The Board of County Commissioners, Walton County, Florida, held a. Public Hearing on Tuesday, December 15, 1998, at 5:00 p.m.

Transcription

1 PUBLIC HEARING DECEMBER 15, 1998 The Board of County Commissioners, Walton County, Florida, held a Public Hearing on Tuesday,, at 5:00 p.m., in the Tourist Development Council's Meeting Room. The following members were present: Chairman Joel Paul, Jr., Vice-Chairman Van Ness Butler, Jr., Commissioner Gene Ryan, Commissioner Randall Infinger, and Commissioner Herman Walker. Ronnie E. Bell, Administrative Supervisor, and George R. Miller, County Attorney, were also present. Chairman Paul called the meeting to order followed by pledging allegiance to the American Flag and prayer. Mr. Tom Campbell, President of Coastal Planning and Engineering, spoke to the Commissioners regarding the Bay County beach renourishment and restoration program. Mr. Campbell presented a slide presentation depicting the damage caused by both Hurricane Earl and Georges and also presented pictures of the progress that has been made in restoring the beaches. Mr. Campbell explained that double the amount of sand needs to be placed back on the beach as to what is expected to still be there a year after the restoration project is complete. Mr. Campbell explained that Bay County funded their restoration project with the help of the one-cent bed tax and the State also assisted with the funding in anticipation of Bay County receiving grant funds and reimbursing the State. He also explained about the amount of sand it takes for a beach renourishment project. Mr. Campbell stated that after visiting Walton County, the three most critical areas are Inlet Beach, Ft. Panic, and Mirimar Beach. Vice-Chairman Butler stated that he received a report from DEP's Engineering Consultant, Post Buckley and Shue, estimating that 1.1 million cubic yards of sand was lost costing an estimated $8-10 million to repair. Mr. Campbell advised the Commissioners that the State has to determine the beaches as being critically eroded before being able to receive 50% state funding. Ms. Tressia Tousignant, Administrative Assistant for District 5, advised that the State has deemed those three areas as critical. Ms. Joane Saucier, Chairman of the South Walton Tourist Development Council, addressed the Commissioners regarding her proposal to raise the bed tax and stated that the additional tax is a user's tax for anyone who rents

2 2 in Walton County for six months or less out of the year. Ms. Saucier explained that tourism is Walton County's economy and unless we take the necessary steps to make the repairs, we won't have any beaches left for the tourists. Ms. Saucier also stated that it is the responsibility of the Tourist Development Council and they must act quickly to repair and maintain the beaches for the future and urged the Commissioners to adopt the proposed ordinance. Mr. Jim Rester, Finance Officer for the Tourist Development Council, related to the Commissioners the importance of maintaining the beaches and urged them to seek an alternative method of raising the necessary funds if they do not increase the bed tax. Mr. Jack Huggins, spoke about a long-term vision he previously had for the Chamber of Commerce to collect the bed tax for the same purpose that the TDC now collects for. Mr. Huggins emphasized that now is the time to find a method of financing for the beach renourishment program. Mr. J.W. Adkison also emphasized that now is the time to press forward and begin collecting funds and stated that the Governmental Affairs of the Chamber also voted in favor of adopting the bed tax. Mr. Jim Olin, President of Abbott Resorts, informed the Commissioners that he is in favor of the tax and asked the Commissioners that they also support the increase. Mr. Steve Peterson addressed the Commissioners regarding the severe conditions of the beaches and stated that the winter storms are upon us and will continue wreaking havoc to our beaches. Mr. Peterson stated that he formed a group of local citizens to help educate people about the beaches and also urged the Commissioners to support the tax. Ms. Mary Nielson spoke in favor of the increase and stated that she feels the increase is justified because of it's use and the beach is Walton County's marketing tool. Ms. Nielson also requested that the revenues from the current two cent bed tax be reviewed to see if any of those funds could be utilized for the beach renourishment program. Mr. James E. Ray voiced his opposition to the increase and stated that the bed tax seems to be continuously increasing and he is concerned with having to pass this tax on to the people who rent from him. Ms. Beth Folta, representing Seaside, spoke in favor of the tax and asked the Commissioners to act quickly in order to be prepared for the next

3 3 storms that may come our way. Mr. Richard Veldman, member of the Tourist Development Council and President of Rivard Realty, voiced his concerns with having to face the owners who have to collect the tax. However, he stated that he is willing to do so in order to be able to renourish the beaches and stated that he stands in favor of the tax. Ms. Ellen Ross stated that she is more concerned with the economic impact of not collecting the tax rather than the repercussions from collecting it. Ms. Marge Crawford, Seagrove on The Beach, explained that she is in favor of the additional tax. However, she is concerned that this action alone won't be enough and requested the Commissioners to designate their yearly ending balances to the beach funds to assist with the funding of the renourishment project. Ms. Mary Furnald addressed the Commissioners in support of the increased tax and asked that High Pointe be given top priority due to the poor conditions of the beaches in that area. Mr. Ed Goodwin thanked the Commissioners for their assistance and stated that he is in favor of the additional tax. Nevertheless, he still has concerns with the time frame for beginning the project and concerns over private property easements. Mr. Goodwin also stated that he would like to see private property owners of beach front property assist with the cost in return for the benefits they will be receiving. Mr. Tom Campbell addressed Mr. Goodwin's concerns regarding easements and erosion control lines. Mr. Campbell explained that the ownership remains the same for the property owner, but if the property owners refuse access to their property for beach renourishment then they can either condemn the property or work around them leaving a hole in the beach. Mr. Don McQuade, General Manager of the Hilton Resort, stated that he has been in opposition to the increased tax, however, he has had a change of mind because he realized that before the County can receive help, they must help themselves, therefore, he feels that this is a positive way to help. There being no further comments from the audience, Commissioner Infinger motioned to close the Public Hearing, second by Commissioner Ryan. Ayes 5, Nayes 0. Ryan Aye, Infinger Aye, Paul Aye, Walker Aye, Butler Aye. Chairman Paul asked Attorney Miller to explain the ramifications of

4 4 imposing the tax. Attorney Miller advised the Board that the ordinance must be adopted by a 4/5 vote and explained that the revenues from the tax must be used only for beach renourishment and maintenance. Mr. Miller also expressed his concerns regarding the issue of private versus public property improvements. Vice-Chairman Butler stated that the tax should generate approximately $1 million dollars a year which should be sufficient even if it has to be pledged for five years. Motion by Commissioner Infinger, second by Vice-Chairman Butler, to adopt an ordinance (98-23) providing for the levy of a third cent Tourist Development Tax, providing that the funds raised shall be used for beach renourishment and maintenance. Attorney Miller reviewed some changes that need to be made in Section 1 (e) regarding the Clerk's disclosure of the records; 1 (i) 2 regarding the requirements for record keeping. Mr. Miller stated that the ordinance will take effect on February 1, 1999, if adopted. Commissioner Walker stated that he does not oppose the tax however, he did voice his concerns with the possibility of people not being properly notified of the public hearing and being given ample time to come forward with their concerns. Mr. Walker also stated that before adopting the ordinance, additional time should be allowed for Attorney Miller to research the issue relating to private property and time to correct the recommended changes in the ordinance. Chairman Paul called for the question by roll call. Ryan Aye, Infinger Aye, Paul Aye, Walker Naye, Butler Aye. Ayes 4, Nayes 1. Motion passed by extraordinary vote. Commissioner Ryan stated that he understands Mr. Walker's concerns, however, he feels that the beaches need to be renourished and sees no other source of funding available. Mr. Ryan also expounded on the damages to the beach and felt that it could possibly be a result of the increased amount of construction that has taken place over the years. There being no further business, Commissioner Walker motioned to adjourn, second by Commissioner Infinger. Ayes 5, Nayes 0. Ryan Aye, Infinger Aye, Paul Aye, Walker Aye, Butler Aye. Meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m. APPROVED:

5 5 Joel Paul, Jr., Chairman ATTEST: Dan Bodiford, Clerk