MINUTES
VOLUSIA FOREVER ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
THOMAS C. KELLY BLDG., TRAINING ROOMS 1 & 2
123 W. INDIANA AVENUE, DELAND, FL 32720

Meeting Called to Order
Dennis Bayer, Chair, called the meeting to order at 3:32 p.m.

Roll Call
Dennis Bayer, Chair, instructed the Recording Secretary to record the roll of the Members in attendance, in which eight (8) Members were present. Member Wanda Van Dam was recorded as an Excused Absence.

Rob Walsh welcomed and introduced Ann Moore, who is a member of the St. Johns River Water Management District Governing Board representing Volusia County.

Dennis Bayer, Chair, welcomed all those in attendance (i.e., Committee Members, County staff and the public). He stated that Ann Moore is also a Member of the Flagler Forever Committee.

Approval of Minutes
Dennis Bayer, Chair, called for a motion to approve the September 19, 2007 Minutes. Member Dwight Lewis made a motion to approve the September 19, 2007, Minutes, as written. Member Jason McGuirk seconded the motion that carried by unanimous voice vote.

Discussion and Determination of Eligibility for Submitted Applications
Rob Walsh explained that the Committee would be reviewing eleven (11) properties that had been submitted for the 2nd Cycle of 2007, and determining whether the properties are eligible for further consideration under the Volusia Forever Program. All properties that have been determined as eligible will be ranked on April 16, 2008, to determine their placement on either the Group “A” or “B” List. He added that County staff had not visited the properties, and the Initial Review Report had been produced based on information provided by the applicant. He reminded the Committee that Resolution 2004-80 states that a property should meet at least four (4) of the Primary Criteria, and is required to have an affirmative vote of at least five (5) Members in order for it to be determined as eligible.

1. McLellan Property – Rob Walsh provided a location map and the following information about this property:
   1. it is approximately 5 acres in size;
   2. it is located to the east of SR 415, south of Lemon Bluff Road in the Osteen area;
   3. it is adjacent to the Lake Monroe Conservation Area, which is jointly owned by the St. Johns River Water Management District (District) and the County; and
   4. it meets six (6) of the 13 Primary Ranking Criteria.

Member Gerald Fieser asked if this property had deeded access.

Rob Walsh replied that the McLellan family owns other parcels that are adjacent to the north side of this property, which allows access from Lemon Bluff Road. However, if this parcel became publicly owned, access would be through other public owned lands (i.e., Beck Ranch).

Chair Dennis Bayer asked if this parcel would be developed for passive recreational opportunities, and make management of the area less complicated by straightening the boundary lines.

Randall Sleister explained that the acquisition of this parcel would make management of this area easier because the boundaries lines would be squared up.

Member John E. Wagner asked if this parcel could be developed.

Douglas Weaver stated that the development potential of this parcel would be based on the application of all the land development regulations in Volusia County.

Member John E. Wagner made a motion to accept the McLellan Property Application as an eligible project. Member Phil Maroney seconded the motion that carried by unanimous voice vote.

2. Severson Property – Rob Walsh provided a location map and the following information about this property:
   1. it is approximately 80 acres in size;
   2. it is located near LPGA Boulevard and US Hwy. 92 in the Daytona Beach area;
   3. it is contiguous to the Tiger Bay State Forest’s Rima Ridge Unit; and
   4. it meets six (6) of the 13 Primary Ranking Criteria.

Rob Walsh added that County staff contacted staff from the Florida Department of Forestry (DOF) to alert them of this application and determine if they are interested in being a funding partner. He also added that other projects within the Tiger Bay State Forest were acquired with funding received from DOF.

Chair Dennis Bayer added that the City of Daytona Beach has well sites in close proximity to this parcel.

Member Gerald Fieser asked if there was access to the Tiger Bay State Forest’s Rima Ridge Unit from Old DeLand Road, or at the intersection of US Hwy. 92 and LPGA Boulevard.

Randall Sleister stated that access to the Tiger Bay State Forest’s Rima Ridge Unit would be via Indian Lake Road.

Member Dwight Lewis asked who would manage the property.

Randall Sleister replied that the County’s goal would be to turn the management of the property over to DOF.

Discussion ensued regarding the potential allowance of hunting in this area.

County staff stated that hunting is typically permitted in Wildlife Management Areas (WMA). As this property is part of a WMA, the potential for hunting is likely to be permitted.

Douglas Weaver added that DOF may be interested in being a funding partner. However, their acquisition process must go through the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), which can be lengthy and cumbersome. If this property is acquired, the County may acquire it solely with the intent to seek after-the-fact reimbursement from DOF, in part or in whole.

Jesse Severson, property owner, was present to provide additional information or answer any questions. He stated that hunting is allowed, and access to DOF’s property to install boundary signs was provided via this property. DOF has expressed an interest in acquiring the property.

Member John E. Wagner made a motion to accept the Severson Property Application as an eligible project. Member Chris Schlageter seconded the motion that carried by unanimous voice vote.

3. D Ranch Ltd. Property – Rob Walsh provided a location map and the following information about this property:
   1. it is approximately 482 acres in size consisting of four (4) parcels;
   2. it is located at the intersection of Reed Ellis Road and CR 415 with approximately 1 mile of CR 415 frontage in the Osteen area;
   3. it is contiguous to the Lake Monroe Conservation Area;
   4. it consists of wetlands, woodland and uplands;
   5. approximately 90% of the uplands have been converted to pasture;
   6. it has been used as part of a cattle operation; and
   7. it meets ten (10) of the 13 Primary Ranking Criteria.

Rob Walsh added that in 2004 an application for this property was submitted to the Committee, and was determined as eligible. However, the application was withdrawn at the request of the property owners before the property could be ranked. Since that time, the property owners have decided to re-apply to Volusia Forever, as offers from developers have not come to fruition.

Member Jason McGuirk questioned the motives of the property owners as they have previously submitted this property, but withdrew it because of other offers from developers.

Rob Walsh replied that the real estate market has change since the original application was received and subsequently withdrawn. Offers from developers have diminished, and the property owners are willing to re-offer the property to Volusia Forever. He added that this property previously had an agricultural exemption, which kept the property taxes low. However, that exemption has been removed, and the property taxes have dramatically increased. According to the property owners, they have an appraisal, which estimates the current market value of this property to be $10 million.

Member Phil Maroney questioned the information on the application regarding the “current assessed value,” which notes to “see attached.”

Rob Walsh explained that the 2004 Volusia Forever Application had been used in lieu of completing another application. Therefore, some of the original information would not be accurate (i.e., current assessed value). He added that the Committee would be provided information regarding the current assessed value at ranking, if the Committee determines this property to be eligible for further consideration.

Member John E. Wagner noted that severe flooding has occurred in the mobile home park located northeast of this property at the end of Kove Boulevard. He expressed a concern that flooding issues would continue or worsen for this mobile home park, if the D Ranch Ltd. Property is not preserved in a natural state.

Member Anne Hallum asked to what degree the property is degraded because it primarily consists of pasture areas.

Randall Sleister replied that even though this property primarily consists of pasture areas, there are a few remaining trees that are associated with the streams and creeks, or wetland areas on the property.

Member John E. Wagner noted that the application characterizes the property as consisting of 1/3 wetlands, 1/3 woodlands, and 1/3 pasture.

Rob Walsh provided additional photographs of the property to assist the Committee regarding the property’s characteristics. He noted that these photographs were submitted by the property owners as part of the original application.

Rose Weekley, representative for the property owners, was present to provide additional information and answer any questions. She stated that the property owners are willing to entertain offers that would preserve this property in its natural state.

Member Phil Maroney asked if there were any major structures on the property.

Rose Weekley replied that there is a barn on the property, but no other major structures (i.e., single-family dwelling).

Discussion ensued regarding the restoration of this property to its historic condition of sand hill.

Member Phil Maroney made a motion to accept the D Ranch Ltd. Property Application as an eligible project. Member Anne Hallum seconded the motion that carried by unanimous voice vote.

4. Zofay Property – Rob Walsh provided a location map and the following information about this property:
   1. it is approximately 80 acres in size consisting of three (3) parcels;
   2. it is located off Volco Road between US Hwy. 1 and I-95 in the Edgewater area;
   3. several zoning classifications are assigned to these parcels; Mobile Home, Agricultural, and Commercial;
   4. it is contiguous to the Indian River Lagoon Blueway, a Florida Forever “A” List project;
   5. it consists of a mixture of wet flatwoods and wetland systems with the potential for scrub habitat; and
   6. it meets six (6) of the 13 Primary Ranking Criteria.

Member John E. Wagner noted that the “yes” criteria on the Initial Review Report ranked low with one exception; “the property contains quality water bodies or wetlands, thus providing protection of natural flood plain functions and preventing or reducing flood damage.” He expressed a concern that this property does not provide connectivity to other public lands, the multiple zoning patterns, and it is very close to intrusion from development, which could cause management issues.

Member Jason McGuirk asked if this property could provide water recharge for this area.

Randall Sleister responded that wetlands typically are not a good source for providing water recharge.

Member Dwight Lewis noted the vast difference in the assessed value and asking price, and expressed a concern that County staff would be wasting their time and efforts on something with such a difference in amounts.

Douglas Weaver explained that offers to purchase properties are typically within appraised value, especially if there is a funding partner. However, the property owner has the right to provide their asking price.

Member John E. Wagner made a motion to accept the Zofay Property Application as an eligible project. Member Jason McGuirk seconded the motion that failed by a roll call vote of two (2) to six (6), as Resolution 2004 80 requires an affirmative vote of at least five (5) Members to pass.

5. Mazeika Property – Rob Walsh provided a location map and the following information about this property:
   1. it is approximately 48 acres in size;
   2. it is located north of the Ponce Preserve Project, which is on the Volusia Forever “A” List, in the Ponce Inlet area;
   3. it primarily consists of open water or mangrove marsh areas with limited uplands;
   4. it has approximately 1,000 feet of road frontage along Peninsula Drive; and
   5. it meets seven (7) of the 13 Primary Ranking Criteria.

Rob Walsh added that the Town of Ponce Inlet provided a letter of support for the acquisition of this property. He noted that the current assessed value is low because it primary consists of open water.

Discussion ensued regarding the potential for development of the upland portion of the property.

Carolyn Ansay, representative for the property owners, was present to provide additional information or answer any questions. She added that the northeast quadrant of the property along Peninsula Drive could be developed into two (2) or three (3) lots with constraints.

Chair Dennis Bayer asked if there have been any type of wetlands delineation or determination on the property.

Carolyn Ansay replied that she was not aware of any such determination. However, a wetlands delineation/determination could have been done at the time of the original site plan.

Chair Dennis Bayer asked if the Town of Ponce Inlet’s staff had been contacted to determine if they are willing to be a funding partner.

Carolyn Ansay responded that at this time there have not been any discussions with the Town of Ponce Inlet’s staff regarding their willingness to be a funding partner. However, this is something that can be explored in the near future. She added that there is a narrow strip of land located between this property and the municipal limits of the Town of Ponce Inlet. The owners of this narrow strip of land have been solicited to participate in the Volusia Forever Program. This narrow strip of land would provide connectivity to the Town of Ponce Inlet’s jurisdiction, which could better the chances of obtaining a funding partnership with the Town. However, that property owner is not interested in participating in the Volusia Forever Program.

Member Chris Schlageter asked if there is a potential for Volusia Forever to work with Volusia ECHO or Leisure Services to construct a boardwalk system.

Randall Sleister replied that there is a potential for working with Volusia ECHO or Leisure Services to construct a boardwalk system for educational purposes. However, the major issue would be providing parking.

Discussion ensued after Member John E. Wagner suggested using the parking area at Green Mound Preserve.

Discussion ensued regarding potential sovereign lands after Member Jason McGuirk asked if the body of water as depicted by the parcel map was isolated or had access to the open water.

Randall Sleister explained that the water is owned by the State of Florida, and the public has the right to use it even if the lands below the water are privately owned.

Members Gerald Fieser and Jason McGuirk expressed a concern regarding the potential acquisition of land that has a low potential for development.

Member John E. Wagner added that the acquisition of this property could provide protection of the access to the open waters from Peninsula Drive.

Member Dwight Lewis made a motion to accept the Mazeika Property Application as an eligible project. Member Gerald Fieser seconded the motion that carried by unanimous voice vote.

6. Nordman Groves Property – Rob Walsh provided a location map and the following information about this property:
   1. it is approximately 2 acres in size with a single family dwelling and other ancillary structures;
   2. it is located off US Hwy 1 near Creekside Circle in the New Smyrna Beach area;
   3. it is within the boundaries of the Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve (Preserve);
   4. it is north of the Blanchette Property, which was recently purchased by Volusia Forever and within the boundaries of the Preserve;
   5. it potentially holds archeological and historical significances; and
   6. it meets five (5) of the 13 Primary Ranking Criteria.

Rob Walsh added that this property typically would not have been presented to the Committee as it is part of the Preserve.

Chair Dennis Bayer asked what zoning classification has been assigned to this property.

Randall Sleister stated that the zoning classification would be investigated and presented as part of the ranking if the Committee determines that this property is eligible for further consideration.

After Member Phil Maroney noted that this property is adjacent to an apartment complex, and disturbed, he asked if this would fulfill the criteria for a Volusia ECHO application.

Rob Walsh explained that this property is within the boundaries of the Preserve, which would qualify it as a Volusia Forever “A” List property. He referenced the acquisition of the Blanchette Property, which also is within the boundaries of the Preserve with a single family dwelling and other ancillary structures.

Member Gerald Fieser asked if there were any public access points (i.e., parking areas, trails) to the Preserve that would be north of this property.

Randall Sleister replied that at this time there isn’t public access to the Preserve north of this property.

Discussion ensued regarding the potential for additional public access to the Preserve after Member Gerald Fieser suggested using this property for public access to the northern areas of the Preserve.

Discussion ensued regarding acquisition partnerships of Volusia ECHO and Forever after Member Anne Hallum asked if there have been any such partnerships.

Rob Walsh explained that the Blanchette Property has become the test project for the funding partnership between Volusia ECHO and Forever.

Ronald Tucholski, property owner, was present to answer any questions or provide additional information. He stated that the back 30% of the property is in a natural condition. This property has a single family dwelling with ancillary buildings (i.e., barn) and a well.

Member Jason McGuirk asked about the age of the single family dwelling.

Ronald Tucholski stated that the single family dwelling was constructed in 1920, which would provide historic value to the property.

Member Phil Maroney noted that the Initial Review Report indicates “N/A” for the Management Criteria: “management conflicts with adjacent properties is minimal to non existent.”

Randall Sleister explained that the final use would determine whether there would be management conflicts with adjacent properties.

Discussion ensued regarding the submission of a Volusia ECHO application by the property owner.

Douglas Weaver reminded the Committee that Resolution 2004-80, Section 4, states that “the preference is to acquire vacant lands and the acquisition of structures is discouraged, but will be considered on a case-by-case basis.” He added that Volusia Forever funds have been used to acquire lands with structures. He also expressed a concern regarding the proliferation and management of homes, as it is not the overall mission of the Volusia Forever Program.

Member John E. Wagner made a motion to accept the Nordman Groves Property Application as an eligible project. Member Jason McGuirk seconded the motion that failed by a roll call vote of two (2) to six (6), as Resolution 2004 80 requires an affirmative vote of at least five (5) Members to pass.

7. Glenwood Park Property – Rob Walsh provided a location map and the following information about this property:
   1. it is approximately 219 acres in size;
   2. it is located in the DeLand area west of the County’s closed Plymouth Avenue Landfill and east of the CSX Railroad, which is adjacent to the Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge;
   3. there is an approved Planned Unit Development (PUD) associated with the property;
   4. it consists primarily of sand hill with longleaf pines; and
   5. it meets eight (8) of the 13 Primary Ranking Criteria.

Rob Walsh added that this property could be an addition to the Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge) with potential funding from the Refuge.

Chair Dennis Bayer asked what the funding level could be from the Refuge.

Rob Walsh explained that the Refuge has a limited amount of funds available for acquisitions. A boundary adjustment application to include this property would need to be submitted and approved before funding could be applied for.

Member Dwight Lewis added that this property could become part of the County’s Spring to Spring Trail.

Jack Shuman, property owner, was present to answer any questions or provide additional information.

Member Gerald Fieser made a motion to accept the Glenwood Park Property Application as an eligible project. Member Anne Hallum seconded the motion that carried by unanimous voice vote.

8. Hicks Joint Trust Property – Rob Walsh provided a location map and the following information about this property:
   1. it is approximately 58 acres in size;
   2. it is adjacent to Blue Springs State Park;
   3. it is located off McGregor Road, east of the CSX Railroad in the DeLand area;
   4. it consists primarily of scrub habitat, which would be good for scrub jays; and
   5. it meets nine (9) of the 13 Primary Ranking Criteria.

Rob Walsh added that County staff identified this area to solicit the property owners because of the scrub habitat and its close proximity to Blue Springs and Lake Beresford Parks. This area includes three other applications (Fatio Road, Beresford Road and North Fatio Road) being reviewed to determine their eligibility for further consideration under the Volusia Forever Program.

Discussion ensued regarding the optimal boundaries of Blue Springs State Park with Randall Sleister clarifying what “optimal” boundaries means; identified boundary that has not been formally established.

C. Allen Watts, representative for the property owners, was present to answer any questions and provide additional information. He stated that this is the last vacant tract of land owned by the Stark family that comprised the Fatio Grant Plantation. The property owners are interested in preserving this property and having it come into public ownership with the rest of the original plantation. He provided a handout with historical information and brief ownership history dating back into the 1700s. He added that the property owners are willing to explore creative financing options to facilitate the acquisition of this property by Volusia Forever.

Discussion ensued regarding the creative financing that had been used for the previous acquisition of parcels that are the Lake Beresford Park.

Member Dwight Lewis made a motion to accept the Hicks Joint Trust Property Application as an eligible project. Member Phil Maroney seconded the motion that carried by unanimous voice vote.

Rob Walsh stated that the next three (3) applications were submitted together by the property owner’s representative, Alan Alshouse, with the intent of viewing them wholly as the beginnings of a habitat corridor. He added that the characteristics of these properties are very similar. However, the Committee would determine each application’s eligibility separately.

9. Fatio Road Property – Rob Walsh provided a location map and the following information about this property:
   1. it is approximately 72 acres in size;
   2. it consists primarily of scrub habitat, which would be good for scrub jays;
   3. it is contiguous to the County’s Lake Beresford Park;
   4. it sits on the DeLand Ridge, which is a recharge area;
   5. it consists of a mixture of scrub, xeric hammock and sand hill habitats; and
   6. it meets eleven (11) of the 13 Primary Ranking Criteria.

Rob Walsh added that the property owner is committed to restoring this property along with the Beresford Road and North Fatio Road properties to a more natural state of scrub habitat.

Alan Alshouse, representative for the property owners and former Committee Member, was present to answer any questions and provide additional information. He added that this property consist primarily of old growth scrub in need of restoration. He stated that the property owners are committed to preserving this property, along with the Beresford Road and North Fatio Road properties, in a natural state. The US Fish and Wildlife Service, and Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission are funding sources to assist the property owner with their restoration efforts. These agencies are very interested in the restoration of this area and would be a good funding partner.

Member John E. Wagner asked if the property has any liens, as the application did not indicate yes or no.

Alan Alshouse replied that he was unsure of the lien status. He added that this property is part of the Dr. Mary Howarth family land holdings.

Discussion ensued regarding the restoration efforts after Member Chris Schlageter asked what would be involved to restore this property back to its original communities.

Alan Alshouse added that this property had damage from the 2004 hurricanes. Restoration would include timber harvesting, heavy debris removal and roller chopping. The original communities of this property are a mixture of sand hill, scrub, and mesic hammock. The concept for this area is to acquire additional lands that are adjacent to Blue Spring State Park and Lake Beresford Park to create a scrub habitat corridor for scrub jays, indigo snakes and gopher tortoises.

Member Phil Maroney asked if the property owners were submitting the three (3) applications (Fatio Road, Beresford Road and North Fatio Road properties) as an “all or nothing” package.

Alan Alshouse replied that the property owners are willing to move forward with whatever applications are determined as eligible.

Chair Dennis Bayer noted that the application indicates that there is a likelihood of matching funds from the St. Johns River Water Management District (District) and The Nature Conservancy (TNC).

Alan Alshouse added that the District has been interested in this property and the property owners have been in contact with TNC.

Member John E. Wagner made a motion to accept the Fatio Road Property Application as an eligible project. Member Phil Maroney seconded the motion that carried by unanimous voice vote.

10. Beresford Road Property – Rob Walsh provided a location map and the following information about this property:
    1. it is approximately 40 acres in size;
    2. it is located on the south side of West Beresford Road and west of South Spring Garden Avenue in the DeLand area;
    3. it has sustained damage from the recent tornados;
    4. it consists primarily of long leaf pine and wiregrass flatwoods;
    5. it consists of a mixture of scrub, xeric hammock and sand hill habitats;
    6. it would not provide connectivity to other conservation lands; and
    7. it meets five (5) of the 13 Primary Ranking Criteria.

Member Phil Maroney asked if someone could provide any information on the property directly to the north of this property.

Alan Alshouse stated that the property directly north of this one is approximately 120 acres in size, was previously owned by the Howarth family, and there is proposed development for the West Beresford Road area. He added that the Beresford Road Property is part of a longleaf pine community and on the DeLand Ridge.

Randall Sleister asked Alan Alshouse how much of the longleaf pine community sustained tornado damage.

Alan Alshouse replied that some of the longleaf pine community survived and could be restored by natural regeneration, if the fallen debris is removed. However, the vision would be to replant the site with longleaf pine and wiregrass plugs instead of using natural regeneration. Additionally, the site could be used for passive recreational opportunities (i.e., trails) because of the low density urban area surrounding it.

Member John E. Wagner made a motion to accept the Beresford Road Property Application as an eligible project. Member Jason McGuirk seconded the motion that failed by a roll call vote of four (4) to four (4), as Resolution 2004 80 requires an affirmative vote of at least five (5) Members to pass.

11. North Fatio Road Property – Rob Walsh provided a location map and the following information about this property:
    1. it is approximately 4 acres in size;
    2. it is located on the east side of Fatio Road, south of West Beresford Road in the DeLand area;
    3. it is in close proximity of the Lake Beresford Park;
    4. it is part of the DeLand Ridge;
    5. it primarily consists of pasture areas; and
    6. it meets three (3) of the 13 Primary Ranking Criteria.

Member John E. Wagner made a motion to accept the North Fatio Road Property Application as an eligible project. Member Jason McGuirk seconded the motion that failed by a roll call vote of zero (0) to eight (8), as Resolution 2004 80 requires an affirmative vote of at least five (5) Members to pass.

Discussion and Approval of the Committee’s 2008 Work Plan
Rob Walsh explained that the Committee’s Work Plan doesn’t change from year to year as Resolution 2007-79 outlines the purpose/goals of the Committee.

Member John E. Wagner made a motion to approve the Committee’s 2008 Work Plan, as written. Member Dwight Lewis seconded the motion that carried by unanimous voice vote.

Discussion ensued regarding other funding partners/sources, the intent of the voters referendum that created the Volusia Forever Program, and conservation/agricultural easements.

Staff Updates –

1. Small Lot Acquisition Program – Rob Walsh provided additional information/summary outlining how the Small Lot Acquisition Program and its funds were established, and the success of the program. He explained that initially the funds were set at 2% of the annual Volusia Forever ad valorem revenue with an annual not-to-exceed cap of $65,000.00. Since the initial effort was so successful, the program quickly exceeded the $65,000.000 cap. In September 2003, the cap was raised to $125,000.00 annually, or 3.2% of the then revenues to address the issue of potentially exceeding the funding cap. Due to the change in the real estate market in 2005 and 2006, the assessed values of these small lots increased, which lead to another shortfall of funds. In September 2006, a not to exceed funding level of 2.5% of the annual Volusia Forever tax revenues, with no set dollar cap, was established to prevent the program from quickly exceeding the allotted funds. In 2007, the real estate market changed again to a buyers market. With this change, County staff has seen an increase in owner willingness to sell for conservation purposes, and has had increased success when bidding at tax deed sales. As a result, the program is on hold because it depleted the FY 2007/08 funding allocation in the first quarter. At this time, County staff is requesting that the Committee support a recommendation to County Council that would change the not to exceed funding level to 3.5% of the annual Volusia Forever tax revenues. This change would allow the appropriations to increase, and allow the program to continue during a buyers market without exceeding the available funds. County staff intends on soliciting property owners in the Cape Atlantic Estates subdivision, a more cost effective area, in lieu of continuing to purchase lots in the more expensive Howe and Currier subdivision.
   
   Member Gerald Fieser asked what percentage of the small lots in a particular subdivision would be necessary to own in order to preserve the area in a natural state.
   
   Rob Walsh replied that the percentage of ownership in a particular area is unknown. The strategy is to effectively block any development potential in a particular area.
   
   Douglas Weaver added that 50% ownership in a given area would really put a damper on any development potential. The concept is to acquire and assemble contiguous pieces.
   
   Member Phil Maroney made a motion to support and recommend to County Council an increase (from 2% to 3.5 %) in the percentage of Volusia Forever funds set aside for the Small Lot Acquisition Program. Member Dwight Lewis seconded the motion that carried by a vote of six (6) to one (1) with Member Anne Hallum opposed.
   
   Chair Dennis Bayer requested that County staff update the Committee on the progress of the Small Lot Acquisition Program annually.
   
   Rob Walsh provided a map to show the Committee the location of these antiquated, platted subdivisions.
    
2. Stanaki Property – this property is within the Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve. The City of Port Orange successfully entered into an Agreement for Purchase of approximately 225 acres of the northern portion of the entire Stanaki tract. This property is now in public ownership. The City of Port Orange and the County are working on a potential partnership, which will be subject to County Council approval. If the partnership is approved, a Florida Communities Trust (FCT) Application may be submitted in the spring of 2008.
    
3. Ocklawaha Property – this property is within the Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve. At this time, there isn’t any progress in the acquisition process.
    
4. Ponce Preserve Project – this is a continuing project with the Town of Ponce Inlet. At this time, there isn’t any progress in the acquisition process.
    
5. Double B Ranch Property– County staff has been negotiating with the property owner of this 3,700 acre tract that is adjacent to the District’s Haw Creek Preserve without success.
    
6. Holiday Haven – this 49 acre piece of property has title issues that need to be resolved before negotiations can continue.
    
7. David Strawn Property – this 1,200 acre tract located in the DeLeon Springs area off Lake Winona Road and U.S. Hwy. 17 will be re-appraised for the potential acquisition of a conservation easement. The St. Johns River Water Management District has indicated that they would be a 50% funding partner for this acquisition. The County continues to negotiate with the property owner.
    
8. Hughes/Huntington Trust – this property is now owned by Huntington Trust, who is a willing seller. Approximately 30 acres of the original 42 acres is being re-appraised.
    
9. Lake George Road Property – this 26 acre tract located within the Lake George Conservation Area is under contact for purchase by the County, subject to County Council approval.
    
10. McBride Road Property – this 10 acre tract located within the Lake George Conservation Area is under contact for purchase by the County, subject to County Council approval.
     
11. Salanitro Property – this is an in-holding of the 122 +/- acre Charlene Strawn Old Growth Forest Property, which was removed from the County’s Group A/B List at the request of the property owner. County staff has attempted to contact the owner to inform them of the requested removal. This property could potentially be removed from the County’s Group A/B List as well.
     
12. Thornby Property – this 38 acre tract located in the City of Deltona would be a joint acquisition by the City of Deltona and the County. The County is waiting on the City of Deltona to decide how to proceed with the negotiations.
     
13. Hamlin-Dann Property – County staff has been negotiating with the property owners of this 1,172 acre tract located in the southeast section of the County near Lake Harney. However, negotiations are on hold. This proposal is for a conservation easement.
     
14. Underhill (Lake Colby) Property - this 1 acre undeveloped tract located on Massachusetts Avenue in the Rural Community of Cassadaga and adjacent to the County’s Lake Colby Park was successfully purchased by the County and is now in public ownership.
     
15. Zimmer-Heideman Property - this 215 acre tract of land located on Old New York Avenue in the DeLand area near the St. Johns River is on hold as there is no funding partner.
     
16. Agostini Property – this 20 acre in-holding of the County’s Wiregrass Prairie Preserve located east of Pell Road in the Osteen area has a County Council approved Agreement for Purchase and will soon be in public ownership.
     
17. Duff Spring Garden Lake Property - this 9 acre potential addition to the County’s Chuck Lennon Park located on Living Water Street in DeLeon Springs with approximately 1,100 feet of frontage on Spring Garden Lake is being appraised.
     
18. Lake Moore Project (Ford/Mikol Properties) – this 121 acre undeveloped tract located between Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Beltway and Summit Avenue in the City of DeLand has be appraised. The City of DeLand and the County will be funding partnesr, and the negotiation process will be forthcoming.
     
19. Marvin Fore Property – County staff is currently negotiating with the property owner for this 156 acre tract located to the west of the LeFils Property and adjacent to the Volusia/Flagler Conservation.
     
20. Smith Trust Property - this 337 acre undeveloped tract is located on the shore of Lake George, west of Old Bubbly Road and south of Ninemile Point Road in the Pierson area and is in the process of being appraised.
     
21. Blanchette Property - this 7 acre tract is located within the Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve and is now in public ownership.
     
22. Progress Energy Property – this property consists of approximately 1,300 acres within the Lake George Conservation Area. The County has sold this property to the Division of Forestry (DOF), who will be responsible for its management as part of the Lake George State Forest. The County has received full reimbursement for its acquisition costs of this property.

Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 5:35p.m.