Dunedin Causeway and Coastal Waterway Committee Minutes of October 13, 2020 Zoom Meeting

Meeting call to order at 8:00AM

Members present: John Hoopes, Anita Apley, Kathleen Sands Martin, Jim Runyun, Glenn Steinke, Jill Gunn, Dennis Alspaugh. MISSING: Frank Vanore City Staff: Lanie Sheets Guests (Potential Members for Committee): Robert Kearton, Tom Parson, Harry Mattheus

Minutes from August meeting approved.

New Business: John introduced three potential members to the DCCWC. The three potential new members introduced themselves. Committee members introduced themselves and John read Resolution 13-44 Section 2 for the potential members.

Area Reports Causeway Report: The Interlocal agreement for Causeway maintenance is still under review between the County and the City. Lanie stated that she will follow up on status. Members reported although the County has recently filled potholes and graded, the erosion on the Causeway access roads is still significant. There is also an issue with erosion within the City owned portion that needs to be addressed. Discussion continued regarding a citizen’s request to the County to make the Northern access road one way to alleviate traffic issues. The main concern is people speeding on the access roads. The Sheriff’s office has stepped up patrol, which has helped, but there are still people ignoring the rules. The Committee voted to NOT support making the North side access road one way. Possible suggestions have been to add stop signs to interrupt the flow of traffic and encourage increased police presence. We will continue to monitor this situation. Honeymoon Island now has better internet access, which combined with an additional toll booth, should help alleviate long lines at the park entrance. There is also a plan to increase the size of the pre-park turnaround. The building materials for the Caladesi discovery center/tower have been moved to the Island and construction will begin soon. It was reported that the water fountain at the City bathroom is leaking and needs repair and that the bike rack is currently being repaired.

Concessions Report: Glenn reported that attendance on the Causeway has been down over the past 30 days. The new Causeway maintenance person, Phil, is doing a great job. A local AA group has been meeting on the causeway by the concession area every Wed and Sat night with approx. 50-60 individuals attend. This was impacting parking and access to the concession restaurant, so Glenn spoke with the group and they have now moved to Weaver Park. A new fleet of kayaks arrived and only 6 boats from last year’s fleet are still for sale; Rental business is very strong. Even though the state has allowed restaurants to open at 100% the Café is still employing limited access (6 foot spacing) for safety.

Boating Report: Harry (guest) mentioned that it is very shallow in the Causeway channel and through Hurricane Pass. He is concerned by the speed of power boats in the channel and suggested we support making the Causeway channel an idle only zone. John stated that an idle zone may upset the Jet Ski users who frequent the Causeway and suggested adding signage stating “Recreational Area – Proceed with Caution.” John is going to reach out to inquire if the FWC can attend our next meeting. Jill also mentioned concern regarding jet ski speed in the St Joseph Sound area. 15 boats are

currently anchored in the sound near downtown. No derelict boats are present now. The 40ft boat Jill reported to the sheriff’s office on 2/7/2020 is still aground on the spoil island. She will follow up on its removal status.

Storm Water Committee: Jill stated that the new fines developed regarding storm water are more focused towards businesses than residents. They hope that increased enforcement will impact behavior. The former Coke Plant is for sale but with no current interested parties. Natalie Gass is leading the development of the new Dream Plan for the City. Jill Gunn will be the liaison from the DCCWC. Lanie reported that a new boardwalk at Hammock Park is being built. This will provide access to Fern Trail which is very wet and has been closed for 5 yrs. The new boardwalk will be 1 foot off the ground and 1,000 feet long.

CEQ Sub-Committee Rep – N/A

Ad-hoc Bridge Report – The County Project Manager reported that the Dunedin Causeway Bridges PD&E Study has been approved and the project has received Location and Design Concept Acceptance (LDCA). Notice of the LDCA will be advertised in accordance with NEPA requirements after which the project may proceed to the next phase of development - currently programmed for FY23.

Old Business – 2020 Committee Initiatives will continue into 2021 and focus on supporting the need for a Causeway dredge with sand being replaced onto the Causeway.

Open Floor - The :Live vs Zoom” meeting was discussed and everyone is currently much more comfortable with “Zoom”. Jill asked if we sign a conflict agreement when joining the committee – John reply was no. Glenn spoke up and reminded everyone he does not vote on the committee. John suggested adding QR codes to Causeway signage to allow for people to have complete access to Causeway rules. John also recommended people visit mission-blue.org to see the work of Sylvia Earl, a Dunedin native

Adjournment: 9:15AM

Next meeting: November 10, 2020 – 8 AM