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Volusia County Beach Policy Advisory Board
Meeting minutes for January 14, 2003
VOTRAN Meeting RoomsI. CALL TO ORDER:
Vice-Chairman Boger called the meeting to order at 5:35 PM, January 24, 2003
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT
Vice-Chairman Ernest Boger
Richard Lohmann
John Williams
Charles DeZaruba
William CookBOARD MEMBER(S) ABSENT
Chairman Glenn Storch
Dr. Bud Fleuchaus
Senta Goudy
Bob WilliamsII. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF DECEMBER 10, 2002:
John Williams moved approval of the minutes for December 10, 2002 and Bill Cook seconded the motion. Minutes were unanimously approved.
BEACH MANAGEMENT PLAN:
Signage
1. City of Daytona Beach (A1A Streetscape Project) signage package- Tim Lemper, City of Daytona Beach spoke to the Board about the Streetscape Project and presented the conceptual plans for the signage. Mr. Lemper explained that they are trying to make informational signs look good, but the Department of Transportation limits what can be done. He also explained that the City is trying to eliminate unneeded signage. The City of Daytona’s budget is limited
Mr. Williams asked Mr. Lemper about the "beach ball" logo idea. Mr. Lemper explained that the Chamber of Commerce developed the beach ball logo a long time ago. The conceptual plans Mr. Lemper provided have a unified theme and color. Mr. Lohmann asked what the time line was. Mr. Lemper replied that implementation would be in the next year to a year and a half. Mr. Williams suggested putting the street name on the signs. Mr. Lemper explained that the major roads would have the street names on them. Mr. Boger asked if it would be helpful if the Beach Policy Advisory Board endorsed the conceptual plans. Mr. Cook asked if the County had approached anyone in the City about piggybacking on the City’s ideas. Mr. Lemper advised that the conceptual plans had not yet been approved. Mr. Lemper told Mr. Williams that he is not in favor of using billboards. Mr. DeZaruba advised that since the City is still in the conceptual design plan stage, it might be best to hear from Mr. Lemper again after the plans have been finalized. Mr. Lemper explained that the City and DOT would make the final decision on what is implemented. The Board Members agree to keep input coming from all cities and work together to create uniformity and standardization.
Non-Vehicular Access Points
John Harper provided the Board with the County’s proposed sign package. Mr. Cook asked about whether the phone number on the back of the sign is being utilized now. Mr. Harper explained that the number is posted in very few places on the beach currently. Mr. Boger suggested that the sign include "Welcome to the Beach", "Check Rip Currents" and "Check for unsafe or dangerous conditions". John Harper explained that the rip current information is on other signs on the beach. Kevin Sweat explained that information sheets are faxed to all the hotels, etc… every morning. Mr. DeZaruba asked if there were any signs that instructed people to go to a lifeguard for further help or information. Mr. Boger suggested the sign include " Check with lifeguard or call this number for current conditions". Mr. Boger inquired about the timetable. Mr. Harper advised that the bidding process could be started right away. Mr. Boger asked for a motion to approve the signage design and take it to bid. Mr. William asked that public access points be recognized. Mr. Cook moved to approve the sign package. Mr. DeZaruba felt that "Beaches" is too small. John Harper will look into the size of the lettering. Mr. DeZaruba seconded the motion. John Harper advised that the cost per sign is about $100 and phase II will come next when more funds are allocated. Greg Northrup asked about the wooden sign at Sun Splash Park and suggested incorporating those types of signs at the Beach Ramps. Motion carried unanimously.
Fee Based Parking
John Harper provided the Board members with a handout.
Locations were identified in the handout.
Collection methods were discussed and John Harper advised that the pay at the gate is not favorable.
Revenues were provided based on assumptions
John Harper provided some advantages and disadvantages bullets for charging to park. The Council has historically not been in favor of this and it would require a policy change. Mr. Harper will bring a representative of Republic Parking to the next meeting to hear their opinion on this idea. Mr. Boger suggested a "test area", such as Frank Rendon Park and recommended adding this to the Beach Management Plan and allow Council to approve or disapprove the concept.
Mr. Williams moved to table the issue until the idea can be pondered over. John Harper suggested discussing the issue further at the next meeting, when a Republic Parking representative is in attendance. Mr. DeZaruba suggested moving forward with the prospect. Mr. Cook asked where the money would go. Mr. Harper advised that Council would make that decision. John Harper explained that the 2.5 – 3.1 Million dollars that are collected in tolls that goes for a lot of things, however it does not cover the 7 million dollars that it costs to maintain a high level of service, such as grading the ramps, cleaning the ramps, etc. Currently 20% of tolls collected goes into the Beach Capital Improvement fund, which is used to buy property for off beach parking, so it is reasonable to assume that at least 20% of this revenue could be dedicated to obtaining more off beach parking sites. Vice-Chairman Boger asked that the record reflect that the Board is in favor of any initiative that leads to enhanced revenue for the Beach.
ONGOING BUSINESS:
Status of Oyster Quay Seawall –
John Harper advised that he spoke with Tom Morrissey from Public Works and they are still waiting on the DEP Permit. Mr. Cook advised that Councilman Jack Hayman visited the are and is concerned about the condition of the walkover. John Harper explained that the walkover is checked regularly to make sure it is safe and it will be closed if it is deemed unsafe.
John Harper advised the Board that the grand opening of Tom Renick Park will be held on January 25th at 10:00am.
John Harper advised the Board that Bob Williams and Senta Goudy will not be seeking re-appointment to the Board, therefore at least 2 vacancies will be open on 4/1/03 and further advised that the County Council will discuss re-appointments on January 23, 2003.
DISCUSSION OF ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA:
Mr. DeZaruba expressed his disappointment that the County was unable to purchase the Jordan’s Furniture property and questioned the process. Mr. DeZaruba suggested that the County consider a " fast track" process. Mr. Harper advised that he would be happy to ask a person from Land Acquisition Management to attend a meeting in the future to explain how these purchases evolve. Vice-Chairman Boger asked for a report that would show how often this occurs. Mr. DeZaruba suggested that streamlining the purchase of off beach parking property be added to the Beach Management Plan.
John Williams advised that he feels that Beach Safety personnel are not helping out the beach patrons in soft sand areas. Mr. Williams asked if the soft sand areas of the beach could be made more solid. John Harper explained that Federal Law prohibits packing the sand and/or changing the sand conditions. Kevin Sweat advised that his staff responds to and pulls out over 1000 cars per year.
Mr. Williams asked if the shower stations could be painted to make them more visible.
Mr. Williams suggested that horseshoe contests be implemented on the beach. Vice-Chairman Boger advised that he will take it to the Convention Visitors Bureau for discussion.
Vice-Chairman Boger told the Board that the nighttime bus service is in operation again. Vice-Chairman Boger inquired about Frank Rendon Park and suggested that an "Under Construction" sign would be helpful. John Harper advised that construction should begin in March.
Mr. Williams asked about what happened with his idea to give 2 free Marine Science Center tickets away with the purchase of an annual beach pass. John Harper advised that Council chose not to act on it.
John Harper advised that a bird rehabilitation center is scheduled to be constructed in the fall. Mr. Lohmann suggested going to the County Council again and asking them to give out the tickets as suggested by Mr. Williams.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION:
Irene Moses spoke about the signage package. She made a few suggestions - high contract colors, such as black and white, keep font style simple, large and legible.
Irene advised that she is doing a beach wheel study in the month of February along the beaches.
Irene expressed concern about being accosted by time-share people. Kevin Sweat advised that the County ordinance that governs over time-share solicitation addresses the issue of where you can be solicited, but not how many times you can be solicited. He further advised that the cities may not have the same type of ordinance that the County does and during the winter months more problems are seen.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT:
Next meeting will be Tuesday, February 11, 2002.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:15 PM.
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Volusia County, Florida.