Clearwater staff say marina reconstruction on schedule; small charter fleet urges carve-out as rates rise

City engineering and marine staff told the Clearwater Marine Advisory Board on Dec. 10 that the Beach Marina reconstruction is progressing and that staff expect to turnover phase 1 to tenants in the first week of January.

"Orion Construction has finished all the pile and floating docks installation this week," Kelly Petrich, engineering division manager for Public Works, said, and staff reported the project budget at about $46,000,000. Petrich said crews discovered an obstruction about 25 by 50 feet below the mud line near the 'C' dock; sonar could not identify the object and staff plan to address it during phase 2 if necessary.

Staff also described operational changes tied to the project. Aaron Braley, division controller for Marine and Aviation, said the city will install 24 removable kiosks and recommended a lease structure of $350 a month for the first 84 months to recoup costs, then $100 a month thereafter; Braley said the kiosks have an estimated 20-year life but a one-year warranty. The board was told kiosks will be removed for any named storm and can be stored until it is safe to return them to the docks.

Director-level staff presented a finalized pro forma that, they said, validates updated market-supported slip rates and maintains the Marine and Aviation enterprise fund in structural balance while supporting the reconstruction without tapping the city's general fund. The director said staff will return with performance details at a rescheduled March 18 meeting.

Several marina tenants — including Susan Smith of Stella Fishing — said the proposed rate changes are disproportionately affecting small charter operators. "The small 6-pack boats, particularly, anywhere between a 120 to 170% is what that rent... does to us," Smith said, describing top-line revenue for some operators as roughly $250,000–$300,000 a year and saying margins are thin enough that sudden steep increases could force businesses to close.

Tenants asked the board to recommend a carve-out for the working fleet, explore monthly billing for fuel to average costs, and consider discounts or contract incentives (for example, longer-term slip agreements at reduced rates). Staff said they are already exploring fuel-pricing options and working with the tenant outreach group to identify mitigations.

Staff also told the board that previously purchased fuel pumps on the East side were not state-certified and that replacement with state-certified pumps is required before fuel service resumes on the moved system. No formal council action on rates was taken at the advisory board meeting; staff said the item will return for further discussion and possible direction.