4/14/1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Staff recommends that the Board of County Commissioners agree to participate as a one-third cost -share partner in the Carson Platt Estate purchase, using county environmental land bond funds, contingent upon the County obtaining an undivided one-third title interest in the property. Moreover, staff recommends that the Board approve the attached Resolution, and authorize staff and a member of the . Board to attend the Governor and Cabinet hearing on the purchase (tentatively scheduled for May 28, 1998). Chief of Environmental Planning Roland DeBlois stated the Carson Platt Estate property is ranked number 2 of about 22 LAAC properties and is a very environmentally important property. The State has revised the participation agreement to a 1/3rd participation on the part of the State, the County and St. Johns River Water Management District. However, they are not offering an ownership interest in the property to the County. SJRWMD has approved the 1/3rd participation, conditioned upon the County's agreement to be a 1/3rd partigipant. If approved by this Board, the public hearing is scheduled for May 28' in Tallahassee. LAAC recommends this participation increase only under the condition that the County receive an undivided interest in the property and SJRWMD supports the position of the County taking title to an undivided interest in the property. State staff has advised that one other alternative is for the State to pay 501/o, with SJRWMD and the County each paying 25% and the County being satisfied with a right of re-entry, rather than an undivided interest in the property. Purchase of a participation in this property would fulfill the County's obligations under the Comprehensive Plan. Commissioner Macht emphasized that he was ready to draw the proverbial line in the sand as far as the State not sharing title with local governments. He felt that offering an ownership interest to SJRWMD and not to the County is very insulting. He believed that the State's desire to negotiate is evidenced by their counteroffer and was ready to tell the State they could buy the whole thing. He advocated going before the Governor and the Cabinet to stress that the County will not participate without an equitable title interest. He has asked the legal staff to introduce a modification to LAAC that the County will not purchase property without a title interest in the future. That modification will be presented to LAAC at their next meeting. The Chairman opened the public hearing and asked if anyone wished to be heard regarding this matter. APRIL 14, 1998 s K. -65-�� Fri. J .