10/14/1997 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Chairman Eggert noted that Mr. DeBlois mentioned that approval of this matter will require a super majority vote. In response to Commissioner Ginn, Mr. DeBlois reviewed the ownership of the properties surrounding this tract and clarified that the management area will be on the uplands portion, but there was a need to connect through the wetlands. The Chairman opened the public hearing and asked if anyone wished to be heard in this matter. Jim Hager, 1865 Garden Grove Parkway, Vero Beach, spoke in favor of acquiring this property and recommended the purchase. Robert Johnson, 39' Court SW, Vero Beach, was uncertain of the cost -share percentage of the rest of the participants in the purchase. He wanted to know the total cost to the County. It was also not clear to him why the County was buying wetlands. Mr. DeBlois explained that originally the St. Johns River Water Management District had looked at this project as a 50% cost -share partner, but as they got closer to the negotiated purchase price, their District Board stated they would participate at something less than 50%, and they approved the 25% cost -share. As the transaction got into the appraisal revisions based on the density transfers, the County's price changed, but the District held to the 25% of the other appraised value which, under the new appraisal, amounted to 21%. He believed there is a fairly firm commitment by St. Johns at that level. Chairman Eggert pointed out that staff's recommendation is contingent on St. Johns' cost-sharing participation. Jim Granse, 36 Pine Arbor Lane, had a feeling that Indian River County is trying to make this area an environmental outdoor museum where people have to walk softly and not touch. There being no further speakers, the Chairman closed the public hearing. Speaking as the LAAC Chairman, Commissioner Macht spoke in favor of the purchase. He credited the staff for doing their usual very fine job of presenting this and OCTOBER 14, 1997 51 MOK 103 FACE 5-7