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02/09/2000MARINE ADVISORY BOARD CITY OF CLEARWATER February 9, 2000 Present: David Hemerick Chair Donald McFarland Board Member Hank Epstein Board Member Nick Matsis Board Member Tom Horne Board Member Dick Safirstein Board Member Bill Wilhelm Board Member Also Present: 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 It was requested that regarding the minutes of January 12, 2000, to change paragraph six, sentence one to read: “One tenant reported…”, and paragraph seven, sentence one read “The tenant felt…” Member Epstein moved to approve the minutes of the January 12, 2000, meeting, as amended. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. ITEM 3 – Other Business Harbormaster William Morris said the Pier 60 site is no longer favored for a parking garage. Alternatives have been proposed east of Gulf Boulevard and south of Pier 60. Mr. Morris said a 1984 agreement between the City, Shephard’s Restaurant, and the Ramada Inn provides that any beach quality sand will be deposited along the shoreline of those properties. Hotel owners have expressed concern that the agreement has expired and Shephard’s has little sand. As a dredging project is planned for Clearwater waterways, some hotel owners want to bid for the beach quality sand. The County wants to use the sand for public beach renourishment at any site they deem fit. It was noted that FDEP (Florida Department of Environmental Protection) has strict guidelines related to sand quality and requires the City to dispose of non-beach quality sand. Mr. Morris said staff does not support construction of a jetty near Compass Island, nor building an island for the disposal of non-beach quality sand due to environmental impacts. These concerns will not delay the dredging project. Mr. Morris is researching if additional docks can be constructed at the former Clearwater Yacht Club site. An environmental impact study on area seagrasses is needed. Alternate sites also are under consideration. It was requested that staff research if the City can assist the Yacht Basin Apartments private marina with dockage issues. Discussion ensued regarding day slips or a floating dock in the basin. Member Wilhelm moved to direct staff to proceed in pursuing docks at the yacht basin. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Mr. Morris supported docks being constructed at the Crabhouse Restaurant near Ross Yachts in partnership with the site’s developer. Staff is seeking public access docks near Publix and Ross Yachts. It was indicated attempts are underway to eliminate new construction with wood pilings and to require no-wake zones in the Intracoastal where manatees have been sighted. Mr. Morris reported one commercial tenant’s docking permit was terminated due to numerous complaints. The Coast Guard terminated one tenant’s boat operations for improper licensing and documentation. Mr. Morris would entertain allowing the tenant to operate his business for 30 days contingent upon the sale of the business and notification from the tenant’s legal counsel. It was suggested signs in the Marina indicate violations should be reported to the Harbormaster. Mr. Morris plans to distribute customer satisfaction surveys. It was remarked that no plans for bayfront dockage were presented at meetings regarding RFQ (Request for Qualifications) proposals for downtown development. The MAB (Marine Advisory Board) wants to be part of the process when the Commission approves a plan. Commissioner Clark suggested the Board continue to provide the Commission with input regarding maritime activities. On February 17, 2000, the Commission will authorize staff to enter into negotiations with one downtown developer. Negotiations will take approximately six months to finalize. The importance of the waterfront relative to the new Memorial Causeway bridge and all other redevelopment plans was noted. It was suggested that the Chair write the Commission regarding the Board’s wish to be included in decisions related to bayfront development. Mr. Morris requested the Board forward related suggestions to him for distribution to Board members. It was suggested the letter be addressed to the MAB (Marine Advisory Board) liaison, Commissioner Clark. A special MAB meeting was scheduled for 7:30 a.m. on February 23, 2000, to discuss previous Board motions regarding recommended dock locations. Staff will distribute related minutes prior to the meeting. Maps and drawings will be available. Commissioner Clark said he is now a commercial tenant at the Marina and the MAB can request another Commissioner serve as the Board’s liaison. Member McFarland moved the Chair write a letter to Commissioner Clark stating the MAB’s desire to be included in discussions regarding bayfront development, and that the Board is preparing suggestions regarding the bayfront. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. ITEM 4 – Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 9:06 a.m.