10/13/1999MARINE ADVISORY BOARD
CITY OF CLEARWATER
October 13, 1999
Present: David Hemerick Chair
Bill Wilhelm Board Member
Donald McFarland Board Member
Hank Epstein Board Member
Nick Matsis Board Member
Dick Safirstein Board Member
Tom Horne Board Member
Also Present: Mike Hancock Assistant Harbormaster
David Martens Ex-Officio
Brenda Moses Board Reporter
The Chair called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m. at the Marina.
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order.
ITEM 2 – Minutes Approval
No corrections or changes were requested. The Chair said the minutes of September 8, 1999, stand approved as submitted in written summation to each board member.
ITEM 3 – Other Business
Concern was expressed the MAB (Marine Advisory Board) is not included in key decisions affecting marine operations. Consensus was to draft a letter to the City Manager, citing incidents
supporting this contention.
Disposition of the abandoned sailboat on the north end of Mandalay channel is unknown. It was noted that the Clearwater Marine Aquarium had refused the owner’s offered donation of
the boat.
Discussion ensued regarding a bicycle path proposed in conjunction with the Memorial Causeway Bridge between the City dock and existing bridge. Information was requested regarding
effects of the bicycle path/jogging trail, etc. on fishing piers. Concern was expressed regarding a lack of communication between the City, MAB, and Harbormaster regarding bridges and
other marine related matters. When the City Manager last attended a board meeting, he expressed concern about marine interests and committed to open communication between the City and
MAB. It was requested that the board and local residents be apprised of all meetings addressing marine-related proposals and projects.
Concern was expressed that Police directing beach traffic create problems by allowing one pedestrian to cross at a time.
In response to a question, Assistant Harbormaster Mike Hancock said completion of the Sailing Center’s boat ramp should occur by January 2000. The Army Corps of Engineers will perform
another survey to determine if the marina channel and Intracoastal need to be realigned. Corps of Engineer funds can be used to dredge federal channels.
Concern was expressed regarding the Marina parking lot south of the roundabout access. The MAB had indicated their preference for a paved parking lot. It was suggested the lot may
be unmetered and paved. Regular updates on a checklist form of all marine-related proposals and projects were requested. The board requested that the Harbormaster ensure their participation
in discussions regarding Marina activities at the bay front.
It was reported the Clearwater Beach Rotary Gulf Challenge is scheduled for November 13, 1999. It was suggested the City Manager’s office be contacted for advertising assistance.
Marina facilities will be user-friendly for the Island Estates Yacht Club Boat Parade in December. The Make A Difference fishing tournament at Pier 60 was successful with more than
1,000 in attendance. Ferry operator Phil Henderson transported more than 8,000 people to the beach for Jazz Holiday venues.
Copies of the board’s rules of procedure were requested.
ITEM 4 – Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 9:02 a.m.