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11/13/2002MARINE ADVISORY BOARD CITY OF CLEARWATER November 13, 2002 Present: Tom Horne Chair Hank Epstein Board Member Edward O’Brien Board Member Nick Matsis Board Member Denis Sparks Board Member Absent: Dick Safirstein Board Member Paul J. Kelley Board Member Also Present: Bill Morris Marine & Aviation Department Director Reg Owens Economic Development & Housing Director Catherine Yellin Senior Staff Assistant 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 – Minutes Approval from October 9, 2002 Member Sparks moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of October 9, 2002, as submitted in written summation to each Board Member. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. ITEM #3 – Other Business Downtown Waterfront Economic Development & Housing Director Reg Owens reviewed a map of the waterfront area below the bluff and bayfront surrounding the Memorial Causeway Bridge and Coachman Park. He said staff is considering if a bayfront marina can be placed on the north side of the new Memorial Causeway Bridge and a basin in front of Pierce 100. Discussions have been held by the Commission with respect to redevelopment of the City Hall property in conjunction with nearby properties owned by the Calvary Baptist Church. The MAB (Marine Advisory Board) and staff are suggesting transient and permanent boat slips. Boaters would have access to the fuel dock at the Clearwater Marina. The City is hiring a consultant to address environmental impacts, waterfront boat slips, etc. It was remarked that waterfront amenities are an important component to the revitalization of the downtown. Discussion ensued regarding boat slips and ongoing maintenance fees, which are commonly imposed in other cities as an ongoing source of revenue. It was felt that Coachman Park should not be turned into a parking lot to support boat slips. Transient waterfront slips to support events in Coachman Park would be preferable, with some condominium slips or other type of marina slips near Coachman park. Staff is looking at all options including water shuttles. Mr. Morris said the Alton, Illinois municipal marina is entirely on wooden floating docks, including the office, fuel tanks and boat slips. They did incorporate a breakwall in the design. In response to a question, Mr. Owens said fishing piers near the bayfront also needs to be addressed. Mr. Morris said the Public Works Administrator has proposed that after the Drew Street dock lease reverts back to the City control in 2004, that the dock be used as an interim fishing pier until docks are built on or near the bayfront. He said that a fishing pier under the bridge on the west end would spurn bridge security and controlled access issues. Bridges already are becoming a soft target for terrorism. Mr. Owens said Clearwater Bay Marine is working with the Planning Department regarding final development plans. It was suggested that the proposed downtown marina could be a more upscale marina than the municipal marina, with higher slip fees. Mr. Owens said he intends to meet regularly with the MAB regarding waterfront planning. Mr. Morris said the MAB’s voice is being heard by the Commission and staff. He agreed the downtown marina should be developed as an upscale site and the Clearwater municipal marina should remain as an affordable community site. Seminole Launch Ramp It was suggested the Seminole launch ramps be expanded for parking and small motor boats. Mr. Morris said part of the difficulty expanding that launch ramp is it is only busy on weekends and holidays. It was remarked that a developer is proposing more green space and more separation from the launch ramp at the Seminole launch ramp site. He wants the City to contribute $150,000 to the effort, which Mr. Morris is against. He does not have the funds available and feels it is the developer’s responsibility to beautify the area. MAB members supported Mr. Morris’ concerns. Vessel Exclusion Area Mr. Morris presented photographs of Shepard’s Restaurant and aerial views of Clearwater Pass. He is working with the State Fish and Wildlife Commission to put a vessel exclusion area from the Clearwater Pass bridge to the jetty by the Adam’s Mark with access corridors so businesses can still run rental operations such as jet skis, etc. This action would push boats and wakes into deeper water. MAB members expressed their support of the action. Abandoned Sailboat Mr. Morris said in October, Pinellas County ticketed an abandoned sailboat off the temporary parking lot on the Memorial Causeway. The registration numbers had been scratched off and the boat was left in the water for several weeks. After 60 days, Pinellas County will dispose of it. Island Estates Civic Association Meeting – Public Access Docks Mr. Morris said he is attending the Island Estates Civic Association meeting tonight to talk about public access docks in broad terms and get their input regarding what they can do to support them. He is looking to expand public access docks wherever possible. Suggested locations are: 1) Island Way Grill; 2) Frenchy’s; 3) Drew Street dock/Coachman Park; and 4) the Yacht Basin. Self-contained Dredge Mr. Morris said he is considering purchasing a new self-contained dredge that can pump a mile long of piped material without a booster pump. The equipment would cost $225,000. The Army Crops of Engineers has indicated they would ask the Marina to perform annual/as-needed maintenance of the main channels should the Marina purchase that equipment. The first year, approximately $100,000 would be realized. The dredge also could be used for beach renourishment and other projects. Member O’Brien moved to encourage and endorse Mr. Morris’ suggestion that the City purchase and operate the dredge. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Reopening Shoaled Areas Mr. Morris said he is looking at reopening some areas of the City that have closed due to shoaling. Clearwater Sailing Center It was suggested that MAB members join the Sailing Center and support it. Barbara Short, President of the Clearwater Community Sailing Association, said she is waiting for accounting statistics regarding residents and visitors served, but that the Sailing Center had a phenomenal first month under the new management. She said Mr. Morris is excellent to work with. She said the new full time Director Dan Reeder and Assistant Director Michael Zorens are on board and bring a wealth of expertise with them. Lots of maintenance also is being done. She reviewed the events this weekend, which included the Women’s Sunfish North American Regatta, Sailability classes, Learn to Sail Program, Coast Guard Auxiliary Boating Course, and Windjammer’s Races. She said Member Epstein has offered to direct an ongoing public relations article for the Beach Gazette and other publications. The Jolley Trolley will carry advertisements about the Sailing Center. The Director will be working with local hoteliers for joint advertising. A fund-raising cocktail party is being planned at the Sheraton Starwood in January or February. It was suggested the City needs to help promote the Sailing Center in their promotional materials, advertisements, and on C-View TV. It was remarked that the Public Communications Director is very receptive to providing that type of support. It was suggested supplying her with photographs and related materials, as their department produces first class productions. Member Epstein moved that the MAB recommend to the Commission that the Public Communications Director enhance the promotion of the Sailing Center in all media. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. ITEM #4 – Agenda for next meeting on December 11, 2002 This item was not discussed. ITEM #5 - Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 9:05 a.m.