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BOOK 99 pini 154 *Site Characteristics The subject 47 undeveloped lots consist of xeric oak scrub in Unit 17 of the Sebastian Highlands. All of these lots are located in the project core area in the vicinity of the Pelican Island Elementary School. These 47 lots, combined with 4 lots already owned by the City of Sebastian and 16 AGC lots being purchased near the school (totalling 67 lots out of 116 identified for acquisition in the school area), are an essential element of this core area. •Ownership Characteristics Currently, the subject 47 lots are owned by 41 individuals (see attached). The tax assessed value of each of these lots range from $6,600 to $11,830 depending on the size and accessibility of the lot. •Acquisition Cost -Share & Property Management Two issues which are important to LAAC staff with respect to all proposed purchases are obtaining cost share assistance in property acquisition and addressing management costs. Cost -Share In 1994, Indian River County submitted an application to the FCT, which was subsequently approved for 50% cost -share funding, including 50% of pre-acquisition expenditures (e.g., environmental audit, appraisals). Utilities Water Line Assessment The Board of County Commissioners, at a public hearing on August 27, 1996, approved Phase I of the Utilities water line assessment project for the Sebastian Highlands. Of the 47 lots proposed herein for acquisition, 33 are subject to the Phase I Utilities assessment. The combined total of the assessment for the 33 affected lots is $52,658.96. On a per lot basis, the Utilities assessment averages +17% of the appraised value. Although the signed purchase contracts indicate that each seller is responsible for providing clear title to their property, most of the contracts were signed by the sellers prior to notice of the Utilities assessments, and those owners who have contacted staff have expressed dismay at the prospect of having to pay the assessments prior to closing. Management Costs Management cost is always an issue with environmental lands acquisition. The FCT program, which is highly competitive state- wide, awards points for projects based on the provision of resource-based public access and use facilities. In order to qualify for FCT cost -share funding, the County obligated itself in its FCT application to provide limited access and resource-based facilities on the overall project property. Specifically, conditions of the Conceptual Approval Agreement include County provision of nature trails, a picnic area, information kiosk, gazebo, and limited parking. Management of scrub habitat is also a described management plan condition for the project. A number of initial site improvements, including fencing and resource management, can be paid for with bond referendum funds as part of the property acquisition. Improvements such as limited parking will need to be funded by a source other than referendum monies. Potential funding sources include park development grants, .county mitigation funds, and tree removal violation funds. Relating to long term management, the property will be incorporated into the county -wide park system and managed by the County Parks Division in coordination with county environmental planning staff. Volunteer groups will be asked to assist the County with certain aspects of property management such as nature trail up -keep and litter patrol. The County has executed an interlocal agreement Sebastian regarding City assistance in policing all other respects, however, the County will be property management. IIt 179 1996 with the City of the property. In responsible for