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VOLUSIA COUNTY BEACH POLICY
ADVISORY BOARD
Meeting minutes for May 13, 2008
VOTRAN Meeting Rooms 

I. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting of May 13, 2008 was called to order by Chairman Lamotte at 5:33 p.m. 

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT
Chairman David Lamotte
Vice-Chairman Glenn Storch
Steven Strawn
David Rigsby
Jason McGuirk
District 1 - Vacant

BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT
Nick Conte
Worley Pruitt
Dr. P.T. Bud Fleuchaus

II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF March 11, 2008
Vice-Chairman Storch moved to approve the minutes of March 11, 2008 and Jason McGuirk seconded the motion.  Motion approved unanimously.

III. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION – ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA (3 MINUTE TIME LIMIT PER SPEAKER):

IV. NEW BUSINESS       

A.  Request for Proposal
Chairman Lamotte recapped the discussion of RFP at County Council on Thursday May 8, 2008.   County Manager Jim Dinneen wants input from Board regarding toll removal, management of the beach and concessions.  Mr. Lamotte states the most common problems brought to him are regarding tolls and beach patrol.  Further discussion ensued regarding what the Beach Advisory Board would be responsible for advising on.  Mr. Rigsby said the beach patrol is doing a good job and sending out a good message for families.  He would like more time for the board to do an in depth study of concessions, beach appearance and beach consolidation.  The beach is a great economic resource and guidelines need to be developed to maximize its potential.  The Council and Board realize the need to be economically responsible to the concessions when the current contract expires on 9/30/08.

Mr. Storch advised that the Beach Management Plan can be amended.  When the County unified the beach there were problems and over time they have been resolved.  Mr. Rigsby asked if the Beach Master Plan has an element for beautification.  There is aging infrastructure on the beach that will need attention.   The cities are looking for economic renewal and Mr. Rigsby feels they should have input regarding decisions being made.  Mr. Storch indicated there is an issue of jurisdiction, where as the county jurisdiction extends from seawall to water and the cities have jurisdiction from seawall landward.  Both parties must work together to reach a consensus.  Mr. McKitrick states Daytona Beach is concerned about deteriorated infrastructure (older restrooms, unattractive beach approaches) and lack of police presence at night on the beach.  The County generates only 14% of the total budget in revenue; the remainder is a general fund subsidy.  It is not economically feasible for the cities to take over a service the county currently provides.  Mr. McKitrick states Daytona has tried to beautify the approaches but parking became a legal issue.  Mr. Storch offered to help with legal issues.    Mr. Strawn asked for clarification on the jurisdictional issue of concession owners land.  Mr. Storch detailed that it is a question of public versus private land. 

Mr. Nolin stated in June staff will bring to Council alternatives or actions that may be taken regarding the RFP and current concessionaires.    Mr. Rigsby wants more time as a committee to work with cities and obtain input regarding their relationships with the County.  Mr. Storch asked Mr. Nolin if the Council wants the Board to specifically make comments on RFP.  Mr. Nolin stated Mr. Dinneen specifically wanted comments on the tolls.  Mr. Lamotte states comments regarding the RFP should be sent to Council, as a board.

Mr. Storch recommends placing on the agenda for the next meeting:

1. Review priorities for cities in relation to Beach Master   Plan- off beach parking.
2. Analyze tolls- provide recommendations to Council.
3. Provide input regarding proposed RFP.

Mr. Lamotte states if the RFP includes a consultant, they will come to the Board for their input.    Mr. Nolin stated it is his belief the Council welcomes input from all citizens and this Board both collectively and individually.  There may be a short time frame for input before Council makes a decision on going forward with RFP.   A special board meeting will be held June 3, 2008 to discuss the RFP.  Mr. Rigsby asks that support staff from legal, finance (regarding impact from removal of tolls) and staff familiar with off beach parking and pending RFP be brought in to the next Board meeting.  Mr. Lamotte asks that board members be notified when the RFP is on the Council agenda. 

B.  Beach Ramp Beautification Grant Program
Mr. Sopotnick spoke of keeping a standard for the beach approaches.  The Coastal Division using Port Authority funding has developed a Beach Ramp Beautification Grant program.  Grant packets were passed out to Board members.  There is $100,000 in funds to be divided between the five coastal communities.  A dollar for dollar match from the cities is required.    Mr. McGuirk asked if the packets have gone out to the cities yet.  Mr. Sopotnick will be meeting individually with city contacts to pass out the Grant packets.   

C. Town of Ponce Inlet Ramp Beautification Grant Proposal
Ponce Inlet Town Manager made their presentation and discussion ensued.

Mr. Storch suggested incorporating the lighthouse theme into the South Turn approach.  Mr. McGuirk suggested obtaining sponsors to offset cost (possibly racing industry sponsors for North Turn).  Ramps/approaches should reflect the community individuality but must have some type of standard throughout the County.  

V. ONGOING BUSINESS
Mr. Nolin stated the County reorganization established a Coastal Division.  There are four areas under this division:  Inlet port district, coastal parks, off beach parking facilities and green initiatives (environmentally friendly work practices). 

Mr. Nolin stated it was recently decided the Beach Safety Division will be the liaison agency to the board.   

The Control Tower at Ponce Inlet has been started.  There will be a web cam located at the tower. 

Mr. Nolin stated off beach parking expansion at Toronita is in the conceptual design stage.  Mr. Sopotnick asked if there was a timeline on Rockefeller. 

VI. DISCUSSION OF ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA 

VII. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 7:15 p.m.

A special meeting is set for June 3, 2008 at 5:30 p.m. to discuss the Beach Concessions Draft Request for Proposals.

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