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ballot. Opinions as to appropriateness were mixed and might be an explanation for the split vote. <br />Another point, the bond issue of 1992 focused on environmental significance and now we are <br />considering inserting components for cultural heritage or historic sites and also agricultural lands <br />primarily through the purchase of development rights. Those three components are in this ballot <br />language. He then displayed the June 2, 2004 Revision (page 344 in the backup) which had been <br />proposed working with bond counsel and the Trust for Public Lands. <br />Mr. DeBlois then read and reviewed the reasoning behind the question from page <br />344. It was determined that the reference to an annual independent audit be left in. <br />There were no questions. <br /> <br />MOTION WAS MADE by Commissioner Macht, <br />SECONDED by Commissioner Adams, to approve the use <br />of the June 2, 2004 Revision proposed ballot question as <br />revised by Indian River County bond counsel. <br /> <br />Under discussion, Commissioner Adams favored inclusion of agricultural lands <br />because it gives the opportunity to purchase land and allows land to remain in agriculture. <br />Chairman Ginn countered that to her it is a development right and this does not <br />explain that, but Commissioner Adams responded that the County has not used it as a tool yet and <br />this gives us the opportunity. <br />Commissioner Macht spoke in favor of the bond issue question as stated. He <br />thought the majority of properties would be bought in fee simple with a priority on pristine lands <br />that have not been developed and, in some cases, restoring some that have been. <br />Mr. DeBlois stated staff’s position that evaluation criteria for consideration of <br />agricultural land should be developed in the time leading up to the referendum. He specified that <br />anyone from the public may nominate a property at any time under the current guidelines. <br />Chairman Ginn opened the floor for public comment even though this was not a <br />public hearing. <br />June 8, 2004 <br />33 <br /> <br />