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Council approves kayak and paddleboard franchise, expands delivery access to Washington Avenue
Summary
The City of Cape Canaveral voted 5-0 to award a recreational franchise to A1A Management LLC to provide kayak and paddleboard ecotours, lessons and rentals at Banana River Park and to allow delivery access at the Washington Avenue beach crossover; council stressed enforcement, non-exclusivity and possible future code changes for additional services.
Council unanimously approved a recreational franchise for A1A Management LLC to continue and expand kayak and paddleboard ecotours, lessons and rentals in Cape Canaveral.
The contract authorizes guided tours and rentals at Banana River Park and adds delivery access at the Washington Avenue beach crossover. Molly Thomas, director of parks, recreation and cultural affairs, told the council the RFP requested firms with demonstrated experience in paddleboard and kayak tours and rentals and that two proposals were received; staff recommended A1A as meeting the minimum requirements and proposed scope in Exhibit A.
Mayor Wes Morrison and Council member Willis said they supported the tours but urged caution about beach-side rentals and on-site kiosks. "The council reserves the right to award; it is not exclusive," City Attorney (counsel) told members while explaining the city code that authorizes limited commercial solicitation. Staff noted the code currently prohibits on-site storage, umbrellas and chair rentals unless the council amends code language.
Mark, the franchisee's general manager, described 11 years of operations at Banana River Park and said the company provides instruction and waivers for renters and offers guided ecotours to limit environmental impacts. "We are very respectful to the area ... to make sure that we're able to show tourists and locals how to interact with these natural environments without causing any damage," he said.
Council questioned the franchise fee and enforcement. Mayor Pro Tem Tim Kellum and others noted the existing $500 annual franchise fee has been a historical figure and is negotiable. Several council members and staff said if the city later wanted to expand authorized services (for example, chair or umbrella rentals, storage or kiosks) the code would need revision and the fee structure could be revisited.
The council approved the contract as written and authorized the interim city manager to execute it. The vote was 5-0 (Council members Davis, Jackson, Kellum, Morrison and Willis in favor). The agreement can be adjusted later if the governing body chooses to revise the code or scope of allowed franchise activities.
