This item will have an impact on the FY21-22 budget. It is clear that IVGID budgets to the rec/beach fees, i.e. it determines the maximum acceptable amount for the rec/beach fee and then budgets to spend that amount. It’s supposed to be the other way around. Determine what is needed to maintain and improve our amenities, and after a public hearing to see if the citizens/Board agree, assess fees to meet those needs.

The GM’s Ordinance 7 Committee hasn’t even met yet,but the Board is being asked for direction on punch cards.There are many aspects to the discussion, but the most pressing problem appears to be the overcrowding at the beaches Although beach access is now limited to punch card and picture pass card holders (and guests of either as long as you are in possession of a punch card with “value”), the attendance level is often above the comfort level of those seeking social distancing. And now that the public is more aware of exchange passes and the fact that there is no limit on the number of punch cards that can be sold by IVGID (approx. 2000 were sold by early July), it’s likely the beach crowds will be bigger than ever once the pandemic is under control. There is no real control or permanent limit on beach access.

Since the County still hasn’t come out with any way to limit short term rentals, the only practical way to limit beach crowds is to either eliminate punch cards altogether, requiring that guests be accompanied by a picture pass holder, or limit the number of punch cards issued to each property.

According to many long time residents, guests were originally required to be in the company of an owner. It would be simple enough to load some predetermined value shared by all picture passes issued to a property.

Golfers have effectively controlled discounted use of golf facilities for years by requiring that punch card holders be in the company of a picture pass holder to get any special rate for golf. Punch cards really are not needed for golf. And only the first 5 picture id’s get any golf “privileges”.

It has been proposed that certain discounted rates be developed for guests. By following the precedent set by the golfers, the easiest solution might be to give a percent discount off the rack rate for a limited number of people (maybe 2) accompanied by a picture pass holder, and if desired, put a cap on the total discounts per parcel/dwelling unit.

There are many more issues that need a thorough vetting. One Board workshop is certainly not going to resolve all of them. But if you believe that our amenities are here primarily for the property owners and tenants who have been assigned privileges (i.e. full time tenants) then the following determinations would at least give staff a start: 1) Beach guests must be accompanied by a picture pass holder. 2)Punch cards, if they continue to be issued, must be limited and can only be used by someone accompanied by a picture pass holder with no contra-revenue accounting. 3) There must be a maximum number of picture passes per parcel. 4) additional picture passes/punch cards (set a limit) should not be budgeted revenue, but divided up among all rec/beach fee payers and refunded.

We have a community filled with talented individuals. Please take the time to get informed on the issues and share your ideas with the IVGID Board to keep our community a great place to live, raise families and retire.