VOLUSIA FOREVER ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Minutes
Wednesday, January 21, 2004
3:30p.m. - 5:30p.m.
Thomas C. Kelly Building, Training Room 1
123 West Indiana Avenue, DeLand, FL 32720

Also in Attendance

Carrie Stewart, Chair, called the meeting to order at 3:40p.m.

Roll Call
Carrie Stewart, Chair, instructed the Recording Secretary to record the roll of the Members in attendance, in which five (5) Members were present. Members Reid Hughes, Linda White, Gordon Kipp and Anne Hallum were recorded as an Excused Absence.

Carrie Stewart, Chair, asked if there were any additions, corrections, or modification to the agenda.

Rob Walsh explained that staff would request that the agenda be modified to move ItemE (Staff Updates) up to be heard after Item B (Eligibility Determination of Applications). Staff has provided additional information as a handout with their presentation.

With no objections from the Committee, Carrie Stewart, Chair, declared the agenda modified and approved, as recommended.

Approval of Minutes
Carrie Stewart, Chair, called for a motion to approve the November 5, 2003, Minutes. Member JoAnn O'Bannon made a motion to approve the November 5, 2003, Minutes as written. Member Phil Maroney seconded the motion that carried by unanimous voice vote.

Carrie Stewart, Chair, asked for introductions before starting with the business part of the meeting. County Staff and the Committee Members introduced themselves. Public attendees included several property owners: Lani Friend, Will Akers, Otto Stalinski, and Ann Jones.

Rob Walsh explained that there are five (5) properties being reviewed for determination of eligibility from the 2nd Cycle of 2003 (July 1, 2003 through December 31, 2003). The Committee's ranking meeting will be held on March 17, 2004, at the VOTRAN Facility, 950Big Tree Road, South Daytona. He also reminded the Committee that a determination of eligibility for each property requires an affirmative vote of at least five (5) Members.

Discussion and Determination of Eligibility for Submitted Applications

1. Dutchman Bend/ Goat Island Property - Rob Walsh provided the following information about this property:
   1. it is 55 acres in size consisting of six (6) parcels, which includes an island;
   2. it is located on the St. Johns River within the city limits of DeBary;
   3. it was part of a platted subdivision (Detroit Terrace);
   4. there is no access other than by water;
   5. it consists primarily of marshland/wetlands, which limits public recreational opportunities;
   6. there is connectivity to Blue Springs and Hontoon Island State Parks; and
   7. it meets four (4) of the 14 Primary Site Ranking Criteria.

Rob Walsh reminded the Committee that Resolution 2002-218 stipulates that an application must meet a minimum of 4 of the 14 Primary Site Ranking Criteria in order to be considered as eligible for further consideration.

Member Alan Alshouse asked if there was a potential funding partner (i.e., Florida Department of Environmental Protection).

Rob Walsh responded that staff had not determined who the potential funding partners would be as the property has not been determined as eligible for further consideration. He added that the most obvious funding partner would be with Hontoon Island State Park officials, as this could be an addition to the park.

Member Phil Maroney suggested contacting the City of DeBary to determine if they would be a funding partner for the potential acquisition of this property, as they are participating in the funding of other properties in the area.

Chair Carrie Stewart asked, if the Committee determines that this property is not eligible for further consider, could the property owners pursue the potential acquisition with Hontoon Island State Park officials.

Rob Walsh replied, if a property is determined as not being eligible under the Volusia Forever Land Acquisition Program, staff could suggest other acquisition options to the property owner.

Member Robert Williams suggested that the Committee determine this property as eligible primarily because the development potential is low, as it is primarily wetlands, and to explore the potential for adding this property to the State Park.

Chair Carrie Stewart requested clarification on how long a property could remain on the Group "B" List of eligible properties, especially if there is no progress towards acquisition.

Rob Walsh explained that Resolution 2002-218 states, "Based on a recommendation of the Volusia Forever Advisory Committee, a property may be removed from the Group B Category by the County Council upon the expiration of at least four (4) ranking cycles." This gives the Committee the flexibility to remove a property from the Group "B" List, especially if there is no progress towards acquisition.

Chair Carrie Stewart requested confirmation that the County Council has the authority to move a property to or from the Group "A" or "B" List, as long as it is on either list, and to instruct staff to immediately acquire a property.

Rob Walsh confirmed that the County Council has the authority to overrule the Committee's recommendation by moving a property to or from one list to the other, and to instruct County staff to pursue the acquisition of a property.

Member Robert Williams made a motion to accept the Dutchman Bend/Goat Island Property Application as an eligible project. Member JoAnn O'Bannon seconded the motion that failed by a voice vote of 2 to 3, as Resolution2002-218 requires an affirmative vote of at least five (5) Members to pass.

2. Hontoon Island Property - Rob Walsh provided the following information about this property:
   1. it is 7.25 acres in size;
   2. it is located on the St. Johns River;
   3. it is contiguous to the Hontoon Island State Park;
   4. it consists primarily of marshland/wetlands, which limits public recreational opportunities;
   5. there is no access other than by water;
   6. it meets four (4) of the 14 Primary Site Ranking Criteria; and
   7. the property owners previously attempted to negotiate the acquisition of this property with State Park officials, but it did not come to fruition.

Member Alan Alshouse made a motion to accept the Hontoon Island Property Application as an eligible project. Member Robert Williams seconded the motion that failed by a voice vote of 1 to 4, as Resolution2002-218 requires an affirmative vote of at least five (5) Members to pass.

3. Volusia Plantation Estates, Ltd. Property - Rob Walsh provided the following information about this property:
   1. it is 29 acres in size consisting of a number of contiguous parcels to create one large lot owned by one owner;
   2. it is located in the City of DeBary north of Lake Monroe;
      it is an antiquated subdivision;
   3. the property owners commissioned an engineering firm to complete an environmental assessment;
   4. there is access via Magnolia Avenue;
   5. DeBary Hall is in close proximity;
   6. it meets six (6) of the 14 Primary Site Ranking Criteria; and
      there is potential for recreational/resource opportunities.

Member Phil Maroney requested that staff include aerial photographs of the properties with future eligibility reports.

Rob Walsh added that the environmental assessment contains information on things such as habitat types, species of trees, etc. The engineering firm has also provided additional information regarding water recharge, stormwater issues, etc.

Member Phil Maroney questioned whether this application better qualified for the Small Lot Acquisition Program.

Rob Walsh stated that unlike other antiquated subdivisions, there is only one property owner who owns one large contiguous chunk of land.

Discussion ensued regarding the potential for development with Randall Sleister stating that the property consists primarily of a hydric hammock. He added that a wetlands jurisdictional assessment has been difficult because of the habitat type.

Member Robert Williams asked if the City of DeBary has an interest in becoming a funding partner for the potential acquisition of this property.

Rob Walsh explained that if the Committee determines this property to be eligible for further consideration, County staff would contact the City of DeBary to determine their interest in becoming a funding partner.

Member Phil Maroney asked if there were management issues/concerns with adjacent properties.

Randall Sleister stated that there are challenges associated with adjacent residential areas (i.e., feral animals, illegal dumping, stormwater). He added that prescribed burning would not be an issue as it is a wetland hydric hammock system.

Member Alan Alshouse made a motion to accept the Volusia Plantation Estates Limited Property Application as an eligible project. Member Robert Williams seconded the motion that carried by unanimous voice vote.

4. Festival Properties Additions - Rob Walsh introduced Bob Kellar, representative for the property owners, and provided the following information about this property:
   1. it is 336 acres in size and an addition to the 2,900 acre tract previously submitted by the property owners, which the Committee ranked as a Group "A" List property;
   2. it is located on the south side of SR44 near the City of New Smyrna Beach and within the boundaries of the Volusia Conservation Corridor;
   3. it is contiguous, via SR44, to the 2,900 acre Festival Property tract located on the north side of SR44;
   4. it is also contiguous to the Townsend and American Timberland properties; and
   5. it meets eight (8) of the 14 Primary Site Ranking Criteria.

Discussion ensued regarding how this application would be handled after Member Robert Williams questioned whether this was a separate application or an addendum to the original 2,900 acre Festival Property application.

Bob Kellar suggested handling this as an addition to the original application to minimize costs associated with the proposed acquisition.

Douglas Weaver suggested keeping the applications separate in order to leave all options open. He added that the details could be worked out during the negotiation process.

Member Alan Alshouse made a motion to accept the Festival Properties Additions Application as an eligible project and add this property to the original 2,900 acre Festival Property application. Member JoAnn O'Bannon seconded the motion that carried by unanimous voice vote.

5. Akers Quail Ranch Property - Rob Walsh introduced Will Akers, property owner, and provided the following information about this property:
   1. it is 1,337 acres in size consisting of seven (7) parcels fronting SR415;
   2. it is in close proximity to the Volusia Conservation Corridor;
   3. it has been utilized for farming and hunting;
   4. the development potential is high;
   5. the property owners are willing to negotiate for a fee simple or conservation easement acquisition; and
   6. it meets ten (10) of the 14 Primary Site Ranking Criteria.

Member Phil Maroney made a motion to accept the Akers Quail Ranch Property Application as an eligible project. Member Robert Williams seconded the motion that carried by unanimous voice vote.

Discussion, Evaluation of Eligibility, and Proposed Amendment to County Council Approved Group “A” List -

Green Springs - Matthews/Friend Property - Rob Walsh stated that staff was requesting that the Committee determine the Green Springs (Matthews/Friend) Property as eligible and amend the County Council approved Group "A" List of eligible properties by adding this property. He provided the following information about this property:

1. it is 2.25 acres in size;
2. it is an addition to Green Springs Park;
3. it was included in the original (1996) Green Springs FCT application, however, there wasn't enough funds to acquire this parcel; and
4. it has historical/archeological value.

Member Phil Maroney asked if there would be any land management issues associated with the acquisition of this property.

Bill Apgar, Leisure Services, stated that there should be no impact.

Discussion ensued regarding the preservation of aquifers and springs after Member Alan Alshouse questioned the negative answer on the "Initial Review Report."

Randall Sleister clarified that the location of the property, which is to the south of Green Springs Park, would not significantly enhance the preservation of aquifers and springs. However, if the property had been located to the north of Green Springs, this proposed acquisition would provide preservation of aquifers and springs. He stated that the primary reason for this proposed acquisition was to provide access to Green Springs Park.

Douglas Weaver added that the park would be for passive recreation and not an active park.

Randall Sleister added that this proposed acquisition could provide minor shoreline protection on Lake Monroe.

Discussion continued regarding impacts to the aquifers and springs.

Member Alan Alshouse requested clarification that the primary reason for the proposed acquisition was to provide access to Green Springs Park and not for the property's ecological significance or improving the integrity of the park.

Randall Sleister responded that the primary reason for this proposed acquisition was to provide access to Green Springs Park.

Bill Gardner added that a title search uncovered the existence of an unrecorded subdivision, which could potentially be a negative impact.

Member Phil Maroney made a motion to accept the Green Springs (Matthews/Friend) Property as an eligible project, and amend the County Council approved Group "A" List of eligible properties by adding this property. Member JoAnn O'Bannon seconded the motion that carried by unanimous voice vote.

Staff Updates

Eubank/Rosier Property - Rob Walsh provided a handout that included a Fact Sheet, location maps and photographs of the property. He stated that County staff would request that the Committee provide a reaffirmation of their support/approval and a recommendation that the County Council approve the acquisition of the Eubank/Rosier Property. He added that staff would proceed with an FCT application once all parties have provided their approval. He also provided the following information about this property:

1. it is 31 acres in size;
2. it is located within the Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve;
3. it was approved by the Committee and County Council in 2001;
4. it was part of a funded FCT application that included four (4) properties (Eubank/Rosier, Paul, Kagels, and Kaye), but the majority of the funds were utilized for the acquisition of the Kaye Property; and
5. it is surrounded by existing park property.

Douglas Weaver added that County staff intends to combine several properties (Paul, Bayou Bay and Eubank/Rosier) in the FCT application.

Member Phil Maroney made a motion to reaffirm the Committee’s support/approval and recommendation that the County Council approve the acquisition of the Eubank/Rosier Property. Member Alan Alshouse seconded the motion that carried by unanimous voice vote.

Discuss and Approve Proposed Amendments to Resolution 2002-218 (a.k.a.Amended Resolution 2001-198)

Rob Walsh explained that County staff reviewed the language contained in Resolution 2002-218 and made revisions to clarify issues that have been raised since it was approved. He stated that a synopsis was being provided as a handout to give an overview of the major revisions, which include the following:

1. Page 1. Heading - Repealing Resolutions 2001-198 and 2002-218 to create one new operating resolution.
2. Section 4.d. (Page 4) - Adding language to include municipalities and private non-profit organizations' acquisition procedures that can be substituted for the Volusia Forever procedures.
3. Site Ranking Criteria (Page 7-9) - Created new language to make it easier for County staff to complete the office review and the Committee to analyze the property for eligibility.
4. Section 5.g. last paragraph (Page 11) - Retained the wording, but created a separate paragraph (Section 5.h.4. - Page 12) regarding how long properties are retained on the eligibility list.
5. Section 5.h.(2)(a) (Pages 11-12) - Replaced the word "shall" with "should" with regards to Group A properties having matching funds.
6. Section 7.b.(4) last sentence (Page 15) - Added language to be consistent with state law regarding appraised value.

Chair Carrie Stewart requested that a correction be made on Page 18, which would change "Chairman" to "Chair."

With no additional changes, Member JoAnn O'Bannon made a motion to approve the amendments to Resolution 2002-218, as amended. Member Alan Alshouse seconded the motion that carried by unanimous voice vote.

Discuss and Approve Committee's 2004 Goals/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.

Chair Carrie Stewart requested that a correction be made on the Cover Page, which would change "Chairman" to "Chair."

With no additional changes, Member Phil Maroney made a motion to approve the Committee's 2004 Goals/Work Plan, as amended. Member Alan Alshouse seconded the motion that carried by unanimous voice vote.

Member Phil Maroney requested that County staff provide updates to the Committee regarding access improvements.

Other Business -
Rob Walsh stated that additional information had been provided as handouts, which includes the following:

1. Map of the County showing the lands acquired with Volusia Forever funds.
2. Two (2) spreadsheets showing the amount of funds (Volusia Forever and Funding Partner) that have been spent on the various properties.

At staff's recommendation, the Committee agreed to cancel the February 18, 2004, meeting. The next meeting will be held on March 17, 2004, at the VOTRAN Facility, 950 Big Tree Road, South Daytona. At this meeting the Committee will rank all the properties that have been determined as eligible from the 2nd Cycle of 2003 (July1,2003 through December31,2003)

Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 5:02p.m.