01/10/2001MARINE ADVISORY BOARD MEETING
CITY OF CLEARWATER
January 10, 2001
Present: Bill Wilhelm Chair
Hank Epstein Board Member
Nick Matsis Board Member
Dick Safirstein Board Member
Tom Horne Board Member – departed 8:10 a.m.
Denis Sparks Board Member – departed 8:40 a.m.
Absent: Paul J. Kelley 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
Member Horne moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of December 13, 2000, as recorded and submitted in written summation to each board member. The motion was duly seconded
and carried unanimously.
ITEM #3 – Permit Process
Marine & Aviation Department Director Bill Morris reported the Coast Guard and Army Corps of Engineers had approved installation of five marker buoys on the east side of Island Estates
to slow down the minimum wake zone. The City will comply with the County’s request that the markers be consistent with others throughout Pinellas County. The County is in the process
of installing the buoys.
ITEM #4 – Update – Proposed Legislation for Buoys at Seminole Launch Ramp
Mr. Morris stated legislation to extend the minimum wake zone off the Seminole Boat Ramp has been approved. Staff is working to mark and maintain the buoy markers. The City also maintains
buoys off Pier 60.
ITEM #5 - Update - Beach By Design Plans
Mr. Morris reviewed beach redevelopment proposals under consideration by the City Commission. The Beach by Design plan will tie changes to the roundabout. Concern was expressed the
massive projects will destroy the beach.
Mr. Morris reported the City has not resolved questions related to the path of a proposed north/south trolley system for pedestrian movement. The City also is considering a monorail
system between downtown and the beach before construction of the Memorial Causeway Bridge commences. A location has not been chosen for a small, stand-alone visitor information center
to be run by the chambers of commerce. In response to a question, he said the roundabout committee continues to discuss improvement proposals.
ITEM #6 – Other Business
Proposed Changes to Code re Dock Construction
Discussion ensued regarding proposed changes in the Code related to dock construction. The County Board of Adjustments will hear variance requests. Marina staff no longer will be
involved with the process. Planning & Zoning staff will verify setback requirements. Support was expressed for docks to be permitted to extend farther into the water than currently
is allowed when sea grass beds need protection. Member support of this issue was requested.
Sailing Center
Mr. Morris said staff is working to obtain grant money to expand the handicapped sailing program, including pier construction at the Sailing Center. The pram used for the program rarely
capsizes. The program, which includes boats, instructors, and a chase boat, is a good fit for the sailing center, which has many dedicated volunteers. It was stated the Coast Guard
Auxiliary also would be willing to help with the program.
Mr. Morris said Sailing Center operations currently lose $100,000 annually. He hoped the program will change the erroneous conception that sailing is a sport only for the rich and
encourage more residents to use the Sailing Center as a community resource.
Yacht Basin
Staff is researching the City’s ability to install docks in the yacht basin, which could hold up to 90 slips for boats up to 30 feet in length. A study first must be completed related
to sea grass. The facility would need power and pump out capability.
2012 Summer Olympics
Regarding the possible bid by the area for the Summer Olympics, Mr. Morris said volleyball and sailing probably would be in Pinellas County. Interest has been expressed in Sand Key
Park. The area is combining efforts with Orlando to attract the Games. The board will be asked for input once a preliminary design for the sailing venue is complete.
Clearwater Harbor Water Quality
It was suggested dredging the pass between Caladesi Island and Clearwater beach would improve water currents in Clearwater Harbor, increase water flow through the Island Estates canals,
and flush out debris.
ITEM #7 - Agenda for next meeting on February 14, 2001
Update on proposed changes to Code regarding dock construction and buoy markers.
ITEM #8 - Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 8:47 a.m.