[Unimog Bob]

If someone really wanted clarification on what the buoys represent, they could go to the City. Here is a short snip from some City minutes. They are using the term Swim Zone, interestingly enough. This particular meeting may have arisen over Caddy's not being happy with motor boats NOT being allowed to anchor right on their beach.

Page 2 of 5
June 17, 2008
3. Consideration of Ord. 08-05, Sunset Beach Swim Zone (1st Reading)

It was moved by Commissioner Bildz and seconded by Commissioner Gayton to
approve the ordinance as read. Commissioner Bildz stated that Mr. Amico brought up
the point that the swim zones would be 300 ft., and asked if that was a change. Mr.
Silverboard explained that the ordinance reads no greater than 300 ft. At times the
buoys move due to storms and beach renourishment, and they need to be reset
periodically. He stated that at the last meeting the Commission instructed staff to draft
an ordinance to extend the swim zone from the end of Weckesser Park all the way
around to Blind Pass. Commissioner Collins clarified that the buoys would not be moved
out any further than they currently are, and they are in closer due to beach
renourishment and storms. Mr. Silverboard stated that they are usually set at or close to
300 feet. He suggested that they consider setting a slow speed minimum wake zone
from Weckesser Park north to the area behind the Lion’s Club. This would have less
impact on the business in the area, and reduce the noise in the area. Commissioner
Collins stated that he felt it was a good compromise. Commissioner Bildz stated that if
they wanted to go north of Weckesser Park up to the Lion’s Club, and change the swim
zone to 150 feet in that area, he would be in favor of that. It would be an easy swim due
to the sand bar. Mr. Silverboard stated that they would have to revise the ordinance and
come back again for first reading. If the Commission wants to extend the swim zone all
Page 3 of 5
June 17, 2008
the way to Blind Pass he can leave that in there, but if they want to take it out, he’s not
aware of any problems in that area. He described the area that the boats could come in
to the shore. Commissioner Bildz stated that he felt the proposed swim zone was fine,
with a revision to address the area from Weckesser Park to the Lion’s Club.
Commissioner Minning asked what the depth of the water was at 150 feet out. It is
about 10-12 feet. Commissioner Gayton stated that if we are going to make significant
changes then we should have another workshop to discuss it. Commissioner Bildz
stated that the way the ordinance is written is fine, and all we are proposing is modifying
the area near Weckesser Park. Mr. Silverboard stated that he was proposing that they
modify this ordinance to allow the boats closer to Caddy’s, so that it was in one
ordinance as opposed to two. Commissioner Gayton stated that he would rather pass
the ordinance now, and modify it later after further discussion. Commisioners Bildz and
Collins agreed.

Heidi Horak spoke about the history of the boating issues in the area. The boaters want
to be closer. She feels that the swim zone all the way to the end was extreme. It is only
on the weekends when there are boats in that area that it’s a problem, and now that they
have the slow speed minimum wake zones the boats aren’t going fast. The boaters
want to be closer to the businesses. People do not learn quickly. If they are going to
make a change it needs to be one very clear change that they are willing to stick with.
She feels that they are lacking in imagination and consideration with this ordinance and
they should continue to work on it.

Ray Green stated that he is part of the problem when they created the swim zone in the
past. The activity that they have in back of the houses now is a danger to those
swimming in the area. Two weekends ago a boater came to the shore and threw his
anchor with the anchor rope wrapped around his neck. People will come in when there
are waves pushing into the shore and try to nose into the beach. The problem needs to
be addressed right now. What goes on behind Caddy’s is a separate issue. We need to
extend the swim zone all the way south.

Tony Amico stated that if you are going to take one away without giving something then
they should wait on the whole thing. They are taking away from John’s Pass all the way
to Sunset Beach. There is nowhere that anyone would be able to pull a boat up to the
beach. He feels that they should wait and do it all at once, and make a decision that
should be final. Caddy’s has been a bar and restaurant there since 1947, and will
continue to be. He feels they should have another public meeting and talk about it
further.

Mary Beth Becker stated that she understands Mr. Amico’s point of view, and she
patronizes Caddy’s. She feels that safety issues must come first. There was recently a
child that was almost hit by a wave runner. They have witnessed an intoxicated boater
who was brought to her house with a gashed leg, unaware of how he was injured. They
should concentrate on safety.

Bob Hartman stated that he has small children, and he likes to drop them off at the
beach, and then move the boat back. He is careful, and feels that it isn’t a problem.

Andrew Becker stated that he is a boater as well, and he has kids also. There was a
swim zone behind his house, and when he wanted to see the progress on his house
they wore life preservers and swam in. The area from John’s Pass to Caddy’s is a swim
zone, not a no wake zone. Now that Shell Key doesn’t allow alcohol they have all come
to our beach, and that is a liability that we shouldn’t allow.

Commissioner Bildz asked for clarification of the idle speed no wake zone areas. Mr.
Silverboard explained the different zones.

Ms. Kiefer stated that she agreed that if they were going to make any changes then they
should start over. Commissioner Gayton stated that the intent right now is not to make
changes right now, so we should vote on it now. Commissioner Collins stated that the
most important thing is the safety of the people in the water and the residents in the
area. He feels that they should pass this as written, and then address the other concern
later. Commissioner Bildz asked if we could put the Caddy’s issue on the next
workshop.

Upon roll call the vote to approve was unanimous.