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Volusia County Beach Policy Advisory Board  
Meeting minutes for January 13, 2004
VOTRAN Meeting Rooms

I. CALL TO ORDER:

Chairman Storch called the meeting to order at 5:30PM, January 13, 2004.

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT
Chairman Glenn Storch
Vice-Chairman Ernest Boger
Charles DeZaruba
James France
Walter Welch
Richard Lohmann
Jay Crocker
William Cook

BOARD MEMBER(S) ABSENT

Dr. Bud Fleuchaus

II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF DECEMBER 9, 2003:

Charles DeZaruba moved approval of the minutes. Walter Welch seconded the motion. Motion approved unanimously.

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

None.

BEACH MANAGEMENT PLAN:

Update before County Council - Jan. 22, 2004 at 2:00pm –
Chairman Storch advised the Board and the public what the workshop with the County Council will entail. Chairman Storch brought up an idea – buy one annual pass and use it for all the pass holders’ vehicles. Bill Cook told the Board about an annual pass that he purchased for $10 to get into the National Parks throughout the U.S. William Cook asked if the pass could be held in the wallet and shown at the tollbooths. John Harper explained that a long while back the passes were being abused, therefore, the pass evolved to being permanently affixed to the car. The Board decided to continue to discuss this matter at future meetings. John Harper suggested looking into a lifetime pass.

For purposes of the Beach Management Plan, Chairman Storch suggested recommending to the Council that other types of passes for residents be considered.
Chairman Storch read an excerpt from the Beach Issues summaries regarding off beach parking fees and questioned whether the amount was correct. The Board wants to encourage off beach parking. Chairman Storch suggested considering a “per visit” rate rather than “per hour”. Chairman Storch asked if the Board had a chance to look at the Beach Issues report. Walter Welch had a question about pedestrian access. Walter Welch questioned the number of access points. Chairman Storch clarified that it was pedestrian access points that was considered sufficient. Greg France advised that seawalls have to meet architectural standards in some cities. The Board suggested requiring that seawalls be maintained to a minimum standard. The minimum standard should include the address. Chairman Storch advised that he would bring it to the County Council’s attention at the workshop.

Chairman Storch called for public participation.

Terry Campbell, President, Sons of the Beaches. Asked the Board to look into the including off beach parking fees into the beach passes. Ms. Campbell feels that day-trippers are important to the businesses and are spending money in the community. She asked the Board to re-consider the $5 increase. Chairman Storch advised that the taxpayers of Volusia County pay for the maintenance of the Beach. Ms. Campbell is in favor of increasing the fees for non-county residents, but not by $5.

Additions to the “Beach Issues” list: Look at different kinds of passes, pass should include off beach parking areas, “per visit” rate for off beach parking, consider less than $10. Jay Crocker wanted to make it clear that until more off beach parking is made available, driving cannot be eliminated from the beach. “Recommends no change given current lack of alternative.”

Toll Increase- Alternate Solutions for additional time that will be created at the tollbooths – John Harper

John Harper presented an e-mail from Republic Parking System’s, Senior Vice President John E. Leavens. He prepared a report for the Board on what impact increasing the fees would have on the tollbooth workers. Chairman Storch felt that increased tolls could be dealt with in a reasonable manner.

NEW BUSINESS:

Fire pits – Chairman Storch
The creation of fire pits on the beach is a good program. Ron Futch reported that 10 fire pits are currently on the Beach, with a few minor problems, but they are being used a lot. There could be a need for further pits, but homeowners would need to be taken into consideration. The system works pretty well, but some improvements could be made. Permits are required for use. John Harper asked about putting some in front of the new beachfront parks. Chairman Storch asked Staff to bring back recommendations for placement of new pits to the next meeting.

V. ONGOING BUSINESS:

HCP Renewal – John Harper
E-mail from County Environmental Dept. Employee, Kelli McGee. Kelli provided an update to the Board. Chairman Storch asked Harper to explain what HCP is. Chairman Storch suggests preparing for the possibility of driving being taken off the beach, by continuing to provide access and off beach parking areas.

William Cook advised the Board of an article a New Smyrna Beach newsletter regarding taking cars off the beach. Mr. Cook provided a copy of the article to the Board. Mr. Storch asked that the article be made a part of the public record.

DISCUSSION OF ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA:

Chairman Storch thanked the Board for re-electing him as Chairman.

Charles DeZaruba stressed the importance of the Board Members checking their designated areas. Jay Crocker will take 27th Ave. North, Greg France will take the Daytona Beach area (with Charles), Walter Welch will take the Ponce Inlet area. Chairman Storch will check on the Wilbur-by-the-Sea area.

Chairman Storch asked Harper about the ramp beautification program. Harper updated the Board on the Dunlawton improvements. Advised the Board about a project in that area that could be tied into this.
Next Meeting’s Agenda – Discussion of Workshop decisions.

Public Participation – John Williams asked the Board to help the City of Daytona Beach and the Police Dept., by recommending to the Council that more beach ramps be opened during BCR to alleviate traffic problems. Chairman Storch asked the Board if they want to consider that. The Board’s opinion is that it is not the place of the Board to suggest/recommend that. If the Board is asked for input, they might offer their opinion. Mr. Williams suggested that the Flagler County Beach Director be invited to a meeting to discuss his position. Chairman Storch advised that the Beach Czar idea was nixed several months ago. Mr. Williams asked about advertising on the Beach. Chairman Storch advised that the Board will recommend to the County Council to create a position to handle promotions and advertising on the Beach.

VII. ADJOURNMENT:

Next meeting will be Tuesday, February 10, 2004.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:15PM.

 

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