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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 |
JoAnn O’Bannon |
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Anne Hallum |
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Carrie Stewart
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Also
in Attendance
Douglas M. Weaver
Rob Walsh
Jeanette Munson
Dot Moore
Carl Miller
Meeting Called to Order
Phil Maroney, Chair, called the meeting to order at 3:38p.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 after Member Anne Hallum arrived late. Members Dennis Bayer,
Pat Northey and Robert Williams were recorded as an Excused Absence.
After welcoming all, Phil Maroney, Chair, asked for introductions
from staff and public participants.
Approval of Minutes
Phil Maroney, Chair, called for a motion to approve the January 18,
2006, Minutes. Member Carrie Stewart made a motion to approve the
January 18, 2006, Minutes, as presented. Member Alan Alshouse
seconded the motion that carried by unanimous voice vote.
Election of Chair and Vice-Chair
Rob Walsh explained that in accordance with Resolution 2001-69 and
the Committee’s By Laws, the Committee shall annually elect a Chair
and Vice-Chair. He further explained that the current Chair, Phil
Maroney, and Vice-Chair, Alan Alshouse, could be re-elected as they
have only served one term and the Committee’s By-Laws state that
“such officers may be re-elected at the discretion of the Committee,
but shall not serve more than two (2) consecutive years.”
Member Reid Hughes nominated Phil Maroney as Chair and Alan Alshouse
as Vice-Chair.
Rob Walsh called for other nominations for Chair and Vice-Chair.
Hearing none, Member Reid Hughes made a motion to re-elect Member
Phil Maroney as Chair and Alan Alshouse as Vice-Chair. Member Carrie
Stewart seconded the motion that carried by acclamation.
Evaluation and Ranking of Eligible
Applications
Rob Walsh explained that although there were several applications
received for the 2nd Cycle of 2005 (7 1 05 through 12 31 05), none
of them were determined as eligible for further consideration.
Therefore, the Committee would be reviewing the County Council
approved 2005 1st Cycle Ranking List to determine if any of the
properties would be moved up to the “A” List, down to the “B” List,
or removed from both lists. He further explained that a map of the
County would be used to remind the Committee where each property is
located.
Group “A” Properties –
- Volusia Conservation Corridor Properties – Rob Walsh stated
that these properties remain a top priority.
- Stanaki Properties - Rob Walsh explained that this property
is part of the Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve and is
currently being appraised.
Douglas Weaver added that the appraisers were waiting on
engineering data from ICI, the contract purchaser of the
property, so they would have the best information to appraise
this property. He further added that the appraisal process is
moving forward and the funding partner is the Florida Department
of Environmental Protection (DEP).
- Ocklawaha Property - Rob Walsh stated that this property is
part of the Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve. He added that
several offers and counter-offers have been made, but none of
the offers have been accepted.
Douglas Weaver added that offers and counter-offers would
continue to be made. However, this property may need to be
re-appraised at some point in the future.
- Townsend-Schroeder Trust Property – Rob Walsh stated that
this property has been sold to investors out of Jacksonville.
However, the new owners are willing sellers, but the asking
price is well above the appraisals.
- Ponce Preserve Conservation Project – Rob Walsh explained
that this project consists of sixteen (16) different parcels.
One (1) of these parcels, the Mynchenberg Property, has been
purchased by the Town of Ponce Inlet with the County as a
funding partner (65% County / 35% Ponce Inlet). The Town of
Ponce Inlet will be submitting an application to Florida
Communities Trust (FCT) to seek reimbursement from the State.
Any reimbursement from FCT will be split proportionately between
the County and the Town of Ponce Inlet.
- Festival Property – Rob Walsh stated that this property has
been sold to a consortium by the name of State Road 44
Properties. The new owners, who are willing sellers, purchased
the property in October 2005 as a 10/35 IRS purchase, which
requires them to hold the property for one year before disposing
of it to another party. On or about October 13, 2006, these
owners are willing to sell this property to the County. In the
mean time, the County will begin the appraisal of this property.
Chair Phil Maroney asked how many acres the new owners would be
offering to the County in October 2006.
Rob Walsh replied that the new owners have indicated that they
may want to keep a portion of the property, but nothing has been
determined yet. He explained that County staff has laid out
several scenarios for the appraisers to appraise (i.e., the
entire 2,900 acres, and smaller portions).
Douglas Weaver added that this property has become a keystone
piece since the County purchased the Lunsford Property. He
further added that the County was ready to make an offer to the
original owners, but the purchase to the new owners had already
occurred.
Discussion ensued regarding the Festival Property, now known as
the Volusia 44 Properties, after Member Anne Hallum expressed a
concern about potentially losing a key property in the
Volusia/Flagler Conservation Corridor.
Douglas Weaver and Rob Walsh reassured the Committee that County
staff would aggressively pursue the acquisition of this
property. They added that the St. Johns River Water Management
District would be a funding partner and this is a keystone
property to completing a north-south corridor within the
Volusia/Flagler Conservation Corridor.
Douglas Weaver added that the new owners approached the County
to determine the County’s level of interest in acquiring the
Festival Property. He further added that the new owners are very
interesting in negotiating with the County. As such, the County
has begun the appraisal process to facilitate a quick
transaction should a contract for purchase come to fruition.
Member Anne Hallum asked if the new owners would be offering all
of the property, or if they would be retaining a portion of the
property that runs along SR 44.
Douglas Weaver replied that it has not been determined how many
acres would be offered to the County. However, County staff was
having the entire 2,900 acres appraised along with small
portions that the County has deemed important if the entire
piece is not offered.
- Charlene Strawn Old Growth Forest & Rec. Area – Rob Walsh
explained that this property consists of approximately 150 acres
in the Longleaf Pine Ecosystem and is part of the Strawn
family’s land holdings in the DeLeon Springs area. He further
explained that due to family issues the acquisition process has
not moved forward. However, once the family issues are resolved
and the amount of acreage has been determined, the acquisition
process will move forward.
- Double B Ranch – Rob Walsh stated that the County is in the
process of negotiating with the property owners.
- Lafayette Landings Property – Rob Walsh explained that the
County has made an offer to the property owners. However, the
property owners rejected it. At this time, a new offer has not
been made by the County as the property owners’ expectations and
the County’s offer were too far apart.
Douglas Weaver added that there is not a funding partner and
access is an issue as approximately 95% of the property consists
of wetlands. He further added that there are other properties of
higher priority to acquire.
- Russell Port Orange Property – Rob Walsh stated that this
was a joint acquisition between the County, the City of Port
Orange and Florida Communities Trust (FCT), and the acquisition
process is almost complete.
Douglas Weaver added that closing may occur by the end of this
week. He explained that the County is a 25% funding partner for
the acquisition of this property.
- Holiday Haven Campsites, Inc. Property – Rob Walsh explained
that an offer has been made to the property owners and accepted.
However, there are some title issues that need to be resolved
before proceeding with the acquisition.
- David Strawn Lands, Inc. Property – Rob Walsh stated that
this property consists of approximately 1,200 acres abutting the
Heart Island Conservation Area and is part of the Strawn
family’s land holdings in the DeLeon Springs area. He further
stated that this property is currently being appraised with an
offer forthcoming.
- Hughes Canal Street Property – Rob Walsh explained that this
property is located off SR 44 and potentially part of the
Turnbull Canals. County staff has begun the appraisal process.
- Huntington Trust Property – Rob Walsh stated that this
property is located off SR 44 and potentially part of the
Turnbull Canals. County staff has begun the appraisal process.
After reviewing the Group A List properties, Rob Walsh
explained that County staff would recommend moving the
Townsend/Schroeder Property to the Group “B” List even though it
is in the Volusia/Flagler Conservation Corridor (Corridor). He
further explained that there is no funding partner, the asking
price is well above the appraisal and negotiations have come to
a halt. Otherwise, all the properties currently on the Group “A”
List with the exception of the Lafayette Landings Property are
somewhere in the acquisition process and proceeding forward.
Discussion ensued regarding the potential for removing the
Townsend/Schroeder Trust Property and the Lafayette Landings
Property from both the Group “A” and “B” Lists.
Rob Walsh explained that County staff would not recommend
removing either property from the lists. He further explained
that the Townsend/Schroeder Trust Property is in the Corridor,
which is a top priority, negotiation may resume at some time in
the future, and it would be easier to move the property back to
the Group “A” List instead of starting the process all over
again. The Lafayette Landings Property has only been on the list
since November 2004 when the 2004 1st Cycle Ranking List was
approved by County Council.
Member Carrie Stewart made a motion to move the
Townsend/Schroeder Trust Property and the Lafayette Landings
Property to the Group “B” List. Chair Phil Maroney seconded the
motion that carried by a unanimous vote.
Group “B” Properties
- Krol Property – Rob Walsh stated that there has been no
movement towards acquisition of the property as the property
owners’ asking price was well above the appraisal. However,
a developer is currently working with the property owners to
possibly offer a portion of the property to the County. This
portion would abut other conservation lands.
- RBD Limited Property - Rob Walsh explained that this
property abuts the Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge (LWNWR)
on SR 44 in the DeLand area, there is no funding partner as
the LWNWR does not have funds for this acquisition and
access is via water only. He further explained that the
representative for the property owners had stated on several
occasions that there are a number of contracts pending for
the purchase of this property.
- Volusia Plantation Estates Limited Property – Rob Walsh
stated that this property is located in the DeBary area near
DeBary Hall and there is no funding partner.
- O’Reilly-King Property – Rob Walsh explained that
although this is a rather large piece of property, there is
no funding partner.
- Scheible Property – Rob Walsh stated that this property
is an in-holding of the Lake George Conservation Area. He
further stated that an offer was made to the property owner,
but it was rejected. County staff anticipates contacting the
property owners to determine if they’re willing to continue
negotiations.
- Hamlin-Dann Property – Rob Walsh explained that the
property owners originally offered this property to the
County as a conservation easement. Since that time, the
property has been put on the market as a fee simple
acquisition. This property abuts other conservation lands
that the District owns, is primarily used for silviculture
and hunting, and there is no funding partner.
Discussion ensued after Member Reid Hughes asked why this
property was on the Group “B” List.
Rob Walsh replied that there is no funding partner, and the
asking price is high.
Douglas Weaver added that there is a blanket utility
easement covering the entire property, which creates a title
issue. When the title issue was discovered by County staff,
the property owners were notified and asked to resolve it.
- Raulerson Road (Day) Property – Rob Walsh stated that,
based on its own merit, this property holds little value as
there is no funding partner, no connectivity to other
conservation lands, and no access without the Double B Ranch
Property, a Group “A” List property.
- Eagan (DeBary) Property – Rob Walsh explained that this
property 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. He added that
this property is currently under contract to a third party,
and the asking price is high.
- Murphy (DeBary) Property – Rob Walsh stated that this
property 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. He added that this
property is currently under contract to a third party, and
the asking price is high.
- Akers Quail Ranch - Rob Walsh explained that this
property was purchased by an investment group, who is a
willing seller. However, at this time the asking price is
much higher than the appraisal.
After reviewing the Group “B” List properties, Rob Walsh
explained that County staff would recommend removing the RBD
Limited Property and the Volusia Plantation Property from
the Group “B” List.
Douglas Weaver added that the RBD Limited Property and the
Volusia Plantation Property had been on the Group “A / B”
List for more than four (4) ranking cycles. Per Resolution
2004-80, the Committee has the authority to recommend to the
County Council the removal of any property from the Group
"B" List upon the expiration of four (4) ranking cycles.
Member Carrie Stewart made a motion to remove the RBD
Limited Property and the Volusia Plantation Property from
the Group "B" List of eligible properties. Member Alan
Alshouse seconded the motion that carried by a roll call
vote of 5 to 1 with Member Reid Hughes opposed.
Member Reid Hughes stated that the RBD Limited Property and
the Volusia Plantation Property were valuable to preserve
even though there were no funding partners and the asking
price is too high.
Update on Revenue and Expenditure
Projections
Rob Walsh explained that, per a request from the Committee,
County staff has provided a report depicting revenue and
expenditure projections of the Volusia Forever funds. He
briefly reviewed this report with the Committee and stated
that there is approximately $26 million available to spend
on land acquisitions.
Douglas Weaver added that the Chief Financial Officer’s
Office has recommended that the bond proceeds be expended
first to avoid any arbitrage issues.
Chair Phil Maroney asked for clarification regarding the 10%
Land Management Services monies.
Rob Walsh explained that the 10% Land Management Services
monies comes from the ad valorem taxes that are collected
for the Volusia Forever Land Acquisition Program and are set
aside for management, restoration, access, and improvement
of conservation lands purchased under the Volusia Forever
Land Acquisition Program. Any unused monies are rolled over
each year.
Douglas Weaver added that County staff has been tasked with
being good stewards of these monies as the Volusia Forever
ad valorem taxes will end within 20 years, but the land
management responsibilities continue on. He further added
that a law enforcement presence may become necessary to
handle vandalism.
Discussion of Targeted Acquisition
Areas
Rob Walsh provided a map of the major land holdings in the
Lake George Conservation Area. He explained that based on a
recommendation from the Committee, County staff is being
proactive by determining areas of priority and subsequently
contacting these property owners to determine if they are
willing sellers. These acquisitions would help fill in the
gaps and could expand the boundaries of the Lake George
Conservation Area along with creating a conservation
corridor.
Douglas Weaver added that, as the large land owners become
fewer and fewer, it has become necessary for County staff to
become proactive and determine priority areas other than the
Volusia/Flagler Conservation Corridor. Some of these areas
include Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve and the Lake
George Conservation Area.
Member Anne Hallum asked why County staff picked the Lake
George Conservation Area over other areas.
Rob Walsh replied that County staff chose the Lake George
Conservation Area because there is already a strong
conservation lands presence and there is connectivity to
other conservation lands (i.e., Heart Island Conservation
Area). County staff also considered where they could get the
most “bang for the buck.” He also stated that County staff
was not ignoring urban areas, but felt that this area was a
good beginning.
Member Anne Hallum suggested preserving urban areas for
parks as well.
Rob Walsh explained that County staff considers preserving
urban areas for parks as viable. He reminded the Committee
that several applications have been accepted to attempt the
preservation of urban areas (i.e., Russell Property in Port
Orange, Mynchenberg Property in Ponce Inlet). However, some
acquisitions never came to fruition as the property owners
sold the property before County staff could begin the
acquisition process.
Member Reid Hughes suggested that County staff continue its
efforts in the Loop area.
Rob Walsh replied that, despite County staff’s efforts, a
major land owner in the Loop area is not a willing seller.
Member Alan Alshouse asked if County staff considered
coastal properties (i.e., maritime hammock, mangrove
hammock) as a target.
Rob Walsh stated that County staff has considered coastal
properties, but the property owners are not willing sellers.
Staff Updates
Douglas Weaver explained that twice a year the County hosts
a land managers roundtable for land managers from federal,
state, and local agencies. At this roundtable, the land
managers are able to communicate the different methodologies
of land management and develop a working relationship that
was lacking in the past.
NACo Award - Douglas Weaver presented the 2006 Trust for
Public Lands (TPL) /National Association of Counties (NACo)
Conservation Award to the Committee, which reads: “County
Leadership in Conservation Award” presented to Volusia
County, Florida, for Leadership, Innovation and Excellence
in Land Conservation - 2006 - Trust for Public Lands and the
National Association of Counties. He stated that once again
Volusia County was recognized for its Volusia Forever Land
Acquisition Program. He added that there were six (6)
counties in the nation who were recognized; two (2) counties
for each category of Small, Medium and Large population.
Volusia County was a winner for the Medium population
category. There are three (3) reasons why County Staff feels
that the Volusia Forever Land Acquisition Program has been
successful: 1) Cooperation; 2) Opportunistic; and 3)
Flexibility. As the Committee is part of the County’s
conservation efforts, he thanked each Member for their
contributions.
Garrity Property – Douglas Weaver stated that initially this
property was purchased by the County with the intentions of
seeking reimbursement from the Florida Parks Service.
Recently the County was reimbursed 50% of the purchase price
for this property, which is now part of the North Peninsula
State Recreation Area.
Eubank/Rosier Property - Douglas Weaver stated that another
offer to the property owner will be forth coming. He further
stated that the St. Johns Water Management District could be
a funding partner for the acquisition of this property.
Blanchette Property - Discussion ensued regarding the
Blanchette Property after Member JoAnn O’Bannon requested an
update on the acquisition efforts.
Rob Walsh stated that based on County staff’s attempts to
contact the property owner, he is not a willing seller to
the County. However, other entities such as the
Archeological Conservancy and the Trust for Public Lands are
trying to communicate with the property owner in an attempt
to acquire this property.
Progress Energy Property - Douglas Weaver stated that County
staff continues to work with the Florida Division of
Forestry (DOF) and DEP regarding the potential of a
conservation easement and/or acquisition of this property by
the state.
Lunsford Property - Douglas Weaver stated that County staff
continues to work with the Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission (FWC) regarding the potential
acquisition of this property. He added that FWC intends to
use this property for gopher tortoise mitigation.
Rob Walsh announced that Member Robert Williams had
submitted his letter of resignation from the Committee
effective May 15, 2006.
Member Carrie Stewart announced her resignation from the
Committee effective May 1, 2006. She stated that her
resignation was provided to County Staff in writing. She
praised and thanked County staff and Committee members for
their dedication and professionalism.
Comments
Carl Miller suggested using another acquisition method that
uses property tax relief, which would benefit all.
Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 4:55P.M. |
