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09/09/1998MARINE ADVISORY BOARD MEETING CITY OF CLEARWATER September 9, 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 Hank Epstein Board Member Also Present: Don Harrill Member of Public Mike Hancock Acting Harbormaster 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 Minutes - August 12, 1998 No corrections or changes were suggested to the minutes and the Chair declared them approved as submitted in writing to each member. New Member The Chair welcomed new member Hank Epstein and acknowledged a letter from the Mayor thanking former member Eric Spaulding for his time on the board. Mr. Epstein reviewed his background. ITEM 1 - Discuss Wake Zone in Mandalay Channel Discussion ensued regarding the wake zone in Mandalay Channel. Don Harrill, an area resident, had requested moving the marker farther north, to the center of the channel. The no wake zone sign is on a separate piling. Red marker 2 and green marker 1 are on the east side of the channel. It was suggested the no wake zone piling be removed and the sign be placed on green marker 1 at the north end of the channel. Concern was expressed too many wake zones exist. Acting Harbormaster Mike Hancock said moving the wake zone requires a rewrite of the City ordinance. Coast Guard and State approval also is required. It was suggested the Coast Guard be requested to review markers. If no resolution is possible, the board can re-address this issue. Member Hemerick moved to recommend moving the no wake zone one quarter mile north to green marker 1. Members Martens, Dohrman, Hemerick, and Cline voted “Aye”; Members McFarland, Wilhelm, and Hank Epstein voted “Nay.” Motion carried. Consensus was to not recommend moving markers 1 and 2 to the center of the channel. It was felt if the no wake zone is extended to the north, moving the channel would not be necessary. Mr. Hancock said he will start the process related to the motion, and will inform the new Harbormaster of the board’s concerns. In response to a question, he said the City Commission will make the final determination regarding this recommendation. ITEM 2 - Status of Fishing Piers at Clearwater Pass Bridge Mr. Hancock anticipates the fishing piers at the Clearwater Pass bridge will be completed by November 30, 1998. The decking will be constructed with recycled lumber with a life expectancy of up to 20 years, will be ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessible, and free of charge. Approximately 6 trash receptacles will be available. In response to a question, he said a recent newspaper article had referred to piers on the north end of the causeway and one in the Seminole area. These piers will not be funded with Penny for Pinellas funds. Construction of 3 fishing piers on the north end of Sand Key are on schedule, with an anticipated completion date of November 30, 1998. Other Business Mr. Hancock said Dunedin had requested a County-wide ordinance regarding jet ski operators. Police Chief Sid Klein, Planning and Development Services Lorenzo Aghemo, and other City personnel have expressed interest in drafting the ordinance. Currently, no City ordinance addresses the use of personal watercraft in Clearwater. Consensus was for the Chair to attend all related meetings. Discussion ensued regarding accidents involving personal watercraft. It was remarked 5% of accidents involve jet skis operated by untrained people. It was noted the government does not require insurance for personal watercraft operations. A member stated Texas had passed a mandatory education program for watercraft operators. In response to a question, Mr. Hancock said 6 months ago Pinellas County Solid Waste and the Center for Marine Conservation had completed a survey regarding where to dump waste, what to do with used oil, etc. Discussion ensued regarding board members’ terms. Member Cline stated he will not extend his term. He has enjoyed his tenure on the board. Member Dohrman was unsure if his term will be extended. The meeting adjourned at 9:00 a.m.