Not strictly beachcat related but I'm a fan of small concession businesses and thought some of the locals might be interested.
The Sail Honeymoon business had a 20 year concession that is up at the end of the month. Seems most people want him to stay but city rules call for the contract go out to bid, which could end the business.
Glen has been a friend to the cats, good for the causeway, promoter of the sport, and sponsor of many local races. I would be sad to see his agreement with the city handed to another vendor, especially since Glen has 10's of thousands of $'s in waveriders / paddleboards , but i think it is fair to put it out for bid.
Several other people tried to run the causeway concessions but none were successful or stayed in business for long.
What isn't fair is that he was promised a long term contract many years ago, and it never happened but that is the past, and that's what happens when dealing with local (or bigger) gvt's.
We supported Glen 3 years ago when his (non) contract didn't happen, and the city started to talk about getting bids. We had about 40 people packed into Dunedin's small townhall meeting as a show of support for him.
I spoke with him a few weeks ago about getting the group together again and he said "not needed, i am taking different approach this time".
I dealt with / worked with the Dunedin city council, town lawyers, and parks/rec dept heads (as well as the police) to write up the overnight parking rules/permits and they were mostly great to work with, and very accommodating to our needs.
Dont know about there but here the person that currently holds the lease gets the final bid on stuff like 16th section and city owned property
-- Lee - On the BIG Lake in MS
Harstil Kaulua 31 - Current Project Boat
Cal 25 - What ? Time to freshen it up again??
MC Scow 16 (1 in the water and 1 parts/project) SOLD
Capri 22 - What do you mean you wont deliver it??
Chrysler Pirateer 13 - new addition to the fleet --
If i were closer I would be there (1,300 miles away). These guys were nice to the wife and I when we were down there several years ago on vacation. Everyone within a reasonable driving distance needs to head over if they can. Best of luck. Ricardo.
All cities are looking for revenue and I doubt that it will end any time soon. We see it here on the East coast as well. Cutting back on life guards, raising parking meter rates, occupational license fee etc.
You may have to be sure you are the highest bidder if it comes to that.
Good luck
It came out that (a few years ago ) there was a long term contract that was agreed upon by the parks dept, city lawyer and sailhoneymoon that was about to completed when the city manager heard about it and put it out for RFP (request for proposal) that sparked this whole situation.
One city councilor was insinuating there was some "foul play" afoot with the city manager, then the mayor called her out to produce her proof. She turned to the mayor and about chewed his head off and said "David (the mayor) I said am done with this".
Despite a packed city hall (in support), the council voted 3-2 against giving Sail Honeymoon a contract or extension on his current non-contract situation and put the location out to RFP from the public.
I personally spoke and stated "you may find another vendor who will pay more rent, but Glenn has over 25 years as a mariner, and is a vendor in a relatively dangerous location that has powerboats, jetskis, kayaks, sailboats and the intra-coastal all in the same area, and has saved countless lives by not renting out gear in conditions that a new vendor might rent out (trying to recapture their investment)"
Then the mayor "accidentally" leaked out what Sail Honeymoon had offered to pay in rent in the past, which was a violation of the Sealed Bid process.... (this is on public access tv).
so we will have to wait and see who puts in a bid, and who it is awarded to, and if it changes (or ends) the rental part of sailhoneymoon
Thanks for the update. Local politics really gets ridiculous. No room for common sense, hope it turns out ok in the end. At least if SH doesn't win they can now bring suit for damages against the Mayor and retire.
on the other side:
The city was very agreeable (4-1) and flexible when I worked with them with the beach parking permits a few years back.
Any updates?
sure ...
Thanks for the update. Local politics really gets ridiculous. No room for common sense, hope it turns out ok in the end. At least if SH doesn't win they can now bring suit for damages against the Mayor and retire.
Just came from the meeting on Dunedin Causeway concessions, city staff is recommending,,,
by unanimous decision ,,,,,, ,,,,,, SAIL HONEYMOON!!!!!!
this makes it a 99% done deal.!!!
should be before city commission for approval may 2nd.
Everyone that showed up and everyone that helped, THANK YOU (from Glen and Tina)
Just came from the meeting on Dunedin Causeway concessions, city staff is recommending,,,
by unanimous decision ,,,,,, ,,,,,, SAIL HONEYMOON!!!!!!
this makes it a 99% done deal.!!!
should be before city commission for approval may 2nd.
Everyone that showed up and everyone that helped, THANK YOU (from Glen and Tina)
Fantastic News. I've been there and I'm glad to hear this. Thanks for your efforts Andrew.
-- Philip --
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