4/7/1987 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

APR 7 1997 aooK FA.�P was selected because it was away -from adjacent residences. He also mentioned that he thought the landclearing permit issued for the west side of the Boulevard also included the } acre area in question. He was not aware that protected trees had been damaged as a result of the clearing. Based upon the illegal landclearing and number of protected white mangroves removed, the maximum fine specified in the ordinance would be $5,500.00. Mr. Joe Strazzulla indicated that Strazzulla Brothers, Inc. has been very cooperative with the County concerning the Indian River Boulevard project and that any violation of County ordinances was unintentional. Subsequently, he expressed the interest to bring the matter before the County Commission for consideration rather than submit a voluntary payment of the maximum fine. .STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the Board of County Commissioners consid- er obtaining a voluntary payment of up to $5,500.00, and require the replanting of ten white mangroves at a suitable i location on site. In the event that any said agreement is not forthcoming, staff recommends that the Board of County Commis- sioners grant staff the authorization to pursue available remedies in County Court. Commissioner Bird asked if our ordinance differentiates on mangroves as to whether they are protected or not depending on their location, and Planner DeBlois advised that it pretty much protects mangroves regardless of location. Joe Strazzulla, President of Strazzulla Bros., came before the Board representing the land owners and stressed that they have tried to cooperate in every way. They left what they thought were sensitive trees and gave those instructions to the contractor, and he was unaware there were any of these little white mangroves. Apparently, however, 10 seedlings were destroyed. It is their understanding replacement seedlings can be bought for about $14.00 each, and they are willing to do that. He emphasized that the mangroves in question were not anywhere near tide water but were in a puddle practically in the middle of the project. Mr. Strazzulla further noted that they went to the expense of hiring a biologist who told them there no environmen- tally sensitive species anywhere west of that environmentally sensitive line, and they, therefore, did not tell the contractor to be especially careful because they didn't know anything was there. What was done was inadvertent. 60