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Board
Members in Attendance
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Phil
Maroney, Chair
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Reid Hughes
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Alan
Alshouse, Vice-Chair |
Pat
Northey |
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Anne Hallum
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JoAnn O’Bannon |
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Also
in Attendance
Douglas M. Weaver
Rob Walsh
Jeanette Munson
Carol Beall
Meeting Called to Order
Phil Maroney, Chair, called the meeting to order at 3:35P.M.
Roll Call
Phil Maroney, Chair, instructed the Recording Secretary to record
the roll of the Members in attendance, in which six (6) Members were
present. Members Dennis Bayer and Robert Williams were recorded as
an Excused Absence.
Approval of Minutes
Phil Maroney, Chair, called for a motion to approve the September
21, 2005, Minutes. Member Pat Northey made a motion to approve the
September 21, 2005, Minutes, as written. Member JoAnn O’Bannon
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 three (3)
properties that have been submitted for the 2nd Cycle of 2005 and
determining whether these properties are eligible for further
consideration under the Volusia Forever Program. All properties that
are determined eligible for the 2nd Cycle of 2005 will be ranked on
April 19, 2006. He reminded the Committee that Resolution 2004-80
requires a property to meet at least four (4) of the Primary
Criteria and an affirmative vote of at least five (5) Members in
order for a property to be determined as eligible.
Jon Soskis Property – Rob Walsh provided the following information
about this property:
it is approximately 36 acres in size consisting of four (4) parcels;
it is located off Grand Avenue in the Glenwood community;
it is an undeveloped tract of land that has been approved for
subdividing the acreage into 5 acre building lots;
it is owned by two (2) brothers with an undivided 50/50 interest,
but only one is a willing seller;
it is adjacent to an active fernery to the south, which adjoins the
old Plymouth Avenue Landfill, a residential community to the north,
and a new subdivision to the west, and;
it meets 3 of the 13 Primary Criteria.
Member Reid Hughes asked if the property was adjacent to any public
owned land.
Rob Walsh responded that the property is not adjacent to any public
owned land. He added that Member Anne Hallum had provided
photographs of deer tracks and gopher tortoise burrows that were
taken while she was walking the property.
Member Anne Hallum explained that she had met the property owners at
a meeting about the Spring-to-Spring Trail. During the meeting, the
property owners stated that they were conservationists and were
willing to give Volusia Forever the right of first refusal. The
property owners also stated that they would like this property to
become a park and be a part of the Spring-to-Spring Trail, which
would be in the form of a nature trail running to the sandy area
where the gopher tortoise burrows are located.
Discussion ensued regarding the amount of land being offered by the
property owners.
Rob Walsh explained that according to a letter dated August 17,
2005, from Jon E. (Rick) Soskis, he must sell at least five (5)
acres. However, he is willing to offer his 50% interest, which is 18
acres. Jon Soskis also explains that his brother, Joque Soskis,
might be convinced to sell the remaining 18 acres.
Member Anne Hallum stated that during a telephone conversation with
Jon Soskis, he stated that he would be willing to sell his 18 acres.
Rob Walsh posed the question as to which 18 acres Jon Soskis owns.
He added County staff had difficulty completing the “Initial Review
Report” because of this issue.
Member Pat Northey raised the question about access, as the 18 acres
has not been fully identified. She also expressed a concern that
this property doesn’t fit in with the preservation goals.
Douglas Weaver reminded the Committee that this property does not
meet the minimum threshold requirement, which is 4 of the 13 Primary
Criteria.
Chair Phil Maroney explained that there are several concerns/issues
with this property. It is small in size, surrounded by residential
properties, lacks connectivity to other public owned lands, lacks a
funding partner, and doesn’t meet the minimum required Primary
Criteria.
Member Anne Hallum inquired as to what has been the smallest size of
an approved Volusia Forever project.
Rob Walsh responded that typically the Committee has rejected
projects that are stand alones with a size of five (5) acres or
less. However, the Committee has accepted smaller projects, but they
were in-holdings or adjacent to other public lands (i.e., Green
Springs Addition at one (1) acre in size).
Member Anne Hallum made a motion to accept the Jon Soskis Property
Application as an eligible project. Member Reid Hughes seconded the
motion that failed by a roll call vote of one (1) to five (5).
Plantation Pines Lot 329 Property – Rob Walsh provided the following
information about this property:
it is a lot that is approximately 2.5 acres in size located in
Plantation Pines, a platted, large lot subdivision on the south side
of S.R. 40 near the city limits of Ormond Beach;
it consists of 80% wetlands and 20% uplands;
it is near public lands (i.e., Plum Creek), but it is not adjacent;
there is access; and
it meets 1 of the 13 Primary Criteria.
Member Pat Northey made a motion to deny the Plantation Pines Lot
329 Property Application as an eligible project. Member Reid Hughes
seconded the motion that carried by unanimous voice vote.
1599 Riverside Drive Property – Rob Walsh provided the following
information about this property:
it is a lot that is 75 feet by 150 feet is size located on Riverside
Drive at the intersection of Flomich Avenue in the City of Holly
Hill;
it is on the inter-coastal waterway;
it had a 70 year old single-family dwelling that was demolished due
to hurricane damages;
this application is the product of a community effort to expand the
adjacent “pocket park;” and
it meets 4 of the 13 Primary Criteria.
Rob Walsh added that the citizens campaigning for the acquisition of
this property have presented this proposal to the City of Holly
Hill’s Commission on two (2) occasions, but were rejected. A letter
dated January 13, 2006, was received from the City of Holly Hill
stating that the City Commission for the third time will not take
any action regarding this matter. Rob Walsh explained that based on
conversations with City Manager Joseph Forte, the City does not have
the funds for this proposal. However, if the County acquired it and
gave it to the City, they would be willing to manage it.
Ms. Carol Beall, representative for the property owner and the
community, was present to provide additional information. She
provided a letter dated January 17, 2006, from John Green
authorizing her to be his representative at this meeting. She added
that approximately 80 citizens from the community are involved with
this proposal. She further added that the City Commission rejected
the proposal due to the lack of funds, but they agreed that this
should be a park. With these rejections from the City Commission,
the community elected to make an application to Volusia Forever. She
asked for guidance on locating other funding sources that may be
better suited for this proposal. She explained that a boat dock
exists and suggested that it could be used for educational
opportunities (i.e., observing manatees, dolphins or eagles).
Discussion ensued regarding other funding sources with Committee
members and County staff suggesting Florida Communities Trust (FCT),
Florida Blueways, or Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) as
potential funding sources.
Rob Walsh added that the cost and size of the property could be an
issue when seeking funding for this project.
Douglas Weaver explained that FCT waives the matching funds
requirement for cities or municipalities with a population size of
less than 10,000. He further explained that FCT is a grant based on
a points system and an application should have at least 140-145
points to be reasonably assured that the project would be awarded
funding. He also stated that this is a very competitive grant
program and the City of Holly Hill would have to sponsor the
application.
Discussion ensued regarding the potential for building on this
property after Member Reid Hughes asked if research had been done as
to whether a structure could legally be built on this property.
Douglas Weaver stated that one of the goals of the Volusia Forever
Program is to have matching funds, which this project does not.
However, if a funding partner is secured, the property owner could
re-submit an application to Volusia Forever.
Ms. Carol Beall stated that efforts would be made to secure a
funding partner and persuade the property owner to reduce the
selling price or donate the property.
Member Reid Hughes made a motion to deny the 1599 Riverside Drive
Property Application as an eligible project. Member Alan Alshouse
seconded the motion that carried by a unanimous voice vote.
2006 Goals and Work Plan – Rob
Walsh stated that, per Resolution 2001-69, the Committee is required
every year to provide an annual report to the County Council
outlining their goals/work plan.
Discussion ensued regarding the quality of applications that are
being submitted and it was suggested that County staff refocus on
smaller parcels and become more proactive.
Rob Walsh explained that County staff is working on two (2) very
large projects. However, it may take quite a bit of time to
germinate. He further explained that applications from the large
landowners are becoming fewer and fewer.
Member Anne Hallum suggested that County staff refocus on smaller
properties and more urban conservation areas.
Rob Walsh responded that new maps are being produced to identify
landowners with 200 acres. He agreed that County staff will focus on
smaller properties.
Member Pat Northey suggested focusing on historic lands. She also
suggested focusing on properties for trails. She reminded County
staff that funds from Volusia ECHO have been earmarked for trails,
which could be used for construction.
Member Anne Hallum suggested adding a goal to the 2006 Goals and
Work Plan that would direct County staff to be more proactive.
Rob Walsh explained that County staff has been proactive with the
larger landowners, but not with the owners of smaller properties.
Discussion ensued regarding the measurement of the suggested goal of
County staff being more proactive.
Douglas Weaver stated that County staff is currently working on
several large projects to bring before the Committee that are
strategically located. The acreage of each project is: 1) 1,400
acres; 2) over 2,000 acres and 3) 5,000 acres. At this time, the
property owners have not submitted an application to Volusia
Forever, but there is the potential they will.
Discussion ensued regarding agricultural funding after Member Reid
Hughes asked if County staff was pursuing funds from the Farmland
Protection Program for agricultural properties.
Douglas Weaver stated that he would be meeting with the leadership
of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Gainesville,
Florida, to locate other funding sources besides the Farmland
Protection Program, which could include the Wetlands Reserve
Program.
Member Pat Northey asked how much money was left in the Volusia
Forever Program.
Rob Walsh responded that there is approximately $30 million in the
bank today after bonding $40 million and spending $12 million, and
including current tax receipts.
Member Pat Northey asked what the process would be if an application
for a priority project came in after a cycle’s deadline. She
expressed a concern that an inflexible process could cause the loss
of a priority project, especially with today’s real estate market.
Rob Walsh replied that the Committee has the ability to call a
special meeting to fast track a priority project, which would allow
the Committee to determine eligibility and ranking. This process has
been done in the past to keep from losing priority projects.
Discussion ensued regarding the issues associated with prior
acquisition programs and the need to “get the most bang for the
buck.”
Member Pat Northey requested that County staff provide a report
depicting how the funds (10% of the Volusia Forever funds) that were
set aside for land management, access and improvements have been
spent.
Discussion ensued regarding the responsibility for
promoting/publicizing the Volusia Forever Program after Member Anne
Hallum asked if any of the Committee members could contact property
owners.
Rob Walsh explained that Resolution 2001-69, Section XI
(Prohibitions), prohibits Committee members from soliciting offers
or negotiating or otherwise engaging in contact with the owners or
representatives that may be considered for acquisition of lands by
the Volusia Forever Program, except at Committee meetings.
Therefore, County staff has the responsibility for
promoting/publicizing/soliciting any property owner. However, it
would be acceptable for any Committee member to notify County staff
of any potential applicant.
Discussion ensued regarding the acquisition of beach-front property
by the Volusia Forever Program after Member Pat Northey recalled
discussions as a Council Member concerning this type of acquisition.
Douglas Weaver explained that acquisitions to provide off-beach
parking would not meet the criteria of the Volusia Forever Program.
However, beach-front property acquired for a park might, but would
be costly.
Member Reid Hughes made a motion to approve the Committee’s 2006
Goals and Work Plan, as presented. Member Alan Alshouse seconded the
motion that carried by unanimous voice vote.
Staff Updates –
Douglas Weaver provided an updated on the following properties that
have closed, are in the process of closing, or in the acquisition
process. He stated that the first three (3) properties were acquired
for approximately $14 million. He assured the Committee that County
staff is working hard to make things happen. He also stated that the
issue may not be “how or on what type of property do we spend the
money,” but “do we have enough funding and which property is
priority.”
Lunsford – consisting of 1,600+/- acres, closed December 2005. The
County is responsible for the management of the property. The County
fully funded the acquisition of this property and subsequently is
seeking 50% reimbursement from Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission for gopher tortoise mitigation.
Southern Pines – consisting of 2,100+/- acres, conveyed by FDOT to
the County without requiring County partnership funding for
acquisition. However, the County is responsible for the management
of the property. The County will also assume the responsibility for
the management of 800+/- acres owned by the SJRWMD that abuts this
property.
Progress Energy – consisting of 1,300+/- acres, is scheduled for
closing on January 27, 2006. DOF may be responsible for the
management of this property. County staff is working with DOF for
partial reimbursement, as Volusia Forever fully funded this
acquisition.
Double B Ranch – consisting of 3,700+/- acres, is currently being
appraised. The SJRWMD would be a funding partner for this
conservation easement acquisition. This property abuts other public
owned lands. Offer is forthcoming.
David Strawn – consisting of 1,200+/- acres, is currently being
appraised. The SJRWMD would be a funding partner. Offer is
forthcoming.
Stanaki – consisting of 400+/- acres, negotiations are for all or a
portion of the property. DEP would be a funding partner.
Hughes – the property will be appraised soon.
Huntington Trust – the property will be appraised soon.
Festival – consisting of 2,900 +/- acres that abut the Lunsford
property, is soon to be appraised. The SJRWMD is a potential funding
partner.
Chairman Phil Maroney requested that County staff provide the
Committee with a report every quarter or semi-annually, which would
show the pool of properties, what they would cost if acquired and
what funds would be available for other properties.
Douglas Weaver added that County staff currently uses this type of
projection report to determine the funds that would be used and what
is available for other acquisitions.
Member Anne Hallum requested an updated map on the lands acquired by
Volusia Forever.
Rob Walsh stated that the next Committee meeting would be held on
April 19, 2006. At this meeting, the Committee would rank the
projects that have been determined as eligible for the 2nd cycle of
2005, make changes to the current approved ranking list, and elect a
Chair and Vice-Chair. He also stated that the requested map
depicting the Volusia Forever acquisitions, projection report and a
map depicting the target areas will be provided to the Committee at
the April 20, 2006, meeting. He explained that County staff was
currently working on maps to define project boundaries for lands
that have been acquired by Volusia Forever, which will assist in
targeting in-holdings that are not currently public owned lands.
Douglas Weaver advised the Committee that there is a large piece of
property (1,000 + acres) in the Lake George area that may need to be
fast-tracked. Therefore, a special meeting may need to be called. He
added that County staff would provide as much notice as possible to
the Committee should the property owners decide to participate in
the Volusia Forever Program.
Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 4:53P.M. |
