Loading...
TDC Minutes 09/27/2004 R September 27, 2004 TRANSCRIPT OF THE MEETING OF THE COLLIER COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL Naples, Florida, September 27, 2004 LET IT BE REMEMBERED, that the Collier County Tourist Development Council in and for the County of Collier, having conducted business herein, met on this date at 9:00 AM in REGULAR SESSION in Building "F of the Government Complex, East Naples, Florida, with the following members present: CHAIRMAN: Commissioner Donna Fiala (Excused) Vice Chairman Glenn Tucker David Loving Kevin Durkin (Absent) Robert Dictor Susan Becker Murray Hendel Douglas House John Sorey III (10:28 AM) ALSO PRESENT: Jack Wert, Director of Tourism Maria Bernal, Executive Assistant/Tourism Heidi Ashton, Assistant County Attorney Gail Hambright, Administrative Assistant 1 >-->,..'-- MEETING AGENDA & NOTICE COLLIER COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL Monday, September 27,2004,9:00 A.M. - Noon Collier County Government Center, Administration Bldg. F, 3 rd Floor 3301 East Tamiami Trail, Naples, FL 34112 I. Call to Order II. Roll Call III. Changes and Approval of Agenda IV. Approval of TDC Minutes - Regular Meeting June 28, 2004 V. Staff Reports 1. Director's Report - Jack Wert 2. Sales Manager Report - Debi DeBenedetto 3. P.R. Manager Report - JoN ell Modys 4. Film Coordinator Report - Maggie McCarty 5. Inquiry Reports - Jack Wert Phase V - Fulfillment & Call Summary a. Golf Pac Inquiries b. Search Engine Report 6. Evans-Klages Research Services - Walter Klages 7. Paradise Advertising & Marketing - Cedar Hames VI. Old Business 1. South Marco Beach Renourishment/Caxambas Pass Dredging; Permit Fees required by Request for Additional Information #1 2. County/City of Naples Beach Renourishment Update; Permitting Issues a. Clam Pass Park Beach Renourishment 3. Hideaway Beach Renourishment Update: Consultant Funding Budget Amendment for Pre-Construction Survey and Rest-of-Permitting-Issues Work Orders VII. New Business 1. Post "Hurricanes" Beach Impact Assessment 2. Barefoot Beach Renourishment & Wiggins Pass Dredging VIII. Announcements IX. Audience Input & Discussion X. Council Discussion XI. Next Meeting Date/Location - October 25, 2004 XII. Adjournment All interested parties are invited to attend, and to register to speak and to submit their objections, if any, in writing, to the board prior to the meeting if applicable. For more information, please contact Jack Wert at (239) 403-2402. If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact the Collier County Facilities Management Department located at 3301 East Tamiami Trail, Naples, FL 34112, (239) 774-8380. Public comments will be limited to 5 minutes unless the Chairman grants permission for additional time. Collier County Ordinance No. 99-22 requires that all lobbyists shall, before engaging in any lobbying activities (including, but not limited to, addressing the Board of County Commissioners) before the Board of County Commissioners and its advisory boards, register with the Clerk to the Board at the Board Minutes and Records Department. September 27, 2004 I. Meeting was called to order by Vice Chairman Glenn Tucker at 9:00 AM. Pledge of Allegiance was recited. II. Roll Call: Roll call was taken with Commissioner Fiala and Mr. Sorey being excused. Mr. Durkin was absent. A quorum was established. III. Changes and Approval of Agenda: Ms. Becker moved to approve the Agenda as presented. Second by Mr. House. Carried unanimously 6-0. IV. Approval of TDC Minutes-Regular Meeting June 28, 2004 Ms. Becker moved to approve the minutes of June 28, 2004. Second by Mr. Durkin. Carried unanimously 6-0. V. Staff Reports: 1. Directors Report - Jack Wert (Gave Debi DeBenedetto's report as well) · They have gone from an all paper Agenda to an electronic Agenda that is on the Website. Will save printing costs. · Hosted SE Education Conference of Meeting Professionals Int. at Registry Resort in August. Voted best MPI ever held. · Debi attended other shows and conferences in many areas of the States. Many of their booths were shared by Hotel partners. · JoNell Modys very busy during Hurricane Season working with emergency centers as well as other entities. · Tourist Tax May/June/July - record months. September slowest month. · Special 800# was available during Hurricane Season all over the United States for availability of Hotel rooms in the area. Emergency Operation Center used the number for many of the calls they received. Averaged 400 calls a day normally and 500 calls a day during Hurricane Jeanne. · Some meetings have canceled and some rescheduled - but they haven't rescheduled during hurricane Season. · May be next summer before we see any impacts from the storms. National News and Weather Channel hasn't told the whole story. Collier County has not been in the news - consequently prompted the calls. · State Tourism is doing research for future and potential visitors to see what their plans and vacations may be. · There are misconceptions - and getting the word out that we haven't been affected by Hurricane Charlie etc... Emergency funds have been and will be used. Ran on CNN Headline News and in the Palm Beach and Miami markets. 2 September 27,2004 2. Sales Manager Report - Debi DeBenedetto Report was given by Mr. Wert above. 3. P.R. Manager Report - JoN ell Modys · Appointed as At-Large member for State's Tourism PR Committee. Has put her in the midst of the States efforts to recover from all the storms. · Placed key messages stating we are "okay". · Many Press Releases were distributed. Articles in packet. · Hotel Hot line had been implemented and generated over 1,200 calls. · F AM Trip for travel writers did not cancel and were thrilled they attended. They saw first hand how a Hurricane hit so close and impacted North Naples and how Collier County was a true Paradise. · Non-Hurricane Publicity Highlights were given. (Everglade City- Fishing in the Everglades) Capt. Gary Thompson · Post storm can turn into feature articles. · Covered other activities she has been involved in. · Responding to requests by media and websites. 4. Film Coordinator Report - Maggie McCarty · Strong summer in Productions · Two low budget films shot here - commercial print work and episode of "I Want That House" · European television market is discovering Collier County. · Hope to host UK's location managers Guild · Talking with German television · Working on Film Office Website with Paradise Marketing on more location photos, links and downloadable permits and a CD. · Attended Independent Film Producers Market in New York - co- sponsored reception. · Naples will host an orientation State wide - contest challenging film makers from students to professionals. · Articles included in packet. · Re-elected as State Chair of Film Commissioners Council 5. Inquiry Reports - Jack Wert Phase V - Fulfillment & Call Summary - June/July and August reports in the packet. - Discussed the different call areas along with magazines, guides, television and the websites. - Newspaper inserts have resulted in numerous inquiry calls. a. Golf Pac Inquiries - $250,000 in impact leads for the fiscal year. Continues to be good. 3 "--- September 27,2004 b. Search Engine Report - pay per click sites - Google, Looksmart and Overture. 6. Evans-Klages Research Services - Walter Klages o In first 2 quarters of year - reached 932,000+ visitors o Economic Impact - $633M last year - $702M in expenditures this year. o Discussed the different market areas with money being spent on retail and dining out. o In-Home Visitors - tracked since 1981. Tracked by in-home survey onsite. Done randomly and then calculated by a percentage. o Covered the Graphs and Maps in handout. Occupancy - May critical point because high season ends - summer season is June/July & August. Another break is in August with second season being Sept/OctlNov/Dec. Need to concentrate on the second season. Attractive for Europeans and get-a-way holidays. o Covered the visitor origins and Occupancy and room rates o Internet very important - strong for information sources o Median Age of visitors attracted is 42.6 and Median Household Income is $147,439 - very unusually high figure, dealing with very upscale, very demanding and very picky group of people. Need to deliver the product and we do. o Hurricane Panel results - Severe Impact 16%, Minor Impact 24% and no impact 60%. (No real physical damage in our area) o Estimated time to recover is less than 1 month. 7. Paradise Advertising & Marketing - Cedar Hames Kerry Durand gave a brief overview with handing out a Sales CD to the Board which can also be mailed as it is the size of a business card. She showed it on the computer to show it is similar to a TV spot and linked to the web page. · They reacted quickly to the Hurricane emergencies - two spots were shown that aired on TV due to Hurricane Charley. An E-blast was run nationally and online. (Coast is Clear & Out of Harms Way & Thing of the Past) · They have campaigns for other emergencies that may occur. · Marketed a Coop Marketing Booklet - vacation guides etc. · Were able to send attached e-mail blast to entire data base of names. Mr. Wert talked about the Marketing and Advertising Plan. . Page 141 in thcir packet illustrated "Branding the Destination" and gave the Brand ImpJementation. . A branding and slogan for this destination as Paradise Coast - Florida's Last Paradise -- many of the Hotels are now anxious to use the same message in their advertising and promotions. The Agency is working on pieces they can use on web sites etc. 4 September 27, 2004 · Mission and "Vision of the Destination and Mission Statement" was referred to on Page 142. Generates positive economic impact for the Community. · Competitive Analysis - showed how many advertising dollars they need to be competitive with other destinations. Are at a competitive disadvantage having the few dollars they have. Have to leverage the dollars best way they can - that's why they coop as much as they do. If not out there advertising their product - it's out-of-sight out-of-mind and is quickly forgotten. Will then lose market share. Dave DiMaggio - Paradise Marketing · Goals - raise awareness and change consumer perceptions of our area to increase year-around visitation. · Objectives - define the greater Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades brand. Competitively position the area. Increase name and brand awareness, focus on summer visitation and focus on the toll-free numbers and web site. · Situation Analysis and Branding the Destination - doing thorough research. Supporting "Florida's Last Paradise." He suggests "stay the course. " · Message Tactics - refining and adjusting. Intensify the color "blue." · Will do a visitor guide, golf guide, PR CD, tweaking TV and refining messages. Give good strong image and look - more photos will be taken and the entire County can use them. Will establish a library. Cedar Hames - Paradise Marketing · Media Strategies - Leisure Market - continue to go after May through October markets. Target family and couples. Age group 25-54 year olds and secondary of 55+ and weighted towards women. (they are the decision makers) · Looking at niche markets including eco-tourism - wildlife watching is one ofthe fastest growing tourism interests. Will also look at the fishing and golf. · Continue broadcasting towards the Southeast markets. Do a blitz in May. · Inquiry television aimed at feeder markets in the Midwest and Northeast. · Parks Program - working on involving the Everglades more this coming year. A program including radio and television and run May/June/July. Because the parks are not-for-profit working with the Florida Assoc. of Broadcasters, they are working on a program they would invest $100,000 on and receive $300,000 in exposure. He will get back on this possibility. · Buy National Publications and looking at newspapers. · Consumer magazines, Direct Mail, Post Cards and partnership with American Express. · E-Blast aimed at high end prospects. Banner advertising, per click and search engine optimization. · Everglades Angler Television was done this year. Traveling exhibit. 5 September 27,2004 · Golf and Golf Pac. · Travel Agents -minimum exposure - not as effective as they use to be domestically, but will look at the International programs this year. Official Industry Guidc · Group business - Meeting Planners, Corp. Assoc., Governmental incentives and summer programs. · Many others such as online, TV commercials, photography & Film Commission Brochure. · Conclusion - There is an upswing and economy is improving. Have had record- breaking tax collections and business in general has increased. They are looking to improve and do better in the future. BREAK-I0:38 AM RECONVENED -10:51 AM VI. Old Business: 1. South Marco Beach Renourishment/Caxambas Pass Dredging; Permit Fees required by Request for Additional Information #1. Mr. Wert is rccommending $3,000 for the Permit. Ron Hovell- Public Utilities Engineering Dept. - doesn't need an approval for funding at the meeting. The RAI asks for more questions; so rather than have the Committee approve partial permit fees today and more at a later date, they will do it all at once when receiving the final answer. . Update given: - Working with Engineer to respond to Request for Additional Inforn1ation. Conference scheduled on Marco Island later in the week. OppOliunities will be taken with DEP and Coastal Engineers on a boat inspection trip for the DEP Permitting staff and others interested to look at some issues concerning the questions in the RAI. Hopefully issues will be worked out and have a permit so winter of 2005/06 they can do the renourishment of Marco Island South Beach. Area is 4,500 feet from southern end of Marco Island north. Will put approx. 150,000 cubic yards of material out of Caxambas Pass. 2. County/City of Naples Beach Renourishment Update: Permitting Issues - Shane Cox - Public Utilities Engineering a. Clam Pass Park Beach Renourishment - Consultant submitted response to RAI #3 last Monday and hopefully the last before getting permit. - Construction has been moved to November 1st of next year. 6 September 27, 2004 - Coastal Planning outlined the complete construction, satisfy permit requirements, and monitor the post construction phase. Includes the survey and environmental monitoring. He showed numbers of cost on the visualizer being above the current budget. Mr. Sorey remarked at the CAC meeting it was still being debated and asked if that is required in order to get the permit. Mr. Cox's answer was "yes". Mr. Hendel asked the status of Clam Pass Renourishment. Mr. Hovell mentioned at the CAC meeting the subject was raised as to how they would get it renourished. The Permit application stops approx. Y2 mile south ofthe Pass itself. Agreed and consensus was to wait until they receive a pemlit from DEP and Army Corp. of Engineers and then go in with requested permit modification to allow stockpiling of sand at northern end of project limits in Park Shore and then truck it up onto Clam Pass Park. Bringing it in by truck they will be able to place it on the high dry beach part and not in the water area, so it doesn't migrate into the pass. Mr. Hendel also asked about the dates for the Naples renourishment project. He was concemed about the resident's knowledge of timing. Mr. Hovell mentioned the word is getting out through the public meetings and been in the newspaper that they are looking at next winter. When they get closer with details they will have a more concerted effort on getting the schedule out. Bids will go to three firms. Coastal Planning & Engineering needs an additional $30,000 to continue the project. This was presented to CAC back in July and it went to the BCC also in July so work could continue on responding to Additional Information from the State but they cannot spend Tourist Tax dollars without approval from the TDC. Mr. Sorey moved to approve the $30,000 increase to Coastal Planning and Engineering as per above discussion. Second by Mr. Loving. Carried unanimously 7-0. 3. Hideaway Beach Renourishmeot Update: Consultant Funding Budget Amendment for Pre-Construction Surrey and Rest-of- Permitting-Issues Work Orders - Ron Hoven . Received notice of completeness for Permit application from Florida DEP. 7 September 27, 2004 · Issues include - pre-construction monitoring, respond to RAI and letter from the State concerning temporary sand bag T -groins. (Sand bags need to be removed) · $8,000 has already been approved for Mangrove Study work order proposal. · 3 work orders for Humiston & Moore Engineers need approval and to add $92,000 to the project budget. Mr. Sorey moved they approve a resolution in conjunction with the Hideaway Beach Renourishment project, 1) approve budget amendment in the amount of $92,000 for the work order, and work order amendments 1 through 3 being $45,784 to finish the permitting process, $45,475 Pre-Construction Survey work and $8,000 for the Mangrove Study work order. Second by Mr. Tucker. Carried unanimously 7-0. VII. New Business: Post "Hurricanes" Beach Impact Assessment - Ron Hovell · Busy with 4 Hurricanes kicking up surf that have had beach impacts. · Photos were shown of the areas - dunes flattened, vegetation stripped, beach less deep in areas, sand over the top of sea walls and sand in yards, all causing significant impacts. · Funding assistance to date has not been included for beach renourishment for Collier County. · No recommendation at this point. Continue to monitor. Mr. Sorey asked that rocks be picked up on the beach from 3rd Avenue South to South of the Pier area. Mr. HoveU mentioned they are working with the Sheriffs office and Community Service workers to help a couple of weekends. They are keeping equipment off the beach right now due to turtle nesting. Mr. Wert recognized all Al Madsen's hard work with the beaches. Mr. Hovell also mentioned Al was selected August "Employee of the Month. " Mr. Wert infonned everyone Al will be moving into the Tourism Dept. as a full- time employee from Public Utilities. Also Mr. Hovell, Coastal Projects Manager, accepted another position in the County in the Facilities area and Maria Bernal is now a full-time employee. 2. Barefoot Beach Renourishment & Wiggins Pass Dredging - Ron Hovell Showed older aerial photo of Wiggins Pass compared to recent one. There was a pennit in the 1ate '90's allowing them to dredge with a 10- year life to allow for maintenance dredging. The Permit is structured for first 100 feet with a maximum depth to be dredged being 8 Y2 feet and tapers to 13 Y2 feet. 8 September 27,2004 After CAC heard presentations, the Estuarine Conservancy Assoc. hired Coastal Engineering consultants to take a channel survey and presented their findings. Coastal Advisory Committee recommended initiating a project as soon as possible. Many ideas of how to address the erosion on Barefoot Beach included: straightening out the channel on the interior, to place or not to place t-groins on southern end of preserve etc. The easiest was to push out the depth to 200 feet rather than 100 feet. Pushing out depth restriction on dredging and perhaps digging a hole, wouldn't cause the same amount or no erosion on Barefoot Beach. Showed different slides of the area and graphs of the Inlet Nearshore Slope. Erosion has caused some scarping. Was taken to the Parks & Rec after the Coastal Advisory Committee meeting. Tourism is looking for someone to say a beach needs to be renourished and this would be appropriate to take out of the pass. They submitted a grant application based on budget estimate of $750,000 to remove the 65,000 cubic yards. There are various ideas from others on what to do. Mr. Wert mentioned that the County Commission approved policy for various beach projects was included in the Committee's packets. #7 Inlet Sand Bypassing states it may be funded by Tourist Tax Category "A" Funding provided the Inlet Management Plan recommends the bypassing and the sand will be placed on an eligible beach. No TDC Category "A" funding will be approved for dredging non-beach compatible material. Permit requirements such as profile monitoring and beach tilling, will be funded the same way as the bypassing. Mr. Sorey wanted to clarify that sand being placed on an eligible beach and the fact they are putting it offshore and letting it migrate meets the definition. Mr. Wert agreed it does qualify. The funds were not submitted in this last budget cycle for the 2005 Budget. But the 10 year plan that was approved did show approx. $450,000 for Wiggins Pass in this upcoming fiscal year. Mr. Sorey stated one of the issues was no one picked up the sponsorship of the project. It needs a sponsor and has one now, but had fallen between the cracks. CAC has recommended it and staff feels it meets the requirements of the County Commission approved policy - so can be funded by Tourist Development Taxes. SPEAKERS John Findley - Chairman of the Milestone Committee for the Estuary Conservation Assoc. - showed photos one week after Hurricane Charley and 9 _.-._- September 27,2004 five days before. The Pass provides gulf access to out-of-state boaters and local recreational and commercial population which also includes Lee County. ECA had a monitoring done in February and assisted in making recommendations to the County and to help the CAC. It was done over 12 days with a total of 72 hours and 4,404 boats documented in Wiggins Pass with 3,227 going directly in and out of the pass during that time. The Cocohatchee Park & Marina is one of the busiest launch ramps in Collier County according to Parks & Rec. With 23,000 registered boaters in Collier County, 40% are out-of-state boaters using the ramp. In the 80's it was recommended by the Counties Comprehensive Management plan to straighten it out and wasn't done due to birds hatching. In the 90's it was recommended again by the Counties Coastal Engineering Consultants and is now again recommended by the Counties Engineer. There is a constant pounding and turbidity. In the May monitoring report there's offshore disposal sites - one site is part of the beach now and was originally offshore. Mr. Sorey wanted to clarify that within the pass itself is a separate project. Patricia Kearns - Executive Director of Marine Industries Assn. of Collier County and former Tourist for 10 years - she has heard commentaries in support of the importance of Tourism. She didn't hear the word "boat" mentioned in any presentations. Only listed as an incidental or a niche. She pointed OLlt that it was mentioned "Collier County is open for business" and if all inclusive, Collier County can be to the tourist and its residents' as vested and invested in serving the visitors. Access is the key to these areas to satisfying the tourist's needs and meeting the criteria for the funding. The MIACC is making a plea to make sure they can support pro- active decisions to feature and protect access to the gulf waters. Linda Roosa - Barefoot Beach Blvd. - her husband and herself boat out of Wiggins Pass. She attended the CAC meeting and knows this issue was a priority to remedy the situation. They belong to a cruising group with Collier, Lee and Charlotte Counties. Two years ago she hosted 10 boats and they enjoyed dinner, shopping and the waterways, but will not come back this year as they can't get in Wiggins Pass. Need to maintain the Pass for the residents and for the visitors. Graham Ginsberg - CAC Member - was pleased to hear the concerns about access and boaters being concerned with the impact on Tourism. The Coastal Advisory Committee wasn't presented with the facts of where the material would be placed. It looks like a renourishment process which would not, under normal circumstances, qualify for Tourist Development Funds. They didn't receive information about the quality of the material. Apparently there are many shells and he felt that material would not be appropriate. Concern is taking care of the pass, but his concern is where the funds will come from. If funds are used just for dredging and dumping the sand in a convenient spot it 10 September 27,2004 will lead to other dredge processes. It needs to be fixed, but they need to find alternative funds or investigate the quality of sand in an appropriate beach for it that isn't under water. Then it will benefit Tourist. Tourist will benefit from the dredging but is not in the policy, nor in the State policy. They have 3% bed tax - reflecting approx, $ 8M/yr. That will be inadequate, and if dredging is included, it will increase the tax. Doesn't fit within the State regulations. They do allow monitoring of inlets being part of the renourishment process. He suggests the boating community approach a broader spectrum to try and get funds to maintain the inlets. He also suggested a Special Taxing District or a General Fund to take care of emergencies. He uses the Pass also and boats do run aground - but they need to look at the bigger picture and TDC Funds as a secondary choice. Need another source which is not there. Joseph Moreland - President of ECA - Property owner & avid boater & slip owner - look at overall picture. Collier County recognizes the value of the Estuary System and has taken law, regulation and policy to maintain the passes. Somewhere in the County there was no responsibility to seek funding for the dredging. Wiggins Pass is a hazard to navigation and unexpected. When failing to maintain a hazard it is a serious issue, other than, is there a fund for this source. The liability of boat owners with guests on board should be addressed by the County Attorney. Safe boating is important. He shared an experience he had with his 34' Sea Ray. Being in the channel with wind conditions the bow of his boat went aground. Because of wave action and wind it flipped his boat over to starboard and put the entire starboard side of his boat aground. The waves were lifting and dropping his boat and he ended up on the sandbar and had $10,000 of damage. Can happen to experienced boaters and is a hazard. It is the Counties responsibility to find the funds to maintain it and should take priority over other expenditures. Randy Ward - Marine Industries Assoc. of Collier County - Eco Tourism - he was dock master for 2 years for the City of Naples. Transient boats are looking for restaurants and shopping. The smaller boats want to know where the hotels are. US Coast Guard puts out a notice to Mariners. Now it says Wiggins Pass is closed, or a danger. Now Collier County has lost the boater. If a boat is sinking, the Collier County Sheriff and North Naples Fire Dept. are responding - both out of Wiggins Pass. Very important they get to the scene; the Coast Guard is in Fort Meyers. There is an issue in the County for boat ramps. He is concerned about the business, economic influence and industry in Collier County. Emory Waldrip - Resident of Bonita Springs - owns slip - showed a tide chart - discussed how they have to come in at high tide into Wiggins Pass. He had maintenance done on his boat and had to time it to get his boat back. Had to cancel a weekend trip to Marco because of the limited time to get out. If you go somewhere, you can't get back. During the winter season the water is lower and everyone will be locked into the pass and not able to get out. This is a major priority that needs immediate attention. 11 September 27,2004 Don Neal- boater - has a slip in Wiggins Pass and agrees with the other speakers. He added because of the condition of Wiggins Pass he has taken his boat out of the Pass and won't bring it back anytime soon. It is not navigable and too big of a risk. Scott Hopkins - Board member/Marine Industries of Collier County and operates Cedar Bay Marina, Marco Island - this is an issue on Marco also that affects marine business. He asks to consider the Tourist impact. He talked about the Categories within the TDC Budget and referenced the order of priority and the included cost for expense allocation for a 24 month period for each project or use as follows: "A" - finance beach improvement, maintenances, renourishment, and restoration and erosion control including pass and inlet maintenance. He said the beach material the gentlemen on the CAC talked about including shells is placed off shore and then moves up onto the beach. Testimony earlier stated it improves the beach, widens the beach and is for beach renourishment. He mentioned tourist and people want to find shells on the beach. Mr. Sorey clarified part ofMr. Ginsberg's remarks by stating this was not discussed at the CAC meeting and the CAC did recommend approval. Doug Fee - President of North Bay Civic Organization & lives on Wiggins Pass Road - in April a study was provided by Humiston & Moore for the County. He read a couple of paragraphs from the study - it noted an inlet management study had been completed in 1995. It recommended increasing the gulf channel width by 100 feet and increasing the depth from 8' to 13 feet plus shi fting the channel to the north. He referred to different tables and references. The Florida DEP estimated past management practices at inlets is responsible for 80% of beach erosion problems around the State. The purpose of management plans is to identify impacts of the inlets and recommend management policies. The Wiggins Pass study focuses on navigation issues. Expanded dredging of 2000 contributed to higher erosion rates of the beach. The North Bay Board feels these statements are important and the policy to dredging to 12-13 feet outside the mouth of the pass had a direct effect on the eroding of the shoreline. The erosion occurred after the major dredge. They support the dredging but at a more reasonable and moderate depth. They are not in support of T -groins. He stated the budgeted amount in the spreadsheet of TDC funds for the project is $452,000. He asked if that was correct. Mr. Wert responded nothing was budgeted and that was in the 10 year plan. They will need a Budget Amendment from Reserves to pay for the project because they did not have a sponsor. The County does not have a permit to renourish the beach. Mr. Fee asked again why the County hasn't and isn't able to renourish the Beach. 12 September 27, 2004 Mr. Wert responded they did not have a sponsor. Mr. Hendel moved to approve the project. Second by Ms. Becker. Mr. Sorey supports the motion but wants to revisit Mr. Ginsberg's suggestion on setting up a Spccial Taxing District without having to use TDC funds. Mr. Loving wondcred where they would be if this was not compatible sand. Where would they get funding? Mr. Tucker didn't quite understand the sponsor requirement discussed earlier. He asked if they have good engineers working for them and people observing a condition that is deteriorating, why didn't someone take some action? Now they are put under pressure to do something. Mr. Loving is having a problem with all this too and reminded everyone they have $450,000 in the 10- year plan that is not in the budget and the project is going to cost $750,000. Mr. Sorey stated it should have been in the budget for TDC funds. It is his understanding that no one wanted to sponsor the project, and only after some effort they came up with one. They will learn from this and will look at more closely in the future. Motion carried 5- yes 2- no. Mr. House and Mr. Loving voted "no". Mr. Sorey recommended moving forward in asking the County Commissioners set up a Special Taxing District. It will be put on the next months TDC and CAC's agenda. VIII. Announcements: None IX. Audience Input & Discussion: None X. Council Discussion: - Mr. Hendel asked the Council to appoint a Committee to look into what they mayor can do to help/assist the Committee that is looking into what to do with the zoo. !-Ie didn't know what they can do - but suggested strongly looking into a temporary increase in Hotel Tax or allocation of Funds. Mr. Wert will have this subject on next month's Agenda. - Mr. Sorey mentioned because of the timing of the referendum he would like to see a recommendation to the citizens to support the initiative that is going to be voted on in November at their next meeting. 13 September 27, 2004 XI. Next Meeting Date/Location - October 25, 2004 ************* There being no further business for the good of the County, the meeting was adjourned by order of the Chair at 12:19 PM. COLLIER COUNTY TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL Vice Chairman Glenn Tucker 14 --.----"..-