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-7 BOOK 98 : FACE 550 Once properties are dropped from the ranking list, no further action by the Commission is taken. So, by keeping the properties ranked, the committee had in fact voiced its recommendation that the properties be acquired. Another "non -issue" that has been raised is an objection to purchasing platted lots. I note that the AGC Industrial property has generated no controversy, though it comprises a series of platted lots. What difference does it make to the underlying habitat whether an arbitrary boundary, line has been drawn across a piece of paper? What is at issue is the rare chance to preserve a segment of native habitat within a developing community. Current LDR's and good development planning would require some measure of open space and protected habitat within Sebastian Highlands. The only way to protect both a diminishing habitat, and the property rights of those concerned now, is to purchase the property. It is even more appropriate that the properties are purchased and the owners compensated because they have had the "ground rules" changed under them. I urge the Commission to cut short the debate on these and other non -issues and move forward with the purchase of these properties. Sincerely, Robert B. Swift MOTION WAS MADE by Commissioner Eggert, SECONDED by Commissioner Tippin, that the Board approve the purchase of 50 lots owned by Atlantic Gulf Communities (AGC), contingent upon a contract amendment reducing the number of lots from 56 to 50 lots, pursuant to staff's recommendations. Commissioner Tippin stated that he had not supported the bond issue because he feared that percentage -wise Indian River County had more publicly -owned land than any other small county. Nevertheless this purchase can be of great assistance to the City of Sebastian and, for that reason, he supported the motion. Commissioner Bird voted against the motion because he believed if the federal government is going to employ these restrictions, they should find federal funds to pay for the consequences. Commissioner Macht agreed with Commissioner Bird's comments but felt that is a secondary issue at this point. He reiterated that the LAAC is a hard-working committee which has done its job and has stuck with it even when it was not too popular. He also felt that praise was due to Environmental Planning Chief Roland DeBlois, Community Development Director Bob Keating and Assistant County Attorney Terry O'Brien who are all experts in their fields and who have given expert advice to the Board, staff and LAAO. He commented that he was proud to be associated with these gentlemen. Commissioner Tippin wanted to see this and other similar examples brought to FACo and NACo in an effort to work together to obtain release from these arbitrary controls. THE CHAIRMAN CALLED THE QUESTION and the Motion was voted on and carried by a 4-1 vote (Commissioner Bird opposed). CONTRACT . ON FILE IN THE OFFICE OF THE CLERK TO THE BOARD WHEN EXECUTED AND RECEIVED JULY 169 1996 20