12/13/2000MARINE ADVISORY BOARD MEETING
CITY OF CLEARWATER
December 13, 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 Marine & Aviation Department Director
Gordon Wills Airpark Operations Manager
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 - Approval of the Minutes
Member Epstein moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of November 8, 2000, as recorded and submitted in written summation to each board member. The motion was duly seconded
and carried unanimously.
ITEM 3 – Island Estates Boat Lift Discussion – None.
ITEM 4 – Other Business
Marine & Aviation Department Director Bill Morris said the Commission passed on first reading the amendment to a City ordinance to designate “Slow Down – Minimum Wake zone” to the entrance
of Clearwater Harbor, from Marina channel light Number 10 through Marina Channel day beacon Number 11. One Commissioner voted against it.
Mr. Morris said staff is attempting to streamline the permit process with the County. The County can overrule the City’s decision. The Marine & Aviation Department Director only reviews
and approves applications related to water and navigation issues. Concern was expressed that applications that were previously approved may or may not be grandfathered in if a new process
is established. In response to a question, Mr. Morris said the City does not interfere with pre-existing deed restrictions in individual neighborhoods. It was remarked that no one
checks for deed restrictions when applying for a permit, unless the application is contested.
A resident said he is running for a Commission seat next month and was visiting the MAB (Marine Advisory Board) to get an understanding of their mission. Mr. Morris said the MAB advises
the Commission on a variety of issues regarding waterways.
It was suggested that MAB members visit the Sailing Center as the new ramps have been completed. Mr. Morris said staff is waiting on Environmental staff approval to use the new additional
open area at the Sailing Center for launching small boats. The City has received State approval regarding the wake zone at the Seminole launch ramp. The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
performed a survey of the entire launch ramp area and indicated buoys are needed on the side of the channel. The City is working with the State for approval and the County for re-marking
all waterways within City limits in accordance with the County’s methods. In response to a question, Mr. Morris said he is not aware of any dockage or changes in use to waterways proposed
by three developers at the beach. He said he is working with the Engineering Department regarding public access and docks in the old yacht basin off Bay Esplanade adjacent to the beach
recreation center.
ITEM 5 – Agenda for Next Meeting on January 10, 2001
Topics for discussion at the next meeting will include the permit process, an update on the proposed legislation for buoys on the sides of the channel at the Seminole launch ramp, and
an update on redevelopment efforts including Beach by Design plans as they relate to waterways.
ITEM 6 – Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 8:35 a.m.