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05/10/2000MARINE ADVISORY BOARD MEETING CITY OF CLEARWATER May 10, 2000 Present: David Hemerick Chair Donald McFarland Board Member Hank Epstein Board Member Nick Matsis Board Member Dick Safirstein Board Member Absent: Tom Horne Board Member Bill Wilhelm Board Member Also Present: William Morris Harbormaster Brenda Moses Board Reporter The Chair called the meeting to order at 8:02 a.m. at the Marina. To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order. ITEM 2 – April Minutes Approval The Chair said as there were no changes or corrections to the minutes of the regular meeting of April 12, 2000, the minutes stand approved as submitted in written summation to each board member. ITEM 3 – Tracy Bruch, City of Clearwater Parking Facilities Manager Tracy Bruch, Parking Facilities Manager, requested the MAB’s (Marine Advisory Board) input regarding a proposal for increased permit parking rates, particularly at the marina. She said the average annual revenue per space for the marina lot over the past five years is $500. Parking rates have not been increased at the marina for eight years. The majority of the marina parking lot is used for permit parking. It is proposed that half-day parking rates increase from $1 to $3; full day rates from $2 to $6; monthly rates from $15 to $20; annual rates from $120 to $150; and metered parking rates from $ .50 an hour to $ .75 an hour. These increases will help fund City parking garages and cover the increased cost of doing business. Pier 60 parking lot rates are $10 a day or $1.50 an hour. All other meters at Clearwater beaches recently increased from $ .75 to $1 an hour. It was remarked that business owners at the marina will be the most affected by the increased parking costs as they generally reimburse their clientele. Ms. Bruch said marina staff surveyed other marinas throughout the State. Results indicated many other marinas do not charge for parking. She said Dunedin’s municipal marina charges $50 a year. She was unsure how closely the marinas in Ft. Pierce, Naples, Tarpon Springs, and St. Petersburg compare to Clearwater, as their marinas are not as close to the beach. It was commented that Clearwater’s marina parking lot is frequented by beachgoers whereas other cities’ marinas are not. In response to a question, Mr. Morris said a police attendant at the marina directs beachgoers to the temporary lot on the Memorial Causeway. It was remarked increased parking rates at the marina will discourage beachgoers parking there. In response to a question, Ms. Bruch said revenues raised by parking fees go into the parking fund, which is separate from the general fund and the marina. The parking system pays for beach sand cleaning, lifeguard programs, maintenance of the marina lot, and other programs. It was suggested the proposed increases be implemented gradually rather than all at once. It was remarked that businesses, boaters, etc. at the marina have increased their fees, but not 300% as is proposed for parking rates. One member said up to double the current parking rates would be a more palatable increase. It was felt that parking is a function of the marina and revenues should not be used as a “cash cow” to support parking garages. Discussion ensued regarding how parking permits are sold at the marina. Business owners can purchase parking permits and sell them to patrons. In response to a question, Ms. Bruch said the Engineering Department is performing an economic feasibility study for the proposed parking garages. It was remarked the proposed parking garages will not be economically feasible, as they will only be busy during peak times. ITEM 4 – Other Business Robert Gorman, Harbour Lights Motel Apartments, submitted information regarding his request for a waverunner rental operation to the guests of Harbour Lights Motel and Apartments at 205 Brightwater Drive. He said safety is the number one priority. Renters must be 18 years or older. Hours of operation will be 9:00 a.m. to one-half hour before sunset. Renters will be shown a wave runner safety video, will be educated on the operation of personal water craft, and taken on a tour to keep them away from commercial lanes of traffic. He referred to a map of the area intended for his patrons. Mr. Gorman said his property is zoned commercial as are other surrounding properties. Concern was expressed that the ramps at the Clearwater Sailing Center are dangerous. Harbormaster Bill Morris will expedite adding extra sand at the ramps to eliminate safety hazards. He said the ramps were to be completed in February but have been delayed because of requested permits. In response to a question, Mr. Morris said the Coast Guard plans to move the 82-foot search and rescue unit at the marina. He has no knowledge of any plans to close the Coast Guard station on Sand Key. It was requested that the deGuardiola group be invited to a MAB meeting for a redevelopment update, particularly in regard to marina and dockage activities. It was remarked that no details have been defined and may not be until after the referendum. Mr. Morris said the Parks and Recreation Department is redoing some of the seawall landscape and sidewalk area at the swimming pool on the north beach. It was questioned if fenders or other materials can be used to allow boaters to tie boats on the seawall and use the pool. Mr. Morris said he felt it important to allow business owners requesting waterway activities to attend MAB meetings. They can present their plans and obtain input prior to implementing marine activities. In response to a question, Mr. Morris said the development proposal for docks on Island Estates adjacent to Ross Yachts was withdrawn by the owner and the County dismissed the request without prejudice. Mr. Morris had no information regarding Radisson’s request for docks. It was questioned why a white police boat was stopping boaters at the edge of Clearwater Pass. It was noted that the Sheriff’s office boats are gray. In response to a question, Mr. Morris said Shephard’s Restaurant is building a multilevel parking garage on Gulf Boulevard. ITEM 5 – Agenda for next meeting on June 14, 2000 No items were submitted. See Item #4. ITEM 6 – Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 9:00 a.m.