03/11/1998MARINE ADVISORY BOARD
CITY OF CLEARWATER
March 11, 1998
Present: David C. Martens Chair
Donald McFarland Vice-Chair
David Hemerick Member
Edward Dohrman Member
Ernie Cline Member
Bill Wilhelm Member
Vacant Seat
William Held Harbormaster
Scott Shuford Special Projects Administrator
Mashid Arasteh Director of Engineering
Mike Hancock Assistant Harbormaster
Don McCarty Central Permitting Senior Planner
Mike Willis Marine Operations Supervisor
Brenda Moses Board Reporter
The Chair called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m. at the City Marina. To provide continuity for research, the items will be in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that
order.
Approval of February 11, 1998, Minutes
No corrections or additions were requested for the minutes of the regular meeting of February 11, 1998. Consensus was to approve the minutes as recorded and submitted in writing to
each member.
Vacant MAB (Marine Advisory Board) Seat
In response to a question, Harbormaster Bill Held anticipates the City Commission will reach a decision regarding the vacant MAB seat next week.
Item #1 Discussion on Marina expansion and possible Marina locations under One City. One Future.
Mr. Held referred to redevelopment plans that were developed by a volunteer committee 3 years ago. At that time, parking garages, a marina, and other proposed expansion were discussed.
Today’s discussion includes: 1) site history; 2) scope of work; 3) permitting; 4) cost and funding; 5) timing of bridge construction; 6) One City. One Future.; 7) seasons; 8) State
politics; and 9) public involvement. The next step is to develop priorities, then implement those plans. Considerations to be addressed prior to construction of additional marina facilities
are: 1) number of docks; 2) cost estimates; 3) dredging; 4) navigational constraints; 5) stormwater management; 6) dock permits; 7) submerged lands; and 8) aesthetics. It was noted
an impact study is required when more than 150 boat slips are planned. Mr. Held reviewed anticipated costs for dock construction, utilities, dredging, and seawall replacement.
Director of Engineering Mashid Arasteh requested input from the MAB regarding their visions of the waterfront. In response to questions, she said the existing Memorial Causeway Bridge
will probably not remain once the new bridge is built. The City is researching land ownership history, permitting issues, information regarding past dredging, removal of silt, and other
related waterway issues. The Legal Department is representing the marina in submerged land discussions with State attorneys. It was remarked permits may be more easily obtained to
restore waterways in areas where channels previously existed. Mr. Held said the marina plans to replace the old fishing bridge near the Memorial Causeway Bridge. Senior Planner Don
McCarty said the underside of the new bridge will become a key design element to downtown due to a required height for boats.
Discussion ensued regarding 5 proposed site plans for marina expansion. Special Projects Administrator Scott Shuford requested the MAB suggest the type of watercraft at each site to
determine if a transportation network is necessary. It was noted consultants are currently reviewing incorporation of pedestrian areas and better traffic flow at the beaches. The 5
sites were prioritized. Some were identified as more appropriate for private transient traffic. Others are on sites that may involve land difficult to obtain, but could be considered
for small commercial vessels. Other sites were determined to be good areas for retail space, restaurants, and public access. Docks could be constructed for short stays and private
slips. It was felt fueling would not be necessary for private boaters. It was suggested sewage pump-out systems be incorporated into all boat dockage areas. It was felt commercial
boaters would prefer facilities be located at the existing marina. It was remarked parking issues will be important for boaters unloading watercraft. Where green space extends to the
waterway and parking is more than 100 yards away, access to offload watercraft will be necessary.
Mr. Shuford referred to the One City. One Future. conceptual map. He noted discussions have included doubling the size of Coachman Park and using part of the existing parking lot at
the Harborview Center for boat parking. In response to a question, he said the City has not considered purchasing Pierce 100. In response to a question, Ms. Arasteh said the noise
factor on the new bridge will not adversely impact the parks and other proposed facilities surrounding it.
Information compiled today will be incorporated with existing information and research. The MAB with be provided with sketches of expansion proposals for further discussion.
The meeting adjourned at 9:31 a.m.