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JUN 22 1997 BOOK 68 r1GE 646 <br />Commissioner Wheeler believed we all would like to have the <br />Mooney property, but it seems we can't afford it and <br />unfortunately we don't have the time necessary to go to the <br />public and determine their feelings. <br />Attorney Herzog, representing the owners of the property in <br />question, asked that the Board think about the Mooney family who <br />each month must make the mortgage payment on this property. He <br />felt the first step should be price negotiation, and then the <br />Mooney family can consider who they want to sell the property to <br />or whether they want to develop it. <br />Commissioner Bird pointed out that this is a very nice piece <br />of property, and he was not sure we need such a prime piece of <br />property for a utilities function. <br />Chairman Scurlock asked the Utility Director about proposed <br />locations for a North County plant, and Director Pinto reported <br />that right now we are looking north of Hobart Road. He pointed <br />out that in location of the plant you are not only talking about <br />purchase of land, but a major extension south to get there. <br />Also, when you reduce density in an area substantially, it makes <br />it much less favorable to bring utilities to that area. <br />Chairman Scurlock believed we are hearing that #1, this <br />property is not a viable place for wastewater, and #2, that if it <br />were used for a water plant, the timing is all wrong. These <br />people need an answer, and it looks as if the answer may be no. <br />Pat Brown came before the Board to speak on behalf of the <br />Pelican Island Audubon Society. She reported that the Society <br />feels the sand ridge is an important system to preserve, and they <br />do not feel a coexistence with utilities is necessary to justify <br />the preservation of the land. There are very few of these sites <br />remaining in Indian River County. Mrs. Brown stated that she can <br />appreciate the many problems, but would urge the Board to keep <br />looking for methods to acquire land like this which is important <br />to the long range future of the county. <br />52 <br />