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01/11/2006 . . . MARINE ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES CITY OF CLEARWATER January 11, 2006 Present: Paul J. Kelley Chair Edward O'Brien, Jr. Board Member F. David Hemerick Board Member Frank L. Dame Board Member Mark A. Smith Board Member Empty Seat Board Member Absent: Hank Epstein Vice-Chair Also Present: Bill Morris Bev Buysse Patricia O. Sullivan Marine & Aviation Department Director Assistant Marine & Aviation Department Director 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 Aooroval- December 14. 2005 Member Dame moved to approve the minutes of the December 14, 2005, meeting as submitted in written summation to each board member. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 3 - Old Business Waterway Management Plan Assistant Marine & Aviation Department Director Bev Buysse and Marine & Aviation Department Director Bill Morris reviewed efforts to gather data relevant to the plan. All successful waterway management plans in Florida rely on an active law enforcement component, which Clearwater currently does not provide. It was recommended that establishment of the previously approved recreational water zone in Mandalay Channel not be delayed the year it will take to complete the Waterway Management Plan, while current markings aggravate safety conditions. Concern was expressed that the markings have relocated water skiers, endangering them. It was felt the designation would be a step in the right direction to improve safety. A counter argument felt water skiing was not safe in Mandalay Channel, which is a confined, narrow, and growing waterway that features increased dockage. It was specifically recommended that no changes be made until the plan is complete, as there is no enforcement of waterway rules, water skiers could ski in Clearwater Harbor, and safety in the channel will remain an issue unless skiers adopt a counter clockwise traffic pattern. Marine Advisory 2006-01-11 1 . It was suggested that a study be initiated to determine the extent of safety problems. Discussion ensued regarding wake sizes, the board's previous discussion of the recreation zone in Mandalay Channel, and the need to consider Clearwater's entire waterway system. It was suggested that the Coast Guard Auxiliary help with enforcement issues. Mr. Morris said no current waterway ordinances in the State use the word "recreation." While one ordinance references waterskiing areas, he recommended that similar water recreation sports also be permitted where determined to be safe. It was noted that the MAB (Marine Advisory Board) previously had recommended approval of the recreational water zone in Mandalay Channel. Member Hemerick moved that the recreational water zone issue should be piggybacked onto the no wake ordinance and that the City Council should be instructed that it is the opinion of the Marine Advisory Board that, that area in Mandalay Channel should, in fact, be a recreational water area. The motion was duly seconded. Discussion ensued with concern expressed that the dual designation will increase safety problems as it will be confusing and enforcement is lacking. It was felt that marking the recreational water zone would be a step forward. Uponthe vote being taken, Members O'Brien, Hemerick, Smith, and Chair Kelley voted "Aye"; Member Dame voted "Nay." Motion carried. 4 - New Business . Remote Dry Storage Mr. Morris reviewed a type of remote dry storage that stores boats on their trailers, and provides concierge service that transports boats to the ramp and returns the trailers to the storage facility until it is needed. This type of operation would free up space by the boatramp, as "dry storage" trailers would not be parked nearby. The dry storage study is considering the Seminole launch ramp, Jack Russell Stadium; and Stevenson Creek shuffleboard courts site. It was stated that increasing the height of the Alternate US 19 bridge over Stevenson Creek or constructing a tunnel under the bridge would increase the number of boats that could launch from the shuffleboard court site. Wetlands Article re Permitting Discussion on the article, distributed at the meeting, was deferred to February 8,2006, to provide members the chance to review the material. Mr. Morris reported that Member Epstein had recommended that the waterway management plan address upland runoff. USACOE (United States Army Corps of Engineers) is trying to streamline its regulations, as the agency is overwhelmed with applications, taking 18 months to process them. Streamlined regulations would require that applications meet State law. Other Vacancv Mr. Morris reviewed applications for the empty seat. . Marine Advisory 2006-01-11 2 . . . Discussion ensued with a comment that all of the applicants are wonderful. Support was expressed for law enforcement representation, although no applicants have that experience. Consensus was to support the appointment of one of the Marine Max employee applicants, based to their expertise in marina construction projects and the marine industry. Downtown Marina Mr. Morris distributed copies of the 2003 Downtown marina plan. All references to Coachman Park will be removed. Enough parking currently exists to meet marina needs. The marina will not provide fuel. Design work on the promenade includes a floating dock with a ramp to serve dinner boat passengers, etc. Concern was expressed that the City will lock the floating dock. It was recommended that the City not limit boater access to the promenade, which should be designed to allow boaters to tie up and unload passengers. Mr. Morris said the floating dock was being considered to prevent its destruction by stormy weather. It was recommended that staff review opposition to the last referendum to better market the Downtown marina proposal. Member Hemerick moved that the Marina Advisory Board had expressed its recommendation that the Downtown promenade feature a temporary fixed-dock, rather than a limited access structure that must be raised and lowered upon demand. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Marina Mr. Morris reported that installation of double-walled fuel tanks will begin next week. During the three weeks the fuel dock is closed, diesel fuel will be available three mornings a week for commercial tenants. Gasoline for transients will be available at the Clearwater Bay Marina. 5 - Aoenda for next meetino on Februarv 8. 2006 Discuss wetlands article regarding permitting. 6 - Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 9:04 a.m. 2/8/0(, ~ '.'/ 11 dt.r~~}?e 1/) rd Reporter Marine Advisory 2006-01-11 3