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Volusia
County Beach Policy Advisory Board
Meeting minutes for October 12,
2004
VOTRAN Meeting Rooms
I. CALL TO ORDER:
Chairman Storch called the meeting to order at 5:35 PM, October 12, 2004.
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT
Chairman Glenn Storch
Vice-Chairman Ernest Boger
Dr. Bud Fleuchaus
Charles DeZaruba
James France
Jay Crocker
Daniel Troian
BOARD MEMBER(S) ABSENT
Walter Welch
Richard Lohmann
Jack Hayman and Chairman Storch presented Bill Cook with a certificate of appreciation for his service to the Beach Policy Advisory Board.
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF AUGUST 10, 2004:
Dr. Fleuchaus moved approval of the minutes of August 10, 2004. Charles DeZaruba seconded the motion. Motion approved unanimously.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION – ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA (3 MINUTE TIME LIMIT PER SPEAKER):
Michael Porter addressed the Board about handicapped accessibility to the beach. Ramps are too steep and the stairs are not right. Mr. Porter wants the Board to consider the handicapped accessibility to the beach in the Beach Management Plan. Chairman Storch provided information about the plans for the future. John Harper advised that the repairs would be made as feasible (availability of funds, permits, etc…).
Neil Harrington, South Atlantic Redevelopment Board (SARB) addressed the Board about the vacation of beach ramps in exchange for property. Chairman Storch advised that the Board has not looked at trading ramps for property. Mr. Harrington asked if a Board Member could attend one of their next meetings to address this issue. John Harper advised that the County Council has decided to make these types of decisions without the input of the Beach Policy Advisory Board. John Harper advised that so far, only one vehicular ramp has been requested to be vacated. John Harper offered the Board information about what the ordinances allow. Chairman Storch asked John Harper to provide the SARB with some information for their next meeting.
Robert Haviland, Director of Volusia/Flagler Environmental Council, asked if the Staff could provide some information on future re-nourishment projects. He asked for the locations, date started, date finished, cost, etc…. Mr. Haviland provided Staff with a list of items he requested. Chairman Storch asked that beach re-nourishment be added to the November meeting agenda. Greg France suggested that Steve Kintner and/or DEP be invited to the next meeting.
BEACH MANAGEMENT PLAN:
Beach Management Plan – Workshop with County Council October 21st at 3:00pm
Chairman Storch asked that the Board Member review the plan prior to the 21st. Dr. Fleuchaus suggested adding a section on emergency disaster preparedness, etc…
V. NEW BUSINESS:
Ponce de Leon Inlet and Port District – Chair Jack Grasty and Joe Nolin -
Joe Nolin introduced himself and Chairman Jack Grasty. Joe provided some background information about the Ponce de Leon Inlet and Port District. Chairman Storch advised Joe Nolin that the BPAB felt that some of their issues overlap with the Port Authority Board’s issues. Mr. Grasty advised that he would be happy to take anything back to the Port Authority Board for consideration. Chairman Storch advised that the Board is interested in funding for parks along the beachfront. Charles DeZaruba asked about beach erosion control. Joe Nolin provided information about the Board’s long-term erosion control and beach and dune restoration projects along the shore. There are partnerships with the State and Federal Governments. State and Federal shore protection does not address hard armourment structures. Charles DeZaruba asked if the repairs to seawalls were being permitted. John Harper advised that DEP is approving the permits for existing short seawall construction. Charles DeZaruba expressed his concern about replacing these structures to have them torn down by another catastrophic event in the future. Charles DeZaruba suggested creating a significant dune system to combat future events. Chairman Storch advised that some areas that did not have seawalls sustained significantly more damage than those that did.
Joe Nolin advised that re-nourishment is in the permitting stage. Joe Nolin advised that FEMA has qualified a number of sites on the coast for emergency sand burming. This will begin in mid November.
Walter Hayes advised that he was at Bethune Park a few weeks ago and sand has accumulated at that end of the beach and southward.
Chairman Storch asked about the future of access. John Harper advised that walkovers are being opened everyday. Contractor for rebuilding will be considered for approval at the next County Council meeting. Chairman Storch suggested that the County focus on handicapped accessible ramps, walkovers, etc… Dan Troian asked about temporary ramps, such as aluminum ramps.
A.J. Devise, HAVOC asked Mr. Troian about a gangway, such as those used at Canaveral Port.
*Next Mtg. – Beach damage, access repairs, etc…
Location Information Signage –
Chairman Storch advised that someone called him to report that during a recent drowning incident a person could not identify where they were on the beach to report it to emergency officials. Chairman Storch adding something to the beach passes educating the public about the available signage.
Dr. Fleuchaus advised that the signage along A1A is still not adequate. John Harper advised that DOT and Traffic Engineering regulate the signage.
*Invite John Cheney to the next meeting.
VI. ONGOING BUSINESS:
None.
VII. DISCUSSION OF ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA:
Deputy Chief Futch advised that the surf is extremely rough and people continue to swim in these conditions. Announcements are made to people to swim in front of a lifeguard. Some areas are shut down when conditions warrant.
Dan Troian suggested that the international flag system be implemented. Deputy Chief Futch advised the County has the flag system, however, the pending lawsuit in South Florida will dictate the decision to use this system.
*Next Mtg. – Information on unsafe conditions on the beach – what are the options.
Dr. Fleuchaus suggested that footage of the beach be presented at the next meeting – check with Dave Byron.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT:
Next meeting will be Tuesday, November 9, 2004.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:00pm
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Volusia County, Florida.