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ATV Park Ad Hoc Minutes 10/17/2012 All Terrain Vehicle (ATV)Park Ad Hoc Committee Meeting -yfr Main Conference Room S" 2885 S. Horseshoe Drive °<04) �tS' '�` Naples,FL 34104 9Y `YOB, '4 O'A/©4 • October 17,2012 c0G4)/, <9 5:30 P.M. e, Chairman—Joe Pelletier Vice Chair—Felix Garcia Jeff Close William Combs Jonathan Harraden Mario Menendez Barbra Pinx Meeting Minutes for 10-17-12 Regular Meeting Start: 5:30 p.m. End: 7:00 p.m. Location: 2885 S Horseshoe Dr, Main Conference Room Meeting Attendance: Committee: Joe Pelletier (Chair), Jeff Close, William Combs, Jonathan Harraden, Mario Menendez, Barbra Pinx Absent: Felix Garcia(Vice Chair) excused Staff: Connie Deane, Hans Russell, Valerie Kullick There were several additional members of the public in attendance. Meeting called to order by Joe Pelletier, Chairman. I. Call to Order The ATV Park Ad Hoc Committee meeting was convened at 5:30 p.m. by Chairman Joe Pelletier. A quorum was present. Roll Call was taken. Attendance noted above. II. Agenda presented III. Old Business A. Williams Farms of Immokalee, Inc.—Area N—Status Update Hans Russell Hans informed the committee that he has received an email from Area N (Williams Farms) which informed the committee that they were not interested in becoming involved with the ATV park. Barbra Pinx commented that she was aware that some of the family members were just not amicable to ATV parks. ATV Park Site Ad Hoc Committee Meeting Oct. 17, 2012/page 2 of 6 B. Alternative Members Status—Connie Deane Connie reported that there are still two alternate member positions open on the committee. There are a few members of the public here that are interested in the position. Connie noted that Greg Westgate was here at the last meeting and is filling out the paperwork to apply for a position. There are two other members that are also interested. They are Scott Perez and Keith Larson. Connie will provide them with the applications/paperwork after the meeting. IV.New Business A. Presentation by the Devils Garden Mud Club (DGMC) Representatives The Devils Garden Mud Club is here tonight to make a presentation about their facility. They are represented by the following: • Donna Metz Oates—General Manager • Steve Randolph—Operational Manager • John Galarneau—Safety Manager • Bobbie Jo Buckler—Volunteer Donna started by giving a brief introduction to the park and started a slideshow of the park. Devils Garden Mud Club is a 1,400 acre mud park off of CR 835 in Hendry County. A few months ago,Nick Casalanguida contacted Donna and told her that Collier County was looking for a place to ride ATV's. Donna was happy about the contact and said that residents of Collier County are the number one demographic that shows up at their park. Donna said they have everything out there—mud holes, trails, camping, entertainment, airboat races,truck races and swamp buggy races. It's a family fun place and they would welcome all to come. Barbra had a question—a main concern that has already come up is the question of safety on the trails. They are looking specifically for ATV trails, where you don't have to worry about"something big coming up your back". Donna replied that their park is so big;they have never had that problem. She turned over the floor to Steve Randolph, operations manager—who provided more detail. Steve started by saying that the 1,400 acres is broken down into separate areas. Safety is their number one concern. All employees act as security as well as having the Hendry County Sheriffs Department there. They keep people slowed down and under control. If someone is out of control, they put the brakes on, take their keys for a break, and have them leave the park if necessary. They're fairly strict, as they don't want injuries or stupidity. Steve also emphasized that their park is safe for children. They separate certain areas and are creating more areas for youth, which keep them separated from all the big trucks and things around. Their first responder is John Galarneau. Anytime something goes on, they are immediately on it. They have the Hendry County Sheriffs Department available,with the fire department and an ambulance;they have a helipad if something were to happen. DGMC is actually attached to another 11,000 acres, which would permit them to expand in the future. They have plans for other trails and private ATV Park Site Ad Hoc Committee Meeting Oct. 17, 2012/page 3 of 6 camping spots. They have a bird park there as well. Barbra brought up some things that need to be addressed, as this is a public/private partnership. Liquor is a primary concern because the Collier County parks are involved in this and could probably not be in an area the County would be involved in. Steve said that liquor is allowed at this time. Barbra wanted to know what options there would be in splitting a piece off and not having it be known as Devils Garden? Perhaps having something that is a Collier County ATV Park? Steve said they try to keep an open mind with everybody and understands that alcohol may be a problem. He's sure we could work together on something. Barbra just wanted to stress that this is a primary concern because it's a public/private partnership with the Collier County parks. On a question on the acreage again, Steve said it's actually 10,000 acres with another piece that's out a little. Another question was if the majority was cleared? Steve said yes, that it's been farmed—they were actually a gladioli farm for 81 years (largest in the United States) and just closed this year. It's all being restored right now and growing back into its natural state. Joe Pelletier wanted to know if any of the trails went into the woods or are they out in the fields. Steve said that of course you're not allowed to ride in any sensitive areas, so they have created their own areas. He said they have a small area, maybe 20 acres, underneath the trees,just for side by sides and 4 wheelers. Joe said he rides 2 wheelers and knows people that really don't want to ride their vehicles through the mud and be submerged.Are the trails one way? We were thinking about a track too. Steve said that at this time, no two wheelers or three wheelers are allowed. He said that nobody has come to them and asked to work with them at this time, regarding Motocross tracks. It would have to be a whole separate area and something for expansion. The park is permitted for wells—they keep them on and it gives people a place to get cleaned off and cool off They have a 3 acre lined lake that is kept clean, surrounded by sand. They also have a row of vendors set up and a concert stage. A question was posed as to how far it was from here in Naples. Steve said it was about 60 miles. You can take Alligator Alley to CR 833 (Snake Road)to CR 835 in Clewiston. There are other ways to go as well. Ed Lukosavich identified himself as being with the Florida Trail Riders (which is 2,500 members strong) and on the Board of Directors. He said he represents about 5 counties down here. He wanted to state that he thinks DGMC is missing out on some dirt biking business for this area. He said there is a big need for it in this area and potential for making a lot of money. Ed said if they had any questions, they should look at the rules for Croom State Park, which is run very well. He said he averages 3 or 4 calls a week asking where they can ride (legally). He has to tell them they can go to Dirty Foot, Thundercross or Croom, all of which are 2+hours away. Steve agrees that there is absolutely a need for that, a need for a track. Ed said the Florida Trail Riders are more about woods racing, and usually do a 10 mile loop. Steve would love to talk to them as they're looking to expand. Barbra asked if all 12,000 acres are permitted. Steve said no, not at this time—just the 1,400 acres. Ed also mentioned that they hold sanctioned races—usually about 600 entries per race, people of all ages. Steven asked him to call so they can talk. They actually own the name"Mud World" and this is their starting park. They own land in other places—Kentucky—and others and have talked about developing other parks. ATV Park Site Ad Hoc Committee Meeting Oct. 17, 2012/page 4 of 6 Mario questioned about whether they know of any permitting issues for the rest of their undeveloped property? Barbra asked if there were any Caracara on the property or Arsenic problems? Steve said he was not aware of any of these problems at this time. Barbra asked if their aim was to be a"destination", as Croom is. Steve said yes. Donna said that from the beginning, their goal was to be the"Disney of Mud Parks". Steve turned it over to John Galarneau, their safety manager. John introduced himself—said he was a retired Fort Lauderdale firefighter and he takes safety very seriously. In regards to the park: they have 24 hour security with professionals—Sheriffs Department. They also run an EMS Service,which is there all day long—with a truck on the premises. They have a fire truck with a 3 man crew on whenever they have a race or sanctioned event. There was an airboat accident on site and a man broke his back. He was transported securely—they have a helicopter pad—he is now fine and walking. He feels there's no park with better safety procedures. He keeps records of any injury to look for trends—and has found none yet. They're a big park with plenty of room—all the ATVs have flags to make them visible. Another program they're looking at is putting in a safety/training program on site in the facility— when a dealer sells a vehicle, they give a voucher for a government sanctioned safety course. They are looking to put that on site. Another park policy is that if an injury happens on site, you are either going to the hospital or signing a release or waiver of liability. He prefers people going to the hospital to be checked out. In regards to different areas of the park—every trail system developed will be one way. They have different types of areas for different vehicles—if you came to visit, you can see for yourself the great set up. They have a place for big buggies in the deep mud, a place for jeeps, ATV mud hole. There's something for everybody. They realize there's a need for Motocross and it's something to look at. Regarding the question of alcohol— that's something they will have to meet about. Perhaps it's possible to hold a sanctioned event without—he said he has counties from the east coast also looking for places to ride. A question was asked about how their county supports their business efforts. He said Hendry County loves them and is very supportive—and happy to have them, as they fill hotels and restaurants. Many counties are not quite as welcoming—they think the industry is misunderstood. Polk, Daytona and Volusia counties seem to be opening up a little. DGMC is looking to be a recreational, family park. Mario said that we will need to look at the rules and see where the county falls in regards to alcohol. He mentioned that he goes to state parks facilities and there are places that you can enjoy a beverage. Perhaps it's allowed at certain locations but not on the trails. It's something to research. Barbra suggested checking with Barry. Joe commented that he liked the fact that they were recreational but bringing the sport into it—by holding the amateur races. That's very attractive. Joe thinks there's a big group of the "normal"population that enjoys this type of clean, fun activity. John agreed again and said that family industry is where the money is at. They want a clean, family park. Joe asked how often they were open. Steve said they are allowed eleven sanctioned events per year and last year they did nine. Joe said they were looking for a park that would be open every weekend. John said it was something that could be explored. Joe said they talked about all the different vehicles and how they maybe would have to ATV Park Site Ad Hoc Committee Meeting Oct. 17, 2012/page 5 of 6 possibly exclude somebody (due to park size concerns)—but in this situation it looks as if nobody would have to be excluded due to the size of the property (with the exception of Motocross). They invited the committee to come out and see what they're about some weekend. It will give a better idea of what is there. Barbra asked when their next event was happening. It is October 26-28—airboat racing, ATV, side by side racing, and a redneck wedding going on.All are welcome. The presentation is over—Connie has all their contact information. B. Discuss Plan for tour of Winchester Lakes Corporation 654 acre property Connie said there is a tour scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 20 for the Winchester Lakes property. Joe Bonness will be meeting us out there to show the property. If anybody wants to be there, Connie needs to know by Thursday, October 18 by 3 p.m. to make all the necessary arrangements. Public is welcome. Barbra will not be able to make it. Mario also has a conflict and probably will not be able to make it. Joe said we're to meet at the Sheriffs Substation on Oil Well Road, right in front of Corkscrew Middle School. Property is 654 acres and Joe Bonness will meet us at the gate. Connie passed out a visual on the property. Joe thinks the property looks small and Mario agrees. They are willing to keep an open mind and look at the property. Connie is arranging transportation so please let her know. Members of the public must let her know too. A question was asked of Hans about a piece of property out on Sabal Palm Road. Hans said it is surrounded by Everglades Restoration and in his opinion would never get permitted. V. Public Comment Joe asked for any public comment. A public member named Scott Perez identified himself and said the reason he came to the meeting was that he was trying to find somewhere local to ride and was hoping to find more information today. Joe explained that the meeting was about the process of getting an ATV park for Collier County—and we are exploring all avenues. Scott said that it's a 2 hour drive in any direction to find a place to ride and he is interested in finding a closer place. Joe suggested he get with Connie and fill out the paperwork for an alternate position on the committee. Another public member identified himself as Ed Lukosavich — he had a question about a previous piece of property that the county was looking at out near the Immokalee Airport. He wondered if that was out of the running. Mario said there are still some properties on the map on the wall. Barbra said the map shows the properties that Hans narrowed down (throwing out any environmentally sensitive areas, etc). We had wanted to try and keep it in Collier County but feels we're facing a tough road as far as perception. Property C and X are not interested in talking to us. Property W is the Consolidated Citrus guy and is coming to talk to us at the next meeting. Joe Pelletier wants everybody to keep an open mind regarding the properties we toured. He said when he first heard the DGMC was coming, he was kind of close minded, but after hearing the presentation, he likes the idea of how open it is and how they are ready to accommodate all people. He likes the fact that it's all set up and that they are willing to work with us. It would solve our problem of not excluding anybody due to size restrictions. Hans suggested that perhaps they could designate a certain number of weekends per year just for Collier County. There are 52 weekends a year and they only used 9 last year. Perhaps they could designate ATV Park Site Ad Hoc Committee Meeting Oct. 17, 2012/page 6 of 6 weekends with no alcohol. It's something to think about. Barbra thinks it is going to be difficult to find "cheap land" in Collier. She said that if you can get the businesses in this county (Jeep dealers, Motocross, etc), to support this plan (because it's for county residents), even if it were out of this county, you might start turning this county to being more open toward riding. There were some positive comments about things heard about the Devils Garden Mud Club — re: the family oriented aspect of it. Joe suggested that we go out and check the property out on a weekend where they're not open. Joe wonders if we could set up a tour in November, before the next meeting and get it going. Jon suggested that it is just an empty piece of property when no one is there—maybe we should go just before or just after an open weekend, to see some of the action. Perhaps on a Sunday afternoon? There is a weekend event scheduled Nov. 30 to Dec. 2. Connie will call and see if it's possible to visit on Sunday, Dec. 2. VI.Next Meeting The next ATV Ad Hoc Committee meeting will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2012 at 5:30 p.m., at the GMD Construction and Maintenance building, 2885 South Horseshoe Drive, Main Conference Room. VII. Adjournment A motion was made and seconded and carried unanimously to adjourn. Having no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:00 p.m.