02/09/2005
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MARINE ADVISORY BOARD
CITY OF CLEARWATER
February 9,2005
Present:
Paul J. Kelley
Hank Epstein
Edward O'Brien
David Hemerick
Frank Dame
Chair
Vice-Chair
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Absent:
Nick Matsis
Vacant Seat
Board Member
Board Member
Also Present: Bill Morris
Catherine Yellin
Patricia O. Sullivan
Marine & Aviation Department 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 - Minutes Approval - Januarv 12, 2005
Member Hemerick moved to approve the minutes of the January 12, 2005, meeting as
submitted in written summation to each board member. The motion was duly seconded and
carried unanimously.
3 - Qualification/Composition of Board Members
Chair Kelley reported he had recommended to Mayor Hibbard and the City Manager that
the MAB (Marina Advisory Board) should represent varied marine interests, beyond those of
waterfront residents.
4 - Chair Report on Meetinq with Mavor and City Manaqer
Chair Kelley reviewed his discussions with Mayor Hibbard and the City Manager
requesting earlier board involvement in marina issues, especially those related to waterfront
development, and recommending that focus on the Downtown marina begin now in preparation
for a 2006 referendum.
It was recommended that a process be established to inform the MAB regarding
upcoming issues related to the waterfront, with the intent not to add to the Marina staff burden.
5 - Other Business
Sand Key Beach Buoy Issue
Discussion ensued regarding efforts to create a swim zone in the gulf, by establishing a
minimum wake zone and marking it with buoys.
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Member Epstein moved that the MAB opposes the establishment of additional wake
zones off Sand Key. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Vessel RegistrationlDocumentation
Florida Vessel registration and document requirements were reviewed.
America's Waterway Watch
Brochures were distributed regarding Department of Homeland Security and Coast
Guard efforts to help keep America's waterways safe and secure. Stickers are available for
display on vessels.
Existing and proposed docks in Mandalay Channel
Marine & Aviation Department Director Bill Morris reviewed the request by the developer
of condominiums at the former Ross Yachts facility to extend 6.2 feet onto the Island Way Grill
property for dock construction. The City controls the bottomland and will have to sign off on the
request. Discussion ensued regarding possible uses of this private property and the loss of
ramp access and boat storage. The proposed docks will not line up with City docks.
Member Epstein moved that the condominium development's easternmost dock be
designated for mixed use. The motion was duly seconded.
It was stated the subject upland property is privately owned and the City cannot dictate
its use.
Member Epstein restated his motion that the MAB does not recommend approval of the
dock application, as proposed, due to encroachment of the proposed pilings and upland issues
related to the design. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Discussion ensued regarding if the tie poles were not put in and, if the adjoining property
owner did not object, the docks could be permitted with a variance allowed for side setback.
6 - Other Business
Drew Street Dock
Mr. Morris reviewed current use and future plans for the Drew Street dock and the
proposed Downtown marina. Use of the dock would require onsite staff. Discussion ensued
regarding future use of the dock by commercial and private vessels.
Member Hemerick moved to direct Mr. Morris to investigate use of the Drew Street dock
by private vessels, in addition to commercial vessels.
Discussion ensued. The Parks & Recreation Department requires use of the dock to be
reserved for City use during special events at Coachman Park.
Member Hemerick restated his motion to direct Mr. Morris to investigate use of the Drew
Street dock by private vessels, in addition to commercial vessels, as a transportation alternative
during BeachWalk construction. The motion was duly seconded.
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Concern was expressed that commercial and private vessel uses are incompatible.
Upon the vote being taken, Members Epstein, Hemerick, Dame, and Chair Kelley voted
"Aye"; Member O'Brien voted "Nay." Motion carried.
BeachWalk Construction Project
Mr. Morris reviewed the BeachWalk construction project and the subsequent loss of
parking. Staff was asked to consider a shuttle or water taxi from Downtown during construction
to improve public beach access. Discussion ensued regarding previous failed efforts to interest
the public in using a water taxi and the need for parking convenient to the service.
Minimum Wake Zone in Mandalay Channel
Two residents spoke in opposition to the recent City Council approval ofa minimum
wake zone in the Mandalay Channel, stating they had not been notified of the proposal.
Comments
One resident recommended requiring a public use dock at all future waterfront
condominium development that includes docks and that the approval of condominium project
development and related dock construction be at the same time.
It was recommended the duration of future meetings be limited to 90 minutes, with a
goal of 60 minutes.
7 - Aqenda for next meetinq on March 9. 2005
A discussion on managing user conflict of waterways, the need for a strategic waterfront
management plan, and identifying wake zones where waterskiing is permitted was scheduled.
8 - Adiournment
The meeting adjourned at 9:50 a.m.
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