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Volusia County Beach Policy Advisory Board  
Meeting minutes for March 11, 2003
VOTRAN Meeting Rooms

I. CALL TO ORDER:

Chairman Storch called the meeting to order at 5:40 PM, March 11, 2003

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT

Chairman Glenn Storch
Vice-Chairman Ernest Boger
Dr. Bud Fleuchaus
John Williams
Charles DeZaruba

BOARD MEMBER(S) ABSENT

Senta Goudy
Bob Williams
Richard Lohmann
William Cook

II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF FEBRUARY 11, 2003:

Dr. Fleuchaus moved approval of the minutes for February 11, 2003 and Charles DeZaruba seconded the motion. Minutes were unanimously approved.

III. NEW CONCESSIONAIRES – KEVIN SWEAT

List of all new concessionaire applicants with staff recommendations:

3 jet-ski rental participants – Staff disapproved because of noise problems with upland property owners. 2 kayak rental participants – Staff approved. Questions were asked about swimmer’s safety in the proposed areas. Kevin explained that the area will be roped off and the locations of the beach that are being requested are not high swimming areas. 1 photo concession participant – Staff approved. Mr. Boger expressed concerns about aggressive solicitation. 1 Surfing School participant – Staff approved. 1 inflatable water slide – Staff disapproved. The size of the structure is the issue and takes up a lot of space on the beach. Parasail rides – Kevin asked for Chairman Storch’s direction. Kevin explained that this was not a new concession; therefore it should be discussed under a different topic at a later date. Chairman Storch asked about safety issues. Kevin explained that he has developed policy and safety inspection guidelines that will be implemented soon. Mr. Williams asked which of the new concessions would bring in the most revenue to the beach. Kevin explained that he has not set fees on any of the newly approved concessions yet.

Beach Concession Survey – Evelyn Fine:

Ms. Fine presented her findings to the board. Ms. Fine advised that she and her staff surveyed beach goers, hoteliers, and concessionaires from Memorial Day to Labor Day 2002 with follow-up. The survey showed that 86% of the public was satisfied with the accessible concessionaires.

The last time beach goers were surveyed about concessions was 10 years ago. Ms. Fine reported that she received no response from the New Smyrna Beach hoteliers. Kevin commended Ms. Fine’s job on the survey, but disagreed with her comments on room for growth. Kevin explained that growth may be acceptable for new concessions, but not the same ones in business now.

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

John Green (existing concessionaire) asked if the surfing school was in a surfing zone. Kevin said yes. Mr. Green inquired about the hippo slide being taken off the beach like everything else during turtle season. Mr. Green advised that not a single concessionaire asked to supply kayaks because they are not safe. Mr. Boger asked if the kayaks will be out of the bathing area. Larry Williams explained that there is no comparison to a surfboard, there are no points on them and tether lines are affixed. Mr. Williams advised that kayaking is the biggest growing sport in America these days. Mr. Williams will be very cognizant of the regulated areas for use. Kevin explained that rules and regulations will be developed that will regulate the use. Mr. Williams asked if Kevin had seen the kayak in operation. Kevin advised that he has not seen the specific kayak in use and in fact had some safety concerns as well, but had to consider the public’s demand for them. Kevin advised that he could set up a demonstration for the Board. Mr. DeZaruba asked what is currently set up for kayaker’s now. Kevin explained that there are no regulations.

Chairman Storch suggested that staff meet with the vendor for a demonstration and to go over some of the safety concerns, etc… Kevin will advise Bobbie Bryant when this will take place and she will contact the board members with that information. Kevin will present a report at a later meeting.

John Williams moved to table the kayak issue until the above is completed. Mr. DeZaruba seconded the motion. Motion approved. Mr. DeZaruba recommended that some jet-ski rentals be considered. Dr. Fleuchaus moved to adopt the staff’ s recommendation on the jet-ski concessionaires. Mr. DeZaruba seconded the motion. Motion approved. Dr. Fleuchaus moved approval of photo concession. Mr. Boger seconded the motion. Motion approved. Dr. Fleuchaus moved approval of surfing school. Mr. DeZaruba seconded the motion. Motion approved. Chairman Storch discussed the hippo slide concessionaire. Kevin suggested that if the board was to consider it, then he would recommend that the slide be taken down everyday. Kevin advised that the public enjoyed it, but there were some environmental issues. Chairman Storch suggested putting it up for special events or at designated times only. Chairman Storch asked Kevin to return at a later meeting with more specifics and other options to consider. Phillip Thomas, concessionaire advised that he spoke with several hotels and they were not interested in jet-ski rentals.

Phillip Thomas asked about a sign that was taken down at the Dunlawton approach. John Harper advised him to call Traffic Engineering.

Chairman Storch closed public participation.

V. BEACH MANAGEMENT PLAN:

Beach Driving Topics -

Chairman Storch asked John Harper about the map showing segments of the beach. John explained that he will have it for the next meeting. The map will show the drive and no-drive zones and the Habitat Conservation zones. County Environmental and the Turtle Patrol will discuss habitat Conservation Plan at the next meeting. Mr. DeZaruba asked if a person from the Audubon Society could also attend. Mr. Boger asked that the UCF Professor Dr. Soskin that has done some research on driving on the beach be invited to come to the next meeting.

VI. ONGOING BUSINESS:

None.

VII. DISCUSSION OF ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA:

Mr. Boger asked Kevin’s opinion about the recent pollution, bacteria levels, etc… on the beach. Kevin advised that the bacteria levels are governed over by Mother Nature and that no sicknesses had been reported. Kevin will check with the Health Dept. and will report back at the next meeting. John advised that the bacteria is directly related to bird droppings. Mr. Williams asked if Public Participation could be opened again.

Chairman Storch opened public participation.

A public participant advised that the red sand problems seem to be spreading further south on the beach.

Chairman Storch presented Charles DeZaruba and John Williams with a certificate of appreciation for their service on the board. Senta Goudy and Bob Williams will also receive a certificate.

VIII. ADJOURNMENT:

Next meeting will be Tuesday, April 8, 2003.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:15 PM.

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Volusia County, Florida.