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07/10/2002MARINE ADVISORY BOARD CITY OF CLEARWATER July 10, 2002 Present: Tom Horne Chair Hank Epstein Board Member Nick Matsis Board Member Dick Safirstein Board Member Paul J. Kelley Board Member Denis Sparks Board Member Edward O’Brien 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 June 12, 2002, as submitted in written summation to each board member. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. ITEM #3 – Guest Speaker – Clearwater Community Sailing Association Paul Evans, representative for the Clearwater Community Sailing Center, reported the next Sailing Center board meeting is scheduled for July 15, 2002. He said identified personnel cannot accept positions until the City Commission approves the Clearwater Community Sailing Association’s operation of the Sailing Center. New events are being added to the calendar. The center is attracting interest from Olympic sailors and prestigious events. Marine & Aviation Department Director Bill Morris distributed photographs of upgrades to the facility including the addition of a fence and oleanders behind the restrooms. On July 18, 2002, the City Commission will consider approval of the association, a 501(C)3 organization, to operate the Sailing Center. The organization will have access to volunteers necessary to staff events. Mr. Morris reviewed the facility’s history and stated the proposed management agreement is based on staff national research of successful programs. Staff is working with Sand Key residents to protect the beach from vandalism and illicit acts. In response to a question, Mr. Morris reviewed the proposed agreement, which provides the association with a line of credit. Only Sailing Center members will be permitted to store on site non engine powered boats (i.e. sailboats, kayaks, canoes, etc.), less than 20 feet long. The change will save Clearwater taxpayers $122,000 during the first year. Board members requested copies of an article regarding a similar organization, referenced by Mr. Evans. A Sailing Center Open House is planned for September 14, 2002. ITEM #4 – Other Business Uniform Waterway Markers in Florida Waters Mr. Morris distributed copies of the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission Division of Law Enforcement Boating Safety and Waterway Management Section. The City wants to support new rules related to wake zones. In reference to the placement of regulatory markers in waters of the State, the rules state “It is further the intent of this chapter that no boating restricted area be established, continued in effect, or enforced for the purpose of noise abatement or for the protection of shoreline, shore-based structures, or upland property from vessel wake or shoreline wash. . . .”vessel wake and shoreline wash resulting from the reasonable and prudent operation of a vessel shall, absent negligence, not constitute damage or endangerment to property. The wake resulting from the reasonable and prudent operation of a vessel is a force which should be anticipated by the owners of property adjacent to the navigable waters of this State.” Mr. Morris said according to the “Criteria for Approval of Regulatory Markers,” a slow speed minimum wake zone may be permitted by Island Estates based on the regulation allowing zones “Within 300 feet of a confluence of water bodies presenting a blind corner, a bend in a narrow channel or fairway, or such other area where an intervening obstruction to visibility may obscure other vessels or other users of the waterway.” One resident expressed concern regarding hundreds of wave runners and boats powering up near Midway Island. Mr. Morris reviewed staff efforts to contact residents regarding a request to establish a minimum wake zone off Windward Island. Unsafe conditions in the subject area have not been documented. He suggested a minimum wake zone could be created by Island Estates due to the blind corners of the outer islands. Concern was expressed the City has too many wake zones. It was stated few boaters read the signs. Mr. Morris said when residents report the registration numbers of boats traveling too fast, staff writes letters to the boat owners to educate them. Concern was expressed boats traveling outside buoys near the marina send wakes into the marina. In response to a question, Mr. Morris said while the process to establish minimum wake zones requires additional justification, the decision remains community based. A Statewide uniformity of related rules will improve enforcement efforts. It was suggested a Citywide plan for minimum wake zones be established as the entire community needs to be considered. It was requested board members report on their recommendations in August. In response to a question, Mr. Morris doubted current minimum wake zones will be grandfathered. The City may need to prove current minimum wake zones meet State requirements. Senior Staff Assistant Catherine Yellin reported signs cannot be added to current posts. It was felt current signage is overwhelming. Mr. Morris said mandatory boater education and licensing would reduce the need for minimum wake zones and signage. Mr. Morris requested board members review the regulations for further discussion. Island Grill Boat Docks Mr. Morris said the City has required the applicant who plans to construct 9 slips by the Island Grill restaurant to hold a public meeting and gather resident input. A seagrass study is needed. The City owns the abutting bottomland and the restaurant would have to grant an easement across their property for the dock. Ultimar on Sand Key Mr. Morris reported Ultimar had requested the City remove wood pilings off the beach in front of the condominium. Mr. Morris said the pilings are outside the City’s jurisdiction. Pinellas County Commission Letter Mr. Morris reviewed the letter from Pinellas County regarding the provision of up to $24,000 annually for two years to the City to replace and maintain water way regulatory signs, which have faded or need maintenance. Currently, 67 of more than 400 signs maintained by the City are faded. The contract will begin October 1, 2002. The Coast Guard maintains navigation signage. Term Expirations Mr. Morris reviewed the expiration dates of members’ terms. Members are encouraged to submit necessary paperwork to the City Clerk Department ITEM #5 – Agenda for next meeting on August 14, 2002 It was stated the MAB (Marina Advisory Board) will participate in planning the revitalization of Downtown. A member of the Planning Department staff has been invited to August’s meeting. ITEM #6 – Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 9:09 a.m.