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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Watershore And Beach Advisory Committee - 01/07/1999 Minutes Water/Shore Advisory Committee January 7, 1999 Members Present: Alan Dinn, Robert Forest, Dr. Joseph Horvat, David Krams (Vice Chairman), Steven Moody, Dr. JoAnna Mott, Mercedes Salinas and Roger Wright Members Absent: Trian Serbu (Chairman) Staff Present: Mike Gordon, Assistant Director for Operations, Peter Davidson, Marina Superintendent, Todd Jensen, Marina Operations Supervisor and Benita Brunner, Marina Management Aide. Call to Order: Vice Chairman Krams called the Water/Shore Advisory Committee meeting to order at 5:40 p.m. in the Committee Room at City Hall. Action on Absences: The motion was made by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Forest, to excuse Mr. Dinn's and Mr. Krams' absences from the 12/3/98 meeting. The motion passed unanimously. Action on the Minutes: Dr. Mott corrected the motion(Page 2,Paragraph 2) to read"emphasizing the dangers in the present bait stand facility". She stated the Committee had requested clarification regarding from where funds for the new marina office were coming. Mr. Wright corrected his comment (Page 3, Paragraph 3) to read "a portable sanitary unit be considered so that it could be available for use". The motion was made by Dr. Mott, seconded by Mr. Moody, to approve the 12/3/98 Minutes as corrected. The motion passed unanimously. Public Comment and/or Presentations: Commander Bryan P. Smith of CCPD Uniform Division gave an overview and answered questions regarding police responses to the Marina Complex. He reported that the area is becoming a great tourist attraction and that there is a general downward trend in crime. He reported the need for better lighting in pedestrian crosswalks located at the Shoreline intersections. He reported on the successful use of speed bumps and suggested establishing a crime watch group in the Marina. Ed Bartyzal, President of the Columbus Fleet Association, expressed thanks to the Marina for providing the Nina's mooring facilities. He expressed agreement with plans to relocate two of the vessels to the Lawrence Street T-Head stem to allow public viewing (plans for building mooring facilities adjacent to the Museum are still pending). Ms. Stubbs related an experience with crime in the Marina she experienced. She added that the bait stand was burglarized by individual gaining access through exterior openings where windows could not be replaced due to the building shifting. Vice Chairman Krams reported Chairman Serbu has not made contact with Smitty's representatives. Mr. Moody reported that Smitty's project manager informed the fisherman will regain access after the foundation is built. SCANNED Water/Shore Advisory Committee Meeting.Minutes -2- 1/7/99 Committee Reports: None offered. Director's Report: Mr. Davidson commented/reported on: (1) live aboards; (2) piling project; (3) fire safety inspection; (4) trash container has been located at fuel station; (5) Lighthouse cleared area surrounding building; (6) barge chapel; (7) Whitecap RFP; and (8) approaching Port to assist with financing Marina Office. Mr. Gordon commented/reported on: (1) new Marina Office; (2) occupancy; (3) water quality report; (4) Guard; (5) Bait Stand; (6) availability of FEMA funds for storm damage; and (7) rate review subcommittee. Mr. Davidson distributed live aboard information from the International Marine Institute. His research is continuing and he expects a final decision within the next few months. Mr. Wright commented the Committee had already passed a proposed City Ordinance recommendation. Mr. Gordon commented that establishing policy/procedure requires consideration of critical issues (types of boats, children,pets, liabilities, fees, sewage, garbage, etc.). Mr. Davidson's research has found Marina's that did not consider these types of issues are having to deal with difficult situations. His research also includes a fee structure that was not established with the Committee's basic live aboard policies. Mr. Gordon stated a draft policy might be available for next regularly scheduled meeting. Vice Chairman Krams requested that draft policies and the minutes regarding Committee actions on the live aboard issue be sent to the members prior to the next meeting. Mr. Gordon commented on the bond amortization schedule ($400,000), how Lighthouse revenue relates to construction of the new Marina Office, language from lease agreements regarding Lighthouse/Fuel payment responsibilities, plans to sell bonds to amortize building costs, the possibility of utilizing a barge for the new Marina Office and preliminary drawings for a land-based facility. Discussion followed. Mr. Davidson commented on the pros and cons of the facilities and the need to accommodate current staff Discussion continued. The motion was made by Ms. Salinas, seconded by Mr. Dinn,to have the City explore further the possibility of using a barge for the new Marina Office. The motion passed unanimously. Mr. Gordon reported the Guard's work a 32 hour week and that the second Guard has been hired. Mr. Gordon reported that the Engineering Department will be meeting with an engineering firm regarding a contract to design Bait Stand piling. He added that the project could be bid by 2/1 and that the same engineering firm will work on the Marina piling and Seawall projects. He responded to questioning that to get the square footage Ms. Stubbs has requested in the Bait Stand, the City will amend the lease to allow for amortization during renovations. Ms. Stubbs will pay for the additional square footage. He added the restrooms will be attached and the building is at the location 15 feet away from the bulkhead. Vice Chairman Krams requested that the Committee be given the opportunity to see the final plan prior to the bid. Mr. Davidson gave a brief overview of the proposed piling project, relocating the non-motorized water toy site a safe operating area adjacent to McGee Beach in the South Basin, relocating the fast- i motorized water toy site to the North face of Peoples Street T-Head, adding four pilings and building a finger pier at the public boat ramp, relocating shrimp boats vending to the public to the North side of Peoples Street stem, future plans to increase floating piers from the South side of Peoples Street stern, and relocating the Nina to the South side of Lawrence Street stem. The Committee requested an updated map of the piling project. Mr. Gordon stated the information was being provided to allow the Committee time to consider them. He commented there may be a need to form a subcommittee to review Marina fee structures. Mr. Wright and Mr. Dinn volunteered to serve on the subcommittee to review fee structures. Mr. Jensen commented on costs associated with the Marina becoming compliant with the fire safety code, working to obtain FCC licensing allowing staff to carry VHF (Channel 16) radios when away from the main office, and Marina Staff being in direct contact with the 911 Dispatchers via radio. Mr. Dinn suggested a system i.e. bell system be considered on each pier. Current Concerns and Events: Mr. Moody related the need for a master plan for the Marina Complex. Mr. Moody will chair the Planning Subcommittee made up of Mr. Forest,Dr. Horvat and Mr. Wright; Mr. Dinn will serve as alternate. Mr. Davidson agreed to considered Mr. Wright's request to lower"tenant only" signs to make them more visible on each gate entrance and to address his concerns about use of bicycle and skateboard on the piers. Mr. Gordon responded to concern that the hurricane haul out deposit covers costs of repairs to the medians when used to secure boats during hurricane threats. Mr. Forest distributed copies of a newspaper article regarding Regional Transit Authority funds being used to build a road providing fisherman access to Shamrock Cove. Mr. Gordon commented Staff will get clarification on the Committee's jurisdiction. He responded to questioning that RTA funds are generally used for drop off and pedestrian enhancement projects. Ms. Stubbs commented she is taking steps to buy, transport and fuel her boats on private property because she gets no response to her questions regarding fuel prices in the Marina. She stated the current fuel operation offers no discount for fueling multiple boats and that fuel purchased at $0.35 is being sold at $0.63 which exceeds the 10% over purchase price allowed in the fuel lease. She added that she currently spends approximately $60-70,000 annually on fuel and that providing her own fuel will save her approximately one half that cost. Discussion continued. Mr. Gordon stated the City is now on notice of Ms. Stubbs fueling concerns. Mr. Davidson assured the Committee that Staff will look into the matter. Adjournment: As there was no further business, the eting was adjourned at 8:10 p.m. Peter Davidson Marina Superintendent