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Mr. Sexton supported the purchase of the conservation easement, and noted that <br />the bond funds cannot be used otherwise. He read a statement from Jens Tripson, attesting <br />to the high environmental value of Padgett Branch, and the benefits of purchasing the <br />conservation easement. <br />There were no additional speakers and the Chairman closed the public hearing. <br />Vice Chair Bowden was in favor of the easement purchase and supported her <br />position by reading some of the material provided on page 330 of the backup. <br />MOTION WAS MADE by Vice Chair Bowden, <br />SECONDED by Commissioner O'Bryan, to purchase the <br />Conservation Easements for this property. <br />Under discussion, Vice Chair Bowden wanted, for the record, to have the County <br />Attorney look into the Transfer of Development Rights for other projects and return to the <br />Board with an opinion. It was clarified that this was not to be part of the Motion. <br />Commissioner O'Bryan supported the purchase of the conservation easements. <br />He reiterated that the taxpayers would not have to pay the $73,000.00 in annual <br />maintenance costs for the property. Regarding the lack of public access, he reflected that <br />the County could not afford to effect improvements on every single conservation property <br />that is purchased. Commissioner O'Bryan noted that the conservation purchase would do <br />exactly what was dictated in the Referendum - to protect the water resources in <br />environmentally significant lands. He added that it also provides an opportunity for <br />landowners to give more consideration to conservation, rather than development. <br />September 18, 2007 31 <br />