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Volusia
County Beach Policy Advisory Board
Meeting minutes for January 11,
2005
Votran Meeting Rooms
I. CALL TO ORDER:
Chairman Storch called the meeting to order at 5:30 PM, January 11, 2005.
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT
Chairman Glenn Storch
Vice-Chairman Ernest Boger
Charles DeZaruba
James France
Jay Crocker
Daniel Troian
Richard Lohmann
Walter Welch
BOARD MEMBER(S) ABSENT
Dr. P.T. Bud Fleuchaus
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF NOVEMBER 9, 2004:
Jay Crocker moved approval of the minutes of November 9, 2004. Rich Lohmann seconded the motion. Motion approved unanimously.
III. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION – ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA (3 MINUTE TIME LIMIT PER SPEAKER):Bob Haviland, Environmental Council – Reported about the re-drafted beach ordinances. The elimination of the designation of “natural beach” was disappointing. Mr. Haviland wants to show a presentation about “what is going on” to the Board at the next meeting.
IV. BEACH MANAGEMENT PLAN:
Update:
Chairman Storch asked if we have received any comments from the cities. Mr. Harper advised that the City of Ormond, the City of Daytona Beach, and the Town of Ponce Inlet provided comments. Mr. Harper will be following up with the other beachside cities (Daytona Beach Shores, New Smyna Beach). Charles DeZaruba advised that he provided a presentation to the City of Deltona and asked for their support in the implementation of the plan.John Harper advised that he has reviewed the comments and incorporated them in the Beach Management Plan. Chairman Storch asked that the Board be provided with copies of the comments.
Next Mtg. - review all comments and finalize.
Bob Haviland advised that the Environmental Council would like an opportunity to provide comments. Chairman Storch advised Bob Haviland to get those comments to John Harper as soon as possible.
V. NEW BUSINESS:
Election of Officers –
Richard Lohmann nominated Glenn Storch for Chairman, Walter Welch seconded the nomination. Glenn Storch appointed Chairman unanimously. Richard Lohmann nominated Ernest Boger for Vice-Chairman, Charles DeZaruba seconded the nomination. Ernest Boger appointed Vice-Chairman unanimously.Beach Access, additional off beach parking, Esther Street proposal – Chairman Storch was contacted by Frank Marshall about a piece of property (Esther Street) on the beach in New Smyrna Beach that is available for acquisition. John Harper advised the Board that the County submitted an application in 2003 to FCT for 5 parcels that were available, however, some of the land owners were unwilling to sell and FCT disqualified the application. A developer purchased the property last year and a 13 unit condo is currently being designed for the parcels.
Mr. Troian advised that everyone in New Smyrna Beach is on board for this purchase.
The City made 2 applications but was not successful. Mr. Troian wanted it noted that the applications were made prior to the hurricanes.
John Harper advised the Board that most of one parcel is completely gone as a result of hurricane damage. The new seawall line was pointed out to the Board in a graphic.
Dan Troian advised that there is a drainage problem at this site and the City of New Smyrna Beach would like to co-op with the County to provide a solution to the drainage problem and provide off beach parking. Mr. Troian will ask Frank Marshall to attend the next meeting.
Walter Welch asked about the developer’s willingness to sell. Mr. Troian advised that the property is being offered at $5 million. Chairman Storch asked the Board if they wanted the City and the County to discuss purchasing the property. Jay Crocker asked if Land Acquisition Management would be more willing to review the purchase now. John Harper explained that all 4 parcels combined were purchased in 2004 for $3.25 mil.
Jay Crocker moved to request the County to enter into negotiations with the City. The motion was seconded by Ernest Boger. The motion was unanimously approved.
VI. ONGOING BUSINESS:
Update on beach damage, access, repairs, etc… - John Harper:
John Harper provided a report showing the progress.
Charles DeZaruba asked if the walkovers would now be made handicapped accessible. John Harper advised that they will be replaced as they were.
Dan Troian asked about rebuilding some as handicapped accessible. Chairman Storch advised that the Board has ensured that Volusia County is above the federal guidelines for handicapped accessible ramps.
John Harper advised that the budget doesn’t allow for it. Dan Troian advised that the ramps are less expensive than stairs. John Harper offered information about the requirements to build a handicapped accessible ramp and the cost difference (approximately $4,000 additional for each ramp). Rich Lohmann reminded the Board that handicapped parking spaces are needed at handicapped accessible ramps and often times that is not feasible.
John Harper advised that FEMA is expected to pay 90% of the replacement costs. John Harper will bring a copy of the bid to the next meeting for the Board to see the cost difference. Dan Troian advised that Joe Nolin, Port Authority would be willing to provide funds to make this happen.
VII. DISCUSSION OF ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA:
None.
John Harper advised that the re-appointments are up on Jan. 20th.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT:
Next meeting will be Tuesday, February 8, 2005.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:15pm
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Volusia County, Florida.