Loading...
08/09/2000MARINE ADVISORY BOARD MEETING CITY OF CLEARWATER August 9, 2000 Present: David Hemerick Chair Bill Wilhelm Board Member – departed at 9:00 a.m. Donald McFarland Board Member Hank Epstien Board Member Nick Matsis Board Member Dick Safirstein Board Member Tom Horne Board Member Paul J. Kelley Board Member Also Present: William Morris Harbormaster Patricia O. Sullivan Board Reporter The Chair called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m. at the City Marina. To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order. ITEM #2 - Approval of Minutes No corrections were requested for the minutes of the regular meeting of July 12, 2000. Consensus was to approve the minutes as recorded and submitted in written summation to each board member. ITEM #3 – Update re Parking Fee Increases Harbormaster Bill Morris reported parking fees at the Marina will increase 1) $2 - one-half day; 2) $4 - all-day; 3) $20 - month; and 4) $150 - year. New rates are effective October 1, 2000. Eleven Post Office parking spaces will be available for public use between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. ITEM #4 – Wake Zone Amendment Draft In his August 3, 2000 letter, Mr. Morris reviewed options related to a wake zone east of Harbor Island, 1) no change; 2) impose minimal wake zone on area; 3) post & enforce City Code, Section 33.072, which prohibits the operation of any vessel in excess of 5 miles-per-hour within 50 feet of any dock, pier, seawall, or shoreline within the waters of the City; or 4) amend the ordinance, extend the boundary, post, & enforce. Mr. Morris recommended Option #4. Pinellas County uses this approach in sensitive and constricted waterways. The designation, usually 100 to 200 feet from shore, more effectively buffers the shore from passing vessel wakes, but does not impede navigation in adjacent channels or on open bodies of water. Flexible buffer zones are effective where vessels routinely travel at high speeds, close to City shores, seawalls, docks, and other waterfront structures. Pinellas County designates buffer zones for manatee protection. It was recommended the buffer be extended to the south end of Palm Island SE. As the northern tip of Harbor Island also is affected by significant wave action, it was suggested the buffer also be extended around the northern tip of Harbor Island. Mr. Morris reported two residents have addressed the change; 1) apartment resident who does not own a boat but opposes change and 2) resident who opposes increased governmental restrictions. He plans to assess the change by placing buoy markers. Three residents addressed the MAB (Marine Advisory Board) regarding significant wake-related damage to their waterfront property, docks, boats. etc. Discussion ensued regarding damages to waterfront properties, caused by the wakes of high-speed boats. Concern was expressed current law is not enforced. It was felt the number of negligent actions by boaters has increased. Mr. Morris the City does not have a marine unit and must depend on the County and State for enforcement. He said videotape of the illegal action is necessary to prove wrongdoing and identify the perpetrator. Discussion ensued regarding enforcement issues. Mr. Morris reviewed staff efforts to educate the public regarding boating laws. While the City of Belleair has offered to patrol City waters, the MAB is hesitant to support the offer due to the zero tolerance stance of its marine unit. Member Horne moved to extend a 200-foot buffer from the northern tip of Island Way across to Harbor Island and down to the southern tip of Palm Island SE. The motion was duly seconded. Mr. Morris suggested enforcement assistance in the form of on water public education from the Coast Guard auxiliary could be requested. Until the buoys are positioned, the buffer cannot be enforced. It was suggested even if auxiliary members cannot issue tickets, stopping and educating perpetrators will improve boater safety. Upon the vote being taken, the motion carried unanimously. This issue will be presented to the City Commission in the fall. Concerned residents were encouraged to address the Commission regarding this issue. It was suggested C-View air a program on boating safety. Staff will mail letters to Island Estate waterfront homeowners regarding buffers, speed restrictions, and increased enforcement. It was suggested the wake zone beyond Island Estates be eliminated. Concern was expressed waterfront properties on Clearwater beach also suffer damage from wave action in the Mandalay Channel. It was noted large boats are responsible for wake damage. ITEM #5 - Status of Sailing Center Ramps & Signage Mr. Morris reported the permit process is not complete and a start date has not been determined. Staff is unable to expedite the process. Mr. Morris stated the State has not yet ratified a wake zone in the Intracoastal Waterway by the Seminole Docks, which the City Commission had approved in February 1999. ITEM #6 – Other Business Support was expressed for using the footprint of the old bridge for a pier and marina when the new Memorial Causeway Bridge is constructed. It was noted the dock at the end of Drew Street is underutilized. It was felt boat access is needed downtown to alleviate parking on the beach. It was recommended the City install temporary docks for the Super Bowl concerts planned for January 2001. Mr. Morris reviewed plans to replace the Seminole docks and overhaul them for use as temporary docks. Discussion ensued regarding methods used to secure temporary docks. A sea grass study along the downtown waterfront is necessary before permanent boat slips can be installed. The fishing pier next to the current bridge is in poor condition and will be razed. ITEM #7 – September 13, 2000 Meeting Agenda Member Epstein stated he cannot attend September’s meeting. Chair Hemerick reported his appointment to the board will expire next month. It was strongly recommended the City Commission expand the diversity of the board’s makeup. Consensus was to recommend the next board appointee have a background and expertise in marine law enforcement and public education. ITEM #8 - Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 9:20 a.m.