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Volusia County Beach Policy Advisory Board Meeting minutes for February 11, 2003
VOTRAN Meeting RoomsI. CALL TO ORDER:
Chairman Storch called the meeting to order at 5:35 PM, February 11, 2003
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT
Vice-Chairman Ernest Boger
Richard Lohmann
John Williams
Charles DeZaruba
William Cook
Dr. Bud FleuchausBOARD MEMBER(S) ABSENT
Senta Goudy
Bob WilliamsII. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF JANUARY 14, 2003:
Charles DeZaruba moved approval of the minutes for January 14, 2003 and Ern est Boger seconded the motion. Minutes were unanimously approved.
BEACH MANAGEMENT PLAN:
Additional Signage –
John Harper advised the Board that approximately 500 would be developed with this fiscal years budget allocation. John presented a rendition of a street sign that would have the name of the street, the block # and the City on it for the Board to review. John Harper advised that there were 37 locations that this type of sign would be placed.
Chairman Storch asked that a press release be done that advertised the Beach Policy Advisory Board’s approval of the street sign.
John Harper advised that uniformity and standardization of signage along the Beach is still trying to be achieved, and all of the County’s signage would be consistent.
Dr. Fleuchaus moved to recommend to the cities to work together to create some sort of consistency with their beach directional signage by bringing it before the County Council and asking them to work with the cities to accomplish this goal. Richard Lohmann seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
JOHN DANIELS, GENERAL MANAGER, CENTRAL PARKING SYSTEMS
Recommendations regarding park parking issue –
John Daniels presented a report to the Beach Policy Advisory Board. In preparation for this report, Mr. Daniels looked at the beach locations to get an idea what type of revenue could be generated from metered lots. Mr. Daniels advised the Board that the numbers presented in the report were conservative, but it is believed it would be greater.
Highlights:
$1/per hour with a 3 hour average stay.
3 months out of the year would be free to park.
Fees would be collected by a pay station that is solar operated.
The initial costs would be $200,000 – 300,000 (depending).
Total income generated is projected at $1.1 Million/per year (depending).
Some parks, such as Rendon, Flagler Ave. and 27th Ave. have agreements with the city that all or some of the proceeds generated at the park would go to the city or be used exclusively for that park.
Violations are maintained by a Central Parking Systems Team that checks on a schedule and issues violations.
John Williams felt that this would destroy the vision of the beach and asked if there would be an initial warning mechanism while the public is educated on the new parking fees.
John Harper advised that this would take revenue away from the $5 tolls.
Dr. Fleuchaus advised that this would result in more driving on the beach.
John Daniels advised that the rate structure, etc… could be set up anyway you want.
John Harper advised that the City of Cocoa charges $1/per hour and the collection methods are similar to the one proposed. Gates and or personnel manned booths are more expensive.
John Williams asked John Daniels what percentage went to CPS. Mr. Daniels replied that it would depend on the structure chosen, but CPS liked to be a partner.
John Harper advised that currently Republic Parking is taking 21%.
Kevin Sweat agreed that the result could be more driving on the beach, but the annual pass purchase might increase.
John Harper advised that currently it cost approximately $20,000 per space to build off beach parking spaces.
Dr. Fleuchaus reminded the Board that the Strategic Plan included pursuing parking fees.
Chairman Storch asked the Board if they wanted to make this part of the Beach Management Plan recommendations or if they wanted to look at it earlier. The Board decided it needed to be looked at sooner.
Bill Cook expressed concern about losing revenue to agreements with the cities such as the one with Daytona Beach Shores. John Harper suggested that the Board recommend that the income be places into an "Enterprise Fund", rather than the general fund.
Dr. Fleuchaus moved to pursue the investigation further before presenting it to the County Council. Charles DeZaruba seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Chairman Storch asked John Daniels if he could provide a list of other sites that were similar to Volusia County’s, as well as other projections. John Daniels advised that CPS would bring the actual system to the March meeting for a demonstration. John Harper advised that he would need to take this idea to the County and/or the County Council Chair for direction before proceeding.
NEW BUSINESS:
New Concessions on the Beach –
Kevin Sweat reported that the County Council put a hold on any new concessions. Currently there are 113 concessions on the beach. Kevin asked the Board for direction on what type and where any new concessions could be placed. Kevin has about 30 applications for concessions, some of which are "new products". Richard Lohmann asked what types of new ones there were. Kevin will provide a complete list of the applicants with staff recommendations as well as a list of the current concessions at the next meeting.
John Williams advised that he would be in favor of attracting family oriented ideas.
Larry Williams, public participant advised that he had submitted an ocean kayak concession.
ONGOING BUSINESS:
Beach Management Plan –
Chairman Storch reported that progress is being made, except with the beach driving issue. Chairman Storch suggested that the issue be looked at on a segmented basis, where each segment of the beach is assessed to determine if driving is appropriate.
Richard Lohmann asked to see real, hard facts that show the pros and cons with the environmental issues considered and surveyed. Mr. Lohmann suggested that a group that is qualified to make recommendations and/or decisions get involved and present the facts to the Board for consideration.
Charles DeZaruba felt that the future legal ramifications should be weighed and Chairman Storch suggested that County Legal get involved.
Bill Cook stated that if you stop driving on the beach, the cars have no place to go. Mr. Cook believes that the County is not considering off beach parking a serious enough issue and feels this should be considered before cars get taken off the beach. Mr. Cook suggested that a comparison of both areas of the beach (no-drive zones and drive zones) be done.
Chairman Storch stated that Board needs to make some decisions about what will happen in the next 10-20 years. Access is the key issue.
John Williams reminded the group that driving on the beach is a historical issue and attracts tourists to the area.
Chairman Storch suggested that the Board create a consensus on what is appropriate and present it to the County Council during the Beach Management Plan presentation.
John Harper presented a fax from Irene Moses re: removing driving from the beach. Irene advised that driving on the beach is the most widely used access for handicapped individuals, therefore, removing driving on the beach would regress access for the handicapped patrons.
Ernest Boger suggested that the "Beach driving discussions" be made a semi-permanent part of the agendas.
John Harper also presented a letter from Irene Moses re: a beach chair study being conducted along Volusia County beaches.
Chairman Storch asked staff to prepare a list of issues involving beach driving for the next meeting.
Charles DeZaruba asked John Harper to look into some issues at Sunsplash Park.
VII. DISCUSSION OF ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA:
Bill Cook advised that he had recently attended a meeting re: South Peninsula Erosion Problems. The next meeting will be on 3/11 at 2:30pm at the Brannon Center in New Smyrna Beach.
Dr. Fleuchaus asked John Harper about the ramp beautification projects. John advised that the Granada ramp restrooms were being replaced and discussions were ongoing with Daytona Beach Shores for the Dunlawton approach. John advised that DBS was looking for the money to provide their contribution to the project. Dr. Fleuchaus suggested that an arrangement be worked out with the city to contribute the maintenance instead of funds.
Ernest Boger asked if aerial tours of the beach could be done again, especially since new members will be joining the Board on April 1. Chairman Storch suggested that a visioning session and helicopter tour be set up.
Chairman Storch asked staff to place "Public Participation" as number III on the agenda from here on out.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION:
Eddie Colusimo spoke about the future of public owned property from the river to the ocean. He believes that there will be no more public owned property in this area in the future.
Chairman Storch advised Mr. Colusimo that the Beach Policy Advisory Board only looks at issues that involve the beach.
IX. ADJOURNMENT:
Next meeting will be Tuesday, March 11, 2003.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:15 PM.
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