03/10/2004
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MARINE ADVISORY BOARD
CITY OF CLEARWATER
March 10, 2004
Present:
Tom Horne
Hank Epstein
Paul J. Kelley
Edward O'Brien
Dick Safirstein
Denis Sparks
Chair
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Absent:
Nick Matsis
Board Member
Also Present: Bill Morris
Brenda Moses
Marine & Aviation Department Director
Board Reporter
The Chair called the meeting to order at 8:01 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 - Februarv 11. 2004
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Member Epstein moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of
February 11, 2004, as submitted in written summation to each board member. The
motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
3. Other Business
Referendum Questions
It was remarked that some of the City referendum questions did not pass,
including Question #2 that dealt with the downtown and waterfront. It was suggested
that the language in Question #2 confused some people and appeared to be too broad.
Discussion ensued regarding how its failure would impact the downtown marina
component. It was suggested that the City hire a public relations manager to deal with
the perception of specific projects and get the message across regarding referendum
items. It was remarked that sometimes an item can fail due to the actions of former
Commissions. It was remarked that there was no negativity regarding a downtown
marina. It was suggested that referendum questions in the future be specifically
targeted for each component, rather than grouping the items together. It was remarked
that the footprint of the current Memorial Causeway Bridge needs to be saved and used
as fishing piers.
Member Epstein moved to recommend that the City use Penny for Pinellas funds
to establish a fishing pier using the existing footprint of the Memorial Causeway Bridge.
The motion was duly seconded.
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In response to a question, Marine & Aviation Department Director Bill Morris said
as the City will own the Drew Street dock, fishing piers also can be placed at that
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location. He said no development or structures can be built over the water without
approval by referendum, including in Coachman Park.
It was remarked that no discussion has taken place regarding the disposition of
the area on the western side of the Causeway once the old drawbridge is demolished. It
was suggested that area be saved for fishing piers. Another suggestion was made that
the area not be specifically designated for use as fishing piers, but just saved for some
future use. Mr. Morris said that as budget time is approaching, he must use the Penny
for Pinellas funds for fishing piers as originally designated. It was suggested that the
City preserve the footprint in any manner it can. Concern was expressed that once a
specific area is preserved for fishing piers, it would be difficult to re-designate it for
another use in the future, as anglers would protest.
Member Epstein moved to amend his motion that the City preserve the existing
footprint of the Memorial Causeway Bridge for future development. The seconder
agreed. Upon the vote being taken, the motion carried unanimously.
Shephard's
In response to a question, the Chair said he had not contacted Shephard's asa
result of the meeting with the Sheriff's Department and the Police Department. Mr.
Morris said Shephard's has made a distinct effort through marketing to put an emphasis
on a family atmosphere in an effort to change public perception. Party-goers appear to
be frequenting the spoil islands instead of Shephard's.
DredoinQ at Marina
In response to a question, Mr. Morris said the double wall fuel piping will be
completed by the end of 2004; by the end of July 2008, double wall fuel tanks will be
completed. Currently, dredging of the marina is being done in areas that have less than
eight feet. During evening hours, the west end of the marina to the west end of
Coronado is being dredged to minimize the inconvenience to boaters. The sand is of
good quality and is being placed at Sand Key to be used for fill for other projects such as
when washouts occur. It was remarked that many marine contractors dump pilings they
are replacing from barges and they have to be collected and hauled to the appropriate
dump. It was suggested contractors be required to show receipts as proof of proper
hauling and disposal of pilings.
Protected Birds
Mr. Morris said a commercial fisherman has been throwing dead fish to pelicans,
which are a protected species. He said the County is responsible for ticketing those
persons who feed the birds. Spines from dead fish or carcasses stick in the birds'
throats and suffocate them. There is a lengthy ordinance that pertains to various birds.
Anglers are supposed to dispose of fish carcasses in the pipes provided two feet under
the surface of the water. The theory is the remains would sink, however that is not
always the case. They can back up into the pipes. Fines can be written if anglers are
caught feeding fish. It was remarked that red tide also is creating problems with birds
eating contaminated fish. The bird sanctuary is very busy.
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Marine-related activities - Sports Illustrated
It was remarked that there was an article in the February 12, 2004, St.
Petersburg times relating to Clearwater winning a spot in Sports Illustrated. Nothing
about boating, sailing, or diving was promoted in the Sports Illustrated issue. Mr. Morris
said Parks and Recreation Director Kevin Dunbar said that his staff put together a
competitive informational package on Clearwater recreational activities for Sports
Illustrated. Sports Illustrated included Clearwater in their list of recreational opportunities
and selected what they wanted to publish. There are other competitive magazines such
as Sailing World, in which Clearwater's boating, sailing, and other activities have been
listed.
Grassbeds
It was remarked that there is an area immediately to the east, southeast of the
marina heading south with live grassbeds throughout the channel heading towards the
point. Several boats try to cut across the grassbed area. As it is not marked, the
boaters become grounded. Discussion ensued regarding a solution. Mr. Morris said it is
easier to obtain navigational aid markers than marking seagrass beds, etc., however it
still requires approval from the Army Corps of Engineers and other appropriate agencies.
Mr. Morris said he would inform the County and the Coast Guard regarding the problem
with and the location of the grassbeds. It was felt a marker on the east and west sides
of the existing channel would be sufficient.
Sailina Center
It was remarked that the Sailing Center is being underutilized. Mr. Morris said a
501c(3) organization runs the Sailing Center and the City maintains the building. There
is a core group of sailors who also are volunteers and they help support the Sailing
Center. It was suggested discussion of the management of the Sailing Center be further
discussed at the next meeting.
Annual Advisory Board Dinner - March 30, 2004 at 6:00 p.m. at Harborview
Center
a. 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. - Social Hour/Cash Bar
b. 7:00 p.m. - Receiving Line and Guests Seated
It was requested that board members RSVP regarding the annual Advisory
Board Dinner on March 30, 2004.
4. Aaenda for next meetina on April 14. 2004
- Management of the Sailing Center
- Clearwater Power Squadron promotional opportunities
Citizens to be Heard
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Ralph Wolfe questioned if anything could be done in the area from the Memorial
Causeway Bridge going north on the intercoastal up to Seminole Boat Ramp is a no
wake zone and is well marked. People consistently run west of the markers at different
speeds. It was remarked that outside the channel, the speed limit does not apply and
nothing can be done.
Frank Dame said the Clearwater Power Squadron would like to volunteer to
sponsor some activities in the community in an effort to promote boating. He requested
ideas from board members.
Frank Dame said Stevenson's Creek dredging was approved. He questioned
what environmental impact it would have in terms of runoff, etc. It was suggested that
the County could answer Mr. Dame's questions.
5. Adiournment
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The meeting adjourned at 9:07 a.m.
Marine Advisory Board
Attest:
lf2;LiJJ1 d a /)1 () ~__)
Board Reporter
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