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JUN 3 0 1997 Boort 68 o 5 <br />REPORT ON HOWELL-CHAPMAN CONDEMNATION SUIT <br />Commissioner Bird reported that yesterday Assistant County <br />Attorney Bruce Barkett presented before Judge Smith the <br />condemnation suit to acquire the Howell -Chapman property on the <br />North Barrier Island, and he did an excellent job. The property <br />owner was represented by two attorneys out of Miami, and while <br />they put up somewhat of a fight, he did not feel they came <br />totally prepared to go into an all-out battle. The final result <br />was that Judge Smith ruled in favor of the county and advised <br />that on the 11th of August a jury will set the amount of <br />compensation to be received by the property owner. We then have <br />20 days for the state and county to come up with the cash to <br />complete the transaction. Commissioner Bird noted that the state <br />has set aside about 2.5 million towards this purchase, and we <br />already have had one M.A.I.appraisal at 2.7 million, which would <br />indicate a $200,000 shortfall. <br />Chairman Scurlock felt we should plan on looking for between <br />$200 to $500,000. He also believed we should ask the appraiser <br />to re-evaluate based on the potential impacts of the COBRA Bill. <br />If that Bill passes, it could have a significant effect because <br />flood insurance won't be available, and also there is the new <br />coastal construction setback line to consider. <br />Attorney Barkett entered the Chambers, and Commissioner Bird <br />co-ngratulated him on his fine job in presenting the county's case <br />for condemnation of the Howell -Chapman property. <br />Attorney Barkett informed the Board that he has been in <br />constant contact with Mr. Armfield, our appraiser, and he is <br />aware of the COBRA Bill and its potential implications, as well <br />as the coastal construction setback line. However, unless there <br />are sales that reflect a depressing effect caused by the <br />impending Bill and the setback line, it will not show up in the <br />appraisal. <br />Commissioner Bird noted since the state owns the property on <br />one end of the subject property and we own on the other end, if <br />8 <br />