Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Watershore And Beach Advisory Committee - 11/07/2002 l r 46 co Minutes DEC UP _ Regular Meeting r Water/Shore Adviso Committe � G i Thursday, November 7,2002 Members Present: Tom Anderson (Vice Chairman), Alan Dinn, Grant Fergeson (1), Dr. Oscar Garcia, Dr. JoAnna Mott(1), Terri Nicolau (1) and Roy Pell (Chairman) (1) Members Absent: Dan Leyendecker(2) and Steve Moody (1) Staff Present: 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 5:32 p.m. in the Sixth Floor Conference Room, City Hall and Dr. Garcia led recital of the Pledge of Allegiance. Action on Minutes: The motion was made by Mr. Dinn, seconded by Mr. Anderson to approve the October 3, 2002 Minutes as presented. The motion passed unanimously. Presentations and/or Public Comment: Jerry Vaughn relayed concerns regarding use of tax dollars as a result of seeing five City vehicles used to transport seven City employees to a Ropes Park work location and watching as six City employee stood around just watching one actually working. Corpus Christi Beach Update - Angel Escobar and Felix Ocanas of the City Engineering Department presented information and pictures regarding Corpus Christi Beach and what has occurred over the approximately five months since the project was completed. Discussion followed regarding beach stabilization (via wind/wave action), ponding, monitoring sand movement, capturing and relocating sand back to the north end every seven years, hurricane events moving sand more quickly, the need for annual grading to maintain the beach, that adjacent businesses are pleased with the new beach area and Beach Maintenance Division equipment on Corpus Christi Beach to improve its appearance and maintain its integrity. Mr. Escobar reported that since project completion and following two storm events, the beach is at the anticipated goal of 232 feet in depth along the approximately 1/2 mile of beach area and that the beach is expected to last seven years. Seawall Update- Mr. Escobar provided updated information regarding progression of the Seawall Restoration which is on-going adjacent to the Barge Dock. The first section adjacent to the Barge Dock is nearing completion and will include new sheet piling protection against storm/wave action and a raised, accessible deck with hand railing. Work is progressing in the second section (filling voids beneath the sidewalk section along the barge dock entrance) and should be ready by the end of 2002. City Staff is working with the Art Committee regarding art Water/Shore AdvisoryCommittee Meeting Minutes -1- CAN N ED November 7,2002 (shell imprints, shade/arbor areas) to be included along this area in conjunction with "Streetscape" and the required percentage for arts. Discussion followed regarding presenting recommended art to the Committee at its next meeting, how the arena bid could affect a section of the seawall restoration project, potential cost savings with regard to use of 18" instead of 24" pilings, convention center contractor to work parallel with area contractor and City Council addressing plans for emergency repairs to the downtown drainage system which runs through the seawall. Discussion Items and Possible Action Thereto: Marina Dredging/ Sunfish Island - Mr. Davidson commented the dredging project's anticipated start is mid-January; that the project will take approximately one month to complete; that the issue was to be addressed by the City Council on November 12, 2002; that approximately 100 feet of each Marina gap will be dredged; that the bulk of soil to replenish Sunfish Island will be taken from outside the breakwater because it is cheaper to do so and because the sand there is cleaner and less likely to cause injury to birds. He added that the bulk monies for the GLO project will fund a 700' rock granite breakwater on the southwest side of the three acre Sunfish Island because sediment is being lost from that side (subsequent project phases could expand the island up to twelve acres). Mr. Davidson reported that other Marina dredging would not occur unless an additional $4- 600,000 (depending on soil contamination/disposal) could be earmarked to piggyback onto the GLO project; that the Corps of Engineers will allow the City to use the current permit through project completion or for an extension of up to ten years; and that piggybacking onto the GLO project will save high costs associated with mobilizing dredging apparatus. He continued that City Staff is looking into the approximately $80,000 in costs associated with the Federal Fish and Wildlife Department's required soil sampling (three intervals during dredging) at the fifteen Marina sites. Mr. Davidson added that the Marina is now generating revenues and could repay a $200,000 loan that coupled with $200,000 from the estimated $320,000 fund balance (to be verified by the impending Comprehensive Annual Financial Report [CAFR]) would fund the project. Discussion followed. Mr. Davidson responded to questioning that he believed dredging was the best use of funds; that other considerations were the City's application for grant funding to build more/larger slips that will attract larger vessels which will provide more/additional revenues; that dredging would take the average Marina depth to 13-1/2 feet which would allow access for 100 foot and larger yachts. The Committee requested that City Staff ensure that dredging inside the breakwater is a top priority(considering issues i.e. rebuilding R-Pier and safety). Peoples Street Parking - Mr. Davidson briefed the Committee regarding historic traffic/parking issues on the Peoples Street T-Head and reported shrimp vendor complaints relative to the lack of parking for their customers. Discussion followed regarding the need for parking meters/ signage, the potential for vandalism to parking meters, vandalism to existing signs previously installed to address similar problems, potential revenue from parking meters, shrimp vendors Water/Shore Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes -2- November 7,2002 and/or their employees parking in front of their or other shrimp vendors locations, requesting that involved parties park opposite vending locations, etc. The Committee directed that City Staff do nothing but rather suggest that the shrimp vendors resolve the problem themselves. Boating Infrastructure Grant Restroom Facility - Referencing a family-style and public restroom facility depicted in pictures included in the agenda packet, Mr. Davidson commented that the Texas Park & Wildlife Grant is specifically to provide restroom facilities for visiting boaters. Discussion followed regarding the facility layout, floating versus land-based facilities, placing the proposed facility in the southeast corner of the Lawrence Street T-Head, having the infrastructure (approximately $40,000 costs) in place prior to the facility's arrival, base cost ($150,000)up to $170,000 with additional top deck(for Marina Staff use only; no public access), transportation fees ($30,000 for private company versus costs associated with City Staff transporting the facility from Louisiana utilizing a Marina rescue vessel), returning to the government any funds remaining from the $266,000 available, the requirement for the facility to be under construction by August 2003 (or lose the funding), contract required timeline, adhering to the City's required competitive bid process and when the contract "clock" starts ticking. The Committee requested that Mr. Davidson stay on top of this matter. Discussion followed regarding the City having a better opportunity for receiving a second grant ($600,000) that will provide for building slips for larger boats, problems resulting from a second electrical outage on R-Pier resulting from electrical access having been installed beneath the water, building docks to ensure safety of persons and facilities, priorities...electrical concerns versus dredging,prioritizing and scheduling Marina projects, enhancing revenues, etc. Meeting Location - Mr. Davidson reported that Margie Rose, Assistant City Manager, requested the Committee's preference for meeting in the Sixth Floor Conference Room or to continue meeting in the Basement Training Room. Discussion followed. Mr. Vaughn suggested that the current seating should be adjusted so all face the audience. The Committee was polled and the preference was to meet in the Sixth Floor Conference Room at City Hall. Director's Report - Mr. Davidson reported on or responded to: (1) renewal of month-to-month Marina leases pending outcome with Landry's; (2) water taxi requesting five and being allowed a two-year lease; (3) all vendors being paid up-to-date; (4) MIS allocation; (5) information regarding Marina payments on bond indebtedness to be indicated on the CAFR Report; (6) costs associated with Marina Office utilizing the on-line billing system; (7) funds indicated under "Buildings" to be City's match for the floating restroom Grant; (8) funds indicated under "Building Maintenance" to be the allocation for that Division's operation i.e. costs for electricians/carpenters, etc. working in Marina; (9) funds indicated under "Temporary Services" paid toward temporary workers covering Marina Staff vacancies (which are offset by salary savings); (10) whether restaurant operations effect water quality; (11) trash accumulation in several Marina locations; and(12) water quality report. Committee Reports: None offered. • Water/Shore Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes -3- November 7,2002 • • Current Concerns: Discussion occurred regarding Dr. Mott's expressed concerns relative to the need for a procedure to address incidents when allowed percentages are exceeded as per water samplings. Chairman Pell requested that Dr. Mott work with him in order to prepare a draft document for the Committee's consideration. Mr. Anderson suggested that boaters be encouraged to participate in Harbor Lights. Discussion followed regarding past events. Mr. Davidson reported that the Marina has in the past provided and will again provide free-rent prizes and will approach those present in the Marina (at gatherings i.e. Wednesday Night Races) to encourage boaters to participate. Committee members indicated their being pleased with email communications. Request for Information/Agenda Items: Chairman Pell requested a list detailing prioritization of issues, specifically safety related issues, that need to be addressed in the Marina. Mr. Davidson stated he would provide the CAFR Report. Confirmation of Next Meeting Date: The next regular meeting is scheduled for December 5, 2003. Adjournment: As there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:43 p.m. r),(Peter M. Davidson Marina Superintendent Water/Shore Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes -4- November 7,2002