MINUTES
VOLUSIA FOREVER ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
3:30p.m. - 5:30p.m.
Votran Bus Facility
950 Big Tree Road, South Daytona, Fl 32119
 

Meeting Called to Order
Phil Maroney, Chair, welcomed all those in attendance (i.e., Committee Members, County staff and the Public), and called the meeting to order at 3:30p.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.

Introduction of Field Staff
Rob Walsh 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 Stuart Jones, who is the Land Manager in charge of supervising the land management field staff and a certified forester, and Bonnie Cary, who is the Educational Outreach Coordinator in charge of holding various classes that educate the public about our conservation lands.

County staff encouraged the Committee to attend some of the educational outreach classes.

Recognition of Former Members
Chair Phil Maroney explained that County staff had a Certificate of Appreciation to present to former Committee Members Reid Hughes, JoAnn O’Bannon, Alan Long and Alan Alshouse for their contribution as members. However, Members Reid Hughes, JoAnn O’Bannon, and Alan Long were not available to attend this meeting to accept the certificate. County staff intends on delivering the Certificate of Appreciations to these Members. Former Member Alan Alshouse was present to receive a Certificate of Appreciation for his outstanding and dedicated service to the Committee from January 10, 2002 until March 31, 2007.

Election of Chair and Vice-Chair
Rob Walsh explained that in accordance with Resolution 2007-79 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, could not be re-elected as he has served two (2) one-year terms. He also explained that the position of Vice-Chair was vacant as Member Alan Alshouse, who had served as the Vice-Chair, was not re appointed by County Council for the 2007-2009 term.

Member Dwight Lewis requested clarification on the “term limits” of the Chair and Vice-Chair.

Rob Walsh explained that 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.” Therefore, Chair Phil Maroney could not be re-elected as Chair for this year. However, he could be elected at some time in the future as the election of Chair and Vice-Chair occurs annually.

Chair Phil Maroney called for nominations of the Chair.

Member Dwight Lewis nominated Member Dennis Bayer, and Member Wanda Van Dam nominated Member Dwight Lewis.

Member John E. Wagner moved that the nominations for Chair to be closed.

Hearing no opposition, Chair Phil Maroney declared the nominations for Chair as closed.

Member Dwight Lewis respectfully withdrew his nomination by Member Wanda Van Dam for Chair.

With no additional nominations Member Dennis Bayer was elected as Chair by a unanimous voice vote.

Rob Walsh presented a plaque to Chair Phil Maroney in grateful appreciation for his “Outstanding and Dedicated Service” as Chair from April 20, 2005 until July 18, 2007.

Chair Phil Maroney relinquished control of the meeting to the newly elected Chair, Member Dennis Bayer.

Chair Dennis Bayer called for nominations of the Vice-Chair.

Member Jason McGuirk nominated Member Anne Hallum.

Member John E. Wagner moved that the nominations for Vice-Chair to be closed. Member Phil Maroney seconded the motion.

With no additional nominations Member Anne Hallum was elected as Vice-Chair by a unanimous voice vote.

Discussion and Approval of the 2007 Work Plan – Rob Walsh stated that, per Resolution 2007 79, the Committee is required to conduct an annual goal setting session where it outlines its work plan for the year. He reviewed the proposed goals for 2007, which included the Committee’s requirement to conduct at least two (2) meetings to determine the eligibility of properties submitted to the Volusia Forever Program, and at least two (2) meetings to rank the properties that were determined as eligible for further consideration under the Volusia Forever Program. He added that after the Committee conducts its ranking meeting, their approved ranking summary is then submitted to County Council for approval. County Council’s approval then authorizes County staff to begin the acquisition process of the properties on the Group “A” List.

Member John E. Wagner made a motion to approve the Committee’s 2007 Work Plan, as presented. Member Dwight Lewis seconded the motion that carried by unanimous voice vote.

Stacey Manning stated that the cover page should be amended to reflect the name of the newly elected Chair Dennis Bayer.

Discussion and Determination of Eligibility for Submitted Applications
Rob Walsh explained that the Committee would be reviewing eight (8) properties that had been submitted for the 1st Cycle of 2007, and determining whether the properties are eligible for further consideration under the Volusia Forever Program. He added that County staff had not visited the properties, and the Initial Review Report had been produced based on information provided by the applicant. 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. At the September 19, 2007, Committee meeting, the properties that have been determined as eligible would be presented to the Committee again for ranking. County staff would provide a more detailed ranking report and presentation to assist the Committee with the ranking determinations.
1. Ridgewood Avenue/Owen Property – Rob Walsh provided a location map and the following information about this property:
a. it is approximately 1.65 acres in size consisting of one (1) undeveloped parcel;
b. it is located on U.S. 1 in the New Smyrna Beach area;
c. the southern boundary is adjacent to Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve;
d. the northern boundary is adjacent to development (i.e., mobile home park, and single family residential dwellings), and;
e. it meets five (5) of the 13 Primary Ranking Criteria.

Rob Walsh added that this property could become an addition to the boundaries of Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve.

Member Gerald Fieser asked if the property consists of uplands, or wetlands.

Randall Sleister replied that the property consists of uplands.

Member John E. Wagner stated that the property meets nine (9) of the 22 Site Ranking Criteria.

Member Phil Maroney asked what zoning classification was assigned to this property.

Rob Walsh stated that the property was assigned the zoning classification of Vacant Commercial.

Member Dwight Lewis asked if the property had recently been rezoned.

Tammy Owens, property owner, was present to provide additional information and to answer any questions. She responded that the property has been and is currently zoned as B-4. However, it is adjacent to lands that were recently rezoned to Conservation.

Rob Walsh added that the adjacent property recently rezoned as Conservation is the Bayou Bay Property.

Tammy Owens stated that this property could provide additional green space for the area, and offer educational and passive recreational opportunities, which could include nature trails.

Discussion ensued regarding the property located along the eastern boundary of this property and the potential application to the Volusia Forever Program.

Member John E. Wagner added that Harbour Road was old U.S. Hwy. 1, which contains the old vestiges of the wooden bridge at the northern end.

Member Anne Hallum made a motion to accept the Ridgewood Avenue/Owen Property Application as an eligible project. Member John E. Wagner seconded the motion that carried by a unanimous voice vote.

Rob Walsh stated that the Walkup and Four Star Timber, Inc. properties were two (2) separate applications, but would be reviewed and discussed together as they are contiguous to each other.

2. Walkup Property -Rob Walsh provided a location map and the following information about this property:
a. it is approximately 101 acres in size consisting of one (1) undeveloped parcel;
b. the southern boundary is adjacent to the Four Star Timber Property, which is being reviewed for determination of eligibility;
c. the northern boundary is adjacent to public lands owned by the St. Johns River Water Management District;
d. this application was generated by County staff contacting the property owner in an effort to add acreage to existing conservation lands;
e. it consists of wetland swamp and uplands (i.e., pine plantation and pasture);
f. it is within the Haw Creek Basin; and
g. it meets eight (8) of the 13 Primary Ranking Criteria.

Member John E. Wagner stated that this property meets thirteen (13) of the 22 Site Ranking Criteria.

Discussion ensued regarding the potential for acquiring the parcel that adjoins this property’s eastern boundary, which would provide connectivity to other conservation lands and access.

Discussion ensued regarding the property’s appeal after Member Phil Maroney asked if it would be less desirable without the Four Star Timber, Inc. Property.

Douglas Weaver replied that this property would be less desirable without the Four Star Timber, Inc. Property.

Rob Walsh added that the Four Star Timber Property is used for silviculture and not slated for development.

Member Phil Maroney pointed out that access to this property could be an issue because the Four Star Timber, Inc. Property is being offered as a conservation easement, which typically doesn’t allow public access.

Discussion ensued regarding the differences between a conservation easement and a fee simple acquisition after Chair Dennis Bayer asked County staff to provide a brief explanation on the differences.

Rob Walsh explained that a conservation easement allows the property owner to retain ownership of the underlying fee and continue with the management responsibilities. He added that the property owners would be allowed to continue with the current uses, but would not be allowed to develop the property by constructing the number of homes that its zoning classification would allow. He noted that a conservation easement is the acquisition of a property’s development rights. A conservation easement can cost much less than a fee simple acquisition, which could be between 20% and 80% of the dollar value.

Douglas Weaver added that the terms of a conservation easement are negotiated to determine if a single family dwelling would be allowed as the overall goal is conservation of the natural resource.

Member John E. Wagner asked if public access is allowed on properties that have a conservation easement.

Rob Walsh replied that typically public access is not allowed on properties that have a conservation easement.

Member John E. Wagner made a motion to accept the Walkup Property Application as an eligible project. Member Jason McGuirk seconded the motion that carried by a vote of eight (8) to one (1) with Member Anne Hallum opposed.

3. Four Star Timber, Inc. Property - Rob Walsh provided a location map and the following information about this property:
a. it is approximately 96 acres in size consisting of one (1) undeveloped parcel;
b. the eastern boundary is adjacent to other conservation lands (i.e., Timberlands Consolidated);
c. the northern boundary is adjacent to the Walkup Property, which is being reviewed for eligibility determination for the 1st cycle of 2007;
d. this application was generated by County staff contacting the property owner in an effort to add acreage to existing conservation lands;
e. this proposal is for a conservation easement;
f. it is used as part of a timber operation that has been recognized by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) for cooperative forestry assistance and best management practices;
g. it primarily consists of pine plantation;
h. it is within the Haw Creek Basin, and;
i. it meets five (5) of the 13 Primary Ranking Criteria.

Member John E. Wagner stated that this property meets seven (7) of the 22 Site Ranking Criteria and it is contiguous to other conservation lands.

Member Phil Maroney made a motion to accept the Four Star Timber, Inc. Property Application as an eligible project. Member Wanda Van Dam seconded the motion that carried by a vote of eight (8) to one (1) with Member John E. Wagner opposed.

4. Barbara Miller, et al Properties - Rob Walsh explained that these properties are part of two (2) different antiquated subdivisions that were platted in 1925.
a. Davis Park - Rob Walsh provided a location map and the following information about this property:
1) it is approximately 8.85 acres in size consisting of nine (9) parcels that were platted into 50’ x 100’ lots;
2) it is located in the Lake Helen area;
3) there is no infrastructure, utilities, or roads;
4) the current zoning requires one (1) acre minimum parcel size;
5) it primarily consists of scrub habitat;
6) locating a funding partner would be problematic; and
7) it meets four (4) of the 13 Primary Ranking Criteria.

Discussion ensued regarding the development potential of the Davis Park and Lake Beresford Heights subdivisions.

Randall Sleister added that the County would not issue building permits for either subdivision because there is no infrastructure, utilities or roads.

Discussion ensued regarding why the Davis Park and Lake Beresford Heights properties were not referred to the Small Lot Acquisition Program.

Rob Walsh explained that the Small Lot Acquisition Program was created to purchase environmentally sensitive properties in antiquated paper platted subdivisions (i.e., University Highlands, Cape Atlantic Estate), which are typically purchased for the assessed value. Since the assessed values of the properties in Davis Park and Lake Beresford Heights are significantly higher and would be higher than the monies set aside for the Small Lot Acquisition Program, these properties were referred to the Volusia Forever Program.

Douglas Weaver added that the Small Lot Acquisition Program would be a long term effort to create larger tracts of contiguous lands for protection of the natural resource and provide wildlife corridors.

Randall Sleister added that Davis Park was one of the first antiquated subdivisions where County staff attempted to contact the property owners to participate in the Small Lot Acquisition Program. County staff was not very successful with this first attempt.

Chair Dennis Bayer asked if the habitat would be suitable for scrub jays.

Randall Sleister explained that these properties could be suitable habitat for scrub jays with some restoration.

Discussion ensued regarding the issues associated with the management of these smaller properties.

Randall Sleister stated that County staff was not managing these smaller properties until enough contiguous pieces are assembled to create one large tract.

Members Chris Schlageter and Anne Hallum suggested that County staff contact the property owners again to discuss the Small Lot Acquisition Program and their asking price.

Member Phil Maroney noted the following issues with the Lake Beresford Heights and Davis Park properties: 1) meets the minimum ranking criteria, 2) unlikely to find a funding partner, 3) small size, 4) no access, and 4) not cost effective to manage.

Member Gerald Fieser asked if the development of these subdivisions was hindered by the County owning parcels throughout the subdivisions.

Douglas Weaver responded that development of these subdivisions would be hindered by the current zoning regulations, and the costs associated with their development (i.e., roads, stormwater). He added that another hindrance would be that these parcels are owned by a multitude of owners.

Member John E. Wagner made a motion to accept the Barbara Miller, et al (Davis Park) Property Application as an eligible project. Member Dwight Lewis seconded the motion that failed by a roll call vote of zero (0) to nine (9), as Resolution 2004 80 requires an affirmative vote of at least five (5) Members to pass.

b. Lake Beresford Heights - Rob Walsh provided a location map and the following information about this property:
1) it is approximately 3.25 acres in size consisting of 27 parcels;
2) it primarily consists of scrub habitat;
3) the current zoning requires a minimum of five (5) acres to allow a building permit to be issued;
4) locating a funding partner would be problematic; and
5) it meets four (4) of the 13 Primary Ranking Criteria.

Member John E. Wagner made a motion to accept the Barbara Miller, et al (Lake Beresford Heights) Property Application as an eligible project. Member Phil Maroney seconded the motion that failed by a roll call vote of zero (0) to nine (9), as Resolution 2004 80 requires an affirmative vote of at least five (5) Members to pass.

5. Smith Trust Property - Rob Walsh provided a location map and the following information about this property:
a. it is approximately 337 acres in size consisting of four (4) parcels located off Nine Mile Point Road near the Town of Pierson;
b. it is an in-holding of the Lake George Conservation Area;
c. it completes acquisitions begun under previous land acquisition programs;
d. this proposal is for a conservation easement;
e. it is zoned Resource Corridor (RC) and Forestry (F); and
f. it meets six (6) of the 13 Primary Ranking Criteria.

Member Phil Maroney asked for clarification regarding access as this proposal is for a conservation easement and the Initial Review Report indicates that there is appropriate access to the property.

Rob Walsh explained that there is access to the property from Nine Mile Point Road, but there typically would not be public access because of the conservation easement.

Member Anne Hallum asked what type of activities and/or structures would be permitted on this property because of the proposed conservation easement.

Rob Walsh responded that the terms of the conservation easement have not been discussed, but would be after the property has been determined as eligible and ranked as a Group A List property.

Member Dwight Lewis added that the property owners were exploring their financial options.

Member Dwight Lewis made a motion to accept the Smith Trust Property Application as an eligible project. Member Jason McGuirk seconded the motion that carried by a unanimous voice vote.

Rob Walsh stated that the Veino Cattle Ranch and Peterson properties were two (2) separate applications, but would be reviewed and discussed together as they are contiguous to each other.

6. Veino Cattle Ranch Property - Rob Walsh provided a location map and the following information about this property:
a. it is approximately 115 acres in size consisting of seven (7) parcels located off Prideaux Road in the Osteen area;
b. this proposal is for a conservation easement;
c. it is part of a cattle operation;
d. it consists primarily of pasture areas;
e. it is adjacent to the County’s Wiregrass Prairie Preserve; and
f. it meets five (5) of the 13 Primary Ranking Criteria.

Member Phil Maroney noted that the Veino Cattle Ranch and Peterson properties primarily consist of pasture areas, and asked if these acquisitions would enhance the County’s Wiregrass Prairie Preserve.

Douglas Weaver responded that these acquisitions could provide a benefit to the County’s Wiregrass Prairie Preserve by preventing development of this area.

Discussion ensued regarding the potential termination of a conservation easement if the property is sold to another party.

Douglas Weaver explained that a conservation easement would be held in perpetuity.

Randall Sleister added that one of the terms of the conservation easement is that the County would reserve the right of first refusal if the owners wanted to sell the property.

Member John E. Wagner noted that the Initial Review Reports for the Veino Cattle Ranch and Peterson properties were identical.

Discussion ensued regarding the need to keep the Veino Cattle Ranch and Peterson properties together as a project, and how these properties offer benefits by expanding the boundaries of Wiregrass Prairie Preserve.

Member Gerald Fieser made a motion to accept the Veino Cattle Ranch Property Application as an eligible project. Member Dwight Lewis seconded the motion that carried by a vote of seven (7) to two (2) with Members Anne Hallum and Phil Maroney opposed.

7. Peterson Property - Rob Walsh provided a location map and the following information about this property:
a. it is approximately 46 acres in size consisting of four (4) parcels located off Prideaux Road in the Osteen area;
b. this proposal is for a conservation easement;
c. it is part of a cattle operation;
d. it consists primarily of pasture areas;
e. it is not adjacent to the County’s Wiregrass Prairie Preserve, but it is adjacent to the Veino Cattle Ranch Property; and
f. it meets five (5) of the 13 Primary Ranking Criteria.

Member Gerald Fieser made a motion to accept the Peterson Property Application as an eligible project. Member Jason McGuirk seconded the motion that carried by a vote of seven (7) to two (2) with Members Anne Hallum and Phil Maroney opposed.

8. SR 40 Middle Haw Creek Property - Rob Walsh provided a location map and the following information about this property:
a. it is approximately 47 acres in size consisting of one (1) undeveloped parcel located on SR 40 near the City of Ormond Beach;
b. it offers protection of Middle Haw Creek, which runs along the western boundary;
c. there would be management issues due to its location on SR 40 and surrounding large lot development;
d. it is near public lands (i.e., Relay Wildlife Management Area of Flagler County), but it is not adjacent;
e. it consists of 30 acres of wetlands and 17 acres of pine forest; and
f. it meets four (4) of the 13 Primary Ranking Criteria.

Member Jason McGuirk expressed a concern regarding the protection of Middle Haw Creek as the surrounding area is being developed.

Discussion ensued regarding the surrounding properties and the location of conservation lands.

Member Anne Hallum asked if County staff had approached the owners of the parcels located on the north side of SR 40 to determine if they are willing to participate in the Volusia Forever Program.

Rob Walsh explained that County staff had not approached the owners on the north side of SR 40. However, County staff has previously attempted to contact the property owners in this area to participate in the Volusia Forever Land Acquisition Program, but without success.

Member John E. Wagner made a motion to accept the SR 40 Middle Haw Creek Property Application as an eligible project. Member Anne Hallum seconded the motion that failed by a roll call vote of two (2) to seven (7), as Resolution 2004 80 requires an affirmative vote of at least five (5) Members to pass.

Discussion of Group B Properties
1. 1675 Perch Lane (Lake George) – Rob Walsh reminded the Committee that on June 27, 2007, the property owners made a request to move their property from the Group B to the Group A List. At that time, the Committee elected to defer this request, and asked County staff to put this item on the agenda for the next Committee meeting. County staff put this item on the July 18, 2007, Agenda for discussion. He stated that County staff would provide a PowerPoint presentation with pictures and location maps, and a brief overview of the property. The property owners would then provide their own presentation and answer any questions.

Rob Walsh and Randall Sleister provided the following information about this property: This property consists of approximately 12 acres of developed land with approximately 700 feet of lake frontage located off Bass Avenue within the Lake George Wildlife Management Area near the Town of Seville. It is part of the Pine Island community with access via Bass Avenue. It is near, but not contiguous to public lands owned by the St. Johns River Water Management District (District) and the County. An active commercial greenhouse is located on the property, but the property owners are willing to remove it. The future land use categories assigned to this property are Natural Resource Management Area (NRMA), Environmental Systems Corridor (ESC), and Rural Recreational Area (RRA). The RRA is applicable to limited areas of intense use located in remote rural areas along the St. Johns River, many of which are commonly referred to as fish camps. The zoning classification of Residential Planned Unit Development (RPUD) has been assigned to the property, which allows one (1) unit per acre. The current zoning would allow twelve (12) units. It meets nine (9) of the 22 total Site Ranking Criteria. It is dominated by two (2) habitats, upland mixed forest and floodplain swamp. The canopies of both these habitats have been thinned, and the understory has been replanted with bahia grass that is constantly mowed. The edge of the lake is shallow, which wouldn’t allow access via a power boat. However, Pine Island Fish Camp, a privately owned facility, has a boat ramp that could be used as lake access for power boats. Management of the property would be dependent on how the property is developed, because it provides opportunities for outdoor recreational activities.

Steve Oxier, property owner, provided a brief PowerPoint presentation with pictures and location maps, and a brief overview of the property, as follows: 1675 Perch Lane is also known as Willow Point. The Committee unanimously approved this property as eligible for further consideration and was later ranked as a Group B property primarily because no funding partner had been identified. The property is designated on VCOG’s Map A as a property that should be conserved. The property is approximately 12.3 acres in size with approximately 700 feet of lake frontage. The property is adjacent to an area (within 50 feet of the property line) containing the remnants of an Indian shell midden, which would be of archeological significance to the area. The property has a wide variety of wildlife such as snowy egret, ibis, great egrets, blue herons, bald eagles, ospreys, vultures, turkey, pileated woodpecker, alligators, and turtles. It also has a variety of flora species such as iris, pickerel weed, marsh hibiscus and swamp scarlet rosemallow. Paved road access to the lake would be provided via Bass Avenue. The existing greenhouse could be used for educational purposes. There is on-site County water and sewer that could provide facilities for a small park. This property could be a potential site for a search and rescue launching facility on Lake George. A petition has been signed by the property owners on Bass Avenue to show their overwhelming support of the proposal for County ownership and the creation of a park. To date, approximately 122 petitioners have signed a petition of support. This property is on the St. Johns River, an American Heritage designated river. The property owners are willing sellers and willing to offer the property at a fair appraised value.

Member Phil Maroney asked if CR 305 (Lake George Road) is paved all the way to this property.

Steve Oxier replied that CR 305 is paved, but becomes a private road before it reaches this property and would not provide public access. He stated that public access could be obtained from Bass Avenue.

Member Anne Hallum suggested submitting an application to Volusia ECHO as this proposal is for a park that could provide facilities such as bathrooms, picnic areas, etc.

Member Dwight Lewis asked if property owners on the west side of this property where among the 122 petitioners.

Steve Oxier explained that two (2) of the property owners on the west side of this property have signed the petition. He added that the petition was circulated at the Bass Avenue Home Owners Association meeting and other events, but had not been taken from door to door.

Member Dwight Lewis asked if the petitioners were aware that the only access is via Bass Avenue.

Steve Oxier replied that the petitioners were aware that Bass Avenue is the only public access.

Member Phil Maroney expressed concerns that there aren’t multiple public access points as previously presented, lack of connectivity to other public lands, and potential management issues because it is isolated.

Randall Sleister stated that this property is more conducive to be developed as a park, not a restoration project.

Douglas Weaver pointed out that attempts had previously been made to acquire several parcels to the north of this property without success. He stated that connectivity is important for large scale land management.

Member Dwight Lewis asked if the parcel that contains the remnant Indian shell midden was part of this proposal.

Steve Oxier replied that the parcel containing the remnant Indian shell midden and their residence was not part of this proposal. However, the property owners are willing to entertain a proposal that could include a portion of that parcel.

Member Dwight Lewis expressed a concern that the property owners are noncommittal as they are “interested” in a fair appraised value, and would “entertain” adding the portion of the parcel containing the midden.

Mary Stoughton, public participant and adjoining property owner, made reference to her letter dated June 28, 2007, which expresses concerns regarding public access and the intended uses if the property is acquired by Volusia Forever. She stated that she neither approves nor opposes the proposal, but wanted to ensure that accurate information is provided to the Committee. She asked for clarification regarding the on-site County water and sewer. She stated that the property owners on CR 305 (Lake George Road) had no knowledge of the petition and the proposal until the article was published in the newspaper to “Save Willow Point.”

Member John E. Wagner asked if the local residents would be willing to sign the petition in support of this proposal to “Save Willow Point” and create a park.

Mary Stoughton responded that the local residents could be supportive by signing the petition if they knew the final use of the property (i.e., park). She again expressed a concern about the final use and how this could impact the neighborhood.

Member Gerald Feiser asked if a funding partner had been identified for acquisition and management of the property.

Rob Walsh replied that a funding partner had not been identified for management of the property. However, the St. Johns River Water Management District’s (District) staff had been contacted to determine their interest in being a funding partner for the acquisition of the property. The District indicated that they are not interested in being a funding partner. Therefore, there is no funding partner for the acquisition of this property. He added that the best use of the property had not been determined at this time.

Member John E. Wagner noted that the use of the property probably would not be for conservation purposes because it is on the lakefront and could provide recreational opportunities that would be more active than Volusia Forever was created to provide.

Discussion ensued regarding the issues of best usage and that this project may better fit the Volusia ECHO Program’s criteria because of the potential development of a park.

Member John E. Wagner made a motion to move the 1675 Perch Lane Property from the Group B to the Group A List. Member Jason McGuirk seconded the motion that failed by a roll call vote of one (1) to eight (8).

2. Other Group B Properties – Rob Walsh explained that County staff would recommend leaving the remainder of the Group B List as is because there aren’t any changes in the status of the properties. However, County staff is monitoring three (3) properties (O’Reilly King, Eagan and Murphy) to determine if they need to be removed from the list. These properties have development plans and are under contract to another party that may not be a willing seller.

Staff Updates
1. Blanchette Property – Douglas Weaver stated that this property is approximately 7 acres in size located within the boundaries of the Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve (Preserve). On July 19, 2007, the County Council is scheduled to make a determination for approval of the Agreement for Purchase on this property for approximately $1.9 million. A Florida Communities Trust (FCT) application may be submitted next year based on County staff’s self scoring results. There is also a potential for partial reimbursement using Florida Forever funds from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Division of State Lands as this property is within the boundaries of the Preserve.
2. Tax Reform – Rob Walsh explained that initially the issues regarding the property tax reform would not impact the Volusia Forever Program as it is a voter approved program. However, the County’s Legal Department has indicated otherwise. The impact would be minor. The County’s Legal Department has also indicated that the County would no longer be required to pay CRA fees, which would help offset the minor decrease in tax revenue.

Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 6:00p.m after Member Dwight Lewis made a motion to adjourn, and Member Anne Hallum seconded the motion that carried by unanimous voice vote.