MINUTES
VOLUSIA FOREVER ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
3:30p.m. - 5:30p.m.
VOTRAN BUS FACILITY
950 BIG TREE ROAD, SOUTH DAYTONA, FL 32119
 

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 seven (7) Members were present after Member Alan Long arrived late. Members Reid Hughes and Alan Alshouse were recorded as an Excused Absence.

Approval of Minutes
Phil Maroney, Chair, called for a motion to approve the July 26, 2006, Minutes. Member JoAnn O’Bannon made a motion to approve the July 26, 2006, Minutes, as written. Member Kenneth Russell 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) additional property that had been submitted after the deadline for the 1st Cycle of 2006 (January 1, 2006 thru June 30, 2006), and determining whether this property is eligible for further consideration under the Volusia Forever Land Acquisition Program. If the Committee determines that this property is eligible, it will be added to the other eligible properties for ranking. He reminded the Committee that Resolution 2004-80 requires a property to meet at least four (4) of the Primary Criteria, and have an affirmative vote of at least five (5) Members in order for a property to be determined as eligible.

1. Amy Brooks Property – Rob Walsh provided the following information about this property:
   1. it is approximately 10 acres in size;
   2. it is located off Prideaux Road in the Osteen area;
   3. it is an in-holding of Wiregrass Prairie Preserve, the first property purchased under the Volusia Forever Land Acquisition Program; and
   4. it meets 6 of the 14 Primary Criteria.

Rob Walsh also added that this property has been deemed important for the overall management of Wiregrass Prairie Preserve, as it would fill-in the “hole in the donut.”

Chair Phil Maroney asked if a funding partner had been identified.

Rob Walsh stated that County staff would contact the St. Johns River Water Management District’s staff (District) to determine their willingness to be a funding partner, as they were the funding partner for the acquisition of Wiregrass Prairie Preserve.

Douglas Weaver added that there is a mobile home located on this property, which could be use as the residence for a law enforcement official (i.e., Volusia County Sheriff’s Office Deputy, Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Officer) to respond to issues relating to poaching that has been occurring in the area.

Member Pat Northey asked how many more parcels remained as in-holdings of Wiregrass Prairie Preserve.

Randall Sleister explained that there would be only one (1) additional in-holding of Wiregrass Prairie Preserve. He added that by acquiring this in-holding the boundary lines would be straightened out, which would make management of the entire area less problematic.

Member Pat Northey made a motion to accept the Amy Brooks Property Application as an eligible project. Member JoAnn O’Bannon seconded the motion that carried by unanimous voice vote.

Evaluation and Ranking of Eligible Applications – Rob Walsh explained that the Committee would be reviewing nine (9) properties, which were deemed as eligible during the 1st Cycle of 2006 (1 1 06 through 6 30 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 four.

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 George Road Property – This property consists of approximately 53 acres of heavily wooded, undeveloped land located off Lake George Road within the Lake George Wildlife Management Area near the Town of Seville. It adjoins other public lands owned by the St. Johns River Water Management District (District). Access to the property is via Lake George Road. It meets 15 of the 22 Ranking Criteria. This property consists primarily of scrubby flatwoods with a future land use designation of Forestry Resource (FR). The District has indicated that they are willing to participate as a funding partner for the acquisition of this property. The management of this property would be turned over to the District. Currently, the eastern half of the property is being advertised for sale, but the property owner is willing to sell the entire 53 acres to the Volusia Forever Land Acquisition Program.
   
   Member Kenneth Russell asked if the eastern half of the property adjoined public lands.
   
   Randall Sleister responded that the eastern half of the property adjoins privately owned lands.
   
   Member Pat Northey made a motion to add the Lake George Road Property to the Group "A" List of eligible properties. Member Kenneth Russell seconded the motion that carried by unanimous voice vote.
    
2. McBride Road Property – This property consists of approximately 10 acres of heavily wooded, undeveloped land locked land located off McBride Road within the Lake George Wildlife Management Area near the Town of Seville. It adjoins other public lands owned by the St. Johns River Water Management District (District). This property consists primarily of scrubby flatwoods with a future land use designation of Forestry Resource (FR). The District has indicated that they are willing to participate as a funding partner for the acquisition of this property. The management of this property would be turned over to the District.
   
   Member Dennis Bayer asked what the District’s level of funding participation would be for the Lake George and McBride Road properties.
   
   Rob Walsh explained that the District’s level of participation varied and typically has been 50%. However, they have indicated that their level of participation for these acquisitions would be 25%.
   
   Member Pat Northey made a motion to add the McBride Road Property to the Group “A List of eligible properties. Member JoAnn O’Bannon seconded the motion that carried by unanimous voice vote.
    
3. 1675 Perch Lane 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. 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. Management of the property would be dependent on how the property is developed, because it provides opportunities for outdoor recreational activities.
   
   Discussion ensued regarding the potential for this area to be developed, because of the zoning classification of Residential Planned Unit Development (RPUD).
   
   Member Dennis Bayer asked if a funding partner had been identified.
   
   Rob Walsh responded that a funding partner had not been identified. He added that County staff had been in contact with the District to determine their willingness to participate as a funding partner for this acquisition. However, the District indicated that they were not interested in being a funding partner at this time.
   
   Discussion ensued regarding the potential development of the property for outdoor recreational opportunities, such as a boat ramp or canoe launch.
   
   Member Pat Northey made a motion to add the 1675 Perch Lane Property to the Group “A” List of eligible properties. Member JoAnn O’Bannon seconded the motion that failed by roll call vote of 2 to 5 with Chair Phil Maroney, Members Kenneth Russell, Anne Hallum, Dennis Bayer and Alan Long opposed. Therefore, the 1675 Perch Land Property was added to the Group “B” List of eligible properties.
    
4. Salanitro Property – This property consists of approximately 29 acres of undeveloped land that is part of the 150 acre Charlene Strawn Old Growth Forest Property, which is currently on Volusia Forever’s Group “A” List. It is located on the southern shoreline of Lake Dias in the DeLeon Springs area. This property 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. Access to the property would be obtained through the Charlene Strawn Old Growth Forest Property, which has access via Lake Winona Road. The majority of the property is comprised of a sand pine scrub habitat, but also includes scrub, xeric hammock and floodplain forest along the Lake Dias shoreline. The management of this property would be included with the Charlene Strawn Old Growth Forest Property, if it is acquired. Management could include prescribed fire.
   
   Rob Walsh reminded the Committee that there were ownership issues with the Charlene Strawn Old Growth Forest Property. As a result of this issue, this property was purchased by David Salanitro, who has resubmitted a Volusia Forever Application to include this property with the Charlene Strawn Old Growth Forest Property. He stated that the acquisition of this property would enhance the acquisition of the Charlene Strawn Old Growth Forest Property by not leaving a “hole in the donut.”
   
   Member Anne Hallum asked if there was any progress regarding the acquisition efforts of the Charlene Strawn Old Growth Forest Property.
   
   Rob Walsh explained that based on recent communication with the owners of the Charlene Strawn Old Growth Forest Property, authorization to begin the appraisal of the entire 150 acres has been given to County staff. He added that County staff was also negotiating with the owners of the David Strawn Lands, Inc. Property, which consists of approximately 1,200 acres and is located in this area. The David Strawn Lands, Inc. Property is owned by a member of the Strawn Family. A map showing the location of lands owned by the Strawn Family was provided to the Committee to show the potential development of connectivity with conservation lands in this area.
   
   Member Anne Hallum made a motion to add the Salanitro Property to the Group “A” List of eligible properties. Member Dennis Bayer seconded the motion that carried by unanimous voice vote.
    
5. Lake Colby Properties (Kicklighter & Lesher) – These properties consists of two (2) parcels totaling approximately 21 acres of disturbed lands located off East Kicklighter Road near the City of Lake Helen. They are an in-holding of Lake Colby Park with several structures (i.e., home, barn, pole barn, and boat house). The County’s Leisure Services Department has been trying to acquire these properties for several years to provide access to the lake and peninsula portion of the park, which currently only has access via the water. The acquisition of these properties would resolve management issues by filling in the “hole in the donut.” These properties have several natural communities, including upland mixed forest, xeric hammock, floodplain swamp and basin marsh. Exotics are present on these properties. Lake Colby is an ephemeral lake, which allows the encroachment of invasive species at the edge of the lake. These properties are currently on the real estate market for sale as a package deal.
   
   Rob Walsh added that the City of Lake Helen has expressed an interest in acquiring these properties for public use and is willing to be a funding partner. However, their financial resources are limited.
   
   Douglas Weaver added that a Florida Communities Trust (FCT) application could be submitted as an after the fact purchase, which would provide additional points on the FCT application. He further added that this method has been used with other purchases to maximize points in the very competitive FCT grant process.
   
   Randall Sleister stated that the original purchase of the Lake Colby Park properties was facilitated by FCT grants. He added that the County’s Leisure Services Department has a conceptual plan for Lake Colby Park, which includes passive recreational activities.
   
   Member Anne Hallum asked for clarification on the City of Lake Helen’s interest in the acquisition of these properties.
   
   Rob Walsh explained that a verbal commitment has been given to the County from the City of Lake Helen by Mayor Mark Shuttleworth with the understanding that a written commitment would be coming. He added that Lake Helen’s City Commission has approved their support regarding the acquisition of these properties.
   
   Discussion ensued regarding the financial commitment of the City of Lake Helen and the need to move forward with the acquisition, if the properties are placed on the Group “A” List, as the properties are currently on the real estate market for sale.
   
   Douglas Weaver added that this acquisition may require an after the fact funding partnership with the City of Lake Helen, and an FCT application.
   
   Member Dennis Bayer asked if the City of Lake Helen could be the applicant if an after the fact FCT application was applied for, as a way to secure the City’s financial commitment and enhance the score on the application.
   
   Douglas Weaver stated that the County could purchase the properties and file an FCT application with the City of Lake Helen as the applicant to secure the City’s financial commitment and enhance the application’s score. He also stated that the score would be enhanced because the project was “pre-acquired.”
   
   Discussion ensued regarding the ecological value of the properties because of the presence of invasive exotics and management of these exotics.
   
   Member Pat Northey made a motion to add the Lake Colby Properties (Kicklighter & Lesher) to the Group “A” List of eligible properties. Member Anne Hallum seconded the motion that carried by unanimous voice vote.
    
6. Stone Island Property – This property consists of approximately 75 acres of developed land that is located off Lake Harney Road on Lake Harney, which is part of the St. Johns River, an American Heritage River. Currently, the property is encumbered by a cattle lease. Historically, it was used as a celery farm. The future land uses assigned to the property are Natural Resource Management Area (NRMA) and Environmental Systems Corridor (ESC). Several natural communities are present, including floodplain marsh, depression marsh, and mesic hammock. Most of the upland property consists of bahia pasture.
   
   Member Alan Long asked when the cattle lease would expire.
   
   Randall Sleister responded that it is believed that the cattle lease is a verbal agreement, but could not confirm that to be factual without talking to the property owner.
   
   Member Alan Long asked how the future land use designation of ESC applied to this property as this designation’s intent is to provide protected, natural pathways that connect to other protected areas such as parks, conservation land, and water bodies.
   
   Rob Walsh explained that this property would provide a protected, natural pathway from a water body (Lake Harney) to conservation lands (Miami Corporation Property, Colbert Cameron Mitigation Bank). He added that this portion of the County is very sparsely developed.
   
   Randall Sleister added that generally the ESC designation tends to follow wetland lines with some natural upland features being incorporated. However, the ESC designation has been assigned to this property because of the water body (Lake Harney).
   
   Member Pat Northey asked if there was access to the property.
   
   Randall Sleister replied that access would be via Lake Harney Road. He added that this property is very secluded. However, the roadway is maintained by the County.
   
   Member Kenneth Russell observed that this property is an in-holding of the Ford Family Property.
   
   Discussion ensued regarding connectivity after Member Dennis Bayer asked if the Ford Family would be contacted in an effort to create a corridor.
   
   Rob Walsh explained that the County’s long term goal would be to contact adjoining property owners, which would include the Ford Family, to create a corridor that would go from the Brevard County line northward. He added that conservation lands are in the immediate area, which could be expanded to create corridors and larger conservation areas. A Group “B” List Property, Hamlin-Dann Property, along with the Colbert Cameron Mitigation Bank, Buck Lake Property, and Miami Corporation Property could assist with the creation of the corridor.
   
   Member Dennis Bayer stated that this property alone does not have a significant amount of ecological value. However, if it was part of a strategic plan where additional properties that surround it were acquired, then it would have greater value.
   
   Douglas Weaver explained that this property was not part of an active strategic plan for acquisition of properties in this area. However, this property could become a foot hold in this area and a potential building block for future acquisitions.
   
   Randall Sleister added that the development potential of this property is high. Therefore, the acquisition of it would hold significant value as far as preservation of a natural area along a waterway.
   
   Chair Phil Maroney and Member Dennis Bayer expressed a concern that this property is heavily disturbed and lacks connectivity to other conservation lands.
   
   Douglas Weaver stated that discussions had occurred with St. Johns River Water Management District staff. However, they have not made any commitment towards the acquisition of this property.
   
   Ted Arthur, representative for the property owners, added that Seminole County had recently purchased approximately 100 acres on Lake Harney for a park. He further added that approximately 24.6 acres of the property were sovereign. This property provides approximately 1,300 feet of frontage on Lake Harney.
   
   Member Pat Northey made a motion to add the Stone Island Property to the Group “A” List of eligible properties. Member JoAnn O’Bannon seconded the motion that carried by a roll call vote of four (4) to three (3) with Chair Phil Maroney, Members Alan Long and Kenneth Russell opposed.
   
   NOTE: Subsequent to this meeting, the property owner contacted staff to inform them that the property had been sold, and the new owner had plans for the property. Therefore, the property was removed from the ranking list.
    
7. Thornby Property – This property consists of approximately 38 acres with historic relevance located off Lakeshore Drive and Providence Boulevard on Lake Monroe within the City of Deltona. A structure (i.e., home) had been located on the property, but was lost in a fire. This application was developed, and is being presented by the City of Deltona, who would be a funding partner. An FCT application was submitted, but the project did not score high enough to be funded. Several natural communities are present, which includes pine flatwoods, mesic hammock, basin swamp, floodplain swamp and basin marsh. An old railroad bed is located on the property, which is part of the Spring to Spring Trail. Management issues would include controlling exotics.
   
   Chair Phil Maroney expressed a concern that there is a lack of connectivity to other conservation lands and a significant amount of disturbance to the property.
   
   Member Pat Northey stated that the development pressures are significant. She also stated that connectivity would be provided through the Spring to Spring Trail, which runs from the St. Johns River to Titusville and north to Edgewater. An effort is being made to preserve Lakeshore Drive’s natural canopy and the historical resources of this property. The Community has been working for years to put this property into public ownership. Green Springs, a County park, is in very close proximity to this property.
   
   Discussion continued regarding connectivity and the development that is in the immediate area.
   
   Member Kenneth Russell asked for clarification regarding the rejection of the FCT application.
   
   Rob Walsh explained that the FCT application was not rejected. The problem was that the application did not score enough points to be funded. He added that discussions with Kathy Culligan, Grants Coordinator for the City of Deltona, indicated that the City intends on resubmitting an FCT application next year.
   
   Member Kenneth Russell asked if the City of Deltona has committed to an unconditional commitment for the acquisition of this property.
   
   Rob Walsh responded that County staff asked the City of Deltona if they had an alternate funding source for the amount that FCT did not provide through the grant application. He stated that the City’s response was no, they do not have an alternate funding source at this time.
   
   Member Kenneth Russell asked if the City of Deltona was now asking for full funding by the Volusia Forever Land Acquisition Program.
   
   Rob Walsh explained that the City of Deltona was not asking for full funding by the Volusia Forever Land Acquisition Program.
   
   Douglas Weaver stated that the Trust for Public Lands (TPL) had attempted to acquire this property in the past, but was unsuccessful as the offer did not meet the expectation of the property owners.
   
   Discussion continued regarding funding partnership with Douglas Weaver explaining that the objective of the Volusia Forever Land Acquisition Program was to obtain a 50/50 funding partnership. However, if FCT is a partner, then the funding partnership would be 50% FCT, 25% City and 25% Volusia Forever.
   
   Discussion ensued regarding management after Member Kenneth Russell asked if the City of Deltona has committed to managing the property once it is acquired.
   
   Douglas Weaver explained that a long-term management agreement would be entered into between the County and the City of Deltona, which would outline each entity’s role in the management of this property. This agreement would require approval by the County Council.
   
   Janet Deyette, City Commissioner for the City of Deltona, stated that this property is under development pressure. An effort is being made by the community to preserve this property and to create a passive park with a historical element. According to the City’s Biologist, this property is a biologist’s dream as it consists of eight (8) different natural communities. She added that the property owner has conducted an archeological study on the property, but has not provided the results to the City. Discussions with the County’s Leisure Services Department have indicated that the trailhead at Green Springs could be moved to this property, if it is acquired. Currently, the City is looking for other funding sources.
   
   Chair Phil Maroney asked how much money the City of Deltona has committed to the acquisition and development of this property.
   
   Janet Deyette stated that the City’s commitment level could not be provided until after the City holds its visioning session. She added that some City officials are interested in preserving this property, but not all.
   
   Member Anne Hallum asked if the City could identify the other funding sources they are looking at for financial support.
   
   Janet Deyette explained that one of the funding sources the City has approached is the Trust for Public Lands (TPL). As the City’s Grant Coordinator was not present with that information, she could not provide any additional information to the Committee. She added that she could not make any promises or commitments to the Committee as she does not have the full support of the City’s officials.
   
   Sandy Walters, coordinator of the Friends of Thornby, was present to provide additional information and to answer any questions. She stated that the Friends of Thornby was a grass roots organization that has been working with the Enterprise Preservation Society for several years to acquire this property, but with no success. She provided additional information contained in the form of hand-outs, which included historical maps, articles on Dr. James Glass, the original owner of the Thornby Property, and several letters regarding the archaeological and historic importance (i.e., Indian middens, Fort Kingsbury) of this property. She added that a local resident has pledged to donate $10,000.00 for the construction of a gazebo on the property to honor Dr. James Glass. She requested that the Committee place this property on the Group “A” List, so the County could move forward with the acquisition process.
   
   Roy Walters, representative for the community and a member of the MPO’s Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee, was present to provide additional information and to answer any questions. He provided additional photographs and historical information about the railroad trestles and canals that are on the property. He also discussed the trails plan, which includes a portion of this property. He requested that the Committee place this property on the Group “A” List, which would provide leverage and allow the County to quickly move forward with its acquisition. He made a comment that placing this property on the Group “B” List won’t show enough interest in preserving it. He added that there is a tremendous amount of community support for the preservation of this property.
   
   Chair Phil Maroney clarified that properties on the Group “B” List are important, but they lack an element (i.e., funding partner, connectivity) that would make it a Group “A” List property.
   
   Member Kenneth Russell commended the presentations from the community representatives, and expressed to them the importance in continuing this energy and commitment through the acquisition process.
   
   Discussion ensued regarding funding partners as it relates to the Group “A” and “B” List with Douglas Weaver explaining that a property on the Group “B” List could be moved to the Group “A” List if a funding partner emerges. However, the change would require approval from the County Council, which could take several weeks and hold-up the acquisition process. Whereas, a property on the Group “A” List that initially did not have a funding partner could move forward without the delay of several weeks after a funding partner had emerged.
   
   Member Pat Northey stated that, politically, this property would be dead if it is placed on the Group “B” List. She added that by placing this property on the Group “A” List the process could continue to move forward.
   
   Members Anne Hallum and Alan Long expressed concerns regarding the ecological value of this property and the Committee’s goal of conservation/preservation, not development.
   
   Member Dennis Bayer made a motion to add the Thornby Property to the Group “A” List of eligible properties. Member Kenneth Russell seconded the motion that carried by a roll call vote of five (5) to two (2) with Chair Phil Maroney and Member Alan Long opposed..
    
8. Amy Brooks Property – This property consists of approximately 10 acres of disturbed land with structures (i.e., mobile home) located off Prideaux Road in the Osteen area. It is an in holding of Wiregrass Prairie Preserve, the first property purchased under the Volusia Forever Land Acquisition Program. Overall management issues would be eliminated with the acquisition of this property by filling in the “hole in the donut.” This property could be used as the resident for a caretaker, who could deal with the issues of poaching in the area.
   
   Member Alan Long asked for clarification on how the acquisition of this property could resolve management issues, such as unauthorized vehicles (ATVs) on conservation land.
   
   Randall Sleister responded that by locking the gate at Rudman Road the access by unauthorized vehicles (ATVs) would be minimized. He added that there is an easement running from Rudman Road through Wiregrass Prairie Preserve to this property.
   
   Discussion ensued regarding the potential use of a caretaker on conservation land after Member JoAnn O’Bannon asked if any other conservation lands had a resident caretaker.
   
   Douglas Weaver stated that the County has a caretaker (law enforcement officer) residing on the Kaye Property in the Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve. He added that one of the conditions in the lease agreement requires the caretaker to patrol the Preserve to show a presence to ward off potential problems.
   
   Randall Sleister added that there is also a non-law enforcement caretaker at Lake George, who also establishes a presence to ward off potential problems.
   
   Chair Phil Maroney asked how much of the 10 acres is disturbed.
   
   Randall Sleister responded that approximately 80-90% of the 10 acres is disturbed. He added that this property could be restored to a more natural state, or used to store land management equipment, if the residence is used for a caretaker.
   
   Member Pat Northey made a motion to add the Amy Brooks Property to the Group “A” List of eligible properties. Member JoAnn O’Bannon seconded the motion that carried by unanimous voice vote.

Group B

Hamlin-Dann Property – Rob Walsh explained that this 1,190 acre property was placed on the Group “B” List due to the lack of a funding partner and acquisition issues, which are being resolved. This property also provides connectivity to other conservation lands. The St. Johns River Water Management has now indicated that they are willing to be a funding partner. Therefore, County staff is requesting that the Committee move this property to the Group “A” List.

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, which they agreed to do, but have not done as of yet. With the property on the Group “A” List, County staff will now be able to move forward with the acquisition process.

Member Pat Northey made a motion to move the Hamlin-Dann Property to the Group “A” List of eligible properties. Member JoAnn O’Bannon seconded the motion that carried by unanimous voice vote.

Small Lot Acquisition Program Funding – Rob Walsh explained that since 2002 there has been a drastic escalation in the per acre cost of the properties the County is attempting to purchase in the targeted antiquated, platted subdivisions. With the rise in assessed values of these small lots the dollar cap hinders the ability of the program to function effectively. This increase has also created a shortage in available funds, which caused the temporary suspension of purchasing of these small lots until the new fiscal year. Therefore, County staff is requesting that the Committee remove the existing dollar cap of $125,000, which was 3.2% of the Volusia Forever revenues in 2003, and establish a not-to-exceed funding level of 2.5% of the annual Volusia Forever tax revenues, with no set dollar cap. This change would allow the appropriations to increase as the values of the parcels increase, and allow the program to continue without exceeding the available funds.

Member Kenneth Russell made a motion to change the funding of the Small Lot Acquisition Program to “not to exceed 2.5% of the annual tax receipts” instead of a set dollar cap of $125,000.00. Member Pat Northey seconded the motion that carried by a unanimous voice vote.

Staff Updates
Douglas Weaver provided the following updates:

1. Stanaki/ ICI Property – this property is within the Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve. The Department of Environmental Protection is the lead agency for this acquisition. Negotiations are on-going for all or part of the 450 acres located on the east side of I-95 in Port Orange.
2. Ocklawaha Property– this property is within the Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve. At this time, there isn’t any progress in the acquisition process.
3. Townsend/Schroeder Property - this 637 acre piece of property, which is located within the Volusia/Flagler Conservation Corridor on SR 44, has been appraised. Offers have been made by the County to the property owners, but the owners have not made a counter-offer.
4. Mynchenburg Property – this was a joint acquisition effort between the Town of Ponce Inlet and the County for a 21 acre parcel. This property is now in public ownership. The Town of Ponce Inlet, with the support of the County, has filed a Florida Communities Trust (FCT) Grant Application.
5. Festival Property – this 2,900 acre piece of property, which is located within the Volusia/Flagler Conservation Corridor on SR 44, has been appraised and negotiations are forth coming. The SJRWMD has indicated that they would be a funding partner for this acquisition.
6. Charlene Strawn Old Growth Forest – staff is currently working with the property owners and appraisals will be forth coming.
7. Double B Ranch – this is a 3,700 acre piece of property adjacent to the Haw Creek State Preserve, which is owned by the SJRWMD. Staff has been negotiating with the property owners to no avail.
8. Russell (Port Orange) – this 17 acre piece of property is now in public ownership with 50% funding from FCT, 25% City of Port Orange and 25% County.
9. Holiday Haven – this 49 acre piece of property has title issues that need to be resolved before negotiations can continue.
10. David Strawn – staff is currently negotiating with the property owner for this 1,200 acre piece of property located in the DeLeon Springs area off Lake Winona Road and U.S. Hwy. 17. The property owner has indicated that they may be willing to offer an additional 200 acres to Volusia Forever. The SJRWMD has indicated that they would be a 50% funding partner for this acquisition.
11. Hughes/Huntington Trust – these properties have been appraised. The FCT grant application that was tendered did not qualify for funding this year. However, the City of New Smyrna Beach would be a funding partner.
12. Krol – this 667 acre piece of property located on S.R. 415 is currently being appraised.

Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 6:06p.m.