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10/08/1997MARINE ADVISORY BOARD CITY OF CLEARWATER October 8, 1997 Present: David C. Martens Chair Donald McFarland Vice-Chair David Hemerick Member Edward Dohrman Member Ernie Cline Member Bill Wilhelm Member William Held Harbormaster Brenda Moses Board Reporter Absent: David Smith 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. Chair Martens asked if there were any changes, corrections, additions, or comments regarding the minutes of September 10, 1997. Since there was none, he announced the minutes would stand approved as read. 1. Visit and discussion with City Manager Michael J. Roberto Harbormaster Bill Held explained that City Manager Michael Roberto was unable to attend today’s meeting. He plans to attend a future meeting. 2. Update on fishing piers for Clearwater Pass and Magnolia Street Dock Mr. Held said he received an update from the Engineering Department last week. The permit application will be sent to the State this week. The County is backlogged and is not expected to consider the project before March 1998. The City will build and maintain the piers which will not obstruct navigation through Clearwater Pass. Since all requirements will be met, no problems are anticipated. Chair Martens noted that on September 17, 1997, the barge arrived at the Magnolia Street Dock site. The dock has been in existence since 1925 and the replacement dock will have the same footprint as the original. As the contractor began to remove the old pilings, the local newspaper arrived. Previously, the Beach Views had written an article regarding opposition to replacement of the dock. It was noted in April only 2 residents opposed the replacement. There have been 2 more articles in the Clearwater Times regarding the issue of only 2 property owners’ opposition. Work is progressing. Pilings have been constructed and the seawall contractor is expected to begin work. Some neighbors have asked Chair Martens to write a letter and circulate information throughout the neighborhood regarding the issue. It was noted the County judge will rule whether or not Pinellas County Water Navigation should have issued the permit. The County is being sued over this matter, not the City. An appeal was filed with the Circuit Court after the judge’s decision to issue the permit. The City moved ahead with plans not knowing another appeal had been filed. Chair Martens will keep Board members updated as further information becomes available. 3. Discussion re: Island Estates City-owned property Mr. Held noted at the last Board meeting, members voted to encourage the City to utilize the vacant Island Estates property as a joint park/marina. Mr. Held had sent a memorandum to City Manager Roberto, and discussed the issue with Parks and Recreation Director Ream Wilson. The City owns the property which is under the control of the Solid Waste Department. (Mr. Held later indicated that the property was purchased with sewer funds and that fund would need to be compensated should the property be utilized for another purpose). It was noted improvements are necessary such as major repairs or replacement of the seawall. Island Estates residents prefer to utilize the property as a park. It was felt a waterfront park is not appropriate at that site due to safety issues. The City Manager has directed Parks and Recreation Director Ream Wilson to present a site plan to the City Commission in December. Discussion ensued regarding the number of parking spaces required for a marina and the depth of the water. The facility would be unstaffed and have a pump out station. Approximately 5 years ago, a site plan developed for this property included 78 30-foot boat slips and a long dock extending into the water parallel to the reverter line. The City received a letter of no objection from the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers. However, the City withdrew its application from the State. Mr. Held will contact the Engineering Department regarding water quality updates. It was noted no money has been budgeted for this project until FY (fiscal year) 1998/99.. It is anticipated park construction costs would be $45,000 plus the cost of the property, valued at $400,000. Costs would also need to be incorporated into future Marina budgets. Mr. Held noted the owner-developer of the old Seaspire Motel indicated interest in purchasing the property to construct 10 townhouses. Each townhouse would be 2-story, 3,000 square feet, and 22-feet wide with catwalks along the seawall. The site plan would require compliance with navigational impacts and setbacks. It was remarked this property originally was spearheaded for a marina. It was suggested the Marina Advisory Board be included in the consideration of any proposed applications for the property. Discussion ensued regarding the need to discuss this issue with the City Manager before December. It was requested that Mr. Held schedule a special meeting with Board members, the City Manager, City Engineer Rich Baier, and Parks and Recreation Director Ream Wilson. Pier 60 Fishing Tournament Mr. Held said the catch and release fishing tournament was a huge success. Mayor Garvey and the City Commissioners attended. A total of 158 children participated in the tournament. Numerous vendors donated various prizes. In addition to City employees, 49 volunteers worked at the tournament. Schaffer Boats donated a boat, motor and trailer. Wrestlers, magicians and other entertainers participated. Marina Building Upgrades Electric doors have been installed in the Marina building. A bank ATM (Automatic Teller Machine), accessible from outside the building, will provide additional service to customers. Clearwater Pass Bridge It was remarked that a lot of people fish underneath the Clearwater Pass Bridge between the spans. In response to a question, Mr. Held said no regulations exist against fishing there and no problems with boaters have been reported. The meeting adjourned at 8:42 a.m.