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12/12/2001MARINE ADVISORY BOARD CITY OF CLEARWATER December 12, 2001 Present: Tom Horne Chair Hank Epstein Board Member Nick Matsis Board Member Dick Safirstein Board Member Paul J. Kelley Board Member Denis Sparks Board Member Edward O’Brien Board Member Also Present: William Morris Marine & Aviation Director Mahshid Arasteh Public Works Administrator 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 Minutes Member Kelly moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of November 14, 2001, as submitted in written summation to each board member. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. ITEM #3 – Guest Speaker Marine & Aviation Director Bill Morris said MAB (Marine Advisory Board) involvement had been requested in identifying locations for fishing piers and boat slip needs after construction of the new Memorial Causeway Bridge is completed in 2.5 years. He distributed aerial photographs of the Seminole Boat ramps and the current bridge. The footprint of the current bridge will be retained. The old bridge, east of the current bridge and used now as a fishing pier, will be razed. The City is required to replace the fishing pier as part of the project. Also under consideration, are economic development opportunities associated with Coachman Park. He complimented the Public Works Department for its support. Public Works Administrator Mahshid Arasteh said she had contacted Barry Crown regarding the addition of a right-turn Marina exit onto Coronado, south of the roundabout. He had expressed a concern that traffic backup during high season would make egress from that Marina exit difficult. Staff is computing a cost estimate and is working to include the change order in the roundabout repair project. Support for the proposal was expressed. It was stated buses and trucks face extreme difficulty turning around after they are trapped, trying to exit the Marina. Ms. Arasteh reported construction of the new bridge will begin in January 2002. Staff has not determined which pilings from the old bridge will remain. A two-story structure with a restaurant, boat slips, and fishing facilities could be constructed on the bridge footprint under the new bridge. In response to a question, Mr. Morris said he is working with Assistant City Manager Ralph Stone regarding parking and other issues related to planned development near the Seminole Boat Ramp. A fishing pier has been considered for that area, but the quality of fishing there is poor. Concern was expressed significant boat traffic navigates that area. Mr. Morris said the pier would be used by nearby residents. Construction costs would be high due to rocky soil conditions. In response to a question regarding the current bridge, Ms. Arasteh said a load analysis will be required. She said it appears the pilings could support a 2-story building. It was felt fishing conditions in the bridge area are not optimum. In response to a question, Ms. Arasteh said the design of the bridge access has been changed. The Downtown access point near Pierce 100 has been eliminated. Mr. Morris said problems related to the design of the pier at the end of Drew Street are related to sea grasses, shoals, and avoiding encroachment into the Intracoastal. Proposed boat slips in the area would be for short-term use as boaters visit Downtown or attend an event. It was recommended the bridge’s fender system be retained on the northern side. A design recommendation was given. It was recommended a RFQ (Request for Qualifications) be issued to attract developers for downtown improvements. Mr. Morris indicted the last referendum on downtown redevelopment had failed. He suggested once traffic flow improves, more development opportunities will occur. Staff currently is concentrating on issues related to beach development and parking garage construction. A RFP (Request for Proposals) has been issued to design a bluff park. It was stated the fishing piers by the Clearwater Pass bridge are poorly located. During low tide, anglers wade into the water. It was suggested a fishing pier be constructed on the west side of the Intracoastal on the east end of the causeway as parking will be available. Ms. Arasteh said the new bridge will land west of the causeway’s end, leaving room at the tip for a park. It was stated fishing on the causeway’s north side is good. In response to a request, staff will provide an illustration of the new bridge. It was recommended board members poll anglers for recommendations on fishing pier locations. ITEM #4 – Other Business Mr. Morris reported staff is working to purchase the land owned by Florida Power adjacent to the ramp by the Clearwater Beach Recreation Center to install slips, parking, and eventually, to enlarge the ramp. The department does not have the funds to finance a required $13,000 sea grass study of the Yacht Basin. A significant need for additional boat slips was noted. It was estimated 100 slips could be constructed there. Concern was expressed the channel out of the marina is too shallow. Mr. Morris said the Army Corps of Engineers will dredge the channels once FDEP (Florida Department of Environmental Protection) issues the required permits. Work is anticipated to begin by March 2002. As a separate project, staff is working to dredge the marina to resolve problems related to boats getting stuck in mud. Concern was expressed the ramps at the Sailing Center require maintenance. Mr. Morris said the ramps were designed to allow sand to accrete onto them. Most sailing center boats are light and not affected by the sand. Trailers for lifeguard personal watercraft have balloon tires to traverse the sand. Barbara Short reported a non-profit organization has been developed for the Clearwater Community Sailing Center and a board of directors has been elected. Mr. Morris said the sailing center loses approximately $100,000 annually. He said the center returns $0.30 on the dollar while other recreation programs return only $0.15 to $0.20 on the dollar. He said the non-profit group will lower City costs to operate the facility, expand hours, and increase programs, facility utilization, and boat storage. The board complimented Mr. Morris’ efforts related to the Sailing Center. The City and Sailing Center board of directors were congratulated for their efforts and the MAB was thanked for their efforts. It was noted anglers have cut through the new fence on the Clearwater side of the Clearwater Pass Bridge. Concern was expressed the currents are strong and the anglers could be endangered. ITEM 5 – Agenda for next regular meeting January 9, 2002 It was requested the yacht basin and lighting the jetty’s end be agendaed for discussion. ITEM 6 – Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 9:05 a.m.