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07/08/1998MARINE ADVISORY BOARD CITY OF CLEARWATER July 8, 1998 Present: David C. Martens Chair Donald McFarland Vice-Chair Edward Dohrman Board Member Ernie Cline Board Member David Hemerick Board Member Bill Wilhelm Board Member (departed 8:45 a.m.) William Held Harbormaster Brenda Moses Board Reporter Absent: Eric Spaulding Board Member 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 May 13, 1998, Minutes No corrections or additions were requested for the minutes of the regular meeting of May 13, 1998. Consensus was to approve the minutes as submitted in writing to each board member. ITEM #1 -Shepard’s Request to Planning and Zoning Board and State Appeal Hearing Harbormaster Held said despite opposition expressed, the P&Z (Planning and Zoning) Board unanimously approved a request to allow Mr. Conatser to operate jet skis at Shepard’s Restaurant. Discussion ensued and concern was expressed that this board’s recommendation against the jet ski operation was given no credibility. The owner of the Holiday Inn Aqua Wave has filed an appeal to be heard by a State Hearing Officer on August 5, 1998. Member Hemerick moved to direct Mr. Held to reiterate this board’s recommendation not to grant Mr. Conatser’s request for conditional use application for a fishing flats boat and jet ski rental operation in Clearwater Pass at the August 5 hearing. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. ITEM #2 - Wake Zones Mr. Held received a call from a boater requesting a wake zone near the Horizon House. Staff feels no wake zone is required in that area. Should the Marine Advisory Board recommend a wake zone there, the State must approve a modification to the City’s current permit. Discussion ensued and concern was expressed that too many wake zones greatly limit the enjoyment of the waterways. It was commented natural surges in the basin and wave action against seawalls can create wakes. It was remarked there is no legitimate concern regarding safety to other watercraft in the area of Horizon House to warrant imposing a wake zone. A comment was made wake zones address safety issues. Staff suggests a recommendation be sent to the Coast Guard that channel markers be aligned in the center of Mandalay channel. Wake zones stop and start at Federal markers to limit the number of pilings. In response to a question, Mr. Held said the Yacht Club Basin Apartments obtained City, State, and County permits to construct additional docks. It was remarked there would probably not be a problem obtaining dock permits at Island Estates if someone had the time to pursue them. In response to a question, Mr. Held said the City’s dock control has been deferred to the County. Discussion ensued regarding laws for renting boat docks. Mr. Held said no commercial activity is permitted from the docks at the Yacht Club. Commercial activity there would require approval from the Planning and Zoning Board. Consensus was to consider the yacht basin as a possible site for construction of City docks. ITEM #3 - Marine Department Projects Update Mr. Held said the marina restrooms being renovated will be air conditioned and look similar to those in the County Courthouse when completed. Permits have been obtained for fishing piers in Clearwater Pass and construction is expected to begin this week. The first injury the marina construction crew has ever experienced occurred this past month. Plans are being developed for the “Make A Difference Fishing Tournament” on October 10, 1998. It is anticipated 250 children will participate this year. Mr. Held said the Governor’s Hurricane Conference held June 4, 1998, was a good publicity opportunity for the City. ITEM #4 - Reschedule November 11, 1998 Meeting due to Holiday Consensus was to reschedule the November 11 meeting to November 4, 1998. The next meeting is scheduled for August 12, 1998. In response to a question, Mr. Held said upon his retirement August 14, 1998, Mr. Hancock will serve as Interim Harbormaster, attending all Marine Advisory Board meetings. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 9:00 a.m.