|
VOLUSIA
COUNTY BEACH ADVISORY BOARD
Meeting minutes for April 12, 2005
VOTRAN Meeting Rooms
I. CALL TO ORDER:
Chairman Storch called the meeting to order at 5:30 PM, April 12, 2005.
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT
Chairman Glenn Storch
Greg France
Jay Crocker
Daniel Troian
Walter Welch
Dr. P.T. Bud Fleuchaus
Worley Pruett
Mike DelNinno
David Lamotte
BOARD MEMBER(S) ABSENT
Introduction of new Board Members
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF MARCH 8, 2005:Walter Welch moved approval of the minutes of March 8, 2005. Jay Crocker seconded the motion. Motion approved unanimously.
III. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION – ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA (3 MINUTE TIME LIMIT PER SPEAKER):
None.
IV. BEACH MANAGEMENT PLAN:
Update – John Harper:
John Harper advised that the County Council Chair wants to wait until later in the year to hear the Beach Management Plan.
Worley Pruett advised that he feels we need to stop buying land. Chairman Storch advised Mr. Pruett that the Board is in favor of buying land for off beach parking. Chairman Storch further advised that the Board is in favor of charging for the off beach parking areas.
Mr. Troian advised that parking along Huntington Beach in California cost more than $2.00 every 15 minutes.
Chairman Storch wondered if the Council wants a workshop with the Board on the Beach Management Plan.
Chairman Storch wants a copy of the final version sent to the Cities and advised them to send any changes or comments a.s.a.p.
V. NEW BUSINESS:
Elections – Vice Chairman:
Dr. Fleuchaus nominated Jay Crocker for Vice-Chairman, Dan Troian seconded the nomination. Nominations closed. Jay Crocker, Vice Chairman unanimously approved.
Sons-of-the-Beaches – Results of Driving on the Beach Survey
Terri Campbell asked the Board to send a letter to the Fish & Wildlife Commission supporting the 25 year HCP. Chairman Storch advised that the Board would recommend the County Council send a letter endorsing that there is no environmental impact on the beach from driving. Jay Crocker moved, seconded by Walter Welch. Motion approved unanimously.
Terri Campbell advised that the beach is very dangerous after dark. The group is asking that the HCP consider a turtle habitat. The group wants the Board to consider requiring a daily or yearly pass to park in the off beach parking areas.
VI. ONGOING BUSINESS:
Update on purchase of “Happy Whale” property – John Harper:
John Harper advised that the survey is complete and an environmental assessment will be done in the next couple of weeks.
VII. DISCUSSION OF ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA:
Chairman Storch asked the Board what issues the Board wants to look at now.
Troian wants to see a priority list established (i.e. safety coordination and role of Beach Safety, removal of port-o-lets).
Mike DelNinno asked about implementation of the Beach Management Plan. He wants to focus on the protection of the Beach during disaster, storms, etc…, re-nourishment and off beach parking.
John Harper advised that he could ask a coastal re-nourishment expert to come before the Board.
Worley Pruett asked about the ramp parking jurisdiction. Wants the conservation poles removed from the beach, guns off the beach, issues with the County re: promises to the City of Ormond Beach, review of ramp issues and make them more pedestrian friendly.
Jay Crocker wants to see a contingency plan implemented, equity in running the beach, taxpayers bear a smaller burden in costs for the beach.
Dr. Fleuchaus wants to see more beautification on the beach, see it be more self- supporting, implement off beach parking and support purchase of land.
Walter Welch wants to take a harder look at vacating ramps for developers and look at ADA issues and make recommendations for handicapped accessible areas on the beach.
David Lamotte wants the beach access ramps and vacation of ramps looked at harder, require the developers to develop nearby property for parking (even to the west of A1A) and encourage the County to purchase more property, notification on the roads to the beach before reaching the beachside of tide closing.
Chairman Storch asked the audience if they had any issues.
A.J. Device advised that none of the port-o-lets are handicapped accessible. She would like to see them all made handicapped accessible. Other issue is traffic backups on bridges being a prime candidate for terrorism.
Carl Tuterra lives on the Neptune approach in Ormond Beach. Mr. Tuterra advised that the problems on the Neptune approach have increased. Mr. Tuterra wants more surveillance and recommends surveillance cameras placed at this location and offers his home as a place to house the camera.
Ron Futch advised that there is no parking overnight at this site. City of Ormond Beach patrol has been increased in this area.
Mr. Tuterra advised that there is a need for more handicapped accessible parking spaces. Mr. Tuterra would also suggest placing gates at the approach to be closed after dark.
Mel Stone reiterated some of the issues that Mr. Tuterra brought forward.
Jay Crocker asked if any of the parks are open at night. John Harper advised that none of the parks are gated, but the parking is closed after dark. Pedestrian access is open 24 hours a day.
Chairman Storch asked Vice Chairman Crocker to look at the list of issues and prioritize the list.
Kirby Haas wants the Board to recommend to County Council to amend/alter the County Ordinance that prohibits trailers over 33 ft. from going on the beach.
Ron Futch advised that this ordinance is enforceable and been in affect for years. Ron Futch advised that this is a traffic and safety issue.
Jay Crocker asked that the Board be provided with a copy of this ordinance to review.
Walter Hayes advised that the Sons of the Beaches collected over 14,000 signatures in support of beach driving.
Next meeting – Safety coordination – Invite VCSO 911 Coordinator and discuss beach safety flag system.
Walter Welch asked that the priority list be provided to the Board. The Board will discuss the issues and their priority in the coming months.
Ron Futch advised that Beach Safety will be presenting a plan to County Council re: the Safety Flag System. Dr. Fleuchaus asked if the Beach Policy Advisory Board should recommend something for the Council to consider.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT:
Next meeting will be Tuesday, May 10, 2005.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:55 pm
Comments or questions?
E-mail the
