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12/11/1996MARINE ADVISORY BOARD CITY OF CLEARWATER December 11, 1996 Present: David C. Martens Chair Donald McFarland Vice-Chair David Smith Member David Hemerick Member Edward Dohrman Member Ernie Cline Member Bill Wilhelm Member Dave Perkins Ex-Officio William Held Harbormaster Rich Baier City Engineer (departed 8:45 a.m.) Brenda Moses Board Reporter The meeting was called to order by Chair Martens at 8:00 a.m. at the Marina conference room, 25 Causeway Boulevard, Clearwater, Florida. In order to provide continuity for research, the items will be listed in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order. 1. Memorial Causeway Bridge - Rich Baier, City Engineer City Engineer, Rich Baier, gave an overview of the 5 proposed bridge alignments which have been reviewed at public meetings throughout the City. The south and north alignments have been the preferred choices. Roadway networks, traffic patterns and costs are major considerations in the final determination of a new bridge. A bridge architect has been retained to review bridge lining, lookout areas, decorative outside balusters, and park features. It was noted the funding for the new bridge is tied to the Penny for Pinellas tax. If the tax passes, the county and the state will fund replacement of the bridge without ad valorem tax hikes. It will remain a state bridge and the City would be a partner in the construction. Although the current bridge is structurally sound, it is functionally obsolete. It lacks inside and outside shoulders, wide sidewalks, and a median separator, which are design factors that would make it safer. The signalized location of the bridge and the grade itself is a high accident location. The current bridge is 34 years old. If funding were obtained today, it would take 5 years to build, which would make it nearly 40 years old. It was designed to last 50 years, and the City is doing the up front planning now. In response to a question, Mr. Baier said the DOT is not receptive to a tunnel due to the costs, elevation and probability of flooding. Board members took a straw vote regarding the proposed new bridge. Four members preferred the south alignment if a bridge must be built, and 3 members voted to retain the existing bridge. Mr. Baier said the City Commission is putting the parking lot issue for the Memorial Causeway on hold. It was noted this Board voted for it. The Beautification Committee, the Parks and Recreation Board, and the Environmental Advisory Board voted against it because one of the first things you see when you come to Clearwater would be a parking lot. The perception is that there is a “parking problem” at Clearwater Beach, which ultimately affects businesses. According to studies done by Kimley-Horn, aside from the parking lot at the Marina, there should not be much need beach-wide for a parking lot. Currently the parking deficit is 30 days a year. People prefer convenient parking at or on the east and west sides of Mandalay Avenue. If activities and events doubled, there would still only be a 60 day per year parking deficit. There are between 1,000 to 1,200 parking spaces at Clearwater Beach. The spaces on the east side by Eckerd Drugs, the Clearwater Recreation Center lot and the Memorial Civic Center lots are infrequently used and only bring in $100 to $200 per space per year. The Pier 60 lot brings in $1796 per space per year because of its convenient location. 2. Fishing Piers at Clearwater Pass Mr. Held referred to an aerial map while discussing the addition of fishing piers at Clearwater Pass. It was suggested utilizing Marina personnel to construct three 10 foot wide by 48 foot long wooden fishing piers at Clearwater Pass. The total cost would be $10,000 to $15,000 each. It was noted as part of the permitting process, in order to comply with the ADA (Americans with Disability Act), it is possible a paved area would be required at the entrance to each pier. Member McFarland moved to proceed with the construction of the 3 fishing piers at Clearwater Pass. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 3. Wake Zones in Marina Channel and at Seminole Launch Ramp Mr. Held referred to an aerial map of Clearwater and discussed the existing wake zones. Over the years residents in various areas of the City have requested wake zones, basically to protect their property. In April of 1996, the zones were reviewed by the presiding Marine Advisory Board for consideration of extending some of the zones, such as in the Marina channel and at Seminole Launch Ramp. The Board did not vote to extend the wake zones. This information was given to the State. It was noted if the new bridge is constructed, the wake zones may be affected, and this issue can be further discussed at a later date. 4. Magnolia Street Dock Update The Magnolia Street dock is on the corner of Magnolia Street near Morton Plant Hospital, and is one of only 2 docks left on the south side of the causeway. It is a covered dock, similar to a gazebo, which was built in 1925. It is not used for fishing, but as more of a place to sit and enjoy the view. Some residents who have recently moved into the area prefer more privacy and are against reconstruction of the dock. The hearing before the Pinellas County Commission was held December 10, 1996. Chair Martens and Member McFarland attended the meeting and spoke in support of reconstruction of the dock. The Magnolia Street dock was recommended for reconstruction by the Pinellas Water and Navigation Authority and the City. The attorney for the opposition, Patrick Macguire, will appeal the decision to the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals and sue the City to prevent issuance of a building permit. The dock was insured and FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) is giving the City $85,000 of the $120,000 for construction of the dock. The issue is not one of money, but of opposition from some of the residents. It was noted 86% of residents and many other Clearwater residents are in favor of reconstructing the dock. Chair Martens will keep members informed of the status of the situation. The meeting adjourned at 9:11 a.m.