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08/08/2001MARINE ADVISORY BOARD MEETING CITY OF CLEARWATER August 8, 2001 Present: Tom Horne Chair – departed 9:00 a.m. Hank Epstein Board Member Nick Matsis Board Member Dick Safirstein Board Member – departed 8:55 a.m. Paul J. Kelley Board Member Denis Sparks Board Member Absent: Edward O’Brien Board Member Also Present: William Morris Marine & Aviation Department Director 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 In reference to Item 3, paragraph 2, sentence 2, it was noted it should read, “Mr. Horne said that some of the markers are too far apart, except on the southeast side of the bridge. . .” Member Sparks moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of July 11, 2001 as corrected. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. ITEM #3 – Environmental Impact of Dredging Marine & Aviation Department Director Bill Morris and Environmental Manager Terry Finch discussed dredging the Clearwater Pass channel. Mr. Morris said the total project to dredge the channel and Marina is scheduled for July 2002. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has proposed a quick fix by dredging the channel only, using a Corps-owned barge, which only can dump fill from its underside. The quick fix project would deposit the sand in the gulf off north Clearwater beach. The less than 40,000 cubic yards of fill would have a negligible affect on the environment. If the channel is to be dredged soon, the dredged sand must be dumped into the gulf. The sand is “beach quality.” Pinellas County wants the sand to be dumped on Honeymoon Island for an estimated cost of $600,000. The total 2002 project had proposed depositing the fill: 1) on Shepherds’ beach; 2) on the northeast edge of Sand Key; or 3) on a City spoil island. If the barge is used, sand cannot be deposited at any of these locations, as only $400,000 of Corps funds currently are budgeted to transfer the sand. The Shepherd property plans to construct two T-ended groins, to be designed by a coastal engineer. The adjoining Ramada property also has proposed to construct groins. Ms. Finch reviewed dangers related to groin-related currents when people swim beyond the structures. She explained how groins capture sand along a beach. In an expired agreement, the City had promised it would dump beach quality sand on Shepherds’ beach, should dredging make it available. FDEP (Florida Department of Environmental Protection) has determined that sand would shift quickly back into the pass if it is dumped on Shepherd’s beach before the groins are constructed. Ms. Finch estimated obtaining permits to construct the groins would take at least 6 months. It was stated a contractor had indicated the project could be done quicker. Mr. Morris said a sand buildup would occur after the two T-ended groins are constructed without dredged sand. The City could provide Shepherds with sand during a future dredging project. Problems related to the Sand Key site include its location near the sailing center and its use for recreation and as an access to the fishing piers. Ms. Finch stated recently installed landscaping would be destroyed if sand is dumped there. The area would not be accessible for up to three months as staff would have to redevelop the site after it is raised by 2.5-feet. The fill could blow into the harbor and destroy nearby sea grass beds. The City owns only one spoil island. It has significant bird nests and nearby sea grass beds and cannot be used to dump sand. FDEP has been proactive in removing exotic plants from other spoil islands. Several members said the sand is too valuable to dump into the gulf. The marina was dredged 12 years ago, the channel, 7 years. Mr. Morris said the dredging should be accomplished every 5 to 6 years. Concern was expressed the channel needs dredging now. Some boats cannot navigate the channel during low tide. It was felt delaying the channel dredging until the sand can be used for beach renourishment will harm commercial boat businesses. Member Matsis moved for the Marine Advisory Board to recommend the Clearwater Pass channel be dredged as soon as possible and that sand, being precious, should not be dumped into the gulf. The motion was duly seconded. Members Epstein, Matsis, Sparks and Safirstein and Chair Horne voted “Aye”; Member Kelley voted “Nay.” Motion carried. Staff is working with the Parks & Recreation and Police departments regarding jet ski and parasail regulations. ITEM #4 – New Channel Markers Mike Dunnigan, of the Florida Marine Patrol, said the City’s new buoys have helped with enforcement. Currently, he is educating boaters regarding buoy markers from Tarpon Springs to Clearwater. It was recommended buoys near the Adams Mark Hotel be repositioned into a straight line. Discussion ensued regarding the need for additional buoys, recommended locations, and problems related to watercraft using buoys for a slalom course. Mr. Morris distributed copies of public education handouts. It was recommended changes to buoy locations and wake zones be publicized. It was stated it is difficult to determine at what point boaters can resume normal speed. It was recommended boaters be educated regarding the location of sea grass beds. It was suggested the City and other Intracoastal communities coordinate their buoys and share related information with the County for publication. In response to a question, Mr. Morris said the City cannot remove signs on private property unless they refer to a specific ordinance. ITEM #5 – Other Business In response to a question, Mr. Morris said the City had missed its deadline to obtain a handicapped sailing grant. Mr. Morris said the Police Department has concerns regarding alcohol abuse at the Courtney Campbell Causeway Recreation Area and the Sand Key recreation area. Closing the Sand Key area at 11:00 p.m. would require those who fish to walk far to access the fishing piers. Those who fish could park at the Sailing Center and access the park via a walk through gate. ITEM #6 – September 12, 2001 Meeting Agenda ITEM #7 - Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 9:18 a.m.