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08/13/1997MARINE ADVISORY BOARD CITY OF CLEARWATER August 13, 1997 Present: David C. Martens Chair Donald McFarland Vice-Chair David Hemerick Member Ernie Cline Member William Held Harbormaster Brenda Moses Board Reporter Absent: David Smith Member Edward Dohrman Member Bill Wilhelm Member 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. It was noted that Members Smith, Dohrman and Wilhelm called to indicate they could not attend today’s meeting. Chair Martens asked if there were any comments or changes to the June 11, 1997 Marine Advisory Board minutes. Since there were none, he announced that the minutes would stand approved as submitted. 1. Fishing Piers Status The field work was completed and all paperwork forwarded to Ms. Terry Finch to begin the permit application process. No permitting problems are anticipated since all ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements and other pertinent requirements will be met. 2. Ordinance on Fishing from Clearwater Pass Bridge Harbormaster Held explained that the Police Department called the Marina regarding problems with fishermen on the Clearwater Pass Bridge. The current City Code includes a section devoted to prohibiting shark fishing. Discussion ensued regarding the exact wording in the Code, and it was remarked that the entire section of the Code regarding prohibition of fishing on the bridge should be rewritten. Mr. Held will attend a meeting with the City’s Legal Department on August 14, 1997 regarding this matter, and will submit a draft of the proposed revised Code to Board members. 3. Marina Slip Rent Increase Recommendation Mr. Held explained that in keeping with the Clearwater Marina Business Plan, marina slip rent increases will be implemented October 1, 1997. Increases were explained in detail. A quota of overnight rentals has been enacted. Notices have been sent out, and information placed in the July, 1997 and the October, 1997 issue of “Scuttlebutt”. Member MacFarland moved to approve the rate schedule as presented. The motion carried unanimously. 4. Magnolia Street Dock Update Chair Martens explained that the City is meeting with the contractor next Monday. Plans are to begin construction of the dock in early September. 5. Marina Employees’ Parking Spaces Discussion ensued regarding the current post office lease. The current spaces for the post office are for postal trucks only, not their employees. It was noted that parking agreements on leases need to be more stringent in the future. Attempts are being made to encourage all Marina lessees and employees to park across the street in the Civic Center parking lot. It was remarked that people are skateboarding at the Pier. Although there are signs on entrance columns and at the Pavilion prohibiting the activity, it is difficult to enforce. Discussion ensued regarding the Island Estates property and whether permits can be obtained for a marina. This Board’s previous recommendation was to utilize the property for a marina, not a park. Mr. Held noted that no further discussion or feedback is available at this time regarding the matter. It was noted that the Parks and Recreation Department was involved with a proposed city park in the vicinity of the Bayside Bridge, near the Bayview Mobile Home Park. A question arose as to whether or not a boat ramp could be placed in that area should the property be acquired. It was suggested that the Parks and Recreation Department and this Board work closely together since both are recreation-oriented. Discussion ensued regarding a black silk screen along the Memorial Causeway. It was thought that the screen had to do with the recycled water piping being installed into Island Estates. Boat launching limitations in the City was discussed. As in previous meetings, Members felt there are very few launching facilities to accommodate this beach community. It was suggested putting this item on the agenda for next month’s meeting. Mr. Held noted that City Manager Roberto will attend the October 8, 1997 Marine Advisory Board meeting. He has been meeting with various organizations throughout the City. The City Marine Department is co-sponsoring the second annual Make a Difference Fishing Tournament which will be held at Pier 60 on October 4, 1997 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Vendors are offering donations for handicapped children and children with disabilities. Approximately 150 to 175 children are anticipated to attend. Fliers have been sent to 13 organizations and hospitals to ensure the event is a fun-filled, successful event. A Military Appreciation Day is planned for November 8, 1997 at Pier 60. The meeting adjourned at 8:41 a.m.