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05/08/2002MARINE ADVISORY BOARD CITY OF CLEARWATER May 8, 2002 Present: Tom Horne Chair Hank Epstein Board Member Nick Matsis Board Member Dick Safirstein Board Member Edward O’Brien Board Member – arrived at 8:04 a.m. Absent: Denis Sparks Board Member Paul J. Kelley Board Member Also Present: Bill Morris Marine & Aviation Department Director Catherine Yellin Senior Staff Assistant 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 Matsis moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of April 10, 2002, as submitted in written summation to each board member. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. ITEM #3 – Guest Speaker – Chief Warrant Officer Lloyd Kelehar Chief Warrant Officer Lloyd Kelehar, Coast Guard Group St. Petersburg, reported by the end of June 2002, channel marker 4 will be relocated approximately 45 feet off the tip of the breakwater in the Gulf, south of Clearwater Pass. The lighted lateral aid to navigation will be powered by a solar panel and constructed on a piling. USACOE (United States Army Corps of Engineers) removed a shoal in the channel in this location during its recent dredging operation. The channel marker should improve safety. ITEM #4 – Other Business Board letter to Mayor A copy of the letter from the Chair to Mayor Aungst regarding the MAB’s (Marine Advisory Board) request for fast-water buoys west of the Clearwater Pass Bridge was presented for review. Request for Minimum Wake Zone off Windward Island Marine & Aviation Department Director Bill Morris distributed copies of e-mails and letters regarding the request to establish a minimum wake zone off Windward Island. He said resident support seems to be split. The subject waterway is too narrow to create a buffer zone. A wake zone would encompass the channel’s entire width, creating a minimum wake zone for the entire length of Windward Island. A petition was presented to the MAB (Marina Advisory Board) requesting establishment of a minimum wake zone off Windward Island. Five residents addressed the petition. John Garrity said the petition process was based on one used for this purpose on Harbor Island. He reported 21 residents on the street side abutting open water had signified support, 13 indicated nothing, and the owner of two properties is ill and did not respond. He said he wanted equal protection as Harbor Island residents receive and expressed concern the City is subject to related liability issues. He suggested limiting water-skiing to the basin. Tim and Jullie Rennard expressed concern the petition included no options and had listed different minimum wake zone widths. Jim Gunther and Graeme Towns also expressed concern regarding petition language and supported more discussion. Mr. Morris said the majority of dangerous wave action on Windward Island comes from large speeding vessels. Separate rules cannot be made for different size vessels. Some residents want to continue water-skiing in the area. Mr. Morris said a City ordinance prohibits vessels from proceeding at speeds greater than an idle within 50 feet of a shoreline, dock, seawall, or adjacent structure, not the shoreline itself, if posted properly. Concern was expressed current marine regulations are poorly posted and poorly enforced. It was stated the marker in the area of Harbor Island cannot be seen from a distance. In response to a question, Mr. Morris said the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Marine Unit officers had helped establish the size of the wake zone off Harbor Island. It was stated the petition for the Windward Island wake zone addresses safety concerns and the rights of owners to protect their property. Concern was expressed boats do not maintain a safe distance from the southeast corner of Windward Island. It was recommended when residents observe vessels traveling too fast they obtain the Florida tag number or name of the boat and file a complaint or write, email, or telephone Mr. Morris’s office to write a letter to the offender. It was agreed reporting Florida numbers would resolve many concerns. Concern was expressed some boats travel too fast to be photographed. It was suggested staff distribute to each waterfront home a form that reviews related marine rules and provides information on reporting infractions. It was felt many boaters are not aware of rules. Mr. Morris proposed to send letters to all nearby residents indicating complaints have been received, reviewing the rules, and discussing related issues. He will evaluate the area for the installation of signage, featuring the related rule and ordinance. It was said out-of-state boats also can be reported. It was stated the MAB does not endorse the petition at this time. Buoys Mr. Morris reported the County has indicated a fast-water buoy is on hand and soon will be ready for installation at the entrance to Clearwater Pass. Buoys are available to mark the minimum wake zone between the Sailing Center and Clearwater Pass. Once lettered, they will be installed. Board Appreciation Dinner The Chair read a letter from the Mayor expressing disappointment that board member attendance was poor at this year’s appreciation dinner. The City paid $887 for 44 meals, prepared for board member and their guests, who did not attend after indicating they would. It was indicated several MAB members had responded positively to the invitation but could not attend. While some members were ill or caring for ailing relatives, several had forgotten by the time the event occurred. Discussion ensued regarding the best way to remind attendees regarding the event. Concern was expressed invitations are mailed too early and it was recommended delaying the mailing until closer to the date. It was felt calling or mailing members with reminders would be too time consuming and expensive. Those who attended the event stated they had enjoyed it. Illegal Tie-Ups Mr. Morris reported private boats, tied up to commercial docks while tenant boats are away, are subject to towing. A State law permits the Police Department to issue trespassing warnings and call a towing company, as long as the ordinance is posted. Staff is looking for a towing company to respond. In the interim, additional signage will be posted. Board Inquiry In response to a question, Mr. Morris said no money is available to dredge a channel from Island Estates, at a northeast angle to the Intracoastal Waterway. Belleair Causeway Bridge Replacement Joe Calio reported an alignment alternatives public information meeting regarding the Belleair Causeway Bridge Replacement is scheduled for May 9, 2002, at Largo High School. He distributed a public opinion survey form and expressed concerns Belleair Bluffs residents have organized to oppose a fixed span bridge, which he feels is necessary to evacuate Sand Key and the beaches prior to a hurricane. ITEM #5 – Agenda for next meeting on June 12, 2002 A short presentation regarding the Sailing Center is planned. ITEM #6 – Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 9:11 a.m.