Loading...
08/10/2005 . . . MARINE ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES CITY OF CLeARWATER August 10, 2005 Present: Paul J. Kelley Hank Epstein David Hemerick Edward O'Brien Frank Dame Nick Matsis Chair Vice-Chair Board Member Board Member Board Member Board Member Absent: Mark Smith Board Member Also Present: Bill Morris Gordon Wills Catherine Yellin Brenda Moses Marine & Aviation Director Airport Operations Manager Senior Staff Assistant Board Reporter The Chair called the meeting to order at 8:01 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 - Julv 13, 2005 Member O'Brien moved to approve the minutes of the July 13, 2005, meeting as submitted in written summation to each Board Member. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 3 - Old Business Marine & Aviation Director Bill Morris reviewed a resident's concerns regarding new condominium construction on either side of her residence, including new docks at 200 Brightwater Drive. Mr. Morris will investigate if uncovered boatlifts are permitted. Waterway Management Plan Airport Operations Manager Gordon Wills facilitated discussion of the Waterway Management Plan. Top issues identified by the MAB (Marine Advisory Board were: 1) Safety/navigation hazards/swim zones; 2) Access/Quality of Life; 3) Education/administration/ enforcement; 4) Water quality; 5) Parking; 6) Boat storage/markings; 7) Type of boating/PWC; 8) BoaUmotor size; and 9) Public input. Discussion ensued regarding Education/administration/enforcement. Comments were made that without enforcement, education accomplishes nothing, that education is necessary to ensure boater familiarity with boating rules, speed zones, etc., that boater education needs to originate at the State level when boaters apply for licenses, that boaters need to know the difference between minimum wake and no wake zones, that boateis, ticketed for violations, should be required to take a boating class, that a brochure should be developed, listing the top 10 most common problems on the waterways and be distributed at fuel docks, launch ramps, Marine Advisory 2005-08-10 1 . . . waterfront restaurants, etc. Mr. Morris said staff could provide a chart to familiarize boaters with area channels. The charts could be available at the marina fuel dock and other waterfront locations. Additional comments included a suggestion that the City should undertake another study regarding City enforcement of Clearwater's waterways. Mr. Morris reviewed enforcement procedures at Clearwater Airpark, which has a "three strikes you're out" policy. Violations decreased after a Police Aide "Vv"CiS assigned to the Airpark. It was reported that Marine Max has contacted a Board Member regarding donation of a marine enforcement vessel. It was noted that the City would not allow advertisements on donated boats. Comments included a suggestion that the City consider a pilot program regarding enforcement of Clearwater waterways on weekends, that further discussion is needed regarding when enforcement is needed, and that without a Police Aide, enforcement would be impossible. Mr. Morris said the Coast Guard auxiliary is interested in manning an enforcement vessel. Staff wiil research if donated enforcement vessels can be equipped with lights and sirens. Mr. Morris agreed education would be more beneficial if paired with increased law enforcement efforts. He encouraged the County to include education efforts with enforcement. He reviewed education resources such as the Power Squadron, the Coast Guard Auxiliary, and boating classes. As a member of the County Boating Access Task Force, he will encourage the County to support boater education efforts. The County Boating Access Task Force advocates improved management oflaLinch ramps and increased parking for boaters. The County is considering staging docks in municipalities to help alleviate the lack of boater access. The County wants to take the lead in developing plans for local communities. Discussion ensued regarding Safety/navigation hazards/swim zones. Comments were made that the Board should focus on safety issues on the water, not land, that most local boating accidents and safety problems are caused by personal watercraft, which is a State-wide issue, that expanded jet ski operations at the Marina have contributed to safety problems due to inexperienced operators, that the Board should consider speed, wake heights, speed zones, safe operation of vessels under the topic of "safety." It was recommended that Marina staff review the concentration and management of jet ski operations. It was commented that personal watercraft operators have the same rights as boaters and some operators act responsibly. It was recommended that enforcement should be listed as the number one priority under "safety." Mr. Morris recommended the MAB work on the waterway management plan consider the "big picture" and managing City waterways, including wake heights, speed restrictions, wake zones, traffic patterns and separations, etc., not isolating particular vessel classes. It was noted "boat types" was identified as an issue for future discussion. Marine Advisory 2005-08-10 2 . . . It was questioned if the MAB is capable of developing a comprehensive waterway management plan within the limited time of Board meetings. It was remarked that this Board has made great strides aiready. Mr. Wills encouraged the MAB to e-mail him with suggestions and items for discussion. In response to a question, Mr. Morris said fuel prices have increased. Marina fuel sales have decreased due to weather issues and red tide. 4 - New Business Carlouel Dock Extension Request Mr. Morris distributed maps of bottomland leased by the Carlouel Yacht Club from the State. Bill Allbright, repres~nt:ng the Carlouel Yacht Club, said on holiday weekends, 15 to 20 Y::-cht Club member boats use the marina. He said when the seawall was rebuilt several years ago, the dock's height was raised, making it difficult for small boater access. He said the floating dock, built last year against the seawall, permits boats to moor only on one side. He reviewed plans to expand the floating dock to accommodate smaller boats and allow larger boats to use the seawall. docks. He said Carlouel has hired a company to obtain necessary State permits. Mr. Allbright reported the former Harbormaster had approved Carlouel's request for navigation in the area and the State does not object to the request. He said Carlouel will request a letter of no objection for the project from the City. Mr. Morris said the Coast Guard has proposed giving channel markers leading to Dunedin Pass to the City, to either retain or remove, as the channel has been closed for a long time. The City has not received a proposal in writing. As boater access is a priority issue in the City, the City Manager has requested a review of boater access. Several City Council and MAB members expressed hopes that at some point in the future, Dunedin Pass can be reopened. The City Manager has requested that approval of the dock request include a provision that requires Carlouel to move the docks an appropriate distance from Dunedin Pass channel in the event it reopens so that boats moored to the east side of the dock do not interfere with navigation in the channel. Mr. Morris said even though the likelihood that Dunedin Pass will be opened is slim, the City wants the contingency in place. Mr. Allbright said Carlouel would accept the contingency and would participate in dredging efforts, if necessary. Member O'Brien moved that the Marine Advisory Board supports the extension of the Carlouel dock, with the contingency provision that requires Carlouel to move the docks an appropriate distance from Dunedin Pass if it reopens so that boats moored to the east do not interfere with navigation in the channel. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Marine Advisory 2005-08-10 3 . 5 - Aoenda for next meetinq on Seotember 14. 2005 . . 1) Guest speaker from Wade Trim about Marina expansion feasibility Study 2) Revisit issue of boat donations 3LContinue discussion regarding waterway management plan 6 - Adiournment The meeting adjourned at 9:06 a.m. Chair Marine Advisory Board ~tMlm . ~ ~') Board Reporter Marine Advisory 2005-08-10 4