HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Watershore And Beach Advisory Committee - 09/02/1999 Minutes
Water/Shore Advisory Committee
September 2, 1999
* NO QUORUM *
Members Present: James Barnett, Frank Beck, Dr. Joseph Horvat and Mercedes Salinas
Members Absent: Alan Dinn(Chairman), Steven Moody, Dr. JoAnna Mott and Trian Serbu
Staff Present: Marco A. Cisneros,Director of Park&Recreation, Mike Gordon,Assistant Director
for Operations,Peter Davidson,Marina Superintendent,Todd Jensen,Marina Operations Supervisor
and Benita Brunner, Marina Administrative Aide
Call to Order: Mr. Beck called the Water/Shore Advisory Committee meeting to order at 5:36 p.m.
in the Basement Training Room at City Hall.
Action on Absences/Minutes: For lack of a quorum, there was no action taken on absences during
or Minutes of the 8/5/99 Water/Shore Advisory Committee meeting.
Public Comment and/or Presentations: Andy Ficken and Don Glandt commented against ceasing
search and rescue (SAR) operations.
Discussion Items:
Search and Rescue Operations -Dr.Horvat commented that his suggestion was not to remove SAR
but rather that there are more efficient and economical ways for SAR's to be provided through
authorities i.e. the Fire Department (better trained), USCG (for life threatening situations) or
someone on a fee per basis (for non-life threatening situations). Mr. Jensen reported that the Marina
averages 90 to 105 SAR's (boat aground, capsized and people in the water, drownings, bridge
jumpers, etc.) and 58 routine calls (special events, mooring/line assistance, etc.) each year; SAR
average 20 to 45 minutes; Marina boats are paid for; 90% of boat maintenance is performed in-
house; Fire does not have boats designed for towing or for response in the bays; and USCG mainly
responds to life threatening situations. Mr. Beck suggested the Marina did not need to,stop SAR's
but rather needed to charge a flat fee ($200/hour) with a one-hour minimum. Mr. Davidson
responded to questions that it was his understanding that USCG will perform SAR's if the City opts
out of the service and that commercial towers charge$250-300 per hour for services. The audience
was asked to respond to Mr. Beck's suggestion. Mr. Ficken stated boat insurance provide up to$150
for towing. Romeo Garcia agreed that reasonable charges would be acceptable and complimented
Marina Staff for providing a good service. Mr. Beck stated the Marina needs to provide SAR in order
to adequately operate,protect and patrol a Marina. Discussion followed regarding staffing, charging
for towing operations, other emergency response sources,recovering costs for services provided, life
saving training, staff reorganization, securing captains licenses, staff reorganization, etc. Chuck
Curry commented services should be provided as they are currently. Dennis Haas commented that
SAR is more a City responsibility, which should receive support from the general and wondered
September 2, 1999-Water/Shore Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes 1
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about liabilities. For lack of a quorum, there was no action taken on this subject which will be
placed on the agenda for the next regularly scheduled agenda.
New Marina Office: Mr. Gordon commented that the City Council wants to have presentations made
to them on all facilities and Staff is trying to get the presentation for the barge office concept
scheduled on the City Council agenda. Mr. Cisneros added that the City Council's request is to
provide them a working knowledge of contracts they approve for construction. Discussion followed
regarding the barge concept and uses for office space (meetings, boat services, etc.). For lack of a
quorum, there was no action taken on this subject which will be placed on the agenda for the next
regularly scheduled agenda.
Hurricane Plan or Implementation -Mr. Gordon commended the Marina Staff for their work during
Hurricane Bret. He commented that Staff would be reviewing hurricane haul out operations,
logistics of performing hurricane haul outs in the future, median availability, etc. Mr. Davidson
commended Mr. Beck for providing his engineering expertise and assistance in hurricane haul out
operations. He agreed that Staff would be reviewing hurricane haul out operations including use of
outside contractors to provide the service. He reported those who utilized their hurricane haul out
deposits would not be asked to replenish it until such time as the best method or feasibility of Marina
Staff performing hurricane haul outs in the future. Discussion followed regarding using more than
one piece of equipment to remove boats, this being the only community that puts boats in the
median, responsibility for removing boats, etc. For lack of a quorum, there was no action taken on
this subject which will be placed on the agenda for the next regularly scheduled agenda.
Committee Reports: None Offered.
Director's Report: Mr. Gordon commented/reported on: (1) Committee input regarding one
committee vacancy; (2) requested evaluation of lighting at Lawrence/Shoreline intersection; (3)
Marina Fund Fleet Allocations; (4) completed of piling project; and (5) Bait Stand plans. Mr.
Davidson commented/reported on: (1) moving shrimp vendors to North side of Peoples Street; (2)
lighting on D-Pier; (3) C-Pier electrical work; (4) Miradore lighting and drinking fountain
installation; and (5) Pan Am Games.
Current Concerns, Events and Unfinished Business: Mr. Gordon responded to questioning that
the Committee's resolution will be going to the City Manager within the next week. Mr. Barnett
requested that each Committee member be provided a copy of the correspondence to the City
Manager. Mr. Beck requested a list of the fifteen vehicles indicated on the Marina Fund Fleet
Allocations memo dated July 8, 1999. Discussion followed regarding response to fire within the
Marina. Mr. Davidson commented the need for Committee members to attend the meeting.
Discussion followed regarding routinely excusing absences.
Adjournment: As there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:00 p.m.
Peter Davidson
Marina Superintendent
September 2, 1999-Water/Shore Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes 2