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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Watershore And Beach Advisory Committee - 02/07/2002 Minutes Regular Meeting Water/Shore Advisory Committee Meeting Thursday, February 7, 2002 Members Present: Tom Anderson, Frank Beck, Alan Dinn (Chairman), Dr. Oscar Garcia (2), Dan Leyendecker(1), Dr. JoAnna Mott (1), Terri Nicolau (1) and Roy Pell Members Absent: Steve Moody (Vice Chairman) (4) Staff Present: George Noe, Deputy City Manager, Marco A. Cisneros, Director of Park and Recreation, David Ondrias, Assistant Director for Operations, Peter M. Davidson, Marina Superintendent, Benita Brunner, Management Aide Call to Order: Chairman Dinn called the regular meeting of the Water/Shore Advisory Committee to order at 5:30 p.m. in the Basement Training Room, City Hall and the Pledge Allegiance was recited. Action on Minutes: The motion was made by Mr. Beck, seconded by Dr. Garcia, to approve the January 3, 2002 and January 9, 2002 Minutes as presented. The motion passed unanimously. Presentations and/or Public Comment: Larry Jones of the City/County Health Department distributed information regarding water samples performed periodically by the department at various sights from Corpus Christi Beach to the JFK Causeway. He reported the testing procedures would soon change to be in compliance with TNRCC guidelines. Using annual readings from 2001 as the example, he indicated re-testing was required at the McGee Beach/Furman and Marina T-Head sights as a result of repeated incidents of high readings in those locations. In response to questioning, Mr. Jones reported the highest reading that occurred in November 2001 was at the T-Head location and that the reading could have resulted from the direct overboard discharge of a marine toilet. Discussions followed regarding Stormwater discharge locations, the Wastewater system being separate from the Stormwater system and methods for funding water- sampling studies. Leon Loeb representing the South Wharf Project made a slide video presentation regarding the history of bayfront development and his project's concept. The proposed location is on the bayfront in the south basin adjacent to the McGee Beach Concession Stand. The project proposes to provide four acres of new land enclosed by a seawall extension (fourteen foot elevation), a pedestrian environment, approximately 160,000 square feet of mixed-use of buildings, one four-story, subsurface parking area for tenants (using lots at the Coliseum for additional parking; the project could include boat slips, small boat rentals, live aboard boat slips, apartments/condos, a bed and breakfast, a junior sailing center, beach rentals, restrooms, bait stand, food/drink concessions, day markets, public safety kiosks, retail sales, office space, cruising center, parking, etc.). Mr. Loeb indicated his interest in obtaining ideas from the public through making the presentation SCANNED Water/Shore Advisory Committee Meeting -1- February 7,2002 around town and stated many ideas had already been incorporated into the project. Mr. Loeb requested the Committee's endorsement of the project for which a definitive agreement is currently being negotiated with the City. Those representing the project are requesting a forty-year lease with two additional ten year options to continue a public/private venture that will pay for all construction, seawall restoration within project boundaries, pay annual rent and pay taxes on all improvements. Discussions followed regarding market research; unimpeded pedestrian access; project timeline; the project being independent of and an enhancement to other plans for the Marina; environmental concerns, disrupting the view of the water; and enhancing/abandoning in place the existing seawall within the project area. The motion was made by Dr. Garcia, seconded by Mr. Pell, to instruct City Staff to continue working with Mr. Loeb toward making the South Wharf Project happen. The motion passed unanimously. Andy Ficken commented that a marina should be dedicated to boaters; related parking concerns; and commented in opposition to locating additional restaurants on the Lawrence Street T-Head. Ron Chiles supported Mr. Ficken's comments and suggested the North Beach area be considered for locating additional restaurants. Brenda Duggins supported Mr. Ficken's and Mr. Chiles' comments; commented that her experience during her sailing travels has been that live aboards are not looked favorably upon; and inquired whether amenities are planned to accommodate larger vessels. Robert Kingman supported previous comments and commented that marina staff should handle marina policies and enforcement. William Walton supported previous comments; distributed his written comments (copy attached); commented that Landry's appears to be the worst proposal; and indicated his intent to leave the Marina if the development occurs. Jeff Cantwell, Vice President of Landry's Restaurant, distributed a handout regarding the Landry's proposal and offered to answer questions. Joe McComb commented about the need for having and following a master plan such as the one discussed in 1999 for Shoreline Boulevard. Jerry Vaughn read a letter in opposition to Landry's taking over the Marina. Frank Hankins commented on the history of bayfront development and commented about there being opposition to the South Wharf Project and its disrupting the view of the city from the water as well the view of the water from the city. Mike McCutchon stated the Landry's proposal seemed to be geared to marina development to the exclusion of boats; that the development has the potential to lose opportunities for major sailing events to occur locally; and commented about the need to develop the marina instead of giving it to a non-boating interest. Sheldon Schroeder indicated no option to the South Wharf project and strongly supported the use of a master plan to address marina development and parking concerns. Terry Bernal commented in opposition to locating additional restaurants to the Peoples Street T-Head. James Dinn commented regarding the preciousness of water inside the seawall (east of the Lawrence Street and Peoples Street T-Heads) which is used as sailing areas for small boats when winds are high. Mark Lee Alexander Mahoney complained about being threatened with arrest and not being allowed to walk around or to conduct business in the Marina. Chairman Dinn suggested that Mr. Mahoney discuss the matter with Mr. Davidson. Maxine Smith commented that tourists are interested in viewing the beauty of the bayfront. Johnny French commented that whether it will be possible to obtain a 10404 Permit from the Corps of Engineers should be investigated before further investment of Water/Shore Advisory Committee Meeting -2- February 7,2002 time and money with regard to the South Wharf Project. Ruben Welch commented that the three plans should be disposed of because they have no consideration to boaters needs. Discussion Items: Stay Aboard Permit Procedure — Mr. Davidson commented that the revisions, indicated in red, were further adjusted to include the Committee's input at the January 2002 meeting. Discussion followed regarding allowing bonafide transient vessels a one-time permit for a maximum period of sixty days without having to vacate the vessel; when permits are required to be presented; Marina Staff being available 24/7/365 via cellular phone; the establishment of a new permit issue procedure; and changing the section titled "prohibition again live aboards" to "policy for regulating transient watercraft". The motion was made by Mr. Pell, seconded by Ms. Nicolau, to adjust wording throughout the revision to reflect the authorization for transient boaters to obtain one permit not to exceed sixty days in a six-month period. Discussion followed regarding the current policies regarding transient stay aboards; the current policy allowing use outside the existing Ordinance; and those Ordinance revisions will go before the City Council. The motion was made by Mr. Anderson, seconded by Mr. Pell, to table the matter untilthe next meeting. The motion passed with Ms. Nicolau in opposition. Marina R.F.P. — Chairman Dinn entertained adoption of Landry's proposal with stipulations. The motion was made by Mr. Pell, seconded by Mr. Anderson, to accept Landry's proposal with the stipulations that development of the Marina occur on the People's Street T-Head, that it be limited to no more than two additional restaurants, and that Landry's be required to expand marina services on the Coopers Alley L-Head to include covered slips and expanded repair facilities. Discussion followed regarding additional restrooms; the possibility for moving some floating piers to the Peoples Street T-Head, moving Landry's from Peoples Street into the area vacated by the relocated floating piers which could relieve parking concerns for the cost of additional pilings; moving the Marina offices to the Haulout Facility to further relieve parking concerns; the lack of public support for Landry's proposal; the need for additional information before the Committee can determine a recommendation; and the project time table. Mr. Noe responded to questioning that the Committee has three opportunities for input with regard to the project. The first is occurring at this time, the second when the City/developer determinate specifics and the third when the specifics are again considered by advisory boards prior to going to the City Council. He added that the Committee's comments would be made known to the City Council after each of the three stages. Mr. Noe stated he has received positive feedback regarding the proposal. Discussion continued. Mr. Cisneros commented regarding the schedule being changed so the City Council will receive the project presentation on March 19, 2002 in a public hearing format. Discussion continued. The motion was made by Ms. Nicolau, seconded by Dr. Garcia, to table the matter until the next Committee meeting. The motion passed with Mr. Leyendecker in opposition and Mr. Beck abstaining. Director's Report—Mr. Noe,Mr. Cisneros, Mr. Ondrias and/or Mr. Davidson reported on or responded to questions regarding: (1) the San Antonio Boat Show; (2) dredge/spoil being used as the City's in kind match for receiving ($1.7 Million) Grants; (3) dredging Water/Shore Advisory Committee Meeting -3- February 7,2002 � e to first occur at the gap and then into larger boat slips; (4) postings allowed on new bulletin boards; (5) CCYC/Bait Stand leases being handled by Legal; (6) the visiting river barge; (7) bayfront revenues; and (8) bait stand revenues. The Committee viewed the new Marina marketing video. Committee Reports: None offered. Current Concerns: None offered. Request for Information/Agenda Items: Ms. Nicolau requested that the next agenda include possible recommendations for a memorandum of agreement so the Committee can consider details. Confirmation: Next meeting date—March 7, 2002 Adjournment: As there was no further business, the mee •I: • . adjourned at 8:32 p.m. J , Peter M. Davidson Marina Superintendent Water/Shore Advisory Committee Meeting -4- February 7,2002