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and advised that he also represents the Florida Airboat Association. He was against any <br />ordinance prohibiting airboats but felt a restriction where the river is narrow would be <br />acceptable. You can see a lot more from airboats and adequate laws are already in place. <br />Robert Taylor, 1140 US#1, the owner and operator of the airboat operation being <br />discussed, clarified some of the complaints received. He noted that in the wide part of the <br />river one of the captains received a citation for speeding but did not know that was a <br />restricted area. He felt the objections to the noise were unjustified as the airboats make less <br />than 40 decibels. Also, airboats can be turned in a space equal to their length and do not <br />make a wake in excess of that made by a powerboat. Also, there is no propeller in the water <br />to endanger manatees. He believed that Fish & Wildlife had done a study that showed that <br />airboats in no way harm wildlife unless they go into a rookery in mating season. Mr. Taylor <br />enumerated several threats he has received and noted that he has been in business for 49 <br />years and has received several environmental awards. After some discussion regarding the <br />various economic and political theories, he noted that morality cannot be legislated and felt <br />it was unfair to single out his business to try to stop without justification. <br />Joel Keen, 685 4' Street, did not believe the business should be condemned because <br />of a few complaints. <br />Ian Cunnningham, Secretary of Micco Homeowners Association, requested that the <br />Board assist the residents because of the noise which threatens the tranquility of the natural <br />setting. The Association strongly opposes the airboat operation. <br />William Meyers, 126 South Pine Street, Fellsmere, a member of the Indian River <br />County Boat Association, opposed any new regulations. He believed the Sheriff should be <br />given whatever he needs to enforce these problems. He asked the Board not to take away <br />any more rights and to be cognizant of the fact that any decision they make will affect the <br />entire Florida east coast. <br />Commissioner Ginn asked whether Mr. Meyers had ever taken an airboat into a <br />tributary in the Melbourne area, and Mr. Meyers responded that he had never been stopped <br />for anything in Brevard County. <br />JUNE 291998 <br />