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12/09/1998MARINE ADVISORY BOARD CITY OF CLEARWATER December 9, 1998 Present: David C. Martens Chair Donald McFarland Vice-Chair David Hemerick Board Member Bill Wilhelm Board Member Hank Epstein Board Member Nick Matsis Board Member Dick Safirstein Board Member Also Present: Mike Hancock Assistant Harbormaster Bill Morris 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 October 14, 1998, Minutes The Chair asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes. Since there were none, he said the minutes will stand approved as submitted in written summation to each board member. ITEM 1 - Introduction of Bill Morris (New Harbormaster) The Chair introduced Bill Morris as the City’s Harbormaster. Mr. Morris gave a brief history of his background. He said he also will be responsible for Clearwater Airpark operations and is delighted to be here. ITEM 2 - Welcome New Member Dr. Safirstein Members welcomed new member Dr. Dick Safirstein. ITEM 3 - Update on Mandalay Channel Wake Zone (Commission Meeting 12/10) Assistant Harbormaster Mike Hancock said the wake zone change for the Mandalay Channel will be reviewed by the Commission Thursday for first reading. At Monday’s Worksession, there were few questions and Mr. Hancock anticipates passage of the request. In response to a question, he said after the Commission’s approval, approval is required by the FDEP (Florida Department of Environmental Protection). Then the Coast Guard will give the Marina a letter of no objection to install the marker on Day Beacon One. He explained the change will add 4 minutes in travel time in the wake zone. In response to a question, Mr. Morris said the City would have had to put another piling and marker in the channel in order to extend it even farther. ITEM 4 - Update on Clearwater Pass Wake Zone (Letter to DEP) Mr. Hancock said a marker was installed on Monday on the north side of the jetty across from Light #6. The sign is 4 x 4. Boats coming south that do not go into the channel will see they are in a no wake zone. From the south, the sign can be seen when rounding the jetty. This is an alternative to putting in another piling. ITEM 5 - Wake Zone ICW - Extension from Memorial Causeway Bridge to Seminole Launch Ramp Area (Letter to DEP) Mr. Hancock said vessels traveling north out of the wake zone are picking up speed and creating large wakes. Due to a request regarding an extension of the wake zone to Seminole, Mr. Hancock contacted the State to determine if they would consider it. From feedback received, he said the chances appear slim to none. It was remarked approximately a year ago this board discussed this issue. At that time, the County was re-evaluating their County-wide net of no wake areas and the board voted against it. There were safety considerations in the channel since 4 channels come together in one area. ITEM 6 - “Discover the Nina” Mr. Morris distributed fliers and photographs of the Nina, a replica of Christopher Columbus’ vessel. The ship will be in the Marina December 21, 1998, through the holidays. For a fee, visitors can board the ship. Mr. Hancock said the Assistant City Manager of Vero Beach had indicated when the ship was there, it was a definite “draw” to the area. In response to a question, Mr. Hancock said the City will receive docking fees. The ship’s operator has applied for a temporary occupational license for docking, will be required to pass a Coast Guard inspection, has supplied the Marina with an insurance policy, and will sell souvenirs. Hours of operation will be 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ITEM 7 - City of Clearwater Police Chief Klein will attend January 13th Meeting Mr. Hancock said Police Chief Sid Klein will attend the January meeting to discuss personal watercraft safety on the west end of the south side of the Memorial Causeway. It was remarked there is little room for both swimmers and personal watercraft to share the area safely. It was requested statistics regarding the frequency of personal watercraft accidents in the harbor be provided to members. In response to a question, Mr. Hancock said when an accident occurs, the Sheriff, Marine Patrol, and Coast Guard respond, but the City is not necessarily notified. ITEM 8 - Update on Sand Key Fishing Piers Mr. Hancock said the third pier was completed November 30, 1998. Trash cans, dumpsters, and signage asking people to enjoy and help keep the area clean have been installed. A contract has been negotiated for installation of a sidewalk to accommodate ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) people which requires Commission approval. Safety ballards and barricades will be installed to prevent driving over the seawall. In response to a question, Mr. Hancock said visitors must park on the east side of the south end of the bridge and walk to the pier. Other Business Mr. Hancock said Assistant City Attorney Rob Surette represented the City at the meeting in Dunedin regarding legislation in the State for a County-wide ordinance regarding jet ski operators. Discussion ensued regarding the jet ski operation at Shepherd’s Restaurant. It was remarked jet skiers from Shepherd’s are to steer west into the gulf, and the skiers leaving the Hilton Hotel are to head east. A comment was made that people in the intercoastal are creating havoc with sailors, but no one is sure where they are coming from. Mr. Morris updated the board regarding the roundabout that was approved by the Commission. He said an unpaved temporary Marina overflow parking area is planned on the Memorial Causeway due to the loss of parking behind the Beach Diner and the municipal auditorium. The only access will be on the eastbound side and will be free of charge during the construction period at the beach. He said staff will direct Marina employees to park at this temporary facility and encourage business owners at the Marina to park there as well. An article will be included in “Scuttlebutt” regarding this new parking lot. Mr. Hancock said once the roundabout is completed, the Marina will gain 100 parking spaces. Mr. Morris said the City is planning to incorporate several parking garages at the beach. Professional planning staff are analyzing where garages will be most effective. The analysis will consider the needs of the City for the next ten years. Concern was expressed that parking is as important as the roundabout if the City’s objective is to bring more cars to the area. It was commented when the Bayside Bridge was built, 8 lanes were dumped into 2 lanes at McMullen Booth Road, creating havoc at that location due to the lack of funds. Concern was expressed that mangroves on the Memorial Causeway, Gandy Boulevard, and along Bayshore Boulevard toward Safety Harbor block the water view and need to be trimmed. It was suggested staff obtain information from Terry Finch regarding this issue. It was felt trimming mangroves to a reasonable height will not harm them. A member remarked his out of town visitors were impressed with the view on the Memorial Causeway. Mr. Hancock said the Florida Marine Patrol has authorized removal of an abandoned vessel in the harbor. They will contract the job and bill the owner. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 8:47 a.m.