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Volusia County Beach Policy Advisory Board  
Meeting minutes for August 12, 2003
VOTRAN Meeting Rooms

 

I. CALL TO ORDER:

Chairman Storch called the meeting to order at 5:30PM, August 12, 2003

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT

Chairman Glenn Storch
Vice-Chairman Ernest Boger
Dr. Bud Fleuchaus
Charles DeZaruba
James France
Walter Welch
Richard Lohmann
Jay Crocker
William Cook

BOARD MEMBER(S) ABSENT

None.

II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF JULY 8, 2003:

Dr. Fleuchaus moved approval of the minutes and Walter Welch seconded the motion. Motion approved unanimously.

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

None.

BEACH MANAGEMENT PLAN:

Beach Driving:

Kevin Sweat presented the Board with a detailed report on accidents and summarized the findings.

Chairman Storch pointed out that the report showed a decrease in incidents. Richard Lohmann pointed out that 86% of the incidents occurred at the approaches and asked what the reason for that was. Kevin explained that some of the approaches could use some upgrades/improvements. Kevin explained that the approaches are not poorly marked or poorly signed and therefore County liability was minimal if any. Dr. Fleuchaus asked if any of the accidents were related to DUI. Kevin explained that the report didn’t break those out, but further explained that DUI accidents on the beach are very rare. Mr. Boger pointed out that the incidents are miniscule considering the time frame and amount of people that visit the beach. Chairman Storch asked Kevin if there was anything that could be done to make it even safer. Kevin advised that they are being proactive in their safety measures and the numbers prove that. "The number one job is safety." Previously a Board Member asked Kevin for statistics on A1A accidents. Kevin reported that there were 2200 accidents on A1A in the past 3 years. Mr. France asked if there was a percentage of how many pedestrians hit vehicles. Kevin explained that the database did not break them down in that manner, but speculates that it could be in the 30% range. Chairman Storch asked if the speed limit should be lowered. Kevin said no.

Dr. Fleuchaus asked the Chairman if the report could be transmitted to the County Council. Chairman Storch asked Staff to forward Kevin’s report to the County Council.

Chairman Storch asked the Board to share their opinion about what to do with Beach Driving in an effort to develop a consensus:

Charles DeZaruba – Mr. DeZaruba felt that the Board had looked at all the right criteria to develop a consensus. He is for maintaining driving on the beach. Off beach parking property is too expensive and unattainable. Mr. DeZaruba is in favor of parking fees in the off beach parking areas. No drive zones are adequate and addresses the need for safer area for families and children. He would like to consider forced beach parking to eliminate cruising, but is not in favor of one way driving on the beach. The heritage of the beach is what should be preserved.

Walter Welch – Mr. Welch is in favor of driving on the beach. He explained that the reports do not substantiate what is being written. The beach is safe, but educating the public would make it safer. He expressed concerns about there being no place to put the cars if the beach were closed to driving. He is not opposed to cruising. Mr. Welch is not necessarily in favor of parking meters and would like more information on day-trippers. The beach belongs to the public.

Richard Lohmann – Mr. Lohmann felt that this is not the time to remove traffic from the beach, but would consider it down the road if off beach parking were provided. Safety has to be considered first. Beach Services is doing a great job and the County is doing an excellent job. Mr. Lohmann is in favor of increasing the amount of the daily pass to $8.00, and allowing Volusia County residents to park in the parking garage for $2.00.

Jay Crocker – Mr. Crocker is not in favor taking cars off the beach until off beach parking is adequate to accommodate Volusia County residents. Mr. Crocker advises the County Council to make efforts to acquire land for off beach parking areas as a long-range plan. Mr. Crocker advised that the perception of the beach being unsafe impacts tourism. Mr. Crocker would like to make sure that the Volusia County residents are taken care of first.

Ernest Boger – Big Beach Big Fun. Out of 40 miles of beach, 17 miles are driveable. Volusia County beaches provides all things for all people. Mr. Boger advised that he has not found anything to be radically out of balance. Mr. Boger is an advocate for driving on the beach.

Greg France – Mr. France likes the concept of treating the beach as a park. Mr. France explained that 10 years down the road the County could have over 500,000 people. He feels that off beach parking would be an enormous cost to tax payers and can’t be done. He is in favor of increasing the fees and creating additional parking when it can be done. He is concerned that no cars on the beach would prevent shelter from weather. He is in favor allowing beach parking and driving.

Dr. Fleuchaus – Dr. Fleuchaus reminded the Board that the Board’s goal is to make the beach user friendly. Volusia County Beach Patrol is second to none. Volusia County beaches are unique and should be maintained to preserve that uniqueness. No drives zones are available for people that want it. Dr. Fleuchaus is in favor of off beach parking fees.

William Cook – Mr. Cook explained that he is a resident of the beach and lives in a no drive zone. Mr. Cook expressed his gratitude to be on the Board. He has heard some very good reasons why driving should be stopped on the beach, but has not been provided any proof of ill effects. If proof were presented then he would consider taking driving off the beach. He is not in favor of stopping driving on the beach and not in favor of parking fees. He expressed concern about parking fees going into the general fund black hole. Mr. Cook would like to see some financial changes in the budget.

Chairman Storch – Chairman Storch expressed that he was proud of the committee and commended them for their very thoughtful answers. He explained that he kept in neutral stance and listened to the evidence (economic, safety and environmental issues). Chairman Storch would like to see the beach treated like a park. Chairman Storch suggested limiting the number of cars that are parked on the beach to maintain enjoyment. Chairman Storch is in favor of parking fees. Fees could potentially provide $800,000 to $1,000,000 for off beach parking development. Richard Lohmann advised of an off beach-parking source in the North Peninsula area. He advised that the State (the owners of North Pen property) is neglecting their duty to provide parking areas. Chairman Storch asked that Leisure Services enter into talks with the State.

Chairman Storch recommended that the County plan for and acquire additional off beach parking in the future. He suggested creating additional finances and levying the bed tax. Chairman Storch felt that the negative safety image needed to be dealt with. Mr. DeZaruba recommended looking at the marketing issue. Chairman Storch recommended immediate shelter in the no drive zones. There was no evidence presented of any negative ecological impact. No safety issues. Dr. Fleuchaus suggested increasing the toll. The Board will look at that in the future

Mr. France asked about additional ramps being opened during special events. Kevin Sweat advised that Republic Parking runs the tolls so they would need to be subsidized for any additional open ramps.

Big John – asked if Glenn was in favor of driving on the beach. Chairman Storch advised that the Board came to a unanimous vote (not to take driving off the beach).

Public Participation agreed with Jay Crocker about the safety concerns.

Gracye Barck – advised the Board that she received a 68-page advertisement on tourism for Daytona Beach and there were no pictures of cars in any of the pictures. Chairman Storch stressed that marketing needs to address both.

Big John advised that the CCVC put out that publication.

Constance Hunter advised that the County needs land for off beach parking and the parking garage needs to be utilized.

Jim Cameron, Vice President of the Daytona Beach Halifax Area Chamber of Commerce. He advised that the Committee has been studying taking driving off the beach for the past several weeks and their position is to maintain current drive and no-drive zones. He recommended that more funds be applied for off beach parking. He would like to see a study focused on the beach for a long-range plan.

Public Participant voiced his displeasure in off beach parking areas on the west side of A1A.

NEW BUSINESS:

Kevin Sweat – Report on fireworks:

Kevin reported on problems with fireworks this year. Kevin reported that a new fireworks store opened up in Daytona Beach Shores this year. He advised that the State is dealing with the same complaints. Daytona Beach Shores and Beach Services split the patrol and complaints subsided. 27 arrests were made.

Greg Northrup the Mayor of Daytona Beach Shores advised that the City passed an ordinance restricting the patrons from buying fireworks and by requiring that they come to the Public Safety Office and fill out an affidavit attesting that they are using the fireworks for agricultural purposes only. He advised that similar legislation is being looked at. Mayor Northrup wants the County’s support in helping with the legislation and stopping the sales.

Chairman Storch suggested a different category of crimes. Jay Crocker asked Kevin if a lesser penalty would be mo re beneficial. Kevin explained that Notices To Appear are the problem for out of State visitors. Currently there is no County ordinance in Volusia County for fireworks.

Chairman Storch requested that discussion be had with Staff at the next meeting re: developing a County fireworks ordinance.

VI. ONGOING BUSINESS:

None.

DISCUSSION OF ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA:

Chairman Storch asked that the Board wrap up the Beach Management Plan discussions in the next couple of meeting.

VIII. ADJOURNMENT:

Next meeting will be Tuesday, September 9, 2003.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:00 PM.

 

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