Meeting Called to
Order
Reid Hughes,
Chair, called the meeting to order at 3:35p.m.
Roll Call
Reid Hughes,
Chair, instructed the Recording Secretary to record the roll of the
Members in attendance, in which eight (8) Members were present.
Approval of
Minutes
Reid Hughes,
Chair, called for a motion to approve the December 19, 2001, Minutes. At
that time staff provided amendments to the December 19, 2001, Minutes.
Member Gordon Kipp made a motion to approve the minutes as amended by
staff. Member Anne Hallum seconded the motion that carried by unanimous
voice vote.
Staff
Issues/Announcements:
Introduction of
New Committee Member – Chairman
Reid Hughes welcomed and presented the newly appointed Advisory Committee
Member, Alan Alshouse, who replaced resigned Member Lonnie Groot.
Member Alan
Alshouse informed the Committee that he is a Wildlife Biologist; currently
works as a Senior Scientist for PBS&J, a Consulting, Engineering
Scientific Firm in Orlando; a resident of DeLand; and a DeLand business
owner (Spring Oaks Animal Hospital).
Elkcam Road
Extension
Rob Walsh provided
an update on the Elkcam Road Extension as requested by the Committee at
the December 19, 2001, meeting. He explained that the Elkcam Road
Extension, which is approximately 4.5 miles long, is on the County’ s
5-year Road Program with only engineering monies (i.e., surveying, design
and permit work) being set aside for FY02/ 03, per information obtained
from the County’s Engineering personnel.
Rob Walsh
introduced Ray Bunton, St. Johns River Water Management District, who was
present to provide information or answer any questions from the Committee.
Rayonier Timber
Property Conservation Easement
Rob Walsh provided
a follow-up report from the December 19, 2001, meeting, where
Chairman Reid Hughes alluded to the 12,000-acre Conservation Easement
acquisition by the St. Johns River Water Management District for the
Rayonier Timber Property. The Rayonier Timber Property lies to the north
and south of State Road 40, nestled between the Heart Island Conservation
area and the Tiger Bay Forest area. He further explained that if a
conservation organization would purchase the property, the District would
supplement the acquisition with funds to purchase the conservation
easement and Rayonier Timber would continue in silvaculture on the
property.
Ray Bunton added
that the property would have private ownership and it would be subject to
the conservation easement that would preclude any other use except for
hunting and silvaculture operations. Funding would be obtained from FDOT
because of wildlife impacts due to road construction.
Robert Williams
asked, if the property is managed for hunting and it is a private hunting
preserve, are they required to follow the Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission’s (FFWCC) hunting regulations (i.e., hunting
seasons, takes or limits on game, etc.).
Ray Bunton
responded that they would be required to follow the FFWCC’s guidelines
for stocking, thinning, food plots, etc. They are also required to follow
the normal hunting season regulations.
Richard Schuler
asked if the organization, who purchased the property, is a non-profit
organization or a private company.
Ray Bunton
responded that there are details of the acquisition remaining to be
finalized. However, a private entity would purchase the property and the
easement would be deeded to the District for its contribution creating a
seamless, simultaneous closing.
Douglas Weaver
explained that Volusia County was not a participant in this transaction.
Reid Hughes
explained that this is a key acquisition for the District and completes a
missing link at the north end of the Volusia Conservation Corridor. He
further explained that the timbering, which would be permitted on this
property, would be a form of restoration.
Lake George Out
Parcels
Rob Walsh
explained that at the December 19, 2001, meeting there was
discussion about staff ’s pursuit of willing sellers in the Lake George
area. Staff wanted to advise the Committee that they would gather
information pertaining to out parcels in the Lake George Wildlife
Management area that the County doesn’t already own and that these
acquisitions could fill in some of the gaps. The Smith Property was
referenced as part of the out parcels that would be reviewed, there is
currently a Volusia Forever Application being considered today. Staff also
wanted to advise the Committee they have started developing contacts in
this area and they would be aggressively pursuing potential applicants.
Douglas Weaver
explained that staff would welcome any comments from the Committee
concerning staff’s active pursuit of potential applicants. He further
explained that this is an initial effort by staff to fill in gaps.
Discussion ensued
regarding ownership of parcels contiguous to a keystone parcel after
Member Richard Schuler asked what the advantage would be in owning the
keystone parcel along with contiguous parcels.
Douglas Weaver
explained that by owning contiguous properties the intensive uses (i.e.,
development) that would be permitted based on the zoning of the property
could be avoided with public ownership.
Randall Sleister
added that management of the site could be complicated. He provided
examples of additional management that could become necessary: 1) fencing
around the property, 2) fire lines around the property to exclude that
property from any type of controlled burning or timber harvesting, etc.
Access to other parcels could be another issue.
Robert Williams
added that the edge effect could be curtailed, which would allow better
control of invasive, exotic plants into natural areas.
Member Anne Hallum
asked if the Lake George parcels would take precedence over other
applications.
Rob Walsh
responded that Lake George parcels would not take precedence over other
applications. However, staff would be seeking out potential
applicants/willing sellers in this area and eventually present an
application to the Committee.
Douglas Weaver
emphasized that the Committee and the County Council would be establishing
the priorities, not staff. He explained that staff would be seeking
willing sellers in the Lake George area to put together an application for
submission to the Committee. He asked the Committee for their endorsement
to proceed with this staff initiated application.
Chairman Reid
Hughes explained that the Committee was on record supporting the Lake
George acquisitions.
Discussion ensued
regarding inflation of selling prices after Member Robert Williams
suggested that a potential selling price problem could occur with a
willing seller knowing that the County could be interested in the
acquisition of a parcel in a particular area. He asked if this potential
problem would be curtailed by utilizing the appraisals as a backstop.
Douglas Weaver
explained that a selling price would be based on appraisals and potential
funding partners, such as the St. Johns River Water Management District,
may not be willing to fund anything above the appraisals.
Discussion and
Determination of Eligibility for Submitted Applications
Chairman Reid
Hughes explained that the five (5) applications being presented to the
Committee today are for determination of eligibility and nothing further.
Kirton Farm
Property –
Rob Walsh provided the following information about this property: 1) it is
located at the intersection of I-4 and I-95 with pastureland at the
headwaters of the Tomoka River; 2) it has a 40-acre lake/barrow pit on the
property; and 3) it may have some historical/cultural aspects, such as an
old WWII Naval Air Station. He reviewed the Initial Ranking Report and
advised the Committee that overall this property complied with the
criteria established by the Committee. However, the property does rank low
in Management, because controlled burning would be difficult given its
close proximity to I-4 and I-95.
Randall Sleister
referenced the aerial map, which depicts approximately 80% of the land as
open pasture area, and explained that there could be an opportunity to
utilize this area for many types of outdoor recreational uses.
Discussion ensued
regarding contiguous properties after Member Dennis Bayer asked if this
property was contiguous with any other public land or public ownership
properties.
Randall Sleister
responded that there is a hydrologic connection under SR-415 from the
wetlands on the site to the Tomoka River on the opposite side of SR-415.
However, there is no abutting connection. He explained that this property
is surrounded by four different roadways, which would not make it
contiguous with any other conservation lands. The Kirton’s would
maintain the ownership of the homestead property located on the west side
of SR-415, which is contiguous to the Vargal property.
Member Dennis
Bayer expressed a concern regarding hazardous waste because this property
was a former WWII Naval Air Station, which could pose additional costs for
clean-up.
Member Alan
Alshouse explained that an environmental audit should be conducted as part
of the acquisition process. He then asked staff if they would be providing
a Staff recommendation to the Committee along with the Initial Reports.
Randall Sleister
responded that there is no staff recommendation.
Douglas Weaver
explained that the Committee would be determining eligibility of projects
by utilizing the staff prepared Initial Report. He further explained that
once the projects where determined as eligible, an in-depth report would
be conducted for the rating/ranking process.
Randall Sleister
explained that staff had not visited the site and that the Initial Report
had been produced based on information provided by the applicant.
Member Alan
Alshouse asked if there would be a certain amount of monies set aside or
designated for land management.
Rob Walsh stated
that up to 10% of the total monies raised every year for the program is
set aside for land management, access and improvements.
Member Gordon Kipp
made a motion to accept the Kirton Property Application as an
eligible project. Member Carrie Stewart seconded the motion that
carried by unanimous voice vote.
2. Smith Property –
Rob Walsh provided the following information about this property: 1) it is
located in the Lake George area and surrounded by publicly owned
conservation lands; and 2) it consists of two (2) parcels, one which is
lake front and the other is land locked. He reviewed the Initial Ranking
Report and advised the Committee that overall this property complied with
the criteria established by the Committee.
Member Carrie
Stewart made a motion to accept the Smith Property Application as
an eligible project. Member Gordon Kipp seconded the motion that
carried by unanimous voice vote.
3. Paspalakis/Psaros
Property –
Rob Walsh provided the following information about this property: 1) it is
located on the Indian River Lagoon Blue Way, which is a conservation
program along the Indian River Lagoon; 2) it is undisturbed because the
owner has made no improvements of any type; and 3) it is contiguous with
the Indian River Lagoon Blue Way project. He reviewed the Initial Ranking
Report and advised the Committee that overall this property complied with
the criteria established by the Committee.
Randall Sleister
added that this property is adjacent to Federal property in this area. He
informed the Committee that there is a discrepancy between the Property
Appraisers data and the application regarding the acreage (15 or 36-40).
Rob Walsh
explained that initially staff questioned the discrepancy and contacted
the property owner, who provided a survey that indicates the acreage as 36
acres.
Member Dennis
Bayer asked if this property consists of all wetlands.
Randall Sleister
referenced the map of the property and stated that there is a small area
of forestlands believed to be uplands near the road. However, the majority
of the property appears to be wetlands.
Member Dennis
Bayer asked if there was a way to provide a public access point, a canoe
launch, fishing spots, etc.
Randall Sleister
added that the property did not provide an area to launch canoes and park
vehicles.
Rob Walsh stated
that according to the owner, Dino Paspalakis, there is no access to this
property.
Member Dennis
Bayer made a motion to accept the Paspalakis/Psaros Property
Application as an eligible project. Member Anne Hallum seconded the
motion that carried by unanimous voice vote.
Stanaki
Properties, Sections 1 and 2 - Rob
Walsh provided the following information about these properties: 1) they
are adjacent to the Spruce Creek Preserve, which would increase the
acreage of the preserve; and 2) they are located adjacent to I-95 in the
City of Port Orange. He explained the negative aspects of these properties
as follows: 1) potential management problems such as controlled burning
because it abuts I-95; and 2) there is an approved PUD, which could be a
potential problem.
Randall Sleister
added that there are wetlands on the property running north and south.
However, the majority of the property is uplands.
Member Dennis
Bayer asked if the property was readily accessible and if there is a
potential for development.
Rob Walsh
explained that this property had been involved in the County’s 5-year
Road Plan where the County would be extending Williamson Boulevard down to
the Beltway. At one time the extension would pass through this property.
However, the roadway has been re-configured due to changes in the
boundaries by PLDRC on January 10, 2002. With the changes, the
extension would now veer farther south before it would cross I-95 and
connect up with Pioneer Trail.
Douglas Weaver
questioned the accuracy of the ruling/change made by the PLDRC on January
10, 2002. He requested that staff verify this ruling/change.
Member Gordon Kipp
made a motion to accept the Stanaki Properties, Sections 1 and 2,
Property Application as an eligible project. Member Carrie Stewart seconded
the motion that carried by unanimous voice vote.
Other Business -
Menard Property
– Douglas Weaver
provided a copy of a "News Release" from the St. Johns River
Water Management District concerning the acquisition of 1,300± acres
located around Lake Ashby, which would be an addition to the Volusia
Conservation Corridor. The acquisition would be going to the District’ s
Governing Board on February 13, 2002, for approval. He emphasized that
this is part of the Volusia Conservation Corridor, which the Committee and
County Council have established as a priority. There would be an Agenda
Item submitted to the County Council sometime in late February/early March
for approval of the increasing the County’s contribution in this
acquisition to 50% from 25% previously approved by the County Council, per
Resolution 2000-75.
Ray Bunton
requested that the Committee recommend to the County Council to
participate with the District in a 50/50 funding contribution for the
acquisition of the Menard Property. He described the parcels involved in
the acquisition as follows: 876 acres fronting partly on the south side of
Lake Ashby; and 508 acres south and east of Lake Ashby for a total of
approximately 1,384 acres. The District has appraised the property,
completed negotiations with the owner’s agents, and a preliminary
agreement has been reached, which will be submitted to the District’s
Governing Board on February 13, 2002, for approval. The District
would like this to be presented to the Governing Board proposed as a
partnership acquisition with a 50/50 contribution of funds from the
District and Volusia County. All the management issues have not been
finalized. However, the District may determine that the District would
handle the management, but this would be open for discussion. The
management agreement could be similar to the one involving Lake George. He
displayed an aerial photograph, which depicts the Menard property and
described the property as follows: forested wetlands, pasture area, pine
plantation/flat woods type property. Historically the property has been
used as open range. With 65% of the property being uplands, there are
opportunities for public use and public recreation.
Chairman Reid
Hughes explained that the Committee was already on the record as endorsing
the Volusia Conservation Corridor. He requested and deemed it appropriate
that the Committee endorse an "after the fact and official"
acquisition in the Volusia Conservation Corridor. He further explained
that the County Council had already committed to a 25% funding
contribution. However, the district is requesting an increase in funding
contributions from the County from 25% to 50% on this property, because
the District wishes to streamline the process by not seeking Florida
Forever funds.
Carrie Stewart
asked what does the 50% translate to be in a dollar amount.
Douglas Weaver
explained that the County Council would be reviewing this proposed
acquisition in February or March 2002. He asked the Committee what
percentage they would be willing to recommend and endorse, 25% or 50%.
Ray Bunton
explained that the District’s Governing Board would be reviewing the
acquisition information on February 13, 2002, and the Volusia County
Council would be reviewing the proposal after that time. Once the
Governing Board has made their determination, the monies for the purchase
of this property would be public information. We would then be allowed to
know the amounts on the appraised values, purchase price, and the request
for participation. As a matter of law and business practice, the District
does not discuss negotiations until the District’s Governing Board has
approved the acquisition. He further explained that the selling price
would be within the appraised value.
Discussion ensued
regarding the wellfield after Member Richard Schuler asked if the District
would be putting in a wellfield.
Ray Bunton
responded that the District would not be putting in a wellfield. However,
the water source could be utilized by a municipality for utilities in the
future. The District is concerned with preserving the land, ensuring that
the wetlands are there, available and protected for future water supply.
Land could be used where the wetlands would not be impacted and the land
would be used properly. One of the focus elements of this entire project
is to protect the lands so that there would be a water supply for the
District.
Robert Williams
asked if the difference between the 25% and 50% contribution was going to
make or break the deal.
Ray Bunton
explained that the district does need the 50% contribution.
Robert Williams
asked if there would be a possibility to recuperate costs incurred for
this acquisition by the County and District through some type of lease
agreement with a utility or municipality.
Ray Bunton replied
that there are potentials for recuperation of costs. He explained that the
District has identified an area located on the non-lakefront portion of
the property that has good water supply potential for being utilized as a
wellfield. He further explained that the partnership between the County
and the District would resolve the issue of State lands not allowing
wellfields.
Robert Williams
asked if the purchase of this property as a wellfield would preclude it
from passive recreation in or around the wellfield.
Ray Bunton used a
property in St. Johns County as an example of how a wellfield could exist
on a property without it being obtrusive.
Reid Hughes also
informed the Committee that Port Orange has a wellfield that is very
passive.
Discussion ensued
regarding potential public access issues. Chairman Reid Hughes and Ray
Bunton both agreed that public access is an issue, but they would not be
recommending a property for acquisition unless there would be public
access.
Member Carrie
Stewart made a motion to convey to the County Council the importance of
the Menard Property acquisition, that the Committee is recommending an
increase in the funding contribution for the Menard Property from 25% to
50%, and for the County to enter into a partnership with the District.
Member Gordon Kipp seconded the motion that carried by a voice vote of 6
to 2 with Members Richard Schuler and Dennis Bayer opposed. However, the
Committee had no objection to the County purchasing the Menard Property or
its importance as a part of the Volusia Conservation Corridor.
Discussion ensued
regarding the issue of policies after Member Dennis Bayer questioned
whether new policies were being established for the purchase of properties
in the Volusia Conservation Corridor.
Douglas Weaver
explained that the County Council established the acquisition priorities
of properties in the Volusia Conservation Corridor prior to the creation
of this Committee. He further explained that the County Council, not the
Committee, would establish the amount of contribution by the County for
these properties. However, the Committee could make recommendations to the
County Council concerning increased funding contributions.
Chairman Reid
Hughes explained that the role of the Committee is to openly discuss
policies, procedures and to make recommendations to the County Council. He
further explained that the Committee supports the Volusia Conservation
Corridor, but deems it important to follow procedures.
Douglas Weaver
continued to explain that the properties in the Volusia Conservation
Corridor, which consists of 19 property owners and 36,000+ acres, would be
the priority. He also explained that potential acquisitions of
properties could occur any time of the year or at any time. The
acquisition of these types of parcels would need to be brought before the
County Council as soon as possible for action. Staff would provide the
Committee with information when these late breaking acquisitions occur,
just as staff did today by providing the Committee with the "News
Release" from St. Johns River Water Management District.
Discussion ensued
regarding the issue of fairness for acquisition of properties in the
Volusia Conservation Corridor taking precedence over other applications.
Frank B. Gummey,
III explained that the Committee had already taken the properties in the
Volusia Conservation Corridor through the application process by
determining these properties as eligible, having the values the program is
seeking, and having adopted these acquisitions as a first priority.
Douglas Weaver
again explained that the priorities for the acquisition of these
properties were established prior to the creation of this Committee.
Elizabeth Layton,
a public participant, affirmed the priority which had been set by the
County Council and explained that the County Council intends for the
properties in the Volusia Conservation Corridor to be processed/handled in
a timely manner.
Discussion ensued
regarding the issue of funding the acquisition of properties after Member
Carrie Stewart asked how these acquisitions would be funded as there is no
monies available at this time.
Frank B. Gummey,
III explained that the Committee had not authorized the purchase of any
properties at this time. The Committee also had not gone through the
process of ranking/rating the properties to evaluate/establish priority
acquisitions and find the matching funds.
Rob Walsh stated
that the Volusia Forever Fund does have approximately $1.8 million in the
bank from property owners who have paid their property taxes.
Member Schuler
reminded the Committee that their job would be to rate/rank the properties
determined as eligible and that staff would handle the funding portion of
the acquisition process.
Discussion
continued regarding the issue of funding after Member Carrie Stewart
requested clarification on the process of transferring the funding and
ownership at the time of closing.
County Council
Member Jim Ward explained that per Resolution 2001-198 bonding could be an
option based on the availability of funds and the importance of the
property at that time. The decision of bonding would be determined by the
County Council.
FCT Conceptual
Agreement
Douglas Weaver
informed the Committee that a conceptual agreement would be presented to
the County Council on January 17, 2002, for approval. The conceptual
agreement would be between FCT and the County for the North Peninsula
Inholdings and Spruce Creek properties that were approved for FCT funding
in November 2001.
Member Carrie
Stewart asked what the County intended to do with the North Peninsula
Inholdings.
Randall Sleister
responded that the properties would be turned back to the State for
management.
Public Comments
–
Kenneth Leffler
expressed a concern regarding the reduction of the tax base and the burden
placed upon other taxpayers when the government buys private lands. He
asked if the Committee or County Council had set any goals as to what
percentage of the total area the County intends to acquire.
Chairman Reid
Hughes explained that the need to set a percentage goals would not be
necessary as the voters had approved the amount of funding for the
acquisition of properties.
Dot Moore asked
how applications received between today, January 16, 2002, and the
application deadline of January 31, 2002, would be processed for
determination of eligibility.
Rob Walsh advised
Ms. Moore that any applications received by the January 31, 2002, deadline
would be presented to the Committee for determination of eligibility at
the February 20, 2002, meeting.
Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 5:00p.m.
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