07/13/2005
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MARINE ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
July 13, 2005
Present: Paul J. Kelley
Hank Epstein
Edward O'Brien
Frank Dame
Mark Smith
Nick Matsis
Chair
Vice-Chair
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member - departed 8:14 a.m.
Absent: David Hemerick
Board Member
Also Present: Bill Morris
Beverly Buysse
Gordon Wills
Catherine Yellin
Brenda Moses
Marine & Aviation Director
Marine & Aviation Department Assistant Director
Airport Operations Manager
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 - June 8. 2005
Member Dame moved to approve the minutes of the June 8, 2005, meeting as
corrected: Item #3, paragraph three, sentence four to read, "... that the minimum wake zones
were instituted recently." The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
3 - Old Business
Waterway Management Plan
Marine & Aviation Director Bill Morris reviewed an information packet pertinent to a
waterway management plan for MAB (Marine Advisory Board) review. The County also is trying
to address waterway issues. He suggested establishing priorities for discussion over the next
six months. He reported San Diego's Mission Bay is one of the best managed waterways in the
country, but also is one of the most restrictive. Airport Operations Manager Gordon Wills will
serve as facilitator. Mr. Wills recommended the waterway management plan encompass the
area between Dunedin and Belleair.
Discussion ensued and a list of priorities was identified: 1) Administration/enforcement;
2) Distance restrictions should extend offshore; 3) Education; 4) Boat/motor size (old rules); 5)
Quality of life; 6) Water quality (basin, Island Way Grill); 7) Access to water - Countywide; 8)
Types of boating/PWC; 9) Swim zones; 10) Public access; 11) Safety; 12) Markings; 13) Public
input; 14) Navigational hazards; 15) Boat storage; and 16) Parking.
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It was questioned if the City Council had directed the MAB to pursue a Water
Management Plan. Mr. Morris said staff is working on the Council's latest priority, boating
access. He supported MAB input before he drafts a waterway management plan.
Discussion ensued with comments that the MAB should be proactive regarding
waterway management, previous waterway management has been haphazard, the MAB needs
structured involvement in waterway management, the City Council is responsible for directing
public discussion regarding a waterway management plan, MAB members represent the
boating public, and staff experience can be tapped.
4 - New Business
Pinellas County Boating Access Taskforce
Mr. Morris reported he is a member of the PCBA T (Pinellas County Boating Access
Taskforce). Clearwater is more proactive regarding boater access than most other local
municipalities. The County currently is depending on municipalities to solve waterway/boat
access problems and is concentrating on improving control and preserving water access points.
Clearwater has received State grant funds to conduct a feasibility study for building high and
dry marinas and rehabilitating the Clearwater Marina.
Mr. Morris reported management of the Seminole Launch Ramp, now done by the
baithouse operator, could improve. Difficulties arise when parking spaces fill. The County is
considering the North County Stouffer property for a large boat ramp with ample parking. The
PCBA T discussed improving Seminole Launch Ramp controls for smaller vessels. Staff is
considering a staging dock, but first awaits consultant input regarding offsite parking, shuttle
service, etc.
Discussion ensued with comments that the County owns limited land, the County should
subsidize cities for their use of municipal land, the County is discussing purchasing land,
County priorities are not focused on boating, the County's contract for the Boatyard Village
property with an out of state developer is disappointing, and it was suggested that MAB
members individually contact the County regarding boating access; and the PCBA T is State-
mandated. It was reported that a South Florida county had not added boat ramps in a specific
area for various reasons. It was recommended that the PCBA T consider the needs of
sailboats.
Sand Key Buoys
Mr. Morris said the City Manager had requested that he report to the City Council
regarding if buoys off Sand Key is a safety issue. A gap exists between buoys located 300 feet
offshore to the north and south. Boaters cruise into unmarked areas. Swimmers must contend
with high-speed watercraft close to shore.
Discussion ensued with comments that sufficient waterway regulation is in place,
Belleair should consider removing its buoys, gaps between buoys can be a safety issue,
boaters already have been pushed out of other areas, and boating areas are limited. Mr. Morris
reported that problems increased following the installation of buoys off Devon Drive.
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Drew Street Dock
Mr. Morris reported the Drew Street dock will be designated as a downtown fishing pier
by September 1, 2005, as part of the downtown plan and FDOT (Florida Department of
Transportation) bridge agreement. It was recommended that the MAB recommend installation
of a fishing pier on the west side of the Memorial Causeway Bridge flyover the Intracoastal.
Staff is awaiting FDEP (Florida Department of Environmental Protection) approval before they
install a minimum wake zone marker in the Mandalay Channel recreational zone.
Bicycle Bridge Project
Marine & Aviation Department Assistant Director Beverly Buysse reported the 120-day
bicycle bridge project at the beach will impact the northeast end of the Marina's parking lot from
July 25 through December 1,2005.
5 - Aaenda for next meetina on Auaust 10. 2005
Mr. Wills will distribute the list of waterway management plan priorities prior to the next
meeting. Mr. Morris requested MAB members review the informational packet and submit
recommendations.
6 - Adiournment
The meeting adjourned at 9:04 a.m.
Attest:
(~-~
Board Reporter
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