06/08/2005
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MARINE ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
June 8, 2005
Present: Paul J. Kelley
Hank Epste-in
Edward O'Brien
David Hemerick
Frank Dame
Mark Smith
Nick Matsis
Chair
Vice-Chair
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member - arrived 8:15 a.m.
Also Present: Bill Morris
Beverly Buysse
Catherine Yellin
Brenda Moses
Marine & Aviation Director
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 - Mav 11. 2005
Member Dame moved to approve the minutes of the May 11, 2005, meeting as
corrected: Item #5, paragraph one, sentence one to read, "... discuss the feasibility of a culvert
system..." The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
3 - Old Business
Mandalay Channel - redraft
Marine & Aviation Department Director Bill Morris distributed language under
consideration for insertion into the draft of proposed minimum wake zone restrictions in
Mandalay Channel. Staff has been directed to consider how other municipalities address
minimum wake zones. He said Clearwater can include in its ordinance, references to vessel
weight, length, and height, and post speed limits. It was stated the MAB (Marina Advisory
Board) had discussed and voted on this issue previously.
Waterway Management Pian
Mr. Morris said if Mandalay Channel can be managed, it could serve as an example of
how all other City waterways are handled. The channel inciudes all components of interest
such as proximity to docks, restricted waterways, density issues, etc.
Discussion ensued with concern expressed that enforcem€nt of a waterway
management plan requires funds and a comment that Mandalay Channel management cannot
be a template for other waterways, as it does not have beach access, etc. The MAB agreed its
largest concern is regarding the wakes made by large boats. It was stated that few statistics
have been submitted regarding speeding boats or fatalities in the Mandalay Channel even
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though the area lacks regulations. It was stated that the minimum no wake zones were
instituted recently. It was suggested that the MAB discuss broader topics such as beach
access, boat storage, etc.
Consensus was to include Waterway Management Plan items on MAB agendas, rather
than scheduling special meetings.
4 - New Business
Grants: Marina Expansion
Mr. Morris said the City had applied for a $54,000 State grant to hire a consultant to
analyze potential locations for hi and drys/off-site boat storage, or a combination thereof to
support boat storage and access: 1) Seminole launch ramp; 2) Jack Russell Stadium; and 3)
Stevenson Creek shuffleboard courts. If the grant is approved, the study would take several
months. Staff also plans to perform a feasibility study to reconfigure Marina docks to
accommodate more boats, or if floating cement docks and fixed commercial docks are best.
In response to a question, Mr. Morris reported the Mayor supported the Jack Russell
Stadium site as his third choice. The County has requested Mr. Morris to join its Task Force on
boat access and other marine issues. Concern was expressed that the lawn bowling and
shuffleboard courts would be negatively affected at the Stevenson Creek site. Mr. Morris said a
parking lot would be necessary for hi and dry storage or boat launch ramps. A higher posture
for the MAB was recommended to establish hi and dry storage, etc. Mr. Morris said the
process will be a lengthy and would not be realized prior to December 2008. If the Seminole
Launch Ramp site is selected, proposed condominium construction would be an issue.
One resident reported he had performed an analysis, met with some developers, and
feels parking is the issue. .
In response to a question, Mr. Morris said the City is not pursuing private solutions.
Currently, many other projects/issues also need to be addressed. It was stated that private
enterprise can address boat storage, etc., but first, boat ramps need to be built.
High & Dry Site Study
It was recommended the City post a sign on Drew Street reporting on beach parking
availability and the estimated travel time to the beach. Discussion ensued. The majority
opposed the recommended signage, as it would discourage visitors and divert business from
the beach.
Mr. Morris is working with the State regarding moving channel markers off Carlouel in
the former Dunedin Pass and Marker #1 in Mandalay Channel.
Mr. Morris reported the ramp will be removed and the Drew Street dock will become a
downtown fishing pier by September 1, 2005, as part of the downtown plan and FDOT (Florida
Department of Transportation) bridge agreement. Permitting approval is necessary to expand
the pier. When the dock is used as a fishing pier, boats cannot dock there. If the City is
sponsoring a special event at Coachman Park, the Marine Department could reinstall the ramp
and temporary railing for a specific period of time for boat access. Opposition to the dock's use
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as a fishing pier was expressed, as anglers could only cast lines into mud. It was felt boaters ..
should be able to pick up and drop off people at the Drew Street Dock.
Member Hemerick moved that the MAB opposes the proposal to use the Drew Street as
a fishing pier and that the dock should be redesigned for vessel accessibility. The motion was
duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Concern was expressed that separating the ramp from the floating dock would create a
hazard and liability. In response to a question, Mr. Morris said the dock can serve another
function if it is designated as a fishing pier.
5 - Aaenda for next meetina on Julv 13. 2005
Consensus was to discuss a waterway management plan.
It was questioned if the board could address the prohibition of excessive slips at small
condominium properties or restricting boat sizes in those complexes. It was remarked that
consideration of depth restrictions and bottomland ownership is important and that docks can
be built if they meet Code.
A complaint was reported from a developer who stated that after he had to turn
ownership of his docks over to the City, that the adjacent property owner is buiiding private
docks and will own them. Discussion ensued.
6 - Adiournment
The meeting adjourned at 9:13 a.m.
Attest:
~cL):)It~
Board Reporter
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