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12/08/1999MARINE ADVISORY BOARD CITY OF CLEARWATER December 8, 1999 Present: David Hemerick Chair Bill Wilhelm Board Member Donald McFarland Board Member Hank Epstein Board Member Nick Matsis Board Member Tom Horne Board Member Absent: Dick Safirstein Board Member Also Present: Dave Perkins Ex-Officio David Martens Ex-Officio William Morris Harbormaster 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 Member Epstein moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of November 10, 1999, as submitted in written summation to each board member. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. ITEM 3 – Update on Army Corps. Of Engineers Harbormaster William Morris said the Army Corps of Engineers, Coast Guard, FDEP (Florida Department of Environmental Protection), and the Assistant Harbormaster toured the shoaling area, the main channel to the Intracoastal, alongside the Memorial Causeway. The Corps will survey every channel, look for shoaling areas, and dredge down an additional 2 feet below the advertised depth. The project is expected to be completed in two years. Once analyzed, beach quality sand will be used for renourishment projects. If chemical levels are found, the City must find a disposal site for the sand. The FDEP will be responsible for approval of the sand quality and location of a disposal site. It was remarked that a concrete barrier could be constructed on one of the barrier islands on the south side of the channel to separate contaminated sand from quality sand. It was remarked that Compass Island is half the original size and may be a good candidate for contaminated sand. Joe Pijanowski, owner of Mobile Jet, provided the MAB (Marine Advisory Board) with information regarding his watercraft rental company, which will operate from the Highland Springs Hotel. The business will be closed on Sundays. The vessels are larger barge-type vessels, a combination of a waverunner and an attached “barge” but are classified as waverunners. The vessels are capable of 30 mph speeds, approximately half that of traditional waverunners. Riders will be expected to wear life vests before leaving the dock. It is anticipated that family-oriented renters who prefer sightseeing will rent the vessels. Depending on peak times, six to ten vessels will be rented. Mr. Pijanowski addressed possible concerns regarding water congestion and safety. He reviewed designated safety guidelines and ingress and egress areas for riders. Provisions have been made in safety orientation guidelines for those times when the Starlight Cruise ship is in the channel. He intends to direct riders between the spoil islands and the east side of the intracoastal waterway. Riders using alcoholic beverages will not be permitted to rent the vessels. Harbormaster Morris said this newer type operation operates as a rental powerboat rather than a personal watercraft. Mr. Morris said he is working with the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council regarding regional restrictions on personal watercraft, specifically concerns about environmental protection in the shallows and the waters of Tampa Bay. The personal watercraft industry is pushing for licensing, but the State is fighting it because of strong lobbyist activity. In response to a question Mr. Morris said the City has elected not to purchase the Highland Springs (formerly the King Cole) Motel. Member Epstein moved that the City consider creating restrictions and boat speed regulations in environmentally sensitive areas. The motion failed due to the lack of a second. ITEM 4 – Other Business The Chair said he will keep close contact with Commissioner Clark regarding issues affecting the MAB. Mr. Morris said a gambling vessel cannot be docked at the Port View Hotel because there is not enough water depth for that size vessel. Mr. Morris will update the MAB regarding Clearwater Bay Marine dredging at a future meeting. He said he has not seen any new information regarding dock considerations on the Bluff. It was requested that staff give the MAB an updated presentation regarding proposed bluff development. It also was requested that the MAB be invited to attend a planning session about bluff development. ITEM 5 – Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 9:02 a.m.