Laserfiche WebLink
Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final September 11, 2018 <br />Administrator Brown informed the Board of the dynamics of the proposed purchase <br />and explained that, per Florida Statutes, two appraisals would need to be done in <br />the very near future. He spelled out the conceptual plan for the land if the <br />County's offer to purchase the property adjacent to Historic Dodgertown is <br />accepted, and requested comments from the Board. <br />Chairman O'Bryan shared an email, received from Vero Beach City Manager Jim <br />O'Connor, which explained the City's interest in adding a deed restriction to <br />guarantee that the land would not be used for future residential development. <br />Discussion amongst the Board provided insight into the future vision of Indian <br />River County. They agreed that allowing staff the time needed to research ideas <br />and plans for enhancing the area, which includes Historic Dodgertown and the Vero <br />Beach Airport, were crucial. Commissioner Zorc addressed concerns, such as a <br />misconception that the 35 acre parcel of land would only be used as green space, <br />and suggested that the appraiser would need to understand the encumbrances on the <br />property. <br />Deputy County Attorney William DeBraal discussed adding a deed restriction, as <br />mentioned in City Manager O'Connor's email; however, the Chairman stressed that <br />the County would prefer the use of stronger language to ensure the City of Vero <br />Beach citizens and Councilmembers that the property would not be used for <br />residential development. In response to Commissioner Zorc's concern, Attorney <br />DeBraal pointed out that a survey of the property would be included for review by <br />the County Surveyor so that an accurate appraisal could be completed. <br />Public Works Director Rich Szpyrka provided clarification regarding the water <br />supply, easements and right-of-ways on the former Dodgertown Golf Course <br />property. <br />Administrator Brown spoke on economic development, restoring history and the <br />continued need for green space, pointing out that the County's conceptual plan for <br />this parcel of land would be subject to change based on what would be appropriate <br />to compliment and facilitate the area of Historic Dodgertown. <br />A motion was made by Commissioner Adams, seconded by Vice Chairman Solari, to: <br />1) give staff the authority to move forward with any and all due diligence for the <br />purchase of the property; and 2) add wording to the "Offer to Purchase" contract, <br />agreeing to a deed restriction that would prevent residential development on the 35 <br />acre parcel of land, known as Dodgertown Golf Course. The motion carried by the <br />following vote: <br />Aye: 5 - Chairman O'Bryan, Vice Chairman Solari, Commissioner Adams, Commissioner <br />Flescher, and Commissioner Zorc <br />12. DEPARTMENTAL MATTERS <br />Indian River County Florida Page 19 <br />