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11/08/2000MARINE ADVISORY BOARD MEETING CITY OF CLEARWATER November 8, 2000 Present: Bill Wilhelm Chair Hank Epstein Board Member Nick Matsis Board Member Tom Horne Board Member Paul Kelley Board Member Dick Safirstein Board Member Denis Sparks 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 Marina. To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order. ITEM 2 - Approval of the Minutes Member Epstein moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of October 11, 2000, as recorded and submitted in written summation to each board member. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. ITEM 3 – Discussion of Minimum Wake Zones. Harbormaster Bill Morris anticipated State approval of the City’s proposed modification to the Clearwater Harbor/Instracoastal Waterway wake zones will occur within two months. Proposed locations have been marked. He reported Paul J. Pedula, of the Pinellas County Marine Unit, had surveyed the wake zone proposal to determine if it is consistent with the County plan. Should the County approve the wake zone locations, it would install the buoys, improving markings and enforcement. The County would use boating license proceeds to fund the installation, saving the City approximately $10,000. Mr. Morris said the City of Belleair had expressed concerns regarding suggestions for additional markings. The County has recommended marking wake zones in areas near activities similar to the Sailing Center. He added work is complete on a State funded project to replace the docks at Seminole Launch Ramps, and construction of the improved boat ramps at the Sailing Center nears completion. Sterling Brown, a representative of the Clearwater Yacht Club, reported problems related to wave runners and small boats disturbing the nearby water, which bounces and damages member boats and club piers. It was reported when the Club had sought permission to expand its docks, it had agreed to a deed restriction never to oppose water skiing in the basin. It was stated property owners across the basin from the club would oppose adding wake zones. It was stated it is difficult to enforce the City’s ordinance, which establishes a 5 mph speed limit for boats within 50 feet of docks. Discussion ensued regarding methods to discourage disruptive watercraft operators. In response to a recommendation, Mr. Morris said the club could formally request the City to construct signs, citing the related ordinance, and install them at the club to improve enforcement capabilities. Concern was expressed regarding the lack of enforcement of the State law requiring all watercraft operators, born after September 30, 1980, to have proof of completion of a qualified boating class. It was stated most careless watercraft operators appear to be youth, as young as 12 years old. Mr. Morris said staff will present information regarding the proposed wake zone to a Clearwater Beach Association meeting on November 15, 2000. The change will move the Island Estates wake buffer from 50 feet to 75 yards off shore. Member Sparks reported the Coast Guard Auxiliary is patrolling. He indicated boaters he has stopped seem unaware that their activities are illegal at that location and readily move to an authorized location. He said the group continues its education campaign. Boaters have been cooperative with group efforts. ITEM 4 – Other Business Mr. Morris referred to a newspaper article today regarding a Marina business. He said staff was well aware of the construction project. The lack of a required permit was merely an oversight. Mr. Morris reported Marina tenants have been advised by memorandum that the City has begun a review of code compliance and permitting issues for all City owned structures. The goal is for all buildings to be in compliance by April 1, 2001. In response to a question, Mr. Morris said a timeline has not been established to upgrade the Marina dock electrical system. In response to a concern, Mr. Morris said during the past couple of weeks, staff has worked to repair the fishing piers on Sand Key, damaged by a recent storm. It was recommended the City install signs at the ramp by the Clearwater Beach Recreation Center to reserve its 6 spaces for those who are using the ramp. It was requested the City remove a dilapidated trailer that appears to have been abandoned there. In response to a question, Mr. Morris said he has met with the City Attorney to align City marine-related ordinances with County rules and regulations. He reviewed regulations related to permits issued by the County to construct docks and City actions required by the process. The Planning & Developmental Services Department must verify and approve related setbacks. The Marine Department must sign off on water navigation issues In response to a suggestion, Mr. Morris said the City’s barge cannot be rented for private projects due to liability concerns. In response to a question, Mr. Morris said removal of the boat, sunk off Island Estates, has been contracted. ITEM 5 – Agenda for Next Meeting – December 13, 2000 Support was requested for a project, opposed by one Island Estates condominium, to construct two or three boat lifts for use by Island Estates residents. It was indicated the nearest lifts are near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. The item will be agendaed for next month’s meeting. It was requested staff agenda discussion of the City’s potential involvement, should the area’s 2012 Olympics bid be awarded. ITEM 6 - Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 9:01 a.m.