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a little vague in this area. Mr.Bireley noted that he has been a merchant here for 25 years and has heard many, many comments from tourists. Although he agrees we need to take a broad look and let the chips fall where they may, hopefully it will point up that we do need that beach and we need it badly. The comments he hears are from people coming to the beach, and mostly they come to the central beach; they don't go up to the north end of the county. Somehow we have got to get sand on that beach, and he believed we will hear from Mr. Sexton about the survey being broader than was intended. Commissioner Eggert agreed the beaches are tremendously important, but feared if we keep this study too narrow and let it become too politicized, it will not be of as much value as if we had a broader study. Commissioner Wheeler also agreed that beaches are very important, but what brings tourists to any community is water - lakes, ponds, and rivers, as well as the ocean, and he felt that to say when the beaches are gone, our community will dry up and blow away is not correct. Chairman Bird believed the question now is should we broaden the scope of the study. Beaches would be a part of that, but it appears the interest is in broadening that study. He asked Mr. Sexton for his comments. Ralph Sexton, president of Save Our Shores, pointed out that the second paragraph of their proposal says this will be a countywide study. He advised that he wished to introduce Dr. Strong of Florida Atlantic, an international authority on these subjects, who happens to be consultant for Palm Beach County on their tourist matters. Mr. Sexton felt that anything the Board wishes could be included in the proposed study, but noted that it could cost more and they should be prepared to pay for it. He stressed that his group made the proposal and they got the money, but regardless, this study could include whatever is desired. Chairman Bird asked Mr. Sexton to consider whether the entire $50,000 should be aimed at the beach study or if a portion could be used to broaden the study. Mr. Sexton wished to point out that Chapter 161 of the Beach Management law sets out certain things that should be in the study, and they certainly want those things in the study but don't see that it couldn't include other things. Commissioner Scurlock noted that there is a budget request of $50,000 and a contingency of $20,000, but until this comes back from the Committee with an actual.scope of services, you will not have anything other than a "guesstimate." y � ice• �, BOOK �;j F' GE Did 29