HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Marina Advisory Committee - 09/08/2008MINUTES
Regular Meeting
Marina Advisory Committee
Monday, September 8, 2008
Members Present: John Adams, Robert Cagle (2), Rakesh Patel (2), Roy Pell, Hal Suter, Dr.
Robert Vega and PARD Liaison Greg Perkes.
Members Absence: Marie Adams (2), Dan Leyendecker (2) and Nils Stolzlechner (2)
Staff Present: Sally Gavlik, Director of Parks & Recreation, Peter M. Davidson, Marina
Superintendent, Rene Garza, Marina Field Supervisor and Benita Brunner, Management Aide
Call to Order: Chairman Pell called the regular meeting of the Marina Advisory Committee to
order at 5:30 p.m.
Action on Minutes: The motion was made by Dr. Vega, seconded by Mr. Suter, to approve the
Minutes from the 08/04/08 Regular Meeting as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
Presentations and/or Public Comment: None offered.
Discussion Items and Possible Action Thereto:
Trash/Debris Removal from Marina Complex — Mr. Garza distributed a "container costs/plan
and gave a brief description of implementing the plan to reduce occurrence of misuse of
containers, having tenants pack out to the pier front their own trash. Mr. Davidson commented
that this plan will reduce time spent by Marina Staff each day servicing trash receptacles
currently located on (to be removed from several) all docks so as to focus more on maintenance
of docks/facilities. Discussion followed. Chairman Pell suggested that a letter from the Marina
Advisory Committee be enclosed with a Marina Billing Statement to wit: We need your
assistance to ensure that we maintain our status as a "Clean Marina". To prevent and/or control
any trash problem within the Marina Complex, please bag your trash and deposit it and/or your
recyclables in the containers that will soon be provided and located at the head of the dock. Your
assistance and cooperation shall be greatly appreciated. The Marina Advisory Committee. The
motion was made by Mr. Adams, seconded by Mr. Suter, supporting the purchase of two
fiberglass trash containers to service Piers A/B and C/D this budget year with plans to purchase
two additional in FY2009-10 to service Piers E/F and G/H. The motion passed unanimously.
Concert Fundraiser for new Marina Office — Chairman Pell reported that he and Mr. Davidson
were meeting with the promoter regarding there being an opportunity to participate in ticket sales
and a VIP event (dinner; meet and greet) with B. B. King in November at the American Bank
Center which could net $35,000 for the Marina enterprise fund (by separate account) for a new
Marina office. The motion was made by Mr. Cagle, seconded by Mr. Suter, to further pursue the
concert fundraiser event. The motion passed unanimously.
SPANNEC
Marina Advisory Committee -1- September 8, 2008
Committee Reports: None offered.
Director's Report: Ms. Gavlik reported that: after a meeting of City Management (Finance,
Budget, Legal and PARD representatives) regarding ramifications of changing the Marina to
other than an enterprise fund, it was determined that - based on GASB definitions - the Marina is
an enterprise fund and does not qualify to be a General Fund operation; the Committee might
want to petition for the Marina to become a separate department; and changes will most likely
not be considered until the new City Manager has been hired. Discussion followed regarding:
perceived lack of support from other City department to Marina; the need for recycling; costs
associated with a separate Marina department increasing because services currently provided by
PARD (trash pick up assistance, parking lot landscaping, administrative staff manning the Texas
International Boat Show volunteer station) and other City Departments (Stormwater, Street, etc.)
at no charge (through PARD -paid allocations) would be charged to a Marina department; the
Marina being public without restriction of whom utilizes the three landmasses; "Norma Urban
Park" being the only designated "park" within the Marina Complex; there be no significant
change relative to the Marina becoming independent or removed from PARD; Marina concerns
having not been included in PARD's $21 million Bond 2008 projects because, as an enterprise
fund, the Marina is required to find money for such as it can not be included in general
obligation bonds; clarification that the Marina has always been under PARD, but has not always
been an enterprise fund; in accordance with GASB, the Marina is an enterprise fund that could
be a separate (from PARD) department; the Marina being made a separate department being an
operational issue at the sole decision of the City Manager; other enterprise funds being the
Environmental Department (eliminated; functions performed by Stormwater), Aviation (is its
own entity), Golf (under PARD), Water and Utilities; the City Manager selection
criteria/process; the need to initiate conversation with City Council and new City Manager about
the Marina; providing written information about the Marina to city manager candidates;
Chairman Pell and Mr. Davidson presenting bullet -point statements for the Committee's
consideration prior to the next meeting; increasing Marina revenue by renting more slips (or a
bond issue or fund raiser) because an enterprise fund can not receive general fund monies; etc.
Mr. Davidson commented, reported and/or answered questions regarding: (1) receiving a
$50,000 Grant from the Coastal Bend Bays & Estuaries to address floating debris in the Marina;
(2) there being an existing City Ordinance indicating each Marina land mass as City parks; (3)
Tropical Storm Ike and emailing the Committee regarding postponing/rescheduling the Marina
Tenant Appreciation Party; (4) Marie Adams having been accepted as the Committee's liaison to
the Oil & Gas Board; (5) fuel supply problems; (6) his Marina presentation to Trinity Towers;
and (7) Chairman Pell consulting with the City Secretary regarding his interest in ensuring that
the Mayor and City Council receive Committee Minutes.
Mr. Garza answered questions regarding prioritizing and identifying where to install stainless
steel ladders throughout the Marina Complex.
Request for Information/Agenda Items: Mr. Suter suggested considering, next month, a
statement to City Council relative to beginning the city manager hiring process regarding the
need to hire someone more aware of, in this coastal community, the Marina's importance to the
local economy, ambiance, etc.
Marina Advisory Committee -2- September 8, 2008
Confirmation of Next Meeting: October 6, 2008
Adjournment: As there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:41 p.m.
Peter M. Davidson
Marina Superintendent
Marina Advisory Committee -3- September 8, 2008