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12/11/2002MARINE ADVISORY BOARD CITY OF CLEARWATER December 11, 2002 Present: Tom Horne Chair Hank Epstein Board Member Nick Matsis Board Member Dick Safirstein Board Member Paul J. Kelley Board Member Absent: Edward O’Brien Board Member Denis Sparks Board Member Also Present: Bill Morris Marine & Aviation Department 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 November 13, 2002 Member Matsis moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of November 13, 2002, as submitted in written summation to each Board Member. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. ITEM #3 – Other Business Special Commission Work Session Chair Horne was invited to attend a special Commission Work Session to discuss the role of advisory boards. As he will be out of town, Member Kelley will attend in his place. Marine and Aviation Department Director Bill Morris said at that meeting on December 16, the Commission would hear comments from advisory board representatives and discuss issues that have been brought to their attention. It was remarked that the MAB (Marine Advisory Board) is pleased with Mr. Morris and his staff with respect to their role with the MAB and keeping members informed of issues throughout the City. A comment was made that the Chair is responsible to control the meeting. It was suggested that Commissioners periodically attend advisory board meetings. Vessel Exclusion Area Mr. Morris 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. He has received calls from Continental Towers thanking the City for giving them back their beach. It was remarked that the MAB had expressed their support of this action at their last meeting in November. Mr. Morris said if the Commission approves the request, the area could be buoyed off prior to Spring Break. Downtown Marine Concept Mr. Morris said he is meeting with Economic Development and Housing Director Reg Owens and other staff members regarding a marine element in the downtown. He will explain how the reverter clause applies to the beach. He has considered requesting that the channel in Clearwater Pass be shifted to allow more room for docks. He said the City Engineering Department has expressed their appreciation of the MAB’s input. Annual Election of a Chairperson Mr. Morris requested the MAB decide if they wish to annually elect a chairperson to serve for one year or until the end of the defined term. Chair Horne said he would be willing to wait until the January 2003 meeting to submit his resignation as Chair. New Dock Construction It was remarked that lawsuits have been filed against the Fish & Game Commission for negotiating with the Save the Manatees organization to prohibit new dock construction in the County. It was felt that type of prohibition would be a disaster for Clearwater. Docks substantially increase home values and provide increased tax revenues. Members who wish to write their congressperson regarding full access versus public access docks can obtain names and addresses from Mr. Morris. It also was suggested that everyone contact Mr. Healy of the PPC (Pinellas Planning Council) regarding this issue. Redevelopment It was remarked that docks are being proposed to replace the Islander and Howard Johnson’s motels on Clearwater beach, which recently have been purchased. It was remarked that a developer is planning to propose docks along the entire strip of those two properties. One resident questioned if there is an organized group opposing new dock prohibition. It was remarked that the group Standing Watch is based in Ft. Meyers and is challenging the prohibition statewide. They are not against saving the manatee, but feel the prohibition is too restrictive. The Florida Guide Association also is against the prohibition. Happy Holidays Members wished one another and staff Happy Holidays. ITEM #4 – Agenda for next meeting on January 8, 2003 This item was not discussed. ITEM #5 – Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 8:44 a.m.