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06/12/2002MARINE ADVISORY BOARD CITY OF CLEARWATER June 12, 2002 Present: Tom Horne Chair Hank Epstein Board Member Nick Matsis Board Member Dick Safirstein Board Member Paul J. Kelley Board Member Edward O’Brien Board Member Absent: Denis Sparks 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 7:58 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 May 8, 2002, as submitted in written summation to each board member. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. ITEM #3 – Guest Speaker – Barbara Short – Clearwater Community Sailing Association Marine & Aviation Department Director Bill Morris reported Ms. Short’s presentation has been continued to July 10, 2002. ITEM #4 – Other Business Downtown Waterfront Glenn Warren, DDB (Downtown Development Board) representative, stated a sea grass study is necessary before a downtown waterfront amenity can be developed on the pilings of the old bridge. The DDB has money to fund the sea grass study of the waterfront between Drew Street and Pierce 100. In response to a question, Mr. Morris said the DDB is working with the Economic Development Department on a downtown plan. Member Kelley moved to recommend support of implementing a sea grass study of the downtown waterfront between Drew Street and Pierce 100, as soon as possible. The motion was duly seconded. It was recommended the motion indicate the study is an essential component of future downtown development of the waterfront. Member Kelley moved to amend his motion to recommend support of implementing a sea grass study of the downtown waterfront between Drew Street and Pierce 100, as soon as possible as the study is an essential component to develop a future downtown waterfront amenity. The seconder agreed. The motion carried unanimously. The Chair will prepare a letter for the City Commission regarding this issue. Clearwater Sailing Center The Grand Reopening Party at the Clearwater Sailing Center for the center and opening of the new Sand Key firehouse is scheduled for September 14, 2002. Invitations will be mailed. The Sailing Center’s membership drive will begin at that time. Mr. Morris said in July, the City Commission will consider approval of the Clearwater Community Sailing Association, a 501(C)3 organization to operate the Clearwater Sailing Center. The association plans to extend center hours. The proposal can save the City up to $144,000 annually. A lease is being negotiated. The City will continue funding at current levels (between $30,000 and $40,000) to insure annual maintenance and proper funding for ongoing and long term CIP issues. Future association plans include hosting national events. The fence behind the restrooms was erected this week to add boat storage space. The Parks & Recreation Department will plant oleander to screen the fence. Next, boat storage will be expanded under the bridge. Sailing Center membership will be required for boat storage. Dock proposal re Island Grill In response to a question, Mr. Morris said once the dock designer completes the application, the proposal to construct a dock by the Island Grill restaurant can be brought forward for consideration. The application is “dormant,” waiting for action by the applicants’ consultant. Buoys Concern was expressed a buoy in the Mandalay Channel needs replacement. It was stated boaters are beginning to follow rules related to the minimum wake zone implemented two years previously. It was recommended an additional buoy be installed on the east side of Harbor Island, as the distance between current buoys causes visibility problems. Signage Mr. Morris presented a sign, available for homeowners to display, which relates the City ordinance, which prohibits speeds greater than 5 mph within 50 feet of docks and the shoreline. Concern was expressed the signs are difficult to read from a distance or when moving. It was recommended the signs be installed at Marina gasoline pumps, at launching ramps, and at the ends of channels. It was recommended the signs be simple and visible. It was recommended this information be included in brochures distributed by Coast Guard Auxiliary members. Concern was expressed many young boaters ignore the rules. It was stated legislative representatives are unaware of marina related problems. Concern was expressed the minimum wake zone sign north of the Memorial Causeway bridge cannot be read. Mr. Morris said the County is providing up to $24,000 annually to the City to replace and maintain 67 waterway regulatory signs and supporting structures. The signs have faded. The City maintains more than 400 information and regulatory waterway signs. Concern was expressed too much signage is confusing for boaters. Mr. Morris said signage is necessary as boaters are not licensed. Support was expressed for Florida licensing water craft operators. Fishing Pier Concern was expressed regarding dangers to anglers who stand on bridge support pilings when fishing near the Clearwater Pass Bridge. Mr. Morris reviewed problems related to the location of the fishing piers and reviewed recommendations to extend the piers in Clearwater Pass. The most important change will be to the pier closest to the bridge. Consensus was to support construction of extensions to the fishing piers by Clearwater Pass Bridge. Request for Minimum Wake Zone off Windward Island Mr. Morris reported of 111 letters sent by staff regarding a request to establish a minimum wake zone off Windward Island, 11 were returned undeliverable. Staff received 5 responses. Resident John Garrity distributed 38 letters and received 22 responses in favor of the request. Only two responses opposed the change. Mr. Morris distributed a copy of the letter from the Island Estates Civic Association supporting the change. One resident had expressed concern sign blight not ruin his vista. Mr. Garrity said the City’s letter did slow some boaters and provide him some relief, although some speed up just past his dock and affect his neighbors. Mr. Morris said the proposed minimum wake zone would connect to the minimum wake zone to the south but not wrap around the southern points of land to keep the basin open for water-skiing. Staff will present the request to the City Commission in August. Wave Runners Mr. Morris reviewed State requirements for wave runner rentals, noting renters receive more training than purchasers. Concern was expressed dangerous conditions result from improper use of wave runners. Mr. Morris stated two north beach residents had cited a newspaper article and requested water craft be banned from the beach area. Mr. Morris stated several east coast counties have extended their jurisdictions out to sea to limit motorized water craft. He is working with Pinellas County on this issue. Mr. Morris reported the Mandalay Beach Club and Clearwater Beach Hotel have applied to rent wave runners. The requirement to maintain a corridor through safe swimming areas for each wave runner vendor would be difficult for City life guards to enforce. He has proposed posting the area “No Life Guards On Duty” and pulling City lifeguards from the beach between Pier 60 and the Beach at Rockaway’s or having affected businesses pay for lifeguard services in those areas. Consensus was to support removal of City lifeguards from the waterfront behind private hotels. Term Expirations It was noted the terms of three members will expire soon. All have expressed an interest in reappointment. Members were encouraged to complete an application. ITEM #5 – Agenda for next meeting on July 10, 2002 A presentation by the Clearwater Community Sailing Association is planned. ITEM #6 – Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 9:12 a.m.