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02/11/1998 MARINE ADVISORY BOARD MEETING CITY OF CLEARWATER February 11, 1998 Present: David C. Martens Chair Donald McFarland Vice Chair arrived at 8:03 a.m. David Hemerick Board Member Edward Dohrman Board Member Ernie Cline Board Member Bill Wilhelm Board Member Empty Seat Board Member William Held Harbormaster Patricia O. Sullivan Board Reporter The Chair called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m. at the City Marina. To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order. Approval of Minutes No corrections were requested for the minutes of the regular meeting of January 14, 1998. Consensus was to approve the minutes as recorded and submitted in written summation to each board member. ITEM #1 One City. One Future. Assistant City Manager Rick Hedrick introduced himself and expressed his interest in working with the Marina. He said the community enthusiastically had received the recent roll-out of “One City. One Future.” Past conflicts regarding individual plans resulted in little progress and a large pent-up demand. He said it is important that all groups in Clearwater determine parts of the plan are appealing. The next phase of “One City. One Future” will redefine the plan, focus on elements, identify significant projects, and build consensus to build one piece at a time. Citizen participation will be encouraged. Mr. Hedrick said residents seem to agree there is a need to improve the Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard corridor and revitalize downtown. He said the bluff is an integral part of downtown, noting the City Manager refers to it as “Clearwater Beach East.” None of the buildings on the bluff was constructed to take advantage of the view. Mr. Hedrick reviewed the challenges and opportunities presented in the plan. The plan focuses on districts, 1) the beach; 2) downtown; and 3) North Greenwood. Proposed infrastructure enhancements include downtown, Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard, and Clearwater beach. Proposed for Clearwater beach are: 1) a transition area separating North end residential areas from commercial areas South of the Rockaway parking lot; 2) a dramatic gateway at the beach entrance from Memorial Causeway; 3) targeted private sector investment and redevelopment; 4) enhancement of the beach’s natural beauty; 5) improved connections between downtown and the beach; and 6) a pedestrian-friendly environment on the beach through street and sidewalk design. Mr. Hedrick said an entertainment complex is proposed at the bayfront by Coachman Park to include boat slips and water taxis. Construction of a baseball facility where the new bridge will create dead space is in the plan to spark discussion. Special Projects Administrator Scott Shuford suggested this multi-purpose entertainment complex could replace activities that once occurred at the former bayfront auditorium. Due to its success, the Harborview Center is rarely available for City activities. In response to a question, Mr. Hedrick noted concerns had been expressed regarding a proposal to invest $20-million in a baseball facility that the Phillies will use only 60 days annually. He indicated the Phillies had implied they would relocate their Spring Training activities unless significantly upgraded facilities are provided. In response to a question, Mr. Hedrick said boat slips are proposed near Pierce 100, in an area that once supported a marina. The “East Beach” activity center, with shopping and residences, could develop into a regional entertainment hub. Plans for a marina by the boat slips are under discussion. In response to a question, Mr. Hedrick said while the current Memorial Causeway Bridge ties the downtown and beach, the planned bridge will bypass downtown. He suggested after the new bridge is constructed, the current bridge could be retained and considered a downtown amenity that encourages pedestrian, bicycle, and local traffic between downtown and the beach. He expressed concern downtown “Main Streets” do not dead end. The current bridge is functionally obsolete but not physically obsolete. The City would be responsible for maintenance costs on the old bridge. The State will maintain the new bridge. In response to a question, Mr. Hedrick said ways to access downtown off the new bridge are being considered. The County is an important part of this decision. It was noted the MAB (Marine Advisory Board) previously had recommended construction of a full marina at the bayfront. Harbormaster Bill Held said CIP (Capital Improvement Project) funds have been set aside to build a fishing pier if the current bridge is razed. Mr. Hedrick noted possible objections from residents of Pierce 100. He suggested the City could purchase the building and resell the units after development of the waterfront is complete. He felt planned development will enhance the value of the units. Mr. Held said the process for developing a marina on the bayfront would begin with permitting. The dredging issue could create an obstacle. It was questioned how the MAB can be part of the process of developing the plan. Mr. Shuford supported a marina connection downtown. He reviewed the proposed traffic pattern on to the beach. The entrance and landscaping will draw the eye to the water. He noted plans to expand the Marina North of the bridge and construct boat slips at the Clearwater Beach Recreation Center at the site of the old yacht club. In response to a suggestion the City begin the process to obtain permits for boat slip and marina construction, Mr. Held suggested the City may need help in navigating that process. It was suggested permitting should not be difficult as no seagrass exists in the proposed area. It was recommended the City rebuild important facilities it has lost. Mr. Shuford said the plan will provide better use of the waterfront for a public purpose. In response to a question, Mr. Shuford said the City will encourage private development North of the causeway. The City will consider vacating East Shore to help with density issues. In response to a question, Mr. Hedrick said he has handled similar assemblies elsewhere. He said adequate time is the key. Consensus was to schedule a 2-hour mini design charette for the March 11, 1998, meeting. Concern was expressed regarding parking problems downtown. Mr. Hedrick said the City is working on that issue. Discussions have been held with the Calvary Baptist Church and Church of Scientology regarding this issue. It was recommended downtown parking not be metered. Mr. Shuford said the City is considering constructing a parking garage along the street in front of City Hall and into the bluff next to the Harborview Center. The City also is working with PSTA (Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority) and Pinellas County regarding a proposed bus station and parking facility at the Northeast corner of Pierce Street and S. Ft. Harrison Avenue. The Dimmitt property was suggested for consideration. Mr. Shuford opposed the suggestion to turn the downtown over to a religious organization. What may seem to be a short term answer would cause long term problems. Mr. Hedrick said all downtown interests must be considered. Mr. Shuford reviewed the “Immediate Action Items”: 1) authorization of market studies for Beach and Downtown; 2) evaluation of Phillies’ economic impact; 3) preparation of a RFQ (Request for Qualifications) for developers to submit ideas for the bayfront, including Coachman Park expansion; 4) selection of site for new Main Library; 5) application for “Mainstreet” program; 6) completion of necessary parking studies; 7) acceleration of community-based initiative in North Greenwood area; 8) implementation of regional stormwater retention project Downtown; 9) creation of incentive program for retail & commercial occupancy along Cleveland Street; 10) evaluation of maintaining the existing Memorial Causeway Bridge as local traffic connection between Beach and Downtown; 11) redesign of Land Development Code; and 12) corridor enhancement along Cleveland Street, Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard, Mandalay Avenue, and Gulfview Boulevard. He said special effort will be made to include local people in the plan’s projects. An update to the Land Development Code is being developed to restructure the code. The City is considering ways to change from a fast growth city to a redeveloped community. ITEM #2 - Complaint on vessel "Crown Empress" at Clearwater Bay Marina A letter from the North Clearwater Bay Association complained the Crown Empress vessel runs its generators long after it docks. Resulting noise and diesel fumes infringe on the neighborhood’s quality of life. Mr. Held reported City approval of the vessel’s operation included 13 conditions. He felt these specific complaints violate conditions requiring the vessel to cease all operations within 1 hour of its last berthing of the day and that use of the vessel’s engine be minimized near the dock. The Police can be contacted if the vessel violates the City’s noise ordinance. Consensus was to request the CRT (Community Response Team) investigate and address these complaints. ITEM #3 - Status on Clearwater Pass fishing piers Mr. Held reported Pinellas County had approved the final permits for fishing piers in Clearwater Pass. All State and City permits have been obtained. Plans are being finalized with construction by City staff commencing in May or June 1998. Construction is expected to take less than 1 month. ITEM #4 - Water Safety Day in Clearwater Mr. Held stated Water Safety Day, preceding Safe Boating Week, is scheduled at the Sailing Center from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on April 4, 1998. The Florida Marine Patrol and U.S. Coast Guard will participate. The event will include demonstrations by the Coast Guard and beach lifeguards, free food, displays, a video on personal water craft safety, etc. A committee is considering how to attract residents to the event and educate them regarding water safety issues of importance to boaters and swimming pool owners. ITEM #5 - Tourist Information Center Mr. Held reported the Tourist Information Center has opened in the Marina’s lobby. The staff will offer tourist brochures and information daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. A small Tourist Welcome Center building is planned near Pier 60 Park. ITEM #6 - Commercial tenant directory in lobby Mr. Held stated an aerial photograph of the Marina identifying commercial slip tenants has been installed in the lobby as a tourist aid. ITEM #7 - Wake Zone Mr. Held said the City Commission had approved 1st reading of the ordinance extending the wake zone. After 2nd reading on February 19, 1998, staff will request a State permit. The City proposes installing a new sign identifying the wake zone on Light 6. The City will request the sign on Day Beam 9 remain to remind vessels they are still in the wake zone. Magnolia Street Dock It was stated construction on the roof of the Magnolia Street Dock will begin today. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 9:23 a.m.