Item P16
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
Meeting Date: 2/21/2007 - KL
Division: County Attorney
BuIkItem: Yes No ~
Staff Contact Person: Suzanne A. Hutton
AGENDA ITEM WORDING:
Update and discussion oflease status with Pigeon Key Foundation, lnc.
ITEM BACKGROUND:
On 12/20/06, during consideration of approval of a Request for Proposals for Temporary Ferry Services
for Pigeon Key, concerns were raised regarding the status of the lease with Pigeon Key. On 1/17/07,
the Board heard testimony from Jim Rhyne, President, Pigeon ~ey Foundation, lnc, and the Fire
Marshall who raised additional safety concerns at Pigeon Key. The County Attorney had recently been
provided documents concerning the status of the lease but had been unable to thoroughly review the
documents to report on their affect on the status of the lease. Direction was provided to staff to review
and address the issues raised.
PREVIOUS RELEVANT BOCC ACTION:
On 1/17/07, the Board reviewed and discussed the status of the lease with Pigeon Key Foundation, lnc.
and heard testimony from the Fire Marshall as to safety conce~s at Pigeon Key,
On 1212012006, the Board approved a Request for Proposals for Temporary Ferry Services for Pigeon
Key.
CONTRACVAGREEMENTCHANGES: No~,
STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
TOTAL COST:
nla
BUDGETED: Yes nla No
COST TO COUNTY: nla
SOURCE OF FUNDS:
nla
REVENUE PRODUCING: Yes xx No AMOUNT: TBA
APPROVED BY: County Atty xx ~ OlVlBlPurchasing_
Risk Management _
DOCUMENTATION:
Included
Not Required xx
DISPOSITION:
AGENDA ITEM #
Revised 8/06
OKl!~ErY ~o~~~~E
(305) 294-4641
,...... ...... .....-.....-
,
BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS
Mayor Mario Di Gennaro, District 4
Mayor Pro Tern Dixie M. Spehar, District 1
George Neugent, District 2
Charles "Sonny" McCoy, District 3
Sylvia ], Murphy, District 5
Suzanne A. Hutton, County Attorney"''''
Robert B. Shillinger, Chief Assistant County Attorney **
Pedro j, Mercado, Assistant County Attorney
Susan M. Grimsley, Assistant County Attorney **
Natileene W, Cassel, Assistant County Attorney
Office of the County Attorney
PO Box 1026
Key West, FL33041-1026
(305) 292-3470 - Phone
(305) 292-3516 - Fax
** Board Certified in City, County & Local Govl. Law
February 2, 2007
Memorandum
To:
Board of County Commissioners
Suzanne A. Hutton ~
County Attorney ~
From:
Re:
Pigeon Key Update
At the last regular meeting of the Board, a discussion was held regarding Pigeon Key and the
commission heard from Jim Rhyne, Marjie Mearns and Chief Callahan.
Since that time, I have acquired additional documentation. Attached hereto are copies of
financial statements for the years ending June 30, 2003, and June 30, 2004. Also attached are the
following items submitted by the Foundation: booking information for 2007, a statement
regarding the facility being open to the public, Fees charged, and a statement regarding the
restoration of buildings. There are also copies of pages from the Monroe County Tourist
Development Council web site regarding Pigeon Key.
The Foundation provided a list of the board of directors, and the majority are clearly County
residents as required by the lease.
I have also received documentation from the County's risk manager and the Foundation's
insurance agent verifying that the required insurance on the property is in order. I have not
included copies as that packet is approximately 1 inch thick.
A January 22, 2007, letter from DEP was received regarding an oil spill and a meeting is
scheduled with DEP for February 20, 2007. I have received communications from both
Chairman Rhyne and Executive Director Mearns that they are actively working on cleaning that
up and complying with environmental standards.
Attachments
01/31/2007 00:00
3052891055
PIGEONVEYFOUNDATION
PIGEON KEY FOUNDATION, INC.
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
JUNE 30,2004
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash
Accounts Receivable
Inventory
Prepaid Expenses
Total Current Assets
Fixed Assets:
Furniture & Equipment
Leasehold Improvements
Re~tora.tions Completed
Transportation Equipment
Total
Less Accumulated Depreciation! Amortization
Fixed Assets~Net
Other Assets:
Cullectibks~Muscum
" Utility Deposits
Total Other Assets
Total Assets
[
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$74,502
23,031
25~ 738
20.668
143~939
$103',799
147.977
1.394,392
65.544
1,711,712
(388,842)
1.322.870
18,311
500
18.811
$1.485.620
LIABILITIES A..i~1) NET ASSETS
Current Liabilities:
Accounts Payable & Accrued Expenses
Current Portion of Long Term Debt
Advance Deposits -
Sales Tax Payable
Payroll Taxes Payable
Total Current LiabiJities .
Long Tenn Liabilities:
Notes Payable (Net of current portion)
Total Liabilities
Net Assets:
U nrestricted-Operatlng
Restricted-Temporarily
Total Liabilities and Net Assets
$ 69,888
10,784
13~715
910
3.057
98.354
o
o
1 ,387,266
o
$1,485.620
PAGE 01/05
AECEJVEO
IJAN 3 1 2007
MONROE COUNry
ATTORNEY
Read Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
Page 2 of8
01/31/2007 00:00
3052891055
P IGEONKEYFOUNDATI ON
PIGEON KEY FOUNDATION,INC.
STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES AND CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2004
Unrestricted
Public Support and .Revenues:
Membersrup Dues
Contributions
Admissions
Site Usage and Education
Merchandise Sales
Other Income
Special Events (Net of direct expense of SS8.215)
. $ 2,041
32,578
58,487
325.435
90.422
3,954
25~131
Total Public Support
538,048
Interest Income
60
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Total Public Support and Re\'enues
538.108
Expenses:
Program Services:
Gift Shop
Education
Fund Raising
89,427
109,076
11.813
210,316
393.503
603~819
Total Program Services
Administration
Total Expenses
Change in Net Assets
(65,711 )
Net Assets, Beginning of Year
1.452.977
Net Assets, End of Y (;1;l(
,$J..387.266.
Read Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
Page 3 of8
PAGE 02/06
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3052891055
PIGEONVEYFOUNDATION
PAGE 04/05
PIGEON KEY FOUNDATIONf INC.
STATEMENT OF FINANCLAL ?OSXTION
J'UNE 30, 2003
ASSETS
ToLdl Assets
$ 2S,RtS.6
68,751
31,274
21, 958
147,849
102,523
l47,977
1,394,392
65,544
1,710,436
(323,057)
l,387J~79
1l:!,31l
500
1B,81l
$ 1,554,039
==~::=-;:;=.=.:.-::.:.
Current Ass~ts:
Cash
Accounts Receivable
Inventory
prepaid Expenses
~otHl Current Assets
Fixed Assets:
Furniture & Equipment
Leasehold Improvement5
Restorations completed
Transportation EqUJ.pment:.
Total
Les~ Accumulated n~preciation/Amortization
Fixed Assets - Net
Other Assets:
Collectibles-Museum
Utiliry Deposits
Total Other Assets
L1ABILIT!ES AND NE~ ASSETS
Liabilities - Current:
A~~ounts ~ayable & Accrued Expenses
Current portion of Long Term Debt
Advance Deposits
Sales Tax payable
Payroll Taxes Payable
~otal Li.abilities - Current
I
Total Liab~lities and Net Assets
$ 55,616
2:9,69G
10,798
618
1. lli
97,851
3J211
10~.O62
1,452,977
0
$ 1,554,039
=::;-===::;:-~~::::::;:=
Liabilities - Long Term:
NoteS Fay~blc to Bank (net nf current po~tion)
Total Liabilities
Net Assets:
unrestricted-operating
Restricted-Tempor~rilY
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See Accompanying Notes to Financial Statements-
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01/31/2007 00:00
3052891055
PIGEONKEYFOUNDATION
PIGEON KEY FOUNDATIONr INC.
STATENENT OF ACTIVITIES AND CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
YEAR ENDED JUNE 30{ 2003
unrestricted
Public support and Reve4iles:
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M,zmbereb.;i.p Dues
Contribut;ions
Admissions
Site Usage and Educatic~
Merchandise Sales
Otnp.l" Income
Special Events (Net of direct expense
of $ 56,127)
Net Assets RelcQoed ~rcrn Restriction~:
Expenditure for ~est~~cted purpose
Total public S~ppc~t
Intcrect Income
Total Public s~~o~~~ and Revenues
Expenses:
Program Services:
Gift Shop
Education
Fund Raising
88,195
75,920
17J278
Tota.l prograr., Se:::-.::. ~8S
la~,393
Ao.minililtratiori.
477,025
658.418
92,952)
Total Expenses
Change in Net Assets
Net Assetst Beginning of ~ea:::-
1, 545 ,929
Net Assets, End of 'leal:"
$1.452,977
--......------
-------....-
See Accompanyi~g Notes to Financial Statements.
-3~
PAGE 05/05
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Education
-February 15-19
-April 11-13
-April 20-21
-April 23-27
-May 3-7
-May 8-10
-June 11-13
-July 9-13
-July 23-August 3
-October 1-5
-October 27-30
-November 7-10
-November 12-16
Member Visitation
-January 1-2
-January 26-28
-January 30- February 6
-February
-March 27-28
-June 23-30
Booking Information for 2007
15 participants
60 participants
10 participants
45 participants
30 participants
55 participants
20 participants
15 participants
25 participants
60 participants
30 participants
25 participants
13 participants
General Events
-Art Festival, February 10-11
patrons' cocktail party 120 participants
housing up to 85 artists and volunteers
minimum 2,500 participants per day
-Dinner Party, February 24
150 participants
-Church Retreat, March 2-4
60 participants
-Wedding, April 14
120 participants
-Wedding, July 15
15 participants
Other groups have expressed interest in participating in our programs and events, but
have not yet settled on a final date.
The island is open 365 days a year, allowing participants who walk or bicycle to take self
guided tours every day of the year. Guided tours originate from the Visitor's Center
everyday except for major holidays. Transportation is provided by train from the
Visitor's Center from 10 am to 3 pm, in season, off season hours at 10 am and 2 pm,
every hour on the hour. The last train departs from the island at 3:45 pm. These hours
are posted at the Visitor's Center, in our brochures located in the Chamber of Commerce
and in the TDC advertising brochures.
VISITOR'S CENTER
Admissions: $8.50 for vistors
$5,00 for visitors under 13
$6.00 for monroe county residents
$5,00 for pedestrians
EVENTS
Weddings:
Housing:
$500 use of island (includes transportation)
$50 per person per night
We host a variety of events, including weddings, dinner parties, and retreats.
The charges vary according to services provided,
EDUCATION
3-day/2-night
4-day/3-night
5-day/4-night
6-day/5-night
$270
$340
$410
$480
$290
$380
$470
$560
The statement that $3 million had been spent for restoration on Pigeon Key
came from a letter from Dr. David Rice, a member of the Foundation during
the years that the restoration took place. Most records including annual
reports before 2005 were lost in Hurricane Wilma. We are in the process of
storing what records we can find on disks to prevent further loss.
According to former board members, the island had fallen into serious
disrepair during and after the expiration of the lease with the University of
Miami. People arrived by boat, camping on the island and leaving garbage
and debris. There was a stong public outcry and the, bid went out to operate
the island and restore the buildings. As an incentive, the initial agreement
between the Foundation and Monroe County charged all costs of
maintenance on the island to the Foundation with the County taking
responsibility for the water line along the bridge and for all insurance.
Somehow that was changed before the lease was signed and the Foundation
became responsible for everything with no assistance from the County.
The Master Plan states that historic rehabilitatIon of the various structures
would be dependent upon available funds. The buildings standing today are
proof that the restoration was completed according to funding. The
construction of any new buildings or reconstruction of buildings lost for
whatever reason are in our future project plan. We will apply for grants to
complete these projects along with alternative energy projects and fire
protection sprinkler systems for all the buildings. We have already started on
that particular grant.
The loss of two way traffic and reduced weight of vehicles on the bridge for
4 years has resulted in smaller vehicles and more trips to transport students,
guests and supplies, The increased cost of gasoline and diesel are just a few
of the reasons that our costs have increased so drastically that there are no
funds available for new projects. The restoration of two lane traffic and the
installation of electric power to the island will allow the friuition of the
Foundation's dream to make Pigeon Key a world class environmental and
historic attraction.
Florida Keys official Tourism Website - Islamorada, Key Largo, Marathon, Lower Keys,... Page 1 of 2
lilt 1.__, ~;h;;;;l;l'i.
Hilfe. Ayuda. Assistenza.
Media I Press I Meeting Planners I Travel Ager
Getting Here I Accommodations I Events I Culture I Fishing I Diving & Snorkeling I Weddings I Weather IE-News & Brochure
Home
Site Map
Maps
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Search Results
PIGEON KEY - MARATHON KEY FLORIDA KEYS OFFICIAL TOURISM SITE HEART OF THE FLO
Flagler's railway made the Keys accessible from mainland Florida, and his Seven-Mile Bridge was co
engineering feat. The bridge is, like Pigeon Key, listed on the National Historic Register. Pigeon Key j
foot or by shuttle service from the Pigeon Key Visitor Center and Gift Shop on Knight's Key, mile marl
WELCOME TO THE FLORIDA KEYS AND KEY WEST OFFICIAL TOURIST DEVELOPMENT WEB~
Jumping off point to the Florida Keys is Key Largo. 42 miles south-southwest of Miami. Islamorada -
group of islands calted the "purple isles" that includes Plantation Key, Windley Key and both Upper M
Lower Matecumbe Key. At Crane Point is the Museum of Natural History of The Florida Keys and the
the first facility catering exclusively to the Keys' littlest visitors - explore the islands' rich natural histor~
WELCOME TO THE FLORIDA KEYS AND KEY WEST OFFICIAL TOURIST DEVELOPMENT WEB~
Jumping off point to the Florida Keys is Key Largo. 42 miles south-southwest of Miami. Islamorada -
group of islands calted the "purple isles" that includes Plantation Key, Windley Key and both Upper M
Lower Matecumbe Key. At Crane Point is the Museum of Natural History of The Florida Keys and the
the first facility catering exclusively to the Keys' littlest visitors - explore the islands' rich natural histoi)
WELCOME TO THE FLORIDA KEYS AND KEY WEST OFFICIAL TOURIST DEVELOPMENT WEB~
Jumping off point to the Florida Keys is Key Largo - 42 miles south-southwest of Miami. Islamorada -
group of islands called the "purple isles" that includes Plantation Key, Windley Key and both Upper M
Lower Matecumbe Key. At Crane Point is the Museum of Natural History of The Florida Keys and the
the first facility catering exclusively to the Keys' littlest visitors - explore the islands' rich natural histoi)
MARATHON KEY FLORIDA KEYS OFFICIAL TOURISM SITE HEART OF THE FLORIDA KEYS
This is Marathon, the "Heart of the Florida Keys. Marathon has blossomed into a small city centered (
Key at the midpoint of the Keys island chain. Numerous certified charter boat captains take visitors di
fishing, sailing and touring along the only living coral reef in North America, several miles offshore in j
WELCOME TO THE FLORIDA KEYS AND KEY WEST OFFICIAL TOURIST DEVELOPMENT WEB~
Key Largo is the first island you will see as you enter the 11 a-mile Florida Keys chain. After Key Largl
Islamorada, a village of homey islands that includes Windley Key, Upper Matecumbe Key and Lower
Treasure hunter Mel Fisher also called Key West home.
WELCOME TO THE FLORIDA KEYS AND KEY WEST OFFICIAL TOURIST DEVELOPMENT WEB~
Key Largo is the first island you will see as you enter the 110-mile Florida Keys chain. After Key Largl
Islamorada, a village of homey islands that includes Windley Key, Upper Matecumbe Key and Lower
Treasure hunter Mel Fisher also called Key West home.
WELCOME TO THE FLORIDA KEYS AND KEY WEST OFFICIAL TOURIST DEVELOPMENT WEm
Key Largo is the first island you will see as you enter the 11 Q-mile Florida Keys chain. After Key Larg(
lslamorada, a village of homey islands that includes Windley Key, Upper Matecumbe Key and Lower
Treasure hunter Mel Fisher also called Key West home.
WELCOME TO THE FLORIDA KEYS AND KEY WEST OFFICIAL TOURIST DEVELOPMENT WEB~
Getting Here I Accommodations I Events I Keys Culture I Fishing I Diving & Snorkeling I Weddings I \i
Webcams I Videos Current Big Pine Key Temperature Click here for forecast Home I Getting Here I jJ
Events I Keys Culture I Fishing I Diving & Snorkeling I Weddings I Weather i Brochures I Webcams I '
http://www.f1a-keys.com/search.cfm
2/2/2007
Florida Keys official Tourism Website - Islamorada, Key Largo, Marathon, Lower Keys,... Page 2 of 2
Home I Getting Here I Maps I Accommodations I Events I Culture I Fishing I Diving & Snorkeling I Weddings I Weather IE-News & Brochures I Wet
Design, Hosting &
Monroe County
http://www.f1a-keys.com/search.cfm
2/2/2007
Pigeon Key - Marathon Key Florida Keys Official Tourism Site Heart of the Florida Keys
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HISTORIC PIGEON KEY
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Visitors to Pigeon Key venture back in time to a tiny island that played a tremendous role in
today. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this five-acre property served as a
railroad workers erecting and later operating the final
installment of Henry M, Flagler's Key West Extension
of the Florida East Coast (FEe) Railway: the Old
Seven-Mile Bridge.
Fagler's railway made the Keys accessible from
mainland Florida, and his Seven-Mile Bridge was
considered an engineering feat. The bridge is, like
Pigeon Key, listed on the National Historic Register.
But with a more modern Seven-Mile Bridge serving
motorists, Flagler's feat today is utilized as a fitness
path and fishing pier. Pigeon Key is nestled beneath
this trestle at the edge of Marathon, and its modest
wood frame structures have experienced a
renaissance.
Largely colored in Flagler's trademark yellow, the cottages are a charge of the not-far-profit
Foundation, which manages the island and works to preserve its rich heritage. Among the f,
completed projects: Transforming one Pigeon Key structure into a railroad museum. Here, (
are historic artifacts from the FEC Railway, including concrete "bones" that seNed to test th
used in erecting the Old Seven-Mile Bridge. Photographs feature the trains of the railway, U
original bridge, the buildings of Pigeon Key, and the island's former inhabitants.
Pigeon Key is reached either by foot or by shuttle service from the Pigeon Key Visitor Cente
Knight's Key, mile marker 47 oceanside. Admission to the island costs $7 per adult and $4 I
are admitted free), Proceeds benefit the Pigeon Key Foundation and its preservation and ra
more information: (305) 289-0025.
Pigeon Key Foundation,
P. O. Box 500130, Marathon, FL 33050
Pho ne 305/289-0025; FAX 305/289-1 065
http://www.f1a-keys.com/marathon/pigeon.htm
2/2/2007
Pigeon Key - Marathon Key Florida Keys Official Tourism Site Heart of the Florida Keys
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Monroe County
http://www.f1a-keys.com/marathon/pigeon.htm
2/2/2007