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09/11/2002MARINE ADVISORY BOARD CITY OF CLEARWATER September 11, 2002 Present: Tom Horne Chair Hank Epstein Board Member Nick Matsis Board Member Paul J. Kelley Board Member Denis Sparks Board Member Edward O’Brien Board Member Absent: Dick Safirstein 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 August 14, 2002, as submitted in written summation to each board member. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. ITEM #3 – Other Business Carlouel Yacht Club Pilings Marine & Aviation Department Director Bill Morris referenced a September 4, 2002, letter from Carlouel Yacht Club General Manager Roger E. Haymond, which stated a previous request to remove pilings between Caladisi Island and north beach had come from Steve Gerlack, not the club. The yacht club opposes removal of the pilings as they slow traffic. Consensus was to take no action regarding removal of the pilings. It was recommended staff forward a copy of Mr. Haymond’s letter to Mr. Gerlack. Grass Study Mr. Morris reviewed results from the grass study of the downtown waterfront, which indicates where docks cannot be built. A staff committee is reviewing issues related to developing the waterfront. Economic Development Director Reg Owens, who supports dredging the waterfront up to the seawall for a marina, chairs the committee. When ready, the committee will present recommendations for public input. Mr. Morris reported the USACOE (United States Army Corps of Engineers) has no official written policy, but does require boats tied to docks to be 100 feet from the bottom of the Intracoastal channel. Older structures which encroach on the Intracoastal, such as the Drew Street docks, are grandfathered. In response to comments, Mr. Morris requested board members e-mail him with examples of USACOE approved docks within the 100-foot limit and recommendations for negotiators who have been successful in obtaining variances to USACOE policy. Following completion of the new Memorial Causeway bridge, the channel will remain as close as possible to its current location. Mr. Morris said according to current regulations, a marina could extend from the existing span of the Memorial Causeway bridge, parallel to Coachman Park, to the Drew Street docks. Boats would have to be tied-up parallel, not perpendicularly. It was recommended the grasses could be removed and replaced elsewhere. It was recommended staff be aggressive in establishing a downtown marina. Mr. Morris reviewed City plans to remove all parking from Coachman Park, noting marina users need nearby parking. In response to a question regarding Mr. Owens’ reference to a proposal to construct a parking garage under the new bridge, Mr. Morris said the City plans a passive park under the bridge. Problems with vandalism exist on Sand Key where vehicles park under the bridge. Improvements to the parking area on Sand Key cannot be made. It was noted approximately 100 vehicles recently were observed parked there at 11:00 p.m. Mr. Morris said installation of the security system at the Sailing Center is almost complete. Some replaced equipment will be brought to the Marina and provide camera security at night. The Parks & Recreation Department has been tasked with designing a park under the west side of the bridge span where it joins the causeway. In response to a question, Mr. Morris said if a restaurant is developed on pilings remaining from the current bridge, patrons will need to walk to it from a parking garage. Updates regarding a downtown marina were requested. Drew Street Dock As the City is obligated to replace the fishing pier under the current Memorial Causeway bridge, Mr. Morris said the City intends to locate the fishing pier at the Drew Street dock. The dock’s future use by boats has not been determined. Miscellaneous In response to a question, Mr. Morris said he is pursuing all venues, including floating docks. Master Plan Mr. Morris will present to the City Commission the Marina’s 5-year Master Plan, which proposes to increase rates by 5% every other year. Rates at Seminole Docks have not increased since 1987. He will recommend all day parking rates for residents be increased from $3 to $5 and rates for non-residents be increased from $3 to $7. Annual fees will be doubled. Discussion ensued. It was suggested rates be increased more for non-residents and weekends. Mr. Morris indicated the lease-holder of the bait house opposes the rate hikes, stating they will hurt his business. It was recommended rates be increased more often, in smaller increments. Mr. Morris reported Airpark leases include increases based on the previous year’s CPI (Consumer’s Price Index). A moment of silence was observed at 8:46 a.m. in memory of victims of last year’s terrorist attacks. Dredging Mr. Morris reported USACOE completed its dredging project of the harbor, was impressed with the quality of City sand, and wants additional sand for beach nourishment projects. He suggested USACOE could dredge Dunedin Pass. A provision in Federal Law requires proof that water quality has been degraded before permitting a pass to be opened. It was recommended this issue be pursued. It was stated the dramatic increase in the beach’s insect population could be a result from stagnant water related to the closure of Dunedin Pass. In response to a question, Mr. Morris said USACOE only is permitted to dredge federal channels. Mr. Morris said he had received a $150,000 estimate to dredge the Marina. He is considering the purchase of a City-owned dredge for $210,000. Staff will review operations in the City of Cape Coral, which maintains 400 miles of canals with 6 dredge units. He said the equipment also could be used to clear “bumps” in City channels. In response to a question, he said a previous City-owned dredge had a different design and significant maintenance issues. Sailing Center Open House Barbara Short, President of the Clearwater Community Sailing Association, invited all to the Open House at the Sailing Center on September 14, 2002. Bay Esplanade Ramp Upgrades to the landscaping at the Bay Esplanade ramp were complimented. ITEM #4 – Agenda for next meeting on September 11, 2002 ITEM #5 – Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 9:00 a.m.