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in order to help the people of Sebastian. He felt it was a stretch of the imagination to think that buying these lots would help the environment. He was very concerned with ad valorem taxation in the future of Indian River County. He also expressed concerns over the management --.of these lots. Commissioner. - Bird suggested _that the purchase of the AGC property be subject to Fish & Wildlife accepting these 56 lots as the total mitigation for the Sebastian Highlands scrub jay habitat. He felt that agency was going for the maximum and might have the ability to negotiate down. Commissioner Eggert indicated her intent to support the issue. City of Sebastian Mayor Louise Cartwright introduced new City Manager Tom Frame. She advised that one of the reasons building permits have not been denied by the City is because the City had agreed to mitigation. Prior to that, they had been having a stressful problem. Now, they have eased up a little bit, but it can take up to 6 months for a quarter acre lot to be approved if it's in the scrub area. That is an unnecessary burden on anyone trying to build a home. She went on to explain, from the City's point -of -view, some of the issues facing the Board. Commissioner Macht clarified that the agenda item today deals solely with options; nothing is being purchased. There would be plenty of time to study and research and direct staff to explore other options. Jim Granse, 36 Pine Arbor Lane, concerned citizen, felt that buying up the property was discouraging families from buying near the school. He recounted a conversation with a woman from Sebastian who buys bird seed. She wondered if the scrub jays were being "planted" in the area because there are so many of them with bands on their legs. Mr. Granse believed Parks & Recreation should have an opportunity.for input in the proposals as maintenance of these properties win fall on them. He viewed this as a giant step in bureaucracy. Every dollar is off the tax roll, yet every inch of the property is under government control. Toni Robinson, 1491 Treasure Cove Lane, highlighted ecological benefits of scrub land and its desirability for future homesites in Sebastian. She also pointed out that Florida Communities Trust is scheduled to sunset by October 1, 1996, which means our opportunity for these funds may dry up soon. She felt IRC is entitled to a share of this money since we've paid into it. She predicted the 39 April 9, 1996 BOOK 97 PAGE 766