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Volusia County Beach Policy Advisory Board  
Meeting minutes for May 13, 2003
VOTRAN Meeting Rooms

 

I. CALL TO ORDER:

Chairman Storch called the meeting to order at 5:30PM, May 13, 2003

Board members present
Chairman Glenn Storch
Vice-Chairman Ernest Boger
Dr. Bud Fleuchaus
Charles DeZaruba
William Cook
James France
Walter Welch

Board member(s) absent
Richard Lohmann

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

Charles DeZaruba asked that the Minutes reflect that Chairman Storch advised Mr. Owen Lovejoy provide the Board with any evidence, documentation and/or information regarding the pollution problems he spoke of. Dr. Fleuchaus moved approval of the minutes for April 8, 2003 with changes and Charles DeZaruba seconded the motion. Minutes were unanimously approved.

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

None.

IV. PRESENTATIONS:

Steve Kintner, Jennifer Ricks and Bob Ernest – Habitat Conservation Zone –

Steve Kintner introduced Bob Ernest. Mr. Ernest presented information regarding the evolution of the Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP). He stated that there are approximately 1 million vehicles on the beach each year. Mr. Ernest told the Board that endangered sea turtles and cars don’t mix. The HCP was developed to combat some of the problems. Mr. Ernest presented some potential impacts to the sea turtles with driving on the beach. The HCP was developed to separate cars from sea turtles and with that public access hours were modified, no drive zones were developed and reduced beach-driving access by 35%. Beach management areas were devised. Conservation zones were created and isolated the dune area from cars. The zones are 15 ft wide in the urban area, other 30-ft wide. An average of 25 nests per year appear outside the HC zones. Loggerhead turtle nests account for 97% of all nests in Volusia County. A rut removal program was developed to take care of car ruts so hatchlings can get to the ocean easily. Mr. Ernest advised that documented take is very low. Mitigation occurred and the beach lighting management plan was created. Mr. Ernest praised the County of Volusia for implementing a very good light management plan. Mr. Ernest stated that the HCP has been in effect for 6 years and has been a major success. Mr. Ernest advised that the lights disoriented less than 3% of the turtles, which is considered very low.

Dr. Fleuchaus asked if development plays a role in the number of nests. Mr. Ernest advised that the Canaveral National Seashore is a very popular area for the turtles to nest. The biggest problems for the turtle’s nest are un-managed lands, raccoons, etc… There are more nests in areas where there is no driving because the wide, flat beaches are not as appealing to the turtles. In comparing the County of Volusia to others – Volusia has the most comprehensive plan and good has lighting management. Mr. DeZaruba asked about testing for pollution problems from cars and if it affects the hatchlings. Mr. Ernest advised that they do not test for this type of pollution and is not aware of any problems relating to pollution from cars. Mr. France asked about the history of the decline of the hatchlings. Mr. Ernest advised that human consumption and shrimpers are the biggest problem to the turtle population. Volusia County accounts for about 3% of hatchlings for the entire state of Florida.

Chairman Storch asked Mr. Ernest if driving on the beach was environmentally detrimental to the sea turtle population and Mr. Ernest stated "no." Mr. Ernest advised that permit amendments to the driving areas are obtainable.

Steve Kintner advised that migratory birds and other creatures are also considered in the HCP. Mr. Kintner advised that driving could impact the migratory bird population. John Harper asked Mr. Kintner about regulating run off problems. Mr. Kintner advised that there are no regulations other than the Health Dept.’s dealings with pool discharge. The permit renewal is estimated to be out for public comment in the next 60 days and the permit should be issued sometime in the fall. Mr. Cook suggested that the Beach Erosion Committee and the Beach Policy Advisory Board Committee possibly could present something to the County Council about improving the habitat and the erosion problems on the beach.

Mr. Kintner introduced Jennifer Ricks, Habitat Field Manager to the Board.

V. BEACH MANAGEMENT PLAN:

Beach Driving Topics
Beach Front Parking – access points

John Harper provided the board members with maps at the last meeting. John Harper advised that the public safety issue involved in closing certain beach access points have not been addressed yet. Chairman Storch asked Kevin Sweat about the traffic flow and how it’s working now, is there a way to make it safer, how dangerous is driving on the beach, etc… Kevin advised that with 10 million visitors a year the beach would not be considered dangerous. The majority of the accidents are the people running into the cars because they’re not paying attention. Several things could be improved such as forced parking at times (such as special events), limiting parking, increased signage, increased literature and increased public service announcements. Chairman Storch asked Kevin if there were and drive zones that should be changed to no-drive zones. Kevin thinks it’s very good diverse mix now, with 30 miles of non-driving and 15 miles of driving.

The Beach Strategic Plan – Family Zones

Mr. France asked about the lightning fatalities. Kevin indicated that there are some deaths on record. Kevin will get Mr. France those statistics. Kevin advised that beach codes exist that allows the Beach Safety Personnel to close the beach during dangerous conditions.

Charles DeZaruba looked at the list of ramps that would be considered for closing and utilized as off beach parking and there isn’t enough room for parking. Chairman Storch asked about selling the property to the adjacent property owners and use that money to buy available property. Mr. Harper advised that the ordinance does not allow that. Mr. DeZaruba suggested that off beach parking sites should be considered around the access points. Mr. DeZaruba advised that there is a corner of property near El Portal access that is for sale. John Harper advised that he will look into it. Mr. Ernest advised that the permit allows for a tram service to be run from upland parking areas to the family beach areas. Chairman Storch asked Kevin to provide information on the maximum safe number of cars and/or people on the beach to maintain safety.

VI. ONGOING BUSINESS:

Mr. Harper advised that the County is looking at leasing the Grace Lutheran Church parking lot across from Neptune and Jordan’s Furniture for off beach parking.

Mr. Boger suggested that future construction projects not be started until the funds are available. Mr. Boger felt that Frank Rendon Park construction was held up because of this and therefore, the existing park was unavailable for public use. Mr. Harper explained that the hold up was not due to funding problems, but rather a problem with the initial contractor backing out of the project.

VII. DISCUSSION OF ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA:

Mr. Cook complimented Tom Morrissey for the excellent job that was done at Oyster Quay.

VIII. ADJOURNMENT:

Next meeting will be Tuesday, June 10, 2003.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:45 PM

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