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ATV Park Ad Hoc Minutes 11/26/2012 All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Park Ad Hoc Committee Meeting Main Conference Room ?p�yF `'0Y 2885 S.Horseshoe Drive ea • �3 Naples,FL 34104 �' e, �6" . 0/4.- 1 Nov.5:30 P.M.2012 � CO�Rjs ?o Chairman—Joe Pelletier Vice Chair—Felix Garcia 'p Jeff Close William Combs Jonathan Harraden Mario Menendez Barbra Pinx Meeting Minutes for 11-26-12 Regular Meeting Start: 5:30 p.m. End: 7:08 p.m. Location: 2885 S Horseshoe Drive, Main Conference Room Committee Meeting Attendance: Joe Pelletier, Jeff Close, Mario Menendez, Felix Garcia, Absent: William Combs (excused), Jonathan Harraden (excused), Barbra Pinx Collier County Staff Attendance: Connie Deane, Toni Mott, Barry Williams,Nick Casalanguida, Valerie Kullick Also present were representatives of Florida Tracks and Trails: Peter Fagan, Terry Cooke and Joey Baker 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 Joe Pelletier. A quorum was present. Roll Call was taken. Attendance noted above. II. Agenda presented III. Old Business A. Update from Growth Management Division Administrator Nick Casalanguida Nick talked to Blake (referring to Blake Gable, Barron Collier Companies co-president) regarding property search and did not have good news. They do not have any properties that they wish to pursue at this time. Nick would like the committee to give a presentation to the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) in the New Year. He thinks that Joe, as chairman, should give an update to the BCC as to what has been going on for the past six months. Nick said that he and Connie would help by drafting an Executive Summary—just stating what the committee has done (with the county staff and on its own), prospects and things you'd like to follow up on and any comments you might want to make to the Board. ATV Park Site Ad Hoc Committee Meeting Nov. 26, 2012/page 2 of 6 Nick would like to shoot for the first meeting in February. This will give a little bit of time to follow through on visiting a couple parks. He and Connie will give Joe a draft to look over at the January meeting, and the committee can mark it up and decide what to add to it, get it approved and put it on the agenda. Nick asked for any input on the property they'd seen so far. B. Tour of Winchester Lakes Corporation property on Saturday, Oct. 20, Parks and Recreation Dept. Director Barry Williams Joe said that they went and viewed the property. He commented that everybody liked the property, but they had a little meeting in the van afterwards and felt like it wasn't right. It didn't have any wooded areas, plus the price was too expensive - $11 million. They did not know the price beforehand. It did not have enough features—no woods, mostly lakes that take up a lot of the acreage. They also talked about the Devils Garden people, about setting up a tour and how/when. Whether to go during an event or no event, whether to tour with their ATVs—to maybe get a feel for what they have for ATVs. In the meantime, they all received e-mails from Connie regarding the Florida Tracks and Trails(FTT) presentation. Nick talked with FTT about a week ago and thinks it's an interesting presentation. He thinks it's a good idea to be able to tell the board that we're actively looking everywhere and at all alternatives. Nick suggests getting the site visits scheduled for Devils Garden and FTT before the board presentation. Connie said that regarding Devils Garden—she has talked to Donna Metz a couple of times. We had scheduled Dec. 2 as a potential tour date, which the committee members selected because it was the end of one of the Devils Garden's scheduled events, but it was their last event for the year and it was later cancelled due to holiday lack of enough interested participants. We proposed to them that we visit sometime prior to the next event, which is Jan. 20, 2013, but they have not gotten back to Connie yet. She has left a couple of messages but no response. Connie gets the feeling that they may not have the staff or ability to do that right now and may want us to wait for the next event. Joe doesn't understand the need for an event. He understands they have vendors and such, but we're more interested in the ATV trails aspect of the property. Nick said we would be purchasing some sort of lease if we made an agreement with them—the right to use the property—so he doesn't think an event is necessary to see either. Just seeing the property would help us know if it's appropriate. Nick suggests giving Joe their phone number and seeing if he can get them to respond to set up a tour. Nick had a prior commitment and needed to leave. C. Alternative Members Status—Connie Deane Connie reported we had one application come in—Greg Westgate—Joe said he just spoke to him and couldn't make it tonight. Connie mentioned that a couple of people took applications from the last meeting but she has not heard back from them. Connie said we had a new release go out to let people know that there are two alternate seats available for the committee. IV.New Business A. Presentation by Peter Fagan regarding Florida Tracks and Trails in Charlotte County. Florida Tracks and Trails is here tonight to make a presentation about their facility. They are represented by the following: ATV Park Site Ad Hoc Committee Meeting Nov. 26, 2012/page 3 of 6 • Peter Fagan • Terry Cooke • Joey Baker Peter Fagan started by introducing himself as a long time resident of Collier County. He's a developer and is on the management team for FTT. They are here to introduce what they're going to do—and introduce this park that they are putting together. He wants to introduce Terry Cooke, who is a fifth generation Floridian. This is Terry's brainchild and he has been working on it for years. Terry started out by saying that he really thinks the committee does need to go to an event scheduled at any other park or facility. He thinks this is the only way he can explain the difference between what he is creating and building and what others offer. The park he has designed is for ATV riders and motorcycle riders. He said that every mud hole in the state of Florida puts 1000 horsepower buggies and trucks in the same area as ATVs. He thinks that's a dangerous practice. Terry said he has been thinking and working on this project for 23 years. He said it has been the biggest challenge of his life. Finding the property was easy compared to obtaining the correct zoning approvals and permitting. The park he envisions is for all people that enjoy outdoor recreational activities such as ATVs, Motocross, mud tracks, children's tracks, etc. in a safe environment. He doesn't think such a place exists right now in Southwest Florida for Florida residents. There are plenty of tourist type places but nothing for residents. Terry's vision is to have a place that is safe and controlled for all people. He said that all tracks will have sprinkler systems installed that can shut the dust down in 33 seconds. The paintball field will be the best in this area of the country. He's willing to answer any questions anyone may have. The park is 1,000 acres—they will build a five-lane entrance road to the park so there will not be any backup when entering the park. There is a separate plaza for ATV riders entering the park. There will be two drop off areas with custom adjustable heights for trailers. There will be a specific parking area that holds 940 trucks and trailers with an average length of 24 feet, with a uniformed deputy that will be patrolling the area for protection. Mario asked if there was room to expand from the 1,000 acres. Terry replied that yes, he has an additional 500 acres secured at this time. Right now there are 26 miles of ATV trails planned (one way trails only)with safety as a main issue. They will have a zero tolerance policy for any infractions committed. If a rule is broken, there will be a one year suspension,then it will be reviewed and decided whether or not you get the privilege of coming back. Any type of fighting— will be an automatic forever suspension. The park is unlimited for special events—7 days a week. The concert area holds 15,000 people and the plan is every Friday and Saturday night there will be concerts and music or monster trucks. No matter what type of entertainment,there will be something on Friday and Saturday nights. There will also be an on-site camping area. There are 531 campsites planned for campers. One side will be strictly for families. There will also be a general store in that area that should carry whatever anyone could possibly need. Joe wanted to know if the campsites will be for campers only or if it will be possible to tent camp. ATV Park Site Ad Hoc Committee Meeting Nov. 26, 2012/page 4 of 6 Terry said that there are tentative plans for tent campsites but not certain at this time. The campsites that will be available will all have electric hook ups. People can tent camp on the sites but the cost would be the same as having a camper. There are no water or sewer hook ups planned but there will be bathrooms and showers available. There will be additional parking in five more lots that accommodates 4,250 cars (this is in addition to the 940 trucks and trailers parking area). He is not sure about the plans for the additional 500 acres at this time—about whether it will be 500 acres more of trail riding, or 400 acres of trails and 100 acres of camping. It still hasn't been decided. There is also another 1,900 acres that may be available in the future; however, he has 1,500 acres already secured. Felix questioned the alcohol policy—is it going to be non-alcoholic through the whole park? It is non- alcoholic for all motorized vehicle tracks. People will get colored bands to wear for specific areas and will not be able to purchase alcoholic beverages while wearing them. There will be alcohol sold but during concerts and events, sales will shut down one-half hour before the end of the event. Each vendor can act on their own discretion as to whether or not to sell to a specific individual. There will be no tolerance for threatening or intimidating behavior. Joe wanted to know when construction will start and is there anything to see on the property? Is it possible for the committee to take a tour? Terry said that construction will be starting early next year (2014). Joe wanted to know if Charlotte County was supportive of this project. Terry said that he ran into some problems in the beginning, due to the not so good reputations of other parks and mud holes, but eventually the County understood that this would be a different type of park. Peter Fagan said that Charlotte County was very supportive—one reason being that they will be bringing jobs to Charlotte County—probably around 900 jobs (direct and indirect). He said they're really behind them and willing to do almost anything to help them make a success of this park. Terry said they will be open the first year from Thursday through Sunday and by the second year plan to be open seven days per week(scheduled for 52 weeks a year). Joe wants to know how it would work for Collier County residents if we decide we like this place and decide to"sign up". Terry said it would have to be decided between the attorneys—but probably would issue some sort of pass for Collier residents. He envisions less waiting in lines, plus there will be places online where residents can buy passes, even annual passes. He plans on offering Florida residents more benefits. He added certain features—such as the water park and the zip lines—to attract tourists. He said they will also have a full rental section for equipment—such as side by sides and ATVs. You will also be able to rent anything needed for the Paintball Park. Peter said that the property was recently appraised at$11.3 million dollars—this was for the property and permits obtained only. He wanted to explain how difficult it would be to find this type of property and open a park for the $3 million budget that the committee has. He said the first phase of the FTT project is going to be $9 million; the second phase will be another$5 million—so that is already$26 million just to open. The operating costs for the first year are projected to be $10 million—just to run it for one year. ATV Park Site Ad Hoc Committee Meeting Nov. 26, 2012/page 5 of 6 Mario wanted to know if they had a projected opening date. Terry said he hopes for it to be January 1, 2014. He hopes construction will start early next year. He has contractors and subcontractors waiting to begin,they are waiting for some construction plans to be finalized. Jeff wanted to know what the first phase was. Terry said that it is everything but the water park and zip lines and those would be completed the second year. Felix wanted to know if there would be access from the ATV area to the camping area. Terry said that there is a path around the park that will allow access for ATVs to enter the trail. Jeff wanted to know what the tracks would be made out of Terry introduced Joey Baker, who is designing the tracks. Joey is a pro-rider, a Florida Trail Rider Association pro-rider. He has ridden all of the U.S. as a pro-rider and Motocross. Joe questioned if one of the tracks was for ATV, not just Motocross. Terry pointed out one of the tracks for ATVs on the map that they brought. There are also tracks planned for Supercross and Motocross, as well as a track for kids 12 and under. Joe asked if Terry would consider a discount for Collier residents if we did go in this direction and Terry said he would demand it. Terry said that in the Amphitheater part of the park there would be different types of entertainment every week. It won't be the same band every weekend, not necessarily even the same type of entertainment every weekend. Felix had another question about the campsites—he wondered whether there would be sewer dump sites on the property. Terry said they would probably have someone come in with a mobile unit or perhaps get their own. It's still being worked on. He also had a question about the terrain—whether it was mostly Palmetto's or wooded. Terry said it was just like you see on the board.There is a lot of wooded area—he said the trails they are creating are with the aim of keeping traffic slowed down and safe—around 15 mph. He wants to create enough turns and curves to make people happy but also to keep it safe. He said they will have jump zones in the lower pasture area. Joe had a question and wondered if there were going to be an amateur series for Motocross?Joey Baker replied that they wanted to have a series of races—about 12-to 14 races (like Florida Trail Riders)—and you must come to at least nine in order to have points accumulate. Then the plan would be to have end of the year awards. Jeff asked if they had a projected cost to get into the park. Terry said they were targeting$30 per day —this would include all facilities in the park. Campsites would be additional as well as any equipment rentals. Terry and Peter said the facilities are not built yet but invited the committee to come up and see the property whenever they want to arrange it. The areas for the amenities are already cleared. He said we are welcome to come up any time. Connie said that if we do set up a tour, we have to place a notice because it is a committee approved by the BCC. The last tour we had a van driven by Barry Williams—our Parks and Recreation Department Director. We would probably try to arrange the same type of thing. Mostly likely it would be a Saturday. Terry said he can arrange it anytime. Connie asked if this would be arranged through Terry or Peter. He said either way is fine. Connie asked if anyone had any dates in mind. They discussed the next few weeks but find that they may be tied up because of the upcoming holidays. Joe mentioned that we have another ATV meeting on Dec. 4. He suggested that we discuss the tour and try and pick a date when we have the meeting. ATV Park Site Ad Hoc Committee Meeting Nov. 26, 2012/page 6 of 6 Terry said if we can get the van to the property, he can arrange some sort of transport, such as observation buggies, once they reach the property. Connie will be able to let them know how many people to expect before going. The committee is very interested in touring the property but it will probably be after the holidays. Joe thanked Terry and his group for the presentation. He appreciated the fact that safety is a priority, helmets are required, and alcohol will be restricted in regards to certain areas. Joe asked if there would be some sort of medical people on-site during the weekends. Terry said they are working closely with the Charlotte County Chief and EMS and will be having them on- site. There is also a helipad on the grounds and is part of the requirements for their zoning. They also have a six-wheeled ATV designed to haul stretchers. There was some general discussion about where the park is located and the best way to get there, as well as talk about some of the features it offers. B. Devils Garden Potential Tour Update—Connie Deane Connie said that Devil's Garden has an event scheduled for Jan. 20. We could wait until then to see their property. Perhaps we could schedule the Florida Tracks and Trails (FTT)tour earlier then that so we can make comparisons. We could go on either Saturday or Sunday. Some dates were discussed— possibly Jan. 12 or 13 for FTT. Connie said the following weekend would probably be okay for Devils Garden—they were okay with us going that weekend. We were just trying to get there earlier, if possible. Joe questioned whether we would still want to go to Devils Garden if the committee really liked FTT. All agreed that we still need to visit different places to get an idea of what is out there. There is no guarantee since this park is not finished yet. Connie asked if they were interested in touring the Red Neck Yacht Club and the answer was no. V. Public Comment No public comment. 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 Growth Management Division Construction and Maintenance building, 2885 South Horseshoe Drive, Main Conference Room. VII. Adjournment A motion was made by Mario and seconded by Felix to adjourn and passed unanimously. Having no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:08 p.m.