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Board of County Commissioners <br />Meeting Minutes - Final February 18, 2020 <br />a National Fountain grant to the TPL to provide partial funding towards a <br />feasibility study and public opinion survey. He stated that the balance would <br />be paid by donations from environmental organizations listed in his letter. <br />Chairman Adams stated that this agenda item has been combined under her <br />matters for discussion and asked the Board if they had any questions or <br />comments. <br />Commissioner O'Bryan stated that there needed to be additional detail such as a <br />refined list of lands for conservation, an estimate of what the total bond <br />issuance would be and the required millage rate to cover the bond before the <br />professional polling began. He noted that the Board had just approved a <br />Five -Year Capital Improvement Plan with $11 million allocated for <br />conservation lands improvements. He supported the Chairman writing a letter <br />to the TPL in order to obtain additional information, but was unsure if he could <br />support putting the bond referendum on the 2020 ballot. <br />A motion was made by Vice Chairman Flescher, seconded by Chairman <br />Adams, to authorize the Chairman to send a letter to Trust for Public Land <br />requesting technical advice and assistance in the form of feasibility <br />research, public opinion polling, and program recommendations. <br />Commissioner Solari voiced his concerns over a Conservation Lands Bond <br />Referendum and discussed the Capital Improvement Plan in the amount $11. <br />million for conservation lands improvements. He was opposed to the Bond <br />Referendum and believed it would be a burden to the taxpayer. <br />Mr. Grudens responded to Commissioner Solari's concerns and a discussion <br />followed with Commissioner Solari maintaining that he would not support the <br />motion on the floor. <br />Commissioner Zorc remarked on the public opinion survey, setting aside certain <br />amount of funds for initial improvements, the developer rights when purchasing <br />conservation land easements and a public workshop. He proposed that the <br />County pay for the feasibility study and the public opinion survey in order to <br />control the language in the referendum. <br />In response to the discussions regarding the bond referendum, County <br />Administrator Jason Brown wanted the Board to consider whether there would <br />be support for different acquisition options and setting aside funds for initial <br />improvements and maintenance before moving forward with the feasibility <br />study and public opinion survey. <br />Indian River County Florida Page 14 <br />