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12/10/2003MARINE ADVISORY BOARD CITY OF CLEARWATER December 10, 2003 Not approved Present: Tom Horne Chair Hank Epstein Board Member Nick Matsis Board Member - arrived 8:10 a.m. Paul J. Kelley Board Member Edward O’Brien Board Member Absent: Denis Sparks Board Member Dick Safirstein Board Member Also Present: Bill Morris Marine& Aviation Dept. Director-departed 8:20 a.m. Bev Buysse Marine & Aviation Department Assistant Director Catherine Yellin Senior Staff Assistant Patricia O. Sullivan Board Reporter The Chair called the meeting to order at 8:05 a.m. at the Marina. To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order. 2 – Approval of Minutes Member Epstein moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of November 12, 2003, as submitted in written summation to each board member. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 3 – Lt. Waters and BMCM Winters Discussion ensued regarding boating activities in Clearwater Pass. Clearwater Lt. Mike Water complimented the City’s open agreement with the Pinellas County Sheriff permitting City personnel to work on County vessels. Sheriff resources also are limited. The Sheriff’s land/sea operation only can patrol Clearwater Pass during specific dates. Increasing patrols would involve substantial costs. He said excluding Coast Guard efforts, outside agency efforts cost approximately $50,000, plus personnel expenses, to patrol Clearwater Pass for two, 10-12 hour days during three Spring Break weekends and three holiday weekends. Lt. Waters will meet with Mr. Shephard in January and propose that Shephard’s extend the hours of off-duty police patrols of the business’s parking lot until 8:00 p.m., when a significant number of patrons finally exit the property. The City cannot impose that requirement. It was stated Mr. Shephard had considered acquiring a vessel to patrol the beachfront but could not persuade nearby business owners to contribute to that cost. In response to a suggestion, BMCM Winters reported Coast Guard personnel are the only law enforcement permitted to ride on Coast Guard Auxiliary boats. Along with his November 10, 2003, letter to Assistant City Manager Garry Brumback, Pinellas County Sheriff Sergeant Dwayne Somers proposed the Sheriff would charge the City $243 for a minimum of three hours for a Special Detail Deputy and Vessel. Night time hours would require a second deputy at $31 per hour. Sergeant Somers reported the Pinellas County Sheriff has four boats and six personnel to patrol special events. Patrol boats require two personnel on board. Heavy boat traffic in Clearwater Pass coincides with heavy boat use through the county, including off Courtney Campbell Causeway. He said a boat patrolling the Clearwater Pass area saves lives and prevents accidents. He said safety is an issue when 350 boats anchor closely together in Clearwater Pass. Illegal drug and excessive alcohol use there is a problem and it is difficult for emergency workers to reach those requiring aid. Lt. Waters said police presence has had an impact on area boaters. He reported six undercover operations resulted in 88 arrests, more than 200 citations, and seized property. He warned if law enforcement presence decreases, problems will return. Concern was expressed a probable increase in the number of beach bars on Clearwater Pass will increase area boat traffic in the near future. Lt. Waters recommended consideration of an area vessel exclusion zone should remain on the table. It was recommended that law enforcement vessels arrive early enough to establish a position close to the beach. Sergeant Somers indicated some boaters ignore sheriff presence and participate in illegal behaviors anyway. Discussion ensued with a recommendation that Clearwater Pass businesses be proactive and pay a security fee to cover costs related to patrolling the waters of Clearwater Pass due to business activity and a comment that security fees are a cost of doing business. Sergeant Somers said a group effort is needed to address this small pocket area, which has a disproportionate amount of problems. Shephard’s is not the only Clearwater Pass business that attracts large crowds. Discussion ensued regarding the lack of media coverage of related problems with a recommendation that area parents should be informed so they keep their children and teenagers away from the area, a comment that most patrons of pass businesses are in their twenties, a concern that media coverage could have a negative impact on tourism if people perceive Clearwater beach as unsafe, a recommendation that City taxpayers should be aware that the cost of patrolling private business activities is borne by taxpayers, not the associated business owners, a concern illegal activities reflect negatively on all beach businesses, and a recommendation that the business community, possibly through the Clearwater Beach Chamber of Commerce, work together to solve related issues. Lt. Waters reported the Police Department’s Public Information Officer releases information to the news media related to police activities. The media choose which stories to publish. Increased law enforcement has reduced public nudity. Discussion ensued regarding an expected increase in boat traffic due to new beach bar businesses opening in the area, a concern the number of illegal activities will increase, and possible long-term solutions, including a suggestion to budget a larger permanent force to maintain safety. 4 – Other Business Sailing Center Activities Marine & Aviation Department Director Bill Morris announced a birthday party is planned for Congressman Bill Young on December 12, 2003, followed at 10:30 a.m. the next day at the Sailing Center by the christening of a 24-foot pontoon fishing boat. The boat, for use by paralyzed veterans, will be moored at MacDill Air Force Base. Also scheduled at the Sailing Center on December 13, 2003, are a fundraiser at 8:00 a.m. and a skippers meeting at 9:30 a.m. Staff has developed a battle plan for parking that day. Media will be present. Courtney Campbell Causeway Mr. Morris reported a signal light is scheduled for installation this Spring on the Courtney Campbell Causeway at Damascas to control traffic ingress/egress at the causeway beach access. It was recommended timing of area traffic signals be coordinated. Bayway Avenue Request Mr. Morris stated he had been requested to review a request to redeck an existing dock and add a 10-foot wide boardwalk over rip rap at 692 Bayway, next door to the beach police substation. No sea grasses are affected. He supported the request as both abutting properties feature similar boardwalks. The boardwalk permits boats to access the docks without hitting the rocks. The County does not object to the request. Member Kelly moved that the MAB (Marine Advisory Board) supports the request to redeck an existing dock and add a 10-foot wide boardwalk over rip rap at 692 Bayway, as designed. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Boaters Guide Copies of the most recent area boaters’ guide were distributed. Fun N’ Sun Publication Concern was expressed this City published brochure has no information on Marina and Sailing Center activities. Consensus was to discuss this issue next month. 5 – Agenda for next meeting on January 14, 2004 Discussion of the Parks & Recreation Fun ‘n Sun publication is planned. 6 – Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 9:07 a.m.