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APR 121994 <br />sm 92, F -Au 115 <br />in Boynton Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Okeechobee, which have a 65 <br />to 70 percent success rate. Teen Challenge is another similar <br />program and has a 96 percent success rate. <br />Richard Coffey, having been duly sworn, further explained that <br />this property was within their price range for 10 acres. He noted <br />that only the rear of the property is adjacent to the grove. <br />Scott Rogers, a worker at Packers of Indian River, having been <br />duly sworn, spoke in opposition to the request for special <br />exception use for two reasons. First, the Japanese Fruit Fly <br />Protocol Program calls for all host plants to be cleared within a <br />3 -mile radius of the grove, and it would be financially disastrous <br />for the grove owners if the Protocol were not followed. Secondly, <br />the groves must use pesticides in air and ground spraying, and <br />sometimes that spray drifts a quarter of a mile. Mr. Rogers <br />pointed out that all grove workers are trained in personal safety <br />when handling pesticides and procedures for reentering the groves <br />after spraying, but these retreatants will not have that type of <br />knowledge. There have been incidents of individuals from the <br />subject property coming onto grove property, and that makes him <br />worry about liability. <br />Jim Rogers, president of Packers of Indian River, having been <br />duly sworn, emphasized that thousands of people count on the citrus <br />industry for their livelihood and the risks are too great for this <br />retreat facility in that location. Those in the citrus industry <br />conduct their business safely, but those outside the industry are <br />exposed to some of the effects of the necessary grove procedures. <br />His recommendation would be that these people find a area of <br />passive agriculture in which to conduct their wonderful work. <br />Tom James, representing T. G. Rogers, the owner of the <br />property to the east of the subject property, having been duly <br />sworn, urged the Board to follow the recommendation of P&Z and deny <br />this request. <br />Sonny Howard, representing E. B. Connelly, owner of 640 acres <br />contiguous to the subject property, having been duly sworn, spoke <br />in opposition to the request for special exception use. He stated <br />that all grove owners work together, and their employees are <br />trained in handling pesticides and grove equipment. <br />Rob Airway, employee of Sowing Seeds Ministry and supervised <br />by Richard and Sandy Coffey, having been duly sworn, stated that <br />the grove owners should not be concerned for his health. He stated <br />that on a daily basis he is exposed to unhealthy things, but this <br />retreat is needed for spiritual growth. He believed that Sandy and <br />Richard Coffey were called to carry on this ministry. <br />24 <br />_ M <br />