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05/09/2007 MARINE ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES CITY OF CLEARWATER May 9, 2007 Present: Paul J. Kelley Chair Edward O’Brien, Jr. Board Member F. David Hemerick Board Member. Mark A. Smith Board Member Bill Stephan Board Member Tim Trager Board Member Tom Calhoun Board Member Also Present: Bill Morris Marine & Aviation Department Director Bev Buysse Assistant Marine & Aviation Department Director Brenda Moses 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 – March 14, 2007 Member Hemerick moved to approve the minutes of the March 14, 2007, meeting as motion submitted in written summation to each board member. The was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 3 – Old Business Promulgation page for Waterway Management Plan Marine & Aviation Director Bill Morris suggested that a promulgation page be created explaining the purpose of the Waterway Management Plan. The page will be reviewed and updated on a regular basis. 4 – New Business Slip Rent Increase 10% effective 1 June 2007 Mr. Morris reported a 10% boat slip rent increase will be effective June 1, 2007. The increase does not require a public hearing. Rates were determined by studies performed by a consultant and staff. Slip rents remain in the marina fund. Discussion ensued with comments that increases might burden tenants due to current economic conditions, an incremental increase occurred last October, and the Marina has the lowest rates in the area. It was stated that there should not be complaints, as this increase was discussed publicly and anticipated. It was remarked that waterway related services are expensive. Marine staff and MAB (Marine Advisory Board) efforts were complimented. Marine Advisory 2007-05-09 1 Changed Fuel vendors to Valvtect Mr. Morris reported that due to tenant complaints and staff concerns regarding customer service, Valvtect is the Marina’s new fuel supply vendor. While no savings will be realized, Valvtect fuel is cleaner, as it contains proprietary additives. Fuel prices will continue to fluctuate with the market. Started Notifying Commercial Tenants in Writing of Violations Mr. Morris reported that due to commercial tenants’ difficulty in complying with Marina rules, he implemented a “three strikes and you’re out” policy, which has gotten their attention. Recreation Center Boat Ramp Assistant Marine & Aviation Assistant Director Bev Buysse reported Engineering Department staff moved a slab at the Recreation Center Boat Ramp to address problems with the boat drop off area. There is no quick fix. Mr. Morris said the Sailing Center’s reconstruction of their boat ramps six years ago cost $100,000. Discussion ensued with suggestions that crushed concrete be placed at the base of the ramp as a short-term fix of the drop off, and that the slab eventually be replaced with a double drop-off ramp. Mr. Morris said a double drop-off ramp would encroach into the Recreation Center. It was requested that staff provide a list of City-owned bottomland to prevent future disputes. Mr. Morris said the Marina Department must pay research costs to determine bottomland ownership. Mr. Morris said Sand Pearl management has reported that SWFWMD (Southwest Florida Water Management District) approved 42 boat slips. The developer had reduced the number of slips after public outcry. It was noted that the developer had not responded to the MAB’s request for information regarding low profile lifts, which the board had recommended. It was suggested that most of the slips will have lifts. Mr. Morris said the docks will have gates that must be closed by midnight to prevent vagrants and other boaters tying up and spending the night. Concern was expressed that the boat slip plan was changed after Council approval, and that changes would have been handled differently had it abutted an upland development. It was remarked that the County, SWFWMD, and USACOE (United States Army Corps of Engineers) have approved the final design. It was stated the MAB does not have a formal process to review dock applications. It was noted that the County approves dock permits, not the City. It was suggested as the revised Sand Pearl dock application was scaled down, staff may not have thought the MAB would want to review it. Marriott Sand Key request for building a dock Mr. Morris said although there has been no official request, a consultant had posed questions regarding constructing a dock on the Marriott property. Discussion ensued with comments that a dock would jeopardize Sailing Center access, and alcohol consumption by boaters could create problems for handicapped and less experienced sailors. Marine Advisory 2007-05-09 2 Other Discussion The City's hiring freeze was noted. It was suggested that the Marine Department staff should be exempt considering ongoing marine issues and the approval of Downtown boat slips. Member O'Brien moved to recommend that the Council reconsider personnel cuts in the Marine Department as it may interfere with efficient operations. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Member Smith moved that the City review density issues that could restrict navigation. The motion was duly seconded. It was remarked that the City does consider growth patterns, etc., and that neighborhood meetings could determine interest for an overlay district. It was stated that the City can enforce overlay district regulations if neighborhood associations experience difficulty with enforcement. Member Smith withdrew his motion. The seconder agreed. Discussion ensued regarding whether the MAB should review marine-related items before they are presented to the CDB (Community Development Board). It was felt the MAB meets for a limited time and cannot review all marine-related applications, etc. It was suggested that the MAB may lack the expertise to make decisions in the best interests of the City. In response to a question, Mr. Morris said the CDB considers less than a dozen dock-related applications each year. Concern was expressed that many marine-related applications or issues are submitted to the MAB after the fact. It was felt the County has an efficient and logical approach to marine-related issues. In response to a question, Mr. Morris said he attends CDB meetings and relates marine-related issues to the MAB. He presents MAB input on marine- related issues when applicable. 5 - Aqenda for next meetinq on April 11. 2007 6 - Adiourn ~ ~ - - Cha: -;;;: Advisory Board The meeting adjourned at 9:23 a.m. ~~~ :& ~ Board Reporter Marine Advisory 2007-05-09 3