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Commissioner Wheeler indicated he would not be attending the hearing on June 18 because he will be gone that week. Attorney Warren Dill, representing Peggy Brinson McRae, said he was encouraged by Mr. Keating's comments. He pointed out that, before this unique process in land use decision-making, an applicant could stand before the Commission and be able to present his case. Now, the applicant receives due process from the Commission, but then the decision is transmitted through staff to a higher authority in Tallahassee and they come down with the ORC report. It appears the decision-making process is slowly being relocated from Indian River County to Tallahassee and depriving individuals of their due process. Commissioner Eggert agreed and added it's not even slowly. Mr. Dill was encouraged by the Board's decision to authorize Mr. Keating and Attorney Collins to negotiate with DCA but felt he would like to participate in that proceeding. Decisions were being made regarding his client's property and the client does not have the financial resources to travel to Tallahassee to attend these meetings. He felt the applicant and the applicant's representative should have input into this hearing. He admitted staff would do a good job, but may not be as intimately involved with the property as the applicant and the applicant's representative. Commissioner Eggert suggested a telephone conference call. Mr. Dill preferred the DCA come to Indian River County. Director Keating explained it is important to have the top DCA people sign off on these, and we need them to see the exact language. For example, he had knowledge that even though Sasan Rohani had prepared an excellent report, the higher level people never looked at the specifics. Discussion ensued regarding reports and who does and does not read them. Commissioner Eggert suggested the motion should incorporate a suggestion or request that they come down and make a local visit so that local people can participate. Ralph Poppell, 465 38th Square, S.W., wished to respond to Mr. Dill's comments. He reported having had a meeting with the Secretary of DCA last week and described him as a very down-to- earth guy, willing to cooperate. The meeting resulted in a call to Mr. Poppell from Mr. Knave, the Deputy Secretary, to assure Mr. Poppell and Mr. Keating that the reports would be read. Commissioner Eggert suggested a motion to first see if the DCA representatives would come here; if not, ask Mr. Keating to go up there with the concurrence of this Board on the recommendations, 62 MAY 21 1 0`i� 4 AU