DRAFT
VOLUSIA FOREVER ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Minutes
Wednesday, July 21, 2004
3:30p.m. - 5:30p.m.
Thomas C. Kelly Building, Training Rooms 1 & 2
123 West Indiana Avenue, DeLand, FL 32720

Also in Attendance

Meeting Called to Order
Phil Maroney, Vice-Chair, called the meeting to order at 3:32p.m.

Roll Call
Phil Maroney, Vice-Chair, instructed the Recording Secretary to record the roll of the Members in attendance, in which six (6) Members were present after Member Alan Alshouse arrived late. Chair Carrie Stewart and Member Robert Williams were recorded as an Excused Absence, and Member Anne Hallum was recorded as an Unexcused Absence.

Approval of Minutes
Phil Maroney, Vice-Chair, called for a motion to approve the April 21, 2004, Minutes. Member Gordon Kipp made a motion to approve the April 21, 2004, Minutes as written. Member JoAnn O’Bannon seconded the motion that carried by unanimous voice vote.

Douglas Weaver informed the Committee that Frank B. Gummey, III, legal counsel, would not be attending the meeting. If there were any legal issues or questions, he would resolve them.

Discussion and Determination of Eligibility for Submitted Applications
Rob Walsh explained that the Committee would be reviewing seven (7) properties that have been submitted for the 1st Cycle of 2004 and determining whether these properties are eligible for further consideration under the Volusia Forever Program. All properties that are determined eligible for the 1st Cycle of 2004 will be ranked on September 15, 2004. He reminded the Committee that Resolution 2004-80 requires an affirmative vote of at least five (5) Members in order for a property to be determined as eligible. A large-scale map of the County was displayed to assist with the location of each property and where they lie in relation to other public lands.
Charlene Strawn Old Growth Forest and Recreational Area Property – Rob Walsh provided the following information about this property:

1. it is approximately 150 acres in size located on the south west side of Lake Dias;
2. it is an undeveloped tract of land that was part of a large citrus operation;
3. it contains various types of habitat (i.e., scrub, sandhill, bottom lands, old pine growth, live oak hammock) and an open pasture area;
4. it would provide recreational opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, etc. because the property provides direct access to Lake Dias;
5. it provides habitat for some listed species, which have been identified (i.e., juvenile bald eagle, gopher tortoises, osprey);
6. access to the property is very good via Lake Dias Cemetery Road;
7. it lies within the boundaries of the State's Acquisition and Restoration Council (ARC) Florida Forever Group B List project known as the Longleaf Pine Ecosystem; and
8. it meets 8 of the 14 Primary Site Ranking Criteria.

Steven Kirk Strawn, property owner's representative, was present to provide additional information and answer any questions. He stated that his family has owned the property for several generations and their primary desire is to preserve this natural resource.

Member Gordon Kipp made a motion to accept the Charlene Strawn Old Growth Forest and Recreational Area Property Application as an eligible project. Member JoAnn O’Bannon seconded the motion that carried by unanimous voice vote.

Double B Ranch Property - Rob Walsh provided the following information about this property:

1. it is 3,700 acres in size located in the northwest section of the County near the Town of Seville at the Volusia/Flagler County line;
2. it contains various habitats (i.e., pasture areas, wetlands, scrub, woodlands);
3. part of the property is being used as a timber operation by Plum Creek Corporation through a timber lease;
4. there is a hunting lease and cattle operations;
5. it is adjacent to public lands to the north, which are owned by the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) and the State;
6. access is provided via CR305;
7. SJRWMD has expressed an interest in the potential acquisition of this property; and
8. it meets 10 of the 14 Primary Site Ranking Criteria.

Douglas Weaver added that during preliminary discussions the property owners were willing to discuss the option of a fee simple acquisition or a conservation easement.

Member Linda White made a motion to accept the Double B Ranch Property Application as an eligible project. Member Reid Hughes seconded the motion that carried by unanimous voice vote.

Rob Walsh explained that the next two (2) applications were submitted by two (2) different property owners, but staff considers the applications as one large project.

Timberlands Consolidated Partnership and WDA Partnership Property - Rob Walsh provided the following information about this property:

1. it is approximately 220 acres in size;
2. it is undeveloped;
3. it primarily consists of wetlands;
4. Little Hawk Creek runs through the property;
5. it is adjacent to public land, Plum Creek, and another Volusia Forever application being considered for eligibility (Lafayette Landing); and
6. it meets 6 of the 14 Primary Site Ranking Criteria.

Douglas Weaver added that Mr. Ron Black, property owner, has discussed the possibility of submitting additional lands in the area for potential acquisition through the Volusia Forever Land Acquisition Program, which would provide additional connectivity to public lands.

Member Reid Hughes made a motion to accept the Timberlands Consolidated/WDA Partnership Property Application as an eligible project. Member Gordon Kipp seconded the motion that carried by unanimous voice vote.

Lafayette Landings Property - Rob Walsh provided the following information about this property:

1. it is 150 acres in size;
2. it is undeveloped;
3. it primarily consists of wetlands;
4. Little Hawk Creek runs through the property;
5. it is adjacent to public land, Plum Creek, and another Volusia Forever application being considered for eligibility (Timberlands Consolidated); and
6. it meets 4 of the 14 Primary Site Ranking Criteria.

William Day, property owner, was present to provide additional information and answer any questions.

Vice-Chair Phil Maroney questioned whether there was access to this property other than through the Timberlands Consolidated Property.

William Day responded that the only access to the property would be through the Timberlands Consolidated Property.

Randall Sleister added that access to either property would be difficult due to the wetlands.

Member Reid Hughes made a motion to accept the Lafayette Landings Property Application as an eligible project. Member Alan Alshouse seconded the motion that carried by unanimous voice vote.

Russell (Port Orange) Property - Rob Walsh reminded the Committee that they had reviewed this application during the 2nd Cycle of 2003 where it was determined as ineligible for further consideration by a vote of 4 to 2. The City of Port Orange is now resubmitting the application for reconsideration by the Committee. The following information was provided about this property:

1. it is 18 acres in size with 7 acres being wetlands;
2. it is located on the south side of Spruce Creek (an Outstanding Florida Waterway) near the Gamble Property, west of I-95;
3. this application was developed by the City of Port Orange to provide water access to this area of Spruce Creek;
4. the Trust for Public Land has entered into a contract for purchase of this property;
5. the City of Port Orange has submitted an FCT application for this cycle;
6. it has two (2) structures (a single-family dwelling and a barn);
7. access to the property is through a subdivision, the Sanctuary on Spruce Creek, which could be problematic; and
8. it meets 6 of the 14 Primary Site Ranking Criteria.

Rob Walsh reminded the Committee that Resolution 2004-80 discourages the acquisition of property with structures (single-family dwellings). However, it doesn’t stipulate that it is prohibited, but would be handled on a case by case basis.

Ken Parker, City Manager for the City of Port Orange, was present to provide additional information and to answer any questions. He stated that the Russell Property is located within the city limits of the City of Port Orange. The primary access to this property would be via water from the Gamble Property. As this property is prime for development, the City of Port Orange approached the property owners to delay the marketing of the property "for sale." He added that the property owners are interested in preserving the property's natural resources and providing public use opportunities, therefore they elected to accept the City of Port Orange's proposal. The City views this property as the beginning to create a blueway from the Gamble Property to US1.

Susan Grandin, representative for the Trust for Public Lands (TPL), was present to provide additional information and answer any questions. She stated that the contract between the Russells and TPL was for $1.4 million and that would, in turn, be the purchase price by the City of Port Orange. She added that an FCT application has been submitted for this cycle and a request was being made for a 50/50 grant award.

Douglas Weaver asked if the City of Port Orange and/or TPL staff had done a self-scoring on the FCT application.

Susan Grandin and Ken Parker stated that the FCT application should score well, but couldn't provide a number from the self-scoring as the grant writer wasn't present.

Discussion ensued regarding who would be responsible for the management of the property should it be acquired.

Ken Parker explained that access issues through the Sanctuary on Spruce Creek would need to be resolved, but the City of Port Orange intends on being the managers of the property.

Douglas Weaver added that when and if the property is acquired, then the City and County would enter into an inter-local agreement that would require County Council's approval.

Discussion ensued regarding the different types of recreational opportunities that could be provided with the acquisition of this property.

Member Reid Hughes made a motion to accept the Russell (Port Orange) Property Application as an eligible project. Member Linda White seconded the motion that carried by unanimous voice vote.

Progress Energy Astor Property - Rob Walsh provided the following information about this property:

1. it is 1,558 acres in size located on Lake George near the Town of Pierson;
2. it is on the Florida Department of Forestry's Lake George State Forest Desired Acquisition List;
3. it is primarily being managed as a pine plantation; and
4. it meets 6 of the 14 Primary Site Ranking Criteria.

Member Gordon Kipp made a motion to accept the Progress Energy Astor Property Application as an eligible project. Member Reid Hughes seconded the motion that carried by unanimous voice vote.

Fairlawn at Daytona Property - Rob Walsh provided the following information about this property:

1. it is 87 acres in size located to the east of Clyde Morris Boulevard just north of Strickland Range Road and to the south of Hand Avenue near the City of Daytona Beach;
2. it is part of an antiquated subdivision consisting of approximately 120 acres with many different land owners;
3. it is surrounded by development;
4. it is primarily wetlands;
   access and recreational opportunities are limited; and
5. it meets 3 of the 14 Primary Site Ranking Criteria.

Rob Walsh reminded the Committee that Resolution 2004-80 stipulates that an application must meet a minimum of 4 of the 14 Primary Site Ranking Criteria in order to be considered as eligible for further consideration.

Alan Keeth, representative for the property owner, was present to provide additional information and to answer any questions. He stated that the property owner has been in contact with the owners of the remaining parcels and the majority indicated that they are willing sellers.

Geraldine Keeth, managing partner, added that this subdivision consists of 1,087 lots with 867 lots being owned by Fairlawn and Associates. She added that letters of intent to sell were mailed out to the remaining lot owners and approximately 97% were willing to participate. She also stated that even though there are approximately 220 lots remaining, some of the lot owners own several lots. Therefore, there aren't 220 different owners to deal with to create one large contiguous tract of land.

Vice-Chair Phil Maroney suggested using the Small Lot Acquisition Program to purchase these lots.

Rob Walsh stated that staff could use the Small Lot Acquisition Program to acquire the lots contained in this antiquated subdivision.

Member Gordon Kipp made a motion to accept the Fairlawn at Daytona Property Application as an eligible project. Member Linda White seconded the motion that failed by a voice vote of 0 to 6, as Resolution2004-80 requires an affirmative vote of at least five (5) Members to pass.

Staff Updates

1.Ranking Meeting - Rob Walsh explained that at the meeting to be held on September15,2004, the Committee will be ranking seven (7) properties from the 1st Cycle of 2004 (January 1, 2004 through June 30, 2004).

2.Green Springs Property – At the County Council meeting held on June 3, 2004, the Council approved the acquisition of approximately 1.10 acres known as the Green Springs Property, which would provide road access to the current Green Springs Park. This property closed on July1,2004.

3.Oglesby Property – At the County Council meeting held on July 8, 2004, the Council approved the joint acquisition of approximately 75 acres known as the Oglesby Property with the City of DeBary. This property is one of several joint acquisition efforts between the City of DeBary and the County. It is anticipated that closing will occur in early November 2004.

3.Trail Funding – Rob Walsh stated that $1 million was approved by County Council to be set aside out of the ECHO funds for multi-purpose trails.

4.Volusia Forever Funds - Rob Walsh informed the Committee that the newest projected Volusia Forever funds over 20 years has increased from $88 million to $125 million.

5.Townsend Property - Douglas Weaver explained that the State has completed reviewing the appraisals and an offer to the property owner(s) would be forthcoming.

6. Meeting Dates - Rob Walsh stated that staff was recommending that the August 18, 2004, meeting be canceled and the next meeting would be September 15, 2004, which would be the Committee's ranking meeting. With no objections, the Committee agreed with staff's recommendation and canceled the August 18, 2004, meeting.

Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 4:30p.m.