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Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final February 9, 2021 <br />G Public Works <br />H. Utilities Services <br />13. COUNTY ATTORNEY MATTERS <br />13.A. 21-0223 Acquisition of Right -Of -Way from Steve and Terrianne Martin for Phase II of 66th <br />Avenue Improvements - 65th Street west of 66th Avenue, Parcel 304 <br />Recommended Action: Staff recommends the Board approve the Agreement for the Martin property and <br />authorize the Chairman to execute the document on behalf of the Board. <br />Attachments: Staff Report <br />Agreement <br />Exhibits to Agreement <br />Deputy County Attorney Bill DeBraal referred to staff s memorandum dated <br />February 3, 2021, to address the details regarding the right-of-way acquisition of <br />Parcel 304, a.38 acre parcel of property owned by Terrianne and Steve Martin. He <br />explained that the property, currently being used for cattle grazing, was needed for <br />the 66th Avenue Improvements. <br />Attorney Bill Doney, outside eminent domain counsel for the County, spoke via <br />Zoom to support staffs recommendation that the Board approve the acquisition <br />agreement for Parcel 304. <br />Vice Chairman O'Bryan inquired about Murphy Deed Right -of -Way Reservations <br />on the parcel; Attorney DeBraal confirmed there were none. Each Commissioner <br />voiced their opinion regarding the inflated dollar amount being paid for pasture <br />land. Commissioner Moss inquired and received clarification from Attorney <br />DeBraal regarding the negotiation process. Vice Chairman O'Bryan acknowledged <br />that Parcel 304 was necessary for the 66th Avenue Improvements, and he <br />recommended that his fellow Commissioners vote to approve the Agreement. He <br />stated his opinion that a future Board should fight for a reasonable cost per acre <br />starting with the first land acquisition of the next major road improvement project. <br />County Administrator Jason Brown provided clarification on the land acquisition <br />process, making mention that staff had increased initial offers as an attempt to pay a <br />higher dollar amount to the property owner, and to pay less to the outside <br />companies being hired by the property owner. He agreed to continue reevaluating <br />the acquisition process. <br />Discussion continued among the Board and Attorney DeBraal, who explained to <br />Commissioner Earman the role an expert witness plays in land acquisitions. <br />Indian River County Florida Page 9 <br />