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VOLUSIA COUNTY BEACH ADVISORY BOARD
Meeting minutes for June 13, 2006
VOTRAN Meeting Rooms

I. CALL TO ORDER:
Chairman Crocker called the meeting to order at 5:32pm, June 13, 2006.

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

BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT
Dr. P.T. Bud Fleuchaus

II. APPROVL OF MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF APRIL 11, 2006:
Walter Welch moved to approve the minutes of the April 11, 2006 meeting and David Lamotte seconded the motion. Motion approved unanimously.

III. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION – ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA (3 MINUTE TIME LIMIT PER SPEAKER):
Michael Porter thanked the Chairman for allowing him to stay and hear the presentation by Bob Ernest at last months meeting and spoke about sea turtles.

IV. NEW BUSINESS:
Discussion on Dr. Fleuchaus’ recommendation to merge the Port Authority Board with the Beach Policy Advisory Board. Glenn Storch advised that the Charter Review Commission has not agendaed this item yet.

Roy Lenois, Chairman of the Port Authority Board and Jerry Penny advised that they came to answer any questions that the Board has about Dr. Fleuchaus’ recommendation.

John Harper advised the Port Authority Board Members that Dr. Fleuchaus made this recommendation because he believes the two boards overlap on some issues and feels that merging the two boards could provide some benefit to the County.

Roy Lenois provided some history and information about how funds for the Port Authority projects are created. Funding for the beach is not provided by Port Authority funds. The Port Authority Board makes recommendations for spending the Port Authority Board funds with the County Council making the final authority as the Port Authority. Projects considered for funding by the Port Authority Board are to be used by the public at no charge. The JPP Program is a grant program that provides 50/50 funding.

Glenn Storch advised that the Charter Review Committee expires in August and he has not seen this item agendaed. Glenn Storch will come back to the Board next month and advised the Board about the Charter Review Commission’s intentions regarding Dr. Fleuchaus’ recommendation. Roy Lenois suggested that the Beach Policy Advisory Board members come to their next meeting to meet the Port Authority Board members and listen to their activities and issues.
Mike Delninno asked about the geographic area that encompasses the special taxing district.

Roy Lenois explained a few of the current Port Authority projects.

Daniel Troian advised that a few years back the Port Authority Board provided funds to help build a handicapped accessible ramp in his neighborhood.

Roy Lenois suggested that any project the Board wants to see funded should be brought before the Port Authority Board for consideration.

The Port Authority Board meets every other month unless a special meeting is called.

V. ONGOING BUSINESS:
David Lamotte asked the Board to make a formal recommendation to the Charter Review Commission re: the Sheriff taking control of Beach Services. John Harper advised that the Board made a recommendation and sent a letter to the Charter Review Commission a few months ago.

Walter Welch commented about the graciousness of Beach Services to patrol the parking garage. Walter Welch asked about Sheriff Ben Johnson’s opinion that he can save the County $800,000 by taking over Beach Services.

Kevin Sweat advised that Beach Services had no trouble fulfilling the County Manager’s request to patrol the parking garage.
Kevin Sweat addressed the Sheriff’s comments. Beach Services does not have 10 vacant positions as suggested by the Sheriff. Beach Services has 6 reserve positions that may account for $30,000. Additional part time staff is brought on staff during the summer. The winter is busy and staff is tasked during this time without the additional part time staff. Beach Services does not have take-home vehicles therefore if the positions are taken over by VCSO then they will have to provide vehicles for the additional staff. This is a significant increase in the VCSO budget.

Walter Welch expressed his concern about having weapons on the beach. Glenn Storch advised that in the past uniformed officers on the beach scared visitors on the beach. Kevin Sweat advised that Chairman Bruno does not support the Sheriff’s idea.

VI. DISCUSSION ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA:
John Harper advised that the beach lost 3 walkovers due to run off from the street. Leisure Services is going to try to get grant funding to eliminate the road run off.

Worley Pruett asked about the process for getting something for the County Council to consider. Worley Pruett asked if the Board would consider a resolution for taking guns off the beach and a resolution to open the beach to driving from Granada north. He explained that the County Council closed beach driving in this area years ago and promised to provide off beach parking in this area in return. Chairman Crocker advised that HCP is for 25 years and nothing will change in this regard until at least 25 years. Glenn Storch advised that the Beach Management Plan provides for additional off beach parking in the Ormond Beach area. Glenn Storch also advised that the Charter Review Commission is considering recommending a half cent sales tax increase to pay for off beach parking.

Dan Troian advised that he asked County staff to try to contact the U.F. Professor. He suggested that County staff send the professor a letter asking him to attend a meeting.

John Harper will provide the Board with a copy of their By-Laws to review for clarification on their duties.

David Lamotte asked about a walkover in New Smyrna Beach at Cortez. Gopher turtles may have been impacted. Two property owners received a permit to plant some trees and plants along Cortez walkover and some people complained.

Glenn Storch suggested that the Board make a recommendation and/or resolution that the dune walkovers be maintained as naturally as possible. Glenn Storch and Worley Pruett suggested that the BPAB have the opportunity to review issues of this nature and would like County Council to allow them to do so.

Dune walkover jurisdiction and reviews at the July meeting.

VII. ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting was adjourned at 6:45 pm
The next meeting is set for July 11, 2006

 

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