HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Marina Advisory Committee - 09/09/2019 - SpecialMarina Advisory Committee 9/18/19
MINUTES
Special Meeting
Marina Advisory Committee
Monday, September 9, 2019
Members Present: William McDowell, Donnell Laux, Mona Baen, Richard Bell, Martha Avery, Robyn
Cobb, Ron Smith
Members Absent: Gerry Morrow
Staff Present: Gina Sanchez, Marina Superintendent; Leah Hughen, Management Aide
Call to Order: Chairman McDowell called the special meeting of the Marina Advisory Committee to order
at 5:30 p.m.
Action on Minutes: Mr. Bell requested an addition to last month’s minutes; when he suggested a shrimp
boat be used to clear out sand along the bulkhead it had been done before successfully. The motion was
made by Ms. Avery and seconded by Mr. Bell to approve the minutes of the 8/05/19 regular meeting; the
motion passed unanimously.
Presentations and/or Public Comment: Marina tenant Fred Soward emphasized how important dredging
is for international regattas and other events. Mr. McDowell inquired if the Etchells Championship had any
problems with depth. Mr. Soward advised boats were getting mud on their keels due to the current water
depth.
Discussion Items and Possible Action Thereto: Dockwalker Program: Lynn Traber gave a presentation
on a California program called Dockwalkers. The objective of the program is to educate boaters one on
one about environmentally sound boating. With training US Coast Guard Auxiliary, yacht club members,
and boaters can become Dockwalkers. They walk the docks engaging with tenants, anyone willing to fill
out a survey receives a boater kit containing oil prevention supplies and literature on safe and
environmentally sound boating. Ms. Traber and Ms. Sanchez are working with local and state
organizations to bring the program to Corpus Christi by Summer 2020. Ms. Cobb suggested contacting
Coastal Bend Bays and Estuaries and Mr. Bell offered to pass along Elizabeth Kratzig’s contact
information. Marina Rescue Vessel and Enforcement: Ms. Sanchez requested the subject be tabled until
the next meeting. Depth along bulkhead near J-hoist: Ms. Sanchez advised Marina staff did a sounding
test and found the depth near Jane’s bait stand is 4 feet, near the hoist is 5 feet, closer to the boat ramp is
6 feet. Mr. Bell said the depth needed is 7 feet and the CCYC Commodore Alex Harris is willing to
approach Jane’s bait stand to use one of her shrimp boats as a temporary solution, as has been done in the
past. Ms. Sanchez and the board agreed a long-term dredge plan is needed as a maintenance measure.
Introduction to Racing Classes: Mr. Bell and the Morf organization noticed three years ago there were
many boaters in the Marina, but very few participated in the Wednesday night races and regattas. They
canvased the docks and the most common answer was they didn’t know how to race, or they thought the
races were a local clique event. Mr. Bell held classes explaining the basics of races and regattas, resulting
in an influx of participants. Mr. Bell mentioned to Ms. Sanchez in the past they had a problem reaching
out to tenants about the classes. Ms. Sanchez offered to sponsor classes and reach out to tenants and the
public through the City’s public information office. Ms. Avery suggested the classes become a biannual
occurrence before Navy regatta and the Port A regatta. Hal Suter Memorial: Ms. Avery recommended
dedicating the first bench the Marina receives in honor of Mr. Suter’s years of service to the Marina
Advisory Committee.
Committee/Staff Reports: Arts: Ms. Sanchez advised a small grant of $3,000.00 with a $3,000.00 match
was awarded, but not enough for the proposed checkerboard project. The committee will be approaching
Marina Advisory Committee 9/18/19
the grantees to see what other options are available. Boater Facility: Mr. Bell is awaiting the survey
currently being vetted by the City. Facility Design: Ms. Sanchez advised Texas A & M University
Kingsville’s Civil & Architectural Engineering Department are designing a facility as a school project
during the fall and spring. Mr. Bell suggested the contractors that use the facility should meet with the
students to make sure their needs are met. CC Marina Foundation: Mr. Laux advised the formation of the
foundation is tied up with the Legal Department. Ms. Sanchez advised the setup of the foundation is starting
from scratch. Ms. Avery brought up a suggestion from a previous meeting to contact the Coastal Bend
Community Foundation in order to expedite the Advisory board’s ability to accept donations. Culture: Mr.
Laux advised they were trying to put together some concerts, but their contact passed away. Mr. Smith
recommended contacting Casey Lane with House of Rock. Environmental & Educational: Mr. Smith
advised they are in the conceptual stage of making educational placards to place throughout the Marina.
Ms. Sanchez met with a former Texas State Aquarium material interpreter who is interested in joining the
committee. Landscaping: Ms. Avery suggested picking one or two items from the list of projects to
concentrate on. Ms. Sanchez is in contact with Texas A & M University Corpus Christi to have students
come out once a month to do a Marina clean up. Mr. Bell recommended reaching out to Leadership Corpus
Christi participants who must do a project every year.
Director’s Report: Ms. Sanchez reported the tenant potluck will be taking place September 21st. There
was a request for a tenant bulletin board, rules have been developed and it will be available to tenants by
the end of September. Ms. Sanchez is taking the Marina’s first item, the demolition of K Pier, to the Type
A Board on September 16th. Marina staff is assembling the new M pier. The City’s proposed budget second
reading is scheduled for September 17th.
Identify Items to be placed on Next Agenda: Marina rescue vessel, Water depth near J-hoist, Dockwalker
program, La Nina Update
Confirmation for Next Meeting is: Monday, October 7, 2019
Adjournment: As there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:51 p.m.
Gina Sanchez
Marina Superintendent