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10/14/1998MARINE ADVISORY BOARD MEETING CITY OF CLEARWATER October 14, 1998 Present: David C. Martens Chair Donald McFarland Vice-Chair David Hemerick Board Member Bill Wilhelm Board Member Hank Epstein Board Member Nicholas Matsis Board Member Absent: Ernie Cline Board Member Also Present: 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 - September 9, 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 Nicholas Matsis. Edward Dohrman’s term has expired. ITEM 1 - Update on Jet Ski’s off Courtney-Campbell Causeway Acting Harbormaster Mike Hancock stated Police Chief Sid Klein was unable to send a Police Department representative to discuss a proposal to draft an ordinance to implement an idle speed zone off the Courtney-Campbell Causeway. The zone is proposed to be 300 feet from the causeway’s high tide mark. Issues, such as jet skier access to the channel in this zone, must be addressed before the ordinance can be drafted. It was remarked the MAB’s (Marine Advisory Board) idea to install boat launch ramps at the Courtney-Campbell Causeway east of the sanitary plant was discarded after it was determined the channel is too shallow. It was noted beaches along the Courtney-Campbell Causeway in Pinellas County are unregulated with swimming, jet skis, and boat trailers sharing the same space. Concern was expressed the MAB had not been involved in discussions regarding the regulation of these waters. It was remarked the MAB had never received a response to its recommendation, approximately 2 years ago, that FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation) review causeway usage and adopt safety precautions that protect all users. It was thought FDOT regulates the causeway, not the City. It was suggested members visit the area at low tide. Chief Klein will be invited to the November meeting for further discussion. Item 2 - Harbormaster Selection Discussion ensued regarding the method used to select a Harbormaster. Mr. Hancock said William Morris will replace former Harbormaster William Held, effective December 1, 1998. Mr. Morris is retiring from the Coast Guard and has a diverse background including financial and operational experience. He is knowledgeable of One City. One Future. concepts and the City’s redevelopment objectives. Consensus was to invite Mr. Morris to the November meeting. Item 3 - Update on Wake Zones in Mandalay Channel At the September meeting, the MAB had requested the Coast Guard review Mandalay Channel markers with a recommendation to move the no wake zone one-quarter mile north to green marker #1. Mr. Hancock stated FDEP (Florida Department of Environmental Protection) had indicated no objection to amending the wake zones. Upon receipt of Engineering Department drawings, he will contact the Coast Guard regarding the marker’s placement. In response to a question, he said the MAB’s recommendation had referred to the portion of the channel between Somerset and Island Estates, which is shore to shore. Item 4 - Wake Zone in Clearwater Pass Discussion ensued regarding how difficult it is to read the no wake zone sign facing north in Clearwater Pass. The sign cannot be seen from the south. Mr. Hancock said the Coast Guard will not allow a no wake zone sign to be placed on west facing markers in Clearwater Pass where regulation signs are square and aid signs are triangular. Mixing signs would confuse mariners. Mr. Hancock said the Army Corps of Engineers requires signs on separate pilings be 50 feet from the channel, which would defeat the purpose of signage. It was suggested a larger sign be placed on the Sand Key jetty, in front of Shepard’s on the channel’s north side. It was felt a sign on the Clearwater jetty would be more visible. Mr. Hancock will contact the State regarding sign regulations. Item 5 - Results of State Hearing on Shepard’s Mr. Hancock said the Administrative Law Judge had upheld the Planning and Zoning Board’s decision regarding Shepard’s request to operate a jet ski operation. Shepard’s had obtained Commission approval to extend the no wake zone in Clearwater Pass to the west, then obtained approval to operate a jet ski operation in the same area. In the 5-hour hearing, it was noted a State Marine Patrol officer, Pinellas County Marine Patrol officers, and area hotel operators had opposed the jet ski operation. The Sheriff and Marine Patrol had presented statistically supported testimony outlining safety concerns. MAB members expressed dismay the permit had been granted after the board had voted unanimously in opposition. It was felt safety issues had been ignored when the permit was granted. It was commented Shepard’s had indicated jet skiers will be instructed to ride toward the Gulf of Mexico. The jet ski owner operating at the Hilton is instructing clientele to ride into Clearwater Harbor. In September, Mr. Hancock had indicated Dunedin had requested a County-wide ordinance regarding jet ski operators. Although consensus was for the Chair to attend all related meetings, the meeting schedule was not forwarded before a meeting was missed. Mr. Hancock will contact Dunedin Parks and Recreation Director Harry Gross to invite Chair Martens to all applicable meetings. Member Hemerick moved to recommend the City’s liaison and Assistant City Attorney Rob Surette inform the MAB of all discussions and actions taken regarding the proposed County-wide ordinance addressing jet ski operators. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Other Business It was noted the City has been reorganized with several departments grouped under “umbrellas.” Marina operations now fall under Dr. Arlita Hallam’s umbrella as Quality of Life Administrator. Discussion ensued. Consensus was to invite Dr. Hallam to a future meeting. The next MAB meeting is scheduled at 8:00 a.m. on November 4, 1998. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 8:53 a.m.