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03/14/2001MARINE ADVISORY BOARD MEETING CITY OF CLEARWATER March 14, 2001 Present: Tom Horne Chair Hank Epstein Board Member Nick Matsis Board Member Paul Kelley Board Member Denis Sparks Board Member Edward O’Brien Board Member – departed 8:32 a.m. Absent: Dick Safirstein Board Member Also Present: William Morris 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. ITEM 2 – February 14, 2001, Minutes Approval Member Kelley moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of February 14, 2001, as submitted in written summation to each board member. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. ITEM 3 – Presentation by Island Estates Civic Association (no-wake zones) A member of the Island Estates Civic Association had requested the board’s advice regarding petitioning the City to pursue a no-wake status on Windward Island and possibly Mandalay. Information was provided him but he was unable to attend today’s meeting. Marine & Aviation Department Director Bill Morris said this item would be tabled to the next meeting. ITEM 4 – Discuss Composition of Board Mr. Morris said at the last meeting, it was suggested discussion take place regarding the board’s composition. Consensus was that the current board consists of a good representation of the City. It was remarked that future vacancies be discussed to maintain that representation prior to making recommendations to the Commission. In response to a question, Mr. Morris said Clearwater residency is the only requirement to serve on the board. The Commission makes the final decision regarding board appointments. Other Business It was suggested that Mr. Morris invite representatives from the Florida Marine Patrol, the Army Corps of Engineers, and other water management agencies to board meetings. Mr. Morris said the Army Corps of Engineers’ representative is based in Jacksonville but will be invited the next time he is in the area. Mr. Morris said he met with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol Unit regarding enforcement of wake zones. The agency has agreed to place additional markings and buoys in wake zones at the Seminole Launch Ramp, Harbor Island, and Mandalay channel. He said the City is gradually turning over wake zone marking responsibility to the County because the County can obtain State grants. Member Matsis moved that Mr. Morris invite a member of the Florida Marine Patrol to board meetings. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 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. He provided Mr. Morris with a copy of the report. Mr. Morris said Assistant Marine & Aviation Department Director Beverly Buysee would research the matter. 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. He said the Coast Guard has not made a determination yet. In response to a question, Mr. Morris said dredging was scheduled to start sometime before October 2001 in all the cuts in Clearwater Pass. Maintenance dredging also will be done at the Marina. It was suggested the Chair draft a letter of congratulations to the new Commissioners and extend an invitation to attend board meetings. Concern was expressed that the new owner of the Island Grill Restaurant has employed a lobbyist to obtain a dock permit for a 300-foot dock behind the Shoppes of Sand Key. It was felt if that application were approved, other applications would come forward. Consensus was that private ownership issues were beyond the scope of the board. It was remarked the Sailing Center activities and safety could be compromised if the application is approved. Mr. Morris said there are environmental issues that resulted in denial by the Pinellas County Waterways Commission of a previous application by another owner for the same purpose. Discussion ensued regarding riparian rights of private owners and access to waterways via docks, etc. Mr. Morris said he plans to designate the area surrounding the Sailing Center as a non-combustion zone to prevent speeding jet skiers and other craft in the area from destroying the seagrass and creating large wakes. He said the City is changing its dock ordinance to become more consistent with the County’s requirements. Mr. Morris said he is working with the Power Squadron regarding boater registration. A new flyer was developed to provide safe boating information and to better educate boaters regarding signage. Mr. Morris presented a video on handicapped sailing programs. Costs for handicapped sailing vehicles vary depending upon their size and equipment. He plans to implement the program at the Sailing Center using State grants. He said there is a need to build membership at the Sailing Center and to let people know that the Sailing Center is an affordable community recreation resource. Concern was expressed that the Marina pays for the Sailing Center. Mr. Morris explained how General Fund and Enterprise Funds function. He said as other Enterprise Funds have been paying a 4% tax on gross profit, he felt it fair for the Marina to also begin paying the tax. He said implementing programs such as the Handicapped Sailing program would help offset those costs. It was suggested that C-View feature the Sailing Center and the Marina in their programs. Concern was expressed that the Starlight Princess cruise ship sails too close to docks and residential properties and passengers using binoculars and laser pens intrude on residents’ privacy. One member has approached a staff member from the cruise ship to express his concern and she has indicated she would pass the information onto the owner. Speed is not a concern. ITEM 5 – Agenda for next meeting on April 11, 2001 This topic was not discussed. ITEM 6 – Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 9:05 a.m.