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05/14/2003MARINE ADVISORY BOARD CITY OF CLEARWATER May 14, 2003 Present: Tom Horne Chair Hank Epstein Board Member Paul J. Kelley Board Member Edward O’Brien Board Member Denis Sparks Board Member Absent: Nick Matsis Board Member Dick Safirstein 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 April 9, 2003 Member Epstein moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of April 9, 2003, as submitted in written summation to each board member. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. ITEM #3 – Other Business Docks The Chair said the possibility of a moratorium on new docks has prompted a flood of new dock applications in the City and County. The federal government has decided to let the State handle negotiations with various state, county, and local entities concerning dock permits. Dock applications will be more closely scrutinized in the future, particularly in areas where manatees frequent. Belle Harbour The Chair said it appears that the Belle Harbor project is going to be approved and construction would begin in the near future. Brightwater and Bayside Drive The Chair said redevelopment on the north side of Brightwater and Bayside Drive near Frenchy’s is moving forward. Downtown Development Marine & Aviation Department Director Bill Morris said today at 9:30 a.m. he is meeting with City engineers regarding downtown development. He said he received a phone call from Dr. Matthews of Saint Pete College who indicated his support of the development process providing the proper mitigation procedures regarding dredging and seagrass are addressed. Dredging Equipment Mr. Morris updated the MAB (Marine Advisory Board) regarding his efforts to obtain dredging equipment. He reviewed the various types of dredging machines and how they function. He said he also is researching the cost for pipes and a fusion machine . He said after evaluating various types of dredging machines, he has determined that a Rotomite machine is the best value and best suited for the City’s needs. He said once a dredge is purchased it could be used to dredge the marina for boat slips. Dredged material could be placed on barges and pumped onto Sand Key and spoil islands. In response to a question, Mr. Morris said although there is a potential for additional dredging activities for other cities, he does not anticipate that being a major function of the dredging equipment due to seawall and piling issues. The equipment would primarily be used for City needs. He said he does not anticipate a need for additional personnel to operate the dredging equipment. He is compiling information to present to the City Commission for their approval of the purchase of the dredging equipment. Dock Request – Island Way Grill Mr. Morris said he is meeting with the City Manager and Mr. Ted Bair of Quality Boats regarding the Island Way Grill docks. Thirty (30) years ago, the City issued a revocable permit to Ross Yachts, owned by Courtney Ross at the time, for seven mooring buoys in the basin between the Marine Aquarium, the mangroves, Island Way Grill, and Ross Yachts. Over the years, Mr. Ross basically let the moorings disappear with respect to the buoys’ physical presence. Subsequently, Quality Boats bought Ross Yachts and has replaced all the permitted buoys. Courtney Ross continues to participate in the management of Ross Yachts, however the operation is undergoing a resurgence and new construction. The owner of the Island Way Grill has gone to great lengths to endear himself to the community to lessen the opposition to the docks that existed when the vacant restaurant was negotiating with Shooters for ownership of the property and installation of docks. The issue regarding Mr. Bair’s complaint is that some of the buoys must be removed or relocated because of safety reasons before docks could be built at Island Way Grill. Mr. Bair is concerned about losing those buoys, as he uses them for overflow when moving boats from lifts and on his site. Mr. Morris said he has suggested to Mr. Bair to move the mooring buoys further out in the channel where it is wider, less congested, and would eliminate potential safety hazards. It was remarked that Mr. Morris’ suggestion makes sense, as it would eliminate safety concerns and encourage public use of the docks to access the businesses in the area. A comment was made that Mr. Ross is no longer running Quality Boats, but is in sales. Mr. Bair oversees operations. Mr. Morris said the City owns the bottom land at Island Way Grill waterfront on the waterside up to the seawall and prefers public docks in those types of locations. Mr. Morris said should the Island Way Grill dock request be approved by the Commission, it would entail approximately one year to permit and construct the docks. Member Epstein moved to recommend to the City Commission that the City revoke the mooring buoys in the basin between the Marine Aquarium, the mangroves, Island Way Grill, and Ross Yachts and provide a substitute alternative that has been laid out and presented by Bill Morris. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. One member proposed that the MAB consider rules and regulations with respect to a no powerboat zone for safety reasons in the area of the Sailing Center. Small sailboats are greatly affected by large powerboats. He felt as a result of a recent incident near the Sailing Center, safety issues must be addressed in the area. The member also proposed implementation of a part-time Clearwater Marine Patrol Unit on weekends from May 1 through mid-September to present a visible law enforcement presence. He said the marine police are extremely busy due to overloaded boats, large wakes, speeding, etc. He said there are new parasail businesses that appear to be conducting business in vessels that could not withstand strong wind gusts. He felt consideration should be given to vessel size and construction if such parameters are not already in place. It was remarked that Clearwater Police Chief Sid Klein has indicated his department does not have the funds or personnel to support a maritime patrol officer at this time. Mr. Morris said for the last two months, the City fire department’s marine unit has been conducting training at the Sailing Center including water rescue, diving, etc. It was remarked that the police department has a specially trained SWAT team to address land-based issues, however they do not have personnel specially trained in maritime issues and therefore would be ineffective on an auxiliary boat. In response to a question, Mr. Morris said Belleair Bluffs and Tampa have weekend maritime persons. He was unsure if they are police officers. One member said in addition to the cost of the cruise, he was billed for an armed Marshal that was present on the ship for terrorism and safety purposes. It was remarked that as Clearwater is a thriving, vibrant community, consideration should be given to increased taxes or surcharges on services, especially for safety needs. It was suggested that the MAB invite one of the City Commissioners to attend MAB meetings. The Chair said he would invite Commissioner Hibbard to meetings. Public Comments One person suggested the police department deputize a U.S. Power Squadron or U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary member to enforce boat safety regulations as a community service. It was remarked that there could be liability issues involved. The Director of the Sailing Center said an incident involving a powerboat’s propeller coming within two feet of a handicapped sailor’s sailboat was just one example of the safety problems at the Sailing Center. The powerboat was carrying a parasailer and did not realize his proximity to the sailboat. It was suggested that witnesses to those types of incidents record the registration numbers of boaters that violate safety and other boating regulations, and report those incidents to the Marine & Aviation Director and the media in an effort to deter such activity. It was remarked that although everyone has the right to use the waterways, boaters are responsible to abide by the rules and regulations in all waterways. It was remarked that some boats are speeding so quickly that it is often difficult to read their registration numbers to report them. A comment was made that some boaters believe that they actually create a lesser wake at higher speeds than when driving at a lower rate of speed. It was remarked that there is regulation that addresses boaters who drive their vessels without consideration to other boaters and are operating recklessly. Mr. Morris said when informed of alleged boating violations, he writes a letter regarding the incident to the boat owner, sends them a copy of the state boating rules and regulations, includes a definition of a minimum wake zone, and requests that they refrain from future violations. It was remarked that boaters violating minimum wake zones also adversely affect properties along the shoreline. It was remarked that the boating industry is pressuring the federal government not to restrict boaters. It was remarked that there is law enforcement stationed at the no wake zone at the mouth of the Sand Key bridge, however officers frequently miss violations that occur. It was suggested that the Sailing Center Director and other personnel contact the pertinent agencies such as the Sheriff’s marine patrol unit, the Fish and Wildlife Commission, Coast Guard Auxiliary, etc. regarding their concerns and incidents that occur in their areas. It would be helpful to those enforcement agencies to know the locations, days, and times of day that frequent violations occur and boater registration numbers whenever possible. In response to a question, Mr. Morris said in order to post “caution” or other signs in the area between the Sailing Center and Belleair, a request must be made to the City and State for approval. He said that process would involve approximately six months. In addition to that process, there would be potential legal ramifications, as signs posted in those areas without lights would pose safety issues. ITEM #4 – Agenda for next meeting on June 11, 2003 This topic was not discussed. ITEM #5 – Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 9:05 a.m.