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12/13/2006 MARINE ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES CITY OF CLEARWATER December 13, 2006 Present: Paul J. Kelley Chair Edward O’Brien, Jr. Board Member F. David Hemerick Board Member Frank L. Dame Board Member Mark A. Smith Board Member Bill Stephan Board Member Absent: Charles A. Cashman Board Member Also Present: Bill Morris Marine & Aviation Department Director Bev Buysse ` Marine & Aviation Department Assistant 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 – November 8, 2006 Member Smith moved to approve the minutes of the November 8, 2006, meeting, as corrected: page 2, paragraph 3, sentence 2, to read “ . . . background lights on Clearwater motioncarried beach buildings.” The was duly seconded and unanimously. 3 – Old Business Board member absenteeism Marine & Aviation Department Director Bill Morris said he is obligated to replace members who do not regularly attend meetings. He will correspond with Member Cashman regarding another Marine Max applicant, who could serve as an alternate. Mr. Morris recommended the board retain industry representation. Sand Pearl dock update Finance Director Margie Simmons reviewed the history of the City’s agreement with Sand Pearl regarding docks. The City wanted fair compensation for its land and something the public can use. The agreement includes a dedicated slip for the City’s fire boat. (The City will pay for the lift). The City’s computation of costs to build the docks was similar to Sand Pearl’s estimate. The City would have to charge $21.75/foot per month to break even. And the City would have to add parking (already in short supply), an office, and rest rooms. The City’s top priority is the downtown boat docks, followed by renovations to the current Marina. Concerns were expressed that the City is giving away a resource, will lose tax revenues, and that the lease is undervalued. It was felt the lease should reflect the bottomland’s value Marine Advisory 2006-12-13 1 and that the City previously was advised that it owned the bottomland. Ms. Simmons said the City has no plan to construct docks. Every five years, the City will have the option of buying back the docks, at a depreciated rate. The board’s consensus was reiterated that the layout is acceptable, but not the terms of the agreement. Concerns were expressed that the docks will encroach on the side area and extend into the waterway. It was felt that channels need to be protected and remain open. In response to a question, Ms. Simmons said after year 20, the repair and maintenance fund will be increased to $0.5 million. Concern was expressed that the docks will not have personnel onsite. Ms. Simmons said to address concerns that dock users would park at the Clearwater Beach Recreation Center, the development agreement prohibits those who lease docks from parking there. Concern was expressed that the parking prohibition could not be enforced. Ms. Simmons said the City’s market study indicated that amenities play a role in dock rates. It was stated that boat docks would be a wonderful addition to the swimming pool and staffed Clearwater Beach Recreation Center, where showers could be added. It was stated that the City had not considered other opportunities, such as putting the item out to bid. It was recommended that the lease be modified to require Sand Pearl to turn over 11 boat slips to the City every five years. It was felt it would be fair if the City owned the entire facility in 15 years, with boat owners in slips then renting from the City. Mr. Morris said the plan has not been permitted. The agreement limits the number of slips that can be constructed. The permitting process will determine the configuration of the docks. Concern was expressed that the City has limited water access and the subject property is a precious resource. Discussion ensued with comments that the City Council is not listening to MAB (Marine Advisory Board) input, the public has not received any information regarding this agreement, and the City did not have corporate representation during negotiations. It was suggested if the economics of the agreement are lucrative to the developer, they should be equally lucrative to the City. It was felt the agreement is not a good business deal for Clearwater’s citizens. Pursuit of lights on jetties Mr. Morris said a light could be installed at the end of the north jetty and the City is approaching the Coast Guard to install it. The current has scoured the bottom by the south jetty and a piling cannot be installed due to water depth by existing City resources. The City also would need to find a way to maintain the light. Concern was expressed that the south jetty also needs to be marked with a navigational aid. It was suggested that concrete could be used for installation. It was stated that channel lights are visible beyond the jetty, which at times cannot be seen. Clearwater Pass hotels Mr. Morris reported he had recommended that the Clearwater Pass hotels scale back on their plan to construct jetties and groins. Waterway Plan Marine Advisory 2006-12-13 2 . . . Mr. Morris said the waterway plan is fairly complete and will be on the January agenda. A copy of the ordinances was requested as the new plan may require modifications. Copies of existing ordinances were distributed for board member review. Five-Year Business Plan Mr. Morris will request board input regarding the five-year business plan for the marina. Topics will include rates, amenities, and recommendations. Venetian Point Mr. Morris said a title search has indicated that the abutting property owner also owns part of the land that previous was used as common space. The property owner is trying to claim the rest of the property by fencing it, without permit. Four City departments are working on this issue. 4 - New Business Dock extension proposal Three Island Estates residents expressed concern that a neighbor has proposed to extend a dock so that a 73.5-foot vessel can be docked there. They expressed concerns that the vessel is too large for Island Estates and will block water views from neighboring homes and lower property values. It was suggested that the residents contact Pine lias County, which handles permitting, with their complaint that the boat and dock would not be in harmony with the character of the neighborhood. Clearwater Beach Recreation Center Parking Concern was expressed that overnight parking no longer is permitted at the boat ramp. The previous two-night limit for vehicles and trailers permitted boaters to spend the night on their boats. 5 - Aqenda for next meetinq on January 10. 2007 Waterway management plan. 6 - Adiournment 3fAd~SO~ Boam The meeting adjourned at 9:12 a.m. ~llda/J1~ Board Reporter Marine Advisory 2006-12-13 3