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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Watershore And Beach Advisory Committee - 10/03/2002 r i l 3456 70 NOVX002 Minutes c REC cI1Y EivED , Regular Meeting lk. SECRETARY'S �i Water/Shore Advisory Committee cs) QFFICE ti Thursday, October 3, 2002 ze 01" Members Present: Tom Anderson (Vice Chairman), Alan Dinn, Grant Fergeson (1), Dr. Oscar Garcia, Steve Moody, Dr. JoAnna Mott(1) Roy Pell (Chairman) (1) Members Absent: Dan Leyendecker(1) and Terri Nicolau(1) -Staff Present: Margie C. Rose, Assistant City Manager, Dan Whitworth, Director of Park & Recreation, David Ondrias, Assistant Director of Park & 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 Water/Shore Advisory Committee to order at 5:35 p.m. in the Basement Training Room, City Hall and Mr. Fergeson lead recital of the Pledge of Allegiance. Action on Minutes: The motion was made by Mr. Anderson, seconded by Mr. Dinn to approve the September 5, 2002 Minutes as presented. The motion passed unanimously. Presentations and/or Public Comment: Larry Haas commented that there is a conflict of interest resulting from Mr. Pell's being both Chairman of the Water/Shore Advisory Committee and a charter member of the Nurture Our Waterfront (NOW) group. Chairman Pell explained there was no conflict of interest because his participation in NOW is separate and apart from his involvement with the Committee. Lowell Thomas thanked the Committee for their service and expressed disappointment with the City's lack of interest in maintaining the bay view that is used in advertisements of the City. Mr. Ficken agreed that there is a conflict of interest regarding Mr. Pell as has been demonstrated when he expressed opposition to Protect/Preserve Our Waterfront (POW) and made untrue comments about CCYC during a local radio program and in a later newspaper article commenting as if he were doing so on behalf of the Committee. Bill Kopecky commented that like the Convention Center, the Marina might better operate as a Special Revenue Fund (that even the Airport which is also an Enterprise Fund and therefore should have a reasonable chance of supporting itself or making a profit could not operate on its own if not for Federal Programs that build run/taxiways); that the Marina Fund should not be responsible for costs associated with what does not directly relate to the Marina. He cautioned the Committee with regard to what would be allowed to be discussed during the meeting related to NOW and any issue that, by a petition of the citizens, has been placed on the November 5, 2002 Ballot. J-22 World Championships - Dr. Michael McCutchon announced that CCYC will host this the second world event this year and expects participation of 60 boats with seven international competitors from three countries. Dr. McCutchon commented that CCYC is proud about winning regattas for Corpus Christi that is a great. He reported that each regatta is run entirely by volunteers and that CCYC receives no income for hosting the regattas; that they host the regattas because they sailing grow into a different industry for the City's benefit; that CCYC operates Boy/Sea Scout Programs and offers a Junior Sailing Program to anyone who wants to Water/Shore Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes -1- E® October 3,2002 sail ($130/week, 4 hours/day, 4 days/week); that sailing teaches children self-reliance and provides hours of enjoyment without fees. Dr. McCutchon reported the regattas are major money makers for the community and serve both ends of the spectrum; that the economic impact study CCYC requested be performed by TAMU-CC CCYC indicates the benefit to the City was $680,000 based on room nights and that given the Optimist Team Trials, U.S. Championships and Optimist World Championships the City might realize an economic impact of$3-5 Million from the regattas. Dr. McCutchon commented that the name of the company that runs the Marina does not concern him as does what is intended to be done with the Marina; that the focus should be as a marina working to building sailing and marina operations that benefit the City; that the regattas would not be possible if the marina were no longer a marina and things were removed from the landmasses which are at maximum occupancy during the events. He reported that CCYC has already won the 2003 North American Championships and are in the process of bidding for the 2004 505 Class World Championships that could draw 100-150 boats and result in similar economic impacts locally; that they want to be able to keep doing regattas. On behalf of the Committee, Chairman Pell thanked Dr. McCutchon and Mr. Dinn for their regatta involvement. Nurture Our Waterfront Committee - A fifteen-minute recess was called in order to seek Legal input regarding the question of legality was raised during the meeting. Upon reconvening the meeting, Chairman Pell explained that NOW's presentation was being deleted from the agenda as a result of issues already on the November 5, 2002 Ballot and that POW's presentation was made before issues were on the Ballot. Discussion Items and Possible Action Thereto: Amending the Charter of the City of Corpus Christi to Prohibit Leases or Franchises Longer than Five Years Covering any City Property in the Marina Area or Cole Park Unless First Approved by the Voters - Chairman Pell announced that the public would be allowed five minutes to comment regarding the issue after Committee discussion. In response to questioning, Chairman Pell commented that the public would be allowed five instead of three minutes unless there was serious Committee objection and because the issue was controversial. Discussion followed regarding: the Marina not being capable of supporting itself; lack of demand to support sail maker business or other businesses (except for power boat community); whether the non-marine community/average citizen affected by sales/property taxes derives any benefit;privatizing to resolve financial problems; the reality being the need for repairs and a lack of funding to do so; the need to move forward with responsible decisions to maintain the Marina; that the public would not have voted to rebuild the Seawall if they didn't care about the Marina whether or not they knew bulk heading was a part of the project; citizens view the bayfront as a tourist attraction, someplace to take visitors to watch boats, feed seagulls, etc.; questions/concerns that Marina funds pay for non-Marina related items; possible need to redefine the Marina; how to generate more funding for the Marina without "taxing" boaters; developing the marina to its potential while maintaining the marina operations; working toward getting the City Council to make the Marina more of a top priority; looking at other revenue streams i.e. hotel/motel tax, charging for oil/gas activities in the Bay; suggestion that citizens would support a less extravagant tourist attraction in favor or a more marina based development plan. Mr. Ondrias responded to concerns that the Marina receives revenue derived outside the Marina i.e. surreys Water/Shore Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes -2- October 3,2002 pPIP _ that operate on Shoreline. Chairman Pell restated the discussion being limiting a commercial lease in the Marina area to voter approval of anything over five years. Mr. Moody stated big business will not be attracted and Mr. Anderson stated that would be a big problem. Jerry Vaughn suggested everyone would be amazed if they paid attention to usage of the Marina area on any day during a weekend. Bill Shirko commented that if slip fees were increased to rebuild R-Pier that the increase should be across the board; that everyone agrees something needs to be done and the Committee should be driven to bring things together; suggested beach parking pass be $7 with $1 going to Marina and requiring a sticker to park cars in the Marina. Cliff Atnip commented that NOW does not believe in limiting development along the waterfront and does not endorse any development/developer; their sole goal is to educate the public on what Proposition 4 is about; that citizens want to see things move forward but businesses don't locate in Corpus Christi because developers don't want to get involved with local politics; the need to work together toward having great sailing regattas and development that citizens can enjoy. Bill Kopecky commented it would be tough but hotel/motel tax dollars to support the Marina should be explored; that major work is needed to raise the landmasses; that instead of the 1/8 sales tax increase, the City should use funding available through the Seawall District Legislation to fund Seawall repairs and, as an integral part of the Seawall, landmass repairs. Lowell Thomas considered what Marina tenants think about hockey or the botanical gardens commenting that the City is blessed with a number of activities and items that should keep everyone's interest; that the Marina is the one that needs a little help at this time. Discussion followed regarding Marina leases and that eleven of sixteen have expired and continue to operate on a month-to-month basis. Mr. Davidson responded to questioning that CCYC built L and M Pier and then amortized the $480,000 costs over a ten-year period; that leases over the water are limited to a five-year maximum term. Charlie Williams representing 100 Black Men in Corpus Christi a new local group that advocates children (health and wellness), entering education and economic development commented that instead of arguing, everyone should work together to get things done in the interest of and to give local children something to look forward to that will encourage them to get involved and to remain in Corpus Christi. Director's Report - Mr. Davidson reported or responded to: (1) BIG - waiting on final signature/drawings of floating restroom facility from construction company; (2) water sampling procedure; (3) Marina infrastructure repair list; and (4) floating Marina Office barge being on hold until Marina privatization issue is finalized. Jerry Vaughn commented that he resents: having to pay for paving on the landmasses, repairs to and maintenance of free public ramps, sidewalks/guardrails around the landmasses, maintenance of the Barge Dock, maintenance of Miradores and the Selena status, cleaning the Seawall from the Barge Dock to the Holiday Inn, supporting a large Marina Staff, installation and maintenance of public restrooms, a City Department to maintain Marina vehicles (when the Water Department is allowed to perform some of their own maintenance); being characterized in Letters to the Editor and in comments before City Council and by some Council members and City Staff as a rich boat owner. He suggested the Committee, City Staff and City Council look carefully at the Water/Shore Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes -3- October 3,2002 enormous traffic in the Marina area especially on weekends; that under 1% of the traffic boat owners; that the Marina is first or second place for City park usage and it is unfair to place the burden for support on Marina slip tenants and lease holders. Committee Reports: None offered. Current Concerns: Mr. Anderson commented that the Marina Infrastructure Repairs list might be better organized with major topics and subheadings specifically with regard to safety issues. Mr. Anderson commented that the service of outstanding debt and what comes out of the General Fund needs to be given more attention so it is evident in the Marina budget. Discussion followed - regarding the inequity realized by the Marina Fund being responsible for costs associated with the repair/maintenance of roadways and parking lots on the landmasses that are used by the entire community. Mr. Davidson requested the Committee's assistance in requesting General Fund dollars to maintain the roadways/parking lots in the Marina. Mr. Davidson explained that each Marina lease is a a different type of lease and that Legal is working to develop a more uniform lease document that can be used in all Marina situations. Chairman Pell recognized Dan Leyendecker for being appointed by Rick Perry to the Nueces River Authority. Discussion followed regarding Chairman Pell's receipt of Harbor Lights solicitation of the Marina and/or Committee's $4,500 sponsorship of the Illuminated Boat Parade and to become more involved in the 2002 event. Mr. Davidson commented that the Marina has provided services in-kind every year since the event began (organizing/leading the boat parade). Discussion followed regarding the Marina being recognized for its in-kind input and putting a dollar value on Marina's participation and then responding that in-kind services are already provided; or sending the event a bill for the Marina's participation. Request for Information/Agenda Items: Dr. Mott requested a progress report on North Beach (renourishment, effect of high tides, etc.). Confirmation of Next Meeting Date: The next regular meeting is scheduled for November 7, 2002. Adjournment: As there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:23 p.m. Peter M. Davidson Marina Superintendent Water/Shore Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes -4- October 3,2002