MINUTES
VOLUSIA FOREVER ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
VOTRAN Bus Facility
950 Big Tree Road, South Daytona, Fl  32119

Meeting Called to Order
Anne Hallum, Vice-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
Anne Hallum, Vice-Chair, instructed the Recording Secretary to record the roll of the Members in attendance, in which seven (7) Members were present after Member Dwight Lewis arrived late. Chair Dennis Bayer and Member Gerald Feiser were recorded as Excused Absences.

Approval of Minutes
Anne Hallum, Vice-Chair, called for a motion to approve the April 16, 2008, Minutes. Member John E. Wagner recommended corrections on Page 8, Last Paragraph, 1st Sentence (“salvager” to “salvaging”), and Page 9, 4th Paragraph, 1st Sentence (“John McGuirk” to Jason McGuirk”). Member Jason McGuirk made a motion to approve the April 16, 2008, Minutes, as amended. Member Phil Maroney seconded the motion which carried by unanimous voice vote.

Election of Chair and Vice-Chair
Anne Hallum, Vice-Chair, reminded the Committee that the term for the Chair and Vice-Chair are for one (1) year, but they shall not serve more than two (2) consecutive years.

Douglas Weaver added that the present Chair, Dennis Bayer, and Vice-Chair, Anne Hallum, have only served one (1) one-year term. Therefore, they can be re-elected for another term.

Vice-Chair Anne Hallum called for nominations.

After a brief discussion, the Committee determined that the current Chair, Dennis Bayer, and Vice Chair, Anne Hallum, were not opposed to serving another one-year term.

Member Jason McGuirk made a motion to re-appoint Member Dennis Bayer as Chair, and Member Anne Hallum as Vice Chair. Member Phil Maroney seconded the motion which carried by unanimous voice vote.

Vice-Chair Anne Hallum announced that a representative for the Sowards Property has requested that the Committee amend the agenda to discuss and determine the eligibility of their property as the first, rather than last, project under “Discussion and Determination of Eligibility for Submitted Applications.”

With no objections from the Committee or public, the agenda was amended to discuss and determine the eligibility of the Sowards Property first under “Discussion and Determination of Eligibility for Submitted Application.”

Vice-Chair Anne Hallum reminded the Committee that they will be reviewing eleven (11) properties that had been submitted for the 2nd Cycle of 2008, and determining whether the properties are eligible for further consideration under the Volusia Forever Program. The determination of placement on the Group “A” or “B” List of the projects found to be eligible would be handled at the next meeting. She also stated that County staff had not visited the properties, and the Initial Review Report had been produced based on information provided by the applicant. She welcomed the new Volusia Forever Program Coordinator, Ed Isenhour.

Discussion and Determination of Eligibility for Submitted Applications
Ed Isenhour explained that the Committee would be reviewing eleven (11) properties that had been submitted for the 2nd Cycle of 2008, and determining whether the properties are eligible for further consideration under the Volusia Forever Program. All properties that have been determined as eligible will be ranked on September 17, 2008, to determine their placement on either the Group “A” or “B” List. He reminded the Committee that Resolution 2004-80 states that a property should meet at least four (4) of the 13 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. Sowards Property – Ed Isenhour provided a location map and the following information about this property:

a. it is approximately 9 acres in size;
b. it is located on the west side of US Hwy. 1, south of Watson Stanley Road in the Oak Hill area;
c. it is within the Indian River Lagoon Blueway;
d. it is across the street from public lands (i.e., Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge), but it is not adjacent; and
e. it meets four (4) of the13 Primary Ranking Criteria.

Member Phil Maroney asked if there was any type of commercial development in this area.

Ed Isenhour replied that to the best of his knowledge there was no commercial development of any type in this area.

Member John E. Wagner added that this area consists of low land, swamp/marsh areas with some old citrus groves, but no development.

Member Jason McGuirk asked what zoning classification had been assigned to this property.

Robert Sowards, property owner, was present to provide additional information and answer any questions. He stated that the property is zoned Resource Corridor. It consists of approximately nine (9) acres that are at the headwaters of the Indian River and is currently being used by the public for fishing or launching of kayaks. Therefore, this property would provide outdoor recreational opportunities (i.e., fishing, boating) for the public. He provided additional photographs of the property.

Member Phil Maroney asked several questions about the management of this property to clarify how isolated this property may be for the County to manage, and if a Federal agency could assume management responsibilities as they own the property on the east side of US Hwy 1.

Randall Sleister replied that management of this property by the County could be problematic as it is not adjacent to or near any other lands managed by the County. He added that County staff has not contacted the appropriate Federal agency to discuss their potential interest in assuming the management responsibilities of this property. In previous attempts to surrender management responsibilities to a Federal agency, the County has not received much interest from them. However, it could be discussed with the appropriate Federal agency.

Member Chris Schlageter asked if there were Brazilian peppers on this site, which could become a funding source for Brazilian pepper eradication.

Randall Sleister stated that the likelihood for the existence of Brazilian pepper on this site is high as it is a coastal habitat. He added that a more in depth report on the different habitat types would be provided to the Committee, if this property is determined as eligible for further consideration. To develop this report, County staff would need to visit the site and take photographs.

Member Chris Schlageter asked if the property was prone to flooding when the tide was high.

Robert Sowards replied that the property has never been wet. He added that a large number of cedar trees are on the property.

Randall Sleister recalled that this property is well above the high tide line.

Member John E. Wagner noted that the aerial map depicts a small area in the southwest quadrant of questionable ownership. He asked for clarification on this potential ownership issue to ensure the integrity of this proposal.

Robert Sowards clarified that he is the owner of the small area in question, and a survey has been completed to confirm the inclusion of this questionable area.

Ed Isenhour and Member Chris Schlageter explained that boundary line discrepancies can occur with the aerial and GIS mapping system.

Member Phil Maroney asked what the depth of the property was from the edge of the roadway to the back of the property.

Robert Sowards replied that the property’s depth from US Hwy. 1 to the back of the property is approximately 278 feet.

Member Chris Schlageter expressed a concern that this property is isolated even though it could provide outdoor recreational opportunities for the public.

Discussion ensued regarding the need to protect the headwaters of the Indian River from development.

Randall Sleister clarified that the headwaters for this area of the Indian River extend northward into the Samsula area.

Member John E. Wagner noted that the Initial Review Report provided a low rating for this property with only seven (7) of the 22 Site Ranking Criteria being answered “yes,” and they were on the lower end of the scale. He also stated that the development pressure is low in this area.

Member Wanda Van Damm asked if there was public access that could accommodate an area for vehicle parking to a boat ramp.

Robert Sowards replied that a parking area for vehicles wishing to launch a boat (i.e., kayak) could be provided to the public.

Discussion continued regarding public access for boating opportunities from this property.

Alex Sokolik, representative for the property owners, was present to provide additional information and answer any questions. He stated that the property owners are actively marketing this property and there is a potential for rezoning the property to allow a wider usage of the property. Previously, there were 12 log cabins on the property. The property is high and dry even though it is within the 100-year flood plain. This property could provide outdoor recreational opportunities for the public.

Several Members suggested that the property owners investigate the Volusia ECHO Program’s criteria to determine if this property could be acquired through that program.

Member Jason McGuirk made a motion to accept the Sowards Property Application as an eligible project. Member John E. Wagner seconded the motion which failed by a roll call vote of two (2) to five (5), as Resolution 2004 80 requires an affirmative vote of at least five (5) Members to pass.

2. Butts Property – Ed Isenhour provided a location map and the following information about this property:

a. it is approximately 110 acres in size;
b. it is locate on the north side of SR 44, east of Old Sawmill Road, and north of the transmission corridor;
c. it is adjacent to the Smith Property, which is also being reviewed by the Committee for eligibility;
d. it is adjacent to public lands owned by the County and St. Johns River Water Management District (i.e., Longleaf Pine Preserve);
e. it would resolve potential management issues; and
f. it meets eight (8) of the 13 Primary Ranking Criteria.

Member Dwight Lewis asked who owned the property on the north side of the Butts Property.

Ed Isenhour replied that the City of Port Orange owns the property located on the north side of the Butts Property.

Douglas Weaver added that the County is working with the City of Port Orange to implement an interlocal agreement that would allow the County to install a passive recreational trail through this property to other areas of the County’s Longleaf Pine Preserve.

Member John E. Wagner asked who owned the property on the south side of the Butts and Smith properties.

Ed Isenhour stated that the Butts and Smith families own the remaining parcels located on the south side of the submitted Butts and Smith properties. These remaining parcels extend southward to SR 44.

Bill Riggle, representative for the owners of the Butts and Smith properties, was present to provide additional information and answer any questions. He noted that both the Butts and Smith properties received a low rating on the Initial Review Reports for access. He asked if County staff considered the access via the power line easement during the rating process.

Randall Sleister replied that the access via the power line easement was considered, but could be problematic for public use. Potentially, public access could be through the adjacent public lands (Longleaf Pine Preserve).

Member John E. Wagner made a motion to accept the Butts Property Application as an eligible project. Member Jason McGuirk seconded the motion which carried by unanimous voice vote.

3. Smith Property – Ed Isenhour provided a location map and the following information about this property:

a. it is approximately 60 acres in size;
b. it is locate on the north side of SR 44, east of Old Sawmill Road, and north of the transmission corridor;
c. it is adjacent to the Butts Property, which is also being reviewed by the Committee for eligibility;
d. it is adjacent to public lands (i.e., Longleaf Pine Preserve);
e. it is adjacent to the boundaries of the Volusia Conservation Corridor;
f. it would resolve potential management issues; and
g. it meets eight (8) of the 13 Primary Ranking Criteria.

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

4. SR 40 Middle Haw Creek Property – Ed Isenhour advised the Committee that an application consisting of approximately 47 acres was previously submitted to Volusia Forever for consideration, but the Committee did not determine it to be eligible for further consideration. Since that time, an additional 20+/- acres has been added to the application, and it is now being re-submitted for consideration. In addition, the Anderson Property, consisting of approximately 350 acres located on the north side of SR 40 across the street from this property, has been submitted and is being reviewed for eligibility. He provided a location map and the following information about this property:

a. it is approximately 68 acres in size;
b. it is located on the south side of SR 40 between Barberville and the Ormond Beach area;
c. it offers protection of Middle Haw Creek, which runs along the western boundary;
d. there would be management issues due to its location on SR 40 and surrounding large lot development;
e. it is near public lands (i.e., Relay Wildlife Management Area of Flagler County), but it is not adjacent;
f. it consists of approximately 40 acres of wetlands and 27 acres of pine forest; and
g. it meets four (4) of the 13 Primary Ranking Criteria.

Discussion ensued regarding the potential for cost effective restoration of degraded water bodies or wetlands with Randall Sleister explaining that this is a cost benefit analysis of potential restoration needs and costs, which takes into consideration the amount of wetlands within a specific area/acreage.

Discussion ensued regarding the location of Ormond Beach and Daytona Beach’s city limits, the possibility of annexation by these cities, and potential funding partnerships.

Member John E. Wagner made a motion to accept the SR 40 Middle Haw Creek Property Application as an eligible project. Member Wanda Van Dam seconded the motion which failed by a roll call vote of four (4) to three (3), as Resolution 2004 80 requires an affirmative vote of at least five (5) Members to pass.

5. Anderson Property – Ed Isenhour provided a location map and the following information about this property:

a. it is approximately 350 acres in size;
b. it is located on the north side of SR 40 at Creek Haven Road in the Ormond Beach area;
c. it is north of the SR 40 Middle Hawk Creek Property, which is also being reviewed by the Committee for eligibility;
d. it extends north from SR 40 toward the Volusia/Flagler County line, but to the county line;
e. it offers protection of Middle Haw Creek, which runs through a portion of this property;
f. there would be management issues due to its location on SR 40 and surrounding large lot development;
g. it is near public lands (i.e., Relay Wildlife Management Area in Flagler County and Plum Creek in Volusia County), but it is not adjacent; and
h. it meets six (6) of the 13 Primary Ranking Criteria.

Member Dwight Lewis noted that an adjoining property owner on the western boundary appears to have access through this property via Creek Haven Road. He asked if access to this adjoining parcel would become problematic should Volusia Forever acquire the Anderson Property.

Discussion ensued regarding the benefits of preserving property that is not connected to other public lands.

After a brief discussion, Ed Isenhour explained that County staff would need to verify if Creek Haven Road is a public road and whether access to the adjoining parcel would become an issue.

Member Dwight Lewis made a motion to accept the Anderson Property Application as an eligible project. Member Wanda Van Dam seconded the motion which carried by unanimous voice vote.

6. Roger Page Property – Ed Isenhour provided a location map and the following information about this property:

a. it is approximately 162 acres in size;
b. it is located on the south side of SR 442/ Indian River Blvd. in the city limits of Edgewater;
c. it is within the boundaries of the Indian River Lagoon Blueway, a Florida Forever “A” List project;
d. a portion is within the Turnbull Hammock area; and
e. it meets five (5) of the 13 Primary Ranking Criteria.

Member Jason McGuirk noted that the SR 442/ Indian River Blvd. area has become a hotspot for development, and express a concern that this property could become an isolated conservation area surrounded by development.

Member Chris Schlageter stated that efforts are currently being made by developers to create green development, which would provide on-site conservation areas with limited public use.

Discussion ensued regarding connectivity to other conservation/public lands and the creation of buffers from encroaching development.

Member Phil Maroney asked who owns the adjoining property to the south of this property.

Ed Isenhour replied that the adjoining property consisting of a large portion of the Turnbull Hammock acreage is under single ownership.

Member Dwight Lewis expressed concerns regarding the potential costliness of properties located in highly developed, urban areas. However, it is important to create buffers between conservation lands and development.

Discussion ensued regarding the boundaries of the Indian River Lagoon Blueway, and the desire to acquire lands within these boundaries.

Member Chris Schlageter asked what habitat types were on this property.

Randall Sleister replied that this property primarily consists of hardwood swamp.

Discussion continued regarding the potential costliness of the property, and desire to preserve green space in urban areas.

Member John E. Wagner made a motion to accept the Roger Page Property Application as an eligible project. Member Jason McGuirk seconded the motion which carried by a vote of five (5) to two (2) with Members Jason McGuirk and Phil Maroney opposed.

7. Kagel/Butts Property – Ed Isenhour provided a location map and the following information about this property:

a. it is approximately 4 acres in size;
b. it is located on Spruce Creek;
c. it is adjacent to the boundaries of the Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve; and
d. it meets five (5) of the 13 Primary Ranking Criteria.

Discussion ensued regarding public access after Member Phil Maroney noted that the Initial Review Report indicates N/A for the response under the Management Criteria, “there is appropriate access to the property.”

County staff explained that public access to this area may be limited as it primarily consists of wetlands.

Hal Butts, representative for the property owners, was present to provide additional information and answer any questions. He stated that the property owners are willing sellers.

Discussion ensued regarding the potential value that this property could provide to the Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve.

Ed Isenhour stated that the acquisition of this property would help complete the public ownership of the lands along the southern shore of Spruce Creek.

Randall Sleister explained that the acquisition of this property could prevent management issues that could occur when conducting a prescribed burn in an area with private land ownership.

Member John E. Wagner made a motion to accept the Kagel/Butts Property Application as an eligible project. Member Wanda Van Dam seconded the motion which carried by unanimous voice vote.

8. Cypress Ranch Property – Ed Isenhour provided a location map and the following information about this property:

a. it is approximately 85 acres in size;
b. it is located off Rudman Road in the Osteen area;
c. the portion of the property located on the south side of Rudman Road, contains a single family residence;
d. it is adjacent to the County’s Wiregrass Prairie Preserve, and the TTT Ranch Property, which is currently on Volusia Forever’s Group “B” List;
e. this proposal is for a conservation easement; and
f. it meets seven (7) of the 13 Primary Ranking Criteria.

Ian DePol, property owner, was present to provide additional information and answer any questions. He added that the acreage could increase to approximately 120 acres, if several land locked parcels under various ownerships were viewed as part of the Cypress Ranch Property.

Ed Isenhour stated that County staff checked into the ownership of these land locked parcels and discovered that they are under various ownerships. He added that the Cypress Ranch Application does not include these parcels.

Discussion ensued regarding the issue of access to these land locked parcels with Douglas Weaver and Stacey Manning explaining that access to these parcels could be obtained through a legal process.

Ian DePol added that there is not a prescriptive easement for these parcels. He further added that he would amend his Volusia Forever Application to include these land locked parcels if he was able to obtain ownership to them. The majority of this area is cypress swamp.

Member Phil Maroney asked how the property owner was using the property.

Ian DePol stated that the property is being used as part of an active cattle operation. He also stated that he has been making conservation improvements by planting oak trees, etc.

Member Dwight Lewis asked if there are any hunting leases, or camps on the property.

Ian DePol replied that there were no hunting leases or camps on the property, just a single family dwelling.

Johnnie Mathis, adjoining property owner, was present, and stated that he may be willing to submit an application to Volusia Forever in the future. He added that a hunt club may be active on property located to the east of this area, which is owned by Miami Corporation.

Douglas Weaver explained that County staff has been in contact with representatives of Miami Corporation to discuss the potential submission of a Volusia Forever Application for a certain portion of their holdings. At this time, they are not willing sellers.

Member Wanda Van Dam asked for clarification regarding the location of Mr. Mathis’ property, and if it is adjacent to the County’s Wiregrass Prairie Preserve. She referenced a color-coded map that was provided by County staff to discuss the location of the various properties in question.

Ian DePol replied that Mr. Mathis’ property is approximately 20 acres in size and adjacent to the County’s Wiregrass Prairie Preserve. He referenced the color-coded map and stated that Mr. Mathis’ property is the white block surrounded by green on the south side of Rudman Road.

Member John E. Wagner asked if there is a residence on Mr. Mathis’s property.

Johnnie Mathis stated that there is a residence on his property.

Randall Sleister stated that the Cypress Ranch Property is a portion of another Volusia Forever Application previously submitted as a conservation easement proposal to the Committee for review and determination of eligibility. The previous application was for the DeNauro Property, which consisted of approximately 400 acres. After reviewing the application for the DeNauro Property, the Committee determined that it was not eligible for further consideration. However, the remaining portion of the original DeNauro Property was submitted as the TTT Ranch Property and is currently on Volusia Forever’s Group “B” List.

Member John E. Wagner asked the property owner if he would continue with his attempts to acquire all the parcels within this area to achieve one large contiguous area under one owner.

Ian DePol replied that he would continue with his attempts to acquire all the parcels within this area to achieve one large contiguous area under one owner.

Member Phil Maroney made a motion to accept the Cypress Ranch Property Application as an eligible project. Member Dwight Lewis seconded the motion which failed by a roll call vote of four (4) to three (3), as Resolution 2004 80 requires an affirmative vote of at least five (5) Members to pass.

9. Mulligan Property – Ed Isenhour provided a location map and the following information about this property:

a. the certain portion being considered is approximately 1-2 acres in size with the overall acreage being approximately 5 acres;
b. it is located within a residential neighborhood on DeBary Avenue at the intersection with Maple Avenue near the City of DeBary;
c. there is a single family residence on the property; and
d. it meets two (2) of the 13 Primary Ranking Criteria.

Ed Isenhour also stated that the certain acreage would be the road frontage on DeBary Avenue. With the realignment of DeBary Avenue, the property owner thought this portion of his property could provide a trailhead for the County’s multi-purpose trail system. Discussions with the County’s Public Works Department revealed that they are not interested in acquiring this acreage for a trailhead. Additionally, the County has a park and ride lot within close proximity to this property.

Member John E. Wagner made a motion to accept the Mulligan Property Application as an eligible project. Member Jason McGuirk seconded the motion which failed by a roll call vote of zero (0) to seven (7), as Resolution 2004 80 requires an affirmative vote of at least five (5) Members to pass.

10. Christian Property – Ed Isenhour provided a location map and the following information about this property:

a. it is approximately 105 acres in size;
b. it is located east of SR 415 near Lemon Bluff Road in the Osteen area;
c. it is an island located within the St. Johns River;
d. there is no upland access;
e. it is adjacent to St. Johns River Water Management District’s Lake Monroe Conservation Area; and
f. it meets five (5) of the 13 Primary Ranking Criteria.

Member Phil Maroney noted that the application indicates that there had been a long history of cattle grazing on the property until recently.

Ronald Christian, property owner, was present to provide additional information and answer any questions. He stated that he purchased the property approximately 15 years ago with the intent of using this property for cattle grazing and various federal programs. This property has also been used for recreational opportunities by the Boy Scouts and part of an eco-tourism business.

Member Chris Schlageter asked if the St. Johns River Water Management District had been contacted to determine if they are interested in becoming a funding partner.

Ed Isenhour replied that County staff had not, but would contact the District to determine if they are interested in becoming a funding partner should the property be found eligible.

Ronald Christian stated that this property is on the District’s acquisition map, so there is a greater likelihood of establishing a funding partnership for the potential acquisition of this property.

Douglas Weaver added that public access is an issue as the only access to this property is via boat.

Member Wanda Van Dam publicly disclosed a potential conflict of interest regarding the Christian Property as she owns adjoining property.

After a brief discussion, it was determined that Member Wanda Van Dam does not have a conflict of interest as she would not financially gain from the potential acquisition of this property.

Member Jason McGuirk made a motion to accept the Christian Property Application as an eligible project. Member Chris Schlageter seconded the motion which failed by a roll call vote of two (2) to five (5), as Resolution 2004 80 requires an affirmative vote of at least five (5) Members to pass.

11. Denton Property – Ed Isenhour provided a location map and the following information about this property:

a. it is a lot within the Lake Harney Woods Subdivision that is approximately 11 acres in size;
b. it is located on west side of Gopher Slough Road near SR 46 in the Mims area;
c. this proposal is for a conservation easement;
d. it is not adjacent to other public lands; and
e. it meets two (2) of the 13 Primary Ranking Criteria.

Vice-Chair Anne Hallum stated that County staff had provided an additional map depicting the location of this property within the Lake Harney Woods Subdivision.

Members Jason McGuirk and Wanda Van Dam asked if this proposal would qualify for acquisition under the Small Lot Acquisition Program.

Ed Isenhour explained that this proposal would not quality for acquisition under the Small Lot Acquisition Program as it is being offered as a conservation easement and not a fee simple acquisition.

Member John E. Wagner made a motion to accept the Denton Property Application as an eligible project. Member Dwight Lewis seconded the motion which failed by a roll call vote of zero (0) to seven (7), as Resolution 2004 80 requires an affirmative vote of at least five (5) Members to pass.

Staff Updates
1. Small Lot Acquisition Program Funding – Ed Isenhour explained that the Small Lot Acquisition Program’s current funding level is set at 3.5% of the annual Volusia Forever tax revenues. The increase from 2.5% to 3.5% in January 2008, temporarily enabled County staff to acquire additional parcels within the targeted areas. However, these funds have again been depleted. The program would have been suspended again, but a one time supplement from the County’s wetland mitigation funds has allowed the program to continue until those funds are depleted. As the program continues to be successful in this buyers market, County staff is requesting that the Committee support a recommendation to County Council that would change the not to exceed funding level to 5% of the annual Volusia Forever tax revenues.

Member Phil Maroney asked how much money would be available for the Small Lot Acquisition Program with the funding level at 5%.

Ed Isenhour replied that based on the projected tax roll, the available funds at 5% would be approximately $380,000.00. This would provide an increase in funds of approximately $100,000.00.

Douglas Weaver added that approximately 1,700 acres have been acquired by the Small Lot Acquisition Program costing approximately $944,000.00. He stated that County staff continues to be flexible, but would like to be able to take advantage of the buyers market.

Member Dwight Lewis made a motion to support and recommend to County Council an increase (from 3.5% to 5 %) in the percentage of Volusia Forever funds set aside for the Small Lot Acquisition Program. Member Phil Maroney seconded the motion which carried by unanimous voice vote.

2. Amendment of Resolution 2004-80 - Ed Isenhour explained that County staff is recommending a modest change to the Volusia Forever Program’s operating resolution (2004-80), which would shorten the length of time that a Group “B” List project may reside on the County Council approved Group “A/B” List. Currently, a Group “B” List project may be removed from the list after four (4) ranking cycles, or two (2) years. With the proposed change, a Group “B” List project may be removed from the list after two (2) ranking cycles, or one (1) year. The proposed change would provide increased flexibility in managing the list by addressing current and/or future conditions, such as ownership changes, continued willingness of landowner and other financial considerations. This does not mean that a Group “B” List project would automatically be removed from the list after two (2) ranking cycles, or one (1) year.

Member Phil Maroney asked if any Group “B” List project has moved up to the Group “A” and been acquired by Volusia Forever.

Douglas Weaver replied that there has been one (1) project (Krol Property) that moved from the down from the Group “A” List to the Group “B” List then back up to the Group “A” List. After the move back to the Group “A” List, Volusia Forever acquired the Krol Property. He stated both the Group “A” and “B” Lists would need to be continually monitored and pared back to keep these lists manageable. Additionally, the selection process will also need to change and evolve as available funds become limited.

Discussion ensued regarding the process for potentially removing a project from the Group “A/B” List.

Member Phil Maroney made a motion to approve/accept Resolution 2004 80, as amended. Member John E. Wagner seconded the motion which carried by unanimous voice vote.

3. Volusia Conservation Corridor Property – Ed Isenhour provided the following information pertaining to the Seybold Property, an application that had been received during the 2nd Cycle of 2008. It is approximately 385 acres located on the south side of SR 44, west of the intersection with Pioneer Trail. As it is within the boundaries of the Volusia Conservation Corridor, a Volusia Forever Group “A” List project, it has technically been approved and/or ranked.

4. Current “A” List – Douglas Weaver provided the following updates:

a) Stanaki Property – this property is within the Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve (DLSCP). The City of Port Orange (City) acquired approximately 225+/- acres of the overall 450+/- acres. However, a citizen has filed a lawsuit against the City regarding this acquisition. The County has remitted a letter to the City indicating that the County still wishes to be a funding partner, but will not enter into an agreement/contract until the lawsuit is resolved. Additionally, the remaining 225+/- acres of the overall 450+/- acres will be removed from the Volusia Forever Program, based on a letter of request from Mark Watts, Esq., representative of the Hosseini organization.
b) Ford Property - this 61 +/- acre tract within the Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve is under contact for purchase by the County, and moving toward closing. The St. Johns River Water Management District is a funding partner.
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) Double B Ranch Property– County staff has been negotiating with the property owner of this 3,700 acre tract that is adjacent to the District’s Haw Creek Preserve without success.
f) Holiday Haven – this 49 acre piece of property located off the tributaries of Hitchens Creek in the Lake George State Forest is under contract and moving toward closing.
g) David Strawn Property – this 1,200 acre tract abutting the Heart Island Conservation Area in the DeLeon Springs area, is under contract. The St. Johns River Water Management District is a 25% funding partner for this acquisition.
h) Hughes/Huntington Trust (Colony Park) Property– this 42+/- acre tract owned by Huntington Trust has been re-appraised due to a configuration change of the lands being offered for sale to the County, and negotiations with the property owner will be forth coming..
i) Thornby Property – this 38+/- acre tract located in the City of Deltona has been appraised and negotiations with the property owner will be forth coming. This would be a joint acquisition by the City of Deltona and the County.
j) Hamlin-Dann Property – this 1,172 acre tract located in the southeast section of the County near Lake Harney is on hold, as the previous offer for purchase of a conservation easement was not accepted by the property owners.
k) Zimmer-Heideman Property - this 215+/- acre tract of land located on Old New York Avenue in the DeLand area near the St. Johns River is on hold as there is no funding partner.
l) Duff Spring Garden Lake Property - this 9+/- acre tract located on Living Water Street in DeLeon Springs was successfully purchased by the County and is now in public ownership. It will be an addition to the County’s Chuck Lennon Park.
m) Lake Moore Project (Ford/Mikol Properties) – an offer to purchase this 121+/- acre tract of undeveloped land located between Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Beltway and Summit Avenue in the City of DeLand has been presented to the property owners. The City of DeLand and the County will be funding partners.
n) Smith Trust - this 337+/- acre undeveloped tract located on the shore of Lake George, west of Old Bubbly Road and south of Ninemile Point Road in the Pierson area has been appraised, and an offer for purchase of a conservation easement has been presented to the property owner. The property owner is in the process of having an independent appraisal completed.
o) Severson Property – this 80+/- acre tract located north of US Hwy. 92 (International Speedway Boulevard) and west of LPGA Boulevard is contiguous to the Tiger Bay State Forest. The Florida Division of Forestry (DOF) has expressed interest in the potential acquisition of this property.
p) Hicks Joint Trust Property – this 58+/- acre tract located south of McGregor Road at the intersection with Fatio Road in the DeLand area is adjacent to the Blue Springs State Park and the County’s Lake Beresford Park. County staff is currently working with the property owners and the appraisal process has begun. Negotiations will be forthcoming.
q) Mazeika Property - this 48+/- acre tract located on the west side of Peninsula Drive in the unincorporated community of Wilbur by the Sea at the northern town limit of Ponce Inlet is on hold.
r) Glenwood Park Property – this 219+/- acre tract located southwest of the intersection of Grand Avenue and Plymouth Avenue, west of Deland is in the beginning stages of the acquisition process.
s) Fatio Road Property – this 72+/- acre tract located at the intersection of Fatio and McGregor Roads in the southwest area of DeLand Deland is in the beginning stages of the acquisition process. It is contiguous to Blue Springs State Park, the County’s Lake Beresford Park, and the Hicks Joint Trust Property.
5. 1000 Friends of Florida Award – Douglas Weaver thanked the Committee for being part of the seamless cooperative efforts and support of the Volusia Forever Program, and announced that the Volusia Forever Program has been awarded the “2008 Better Community Award” from 1000 Friends of Florida. He welcomed the Committee to stop by the Land Acquisition and Management Office to see the award, which is a watercolor painting of the County’s Hickory Bluff Preserve.

The Committee thanked County staff for their efforts and support of the Volusia Forever Program.

Member Dwight Lewis added that the Volusia Forever Program has also been nationally recognized by NACo. At the award presentation, other agencies wanted to know how duplicate Volusia County’s successful program.

Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 5:30p.m upon unanimous consent of the Committee.