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Volusia County Beach Policy Advisory Board
Meeting minutes for December 10, 2002
VOTRAN Meeting RoomsI. CALL TO ORDER:
Chairman Storch called the meeting to order at 5:35 PM, December 10, 2002
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT
Chairman Glenn Storch
Vice-Chairman Ernest Boger
Dr. Bud Fleuchaus
Richard Lohmann
John Williams
Charles DeZaruba
William CookBOARD MEMBER(S) ABSENT
Senta Goudy
Bob WilliamsII. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF NOVEMBER 12, 2002:
Richard Lohmann moved approval of the minutes for November 12, 2002 and Charles DZaruba seconded the motion. Minutes were unanimously approved.
III. BEACH MANAGEMENT PLAN:
Traffic Management and Parking: Chairman Storch asked each of the Advisory Board members to explain what their vision was for the Beach in the next 5 or 10 years.
Richard Lohmann explained that his vision was to see the beach meet the recreational needs of the Volusia County, safe, clean and regulated to the point where everyone can enjoy the beach. Mr. Lohmann doesn’t think it’s there yet, but it has come a long way. Mr. Lohmann is concerned about some things, and things need to keep moving forward. Chairman Storch asked him how he felt about cars on the beach. Mr. Lohmann responding by saying that he’s not in favor of cars on the beach, but doesn’t let that get in the way of tradition. He further stated that "it’s the public’s right", but it compromises the publics safety and the environment.
William Cook explained that he wants the issue of driving on the beach resolved in the next 5 years. Mr. Cook thinks a beach boss is needed and thinks a beach department needs to be created that the "Beach Boss" will head. Mr. Cook thinks that no time is being given to the beach as a resource to Volusia County. Mr. Cook thought the lights on the beach should come on automatically at the end of turtle season and has found that not to be the case.
John Williams agrees with Mr. Cook - lights should come on at the end of turtle season and a "Beach Master" is needed. Mr. Williams thinks it’s time to bring technology on board. Mr. Williams would like to see some of the "so-called armed policemen" off the beach and in an effort to do that, he suggested using a closed circuit TV to monitor the beach. Another idea to introduce technology is to have a key card access for gates at the ramps, like the airports use.
Dr. Fleuchaus explained that the beach is not as important within the County budget and philosophy as it should be. Tourism is key to the County and the beach is the driving economic source. Dr. Fleuchaus also feels that the "Beach Czar" and/or a Beach Dept. is necessary.
Mr. Boger feels that the "Beach Czar" is priority number 1 and the communication process is the second priority. Mr. Boger feels that the Beach is a large park and should be treated that way.
Mr. DeZaruba explained that he was born in Daytona Beach and watched things change into the way it is now. He’s real protective of the environment and wants to see construction and other factors stop taking from the dunes. He’d prefer that future buildings be constructed on the opposite side of A1A. Mr. DeZaruba would like to see a long-term vision and to see funds set aside for future erosion problems.
Chairman Storch reported that part of what the Advisory Board is looking at is to create a blueprint for the beach over the next 20, 30 years. Property on the beach is increasing in price, so it is time to move forward with acquisitions. Chairman Storch explained that part of what he thinks the Beach Policy Advisory Board’s job is, is to create a consensus, to take comments from the public and from the public officials as to what the next steps should be for the beach’s future and take that consensus to the County Council. He also said that it’s important to look at the Beach as a park and to clear up the driving issues. Chairman Storch feels that the beach is not a priority within County Government, but it is with the public. He also expressed that it is possible to have areas on the beach for everything. Chairman Storch read an excerpt from the Beach Strategic Plan that best explains the mission of the Beach Policy Advisory Board.
Mr. Lohmann stated that someone sitting in DeLand has very little view of what is happening on the beach and he is not too happy that those people are not located on the beach themselves. Speaking of Kevin and that group there being down on Beach Street. Mr. Lohmann feels that someone (County of Volusia employee or Beach Master) should have direct, everyday contact on the beach itself.
Chairman Storch suggested that Kevin Sweat and Beach Safety have more authority to make decisions as unexpected situation s occur.
Mr. DeZaruba suggested not holding the vendors and emergency traffic to one way traffic.
Mr. Williams is concerned with the $12 Mil. Budget and wants to know what it’s going to cost to run the beach in 5 years.
Chairman Storch asked if the budget could be decreased or costs cut. Kevin Sweat explained that out of the $12 Mil his was half of that and further explained that labor costs increases the budget yearly. Most of the budget is for labor. Chairman Storch asked Kevin if the beach was put to one way traffic, if it would reduce the need for personnel in those areas, thus decreasing the costs to Beach Safety. Kevin explained that his staff serves more than just a police function, they serve a life saving function and an EMT function, so there would still be a need for a body in those areas.
Dr. Fleuchaus asked Kevin what the difference one way traffic differ from two way driving to the person who is regulating traffic. Kevin responded that several problems are posed, such as getting ATV’s back to the concessionaire, and how A1A will be impacted.
Chairman Storch summarized that the consensus of the Board is to find some way to look at the Beach more as a park, an asset that the County will be proud of, rather than just funneling cars up and down it like a highway.
Dr. Fleuchaus suggested that more non-driving zones be created. Creating more of these areas and taking more cars off the beach would move the beach closer to a park like atmosphere.
Kevin Sweat advised the Board that during some special events, such as Wings & Waves, the cars were parked on the beach and were not allowed to cruise the beach in that area. Traffic was more manageable. However, this created a hardship on the other areas of the beach.
Chairman Storch opened the floor to public participation.
Greg Northrup, Mayor of Daytona Beach Shores told the Board that one way traffic would have a very negative impact and would not stop the cruising. He also explained that cruising was part of the beach experience. Mr. Northrup went through different scenarios with the Board to explain his opinion on how things would be affected. A big portion of the core area has been closed already and the no-driving areas are a ghost town. Greg Northrup, Concessionaire explained that this would put the concessionaires out of business. Mr. Northrup told the Board that two types of people come to the beach – day-trippers that are usually locals that don’t spend money and hotel occupants that are usually from out of town and spend money. Concessionaires rely on these types of people. Mr. Northrup feels that there are too many signs on the beach already and this would require more signs. Mr. Northrup said "If it’s not broke, don’t fix it." He feels that this would create a negative affect on the quality of life of the residents. He further stated that the core area is supposed to be busy and that all the access points are needed.
Chairman Storch told Mr. Northrup that there are problems with double stacking and too many cars on the beach and further explained that the ramp beautification efforts are priority.
Dr. Fleuchaus asked Mr. Northrup where the Dunlawton beautification project stood.
Mr. Northrup responded "I guess money".
Dr. Fleuchaus asked John Harper the same question. Mr. Harper explained that discussions have been ongoing with the City.
Chairman Storch explained that the idea is to try to encourage families to come to the beach.
Mr. Northrup told the Board that they needed to address buying more property for off-beach parking and the County needs to look to the future. Mr. Northrup thinks the Feds will take the traffic off the beach in the future.
Chairman Storch advised the group that Brevard County had a vision and accomplished that vision by buying up property for off beach parking.
Mr. DeZaruba asked Mr. Northrup "wouldn’t it better for the beach if traffic was moved to the South". Mr. Northrup explained that all the businesses would be affected, either negatively or positively.
Mr. Lohmann advised that A1A will be re-vamped over the next couple of years and some businesses may benefit from this.
Chairman Storch reviewed the maps of the drive zones that John Harper provided for the Board.
Chairman Storch asked staff what locations would be appropriate. John Harper relayed that he is not prepared to provide this information.
Chairman Storch would like to see ways of increasing beach and park areas and decreasing our traffic areas.
Dr. Fleuchaus told the Board that he would like to settle the driving on the beach issue, but it is a very controversial issue. Dr. Fleuchaus suggested setting this issue aside until someone can come up with a clever or sensible idea to resolve it.
Chairman Storch explained that the Beach Policy Advisory Board is looking at options for now.
Mr. DeZaruba suggested discussing the driving issues further down the road and concentrate on parking at the present time.
Chairman Storch decided to hold off on this issue until all the other Beach Management Plan issues have been discussed and re-visit it at the end.
Mr. Lohmann asked the Board to consider giving their support to the North Peninsula MSD Board as they pursue a Scenic Highway designation for A1A from the Flagler County line to the Ormond Beach City limits. Mr. Lohmann moved to draft a letter to the County offering support to the MSD Board as they request authorization from County Council to apply for a scenic highway designation for A1A from the Flagler County line to the Ormond Beach city limits. Dr. Fleuchaus seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. Chairman Storch asked staff to prepare the letter.
Next Agenda – Parking: Revenues, Meters and closed access points.
Terry Abdo commented that there are other ways of collecting, such as designating areas or businesses in the area where people can go to purchase a ticket for the beach, this would do away with Republic Parking’s cut. And further explained that a lot of small mom and pop businesses that are struggling might be willing to sell out at a reasonable rate to the County now if they were guaranteed an opportunity to remain in business for a few years.
Wayne Lord supported Terry Abdo’s suggestion above.
Kevin Sweat advised that there are 10 million visitors on the 46 miles beach in Volusia County and are not the same scale as Fernadina Beach, therefore, checking meters on Volusia County beaches would be a much greater job. Kevin expressed concern about checking passes during an event such as BCR.
*William Cook, John Williams and Dr. Fleuchaus expressed that they would like to have their appointment renewed in March 2003.
IV. ONGOING BUSINESS:
Report on status of Oyster Quay Seawall:
John Harper reported that a permit was applied for in October 2002 and advised that this is usually a 90-day process. Louis Amlund, President of the Colony Beach Club spoke before the Board and expressed concern about the drainage problem. John Harper explained that the condo unit is dumping a lot of water on the street. Ms. Amlund wrote a letter about the failing seawall to the city in June 2001 not knowing whose jurisdiction it was. In November 2001, the seawall gave way. John Harper advised Ms. Amlund that the Director of Public Works informed him that once the permit is obtained, it will be put out to bid and construction should be completed before the beginning of the next turtle season. John also advised that the walkover is still open for now.
Chairman Storch asked for a status at the next month’s meeting.
Jurisdiction of Seawall Maintenance – Legal opinion:
Frank Gummey, Assistant County Attorney provided a report to the Board. Chairman Storch suggested making recommendations to the City’s to repair or beautify the seawalls within their jurisdiction.
Beach Lighting Update:
John Harper reported that FPL was notified at the end of turtle season to turn the lights back on. Most of the lights are back on. FPL is getting to the ones that are not on yet.
V. DISCUSSION ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA:
John Williams reported that there is poor signage on his area of the beach. No beach access signs.
Chairman Storch advised Mr. Williams that parking and beach access signage will be placed on January’s agenda for discussion.
Mr. Lohmann asked about the opening of Tom Renick Park. Mr. Harper explained that the final walk through will be in the next few weeks and the County Council is expected to pick a date for the grand opening at the first Council meeting in January.
John Harper advised that the Port Authority Board sent a letter asking for a Beach Advisory Board Member to participate in a study group. Mr. Cook volunteered to participate.
John Harper also advised that Leisure Services went to the Port Authority Board asking for money for the dune walkover construction project and the Board granted him $310,000 to do additional walkovers. Three will be handicapped accessible walkovers built with these funds. John advised that there are no Federal or State requirements or guidelines for recreational facilities for handicapped accessibility.
Irene Moses told the Board that the County of Volusia is doing above and beyond anyone else in the country right now.
Kevin Sweat provided the Board with Dr. Soskin’s report on special events. Kevin reported that Dr. Soskin would like to come talk to the Board. Chairman Storch asked staff to invite Dr. Soskin to attend the February meeting to discuss special events.
Dr. Fleuchaus asked John Harper what was happening with sign development. John Harper advised that he brought a package several months prior for the Board to review and approve. John will bring that back to the Board in January.
VI. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION:
None.
VII. ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting was adjourned at 7:20 PM.
Next meeting will be January 14, 2002.
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