Loading...
09/11/1996MARINE ADVISORY BOARD CITY OF CLEARWATER September 11, 1996 Present: David Hemerick Acting Chair David Smith Member Donald McFarland Member David Martens Member Edward Dohrman Member Ernie Cline Member Bill Wilhelm Member William Held Harbormaster Brenda Moses Board Reporter The meeting was called to order by Acting Chair Hemerick at 8:01 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. Mr. Martens moved to approve the minutes of August 14, 1996 as submitted in writing to each member by the Board Reporter. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 1. Mr. Wilhelm’s Letter to Mr. Stephan A letter from Mr. Wilhelm to Mr. Stephan regarding Mr. Wilhelm’s absence at the August 14, 1996 meeting was discussed. Mr. Held asked members to notify his office should they plan to be absent at a board meeting. 2. Edgewater Ramp The property at Edgewater Drive and Sunset Point Road in Dunedin was discussed as a possible site for a boat ramp. Proceeding south of the bridge, crossing Stevenson’s Creek, a small park with oleanders on the east side could be considered for a parking lot. It was noted the Engineering Department and the Marine Department are responsible for the expansion of boating activities and facilities. Public access to natural amenities may be of interest to the City. Mr. Held will invite City Engineer, Rich Baier, to the October meeting to discuss possible boat ramp sites. 3. Sheriff’s Enforcing 150’ Rule from Seawall The Sheriff’s Department had enforced the 150’ Rule in the Bayway near the Yacht Club. Boaters were informed they must stay 150 feet from the seawall. Mr. Held contacted Sergeant Mike Hunter of the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Department, who indicated there is no rule to that effect. It was suggested this was an isolated incident. 4. Name for Second Floor of Sailing Center Mr. Steve Carlisle generously donates to the Sailing Center annually. Funds are used to purchase boats and equipment, and upgrade the facility. Last year the Sailing Center dedicated 2 boats named after Mr. Carlisle’s children. It was suggested honoring Mr. Carlisle for his generosity. A recommendation was made to name the second floor of the Sailing Center “The Carlisle Room”. Mr. Ted O’Brien, Commodore for the Windjammer, stated Mr. Carlisle is a very low key and private person. He felt naming the second floor of the Sailing Center was the ideal method of recognition. Some members noted there are various facilities throughout the City which reflect names of esteemed philanthropists. Mr. McFarland moved to recommend to the Commission the second floor of the Sailing Center be named “The Carlisle Room” in honor of Mr. Steve Carlisle. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 5. Review Proposed Ordinance Change for Dogs on the Beach A proposed City code amendment regarding dogs on public beaches was discussed. The Parks and Recreation Department asked the Marine Advisory Board’s opinion regarding the proposal. The Police have been having problems controlling alcoholic beverage usage and dogs on the section of the beach north of the Sailing Center. This area was recently improved by the City and the Sand Key Civic Association has complained of various problems. City code defines a public beach as a beach that abuts the Gulf of Mexico. This proposed amendment permits the City Manager to post signs restricting various activities on public beaches. Some members said people are not responsible enough when taking dogs to beaches, and it is a matter of safety and liability. It was noted too much control on leisure activities can result in animosity from the public. 6. Marina & Pier 60 Business Plans Both the Fiscal Review Committee and the Marine Advisory Board approved the Pier 60 and Marina business plans for submission to the Commission. The Commission expressed concern regarding proposed commercial vessel slip rent increases in the Marina business plan. City code states increases may be imposed with a 72-hour posted notice. The large commercial tenants hired attorneys who suggested gradual increases for slip rents over the next 5 years. Handouts on amended rates for commercial slip rents for residents and nonresidents were discussed. The “proposed” rates are rates originally proposed to the Commission in the business plan. The “recommended” rates are the new recommended rates for next year. The amended business plan suggests a 15% increase for all commercial tenants carrying less than 70 passengers; a 30% increase for commercial vessels carrying more than 70 passengers; and a 50% increase for parasail vessels. A 5% increase is suggested in the second year of the amended plan, with the exception of parasail vessels, which would experience a 50% increase. A 5% increase is suggested the third year of the plan; no increase in the fourth year; and a 5% increase is proposed in the fifth year. Commercial increases would be based on a percentage of what they currently pay. A dock charge of $4.00 per square foot will be imposed on tenants with 200 square feet or more of dock space. It was noted there have been no slip rent increases for commercial or private tenants in the last 3 years. There is a difference of $3,305.00 with this plan compared to the initial plan submitted to the Commission. Rather than contracting the work, Marina personnel will make repairs to the Seminole launch ramp and docks in order to decrease the bottom line by $3,305.00. Mr. Smith moved to retain the original recommendation for rate increases as previously submitted to the Commission. The motion was duly seconded and carried 5 to 2. Mr. Wilhelm and Mr. McFarland abstained from voting due to their affiliation with certain clients at the Marina. A question was asked regarding a “no wake” buoy located north of the Causeway bridge approaching the Seminole boat ramp. It was suggested moving the buoy north of the boat ramp entrance and exit areas. When boaters are north of the buoy, the area becomes congested and creates large wakes. This item will be on the agenda for the next meeting. 7. Election of New Officers Mr. Hemerick moved to elect David Martens as Chair of the Marine Advisory Board. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Mr. Dohrman moved to recommend Mr. McFarland as Vice-Chair. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 9:04 a.m.