MINUTES
VOLUSIA FOREVER ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
3:30p.m. - 5:30p.m.
Thomas C. Kelly Bldg., Training Rooms 1 & 2
123 W. Indiana Avenue, DELand, Fl 32720

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 nine (9) Members were present after Members Dennis Bayer and Chris Schlageter arrived late.

Phil Maroney, Chair, welcomed all those in attendance (i.e., Committee Members, County staff and the Public).

Approval of Minutes
Phil Maroney, Chair, called for a motion to approve the January 17, 2007 Minutes. Member John E. Wagner made a motion to approve the January 17, 2007, Minutes with the scrivener’s errors corrected. Member Gerald Fieser seconded the motion that carried by unanimous voice vote.

Phil Maroney, Chair, called for a motion to approve the January 24, 2007 Minutes. Member Dwight Lewis made a motion to approve the January 24, 2007, Minutes, as presented. Member Anne Hallum 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 one (1) property that had been submitted for the 2nd Cycle of 2006, and determining whether the property is eligible for further consideration under the Volusia Forever Program. He reminded the Committee that Resolution 2004-80 states that a property should meet at least four (4) of the Primary Criteria, and is required to have an affirmative vote of at least five (5) Members in order for it to be determined as eligible.
1. Mikol Lake Moore Property – Rob Walsh explained that during the January 17, 2007, Eligibility Meeting, this property was mentioned during the discussions about the Ford Lake Moore Property. At that time, the City of Deland indicated that they would be contacting the property owners, who reside in Canada, to determine if they are willing to participate in the Volusia Forever Program. The property owners are willing sellers and wish to include their property as part of the Lake Moore DeLand Properties. County staff would recommend adding this property as part of the Lake Moore Properties project once the Committee has determined that it is eligible for further consideration under the Volusia Forever Program.

Member Gerald Fieser made a motion to add the Mikol Lake Moore Property Application as part of the Lake Moore DeLand Properties project. Member Anne Hallum seconded the motion that carried by a unanimous voice vote.

Rob Walsh provided the following information about the Mikol Lake Moore Property:
a. it is approximately 11 acres in size located off Martin Luther King Boulevard in the City of DeLand;
b. it is undeveloped, but is surrounded by development;
c. this application was submitted by the City of DeLand as part of the Lake Moore Properties project by filling in the hole in the donut; and
d. it meets 6 of the 13 Primary Ranking Criteria.

Member John E. Wagner asked how many acres would be included in the Lake Moore DeLand Properties project.

Rob Walsh responded that the Lake Moore DeLand Properties project would be approximately 121 acres in size.

Chair Phil Maroney observed that this project does not provide connectivity to other publicly owned conservation lands, but noted that it is adjacent to lands designated as conservation/ open space.

Rob Walsh explained that a representative for the City of DeLand would be providing additional information regarding connectivity.

Larry Nordman, representative for the City of DeLand, was present to provide additional information and answer any questions.

Member Dwight Lewis expressed a concern about public access to this parcel and asked if the general public would have access.

Rob Walsh explained that the public would have access from several different points as it is adjacent to various properties owned by DBCC, Volusia County School Board, City of DeLand and the Royal Oaks development.

Larry Nordman added that the Ford family has deeded access to the project from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Beltway along the retention pond, which would be used as the primary access point. He further added that the City was negotiating with the Royal Oaks developer (LaMar Homes) to preserve 15 acres that would fill in the gap to the north and protect the lake.

Member John E. Wagner asked if McKenzie Road could provide access to the property.

Larry Nordman explained that McKenzie Road could provide access to the property. However, the School Board has reservation about this road being used as access to the proposed Elementary School and this property. The School Board is negotiating with Delphia Corporation for a different access point that would be to the northern portion of their property.

Member Dwight Lewis asked if the Ford family would allow public access to this property as they hold the deed for this access.

Larry Nordman stated that the Ford family would allow the deeded access to continue with the potential change in ownership to the City and County.

Member Gerald Fieser asked if the City would continue to plan for green space in this area that is being developed so there would be a wildlife corridor to other conservation lands.

Larry Nordman explained that it is the City’s intent to keep green space in this area. He added that there are additional lands in this area under negotiation for preservation of green space and development of passive recreational trails. He added that approximately 400-500 acres would be preserved for green space, which would create wildlife corridors to other conservation lands.

Member Jason McGuirk asked if there were any negative impacts from the development that is occurring in the area.

Larry Nordman responded that the developers are very sensitive to environmental concerns and the need to preserve the natural resources of this area.

Member Jason McGuirk asked if the lakes in the area would be protected from damaging run-off by this development.

Larry Nordman explained that the City intends on protecting these lakes through the development process. He again added that the developers are making every effort to preserve the natural resources in this area.

Member Anne Hallum made a motion to accept the Mikol Lake Moore Property Application as an eligible project. Member Jason McGuirk seconded the motion that carried by a unanimous voice vote.

Evaluation and Ranking of Eligible Applications – Rob Walsh explained that the Committee would be reviewing eight (8) properties, which were deemed as eligible during the 2nd Cycle of 2006 (7 1 06 through 12 31 06), 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).

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

1. Lake Moore DeLand Properties - This project consists of approximately 121 acres of undeveloped land located between Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Beltway and Summit Avenue, adjacent to the Victoria Park community in the City of DeLand. It is assigned the future land use of Low Density Residential and Rural, and zoned as Single Family Residential and Rural Agriculture. The City of DeLand is a funding partner. Florida Communities Trust (FCT) has also been identified as a potential funding partner. It meets ten (10) of the 22 Site Ranking Criteria. The project consists primarily of mesic and scrubby flatwoods, which could be suitable habitat for scrub jays. It has been severely impacted by the lack of prescribed fire. However, the use of prescribed fire would be an issue due to the development in the area.

Larry Nordman added that the City of DeLand is committed to the preservation of this area. The City has been working with the developers to provide additional lands adjacent to this site or in close proximity for preservation. This project could provide educational opportunities because of the educational facilities (i.e., schools) in the area.

Michael Abels, City Manager for the City of DeLand, was present and stated that St. Joe is interested in preserving approximately 200 acres that would be adjacent to this project.

Larry Nordman added that the development of a caretaker’s facility could occur with the development of an active recreational facility (i.e., ball field) in the area.

Member Wanda Van Dam expressed a concern regarding the use of Volusia Forever funds for active recreational opportunities, and asked if the City would develop an active park on this site.

Larry Nordman responded that the City does not intend on developing an active park on this site. However, there are development plans for an active park that could be developed on acreage that is adjacent to or near this project.

Member Anne Hallum was also concerned about using Volusia Forever funds to acquire property that would be developed with an active park as the intent of Volusia Forever is to preserve lands with passive recreational opportunities.

Larry Nordman clarified that the City intends on constructing passive hiking/biking trails with assistance from the County.

Members Anne Hallum and Gerald Fieser expressed concerns about the development potential in the area, and the City’s intent to create a wildlife corridor.

Lary Nordman reassured the Committee that the City’s intent to create a wildlife corridor in this area would be handled as part of the developer’s planning process.

Chair Phil Maroney asked the City to clarify their level of funding committed for the acquisition of this project.

Larry Nordman stated that the City is committed to funding 25% of the acquisition costs for this project.

Rob Walsh added that FCT has also been identified as a funding partner.

Member Gerald Fieser noted that the drainage basin of Haw Creek could potentially be protected with this proposal.

Member Dwight Lewis made a motion to add the Lake Moore DeLand Properties to the Group “A” List of eligible properties. Member Gerald Fieser seconded the motion that carried by unanimous voice vote.

2. William Underhill Estate Property – This property consists of approximately 1 acre of undeveloped land located on Massachusetts Avenue in the Rural Community of Cassadaga. It is assigned the future land use of Rural. It is adjacent to the County’s Lake Colby Park, and a potential addition to this park. The canopy is dominated by laurel oak with exotic and invasive plants dominating the understory. Management of the site would be incorporated into the overall management of Lake Colby Park by the County’s Leisure Services.

Member Dennis Bayer asked if there would be a funding partner considering the size of the property.

Rob Walsh explained that a funding partner would not be necessary because of the property’s size and the low asking price.

Member Dennis Bayer asked if the funds set aside for land management, which is 10% of the annual Volusia Forever tax receipts and/or an annual appropriated amount of the Volusia Forever tax receipts, would be used for Leisure Services’ management of this property.

Rob Walsh responded that the long term management of this property would be at the expense of Leisure Services.

Randall Sleister added that County staff would deem it appropriate to use the land management funds to aid in the controlling of exotic plants on the property.

Chair Phil Maroney asked if the City of Cassadaga would be a funding partner.

Rob Walsh explained that County staff did not deem it necessary to seek a funding partner as the asking price is reasonable.

Member Wanda Van Dam asked how large Lake Colby Park is without this property.

Bill Gardner replied that Lake Colby Park is approximately 160 acres in size.

Member Chris Schlageter asked if there was a benefit to the park by adding this property.

Randall Sleister explained that the benefit would be to add acreage to the existing Lake Colby Park and create a buffer from surrounding development.

Member Dwight Lewis made a motion to add the Underhill Property Application to the Group "A" List of eligible properties. Member Gerald Fieser seconded the motion that carried by unanimous voice vote.

3. Zimmer-Heideman Property – This property is approximately 215 acres in size consisting of two (2) parcels located on Old New York Avenue in the DeLand area near the St. Johns River. It is assigned the future land uses of Environmental Systems Corridor (ESC), Rural (R), Low Impact Urban (LIU), Natural Resource Management Area (NRMA) and Urban Low Intensity (ULI), and the zoning classifications of Rural Agriculture (A-2), Transitional Agriculture (A-3), and Resource Corridor (RC). Historically, a portion of the property was used as part of a cattle operation. A portion of the property is encompassed by a Residential Planned Unit Development (RPUD), which is located along Old New York Avevnue, west of Hontoon Road. The southerly portion of this property appears to be within the Florida Forever project area of the “Wekiva-Ocala Greenway,” and the western boundary is located within the Wekiva River Aquatic Preserve, which carries the classification of an Outstanding Florida Water. It is heavily wooded along Old New York Avenue. It is comprised of approximately 90 acres of wetlands, and 125 acres of undeveloped, pine upland scrub with pasture areas. Prescribed fire and pasture restoration would be the primary management focus. However, prescribed fire could be problematic given its close proximity to SR 44. The pasture areas could be developed for passive recreational opportunities.

Rob Walsh added that 56 letters of support had been received from the local community who wish to see this area preserved in a natural state. He also clarified that the map did not accurately reflect the lands being submitted by the property owner. The southeastern projection was not included as part of the application.

Roy Zimmer, property owner, was present to provide additional information and answer any questions. He stated that the northern portion of the property, which consists of approximately 21 acres of pasture area, is dry and contains trails. He clarified that the application includes approximately 220 acres with access via Old New York Avenue. Currently, there is a lease for a cattle operation. The property has been approved for development, but the property owners along with the local residents would prefer that it be preserved in a natural state.

Member Anne Hallum asked if a funding partner had been identified based on the discussions that occurred during the January 17, 2007, meeting.

Rob Walsh responded that County staff had contacted St. Johns River Water Management District’s (District) staff to determine their interest in being a funding partner. The District indicated that they were not interested as they have limited funds available for land acquisitions.

Robert Heideman, property owner, added that the Ford tract, which lies between this property and the St. Johns River, is within the floodplain and not likely to be developed. Therefore, the acquisition of this property would further the preservation efforts in this area.

Member John E. Wagner noted that the map depicts a sliver shaped section that doesn’t appear to be part of this property and asked for clarification.

Rob Walsh responded that the section in question on the map is a remnant of a dead river and potentially sovereign lands that is owned by the State of Florida.

Member Wanda Van Dam asked what the status was on the development that was approved for the property.

Robert Heideman explained that the developer (Mercedes Homes) backed out of the contract for the development of approximately 210 homes when the real estate market slowed down. He also stated that the property owners and residents would prefer that the property remain in a natural state.

Member Dennis Bayer asked if Florida Communities Trust (FCT) would be a likely funding partner as the District is not interested.

Randall Sleister responded that the uses of the property would determine whether or not this would qualify as an FCT application. He added that this property is adjacent to the Wekiva Ocala Greenway, which is a Florida Forever “A” List project. However, funds from that source may not be available.

Douglas Weaver added that this is a nice piece of property, but it could be expensive and a funding partner has not been identified. He stated that obtaining funds from FCT is very difficult and competitive. The County would have to fund the project upfront and seek partial reimbursement from FCT after the fact, which may or may not happen.

Member Gerald Fieser suggested seeking alternate funding from the agriculture community.

Member Dwight Lewis noted that the preservation of Hontoon Island is important.

Member Anne Hallum asked if the Civic Association would be willing to be a funding partner.

Member Chris Schlageter asked if any other funding partners had been pursued as the District is not interested.

Rob Walsh responded that the District has been the only funding partner that has been pursued.

Member Dennis Bayer expressed concerns regarding the lack of a funding partner, and the potential of upfront sole funding by Volusia Forever with after the fact partial reimbursement.

Chair Phil Maroney requested that County staff review the difference between the Group “A” and “B” List properties.

Rob Walsh explained that based on County Council’s intent for the Volusia Forever Program, the Group “A” List is the “active” acquisition list, which allows staff to immediately proceed with the acquisition process. The Group “A” List also has a committed funding partner, or there are enough non-committed Volusia Forever funds that would allow upfront funding of the property with the potential of partial reimbursement occurring after the fact. The Group “B” List is important, but additional information is needed (i.e., funding partners). The property owner(s) and/or advocates of a Group “B” property are encouraged to provide additional information to lobby the movement of the property to the Group “A” List. He added that the County is not committed to 100% funding of properties on the Group “A” List as the intent is to have a funding partner with matching funds. He explained that a property on the Group “B” List could be moved to the Group “A” List, if a funding partner emerges and the County Council approves it based on the Committee’s recommendation for this movement.

Discussion continued regarding funding partners after Member Anne Hallum expressed a concern about limited funding sources with budget constraints that are occurring throughout the state.

Chris Fenwick, public participant, added that the local residents are committed to preserving the Hontoon Island ecosystem and this property in its natural state.

Discussion ensued after Member Dwight Lewis expressed a concern about placing this property on the Group “B” List.

Member Anne Hallum made a motion to add the Zimmer-Heideman Property Application to the Group "A" List of eligible properties. Member Dwight Lewis seconded the motion that carried by unanimous voice vote.

4. Agostini Property – This property is approximately 20 acres in size located east of Pell Road in the Osteen area and is an in-holding of the County’s Wiregrass Prairie Preserve. This application was generated by County staff contacting the property owner in an effort to resolve management issues. It is assigned the future land uses of Environmental Systems Corridor (ESC), Natural Resource Management Area (NRMA) and Forestry Resource (FR). The dominate habitat is pine flatwoods. Management of the property would be incorporated into the overall management of Wiregrass Prairie Preserve, which would include the use of prescribed fire.

Chair Phil Maroney noted that a funding partner had not been identified and asked if the St. Johns River Water Management District (District) had been contacted to determine their interest in being a funding partner as they partnered on the acquisition of Wiregrass Prairie Preserve.

Rob Walsh explained that the District has indicated that they are not interested in being a funding partner for the acquisition of this property.

Member John E. Wagner noted that this property meets 14 of the 22 Site Ranking Criteria.

Member Gerald Fieser made a motion to add the Agostini Property Application to the Group "A" List of eligible properties. Member Dwight Lewis seconded the motion that carried by unanimous voice vote.

5. Duff Property – This property is approximately 9 acres in size located on Living Water Street in DeLeon Springs with approximately 1,100 feet of frontage on Spring Garden Lake. It is adjacent to the County’s Chuck Lennon Park, which has active and passive recreational uses. It is assigned the future land uses of Rural and Natural Resource Management Area (NRMA), and the zoning classification of Rural Agriculture (A-2). It was previously used as a fernery and citrus grove, but has been returned to a more natural state. A portion of the property is floodplain swamp. The management of this property would be incorporated into the overall management of Chuck Lennon Park by the County’s Leisure Services.

David Duff, property owner, was present to provide additional information and answer any questions. He stated that the property owners’ desire is to preserve this property and have it added to the Chuck Lennon Park.

Randall Sleister asked David Duff if there are sand boils on this property or in this area.

David Duff could not confirm the existence of sand boils on this property.

Discussion ensued regarding a dump facility in the area after Member Gerald Fieser stated that a dump facility was near this property, and asked who owned and controled the facility.

Bill Gardner responded that the County owns the property, which is used for road base by the County’s Public Works Department.

Member Jason McGuirk asked if there were any contamination issues that would be of concern on this property.

Randall Sleister stated that an environmental site assessment would be completed as part of the acquisition process, which would determine whether there were contamination issues on this property.

Member Gerald Fieser made a motion to add the Duff Property Application to the Group "A" List of eligible properties. Member Jason McGuirk seconded the motion that carried by unanimous voice vote.

Member Dennis Bayer asked if the County would purchase this property without a funding partner.

Douglas Weaver responded that the County would entertain the possibility of purchasing this property without a funding partner, but that would depend on the purchase price.

6. Taylor Trust Property – This property is approximately 20 acres in size located on the east side of Taylor Road in the Port Orange. It is surrounded by lands owned by the Museum of Arts and Sciences (MOAS). The City of Port Orange has a 50 year lease on the lands owned by the MOAS. The deed restrictions state that the area would be maintained in conservation for the term of the lease (50 years). It has been assigned the future land uses of Urban Low Intensity (ULI), Natural Resource Management Area (NRMA) and Environmental Systems Corridor (ESC), and the zoning classifications of Rural Agriculture (A-2) and Resource Corridor (RC). The majority of this site has been disturbed by past cattle operations. Historically, the habitat type found on the property consisted of sandhill and blackwater stream. Most of the understory vegetation is missing, but a large mature population of longleaf pines remains in tact. The last known population of red cockaded woodpeckers was known to be present in this area. Management of this site would be complicated due to the development in the immediate area.

Member John E. Wagner asked when the 50 year lease began to know how far the City of Port Orange was into the lease.

Randall Sleister explained that the change of ownership from The Nature Conservancy (TNC) occurred sometime within the last ten (10) years. Therefore, the lease is near the beginning of the 50 year term.

Chair Phil Maroney asked if the City of Port Orange would manage this property in conjunction with the surrounding properties owned by the MOAS.

Randall Sleister replied that the City of Port Orange would be the most likely manager of this property as they manage the surrounding properties owned by the MOAS.

Chair Phil Maroney asked if the City of Port Orange had been contacted to determine their interest in being a funding partner.

Rob Walsh explained that the City of Port Orange has not expressed an interest in being a funding partner.

Douglas Weaver added that this is a small piece of property and would likely be expensive to acquire without a funding partner.

Chair Phil Maroney asked for clarification regarding the deed restrictions and the 50 year lease.

Rob Walsh explained that the 50 year lease is for the City of Port Orange to manage the property, and the deed restrictions stipulate that the usage is for conservation purposes in perpetuity.

Discussion ensued regarding the ownership of the property surrounding this property and public access.

Linda Taylor Mohring, property owner, was present to provide additional information and to answer any questions. She stated that this property has been owned by her family for over 50 years with several acres being used as an orange grove and subsequently part of a cattle operation. The family is interested in preserving this property.

Diedrich Mohring, property owner, stated that he had been in communication with the City of Port Orange to discuss the potential usage of this property. The City of Port Orange indicated that it would be preferable for this property to be used for commercial rather than residential usage. At this time, the City did not express an interest in acquiring the property.

Member Dennis Bayer asked if the property owners would be willing to provide the County time to identify a funding partner before they pursued any other offers.

Diedrich Mohring indicated that they would be willing to work with the County and/or City in an effort to preserve this property.

Member Dennis Bayer made a motion to add the Taylor Trust Property Application to the Group "B" List of eligible properties. Member Dwight Lewis seconded the motion that carried by a roll call vote of seven (7) to two (2) with Members Wanda Van Dam and John E. Wagner opposed.

Rob Walsh added that County staff would contact the City of Port Orange and the MOAS to determine their interest in being a funding partner.

7. Marvin Fore Property – This property is approximately 156 acres in size consisting of two (2) parcels located to the west of the LeFils Property, which was a conservation easement acquisition by the County and the St. Johns River Water Management District (District). It is contiguous to the Volusia/Flagler Conservation Corridor, but not within its boundaries. Access is via the Ashby Cove subdivision. Currently, it is part of a timber operation and has been used for hunting. It has been assigned the zoning classification of Resource Corridor (RC) and Forestry Resource (FR). It consists of mesic flatwoods, strand swamp and dome swamp. Prescribed fire has been used as a management tool. As this proposal is for a conservation easement, management of the property would be the responsibility of the property owners.

Member Anne Hallum asked how many homes could be developed under the current zoning.

Rob Walsh responded that the current zoning would allow eleven (11) home sites to be developed on this property.

Member Anne Hallum asked if the eleven (11) homes sites would be allowed with a conservation easement.

Rob Walsh explained that the intent of a conservation easement is to acquire the development rights, which would remove the ability to develop the allowed number of home sites. However, during the conservation easement negotiation process, the property owner could be allowed to build a reasonable number of home sites, but not eleven (11).

Lou Tulp, representative for the property owner, was present to provide additional information and answer any questions. He stated that the Fore family enjoys hunting, which is why this property is being offered as a conservation easement acquisition and not fee simple. He added that the property owners would be requesting the right to develop one (1) home site and continue hunting.

Member Dennis Bayer made a motion to add the Marvin Fore Property Application to the Group "A" List of eligible properties. Member Wanda Van Dam seconded the motion that carried by unanimous voice vote
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8. TTT Ranch, LLC Property – This property consists of several small lots within an antiquated paper platted subdivision totaling approximately 500 acres. It is located off Pell Road and Lopez Road in the Osteen area. Previously, an application involving most of these small lots was submitted to the Volusia Forever Program, but the application was not determined as eligible because of contiguity issues. Since that time, additional lots have been acquired by the new applicant to resolve the issue of contiguity. In an attempt to fill-in the gaps, the new applicant will continue to acquire additional lots to create one (1) large contiguous tract of land. It is contiguous to but not within the boundaries of public owned property; Wiregrass Prairie Preserve and the Volusia/Flagler Conservation Corridor. There are structures on the property (i.e., houses). It is used as a cattle operation along with a palm tree nursery. It consists of mesic flatwoods, strand swamp and dome swamp habitats with pasture and scrubby flatwoods areas. The flatwoods portion of the property has been approved as a gopher tortoise relocation site by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. As this proposal is for a conservation easement, management of the property would be the responsibility of the property owners.

Lou Tulp, property owner, was present to provide additional information and to answer any questions.

Douglas Weaver requested that the property owner continue his pursuit of additional in holdings and allow the Committee to place this property on the Group “B” List until enough in-holdings are acquired to create one large tract of land owned by a single owner. He stated that by placing this property on the Group “B” List, County staff would have the opportunity to determine if the St. Johns River Water Management District (District) would be interested in being a funding partner.

Lou Tulp stated that he would continue to acquire additional in-holdings and would not be opposed to placing this property on the Group “B” List until enough parcels are acquired to create one large tract of land owned by a single owner.

Member Dennis Bayer made a motion to add the TTT Ranch, LLC Property Application to the Group "B" List of eligible properties. Member Anne Hallum seconded the motion that carried by unanimous voice vote.

9. Current “A” List – Douglas Weaver provided the following updates:
a. Volusia Conservation Corridor – the 2,272 acre Volusia 44 Partners property located on SR 44 has been jointly acquired by the County and St. Johns River Water Management District (District) for approximately $11 million. The District contributed approximately $4.5 million towards the acquisition costs.
b. Stanaki Property – this property is within the Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve. The Department of Environmental Protection and County were the lead agency for this acquisition. However, negotiations are no longer proceeding with the State and County. The City of Port Orange has taken over as the lead agency and has filed an FCT application for the acquisition of a portion of this 450 acre tract.
c. Ocklawaha Property – this property is within the Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve. At this time, there isn’t any progress in the acquisition process.
d. Ponce Preserve Project – this is a continuing project with the Town of Ponce Inlet. At this time, there isn’t any progress in the acquisition process.
e. Charlene Strawn Old Growth Forest Property – County staff is currently working with the property owners and the appraisal process has begun.
f. Double B Ranch Property– County staff has been negotiating with the property owners of this 3,700 acre tract that is adjacent to the District’s Haw Creek Preserve without success.
g. Russell (Port Orange) – this 17 acre piece of property is now in public ownership.
h. Holiday Haven – this 49 acre piece of property has title issues that need to be resolved before negotiations can continue.
i. David Strawn Property – this 1,400 acre tract located in the DeLeon Springs area off Lake Winona Road and U.S. Hwy. 17 has been appraised for the potential acquisition of a conservation easement. The St. Johns River Water Management District has indicated that they would be a 50% funding partner for this acquisition. Negotiations with the property owner will be forth coming.
j. Hughes/Huntington Trust – these properties are now owned by Huntington Trust, who is a willing seller. An FCT Grant application has been submitted for partial funding.
k. Krol Property – this 667 acre tract located on S.R. 415 adjacent to the County’s Vargal tract has been jointly acquired by the County and St. Johns River Water Management District (District) for approximately $8.2 million. The District contributed approximately $4.1 million towards the acquisition costs.
l. Lake George Road Property – County staff is currently working with the property owners and appraisals will be forth coming.
m. McBride Road Property – County staff is currently working with the property owners and appraisals will be forth coming.
n. Salanitro Property – this is an in-holding of the Charlene Strawn Old Growth Forest Property that potentially has been sold. County staff will be confirming this sale.
o. Lake Colby Properties (Rainey/Lesher) – this 21 acre addition to the Lake Colby Park located off East Kicklighter Road near the City of Lake Helen has been acquired solely by the County for approximately $1.3 million. An FCT Grant application has been submitted for partial (40%) reimbursement for the acquisition costs.
p. Thornby Property – this 38 acre tract located in the City of Deltona would be a joint acquisition by the City of Deltona and the County. The City of Deltona has filed an FTC Grant application.
q. Amy Brooks Property– this 10 acre in-holding of Wiregrass Prairie Preserve located in the Osteen area has solely been acquired by the County for approximately $256,000.00.
r. Hamlin-Dann Property – County staff will begin negotiating with the property owners for this 1,172 acre tract located in the southeast section of the County near Lake Harney.

10. Current “B” List – Rob Walsh explained that the only potential changes to the Group “B” List would be the recommendation to remove the following four (4) properties. He provided the following updates:
a. O’Reilly-King Property – this property is currently under contract negotiations with a developer. County staff intends on contacting the property owners to determine if they are still willing sellers. If they are not willing sellers, County staff would make a recommendation to the Committee for removal from the Group A/B List.
b. Akers Quail Ranch – this property has been sold. County staff intends on contacting the new owners to determine if they are willing sellers. If they are not willing sellers, County staff would make a recommendation to the Committee for removal from the Group A/B List.
c. Eagan Property - 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. Currently, this property and the Murphy Property are currently 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. County staff will make a recommendation to the Committee for removal from the Group A/B List at a later date.
d. Murphy Property - 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. 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. County staff will make a recommendation to the Committee for removal from the Group A/B List at a later date.

Public Participation
1. 1675 Perch Lane Property - Steve Oxier, property owner, stated that the property owners are requesting a recommendation from the Committee to move this property up to the Group “A” List. He explained that a petition had been circulated in an effort to gain support for this request. A photograph of the property was provided to further demonstrate its beauty. This property is approximately 12.5 acres in size located on the eastern side of Lake George in the Pine Island community. There are two (2) paved roads that would provide access. This property provides approximately 700 feet of lake frontage, which could provide additional access to Lake George. This property has been included on VCOG’s Map A, which indicates that this is a property that should be preserved. The property has the potential to be developed and used as a park, which could be enjoyed by the public. This property is currently zoned to allow one (1) home site per acre. The remnants of a shell mound were found on a portion of property that is adjacent to this property. The property owners are willing to work with the County during the negotiation process.

Chair Phil Maroney recalled that the Ranking Report states that this property is near, but not contiguous to public lands owned by the County and the St. Johns River Water Management District. He asked if there would be any management issues as it is not contiguous to other public owned lands.

Randall Sleister explained that management of the property would be dependent on the final usage. He added that the environmental benefit is marginal when compared to other properties that are being considered by Volusia Forever for acquisition. This property has been heavily disturbed. The understory and groundcover have been cleared, and replaced with bahia grass that is actively mowed. It could provide a good location for a more active park (i.e., playground, picnic tables, fishing pier). This edge of the lake is very shallow, which would not accommodate power boats. However, canoes or kayaks could be launched from this site. The marina located north of this property has a private boat ramp that provides lake access to the public for a minimal fee. Prescribed fire would not be necessary because of the habitat types.

Douglas Weaver added that the Land Acquisition and Management Division is not equipped to manage smaller isolated parcels that are envisioned to become more active parks. The Division’s purpose is to provide large scale land management of conservation lands with passive recreational opportunities. He explained that attempts have been made to provide connectivity to other conservation lands in this area, but without success.

Rob Walsh provided additional photographs of the site to assist the newer Committee Members with the proposed request.

Mary Stoughton, public participant, stated that until an article was published in the newspaper she was unaware of this proposal to “save Willow Point.” She stated that according to the property owners there is access from two (2) paved roads. She requested that the property owners clarify what paved roads they were referring to other than Bass Avenue.

Steve Oxier explained that access to this property would be from Perch Lane, which is not a paved road. Perch Lane also isn’t properly marked by a street sign. The other way to access this property would be from Lake George Road.

Mary Stoughton stated that Lake George Road should not be considered access as the southern portion is a private road. She added that the County maintains the northern portion of Lake George Road that ends at the marina, but not the portion that would permit public access to this property. She expressed a concern regarding the potential development of this property as a park because of the public access issue.

Kathryn Stoughton, public participant, also expressed a concern that the potential development of this property as a park could bring problems from unfavorable users. She also stated that she was unaware of the proposal and petition until the article was published to “save Willow Point.”

Chair Phil Maroney asked Steve Oxier for clarification regarding the number of access point to this property.

Steve Oxier replied that the only access would be from Bass Avenue, which is a paved road.

Member Gerald Fieser commented that most of the Committee members are new and don’t have enough historical information to make an informed decision on the requested movement of this property to the Group “A” List. He requested that this proposal be placed on a future agenda so the Committee could make an informed decision.

Chair Phil Maroney asked County staff if Member Gerald Fieser’s request could be met.

Rob Walsh replied that County staff could fulfill this request and would place it on the agenda for July 18, 2007.

Member Gerald Fieser made a motion to add the 1675 Perch Lane Property to the July 18, 2007, agenda for further discussion. Member Dennis Bayer seconded the motion that carried by unanimous voice vote.

Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 6:00p.m.