01/14/2004
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MARINE ADVISORY BOARD
CITY OF CLEARWATER
January 14, 2004
Present:
Tom Horne
Hank Epstein
Nick Matsis
Paul J. Kelley
Edward O'Brien
Denis Sparks
Chair
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Absent:
Dick Safirstein Board Member
Also Present: Bev Buysse
Catherine Yellin
Patricia O. Sullivan
Marine & Aviation Department Assistant Director
Senior Staff Assistant
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 - Approval of Minutes
Member Matsis moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of
December 10, 2003, as submitted in written summation to each board member. The
motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
3 - Discussion of the Parks & Recreation Department Fun 'n Sun Publication
Concern was expressed the Parks & Recreation Department publication for Sun
'n Fun includes no information on the Marina or other water based activities. Marine &
Aviation Department Assistant Director Bev Buysse said Parks & Recreation had
published the pamphlet with department budgeted funds. Full- and half-page
advertisements were available for $600 and $350.
Discussion ensued with comments that a general fund budget should pay for
similar pamphlets so that all City activities related to the publication are featured, the
public's point of view should be considered, and pamphlets, which list City officers and
Commissioners, should provide complete information on all available City activities. It
was suggested Solid Waste publications, for example, need not mention other City
departments or activities.
Member Epstein moved to suggest the City Commission require all Citywide
publications, such as the one related to Fun 'n Sun, which are promoted to City
residents, to include all Citywide activities, including the Marina and other water-based
activities. The motion was duly seconded. Members Epstein, Matsis, O'Brien, and
Sparks, and Chair Horne voted "Aye"; Member Kelly voted "Nay." Motion carried.
4 - Other Business
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Downtown Marina
A staff update on the Downtown marina was requested. It was stated the Marine
Department needs to be involved in all aspects of the Downtown marina project. It was
suggested five-year leases on boat slips could finance the marina's construction.
Local Boat Slips
Discussion ensued regarding the price of boat slips at new condominium projects
by the yacht basin and on Tampa Bay. Current rates run as high as $110,000 per slip.
Memorial Causeway Bridge Opening
Ms. Buysse reported the Island Estates Yacht Club has requested that a boat
parade be part of opening ceremonies for the new bridge. Already planned is a fun run
across the bridge and an opening ceremony attended by dignitaries. Demolition of the
old bridge is included in the bridge construction contract and should be completed by
July.
Sailing Center Activities
Ms. Buysse said a lease has been finalized for submerged lands necessary to
construct new docks at the Sailing Center. Construction on the docks should begin in
March.
Ms. Buysse reported the Sailing Center Board of Directors wants to schedule
their monthly meetings at the Marina on the second Wednesday of the month, at 9:00
a.m., following the Marine Advisory Board meeting.
In response to a question, Mr. Buysse said the birthday party for Congressman
Bill Young on December 12,2003, at the Sailing Center was well attended. Considering
Congressman Young's support of the local community, concern was expressed that
County representatives were not in attendance.
It was reported a letter had been drafted and provided to the director of the
Sailing Center to send to the Pinellas County Parks Department requesting concurrence
on adding Sailing Center boat storage under the bridge, adjacent to Sand Key Park, a
County facility. Access across County land to the new storage facility would be
necessary. It also was recommended that the Sailing Center provide updated materials
for distribution from the County kiosk at Sand Key Park.
Nina Replica
A replica of Christopher Columbus' ship, the Nina, will arrive at the Marina today
for a 10-day visit. The public is invited.
Dunedin Pass
A resident questioned why the City Commission had not followed through on the
MAB's (Marine Advisory Board) 1992 recommendation to reopen Dunedin Pass.
Discussion ensued regarding those who would support the reopening and reasons the
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pass had closed. As changes have occurred since its closing, it was suggested permits
could be approved now.
5 - Aaenda for next meetina on February 11. 2004
6 - Adjournment
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Chair-
Marine Advisory Board
The meeting adjourned at 8:41 a.m.
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t Board Reporter
Marine Advisory 2004-01-14
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