HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 10-08-2008
FORT PIERCE HARBOR ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Meeting Held On
October 8, 2008
Convened at 3:03 p.m. Adjourned at 3:53 p.m.
This meeting of the Fort Pierce Harbor Advisory Committee (FPHAC) was held Wednesday,
October 8, 2008 at 3:03 p.m. in Conference Room 3 on the third floor of the Administration
Building, 2300 Virginia Avenue, Fort Pierce, Florida.
ROLL CALL
Roll call was taken.
Members Present:
Howard Conklin, Chairman
Mary Chapman, Vice Chairman
Gerald Kuklinski, Commissioner Grande’s Appointee
John Holt, Commissioner Smith’s Appointee
David Souza, St. Lucie Village
Bill Thiess, Commissioner Craft’s Appointee (Arrived @ 3:27 p.m.)
Also Present:
Commissioner Grande, District 4
Katherine Mackenzie-Smith, Assistant County Attorney
Marty Laven, The Dockominium Group
Dr. Edie Widder, O.R.C.A.
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES:
The minutes from the August 13, 2008 meeting were unanimously approved.
NEW BUSINESS:
Guest Speaker – Marty Laven, the Dockominium Group & President of the Marine Industries
Association of the Treasure Coast:
Mr. Laven briefly spoke to the committee about Constitutional Amendment No. 6, the
assessment of working waterfront property based upon current use. Amendment No. 6 will
be on the ballot. Mr. Laven stated, “Amendment No. 6 will change the way marinas are
valued. Instead of highest and best use the valuation will be on income produced by the
marina. That would cost local governments some revenue but would provide a bigger
benefit, the stability of marinas. The Marine Industries Association appreciates your
support.”
Fort Pierce Harbor Advisory Committee
October 8, 2008
Page 2
Guest Speaker – Dr. Edie Widder, Ocean Research and Conservation Association:
O.R.C.A., which was formed in 2005, is dedicated to the protection and restoration of marine
ecosystems and the species they sustain through the development of innovative technologies
and science based conservation action.
Dr. Widder stated, “The primary way that we know about our water quality right now is by
hand sampling.” Kilroy measures salinity, temperature, water levels, wave height, wave
period, water flow, magnitude and direction. Each Kilroy is equipped with a GPS system.
Kilroy is completely wireless, self-contained and runs off of solar energy.
Kilroy sits below the waterline, attached to a dock or piling. The wire that comes out of it
goes to the surface and there is a small unit called Kilroy’s voice that is basically cell phone
technology that sends data back to shore in real time. Kilroy will be sampling water 24/7.
Funding for Kilroy has come from the State of Florida, private foundations and the office of
naval research.
Right now there are six Kilroy’s in the St. Lucie Estuary and one in the Fort Pierce Inlet. Dr.
Widder plans to have 25 in place in the next few weeks. O.R.C.A. is also interested in
working with South Florida Water Management District.
Chairman Conklin asked what it would take to get a sensor on the actual Taylor Creek
discharge area, which would be just east of the railroad. Dr. Widder said all they need is
permission.
Commissioner Grande asked if Kilroy has to be attached to a piling. Dr. Widder said yes.
David Souza asked about the cost of a Kilroy. Dr. Widder said to produce a network of ten
it would cost about $50,000.
Chairman Conklin asked if there has been any comparison with the Smithsonian. Dr.
Widder said at this time no but there will be.
Mary Chapman asked when the Kilroy’s would go into mass production. Dr. Widder said
hopefully next year.
OLD BUSINESS:
Katherine Mackenzie-Smith stated Chuck’s Seafood is projected to be finished this fall.
Chuck’s Seafood’s fines have been reduced to $10,000 and have to be paid in 90 days. Bill
Thiess said the City Commission also gave Chuck’s Seafood direction to put in an 8’-10’ public
sidewalk between the building and the water.
nd
The committee discussed moving the meetings back to the 2 Thursday of the month.
Fort Pierce Harbor Advisory Committee
October 8, 2008
Page 3
ADJOURNMENT:
At 3:53 p.m. the meeting was adjourned. The next meeting will be held Thursday,
November 13, 2008 at 3:00 pm in Conference Room 3, on the third floor of the
Administration Building.
Respectfully submitted: Stephanie Bush