piling and shoreline has not been scrutinized with side scan radar. Construction of the promenade will begin after November’s referendum. If downtown boat docks are not approved, the promenade’s design will include a floating dock that allows boater access. The project design is 30% complete. Drew Street Dock Mr. Morris said the building at the Drew Street dock will be renovated to include ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessible restrooms and showers. The referendum will not affect this project. Currently, boater access is available only during special Parks & Recreation Department sponsored events. Marina Parking Garage Project In response to a question, Mr. Morris said the Marina parking garage is on the City’s list for Penny for Pinellas 3 projects, which will begin in 2010. The City has run out of options for beach parking garage locations. Current marina leases run through September 2009. Concern was expressed that new construction has degraded Clearwater beach, which no longer is pretty now that buildings block many water views. It was felt that poor planning is ruining a beautiful resource. Parasails/Personal Water Craft Concern was expressed that parasail boats and PWC cause safety problems. Mr. Morris requested that unsafe incidents be reported with documentation of the time, location, and vessel registration number. It was recommended that no additional PWC businesses be allowed at the Marina. Marine Advisory 2006-06-14 3 . . . 5 - Aoenda for next meetino on July 12. 2006 Wade-Trim to discuss High & Dry Multi-Site Feasibility Study. 6 - Adiournment ~~ '~ The meeting adjourned at 9:17 a.m. Chair Marine Advisory Board Marine Advisory 2006-06-14 --- 4