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VOLUSIA COUNTY BEACH ADVISORY BOARD
Meeting minutes for July 12, 2005
VOTRAN Meeting Rooms

I. CALL TO ORDER:
Chairman Storch called the meeting to order at 5:30 PM, July 12, 2005.

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT
Chairman Glenn Storch
Vice Chairman Jay Crocker
Greg France
Daniel Troian
Walter Welch
Dr. P.T. Bud Fleuchaus
Worley Pruett
Mike DelNinno
David Lamotte

BOARD MEMBER(S) ABSENT
None

II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF JUNE 14, 2005:

Mike DelNinno asked to have the comments about parking behind the Granada Park stricken from the minutes. Jay Crocker moved approval of the minutes of June 14, 2005. Walter Welch seconded the motion. Motion approved unanimously.

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

Rich Lohmann thanked the Board for their support of the Junior Lifeguard Program. Mr. Lohmann asked the Board to recommend to staff that they look into solar and wind to power the electric of the new lifeguard headquarters building. Mr. Lohmann explained the cost saving aspects of this prospect. Chairman Storch commended Ms. Lohmann for his idea. Deputy Chief Futch explained that he would take the idea back to Kevin Sweat and the architect/design crew. Dr. Fleuchaus asked if this energy could be stored. Mr. Lohmann explained that it could not be stored.
Michael Porter HAVOC – wants to set up a time when the commercial fisherman could come before the Board and explain the problems with access. Deputy Chief Futch explained that access to the beach is mandated by the Habitat Conservation Plan.

IV. BEACH MANAGEMENT PLAN:

Update – Nothing new. John Harper will inquire again.

V. PRIORITY LIST:

Safety Flag System – Deputy Chief Ron Futch provided a spec of the new signage. Deputy Chief Ron Futch explained that the rip current risk has been much greater than years past. The flag system is still being reviewed by Legal. Deputy Chief Ron Futch showed the Board the different flags. More information may be available at the next meeting. The flag system is provided by the State of Florida.

All Safety Aspects – Chairman Storch asked if there was anything that Deputy Chief Ron Futch would think would help. Deputy Chief Ron Futch explained that information dissemination and education are the keys to a safer beach.

Guns on the beach – Deputy Chief Ron Futch explained that they are a certified law enforcement agency and criminal activity does occur on the beach. Arrests are made regularly. Worley Pruett explained that the guns look horrible and make a bad impression. Deputy Chief Ron Futch explained that he would not feel safe without a gun. Mike DelNinno asked what the reason was to start carrying guns. Deputy Chief Ron Futch explained that when the department became state certified it was a requirement for officers to carry a gun. The weapons are secured at all times. Part time lifeguards do not carry guns.

Jay Crocker asked about the officers on duty at night. Deputy Chief Ron Futch advised that there are 2 on duty, one on the north end and one on the south end. Jay Crocker advised that he is concerned with the response time from Dunlawton to New Smyrna Beach. VCSO and City Police help with response and backup.

Chairman Storch asked about the status of the ramps. John Harper advised that Third Avenue ramp is the only major ramp that is not open. A re-design to shorten the ramp is being looked into. Dan Troian advised that he will talk to the City of NSB to see if they will contribute to the beautification of the ramp.

VI. NEW BUSINESS:

Ramp Beautification Project Sub-Committee Report – Dan Troian reported that the UF students will be at the next meeting.
Pedestrian access problems at closed ramps – John Harper advised that he will discuss this at the next meeting.

VII. ONGOING BUSINESS:

Esther Street proposal update – John Harper advised that the FCT is reviewing an application for purchase. More information to come.
Beach walkover benches update on replacement – John Harper advised that 4 are completed now and the remainder of them will be completed in the future.
Ramp beautification project with the City of Ormond Beach – John Harper advised that he hoped to have a proposal from the City engineer soon. Granada approach is being looked at as a potential project.
Elections in Votran conference room on Oct. 11 and Nov. 8. – possible dates for reschedule – Oct. 12, Oct. 18, Nov. 9. Nov. 15.

VIII. DISCUSSION OF ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA:

Walter Welch advised the Board of the next Citizen’s Academy and asked that everyone spread the word about the program and encourage people to apply. He provided information and forms.
John Harper advised that a developer is proposing to vacate and relocate Vann Avenue in Daytona Beach Shores. John Harper advised that he provided comments to the developer to encourage vegetation, landscaping, picnic structures.

August meeting – No meeting – Chairman Storch asked staff to tell the County Manager about the Beach Management Plan being on the agenda for August.

IX. ADJOURNMENT:

Next meeting will be Tuesday, September 13, 2005. *No Meeting in August.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:00 pm

 

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