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VOLUSIA COUNTY BEACH ADVISORY BOARD
Meeting minutes for January 10, 2006
VOTRAN Meeting Rooms

I. CALL TO ORDER:

Chairman Storch called the meeting to order at 5:32 PM, January 10, 2006.

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT
Chairman Glenn Storch
Vice Chairman Jay Crocker
Daniel Troian
Mike DelNinno
David Lamotte
Worley Pruett
Greg France

BOARD MEMBER(S) ABSENT
Walter Welch
Dr. P.T. Bud Fleuchaus

Special Guests: Councilman Jack Hayman and Councilman Art Giles

II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF DECEMBER 13, 2005:

Mike DelNinno moved approval of the minutes and David Lamotte seconded the motion. Motion approved unanimously.

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

None.

IV. NEW BUSINESS:

Discussion of County of Volusia’s Beach Erosion Control – Councilman Jack Hayman and Joe Nolin:

Joe Nolin addressed the Board and the public. Joe Nolin advised that the interim dune restoration project is going well. Chairman Storch wanted to know about planting sea oats, etc… The Board would like an update on this at the next meeting. Joe Nolin explained that the long-range restoration plans on the South beach (Beachway south to Canaveral National Seashore) has been planned since fall 2004 with permitting, design, etc… to be completed by Jan. 2007. Joe Nolin advised about other projects that are also underway. The borrow source locations have been identified, but have not been engineered or developed yet. Joe Nolin addressed the concerns of the State and the public from the previous meeting. Joe Nolin explained that in the past the Inlet and Port District Advisory Board did not support using funds for beach re-nourishment; Inlet management and navigation were there main priority; in the past the Southeast Volusia community (NSB) turned down the offer of the Port District to dump sand on that part of the beach; in the past the Volusia County Council has been hesitant to fund beach re-nourishment projects. Since 1993 the County has committed over $40 million to these types of projects. The County recognizes the importance of our beaches and Joe Nolin wanted to make this point clear to the Board. The County Council will conduct a workshop this year and will ask for input from the community. Mike DelNinno asked about the sand source investigation. Joe Nolin advised that this will cover the entire beach shoreline. Chairman Storch asked how these projects will be funded. Joe Nolin advised that this has not been identified, but will be decided by the County Council this year. A full-scale beach restoration project is estimated to cost $20-40 million. Federal feasibility studies are needed and the County Council will need to approve this before moving forward. Brevard County’s project was funded 75% by Federal funds. Joe Nolin advised that there is Federal interest in Volusia County beaches. Chairman Storch advised that he is concerned about the time constraints. Chairman Storch asked if the County can be assured of State participation, but advised that there is no guarantee and is based upon need. Mike DelNinno asked what role the Beach Policy Advisory Board plays in getting this moving.

Jack Hayman addressed the Board and the public. He expressed his concern about why the County had not taken the State’s help over the past 10 years. He explained that the South Beach is considered a priority and Council decided to focus spending funds on that area. Federal grants are 75/25. It has been suggested that the general fund, port authority fund, tourist development tax fund and/or beach tolls be used to fund these projects. Jack Hayman advised the Board of the process that will ensue. Jack Hayman advised that he will ask the Board to help with the process. Information will be solicited from community outreach, hometown meetings, social organizations, tourist development council, chambers, etc... Jack Hayman thanked Mr. Rowe, Mr. Desoto, Mr. Flood, etc … for bringing this to everyone’s attention. Chairman Storch advised that this will be a long term process. Chairman Storch asked when the workshop will be. Jack Hayman advised that it will be soon and he will get with Chairman Bruno. Worley Pruett asked about having a paid staff person to go after funds. Jack Hayman advised that he spoke with Brevard County and agreed that a dedicated staff member would be required. Chairman Storch advised that the beach erosion is having a huge impact on the Beach Management Plan.

Public participation –

Kelly Desoto reiterated that the need to move forward is dire. The Beach Policy Advisory Board needs to champion the County Council. He provided a report from June 2004 for the Board to review about funding eligibility for restoration projects. The workshops that were promised by Councilman Hayman need to happen quickly. He advised that property taxes are up by 23% over 2004.

Bill Roe advised that he feels that the same things are being talked about that has been talked about for years. He thinks that a staff member needs to be hired right away. The support is available. The lack of funding availability is a concern to him.

Judith Johnson advised that property values went up last year after the hurricanes and so did the taxes. She suggests moving the Port Authority boundaries further west.

David Lamotte asked if staff could set up a workshop with the Council. Jay Crocker asked about the nature of workshops. John Harper advised that Jack Hayman will push for a workshop to address this quickly.

2006 Goals:

The Board wants to include the "list of issues" that the Board created a few months ago.

The goals will be tweaked at the February meeting.

Jay Crocker asked about the flag system. Ron Futch advised that the Legal dept. is still reviewing it. Update at the February meeting.

V. BEACH MANAGEMENT PLAN:

Update:

The financial analysis study will be completed in house or contracted out, but that has yet to be determine. Discuss next month.

Greg France asked if there is a moving video of the beach erosion and asked if a video could be provided to Board. Discuss next month.

VI. ONGOING BUSINESS:

Bellagio ramp beautification standards:

The arch concept has been done at some of the beach front parks. John Harper requests that the Board adopt this as the standard gateway to beach access ramps. Worley Pruett suggested that the sign should be placed at the top of the arch and made more attractive. Vegetation will be native. David Lamotte asked if we could go back and ask older condo units to comply with this standard or re-construct their walkways. Dan Troian approved of the plan. Mike DelNinno moved to adopt the standard with the sign at the top of the arch (etched or hanging), if applicable in specific areas. The motion was tabled until the next meeting.

VII. DISCUSSION OF ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA:

John Harper advised that a potential off beach parking site (old Ellinor Village shopping center) is still in negotiations. Another site adjacent to Sunsplash, which used to be a parking lot is available and the County will make an offer for that property. Bonding money is being considered for off beach parking.

VIII. ADJOURNMENT:

Next meeting will be Tuesday, February 21, 2006.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:06pm

 

 

 

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