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12/10/1997MARINE ADVISORY BOARD CITY OF CLEARWATER December 10, 1997 Present: David C. Martens Chair Donald McFarland Vice-Chair David Hemerick Member Edward Dohrman Member Ernie Cline Member Bill Wilhelm Member Captain A. Parks Honeywell Member of Public Cliff Conatser Member of Public Michael Roberto City Manager (arrived 8:08 a.m.) 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. 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 or additions to the November 12, 1997, minutes. Since there were none, Chair Martens said the minutes will stand approved as submitted in writing to each member. Welcome and Discussion with City Manager Michael Roberto City Manager Roberto discussed the City’s plans for redevelopment. He said an article will appear in Sunday’s newspaper detailing the plan. The downtown plan is a market-driven plan. The beach plan is a public consensus process. A preliminary draft of the plan will be explained at a public meeting scheduled in January, 1998. Discussion ensued regarding plans for more pedestrian-focused areas, better access to the waterfront, Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard, downtown parameters, effective parking facilities, a quality beach resort, more boat dockage space, and elimination of the asphalt jungle permitting easier pedestrian access to the waterfront. Public engagement and retaining and expanding the current market is vital to successful redevelopment. Most communities identify themselves by their downtown and beaches. DOT (Department of Transportation), State, and City governments will regulate improvements and changes proposed in the redevelopment plan. Methodology to obtain public consensus includes: 1) a redevelopment kick-off meeting scheduled in January; 2) a 30-minute informational video on C-View TV; 3) various articles published by the St. Petersburg Times; 4) public input meetings; and 5) a 15-page brochure available to all residents of Clearwater. In response to a question regarding the City Commission’s selection of the Memorial Causeway Bridge alignment, Mr. Roberto said there are no plans to change the alignment. Effectively establishing a physical connection between downtown and the beach, and at both ends of the bridge is important. Clearwater’s waterfront is a major asset to the entire community and it is important to utilize it effectively. Discussion ensued regarding the City-owned property at Island Estates. It was remarked should a marina and a park both be constructed, it would be necessary to fence off the park for safety reasons, greatly limiting access to the waterfront. It was suggested board members contact Tony Shoemaker for information regarding the impact the LDC (Land Development Code) revisions may have on waterfront properties and at Island Estates. A suggestion was made to use portions of the existing Memorial Causeway bridge pilings for fishing piers after the new bridge is built. Discuss Extension of Wake Zone in Clearwater Pass Mr. Honeywell distributed a copy of a letter to the MAB (Marine Advisory Board) expressing his concern regarding access to the waterfront. He lives on Island Estates and noted boaters must travel to Marker 1 or John’s Pass to obtain access to waterfront businesses. He said boaters could add considerable ambiance to the waterfront and increase business revenues. Harbormaster Held said the only temporary, one-hour dockage currently available is at the Clearwater Marina. A member suggested Mr. Honeywell contact Special Projects Administrator Scott Shuford to discuss incorporating temporary, short-term waterfront dockage into the redevelopment plan. It was noted a coy of Mr. Honeywell’s letter has been forwarded to the City Manager. Mr. Cliff Conatser requested the MAB consider a recommendation to extend the wake zone 100 yards to the west between the west end of Shepherd’s Restaurant and the Ramada Inn. He felt it was necessary because: 1) fishing boats create large wakes which can be dangerous to small boaters, jet skiers and swimmers and 2) it would prevent further beach erosion in the area. Member Dohrman moved to recommend extending the wake zone on marker west. The motion was duly seconded. Upon the vote being taken, Members Martens, Hemerick, Wilhelm and Cline voted “aye” and Member McFarland voted “nay.” Motion carried. 3. Update on Magnolia Street Dock Char Martens said the main portion of the Magnolia Street Dock is finished. Next week plans are to add vertical beams to support the roof. He said the dock should be completed by mid-January. The meeting adjourned at 9:19 a.m.