Near-Shore Waters Committee
June 5, 2014 Meeting Minutes
Near Shore Waters Committee
Minutes for June 5, 2014
Marathon, FL 33050
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 6:02 pm on June 5, 2014 at the Marathon Fire Station,
located at 8900 Overseas Highway in Marathon, Florida.
Committee Members present were as follows: Rich Jones, Paul Lebo, and new committee
Member Justin Bruland. Members not present were Charles Badoian. Committee is still
short one member (need appointment from Councilman Keating).
Agenda Item #1 – Adoption of October and December minutes.
Rich Jones tabled the minutes from October as Charles Badoian is needed to approve them.
Justin Bruland made a motion to approve December’s meetings. Paul Lebo seconded.
December’s minutes were unanimously approved.
Agenda Item #2 – Appoint New Committee Chair and Vice-Chair.
Rich Jones removed himself from the running. Paul Lebo nominated Justin Bruland as Chair
and Justin Bruland nominated Paul Lebo as Vice-Chair. Both nominations were seconded by
Rich Jones. Rich made a motion to accept the nominations and the motion was approved
unanimously.
Agenda Item #3 – Update on City Marina News, by Sean Cannon.
City marina is having a great year. Occupancy is 20% higher than last year at this time.
During peak season, the marina saw 81 days at 100% occupancy, while last year saw only 22
days at 100%. Many new customers have come to City Marina this year, and this has been
attributed to the Cruiser’s Guide advertising. City Marina was awarded $45,000.00 from the
FWCC FBIP Grant for replacement of 75 mooring systems in the field, and the project is
scheduled for completion by the end of the fiscal year. Mooring field inspections are slated
to begin this month and the worst moorings will be given priority to be replaced. Additional
moorings will be selected by staff according to factors such as previous repair, continued
usage, etc. City Marina was awarded $24,000.00 from the Monroe County BIF Grant for the
installation of a kayak launch and educational tiki to be constructed on the East end of the
peninsula across from the marina office. Construction is slated to begin in 2015. Rich
inquired about the six month maximum for transients on state moorings, which applies to 162
of the 226 moorings in Boot Key Harbor, and discussion ensued about the DEP proposed
general permitting regulations to be implemented. Rich informed staff and committee
members that the only provision for allowance of any type of extended stay would be via the
Marina Management Plan, and that the State would not be budging on the restriction
otherwise. Sean informed the committee that staff would look into amending the
management plan to include additional long term moorings when the State submerged land
lease was renewed.
Agenda Item #4 – Update on Dog Island Signage Discussion.
Sean Cannon advised the committee that the idea of using Dog Island for Boot Key Harbor
signage would not be feasible due to the eroding condition of the island, the fact that the
island is privately owned, and that the City is not willing to finance the shoring up of the
island or legal responsibility associated with such. Committee agreed the issue was closed.
Agenda Item #5 – Discussion on Derelict Vessel Issue.
Katrina Spelker advised the committee of the growing number of derelict vessels plaguing
Marathon’s near shore waters, and the shrinking pot of funds available to remove them.
Celia Hitchins of Monroe County prepared graphs for the committee detailing the derelict
vessel epidemic, and Rich noted the highest concentration of derelict vessels in Marathon
were located within Boot Key Harbor, primarily to the West of the Boot Key Harbor bridge
and East of the mooring field. Rich informed the committee that the annual budget for
removal of the derelict vessels is $160,000.00 spent County-wide which provides removal for
approximately 60-70 boats, depending on the size and location. He noted that this is not
nearly all of the derelict vessels that turn up each year, and many are not able to be removed
due to financial constraints. Rich also advised the committee that Celia and Katrina have
been researching potential County and State partnerships that could enable more funding
opportunities through grants due to increased eligibility. It was suggested that the committee
explore additional local funding through a possible City budget and fundraising. Rich added
the average cost to remove a derelict vessel is about $4,000.00 per boat. Discussion ensued
regarding many facets of the process: Derelict vessel contractor selection, Contractor bid
process, Authorized derelict vessel reporting process through MCSO and FWC officers,
Physical removal process, Potential environmental damage (more caused by dragging or
plowing through protected areas than the sinking of the boats, hence not a lot of funding
through fines), Sanctuary fining process, and the FWC “At Risk Program,” which targets
boats heading toward derelict status which have not yet become derelict, Key West’s plans to
“step up” their approach to derelict vessels, moorings, and anchorages.
Agenda Item #6 – Citizen’s Comments.
Chris Bull introduced himself as an observer and Rich Jones’ nominator. Chris expressed his
interest in how near shore waters issues may relate to his “Marathon Proud” initiative. Chris
inquired of Sean cannon whether the marina had any plans to expand the dockage there, and
Sean explained how the project was looked into in the past, but nixed because it was not
economically feasible / profitable.
Michael Gebhardt expressed interest in joining the committee, and there was brief discussion
as to whether he may be a qualified candidate for Richard Keating’s nomination. Mr.
Gebhardt also asked of the committee whether it may be feasible to implement some type of
vessel impound system for the derelict vessels. Brief discussion followed, with both Sean
and Rich advising against it due to lack of financial stability of the vessel owners and the
liability of moving and storing vessels.
Agenda Item #7 – Set Date and Place for Next Near-Shore Waters Committee
Meeting.
The next will be held on Thursday, July 3, 2014 at the Marathon Fire Station at 6pm.