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02/12/1997MARINE ADVISORY BOARD CITY OF CLEARWATER February 12, 1997 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 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. Approval of Minutes - January 8, 1997 Member Smith moved to approve the minutes of January 8, 1997 as submitted in writing to each member. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 2. Clearwater Pass Fishing Pier Update Harbormaster William Held distributed a map of the area for the 3 new proposed fishing piers. The yellow area of the map showed the location of State land, the old Clearwater Pass bridge, where the new bridge is, and the location of the 3 proposed fishing piers. One will be located on the east end, the west end and one in the middle. The piers will be 10 feet wide by 48 feet long and fixed lighting as required by the Coast Guard. They will be constructed by Marine Services employees and equipment. No benches are planned, but can always be added at a later date. It was noted the length of the piers could possibly be extended with additional permitting. Boats will not be permitted to dock at the piers. A meeting is scheduled next week with City Zoning and Engineering personnel to ensure all paperwork is in order before submission to the State. There is a possibility that the piers may be required to be ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessible, which means some type of hard surface may be required. 3. Launch Ramp, Island Estates and Coachman Park Not everyone had an opportunity to visit the launch ramp at Island Estates and the area at Coachman Park. It was noted the area near Coachman Park is dependent upon the proposed new Memorial Causeway Bridge. The area in between the existing bridge and Pierce 100 would require dredging, which is expensive. The expense is not in removing the contaminated soil, but in removing the material to a state-approved location. The problem with the area near the ferry dock is parking. Activities at the Harborview Center would preclude using that parking lot for launch ramp parking. 4. Seminole Launch Ramp Renovations The concrete supports on the floats and the side sections of sidewalk should be completed within the next few weeks. The contractor is scheduled to re-pave the entire lot in 2 weeks. All renovations should be complete by the end of March. 5. Marina Restaurant Status The restaurant owners have obtained a loan from the Economic Development plan. Renovations include new booths, new counters, new electrical wiring, painting, a new door on the north side of the building to allow entry without accessing the lobby, and a new smoke-eater system. Eventually a seating area will be constructed around the front of the restaurant. It is the last space inside the Marina building that is being renovated. In August or September of 1997, the City plans to renovate the restrooms on the lower level. Patrons will be asked to use the restrooms on the second floor. The unveiling of the Mandalay streetscape proposal is scheduled for tonight at 7:00 p.m. at the Sea Stones. Major improvements will be done on the 2 blocks from Pier 60 Park north to Baymont should funding be obtained. The tourist information sign has been placed in the lobby. A City kiosk will be placed in the Marina lobby next week. An ATM that is accessible outside the building is planned. The current ATM does not service all credit cards. It was noted the Marina building, Pier 60 baithouse and the Sailing Center have been made “safe” places for children. Supervisors have received training, and a news release detailing the “safe places” program will be available. The Marina lamp post project has been completed. The project has been spread out over 4 years at a cost of $67,488. The last phase was the main dock, and the Marina consistently receives compliments on the addition of the lamp posts. Mr. Held noted an accident which occurred with a patron at a fuel dock. The Marina employee, John Schrader, will be recommended for City Employee of the Month for his outstanding efforts in preventing a potential disaster. Member Wilhelm moved that this Board send Mr. Schrader a letter of appreciation for his fine efforts. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. It was remarked that the cable television hook-up charges appear rather steep for patrons renting slips at the Marina. The service is available, and Time Warner only needs to key into the box at the slip, not charge for installation. A remark was made that charges are incurred at private homes as well, at the discretion of the cable company. Mr. Held will look into the fees as established by Time Warner. Transient slips pay a higher slip rent and receive cable service as part of their agreement. Private slips are to contact the cable company individually. Condolences were extended to Ex-Officio Dave Perkins for the loss of his son. Chair Martens noted annually he makes a presentation to the City Commission as to the activities of this Board. He plans to present a visual presentation this year and asked that the members meet downstairs for pictures to be incorporated into his presentation. The meeting adjourned at 8:34 a.m. _________________________________ Chair, Marine Advisory Board Attest: _____________________________________ Board Reporter