MINUTES
VOLUSIA FOREVER ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
VOTRAN Bus Facility
950 Big Tree Road, South Daytona, Fl  32119

Meeting Called to Order
Anne Hallum, Vice-Chair, welcomed all those in attendance (i.e., Committee Members, County staff and the Public), and called the meeting to order at 3:36 p.m.

Roll Call
Anne Hallum, Vice-Chair, instructed the Recording Secretary to record the roll of the Members in attendance, in which nine (9) Members were present after Chair Dennis Bayer arrived late.

Introduction of New Volusia Forever Program Coordinator
Douglas Weaver explained that the Land Acquisition and Management Division has incurred two (2) changes involving staff.  Rob Walsh, who has been the Program Coordinator for Volusia Forever, has been promoted to Operations Manager for the Growth and Resource Management Department, and Ed Isenhour, who was the Planner for the Land Acquisition and Management Division, has taken Rob Walsh’s former position as the Volusia Forever Program Coordinator. 

Approval of Minutes
Dennis Bayer, Chair, called for a motion to approve the January 16, 2008, Minutes.  Member John E. Wagner made a motion to approve the January 16, 2008, Minutes, as amended.  Member Gerald Fieser seconded the motion that carried by unanimous voice vote.

Evaluation and Ranking of Eligible Applications
Rob Walsh explained that the Committee would be reviewing seven (7) properties, which were deemed as eligible during the 2nd Cycle of 2007 (7‑1‑07 through 12‑31‑07), to determine their placement on the Group "A" or "B" List.  The ranking determination of each property (Group "A" or "B" List) would be handled one at a time with a voice vote.  He reminded the Committee that in order for a motion to pass it requires a simple majority vote of the Members who are present, which would be five (5).  He stated that the Committee’s approved Group “A/B” List would be presented to the County Council on May 22, 2008, for final approval. 

Rob Walsh and Randall Sleister provided a PowerPoint presentation with pictures and location maps, and a brief overview of each property, as follows:

1.       McLellan Property - This property consists of approximately 5 acres of undeveloped land located on the east side of SR 415, south of Lemon Bluff Road in the Osteen area.  It is contiguous to the Lake Monroe Conservation Area, a property acquired by Volusia County and the St. Johns River Water Management District (District).  Acquisition of this property would square off the northeast boundary of this conservation area.  The future land use category assigned to this property is Agricultural Resource (AR).  The zoning classification is Prime Agriculture (A‑1), which mandates a minimum lot size of 10 acres.  At this time, a funding partner has not been identified.  County staff contacted the St. Johns River Water Management District’s (District) staff to determine their interest in serving as a funding partner.  The District indicated that they are not willing to participate as a funding partner at this time.  The natural habitat community is strand swamp.  The remaining uplands have been converted to pasture with scattered pine trees.  Exotics, which include air potato and wild taro, are present in the areas surrounding the uplands.

Chairman Dennis Bayer asked what percentage of the property would be considered wetlands. 

Randall Sleister explained that at least 70% of the property would be considered wetlands.  An aerial map of the property was used to demonstrate the characteristics of wetland communities. 

Member Chris Schlageter asked what would happen to the fence line, if Volusia County acquired the property. 

Rob Walsh replied that the fence line would be adjusted after the property was acquired, because the management of the property would likely be turned over to the District as part of the Lake Monroe Conservation Area. 

Chair Dennis Bayer asked if this property fit better as a Small Lot Acquisition project. 

Rob Walsh explained that County staff had discussed the possibility of acquiring this property through the Small Lot Acquisition Program instead of Volusia Forever.  County staff determined that the property’s 5-acre size would not preclude it from the Small Lot Acquisition Program.  However, this property is not part of an antiquated platted subdivision, which the Small Lot Acquisition Program targets.  Therefore, it has been submitted to Volusia Forever.  

Member John E. Wagner made a motion to add the McLellan Property to the Group “B” List of eligible properties.  Member Phil Maroney seconded the motion that carried by unanimous voice vote. 

Chair Dennis Bayer asked if County staff would be informing the Committee that there are no matching state funds available for any of these projects being reviewed for ranking due to the state’s current economic status.

Rob Walsh explained that DOF does not have matching funds available at this time.  However, the District does have some mitigation funds available.  He added that funds from Florida Forever are not available.

Douglas Weaver added that the House recently zeroed out the funding for Florida Forever.  However, the Senate’s $300 million still exists.   With this limited amount of available funding, a considerable amount of nervousness exists with certain state agencies regarding funds for land acquisitions.  There is a Florida Forever coalition that has been diligently working with various entities (i.e., not for profits, private parties, and local agencies) to preserve the Florida Forever funds.

Discussions continued regarding the funding partnership goal/objective of the Volusia Forever Program and how the current economic status may be affecting this goal/objective.

Douglas Weaver stated that the District continues to be a viable funding partner.  However, they have nineteen (19) counties that look to them as a funding partner for land preservation acquisitions. He added that circumstances can change and funding partnerships can be established, even after the initial answer is no.  County staff will continue to be flexible and seek funding partnerships.   

2.       Severson Property – This property consists of approximately 80 acres of undeveloped land located north of US Hwy. 92 (International Speedway Blvd.) and west of LPGA Blvd. in the Daytona Beach area.  It is contiguous to the Tiger Bay State Forest, a property acquired by the Florida Division of Forestry (DOF) and the District.  The future land use categories assigned to this property are Natural Resource Management Area (NRMA), Environmental Systems Corridor (ESC), and Forestry Resource (FR).  The zoning classifications are Resource Corridor (RC) and Forestry Resource (FR).  County staff contacted DOF’s staff to determine their interest in serving as a funding partner.  DOF indicated that they are not willing to participate as a funding partner at this time, but they are very interested in the property’s preservation and possible addition to the Tiger Bay State Forest.  Therefore, at this time, a funding partner has not been identified.  Management of the property would be incorporated into the overall management of the Tiger Bay State Forest, which is managed by DOF.  Access to this property could be through the adjacent property owned by the Severson family or DOF.  The majority of the property is considered mesic and wet flatwoods.  However, historically there is a strand swamp, which is dominated by cypress with pine that runs through the center of the property.  Due to the lack of fire management, shrub species have become dominant in the understory.  Numerous exotic plants are present, but are localized in small areas.   

Stacey Manning raised the question about access and the potential for an easement from the adjoining property owners. 

Douglas Weaver explained that even without DOF as a funding partner access to this property should not be a problem as they own property abutting this parcel. 

Member Wanda Van Dam noted that the staff report states that “the site has become dryer than in the past,” and asked if that was due to the current drought conditions or because it is naturally drained. 

Randall Sleister replied that the dryer conditions are due to natural drainage created by the Tiger Bay canal, and/or the well fields in the area.  

Jesse Severson, property owner, was present to provide additional information or answer any questions.  He stated that during hunting expeditions, black bear were sighted on the property.  Fire Tower Road, and Old DeLand Road provide two (2) additional entrances to the property.  The property stays dry due to the presence of two (2) drainage systems that eventually dump into the Tomoka River.  This property is in a natural state with a lot of timber that could be harvested. 

Member John E. Wagner made a motion to add the Severson Property to the Group “A” List of eligible properties.  Member Anne Hallum seconded the motion that carried by unanimous voice vote. 

3.       Hicks Joint Trust Property – This property consists of approximately 58 acres of undeveloped land located south of McGregor Road at the intersection with Fatio Road in the southwest area of DeLand.  It is contiguous to Blue Springs State Park, the County’s Lake Beresford Park and the Fatio Road Property, which is also being evaluated for ranking as a Group “A” or “B” List project.  The CSX Railroad tracks form the western boundary and an antiquated, platted subdivision is located to the south of this property. The future land use categories assigned to this property are Natural Resource Management Area (NRMA), and Rural (R).  The zoning classification is Rural Agriculture (A-2).  County staff contacted the District’s staff to determine their interest in serving as a funding partner.  However, the District is not interested at this time.  The historical/archaeological significance/sensitivity of this property is low even though it is in close proximity to the St. Johns River.  The natural community that dominates this property is sand pine scrub, consisting primarily of mature sand pines.  This property has been used as a dumping site for trash and construction debris.  A power line traverses the property.  The natural community is very thick, which made it difficult to access interior portions of the property via motor vehicle.  This property has the potential to support scrub jays and other scrub dependant species with proper restoration and management.

Member Jason McGuirk asked if this property was part of the antiquated, platted subdivision located to the south, and if it is disturbed. 

Rob Walsh responded that this property is outside the boundaries of the antiquated, platted subdivision.  However, the subdivision has been targeted by the County’s Small Lot Acquisition Program for acquisition of its parcels. 

Randall Sleister explained that the property may have previously been harvested or part of a prescribed burn, as the scrub habitat’s vegetation is relatively young; approximately 25 years of age. 

Chair Dennis Bayer asked if a Florida Communities Trust (FCT) application would score high because of its connectivity to other conservation lands. 

Ed Isenhour replied that the property’s connectivity to other conservation lands would earn it points from FCT.  However, there are other criteria that would also provide points for a higher score. 

Douglas Weaver added that a project’s score must be higher than in previous years, if it is to qualify for funding.  The funding of applications submitted to FCT has become tougher and more competitive. 

Mark Watts, representative for the property owners, was present to provide additional information and answer any questions.  He referenced the January 16, 2008, Committee Meeting Minutes, and stated that the property owners are willing to explore creative financing options to facilitate the acquisition of this property.  He added that the current price listed through the real estate broker is $1.5 million.  He estimated that the current appraised value to be approximately $1.1 million.  He re-emphasized that the property owners are will to work with the County on some type of financing structure/option. 

Member Gerald Fieser made a motion to add the Hicks Joint Trust Property to the Group “A” List of eligible properties.  Member Jason McGuirk seconded the motion that carried by unanimous voice vote. 

4.       D Ranch Ltd. Property – This property consists of approximately 482 acres of undeveloped land located at the intersection of Reed Ellis Road and CR 415 with approximately 1 mile of CR 415 frontage within the municipality of Deltona.  A large barn is on the property.  It is contiguous to the Lake Monroe Conservation Area, a property acquired by Volusia County and the District.  The future land use category of Agricultural Resource (AR), and the zoning classification of Prime Agriculture (A-1) have been assigned to this property, which have been retained by the City of Deltona.  County staff contacted the District’s staff to determine their interest in serving as a funding partner.  However, the District is not interested at this time.  The property consists of a mosaic of natural communities; sandhill, mesic flatwoods, scrubby flatwoods and freshwater marsh, with portions of the uplands being improved pasture.  The sandhill portion of the property could be used as a recipient site for the relocation of gopher tortoises.  It has been used as part of a cattle operation. 

Rob Walsh added that in 2004 a Volusia Forever 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.  The asking price is $10 million, which is based on conversations with the property owner’s representative. 

James Weekley, representative for the property owners, was present to provide additional information and answer any questions.  He stated that the property owners are willing to entertain offers that would preserve this property in its natural state.  However, the asking price is $15 million. 

Discussion ensued regarding recipient sites for gopher tortoise relocation after Member Gerald Fieser asked if the County was considering using this and/or other conservation lands as recipient sites.

Discussion ensued regarding the scenic road/highway designations of Reed Ellis Road, SR 415 and Enterprise-Osteen Road after Member Wanda Van Dam questioned if Reed Ellis Road was designated as a scenic road.

Member Wanda Van Dam added that this property is connected to conservation lands (i.e., Lake Monroe Conservation Area and the Becks Ranch), and would be a good addition to these lands.

Discussion ensued regarding the potential fee simple acquisition of this property, after Douglas Weaver explained that County staff would not be aggressive in moving forward with the acquisition process, as there is not a funding partner and it is too pricey to acquire it solely.

Members Phil Maroney and Chris Schlageter suggested that County staff discuss the option of a conservation easement offer with the property owner in lieu of a fee simple proposal.  With a conservation easement, the natural resource would be protected, and the issue of being too pricey could be minimized.

James Weekely stated that the property owners are committed to preserving this property in its natural state and are willing to entertain any offers.

Douglas Weaver stated that County staff would make an appointment with the property owners to discuss the potential of a conservation easement offer for this property.  He also stated that the District would also be contacted in the fall to determine if they are willing to be a funding partner.

Member Dwight Lewis commented that there are certain criteria already set-up for properties on the Group “A” List, and expressed a concern that these criteria may not be followed because of an “asking price” issue.

Douglas Weaver clarified that County staff would follow the criteria set-up for Group “A” List projects, but the process could be slow as there are a number of projects already in the pipeline for acquisition.

Discussion continued regarding County staff’s process for acquiring Group “A” List projects (i.e., appraisals, offers).

Discussion ensued regarding the importance of protecting the natural resource of this area from development after Member Chris Schlageter expressed his concern that the property owners may decide that a developer’s offer is worth accepting instead of waiting for Volusia Forever’s offer.

Members also continued to discuss the possibility of a conservation easement proposal instead of fee simple.

Member Wanda Van Dam made a motion to add the D Ranch Ltd. Property to the Group “A” List of eligible properties.  Member John E. Wagner seconded the motion that failed by a voice vote of two (2) to seven (7).

After a procedural discussion regarding failed motions for placement of properties on the Group “A” or “B” List, Member Jason McGuirk made a motion to add the D Ranch Ltd. Property to the Group “B” List of eligible properties.  Member Phil Maroney seconded the motion that carried by unanimous voice vote.

5.       Mazeika Property – This property consists of approximately 48 acres of undeveloped land located on the west side of Peninsula Drive in the unincorporated community of Wilbur‑by‑the‑Sea and adjacent to the northern town limit of Ponce Inlet.  It is contiguous to the Ponce Preserve Conservation Project, a Volusia Forever Group “A” List project in conjunction with the Town of Ponce Inlet.  The future land use categories assigned to this property are Natural Resource Management Area (NRMA), and Environmental Systems Corridor (ESC).  The zoning classification is Resource Corridor (RC).  County staff contacted the District’s staff to determine their interest in serving as a funding partner.  However, the District is not interested at this time.  As the property is not within the town limits of Ponce Inlet, a funding partnership with the Town would be doubtful.  This property predominately consists of mangrove swamp and open water with limited uplands that are approximately 35‑50 feet in width, located along Peninsula Drive.  The uplands are dominated by Brazilian peppers with minor amounts of cedar and sabal palm.  Public use would be limited to foot traffic along the existing sidewalk due to the lack of sufficient uplands for parking.  This property has been used as a dumpsite for yard debris.  Management of the site would be problematic due its isolation and the large quantity of exotic species.

Member Jason McGuirk asked if the open water and mangrove swamp areas were already federally protected.

Randall Sleister explained that the County’s wetland ordinance, which has a 50 foot upland buffer from the edge of wetlands, would aide in the protection of the mangrove swamp.  This buffer would encompass the majority of this property.  Therefore, any impacts would require permitting from the County.  However, if the wetland line was crossed, then permitting from the State and Army Corp of Engineers would also be required.

Carolyn Ansay, representative for the property owners, was present to provide additional information and answer any questions.  She stated that the Town of Ponce Inlet’s Town Manager had been contacted to determine if the Town was interested or capable of becoming a funding partner for the acquisition of this property.  The Town Manager indicated that this proposal would be brought before the Town’s Land Acquisition Committee to discuss whether or not the Committee would be interested in establishing a funding partnership.  The Town Manger also indicated that the Town has limited funding available for land acquisitions.  However, these funds have not been ear marked for specific projects, at this time.  The Town is not prohibited from using these funds for projects outside the town limits.  She added that the slender parcel separating the Town of Ponce Inlet and this property could provide connectivity as the western portion is likely sovereign lands owned by the State.  This property consists primarily of wet lands.  The development potential is limited to the northeast quadrant of the property, which is where the uplands are located.

Chair Dennis Bayer asked if the property owners were willing to offer this property as a conservation easement rather than a fee simple acquisition.

Carolyn Ansay replied that a conservation easement proposal had not been discussed with the property owners.  However, it could be discussed with them.

Member Dwight Lewis made a motion to add the Mazeika Property to the Group “A” List of eligible properties.  Member Chris Schlageter seconded the motion that carried by a vote of seven (7) to two (2) with Members Gerald Fieser and Wanda Van Dam opposed.

6.       Glenwood Park Property – This property, consisting of ten (10) undeveloped parcels, is approximately 219 acres in size, and located southwest of the intersection of Grand Avenue and Plymouth Avenue, west of Deland.  The CSX Railroad right of way constitutes this property’s western boundary.  It separates this property from the section of the Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge (LWNWR) that is owned by the District.  However, the management of the District’s section is the responsibility of the LWNWR.  The future land use categories assigned to this property are Urban Low Intensity (ULI), and Agriculture Resource (AR).  During the fall of 2007 this property was rezoned from Prime Agriculture (A-1) and Rural Agriculture (A‑2) to Residential Planned Unit Development (RPUD).  The approved RPUD, “Glenwood Park,” allows low density residential development with a range of .2 to 4 units per acre.  Therefore, approximately 88 units would be allowed.  County staff contacted LWNWR’s staff to determine their interest in serving as a funding partner.  As this property is outside the boundaries of the LWNWR, a funding partnership would be problematic.  County staff also contacted the District’s staff to determine their interest in serving as a funding partner.  However, the District is not interested at this time.  Historically, much of this property could have been considered sandhill with minor areas of mesic and wet flatwoods.  Previously, this area was managed as an orange grove, which has been replaced by slash pine plantation.  The pine plantation, which has a small area of longleaf pine, has been used as part of a turpentine operation.  The sparse understory of blackberry and various grasses within the plantation is not typical of a natural sandhill ecosystem.  If acquired, it would be anticipated that restoration of the historic sandhill community would be implemented by removing the slash pine and planting longleaf pine to re‑establish the understory typical of sandhills for proper prescribed fire management. 

Rob Walsh added that the Glenwood Civic Association has submitted a letter of support for the efforts being made to acquire and preserve this property in its natural state.

David Kerr, Vice-President of the Glenwood Civic Association, was present to offer support of this project.  He added that the eastern side of this property is part of the Spring to Spring Trail.  This area is home to a significant amount of wildlife, which includes deer, black bear, and turkey.

Member Phil Maroney made a motion to add the Glenwood Park Property to the Group “A” List of eligible properties.  Member Dwight Lewis seconded the motion that carried by unanimous voice vote.

7.       Fatio Road Property – This property consists of approximately 72 acres of undeveloped land located at the intersection of Fatio and McGregor Roads in the southwest area of DeLand.  It is contiguous to Blue Springs State Park, the County’s Lake Beresford Park, and the Hicks Joint Trust Property, which is also being evaluated for ranking as a Group “A” or “B” List project.  However, this property is separated from Blue Springs State Park, the County’s Lake Beresford Park, and Hicks Joint Trust Property by roadways only.  The future land use categories assigned to this property are Natural Resource Management Area (NRMA), and Rural (R).  The zoning classifications are Rural Agriculture (A-2) and Transitional Agriculture (A-4).  County staff contacted the District’s staff to determine their interest in serving as a funding partner.  However, the District is not interested at this time.  The natural community that dominates this property is scrub, consisting primarily of mature sand pines with some larger oaks.  This property has been used as a dumping site for trash and construction debris.  The property owner’s agent has indicated that they are willing to initiate the restoration of this property prior to its sale to Volusia County.  This property has the potential to support scrub jays and other scrub dependant species with proper restoration and management. 

Discussion ensued regarding this property’s restoration after several Members asked if the timber that was damaged from the recent hurricanes and tornado could be salvaged. 

Alan Alshouse, representative for the property owners, was present to answer any questions and provide additional information.  He added that this property consists primarily of old growth sand pine that sustained damage for the recent hurricanes and tornado in the area.  He stated that the salvaged timber might pay for some of the cleanup, but nothing more.  The property owners are committed to restoration and preservation of this property in a natural state.  Any restoration efforts would be coordinated with the County, who would determine how the property would be restored to its natural state.  The US Fish and Wildlife Service, and Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission would also be consulted during the restoration process, as they are funding sources that would assist the property owner with the restoration efforts. 

Member Dwight Lewis expressed a concern regarding the potential problems associated with timber salvager.  He suggested adding a clause in the purchase agreement that would ensure protection of the natural resources by the County being hands on during the restoration process.

Alan Alshouse responded that he agrees with Member Dwight Lewis’ comments and concerns, and that the contract should include a requirement for the County’s hands on participation in the restoration process.

Member Anne Hallum asked if this property would be used as a continuation of the nature trail system in this area.

Randall Sleister explained that this property could be incorporated into the nature trail system, but this option has not been discussed or determined as the best use of the property. 

Member John McGuirk made a motion to add the Fatio Road Property to the Group “A” List of eligible properties.  Member John E. Wagner seconded the motion that carried by unanimous voice vote. 

Current “A” List – Douglas Weaver provided the following updates:

1.       Stanaki Property – this property is within the Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve (DLSCP).  The City of Port Orange (City) acquired approximately 225+/- acres of the overall 450+/- acres.  An FCT application for the acquisition of the 225+/- acres will be filed by the City, seeking partial reimbursement from the state.  The County has submitted an offer to the City as a funding partner. Potentially, the management of this property would be incorporated in the overall management of DLSCP, which is managed by the County.

2.       Ford Property - this 61 +/- acre tract within the Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve is under contact for purchase by the County, subject to County Council approval on May 1, 2008.  The District’s Governing Board unanimously approved the 50% funding partnership with the County on April 8, 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.       Holiday Haven – an offer within appraised value has verbally been accepted by the property owners for this 49 acre piece of property located off the tributaries of Hitchens Creek in the Lake George State Forest. 

5.       David Strawn Property – this 1,200 acre tract located in the DeLeon Springs area off Lake Winona Road and U.S. Hwy. 17 has been appraised, and a fee simple offer for purchase will be forthcoming.  The St. Johns River Water Management District has indicated that they would be a funding partner for this acquisition. 

6.       Hughes/Huntington Trust (Colony Park) Property– this 38+/- acre tract owned by Huntington Trust will be re-appraised due to a configuration change of the lands being offered for sale to the County. 

7.       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.

8.       Hamlin-Dann Property – this 1,172 acre tract located in the southeast section of the County near Lake Harney is on hold, as the previous offer for purchase of a conservation easement was not accepted by the property owners. 

9.       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.

10.     Duff Spring Garden Lake Property - an offer within appraised value has verbally been accepted by the property owners for this 9+/- acre tract that would be an addition to the County’s Chuck Lennon Park located on Living Water Street in DeLeon Springs.

11.     Lake Moore Project (Ford/Mikol Properties) – an offer to purchase this 121+/- acre tract of undeveloped land located between Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Beltway and Summit Avenue in the City of DeLand has been presented to the property owners.  The City of DeLand and the County will be funding partners.

12.     Marvin Fore Property – this 156+/- acre tract located to the west of the LeFils Property and adjacent to the Volusia Conservation Corridor is under contact for purchase by the County and proceeding toward closing.

13.     Smith Trust - this 337+/- acre undeveloped tract located on the shore of Lake George, west of Old Bubbly Road and south of Ninemile Point Road in the Pierson area has been appraised, and an offer for purchase of a conservation easement has been presented to the property owner. 

After providing the update on the Group “A” List, County staff recommended moving the following properties from the Group “A” to the Group “B” List.

1.       Salanitro Property - this is a 14+/- acre 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.  This property holds little ecological value to acquire as a stand-alone parcel.  County staff has attempted to contact the property owner to inform them of the proposed movement, but has not received a response.

2.       Veino Cattle Ranch Property – this is a 115 +/- acre tract located at the end of Prideaux Road, adjacent to the County’s Wiregrass Prairie Preserve.  At this time, a funding partner has not been identified for this proposed conservation easement.

3.       Peterson Property - this is a 47 +/- acre tract located at the end of Prideaux Road, adjacent to the Veino Cattle Ranch Property.  At this time, a funding partner has not been identified for this proposed conservation easement. 

Current “B” List – Rob Walsh explained that there were no changes in the status of the properties currently on the Group “B” List.  However, County staff would recommend the removal of the following properties from the Group “A/B” List:

1.       Eagan Property - this 170+/- acre tract is located along the St. Johns River in Debary and was part of the package that the City of Debary brought to Volusia Forever.  The other properties included in this package were Gardella, Oglesby and Murphy.  Currently, this property and the Murphy Property are under contract to a third party for an upscale residential area, but have not closed.  There isn’t a funding partner as the City of DeBary and the St. Johns River Water Management lost interest after the Murphy Property was appraised. 

2.       Murphy Property -  this 102+/- acre tract is located along the St. Johns River in Debary and was part of the package that the City of Debary brought to Volusia Forever.  The other properties included in this package were Gardella, Oglesby and Eagan.  Currently, this property and the Eagan Property are under contract to a third party for an upscale residential area, but have not closed.  There isn’t a funding partner as the City of DeBary and the St. Johns River Water Management lost interest after this property was appraised.

Member Gerald Fieser made a motion to move the Salanitro, Veino Cattle Ranch and Peterson properties from the Group “A” to the Group “B” List, and to remove the Eagan and Murphy properties from the Group “A/B” List.  Member Jason McGuirk seconded the motion that carried by a unanimous voice vote. 

Bill Riggle, representative for the owners of the Eagan and Murphy properties, requested that the Committee leave these properties on the Group “A/B” List until the next ranking cycle.  He stated that these properties are under contract with three (3) 30 day extensions. 

Member Gerald Fieser made an amended motion to move the Salanitro, Veino Cattle Ranch and Peterson properties from the Group “A” to the Group “B” List, and to leave the Eagan and Murphy properties on the Group “A/B” List.  Member Jason McGuirk seconded the motion that carried by a unanimous voice vote. 

Discussion ensued regarding the potential for amending the Committee’s Operating Resolution 2004‑80, after Chair Dennis Bayer suggested reviewing the criteria set forth in the resolution regarding matching funds due to the state’s current economic status. 

Staff Updates

1.       Introduction of Land Acquisition and Management Division Staff - Douglas Weaver stated that County staff deemed it important to introduce two (2) key members of the Land Acquisition and Management Division’s field staff to the Committee.  He introduced Bonnie Cary, who is the Educational Outreach Coordinator in charge of holding various classes that educate the public about our conservation lands, and Danielle Ivey, who is a Wildlife Biologist for the Division.

2.       “Overview of Public Access and Use of Conservation Lands” –Douglas Weaver explained that County staff had compiled information regarding the progress of public access and uses that have been developed and implemented on conservation lands.  He added that a copy of this document had been provided to each Committee Member as a handout for informational purposes.  Approximately 13,400 acres of conservation lands have been opened for public access (i.e., hiking, biking, hunting and other passive recreational opportunities).  Approximately 16,000 people have participated in various organized Educational Outreach Programs, which include guided hikes, outdoor education classes and learning adventures, and horse back riding.  The Division also coordinates with the Volusia County School Board to provide outdoor educational experiences to children from thirteen (13) different elementary, middle or high schools.  Additionally, approximately 7,700 acres have been opened for hunting.  The Division has seven (7) full time staff members, who are responsible for the management of approximately 30,000 acres of conservation lands.  These individuals are tasked with handling a variety of land management challenges of these unique lands.  

Member John E. Wagner thanked County staff for providing the Committee with this useful information on public access and uses of conservation lands. 

Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 5:25p.m after Member Gerald Fieser made a motion to adjourn, and Member Phil Maroney seconded the motion that carried by unanimous voice vote.