MINUTES
VOLUSIA FOREVER ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Wednesday, January 15, 2003
3:30p.m. - 5:30p.m.
VOTRAN Bus Facility
950 Big Tree Road, South Daytona, Fl 32119

Reid Hughes, Chair, called the meeting to order at 3:30p.m.

Reid Hughes, Chair, instructed the Recording Secretary to record the roll of the Members in attendance, in which six (6) Members were present. Members Richard Schuler and Anne Hallum were recorded as an Excused Absence.

Reid Hughes, Chair, called for a motion to approve the November 19, 2002, Minutes. Member Carrie Stewart made a motion to approve the November 19, 2002, Minutes as prepared by staff. Member Dennis Bayer seconded the motion that carried by unanimous voice vote.

Rob Walsh provided the following information about this property: 1) it is approximately 1,000 acres in size; and 2) it abuts the Rayonier/Plum Creek Property, which is 19,700 acres in size. He introduced Ray Bunton of the St. Johns River Water Management District, who was present to provide additional information and to answer any questions.

Ray Bunton provided the following information about this property and displayed a map showing the location of the property, along with photographs of the property: 1) it has a creek system that runs through the western portion of the property; 2) it consists of 83% wetlands and 17% uplands with the upland core being along the eastern boundary; 3) it is adjacent to the Rayonier/Plum Creek Property; and 4) Little Haw Creek’s flood plain is on this property.

Member Dennis Bayer asked who would be primarily responsible for management of this property.

Ray Bunton explained that, although the management responsibilities have not been finalized, typically the District would take responsibility for the natural resource management of the property and the County would be responsible for the public access.

Rob Walsh stated that staff was requesting that the Committee expedite the land acquisition process by determining this property as eligible for further consideration under the Volusia Forever Land Acquisition Program, and amend the County Council approved Group “A” List to add the Timberlands Consolidated (Black) property, which staff would present to County Council on February 6, 2003, for approval.

Member Gordon Kipp made a motion to accept the Timberlands Consolidated (Black) Property Application as an eligible project and amend the Group “A” List to include this property. Member Dennis Bayer seconded the motion that carried by unanimous voice vote.

1. Carl Green Properties (2) -

Green Property #1 - Rob Walsh provided the following information about this property: 1) it is 5 acres in size; 2) it is located in the southeast quadrant of the County near the Cape Atlantic Estate area; 3) it is in an antiquated subdivision; 4) there is no access to the property; 5) it is part of the North Indian River Lagoon Blueway Project, which is a State acquisition project; 6) it is heavily wooded; and 7) it is adjacent to an orange grove.

Member Phil Maroney asked if the property was adjacent to any public land, even though it is part of the North Indian River Lagoon Blueway Project.

Rob Walsh stated that this 5-acre parcel was not adjacent to public land.

Chairman Reid Hughes stated that this property is just over 5 acres in size and it does not meet many of the Committee's eligibility criteria. He asked if there was a staff recommendation.

Rob Walsh explained that staff's recommendation, which was based upon the property not being surrounded by any public land and that the Indian River Lagoon Blueway Project was not moving forward at the State level, would be to pass on this property.

Member Dennis Bayer asked if there was any property within a reasonable distance being considered for acquisition by the State.

Rob Walsh responded that to the best of staff's knowledge there were no active public acquisitions being pursued in this area at this time.

Member Carrie Stewart made a motion to accept the Carl Green Property (#1) Property Application as an eligible project. Member Gordon Kipp seconded the motion that failed by a voice vote of 0 to 6, as Resolution 2001-198 requires an affirmative vote of at least five (5) Members to pass.

Green Property #2 - Rob Walsh provided the following information about this property: 1) it is 1 acre in size; 2) located in the same general area as the 1st Green Property, but on the opposite side of US 1; 3) it is surrounded entirely by federal lands (Canaveral National Seashore and part of the Space Center); and 4) because of the property's size, the resource analysis does not show this property meeting many of the Committee's eligibility criteria. Staff would suggest that this application be forwarded to the Federal authorities to determine if there is an interest in the acquisition of the property as it would close a hole in the properties they currently own.

Member Gordon Kipp made a motion to accept the Carl Green Property (#2) Property Application as an eligible project. Member Carrie Stewart seconded the motion that failed by a voice vote of 0 to 6, as Resolution 2001-198 requires an affirmative vote of at least five (5) Members to pass.

2. Townsend-Schroeder Trust Property - Rob Walsh provided the following information about this property, which consists of three (3) parcels, and presented a survey map showing the configuration of the property: 1) it is located south of SR 44; 2) it is 650 acres in size; 3) it meets several of the primary criteria for eligibility; 4) currently, there is no connectivity; and 5) it is in the Volusia Conservation Corridor. He stated that staff believes this property has ecological values. Even though there is no connectivity, the state has targeted lands just to the south of this property, known as the American Timberlands property, which would create the connectivity to public land. It is staff's understanding that the American Timberlands property is being appraised at this time.

Member Gordon Kipp asked if there was access to the property.

Rob Walsh stated that there was access to the property, which is provided by a road off of SR 44 with a gate. He added that there is a potential for archeological/historical significance, as there was an old railroad line that traversed this property.

Member Dennis Bayer asked how much of this property was comprised of wetlands.

Randall Sleister explained that the property is part of a swamp with some uplands, but it is wet flatwoods.

Member Dennis Bayer asked what state agency had targeted the American Timberlands property for acquisition.

Douglas Weaver stated that the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) had targeted the American Timberlands property for acquisition.

Member Dennis Bayer asked under what FDEP program would the American Timberlands property be acquired.

Douglas Weaver stated that the program would be Florida Forever. He also stated that the State was currently in the process of appraising the property.

Rob Walsh added, after Member Dennis Bayer asked if the state would be looking for matching funds, that because the property is the Volusia Conservation Corridor, the funding contributions should be 25% from the County, 25% from the District, and 50% from the State.

Member Alan Alshouse made a motion to accept the Townsend-Schroeder Trust Property Application as an eligible project. Member Phil Maroney seconded the motion that carried by unanimous voice vote.

3. Taylor Moore Guardian Property - Rob Walsh provided the following information about this property: 1) it is 8+ acres in size; 2) it is on the St. Johns River; 3) it is in the Wekiva-Ocala National Greenway; 4) there is a potential for matching funds; 5) access is an issue; and 6) it meets few of the Committee's eligibility criteria.

Chairman Reid Hughes reminded the Committee and staff that the Committee could not participate in all of the requests for acquisition. He pointed out that this property received a low grading on the initial office review.

Rob Walsh explained that discussions had occurred between County staff and District staff to determine if the District would be interested in partnering in the acquisition of this property. The District did not have an interest in this property.

Member Alan Alshouse asked what habitat community is on the property and if the property was north or south of SR 44.

Randall Sleister replied that the property is south of SR 44, and primarily consists of hardwood swamp.

Member Alan Alshouse made a motion to accept the Taylor Moore Guardian Property Application as an eligible project. Member Carrie Stewart seconded the motion that failed by a voice vote of 0 to 6, as Resolution 2001-198 requires an affirmative vote of at least five (5) Members to pass.

O’Reilly-King Property - Rob Walsh provided the following information about this property: 1) it located south of SR-44 in the New Smyrna area; 2) it is part of the Spruce Creek Swamp, 3) the Samsula Canal flows through this property; and 4) the total acreage is 2,068, of which the owners are willing to sell approximately 1,500 acres. He stated that the owners would provide a survey, in early 2003, displaying the exact acreage and location of the property being submitted for consideration by the Committee. Staff has discussed this property with the District, and the District has shown a very high interest in partnering. The only concern that staff has is not knowing exactly what 1,500 acres is being submitted for consideration and what 500 acres the owners were retaining.

The Committee also expressed concerns with regards to the lack of a complete description of the 1,500 acres being submitted on the application, and what the intended or potential use would be for the remaining 500 acres.

Member Carrie Stewart asked if the property could be considered as eligible and stipulated that, when the acreage is identified, the design would have to be acceptable to the Committee.

Rob Walsh explained that, based on discussions with the District, this property should be considered as eligible even though the 1,500 acres had not been fully identified. He added that this property would meet the objectives of this program regardless.

Member Dennis Bayer expressed a concern that the owner could retain the ownership of the uplands, sell the wetlands and develop the uplands. He opposed acquiring the wetlands and having the uplands developed into a residential community.

Douglas Weaver reminded the Committee of the threshold issue; "does the property fulfill the criteria for eligibility?"

Frank B. Gummey, III presented the question; "isn't the threshold issue whether you have a completed application if the property description is not included?"

Mr. C. Allen Watts, attorney and representative for the property owners, explained that it was not the applicants’ intent to present the specter of carving out some island in the middle of the tract, but only to provide the rough boundaries of the tract in terms of the topographical boundary referred to as the 25' elevation. Without the survey line, the exact location of the 25’ elevation is not known and the exact description of the property, legal description, cannot be provided. However, tax parcels were identified on the application. An area in the middle of the swamp, know as Long Island, is intended to be included in the tract offered for acquisition. Because the property was annexed into the city limits of New Smyrna Beach years ago, the property owners discussed with the City the future plans regarding this property. He added that the western edge of this property is planned for conservation purposes as it contains the south prong of Spruce Creek.

Member Gordon Kipp asked if the owners would provide access to the property if they were retaining ownership of the property along SR 44.

Mr. Watts explained that the O'Reilly-Kings own all the property from I-95 to Hunting Camp Road, and that access would be provided.

Member Dennis Bayer made a motion to accept the O’Reilly-King Property Application as an eligible project. Member Alan Alshouse seconded the motion that carried by unanimous voice vote.

Douglas Weaver explained that when staff states that the District has indicated support, this is from staff level only and is unofficial.

Sea Horse Farm Property - Rob Walsh provided the following information about this property: 1) it is located on International Speedway Blvd. (US Hwy. 92) in Daytona Beach; 2) it provides connectivity as it is surrounded on all sides by the Tiger Bay State Forest; and 3) the initial staff report shows that the property does not meet many of the eligibility criteria, primarily due to the size of the property and the fact that it is surrounded by public land. Staff's initial idea was to approach the Florida Department of Forestry (DOF) to find out if they were interested in the acquisition of the property because they have an in-holdings land acquisition program. Staff suggested that the Committee determine the property as eligible with instructions to staff to contact and discuss this property with DOF to determine their intent and/or interest.

Member Dennis Bayer asked if the property directly across US Hwy. 92, which is in private ownership, was developed.

Ed Isenhour stated that the property is predominately vacant with the exception of one single-family dwelling.

Member Alan Alshouse asked if staff had been in contact with staff from the Tiger Bay State Forest/DOF.

Rob Walsh stated that staff had not attempted to contact Tiger Bay State Forest/DOF staff, as there was no direction provided from the Committee. However, staff would contact DOF staff to determine their interest once the Committee provided that directive, and the information could be provided in the Staff Report for the Ranking Meeting to be held in March, if the property was determined as eligible.

Harley Strickland, property owner/representative for the Estate of Ivey Strickland, explained that his family has owned the property for approximately 50 years. The property is swamp, it is part of a larger cypress dome community, and it offers water resource protection, filtration and percolation. The family has made several attempts to determine if DOF was interested in the acquisition of the property, but there has been no response from them. The family is in the process of closing out the Estate of Ivey Strickland and decided to offer this property to the County for conservation.

Member Phil Maroney made a motion to accept the Sea Horse Farm Property Application as an eligible project. Member Dennis Bayer seconded the motion that carried by unanimous voice vote.

The Committee recommended that County staff contact the Department of Forestry to determine if there is an interest in becoming a potential funding source for the acquisition of this property.

DeNauro Property - Rob Walsh presented a map depicting the properties and provided the following information about this property: 1) it is approximately 400 acres in size; 2) it is adjacent to the Menard Property in the Osteen area; 3) the owner is only interested in offering this property as a conservation easement acquisition; 4) there is connectivity; and 5) it was an antiquated subdivision. Staff has determined, through discussions with District staff, that the District's interest in the acquisition of this property is minimal. He stated that this acquisition could be difficult, as the parcels owned by the applicant are not contiguous, too many holes and an incomplete project package.

Member Carrie Stewart requested clarification as to which properties displayed on the map were being submitted for consideration and potential acquisition, pink or white.

Rob Walsh explained that the parcels represented in pink were the properties in which the applicant owned and was submitting for consideration. He also explained that the applicant would be willing to offer the property as a conservation easement.

Member Carrie Stewart asked if the property was determined to be eligible for further consideration could the filler parcels be acquired under the Small Lot Acquisition Program.

Rob Walsh and Randall Sleister responded that potentially the filler parcels could fall under the Small Lot Acquisition Program.

Douglas Weaver stated that the process had been fully discussed with the applicant through several conversations. He informed the applicant that a potential partner would be USDA, Farmlands Protection, with the caveat that there are other priorities between the County and the District with USDA Farmlands Protection. Should the Committee determine that this property is eligible for further consideration, it would be many, many months or a year before monies are available. At this time, staff believes that USDA is the best partner for this property.

Member Alan Alshouse asked if a fee simple acquisition was being offered or considered by the applicant.

Douglas Weaver stated that a fee simple acquisition was not a consideration by the application.

Frank B. Gummey, III questioned what was the root of title (i.e., were the lots in white sold by the owner of the pink, or had the owner of the pink assembled the pink properties by picking up tax deeds).

William DeNauro, property owner, was present and explained that he had been acquiring parcels in this area through tax deeds and/or fee simple acquisitions. He was attempting to acquire all the parcels in this area to achieve one large contiguous area under one owner, himself.

Frank B. Gummey, III asked Mr. DeNauro if he had been attempting to acquire the remaining parcels but had been unsuccessful.

Mr. DeNauro explained that financial issues were hindering the attempts to acquire the remaining parcels. He stated that all the remaining parcels were for sale and were land locked. He also stated that he resided in that area.

Member Carrie Stewart asked Mr. DeNauro if anyone lived in this area beside him.

Mr. DeNauro replied no. He stated that there is 715 acres in total and he owns 450, leaving 265 acres to be acquired for completion of the project area.

Chairman Reid Hughes asked if staff would be willing to pursue acquisition of the additional parcels under the Small Lot Acquisition Program.

Douglas Weaver stated that staff could, however, the threshold issue of eligibility needed to be determined by the Committee for the parcels being submitted for consideration, and staff would have to investigate the potential for funding from USDA. He recommended that the Committee act on the eligibility determination. He explained that there remained unanswered questions with regards to the acquisition of this property, which would need to be investigated further.

Member Carrie Stewart made a motion to accept the DeNauro Property Application as an eligible project. Member Phil Maroney seconded the motion that failed by a vote of 3 to 3, as Resolution 2001-198 requires an affirmative vote of at least five (5) Members to pass.

Discussion continued after Member Carrie Stewart asked if Mr. DeNauro could re-apply to Volusia Forever and suggested utilizing the Small Lot Acquisition Program to complete the acquisition of the 265 acres remaining.

Rob Walsh explained that there were issues associated with the scenario Member Carrie Stewart was suggesting. The problem would be that under the Small Lot Acquisition Program staff would be acquiring parcels fee simple, which would create a situation with a conservation easement being mixed in with fee simple acquisitions. Staff would be concerned that there could be management issues associated with the mix. However, if Mr. DeNauro could complete the acquisition of the remaining 265 acres and submit an application for the total 715 acres, there would be a better likelihood of obtaining a funding partner, and less management issues.

Ponce Preserve Conservation Project - Rob Walsh stated that this is the first true "project" that has been received and provided the following information about this project: 1) it is on the east side of the County and close to a coastal barrier island; 2) it is an attempt by the Town of Ponce Inlet to increase the size of their existing Ponce Preserve; 3) it is approximately 150 acres in size; 4) it is a salt marsh with mangroves; and 5) there are 14 property owners that are willing sellers with additional property owners being solicited to participate by the Town of Ponce Inlet. The District is assisting County staff in determining probable jurisdictional wetlands.

Suzanne Konchan, Consultant for the Town of Ponce Inlet, was present to provide additional information and answer any questions or concerns. An aerial map was presented to display the location of the Project, which consists of lands lying west of South Peninsula Drive.

Rob Walsh added that a single-family dwelling exists on one of the parcels.

Suzanne Konchan stated that a 15th property owner had recently submitted a letter of participation to the Town of Ponce Inlet. She suggested establishing a conservation easement on the parcel with the single-family dwelling in order to provide protection of the wetland portion of that site.

Dennis Bayer asked if any of the parcels would provide canoe launching access or any other such activity, and was there sufficient uplands for development to provide public use.

Suzanne Konchan stated that a number of locations had been identified as potential canoe launching areas along South Peninsula. She added that the Town of Ponce Inlet had been planning for canoeing trails within the boundaries of this project. She presented the following question, which had been asked by several people, and provided two potential answers: Question: If the project properties are totally encumbered by wetlands, isn't it true that it is protected by our land use and development code restrictions? Answers: 1) The acquisition of these wetlands would provide a better stewardship for these environmentally sensitive lands, which would be owned and/or managed by a public entity; or 2) the Town of Ponce Inlet would avoid potentially denying all reasonable use of property and/or a land use battle with property owners who request to mitigate for wetlands destruction/damage.

Member Phil Maroney asked if all the properties involved in this project were contiguous with each other.

Suzanne Konchan stated that there are some gaps between properties. She added that there are a total of 25 property owners involved in the targeted area with 15 property owners willing to participate, which leaves some gaps between the northern Town limit line and Inlet Harbor Road.

Member Carrie Stewart explained that she is the Chair of the Halifax Indian River Task Force, whose primary goal is to preserve and protect the water quality in the river. She stated that we would be getting a double benefit with the acquisition of this property. The acquisition of this property not only places the property in conservation, but it also protects it from further development and degradation of the river.

Member Alan Alshouse asked for the upland-wetland breakdown.

Suzanne Konchan stated that with the assistance of the County's GIS Department, two (2) different GIS wetland maps were processed. Although it has not been scientifically determined, these maps, which were submitted as part of the application, provide a couple of different suggestions as to where the upland-wetland line resides. She believes that the vast majority of the properties are wetland.

Randall Sleister estimated that less than 10% of the project area is upland.

Rob Walsh explained that the District's desk analysis of the land provided the following: 28 acres of uplands, 53 acres of probable undeveloped uplands, 307 acres of probable jurisdictional wetlands, and 98 acres of potential sovereign wetlands. He stated that this analysis had not been approved by the state or any other entity and the District was assisting the County to answer questions regarding the upland-wetland breakdown of this project. He added that the District's interest in this project was minimal. Based upon what the Town of Inlet accomplished with the original Ponce Preserve, the likely candidate for partnering would be FCT.

Member Dennis Bayer stated that the District doesn't typically get involved in acquisitions involving salt marsh areas as their focus is typically on freshwater areas. He asked if this would be a viable FCT project.

Douglas Weaver stated that staff could not provide that determination at this time.

Rob Walsh also stated that staff could not provide a definite answer, but staff could state that FCT funded the original Ponce Preserve.

Douglas Weaver reminded the Committee of the results from the last FCT applications submitted for funding (23 of 109 projects were funded). The two projects that were submitted by staff were placed on the list with 145 and 140 points, and given contingent funding. FCT is a very competitive program.

Member Dennis Bayer asked if the Town of Ponce Inlet had funds available, which could be contributed toward the acquisition of these properties.

Suzanne Konchan stated that the Town of Ponce Inlet would be willing to partner with the County not only with its funds, but also with its staff and consulting efforts. The amount of the funds the Town has available is contingent upon a number of factors, which will be addressed by the Town Council.

Douglas Weaver stated that a meeting with the Town of Ponce Inlet would be in order should the Committee determine that this project was eligible for further consideration and potential partnership opportunities would need to be explored.

Member Gordon Kipp made a motion to accept the Ponce Preserve Conservation Project Property Application as an eligible project. Member Carrie Stewart seconded the motion that carried by unanimous voice vote.

5. Dodson Creek Property - Member Phil Maroney publicly disclosed a conflict of interest regarding the Dodson Creek Property as his employer is one of the property owners. He provided a “Conflict of Interest” form (CE-8A) to the Recording Secretary, and abstained from discussion and voting on the eligibility of this property.

Rob Walsh provided the following information about this property: 1) it is less than 1 acre in size; 2) located in the City of Ormond Beach along US 1, adjacent to Dodson Creek, which feeds into the Tomoka River; 3) it is located in a General Commercial area, as designated by the City of Ormond Beach; and 4) there are existing commercial entities surrounding this property. Research of potential funding partners revealed that this property had been submitted in three (3) applications to FCT for funding. All three applications were not successful. Staff has discussed this property with the District to obtain their potential interest in funding and the District is not interested in being a funding partner. The funding opportunities through the normal channels do not exist in this case.

Frank B. Gummey, III stated that if the City of Ormond Beach has submitted applications to FCT, then the City would have been the partner.

Member Gordon Kipp stated that the City of Ormond Beach is willing to be a funding partner.

Loretta Moisio, representative for the City of Ormond Beach, was present and stated that the City had matching funds each time an application was submitted to FCT. The City considers this as a priority and currently there are matching funds available in the City's budget for this project.

Member Dennis Bayer asked if the City had ever had an appraisal done on the property.

Loretta Moision stated that the City has not had an appraisal done. However, the City has utilized the assessed value plus 15% to put a value on the property.

Member Gordon Kipp explained that there have been attempts to put this property into public ownership, which he has been actively been involved in for the past 15 years. Attempts have also been made to change the City's zoning from commercial to a conservation area. An application had been submitted to Florida Forever once and was turned down, and then to FCT twice and turned down. The issue involved with these properties is not having a willing seller, which is the premise of FCT applications. The City has changed some setback requirements, which may allow a building/structure, but there are additional restrictions that are incurred. The main restriction is that you can't build on this property unless you connect to the City water and sewer system, which run along the west side of US1 and this property is located on the east side of US 1. Therefore, anyone interested in constructing a building/structure would incur the expense of traversing US 1 to connect to the city water and sewer system. This property is in a manatee protection zone and wildlife frequently visits this site. Dodson Creek empties into the Tomoka River, which is a Florida Outstanding Waterway. He added that any additional septic systems in this area could filter into the Tomoka River and cause damage to the environment. An attempt was made to get the State Park personnel interested in acquiring the property, but the cost of the property was too great. The land immediately across from Dodson Creek is all owned by the State Park Service, which is part of Tomoka State Park. This property should be incorporated as part of the Tomoka State Park. This is the last remaining riverfront property zoned commercial in the City of Ormond Beach. Eventually, someone will decide to incur the expense to extend the water and sewer lines to build a structure on this property. With the acquisition of these two middle parcels, the adjacent property owners may be convinced to become willing sellers; thus, putting these lands into public ownership for protection of the Tomoka River. He recommended that the Committee determine this property as eligible.

Chairman Reid Hughes asked if the City of Ormond Beach was pursuing the addition parcel owners.

Loretta Moisio responded that the City of Ormond Beach has pursued the additional parcel owners, but to no avail. The problem is getting all 11 parcel owners willing to participate at the same time. She explained that the City's intent was to initially focus on the northern-most property as it is on the fringe of Tomoka State Park and progress southward until all parcels have been acquired. Again, the main problem the City has encountered with the acquisition of these 11 parcels is a willing seller.

Chairman Reid Hughes asked if this property was also known as the old Johns Island.

Member Gordon Kipp respond that it was the old Johns Island property, which the State Park Service now owns. He added that the City of Ormond Beach has made Dodson Creek their number one priority and they are actively pursuing the acquisition of all 11 parcels. He also added that the City is willing to contribute 50% of the acquisition costs.

Member Gordon Kipp made a motion to accept the Dodson Creek Property Application as an eligible project. Member Alan Alshouse seconded the motion that carried by a voice vote of 5 to 0 with Member Phil Maroney abstaining due to a conflict of interest.

Douglas Weaver stated that staff would be meeting with the City of Ormond Beach to obtain an official partnership commitment. He requested that Member Gordon Kipp assist staff with obtaining a funding partner for the potential acquisition of the Dodson Creek Property.

Member Carrie Stewart made a motion to approve the 2003 Volusia Forever Advisory Committee meeting schedule as prepared by staff, which would continue to be held on the 3rd Wednesday of each month from 3:30p.m. to 5:30p.m. Member Dennis Bayer seconded the motion that carried by unanimous voice vote.

Small Lot Acquisition Program - Rob Walsh explained that one of the stipulations with the creation of the Small Lot Acquisition Program was that staff would provide the Committee with periodic updates/progress reports. He stated that staff was happy to report that 51.43 acres (28 parcels with 14 owners) had been acquired for the cost of $51,000. He explained that staff had targeted Fountain City, a small antiquated platted subdivision in the northwest corner of the County (Lake George area), as the first area because of its small size. He presented a map depicting the results (i.e., acquisitions, donations, responses, no responses) from this first attempt. He stated that a copy of the map would be provided to the Committee.

Douglas Weaver explained that Linda Harper was the staff member who took the lead on this first attempt. He further stated that staff was pleased with the results and would continue its acquisition efforts in this area.

Member Alan Alshouse suggested utilizing the map as a marketing tool to show the program's success when the County sends out the secondary letters to the remaining, non-responsive property owners in Fountain City.

Rob Walsh stated that each Committee Member should have or will be receiving a letter from the County Manager's Office advising them that it is time for re-appointment to the Committee. It would be staff’s recommendation that each member promptly complete and return their application. He further stated that staff would like to see this committee continue the work they had started. He also stated that a Financial Disclosure Statement would be required from each member.

Douglas Weaver advised the Committee after conferring with the Recording Secretary that the Financial Disclosure Statements are required annually.

Rob Walsh stated that the Recording Secretary would provide a Financial Disclosure Statement to each Committee Member via mail.

Doug Weaver stated that on Monday, January 13, 2003, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) closed on 1,900 acres of the Southern Pines Plantation property, which is on the Committee's Group A List. FDOT utilized mitigation monies to acquire this property. He further stated that there are approximately 200 acres with 8 property owners remaining to be acquired, totaling approximately 2,100 acres. FDOT is actively pursuing the acquisition of the remaining 200+ acres. He reminded the Committee that the County's FCT application for the Southern Pines Plantation property received contingent funding.

Chairman Reid Hughes requested that staff prepare a letter to the County Council for his signature reaffirming that the Committee opposes the Elkcam Extension. He also requested consent from the Committee to have a letter prepared by staff reciting the Committee's opposition to the extension.

Member Gordon Kipp made a motion to approve the preparation and submission of a letter with Chairman Reid Hughes' signature to County Council reciting the Committee's opposition to the Elkcam Extension. Member Carrie Stewart seconded the motion that carried by unanimous voice vote.

Member Carrie Stewart requested that staff develop a map of Volusia County depicting the lands that have been successfully acquired by the Committee, starting from the time the Committee became official, and color code the lands by year. This would provide a history of the Committee's achievements over the years.

Member Dennis Bayer requested that staff prepare a letter of commendation for Member Robert Williams, who resigned on January 6, 2003.

Chairman Reid Hughes, based upon staff's recommendation and the Committee's agreement, canceled the February 19, 2003, meeting. He stated that the next meeting would be held on March 19, 2003, and would be the Committee's ranking meeting.

Member Gordon Kipp asked when a replacement for Member Robert Williams would be determined by County Council.

Frank B. Gummey, III stated that the County Council should be making that determination on January 23, 2003.

Meeting adjourned at 4:55p.m.