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VOLUSIA COUNTY BEACH ADVISORY BOARD
Meeting minutes for July 10, 2007
VOTRAN Meeting Rooms

I. CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting of July 10, 2007 was called to order by Glenn Storch at 5:30 pm.

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT
Vice-Chairman David Lamotte
Dr. P.T. Bud Fleuchaus
Glenn Storch
Wilma Allen
Nick Conte
Jason McGuirk
Steven Strawn

BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT
Worley Pruett

II. ELECTION OF OFFICERS:

Glenn Storch suggested that elections wait until the 9th member is appointed. Nick Conte moved to have David Lamotte act as interim Chairman in the meantime. Dr. Fleuchaus moved to appoint Glenn Storch as interim Vice-Chairman in the meantime. Steven Strawn seconded the motion. Motion approved unanimously. David Lamotte advised that he will be out of the Country for the next meeting.

III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF MARCH 13, 2007:

Dr. Fleuchaus moved to approve the minutes of March 13, 2007 and Glenn Storch seconded the motion. Motion approved unanimously.

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

None

V. NEW BUSINESS:

New Board Appointments – John Harper:

John Harper advised the Board that this will be Bobbie Bryant’s last meeting. Chris French will be taking over. John Harper explained some important things to the new board members.

Glenn Storch also provided some information to the new board members.

Glenn Storch asked that the Board Members be provided a copy of the Beach Management Plan. Glenn Storch explained that the reason that the Plan has not been completely approved by Council is because of the recommendation to increase tolls on the beach. Council has been reluctant to approve an increase in tolls and therefore they would like this part of the Beach Management Plan changed.

Nick Conte asked about beach re-nourishment efforts. Wilma Allen asked if the County has approached property owners about purchasing property along the property. John Harper explained Land Acquisition Management’s efforts. Government in the Sunshine Law was described to the members. Glenn Storch commented on the Sunshine Law. Dr. Fleuchaus advised the Board Members about the 10 year history of the Beach Policy Advisory Board. Jason McGuirk asked about Volusia Forever being able to purchase off beach parking. John Harper advised that Volusia Forever is going to remain focused on conservation lands however ECHO has made changes to allow for purchasing property. Dr. Fleuchaus asked about uniform signage. John Harper advised that the concessionaire contracts are up for renewal and the Manager’s office is heading up the efforts for a new look along the beach. The firm of Lord and Lasker will be coming before the Board to show them concepts of the new signs and look for the beach. John Harper advised that the new policy for boards says that boards will meet no more than 6 times a year. The Board agreed to skip the December meeting and hold the following meetings: August 14, September 11, October 9, and November 13. Glenn Storch moved to adopt these dates for future meetings. Steven Strawn seconded the motion. Motion was approved unanimously.

VI. ONGOING BUSINESS:
None

VII. DISCUSSION ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA:
John Harper advised that Joe Nolin will be asked to attend the next meeting to give the Board an update on beach re-nourishment efforts. Ron Futch, Deputy Chief, explained Beach Safety’s role with Board. The Beach is “great” right now, Futch said. Dr. Fleuchaus asked if the new members could shadow Beach Safety to get an overview of the beach. Ron Futch will set up a future tour for sometime in the next 3 weeks on a Friday afternoon. Ron Futch advised that ground has broken for the new Beach Headquarters facility at Sunsplash Park. David Lamotte asked about fireworks on the beach. Ron Futch advised that there are critics.

Glenn Storch asked the Board to provide topics that they would like to look at the remainder of the year.

Wilma Allen would like time to think about her topics. What do we do to stop destroying the beach.

Jason McGuirk wants to know more about the sand, and the economic impact of driving problems on the beach.

Nick Conte is very interested in the tour. Mr. Conte believes that the appearance of the beach and the beach approaches are very important. Maintaining the appearance is key to tourism.
Dr. Fleuchaus is interested in the funding that’s necessary to keep the beach going.

Steven Strawn is interested in contributing. He’s interested in sea level changes in the beach. As a scientist, he will provide information on this important issue. “The potential impact of rising sea levels.”

John Harper advised that Volusia County is tsunami ready.
Glenn Storch would like to re-review the Beach Management Plan and get it back to Council for approval as soon as possible.

David Lamotte would like to look at beach tolls, toll contracts, etc… David Lamotte asked if someone from the County could come to a future meeting to discuss this issue.

David Lamotte asked that Bobbie Bryant be recognized for her service for the Board. Glenn Storch suggested a letter of appreciation. David Lamotte moved to have staff prepare a letter of appreciation for Bobbie. Dr. Fleuchaus seconded the motion. Motion approved unanimously.

VIII. ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting was adjourned at 6:45 pm
The next meeting is set for August 14, 2007

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