05/11/2005
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MARINEADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
May 11, 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
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 - Minutes Approval - April 13. 2005
Member Dame moved to approve the minutes of the April 13, 2005, meeting as
submitted in written summation to each board member. The motion was duly seconded and
carried unanimously.
3 - Old Business
Mandalay Channel
Chair Kelley reported on recent increased enforcement of local waterway rules. The
State and City are discussing the minimum wake zone approved for Mandalay Channel. The
State will allow the City to amend its application to include references to the height of a wake,
vessel length, and speed: Support was expressed for inclusion of aii three issues. City Code
already addresses noise restrictions.
Discussion ensued regarding the proposed "Boating Restricted Area," including limits to
speeds, wakes, and vessel length, and educational needs and opportunities. It was reported
the State wants to standardize waterway signage for seagrasses, buoys, etc.. It was suggested
that dock owners could install signage identifying the Mandalay Channel as a "Boating
Restricted Area," with restrictions.
Member Smith moved that the MAB (Marine Advisory Board) recommended the City
Council adopt a "Boating Restricted Area" for Mandalay Channel, north of the Clearwater Beach
Recreation Center boat ramp, to allow exceptions to the minimum wake zone if all of these
restrictions are met: 1) 30 mph speed limit; 2) 15-inch wake size limit; and 3) 30-foot vessel
length limit. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
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It was recommended that the green marker be moved from the middle of the channel.
Comprehensive Waterway Plan
Chair Kelley reported he has been in contact with the City Manager and development of
a comprehensive waterway plan is moving forward. Concern was expressed that work on the
plan should not be delayed as many waterfront projects already are underway. It was
recommended the plan consider public access to the water, sewage pump-out requirements,
and removal of the large concrete obstacle off the Seminole Street docks. Additional signage
was recommended to warn boaters of the obstacle.
Discussion ensued regarding the water taxi program in Ft. Lauderdale. It was suggested
the City could pursue grants to establish a similar program to access the Downtown waterfront.
Marina Issues:
a) Notice to Marina Tenants re minimum wake zone at entrance into marina harbor
On April 13, 2005, staff distributed notices to Marina tenants regarding the minimum
wake zone at the Marina harbor entrance.
b) Graphs outlining seasonal fluctuations in fuel sales at Marina
Marine & AviationAssistant Director Beverly Buysse distributed graphs related to Marina
fuel sales. Gasoline sales have declined since FY (Fiscal Year) 2001 to 340,600.7 gallons in
FY 2004. While the number of gallons of diesel fuel sold increased in FY 2003, the volume
decreased the following year to 737,466.2 gallons. Annual fuel sales peak in May.
c) Drew Street Dock
Chair Kelly reported the City Manager opposes public use of the Drew Street Dock. It
was suggested that opening the dock to public use would increase resident support of future
Downtown plans. Support was expressed for boating and fishing uses of the dock, especially
with frequent traffic delays occuring on the causeway. It was recommended that MAB members
contact the City Council regarding their concerns.
It was requested that the City Manager and Parks & Recreation Department be invited to
a future meeting to discuss this issue further.
Marina
It was suggested water use on marina docks be metered to deter tenants from allowing
hoses to run. It was suggested this matter be addressed in monthly bills.
It was recommended that the Legal Department determine if marina tenants can be
required to provide proof of liability insurance. Concern was expressed that absentee owners
do not properly tie up their boats and some ropes are rotting. Ms. Buysse reviewed staff efforts
to bring all tenant vessels jP,to compliance with City rules. In response to a comment, Ms.
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Buysse said the State had funded the Marina's sewage pump out facility and restricts how much
the City charges for the service.
Multi-use Dock Applications
a) 627 Bay Esplanade - 5 commercial docks
Ms. Buysse said staff is working to provide the MAB with multi-dock applications for
review, earlier in the approval process.
In response to a question, Bill Woods said the developer is working with State lands to
determine ownership of submerged land within the cove. He said the developer has the right to
fence his submerged property and the application meets all requirements. Discussion ensued
regarding rules governing commercial docks.
Regarding the application, the MAB made no comment or recommendation.
4 - New Business
Coronado Street Marina Slip Booths
Concern was expressed that the marina along Coronado Street projects a carnival
atmosphere and that the size of the booths exceed guidelines and block views of the water.
Citizens to be Heard
Bill Woods reported that FDEP (Florida Department of Environmental Protection) funding
is available for signage identifying State sovereign lands.
Board Absences
It was requested that staff contact Member Matsis regarding his absences.
5 - Aaenda for next meetina on June 8. 2005
It was recommended that the board discuss the feasibility of a culvert system to flush
stagnant water in Clearwater Harbor and the construction of fishing piers on the west side of the
Intracoastal waterway, following the destruction of the old Memorial Causeway Bridge.
6 -Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 9:20 a.m.
Attest:
~)l/m~
! oard Reporter
Cha
Marine Advisory Board
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