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08/13/2003MARINE ADVISORY BOARD CITY OF CLEARWATER August 13, 2003 Present: Hank Epstein Acting Chair/Board Member Nick Matsis Board Member – arrived 8:13 a.m. Dick Safirstein Board Member Denis Sparks Board Member Absent: Tom Horne Chair Edward O’Brien Board Member Paul J. Kelley Board Member Also Present: Bill Morris Marine & Aviation Department Director Brenda Moses Board Reporter The Acting Chair called the meeting to order at 8:01 a.m. at the Marina. To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order. 2. Minutes Approval from June 11, 2003 Approval of the minutes was postponed to the next meeting. 3. Other Business Downtown Marina Marine & Aviation Department Director Bill Morris reviewed a conceptual drawing of the proposed marina in the Downtown with estimated costs of $5 million. Mr. Morris said issues regarding fuel sales projections, final design elements including the mix of boat slips, funding, determining who would use the new marina, etc. all are being addressed. He said transient slips help bring in additional revenues, as they can be rented out more than once. The bottomland for the marina is owned by the State and must be used for a public purpose. Staff is considering the impact of lease purchases of boat slips versus rentals. Research will be done regarding if an outside management company should manage marina operations. In responding to comments from board members, it was City Commissioner Frank Hibbard’s opinion that a marina in the Downtown is one way the City could emphasize its commitment to the Downtown. In response to a question, Mr. Morris said the permitting process for the downtown marina is expected to take a year. Construction would commence after the new Memorial Causeway Bridge is completed and the old bridge is removed. Plans are to bring a final marina design to the Commission next month. In response to a question, Mr. Morris said floating docks are designed with wave attenuators to handle boat wakes and storm surges. Plans are to incorporate them into the Downtown marina design. Mr. Morris thanked the Marine Advisory Board members for proactively working with staff regarding promoting the new downtown marina and preserving the footprint of the current bridge for future marine-related uses. Clearwater Sailing Center Mr. Morris said staff anticipates receipt of the submerged land lease from the State for construction of the docks at the Sailing Center within the next 30 days. It was remarked that the Sailing Center should continue to be promoted as a major international facility for regattas. Mr. Morris said the Sailability organization has been instrumental in helping the City obtain grant funds for the Sailing Center. In response to a question, Mr. Morris said he anticipates construction of the docks to commence sometime in early October. The Clearwater Community Sailing Association is working on obtaining impact fee funds for an open-air deck with lights and ceiling fans for the Sailing Center. Sailing Center membership has soared over the past year thanks to the hard work of volunteers. A junior member of the Sailing Center was selected as the Female Athlete of the Year by U.S. Sailing, a National Sailing Organization, which coordinates and promotes Sailing instruction and competition, for both recreation and racing. The award at this level is given to one person in the entire United States, so it is quite an honor. Those types of awards will bring more recognition to the Sailing Center. Dredging Mr. Morris said a map of all the waterways surveyed in July by the Army Corps of Engineers is available to interested parties. Due to liability concerns, the Finance Department is suggesting dredging for the marina be put out to bid to private contractors. In response to a comment by a resident, discussion ensued regarding reopening Dunedin Pass. Mr. Morris said although it is possible to reopen it, it is highly improbable. Concerns from residents regarding water quality and other environmental impacts may play a role in its reopening. Environmental studies, public input, review by the Army Corps of Engineers, etc. would be required and would result in a lengthy process before the pass could be reopened. It was suggested that concerned residents could petition the County to address the possibility of reopening Dunedin Pass. Beach lifeguards Clearwater was selected by USLA (United States Lifesaving Association) to host the Southeastern United States Regional Life Guard Competition at Clearwater Beach on July 16 and 17, 2003. The event brought approximately 250 people to Clearwater. It was a great opportunity to show the City of Clearwater, as this event historically has been held on the east coast. Clearwater was the defending champion and came in second place this year. As Clearwater did an outstanding job this year hosting the event, the City of Boca Raton has suggested that Clearwater host the event again next year. It was suggested tying in national events such as the lifeguard competition to events held at the Sailing Center. Pinellas County has indicated a desire to renegotiate their contract for lifeguards for Sand Key Park while continuing to use Clearwater’s lifeguards because they were very impressed with Clearwater’s lifeguard program. Mr. Morris said consideration would be given to having the County’s lifeguards attend Clearwater’s lifeguard training and education program. Board members thanked Commissioner Hibbard for attending the meeting. It was remarked that a former commissioner attended Marine Advisory Board meetings whenever possible. 4. Agenda for next meeting on September 10, 2003 This topic was not discussed. 5. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 9:05 a.m.