04/13/2005
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MARINE ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
April 13, 2005
Present:
Paul J. Kelley
Hank Epstein
Edward O'Brien
David Hemerick
Frank Dame
Mark Smith
Chair
Vice-Chair
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Absent:
Nick Matsis
Board Member
Also Present: Beverly Buysse Marine & Aviation Department Assistant Director
Catherine Yellin Senior Staff Assistant
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 - March 9, 2005
Member Dame moved to approve the minutes of the March 9, 2005, meeting as
submitted in written summation to each board member. The motion was duly seconded and
carried unanimously.
3 - Other Business
Mandalay Channel
Discussion ensued regarding issues related to a proposed recreation area for the
Mandalay Channel including definitions, education, enforcement, markers, and bottom lands. It
was reported that the State does not support extending the minimum wake zone in Mandalay
Channel as approved by the City Council. It was reported the State will approve minimum wake
zones based on vessel size. '
Comprehensive Waterway Plan
It was recommended the MAB (Marina Advisory Board) participate in the development of
a comprehensive plan for water related activities. City Council direction was requested. Issues
of importance were reviewed including boat ramps, public access to water, boater access to
Tampa Bay, etc. It was recommended an outline of relevant issues be developed for staff input
and City Council prioritization. It was recommended a Town Hall meeting be scheduled to
address Downtown marina issues and encourage action.
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Marina Issues
It was requested that the Marina regulate tenants who violate minimum wake zone
regulations. Staff will distribute regulation information to tenants today.
In response to a concern, Marine & Aviation Department Assistant Director Beverly
Buysse said tenants of slips along Coronado have the right to erect booths and signage that
meet Code. A City representative will be invited to a future meeting to discuss Code issues.
In response to a concern regarding an increase in Clearwater Harbor boat traffic, Ms.
Buysse will provide a graph outlining seasonal fluctuations in fuel sales at the Marina.
Drew Street Dock
Discussion ensued regarding the Drew Street Dock with recommendations that the
Parks & Recreation Department relinquish control of it to the Marine Department and explain its
denial of public access to the Drew Street dock, and comments the dock is a City asset and
should be available for public offloading, with the floating dock lowered on weekends, at least. It
was recommended the dock be lowered permanently as soon, it will be replaced by a fishing
pier.
It was stated few places on the mainland allow boats to tie up, and fences block access
to docks at Magnolia and Turner streets.
Staff is working to obtain funds to construct a promenade, extending from Downtown
. over the footprint of the current bridge.
Seminole Ramp
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Discussion ensued regarding proposals to add boat storage to the Seminole Ramp area
with recommendations that plans move forward before nearby residential units are constructed
and occupied by those who may object to the project and concern was expressed that no
parking exists for vehicles without trailers.
Intracoastal Obstruction
It was recommended that markers be placed to warn vessels regarding the concrete
remains of a turntable for a previous bridge that extended from the Seminole Ramp area. Boats
often hit the massive obstruction in the middle of the channel, especially when it is hidden by a
rising tide.
Multi-use Dock Applications
Ms. Buysse reported staff is working with the Planning Department to be apprised when
multi-use dock applications are submitted. It was stated the MAB wants to review all such
applications before they are approved. Discussion ensued regarding private property issues.
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State Vessel Registration
In response to a question, Ms. Buysse said staff is reviewing the records of all Marina
tenants regarding the currency of State vessel registration. Owners of vessels out of
compliance are being notified.
Enforcement
Concern was expressed that local boating regulations lack enforcement and it was
recommended that the City develop its own marine unit. Discussion ensued regarding
enforcement and educational efforts.
Parks & Recreation Department Magazine
Concern was expressed that the Parks & Recreation Department published magazine,
"Fun in the Sun," lists no water related activities.
4 - Aaenda for next meetina on Mav 11. 2005
5 - Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 9:00 a.m.
Chair
Marine Advisory Board
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