The City Council voted to approve changes to a proposed franchise agreement that will allow the operator of a restored riverboat — proposing to operate as the Old Florida Riverboat Company / Vintage Voyages — an initial five‑year exclusivity for the riverboat experience plus access to one dock slip for the operator’s service/push boat.

The council also agreed that the franchise should include a 90‑day requirement to commence operations once the agreement is executed. Council members agreed to language giving the riverboat operator a five‑year right tied to that franchise; the city attorney said the franchise area as written already grants exclusivity for use of that defined city facility, and the council added clarifying language to limit competing paddle/pontoon operations for the first five years and to offer the applicant a right of first refusal if another vendor proposed a similar commercial use during that period.

Terry Torrance, who said she represents Vintage Voyages and the Old Florida Riverboat Company, described the capital investment and asked the council for an exclusivity clause and a space for her service boat. The council discussed options including a narrow exclusivity for the large riverboat and a right of first refusal for other tour‑boat operators (for example, small pontoon tour business). The city attorney cautioned that the city’s ability to restrict vessels that are not using city facilities is limited, but confirmed the city could decline to grant new franchise rights for competing operations on city property.

A motion to approve the franchise language as discussed — including a five‑year exclusive term for the riverboat experience, a five‑year slip for the operator’s service boat, and a 90‑day start requirement — passed on a council motion from Deputy Mayor Ishawn Fletcher (seconded by Council Member Paul) and was recorded as carrying 4–0.

Why it matters: The decision preserves a path for private investment in a riverboat attraction while creating a limited period of operational exclusivity intended to help the new operator become established. The council balanced that request against concerns about future competing small‑scale tour operations and public‑dock access.

What council directed: The mayor was authorized to finalize the franchise agreement in consultation with the city attorney once the exclusivity, boat‑slip and 90‑day commencement language were incorporated.

Details: Council also discussed low annual dock fees and the possibility of sponsorship to offset fees for the slip. The franchise requires the operator to begin operations within 90 days of contract execution or face the loss of privileges; enforcement and terms remain subject to the final contract the mayor will sign.