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Sebastian Highlands Scrub Gots Page 5 - Statement of award amount requested from FCT - Statement that the project plan Is consistent with local comprehensive plan - Evidence that conditions imposed as part of the Conceptual Approval Agreement are satisfied - Affidavit that ihero in no existing or pending violation of any local, state, regional or federal laws or regulations on the project site As confirmed by the Sebastian City Planner, the Sebastian Highlands Scrub lots purchase as proposed is consistent with the City's Comprehensive Plan, Documents of the project plan listed above - aslde from Board approval of the purchase agreement and management plan - can be handled ad,ninistratively, and have been provided to FCT by county staff contingent upon Hoard approval of the acquisition. ANALYSIS -Water Line Assessments • Coordination 4 Compatibility of Projects Both the Utilities water line extension project and the Sebastian Highlands Scrub acquisition project are important from an environmental standpoint, and are not incompatible. The water line Project extends needed service to lots within the Sebastian Highlands as an improvement to residential potable water quality, and will ultimately promote the County's objectives of conserving ground water quality and quantity In the area. The scrub acquisition project will protect environmentally important habitat and primary aquifer recharge areas, as well as provide passive recreation, open space, and environmental education, County Planning Division and Utilities Department staff have coordinated on the two projects to determine how each project affects the other. Staff came to two main conclusions. The first was that, after review of the water line project design, there is no opportunity to modify any water line segment within the scrub acquisition project, due to the need to service residences in the area. The second conclusion was that the water line assessments would affect lots within the scrub acquisition project, regardless of the timing of the assessment or scrub acquisition. a Alternatives There are a number of alternatives relating to the recent Utilities water line assessment, as it affects lots within the Sebastian Highlands Scrub acquisition project, One alternative is for the County not to proceed with the project acquisition. This alternative, however, would leave the lot ownero to fend for themselves regarding payment of assessment fees on top of trying to obtain federal permits to build in compliance with the federal Endangered Species Act. Moreover, it would derail efforts to conserve environmentally important scrub habitat, and development Of a Habitat Conservation Plan that the County is working In cooperation with the City of Sebastian. Another alternative is for the County to advise the sellers that they are obligated to pay the assessment as a condition of closing. However, since the assessment equals approximately 17% of the appraised value, the sellers will likely balk and not sell to the County.