02/08/2006
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Present:
MARINE ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
February 8, 2006
Paul J. Kelley
Hank Epstein
Edward O'Brien, Jr.
F. David Hemerick
Frank L. Dame
Mark A. Smith
Empty Seat
Chair
Vice-Chair
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Also Present: Bill Morris
Bev Buysse
Brenda Moses
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 Approval - January 11. 2006
Member O'Brien moved to approve the minutes of the January 11, 2006, meeting as
submitted in written summation to each board member. The motion was duly seconded and
carried unanimously.
3 - Guest Speaker Ebe Bowers from Reaional Chamber re: tourism durina beach construction
Vice President of Tourism for the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce Ebe
Bowers reviewed key messages the Chamber is sharing with the International CVB (Convention
Visitors Bureau) and the local CVB to promote Clearwater. She said the Chamber's Clearwater
2010 Task Force meets quarterly to look at the future of Clearwater beach and also meets with
the City, CVB, its public relations firm, and the tourism industry. The Task Force has developed
a CD (compact disc) and electronic newsletter, Footprints, to inform the public and tourism
industry regarding beach construction activity and trumpet the message that Clearwater beach
is a world-class destination, with a marina, that is being transformed into a "billion dollar beach."
One board member remarked that prior to moving to Clearwater, he was encouraged to
visit. He found that Clearwater remains more affordable than many European waterfront
destinations and other places he had visited.
Public Communications Director Doug Matthews said tourism is Clearwater's top
industry with the beach at its center. Tour operators have reported that their clients do not mind
construction while vacationing, as long as they have a good time. He presented a video
regarding Beach Walk improvements, being constructed in four phases. Plans are available for
viewing on the City's website. Public meetings will be held on project updates. It was
suggested that all beach property owners be notified of beach projects, as some cannot attend
public meetings nor access the Internet.
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Mr. Matthews reviewed the condo hotel concept. Staff is investigating staging sites for
projects.
4 - Old Business
Mandalay Channel Amended Ordinance
Marine & Aviation Director Bill Morris distributed a copy of proposed Ordinance #7606-
06, which amends Ordinance #7377-05, by modifying the extension of the slow speed minimum
wake zone to the northernmost point of Island Estates, by applying the restriction to vessels
larger than 20 feet. The intent of the ordinance is to control the size of wakes created by large
vessels, while allowing smaller vessels enough speed to tow water-skiers.
Discussion ensued with comments that board members had agreed at the January MAB
(Marine Advisory Board) meeting that some limitations should be set and a Councilmember had
recommended establishing restrictions on vessels larger than 20-feet. Support was expressed
for establishing restrictions on vessels longer than 25-feet. It was felt the length of vessels does
not matter as many variables affect wakes. It was stated that many vessels longer than 25 feet
require two engines.
Two residents spoke. One suggested extending the wake zone to the Maritime Center
and the other suggested extending it to the south as well as 500 feet north of the boat ramp.
Mr. Morris said dock consultants have recommended he look at the problems with
marking wake zones on private bottomland. The Legal Department is researching privately
owned bottomlands in the channel, prior to any action. It was questioned why transition zones
would have to be marked if zones are not currently marked. It was felt the board should not
make any recommendations to move the wake zones until after the Legal Department research
is completed.
Consensus was to remove wake height and speed from MAB recommendations at this
time.
Member Smith moved to recommend to the City Council that vessels 25 feet and under
be able to transition the recreation zone in Mandalay Channel at speed and the no wake zone
extend from the current boundary to 500 feet north of the boat ramp. The motion was duly
seconded.
Three residents spoke with one expressing concern that the ordinance will not be
enforced, one pleased that the MAB is addressing this issue, and one in support of the change.
Upon the vote being taken, Members Kelley, Epstein, O'Brien, Hemerick, and Smith
voted "Aye"; Member Dame voted "Nay." Motion carried.
5 - New Business
Mr. Morris said Assistant City Manager Rod Irwin will attend the next meeting to discuss
downtown boat slips, as language in the referendum will state "downtown boat slips" rather than
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"downtown marina," as the non-boating public relates fuel docks, tour and fishing boats, etc.
with marinas. It was suggested the language read "downtown public boat slips."
Staff does not plan to accept reservations for downtown boat slips until construction
begins. A lottery system is planned with Clearwater residents receiving priority over
nonresidents. Parking will be adequate for the 138 slips. The Jazz Holiday building feature a
unisex, handicapped accessible restrooms.
In response to a question, Mr. Morris said the downtown boat slips will not have
launching facilities. The City also is moving forward with the high and dry study. Mr. Morris said
the County is considering potential launching facilities throughout the County. Currently, the
City has no location for additional launch facilities. In response to a question, Mr. Morris said
the City has not determined a use for the land on either side of the Memorial Causeway. He
said the fuel tank installation at the Clearwater Marina is on schedule and on budget.
6 - Aoenda for next meetino on March 8. 2006
Further discussion of Downtown boat slips.
7 - Adiournment
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Marine Advisory Board
The meeting adjourned at 9:09 a.m.
~~11 cIA m(Oao
Board Reporter
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