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09/08/1999MARINE ADVISORY BOARD CITY OF CLEARWATER September 8, 1999 Present: David Hemerick Chair Bill Wilhelm Board Member Hank Epstein Board Member Nick Matsis Board Member Dick Safirstein Board Member Absent: Donald McFarland Board Member Also Present: William D. Morris Harbormaster Dave Perkins Ex-Officio Brenda Moses Board Reporter To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order. ITEM 1 – Call to Order The Chair called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m. at the Marina. ITEM 2 – Minutes Approval Harbormaster Morris requested that sentence 2, paragraph 2, under Item 5 on page 2 be corrected to read “… Gary Brumbeck…” Member Wilhelm moved to approve the minutes of July 14, 1999, as amended. The Chair said since there were no other corrections, the minutes stand approved as amended. ITEM 3 – Rockaway Waiver Agreement Mr. Morris said the Commission approved the request from a business owner to operate a banana tow tube ride in addition to the existing rides he operates at Frenchy’s/Rockaway. Mr. Morris has requested the Commission’s authority to reword the phraseology for non-powered vessels in the waiver agreement. ITEM 4 – Ordinance 6437-99 Mr. Morris said Ordinance 6437-99 is a result of a request from the Sand Key Homeowners Association to restrict nonpowered vessels and apply safe bathing limits to beaches from the high water mark west to Sand Key. Joe Calio, President of the Sand Key Homeowners Association, has been informed that pilings are considered private aids to navigation requiring approval from the Coast Guard and the Army Corps of Engineers. Beaches along Sand Key will be lined with buoys or pilings. Mr. Calio will discuss this issue with the Homeowner’s Association and provide Mr. Morris with feedback. Concern was expressed that the ordinance will restrict private homeowners’ boat access to the beach. It was remarked that wording in the ordinance could be revised to allow a piling every 2,000 feet with a notification for vessels to stay outside 300 feet. Concern was expressed that Marina personnel were unaware of this ordinance until the day it was presented to the Commission, and that the MAB (Marine Advisory Board) was never informed of the proposed ordinance. It was suggested the Chair contact his Commissioner regarding this issue. Member Safirstein moved that the board express disapproval of Ordinance 6437-99 and request it be revised to allow proper usage of the beach by homeowners. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. ITEM 5 – Other Mr. Morris said on July 1, 1999, the Florida Marine Patrol changed its name to the Florida Wildlife Commission’s Division of Law Enforcement. According to the Florida Marine Patrol, the owner of the abandoned sailboat on the north end of Mandalay channel is donating the boat to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Mr. Morris said David Kellenberger has indicated the Clearwater Marine Aquarium is not interested. Under City ordinance, the Marina could take possession of the boat, but prefers not to do so. Fines can be levied under the anchoring ordinance, however the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission indicated they will direct the Florida Wildlife Commission’s Division of Law Enforcement to determine what can be done about the boat. Discussion ensued regarding the bicycle path bridge being built in conjunction with the existing Memorial Causeway Bridge. In response to a question, Mr. Morris said he has had no input on the design of the bicycle path. Members requested more information regarding the bicycle path plans. Discussion ensued regarding signs on the approaches to the beach regarding business activities, the Marina, etc. Previously, charter boat businesses had requested placing a directional sign at the base of the Memorial Causeway Bridge. It was remarked there are 2 Church of Scientology signs on the Memorial Causeway indicating they have adopted it. It was remarked that signage is common for businesses that adopt highways for clean up purposes. It was remarked directional signs directing people to the ferry, which no longer runs, should be removed. It was noted a ferry service will run at Pier 60 the week of the Jazz Festival. In response to a question, Mr. Morris said he anticipates the temporary parking lot at the Marina will remain until the Pier 60 Parking garage is constructed. Beachgoers are reminded that Marina parking meters are enforced and are advised to use the free temporary parking lot on the Memorial Causeway. Chair Hemerick will attend a meeting with Harbormaster Morris, Public Works Administrator Rich Baier and Parking Facilities Manager Tracy Bruch this Friday regarding the marina parking lot. Marina tenants have requested that Mr. Morris express their preference for a paved lot. Consensus of the MAB is that the parking lot not be constructed of shell material, but be paved. Chair Hemerick expressed concern regarding his role as Chair. He said he is quite vocal regarding City issues and does not want others to think he is guiding the MAB. Board members expressed appreciation for Chair Hemerick’s opinions, felt that no conflict of interest exists, and suggested that he continue as Chair. Concern was expressed that City projects are being scrutinized piecemeal, rather than as a whole. It was remarked as development occurs, plans can be altered. It was remarked that Tarpon Springs passed an ordinance to clean Lake Tarpon. The plan calls for a waterway traffic management pattern for Lake Tarpon as part of a County initiative. Plans can be viewed on Lake Tarpon’s web site. It was remarked that public education regarding proper waterway usage is more successful than enforcement. ITEM 6 – Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 9:15 a.m.