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VOLUSIA COUNTY BEACH POLICY ADVISORY BOARD
Meeting minutes for June 3, 2008
VOTRAN Meeting Rooms

CALL TO ORDER
The meeting of June 3, 2008 was called to order by Chairman Lamotte at 5:37 p.m.

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT
Chairman David Lamotte
David Rigsby
Jason McGuirk
Nick Conte
Worley Pruett
District 1 - Vacant

BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT
Dr. P.T. Bud Fleuchaus
Steven Strawn
Vice-Chairman Glenn Storch

OPENING STATEMENTS
Chairman Lamotte delivered the opening address by stating this meeting is a special meeting to provide input regarding the Request for Proposal (RFP) for Professional Consulting Services for the Concession Element of the Beach Management Plan.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION – ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA (3 MINUTE TIME LIMIT PER SPEAKER)
Terri Campbell, President of Sons of the Beach stated that she feels now is not the time to make any changes in the existing concessionaire contract.  She would like to see a moratorium on tolls for a few years to better assess the real value of the concessions.  She felt that there are no beaches in the world with the same circumstances as Volusia County and no consultant could assess the situation accurately, we should be using our own experience to decide what is best. 

Richard Kane, Chairman of Sons of the Beach suggested an economic stimulus plan to eliminate tolls for the summer and advertise the plan through the CVB with other summer deals they are offering to encourage customers.  He provided a copy of the plan to the board.  

John Williams, Daytona Beach resident inquired as to how many signatures are required from the public to remove the tolls from the beach and vowed to get them.  

Ray Tabak, Port Orange resident agrees the concessionaires know the beach best and are a valuable resource as well as diplomats for our visitors. 

NEW BUSINESS    
Chairman Lamotte shared that he spoke during public participation at the Volusia County Council workshop on the Beach Concessions RFP held May 8, 2008.  He stated that he was not in favor of the RFP and felt that a facilitator should be used to mediate with existing concessions.  Alleviating tolls was also brought up at the workshop as a suggestion to help concessionaires.   Soft sand and beach access issues and the possibility of allowing alcohol were also discussed.  Chairman Lamotte reiterated that he would like to see the existing concessions stay.  

Mr. Conte questioned what prompted the RFP.  Chairman Lamotte explained that the impending expiration of the concessionaire’s contract (September 30, 2008).  Mr. Conte felt that in consideration of the tough economic times it would be unfair to punish small businessmen and hopes the county considers this. 

Mr. McGuirk had some question over the correlation between the tolls and this meeting about the Concession RFP.  Chairman Lamotte explained that at the workshop a host of issues were brought up during public participation and one of those issues was tolls.  Mr. Dinneen, Volusia County Manager, also said it was probably time to have the Beach Advisory board take a look at the issue of tolls. 

There was more discussion and confusion over the inclusion of tolls as part of the Beach Concession RFP being discussed at tonight’s meeting.   

The question was raised about the status of current negotiations with the concessions and Mr. Steve Lloyd of the Volusia Concessionaire Association advised the board that it was their intent to try to get back to negotiating with the County through their attorney and they feel that the County is leaning that way also.   

Mr. Rigsby asked if staff from the Legal or Finance departments were in attendance to answer questions.  Mr. Sopotnick replied that Mr. Joe Nolin was present to speak on behalf of staff responsible for drafting the Concession RFP.  Mr. Sopotnick explained to the board that tonight’s special meeting was for the RFP for Concession Services only and that the “old business” issues of tolls and parking associated with ramp beautification will be on the agenda to discuss at the next regularly scheduled meeting.  It was his understanding that the board’s request for additional county staff was associated with the latter issues. 

Mr. Nolin stated that it was his understanding that currently no actions have been taken on the RFP since the council workshop in May.  The council will readdress the RFP issue at a later date, possibly July or August.  Board Members will be notified when the RFP is on the Council agenda.  Chairman Lamotte requests Legal and Finance staff be in attendance at July 8, 2008 Beach Advisory Board meeting.   

Concessionaire Lloyd gave a brief history of concession services / agreements on the beach and said it would be really helpful if the board made a recommendation that Council not go with the RFP and get back to negotiating with the existing concessionaires. 

Chairman Lamotte said the board should determine what needs to be done for the immediate future of the concession contract and get it rolling.  Mr. McGuirk agreed and stated if the board agrees to the RFP the concessionaires should be considered and should at least have their contract extended during the RFP process. 

Again, Mr. Rigsby stated he felt the RFP for a consultant was intended to address more issues than just concessions to which Mr. Nolin and Concessionaire Lloyd both responded that it was their understanding that the RFP was specific to concession services and the management of concessions only.  Chairman Lamotte agreed.  Mr. Rigsby also felt that the concessionaires should have a chance to come to the table for these discussions, as well as the cities.  Concessionaire Lloyd responded that he felt they have been included and provided their input and thinks Council is trying to get away from the RFP at this point.  Chairman Lamotte agreed that he thought the same and that is why the mention of a mediator was brought up several times at the workshop they held. 

Mr. McGuirk suggested to the board that they separate the issues and make two motions, one approving the RFP in content as it is presented, which is what he thinks Council was looking for and the second making a recommendation on whether Council should proceed with the RFP or renegotiate with the existing concessions. 

Mr. Nolin agreed with Mr. McGuirk’s comments.  He also explained that Council had not directed the board to make a recommendation but has asked for input from all parties / public concerned.  At the last Beach Advisory Board meeting the issue was discussed and a determination made to discuss the issue publicly at a special meeting. 

Mr. McGuirk motions to accept RFP in content as provided.  No second to motion was made.  Motion failed.  

Mr. Pruett motions to recommend Council not go forward with the RFP for concessions and ask Council to expediently continue negotiations with existing concessionaires.   Mr. Conte seconded the motion.   

A roll call vote was taken with motion passing unanimously.   

Council will be advised via minutes of the Board’s recommendations.   

Mr. McGuirk asked Concessionaire Lloyd for his association’s recommendations regarding the RFP.  Concessionaire Lloyd will forward them to Judith Hallock and upon receipt they will be sent to Board members.   

ONGOING BUSINESS
Mr. Sopotnick will send figures regarding toll revenue to Board members along with Republic Parking contract.    

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

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