Quest requests contract renewal from Lewes
In the final year of a two-year contract, Quest Adventures said it had an excellent summer in Lewes. Hoping to continue with its success, Quest would like a new contract. The most recent contract expired Sept. 30.
According to a report presented by owner Matt Carter to mayor and city council Jan. 9, Quest generated $44,155 in total gross income for the season, running May 1 through Sept. 30. August was the busiest month, producing $18,800 in gross income, beating out the next highest month, July, by nearly $3,000. After expenses and fees, the company was left with a net profit of $23,655.
Carter said his staff recorded eight saves on the water and provided first-aid assistance to a number of people in need. Strong tides, fatigued swimmers, dehydrated beachgoers and injuries due to hazardous sand conditions all led to the beach rental company lending a hand, he said. In addition, Carter said he and his staff kept the beach clean through daily pick ups and properly restoring campfire sites to their original condition.
Carter said he believes there was an increase in bike traffic. The beach was smaller due to erosion, he added. Carter’s report said that while improvements to Roosevelt Inlet were well received by guests, there were complaints about the lack of parking and ability to back into spots. Carter said the drop-off area and bathroom access are each safer following the lot upgrades.
Based on the success of the last two years, Quest is requesting a new contract to continue to provide beach rental services at Roosevelt Inlet. While the last contract expired Sept. 30, Quest would like a new contract to reflect a longer season, proposing Oct. 15 or 30.
Carter had hoped to renew the contract by the Jan. 9 meeting, but he was told officials needed to do some more digging before moving forward. During the meeting, Janis Markopoulus, co-owner of DelMarVa Board Sport Adventures, asked if the request for professional services was going to be published for beach rentals at Roosevelt Inlet. She would like her company, and others in the area, to be notified if it is. The expired contract stated the deal was nonexclusive.
Mayor and city council hoped to tackle the issue during a Jan. 27 workshop. Councilwoman Carolyn Jones wanted to go into an executive session before discussing the agenda item, but City Solicitor Glen Mandalas said there was no reason to do so. It was decided the city would resume discussions regarding the contract at another time.
