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VOLUSIA COUNTY BEACH POLICY ADVISORY BOARD
Meeting
minutes for November 13, 2007
VOTRAN Meeting Rooms
I. CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting of November 13, 2007 was called to order by Chairman Lamotte at
5:30 p.m.
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT
Interim Chairman David Lamotte
Interim Vice-Chairman Glenn Storch
Jason McGuirk
Steven Strawn
Worley Pruitt
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT
Nick Conte
Wilma Allen
Dr. P.T. Bud Fleuchaus
Some discussion was given regarding the absence of members and what the new rules were governing the attendance of board members. Christine French will bring in a copy of the new rules for discussion at the next meeting.
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 11, 2007:
Jason McGuirk moved to approve the minutes of September 11, 2007 and Vice Chairman Storch seconded the motion. Motion approved unanimously.
III. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION – ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA (3 MINUTE TIME LIMIT PER SPEAKER):
None.
IV. NEW BUSINESS:
A. Election of Officers.
Discussion of whether the board members present would like to re-elect or keep the current interim Chair and Vice Chairman. Vice Chairman Storch nominated to keep Chairman Lamotte and himself. Jason McGuirk made a motion to keep Chairman Lamotte and Vice Chairman Storch permanently as Chair and Vice Chair. Steve Strawn seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Roll call was done all 5 members present were in favor of the motion.
B. The Beach Concessionaire Agreement was removed from this meetings agenda at the request of Rick Shiver as he was unable to be here to present the agreement.
V. ONGOING BUSINESS:
A. Attendance and Revenue of 2007.
John Harper briefly discussed what was listed on the revenue collection sheets that were compiled from 09/88 thru 11/03. Figures show a large loss of income from ‘03 thru ‘07. He advised that Revenue would be able to answer how they are making up the difference of the lost income. As evidenced by the data most of the difference is seen in Beach Capital. Steve Strawn questioned whether this was reflecting high gas prices. Chairman Lamotte felt that this was due more to unfavorable beach conditions and people not able to get on the beach. John Harper and other members of the board agreed with his assessment. Further discussion ensued regarding current traffic on the beach and what it was previously. Vice Chairman Storch questioned whether the loss of sand is moving in a cycle and if we have recovered some of the sand that we have lost. Tony Sopotnick from Beach Safety advised that it is moving in a cycle but that it is a long cycle and takes a long period of time for the sand to come back up. The northeaster storms that come through also exacerbate those situations. Tony Sopotnick brought up the re-nourishment in New Smyrna Beach. He spoke with David Roach about the project. The bidding process for dredging projects has changed and the contractors have filed a complaint so the dredging has been pushed back to January. They have until August on their permit. John Harper advised that the sand on the beach is lower than it was after the hurricanes. They are finding many things on the beach due to the lowering of the sand. Tony Sopotnick advised that Road and Bridge is out working to remove the dangerous items from the beach. Steve Strawn discussed collecting data regarding the pattern of the waves and the movement of the sands. Vice Chairman Storch advised that he thought that we already did some of that. John Harper advised that DEP does do all of that and Tony Sopotnick advised that FDOT is looking into keeping records as well. Further discussion ensued. Chairman Lamotte brought up the tolls and Republic Parking. He said that they are getting 35% of the profit and he was wondering if they will come back and try to increase their percentage next year. John Harper advised that he understood that they really weren’t interested in taking it on again this year and were talked into it. He is under the impression that the County may be taking that back over.
VI. DISCUSSION ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA:
Vice Chairman Storch would like to know where the Beach Advisory Board Plan is at currently. John Harper advised that they are working on it and it should be done by the end of the month. Tolls were brought up again. The County is looking into other options, whether they will pt it out for bids or take it in house. John Harper advised that they asked the revenue director about that and she advised that the decision would be made by the CFO. Vice Chairman Storch would like Charlene Weaver to come and speak with the board at one of their meetings. Chairman Lamotte would like to know where the breakeven point is for the County. John Harper advised that it went back to bid because it is more expensive for the County to do run it. Further discussion ensued about a possible toll increase and breakeven points. John Harper advised that he will get someone from Finance to come into one of the meetings to discuss this. Vice Chairman Storch would like Charlene Weaver once she is the new Deputy County Manager to come in and discuss what direction they are moving with the beach since she will be over that area. John Harper advised that he will request that she come to an upcoming meeting.
Worley Pruitt asked about the beautification projects and where we are on them. John Harper gave him an update on where we are with some of the beautification efforts regarding Van Ave. Worley Pruitt asked about property in Ormond. John Harper advised that they have done the designs for both the Rockefeller and the Happy Whale property and are waiting on the approval from DEP.
Chairman Lamotte briefly discussed an upcoming memorial event at Sun Splash Park in Daytona Beach for former Sons of the Beach member Gaulden Reed.
John Harper advised that Leisure Services is having a meeting at the Wilbur Boathouse for the new parking area on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. He advised it is to show them the design concepts that have been drawn up for those pieces of property. Further discussion ensued.
VII. ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting was adjourned at 6:05 p.m.
The next meeting is set for January 8, 2008 at 5:30 p.m.
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