MILTON — The Santa Rosa County Board of County Commissioners met Monday morning for its first Commissioner Committee meeting of June. Among the issues they discussed were the lack of bathroom facilities along the Navarre pier, and a gap in the county’s insurance for a specific type of amusement product.
The issue
At the end of discussion on the operator agreement between Coastal Concessions and Santa Rosa County for the ongoing operation of the Navarre Beach Gulf Pier, addressing the BOCC, Dean said he has no problem with the operation of the pier but expressed concern over the lack of restroom facilities for the 1,545 foot pier.
Dean said he saw a man last week relieve himself against a trash can. “I thought it was okay because the county doesn’t provide facilities to use while (people) are on the pier.”
What we know
For background, Commissioner Bob Cole noted the county boasts the longest pier in the Gulf of Mexico. He said, “I think it’s maybe time we look at some sort of facilities whether it’s (portable bathrooms) or something out there.” After the meeting, Cole said there had been push back in the past due to the cost of restrooms at the pier. He added, “It’s time for us to come up with a few options and see what’s cost effective to bring our…up to a comfortable level for the tourists and public that use it.
What’s next
Commissioner Rob Williamson, over District Two, which includes Navarre, said he’s already begun considering modifications for the pier later this year and “looking into making some enlargements and enhancements,” he said. While not in favor of portable bathrooms, he said he could see adding restrooms to the capitol expenditure plan.
Chairman Lane Lynchard said he’d rather get staff on the issue now. County Administrator Tony Gomillion said he’d come back to the board with options and the limitations, though didn’t specify when.
The issue
Gomillion said he was made aware of a gap in the county’s insurance coverage.
What we know
The Florida Association of Counties Trust general liability coverage agreement excludes coverage for inflatables that are used on Santa Rosa County property, according to the background documentation. When a County facility is rented and the County is aware that inflatable amusement devices are included in the planned activities, there will be no coverage for defense costs or claims payments in the event of a lawsuit arising out of injuries sustained on one of these devices.
What’s next
This is the recommendation from Gomillion, that the organization using Santa Rosa County property must have a minimum of $1 million of commercial general liability or special event liability coverage that will cover the inflatable amusement devices. A certified copy of the insurance policy must be submitted to Santa Rosa County Risk Management at least 30 days prior to the placement of the inflatable amusement device on Santa Rosa County property. The Santa Rosa County Board of County Commissioners shall be a “Named Insured".
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Santa Rosa County Board of County Commissioners discuss pier facilities, insurance coverage