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04/09/1997MARINE ADVISORY BOARD CITY OF CLEARWATER April 9, 1997 Present: Donald McFarland Vice-Chair David Hemerick Member Ernie Cline Member Bill Wilhelm Member William Held Harbormaster Brenda Moses Board Reporter Absent: David C. Martens Chair David Smith Member Edward Dohrman Member The meeting was called to order by Vice-Chair McFarland 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 - February 12, 1997 The minutes of February 12, 1997 were approved as submitted in writing to each member. There were no objections. 2. Status on Fishing Piers at Clearwater Pass The City Engineering Department is doing the field work required for a permit for the 3 fishing piers planned for construction at Clearwater Pass. It is estimated that Marina personnel can build the piers in approximately 2 weeks time at a cost of no more than $50,000 from the CIP (Capital Improvement Project) fund. Now that the Penny for Pinellas tax has been approved, there are other locations throughout the City where piers have been requested. It was suggested this Board revisit other previously suggested locations for piers. The previously suggested sites included the Marina, Clearwater Pass the Recreation Center, and the Seminole Launch Ramp. A fishing pier might be considered in the future by the new Memorial Causeway Bridge. It was noted the County has never indicated any interest in participating in pier activity on City property. County parks are only open from sunrise to sunset, therefore affecting the hours for fishing piers. 3. Summary of Work on Seminole Launch Ramp This project was completed ahead of time and under budget. The budget was $75,000 for work done on concrete supports for floats, repaving and re-striping the parking lot. By utilizing the Public Service Department and City Marina employees, the actual costs were $56,326.74. Moneys left over from the project remain in the CIP for future maintenance and upkeep. Picnic benches have been removed. A question was asked about the gambling boat and whether the owner pays the City port charges. It was noted that they paid the City a $40,000 transportation impact fee when they initially started doing business. Their $3.00 port charge is actually a service charge and none of the funds are shared with the City. This particular boat operates out of a private marina and any costs charged by that marina are unknown. 4. Magnolia Street Dock The contractor who was awarded the contract for the Magnolia Street Dock has backed out of the contract. The work will be re-bid and awarded to another contractor by the end of May. It was noted that no legal appeals have been filed. City employees would have trouble getting equipment in that space, and are not equipped to rebuild the roof. A question arose about inspection of other docks in the City, such as the Turner Street dock. That dock appears as though the roof is in disrepair, and Mr. Held made a note to check with the Building and Maintenance Department regarding this issue. 5. New Marina Newsletter “SCUTTLEBUTT” In an effort to disseminate information to all Marina tenants, a quarterly newsletter will be distributed. Previously, information was dispersed with monthly invoices. The newsletter will include current activities, answers to questions received by Marina staff, names and slip numbers of new tenants, comments and updates on scheduled Marina, and a section for private tenants to publicize nautical items for sale. The next issue will be available in July. It was noted that complaints are addressed to the Marina office. Members are encouraged to notify Marina staff about wake zone and other violations. 6. Kids & Teens Boating Safety Course The Clearwater Marina staff were contacted by the Clearwater Power Squadron. They were having difficulty recruiting kids for their boating safety courses. The new Florida State law requires that kids 17 years of age and under must pass a boating safety course to operate any boat of 10 horsepower or more. The 8 hour course is spread over 2 weekends and is classroom work only. The Marina has developed a news release and flyer and will co-sponsor the course, hosting it at the Sailing Center. Once the kids pass the course, they receive an identification card which is good for life. The Marina has succeeded in recruiting 12 kids. The Power Squadron offers adult courses at their facility on Cleveland Street. It was noted that the Marina’s sailing classes are booked through July. 7. Marine Advisory Board Chairman’s Letter to John Schauder Members reviewed a letter written by Marine Advisory Board Chairman, David Martens recognizing Marina Facility Operator, John Schauder’s quick response and outstanding performance in extinguishing a fire aboard a private vessel at the Clearwater Marina on February 1, 1997. Mr. Schauder was able to prevent damage to adjacent boats at the Marina as well as further injuries to the owner of the vessel. 8. Discussion of Additional Boat Launching Sites This issue has been discussed at previous Board meetings. Members will take this item under consideration for further discussion at future Board meetings. 9. Other Business Safe Boating Week is May 13, 1997 through May 23, 1997. A proclamation will be brought to the City Commission meeting on May 15, 1997 at 6:00 p.m. Members of the Coast Guard Auxilliary, the Power Squadron, the U. S. Coast Guard and Marine Advisory Board members attend the meeting. Members are asked to notify Mr. Held of their attendance so that they may be introduced at the meeting. It was noted that Chair Martens and Members Smith and Dohrman called Mr. Held to inform him of their absence at this meeting. 10. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 8:45 a.m.