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F` JUN - 8 <br />BOOK 819 PA.,IJF.7811 -7 <br />City does not agree that all of the Chamber of Commercefs funding <br />should be allocated from District 1 monies, because the Chamber of <br />Commerce serves the entire county. <br />Commissioner Eggert pointed out that the money does not have <br />to be spent in Vero Beach as long as it is spent on behalf of Vero <br />Beach. <br />Mayor Smith appreciated what she was saying, but still wanted <br />the City to be able to participate in deciding how funds are spent. <br />Chairman Bird asked Attorney Collins if the legality of the <br />City's requests could be resolved. <br />Attorney Collins advised that beach erosion control and beach <br />maintenance are clearly authorized uses. However, it is arguable <br />whether an open-air convention center on Memorial Island would be <br />an authorized use. The term "convention center" usually refers to <br />an enclosed area where associations or trade groups can hold annual <br />meetings. <br />Larry Braisted, City Attorney, argued that the use is what <br />determines the category. Memorial Island has been used for <br />conventions of military personnel, so it fits the use. <br />The Chairman opened the public discussion. <br />Millie Bunnell, 985 Beachcomber Lane, Indian River Shores, <br />reported that the Indian River Citrus Museum is being created in <br />the northwest wing of the Heritage Center. She related that the <br />museum has been endorsed by the Indian River Citrus League and <br />supported by the citrus industry and will attract tourists from all <br />over the country. Vero Heritage, Inc., is asking the Commission to <br />reconsider their $15,000 request. Part of the money would be spent <br />on a brochure to include in gift fruit shipments, part would be <br />spent to produce a five-minute video depicting the citrus <br />production process, and the balance would be spent on construction <br />of a tourist information corner within the citrus museum. Ms. <br />Bunnell felt that this use of tourist development tax revenue <br />qualifies under State guidelines. <br />commissioner Eggert asked, and Ms. Bunnell confirmed, that the <br />brochure will cost about $8,000 and the video about $2,500. The <br />balance of the money would be used for construction of the tourist <br />information corner. <br />Ralph Sexton, member of the Board of Directors of Vero <br />Heritage, Inc., urged that funding be provided for the citrus <br />28 <br />