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06/11/1997MARINE ADVISORY BOARD CITY OF CLEARWATER June 11, 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 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 - May 14, 1997 Chair Martens noted since there were no corrections or additions to the May 14, 1997 minutes, the minutes will stand approved as submitted in writing to each member. 2. Island Estates Property Harbormaster Bill Held noted that the City Commission has discussed the Island Estates property at the CIP meeting with the City’s Parks and Recreation Department. The Parks Department has proposed $45,000 toward utilizing the property for a park playground. Island Estates residents also want the property turned into a park. The City Commission has not made a final decision at this time as to the disposition of this property. It was noted that this Board had previously recommended to the City Commission that the property not be used as a City park, and that the City re-investigate obtaining permits for construction of a Marina on the property. 2. Clearwater Pass Fishing Piers The field work has been completed and sent to the drafting sector of the City Engineering Department to begin work on the permit application. It was noted that the State has 90 days to make a determination and may have some questions. There does not appear to be any problems since all ADA and navigational requirements will be met. 3. Twelve 2-Hour, No-Permit Parking Spaces on Causeway Boulevard Last year the City hired a consulting firm to perform a parking study for the Clearwater Marina and Clearwater Beach. Currently, there are 279 parking spaces at the Marina, and 55 spaces at the Memorial Civic Center. Some recommendations from the study included that some of the Civic Center spaces be converted from 1-hour meters to 5-hour meters. The north row at the Civic Center has already been changed to 5-hour meters. The study also recommended that some of the parking meters at the Marina be converted to 2-hour no-permit parking. Currently, the Marina has 1-hour meters, except in front of the Marina building, which is short term no-permit parking. All other spaces in the lot are 1-hour meters and permit parking, except for the bus stop which includes 6 no-permit parking spaces. Some of the tenants have complained about the proposed 2-hour parking spaces from the entrance to the Marina to Crazy Bill’s Restaurant. Remarks from tenants included that beachgoers will be encouraged to utilize the 2-hour parking, which further detracts from available parking at the Marina. Discussion ensued regarding the ramifications of the extended parking. It was noted that with every lease renewal at the Marina building, tenants and their employees will be required to park in the Memorial Civic Center parking lot, freeing up more parking at the Marina lot. It was remarked that parking for the post office employees will not be affected for several years since they recently renewed their lease without the requirement that they park in the Memorial Civic Center parking lot. Member McFarland moved that the parking meters remain as they are currently. The motion was duly seconded. Upon the vote being taken, the motion carried 5/2. Members Wilhelm and Cline voted “nay”. 4. Diesel Fuel Change for Recreational Boaters There was good news for recreational boaters. Previously, the Marina had to sell low sulfur taxed diesel fuel to recreational boaters with nearly fifty cents in taxes. On June 2, 1997 the Marina switched to high sulfur diesel fuel for sale to commercial and noncommercial boaters, with a substantial tax savings. No engine problems are expected, and an additive is available for sale to reduce engine smoking. 5. Magnolia Street Dock Chair Martens noted that on June 19, 1997 the City will receive a new bid for construction of the Magnolia Street Dock. The previous bidder had raised his original bid prohibitively high which prompted a new bidding process. Construction is scheduled to begin July 7, 1997. A new seawall will also be constructed. 6. Other Business Chair Martens distributed photographs taken of the Marine Advisory Board in March. Discussion ensued regarding no wake zones. It was noted that there are some no wake zones on the south side of the bridge by the Clearwater Sailing Center. It was decided to put the signs on the bridge rather than placing pilings in the water for people to run into. The meeting adjourned at 8:45 a.m.