VC 09 07 18

The County of Volusia held a meeting on September 7th, 2018, addressing several key issues including emergency management preparations for Hurricane Irma, community redevelopment projects, and beach concession contracting. The council discussed the provision of fire and emergency medical services to the City of Lake Helen, emphasizing the need for the city to manage its millage cap and consider annexation to increase its tax base. A significant portion of the meeting focused on the Spring Hill Community Redevelopment Agency's request for funding to build a new Resource Center aimed at improving quality of life and preventing homelessness, with the council approving a $250,000 matching contribution. The council also deliberated extensively on the beach concession contract, particularly the use of golf carts versus traditional concession vehicles and the impact on public beach access, ultimately directing staff to negotiate terms that balance vendor operations with public access concerns. Emergency management updates highlighted the seriousness of Hurricane Irma, with preparations including shelter openings, evacuation recommendations, and the declaration of a local state of emergency. The meeting concluded with appointments to various boards and discussions on legislative matters related to beach management and transportation.