HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-04-21 Marine Advisory Board Minutes V/
• Minutes
City of Dania Beach
Marine Advisory Board
April 21", 2004
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM by Acting Chairman Bernard Swindell..
Members present:
Mark Latimer Mike Grady Steve Kronenberg
Raymond Lair Charlie McKenna William Wosenitz
Carol Stokrocki Bemard.Swindell Debbie Auchter(late)
Members absent:
Clive Taylor(excused) Craig McAdams
Shea Novakovic Billy Phipps
Others present:
Capt. Glenn Moms Suzanne Witz Irvin Witz
Guests:
Sgt. Larry Whitford and Officer Mike McClusky, Broward Sheriffs Oscar Unit
• Minutes of the March 17a'meeting were presented for approval. Motion to approve made
by Steve Kronenberg, seconded William Wosenitz. Minutes approved as written.
Capt. Moms introduced the guests, saying he has the utmost respect for Sgt. Whitford
and his units. The professionalism they have always exhibited is outstanding and they
have contributed largely to the Dania Beach safety record. Sgt. Whitford began by
saying although they do not have a specific contract with the city,they provide 96 hours
of patrol per month. Officer Mike McClusky who worked this area for some rime has
been out for awhile but he is back now and will be working with Dania Beach as he did
previously. After a brief general outline of coverage, Sgt. Whitford asked for comments
of questions.
Steve Kronenberg reported he has been having a problem with seeders in his canal and
asked who should be called for a problem on the water. The 30 Avenue area, close to
the public boat launch is the main problem area. Sgt. Whitford said regular BSO dispatch
should be contacted. Although the average deputy is not usually familiar with marine
statutes, it is still their jurisdiction. Several actions that might help to relieve the problem
were discussed. They included the possibility of setting up a radar check or a speed trap,
erecting a warning sign in the boat ramp area, and video taping speeders so they could be
tracked down and ticketed.. Sgt. Whitford said the most important thing was keeping an
open line of communication with Officer McClusky as he could handle most of the
problems. It would be helpful for Officer McClusky to attend as many of the marine
• advisory board meetings as possible.
1.
• Sgt. Whitford said he wanted to mention a recent experience with a derelict vessel. In
any situation of this kind there are many fees involved and removal of the vessel can be
extremely expensive. The city doesn't have a fund to cover these expenses. Through the
effort of Officer McClusky, and the cooperation of volunteers,the boat was finally
removed and taken to the dump. If it hadn't been for Officer McCluskys effort,the boat
would probably still be an eyesore. Sgt. Whitfors said the west end of the Dania cut off
canal and 30`s Avenue parking area are popular places to dump junk boats. Although
BSO officers try to trace the owners and follow up quickly, it is a constant problem. A
lengthy discussion followed. The pros and cons of installing gates at the parking lot of
the park were considered. A board member inquired if there was any way the board
could be of help. Sgt. Whitford said if the city has a grant writer, the board might
recommend they explore ways of funding a solution for the problem. Officer McClusky
made several excellent suggestions insofar as what could be done if funds were available.
Capt. Morris suggested Officer McClusky met with Bonnie Temchuck,the city's grant
writer,to determine what help might be possible. Acting Chairman Swindell said he felt
Officer McClusky should be given recognition for his outstanding effort and cooperation
at the commission meeting. So moved by Steve Kronenberg,seconded by Carol
Stokrocki and carried.
The last item Sgt. Whitford mentioned was perhaps getting some news about boating
safety out to the public. He said he had contacted The Dania Press but was told it would
cost to have it printed. Capt. Morris said the city has a page in the Dania Press, which is
prepared by the staff. He will make arrangements to include whatever material is
• furnished to him and also will check on making arrangements to place articles on the new
city web site.
Capt. Morris said he had one last question to ask Sgt. Whitford before he left that being,
"Do city owned bridges have to have navigational lights?" Sgt. Whitford said"Not to my
knowledge." Capt. Morris thanked Sgt. Whitford and Officer McClusky for attending
and promised to keep them informed as to the boards activities.
Acting Chairman Swindell reminded the board of their discussion at the previous meeting
regarding docking in dead end canals. He said he had discussed this issue with Chairman
Clive Taylor and would like to make a motion supporting a ten foot set back from the
comer of the property line. Motion seconded by Steve Kronenberg and carried. Exact
wording of the motion for proposed ordinance to be determined by Larry Leeds.
Mr. Wosenitz had prepared a diagram dealing with the problem of people docking their
boats on the Dania cut off canal at the entrance of a finger canal. He felt perhaps the
board should consider an ordinance regulating this problem. A lengthy discussion
followed. It was agreed there would probably be a problem with enforcement. It was
also agreed that often when a boat is trying to enter the cut off canal a visibility problem
exists. Mr. Kronenberg felt more research should be made before making any decision.
Capt. Morris suggested this issue be tabled for the present and the rest of the agenda
• items covered..
2.
• Under new business,Mark Latimer reported he had attended the Boating Facility Site
Plan Public Workshop on Wednesday, March 24`' at the Anne Kolb Nature Center. He
said it was basically a get together to talk about where they plan to put the manatees.
Dania Beach was the only city represented. The maps and information they had was
outdated. They were not aware of the 3e Avenue boat ramp. They plan on having two
more meetings. In the meantime they will be working to update the information they
have. Mr. Latimer said he plans on attending their next meeting
Mr. Wosenitz said Billy Phipps, a members of the Marine Advisory Board, had made a
complaint at the last commission meeting. The complaint concerned the building of a
wall and a boat ramp. Capt. Morris said this sounded like a problem for the Code
Enforcement Board. The Marine Advisory Board is strictly marine,but he would be glad
to discuss the problem with Larry Leeds.
Capt. Moms said one of the board members had brought the condition of the pier to his
attention. The pier is being repaired in house. He requested$1,600 for lumber to replace
pier planking. Quotes are presently being obtained for pier lighting. The lighting is very
expensive. The lens are low sodium because of the sea turtles. Dania Beach is one of the
few cities that have complied with the sea turtle requirements.
Mr. Wosenitz had several questions to which he had not been able to get answers, mainly
because he had been unable to reach Ms. Temchuck at city hall. Capt. Moms said he had
• mentioned this to Ms. Temchuck and she said she had not received Mr. Wosenitz calls.
She requested he call again and she will do her best to get answers for him.
There being no further business to discuss,the meeting was adjourned at 7:45 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Bernard Swindell
Acting Chairman
Suzanne Witz
• 3.