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07/12/2006 MARINE ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES CITY OF CLEARWATER July 12, 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 Absent: Mark A. Smith Board Member 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 – June 14, 2006 Member Dame moved to approve the minutes of the June 14, 2006, meeting as corrected: page one, paragraph one, sentence two under Boat Count Criteria to read “four motioncarried hours.” The was duly seconded and unanimously. 3 – Old Business Follow-up from First Boat Count Assistant Marine & Aviation Department Director Bev Buysse reviewed the channels covered during the June 28, 2006, boat count. The next count is scheduled for July 15, 2006. Suggestions were made to add categories for violations and kayak type vessels. Discussion ensued with comments that the majority of traffic seemed to be during early morning and late afternoon, that traffic on July 4th, a Tuesday, was similar to Saturday, and the count occurred during summer camp at the Sailing Center. 4 – New Business Wade Trim findings of the High & Dry Multi-Site Feasibility Study Marine & Aviation Department Director Bill Morris reviewed findings of the High & Dry Multi-Site Feasibility Study, which determined that the Stevenson Creek site is too far from the launch ramp and a low bridge hampers access to Clearwater Harbor. Jack Russell Stadium is within a residential neighborhood, which supports mixed-use development for the site. Property near the Seminole Boat ramp could be incorporated for use as a High & Dry, allowing the facility Marine Advisory 2006-07-12 1 to be built into the slope. Assistant City Manager Rod Irwin said no serious discussions have occurred with the Seminole Playhouse regarding its possible relocation. Mr. Morris will attend a High & Dry conference in October in West Palm Beach, Florida. Downtown Boat Slips Project Study Mr. Morris distributed Pro Forma Model information on the proposed 129 downtown boat slips. Mr. Irwin said financial estimates were conservative, with limited transient vessel income included due to the uncertainty of the setback that would be allowed for outside of the Wave Attenuator “side to” moorings off the center of the ICW. The study is posted on the City’s website and will be presented to the City Council on July 18, 2006. If a referendum is approved, language must be presented to the Supervisor of Elections in August. In response to questions, Mr. Morris said the design provides sufficient maneuvering space. Utilities will be provided through flexible joints to the floating docks. Mr. Irwin discussed the project’s finances, stating the anticipated shortfall is manageable. Mr. Morris said the Sailing Center had attracted financial support since its docks were constructed and reviewed funding the downtown boat docks may attract. Discussion ensued. It was stated that projected rates are too low, considering the premier location, and it was recommended that they be increased before the project moves forward. Concern was expressed that financial figures are too conservative and not realistic. Recommendations were made that financial projections include transient income and that the project be revenue neutral. Mr. Irwin said the promenade will provide public access to the water, ferry service to the beach, and educational program pickup/drop-off. Member Epstein moved to recommend that the Council move forward with a referendum on the downtown boat slips, as the project would be a catalyst for Clearwater and the County, revitalize Clearwater, provide access to the water not currently available to the boating and non motion boating public, and provide a place for boating in Clearwater. The was duly seconded carried and unanimously. Mr. Irwin encouraged members to attend the July 20,2006, City Council meeting. Pump Out Boat Mr. Morris distributed a photograph of the City’s new 150-gallon capacity pump out boat, which can serve homes and developments. Seminole Boat Ramp Mr. Morris distributed a photograph of repainted handicapped vehicle and trailer parking spaces at Seminole Boat Ramp. The City is providing dumpster service for efforts to dismantle a derelict houseboat so that it can be safely removed from the site. Marine Advisory 2006-07-12 2 . . . Belle Harbor Representatives from Belle Harbor complained that people dock vessels at their private docks and trespass across private complex property. It was recommended that the City be empowered to issue tickets for these vessels as a deterrent. Mr. Morris reviewed current City efforts, stating the problem is increasing near nightspots. He suggested the homeowners contact a St. Petersburg salver, who could tow trespassing vessels. Support was expressed for issuing citations, with fines, for vessels that are illegally docked or moored and it was recommended that the complex lock access to the docks and post signs with ordinance language and a threat to tow. Consensus was to recommend that the City issue citations with fines for illegally docked vessels. USACOE (United States Army Corps of Engineers) Mr. Morris reported the USACOE (United States Army Corps of Engineers) had surveyed Clearwater Harbor channels for shoaling. When received, he will distribute survey results. Yacht Basin Concern was expressed that new docks in the Yacht Basin will be too long. Discussion ensued regarding ownership of the submerged lands. Staff was requested to provide information regarding this issue. Member Farewell Member Epstein reported this is his last meeting, offered some final thoughts, and reviewed board accomplishments, including its support of the Sailing Center. 5 - Aqenda for next meetinq on September 13. 2006 6 - Adiournment ~ Marine Advisory Board The meeting adjourned at 9:38 a.m. Marine Advisory 2006-07-12 3