June 3, 2010
St. Boniface Community Center

CALL TO ORDER

President Ramirez called the meeting to order.  A quorum was present:  Ron Flynn, Deet Jonker, Ann Kaplan, Joyce Kouba, Bob Schennum, Bob Tripp, Peter van Roekens, Bob Waechter.  Excused:  Matthew Burnett, Catherine Luckner, Paul van Deventer, Gayle Wardner.

MINUTES – Joyce Kouba: The May minutes were approved.

SHERIFF’S REPORT – Deputy McGregor: Several TV burglaries occurred at the Island House. Estimate for Memorial Day weekend is 60 to 70 thousand visitors. Graffiti reported at the south end of the Key was attributed to children being permitted to paint on a house before it was repainted.

LIFEGUARD REPORT – J. R. Ayers: 110,00 beach visitors for the 3-day Memorial Day weekend. 380,000 beach visitors for May. 6 major first aid, 318 minor first aid incidents. Siesta Beach Junior Lifeguard Program begins June 1.

PUBLIC/AUDIENCE COMMENT  (17 Guests):

Commissioner Patterson provided information about proposed Economic Development incentives that would allow Sarasota to be competitive in encouraging new businesses to locate in the County.   Incentives could consist of mitigation of property and production equipment taxes for up to 10 years. Businesses targeted would be those providing salaries higher than minimum wages.  Existing businesses would not be eligible for the incentives for expansion.

Gini Hyman announced a planned Hands Across the Sand event opposing offshore drilling on Saturday, June 26th at Siesta Beach.  The event starts at 11:30, joining hands will occur from noon to 12:15 pm.  Save Our Seabirds will be active at the event.

Cheryl Gaddie, SKCC Board Chairman, stated that tickets to the VIP dinner for the 4th of July were available.  Sand and glue is being tested for the planned November sand sculpture contest.  Busses will run from Philippi Creek.  Proceeds will benefit Mote Marine turtle rescue.

AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

Beaches – Ron Flynn: No report.

Inlet Management – Peter van Roekens: Big Pass remains passable with 6.5 ft. at MLLW. The Inlet Management Plan is scheduled for presentation to the BCC on July 27th in the afternoon. Peter believes that the report will recommend dredging in the outer shoal. The reason to do this is not primarily for navigation but to protect the northern end of Siesta Key and to provide a local sand source for beach re-nourishment.

Code Enforcement – John Lally (Lourdes Ramirez): A district magistrate found that an RSF house was being rented illegally.  He also stated that the language in the short-term rental regulations was not clear.  Commissioner Paterson will follow up to get the language clarified. Complaints were received regarding Gilligan’s and Blue Smoke playing live music after 10 p.m.

STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS

Nominating/Board Development – Gayle Wardner: No report.

Zoning – Lourdes Ramirez:

Clarification of prohibiting habitable space in garages in the next zoning code update will be discussed by County Commissioners in the future. The County will have neighborhood workshops over the summer.

The County Commission decided at the May 11th public hearing to separate Siesta Key from beach prohibitions hearings. They will hold a public hearing on Siesta Key beach prohibitions after a minimum of 3 public workshops are held over the summer and fall. Casey and Manasota Key Beach prohibitions public hearing will be held on June 23.  SKVA and the SK Chamber agree with SKA's recommendations for beach prohibitions.

Due to complaints from the public, including SKA, regarding comprehensive plan workshops, originally limited to one public meeting, staff arranged for two additional workshops: June 10th and 17th.

On June 8th, the County Commissioners will hold a public hearing regarding a Casey Key rezoning that may set a precedent on increasing density on the barrier islands. SKA plans to speak against the rezoning.

Membership – Deet Jonker: No report.

OLD/NEW BUSINESS

Ann Kaplan volunteered to put out an initial supply of biodegradable bags for the dog stations and match keys to stations. A donation of $1050 for 4th of July fireworks was given to the SKCC. Lourdes found a foot-long Tookay gecko in her yard and reported it to the exotic reptile-sighting database.

ADJOURN: President Ramirez adjourned the meeting.

Respectfully submitted,
Joyce Kouba, Secretary, Siesta Key Association