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02/14/2001MARINE ADVISORY BOARD MEETING CITY OF CLEARWATER February 14, 2001 Present: Bill Wilhelm Chair Hank Epstein Board Member Nick Matsis Board Member Paul Kelley Board Member Dick Safirstein Board Member Denis Sparks Board Member Absent: Tom Horne Board Member Also Present: F. David Hemerick Commissioner – attended 8:05 to 8:28 a.m. William Morris Marine & Aviation Department Director Beverly Buysee Assistant Marine & Aviation Department Director 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. Marine & Aviation Department Director Bill Morris introduced Assistant Marine & Aviation Department Director Beverly Buysee and reviewed her background. Ms. Buysee previously worked for the Marine safety Office in Tampa. She will assist with lifeguard programs and Marina recreational programs. She also will assist with the implementation of a Junior Lifeguard Program. ITEM 2 – January 10, 2001, Minutes Approval Member Epstein requested the spelling of his name be corrected. Member Epstein moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of January 10, 2001, as corrected. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. ITEM 3 – Update on Proposed Changes to Code (re: dock construction and buoys) Mr. Morris met with the Dock Builder’s Association, the City’s Planning Director, and the Marine Operations Supervisor to rewrite the City’s ordinance regarding dock construction to become more consistent with the County’s requirements. The amendment would save contractors two steps in the process. The only difference in the City’s ordinance will be that Clearwater does not allow for covered boat slips; only for covered boat lifts. Mr. Morris said although the County’s decisions override the City’s, the County would respect that particular difference. He said he is a member of the City Development Review Committee and attends those meetings that affect waterfront or beach issues such as parking or dock construction. Mr. Morris said new boat ramps constructed at the Clearwater Sailing Center provide a firm base that is not impacted by the erosion of sand. The Sailing Center has purchased a new tractor for launch and retrieval of larger boats. Mr. Morris said tie poles at the Barefoot Marina Resort adversely impact the adjacent Dockside Apartments and encroach onto their “extended” property line. Due to recent development efforts at the beach, the Dockside Apartments owner has expressed concern that her property values would decrease. Her water access for boat slips would be minimal due to lack of access from the barefoot marina Resort’s tie poles. As shoaling has taken place in the area, the Barefoot Marina Resort has moved their boats nearer the Dockside Apartments, aggravating the situation. ITEM 4 – Update on Beach by Design Mr. Morris said the Commission has approved the concept of the Kimpton development proposal. Commissioner David Hemerick said the plan is conceptual and specifics such as vacations of rights-of-way, infrastructure, and other issues must go through the normal permitting process and comply with Code. No specific projects have been approved. Mr. Morris said the City is looking for more ways to generate revenue by expanding the tax base. He said the City has placed limits on the occupancy rates for hotels and in some cases would require rezoning. It was remarked that some residents do not want change. Mr. Morris said the FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation) extended the permit for the grass parking lot on the Memorial Causeway to July 11, 2001. The Engineering Department is designing a permanent parking area for buses only with paving, landscaping, etc. in order to free up parking at the marina until a parking garage is built. He said the grass parking areas were originally intended for overflow parking. The Engineering Department also will design permanent metered parking in the two grass areas that were created alongside the small hotels on the north side of the roadway from the small bridge to the roundabout. ITEM 5 – Mr. Wilhelm’s Last Meeting – Elect New Chair Discussion ensued regarding a replacement for Chair Wilhelm, as today is his last meeting. Member Safirstein moved to nominate Tom Horne as Chair. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. It was remarked that as Mr. Horne was not in attendance today, he should be consulted to be sure he is interested in the position. Member Matsis said he would volunteer to serve as Vice-Chair if necessary. ITEM 6 – Other Business Board Members reviewed the applications for a vacant seat. Consensus was that Ed O’Brien would be a good choice. Mr. Morris said the Commission would make the final decision on the appointment. It was suggested the board consider development of a matrix of representation to ensure it has a good mix of residents, businesspersons, etc. Mr. Morris said one of his assistants has been working to ensure that proper documentation for waterway markers are identified. He referred to maps indicating no-wake buoys. He said the buoys are not intended as navigational aids, but are additional markings requested by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office to ensure wake zones are enforceable. The process has stopped at the FDEP (Florida Department of Environmental Protection) level. Mr. Morris said this new marking system would save the City money, allows the Sheriff to enforce the wake zones, and would not present any costs to the County. The process also would provide for improved documentation and create a process to more easily add additional markings in the future. One member said since he purchased his business 8 years ago, he has been required to submit a Waterways Monthly Report to the Army Corps of Engineers Office regarding his route and monthly passenger count. He is unsure why he has been required to provide the report, as he represents a small cross-section of activity in the area. It was remarked that the City might be able to benefit by becoming involved in the process and the reporting procedure. Mr. Morris requested the member provide him with a copy of the report and pertinent information. Board Members thanked Mr. Wilhelm for his service on the board and wished him well. One member said the Sand Key bridge has always served as a demarcation line between international and inland waters for operation of vessels based on stability. He said as those waters are protected, he will petition the Coast Guard to obtain permission to operate within the jetty system in Clearwater Pass. Two weeks ago the Coast Guard informed him he could no longer operate in that area. Mr. Morris said dredging would take place sometime before October 2001 in all the cuts in Clearwater Pass. Cut E (the last section of channel connecting the Marina to Clearwater Pass) is of major concern as it is a shortcut to Clearwater Pass. Maintenance dredging also will be done at the Marina. One person from the Island Estates Civic association requested the board’s advice regarding petitioning the City to pursue a no-wake status on Windward Island and possibly Mandalay. It was suggested he provide the board with information at the next meeting. Mr. Morris suggested photographs and signed petitions from residents in the area always are helpful. Generally, the Marine Advisory Board reviews the request and makes a recommendation to the Commission. ITEM 7 – Agenda for Next Meeting on March 14, 2001 Items for the next meeting on March 14, 2001, will include discussion of a matrix of representation for the board and a presentation by a representative of the Island Estates Civic Association regarding a request for no-wake zones. ITEM 8 – Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 8:51 a.m.