5/12/1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

[,OJ! U FAG Councilman Schoen pointed out that if the FCT funds were used, there will no doubt be a management plan required which would include docks, walking paths, restrooms and so forth. He believed the people wished the islands to remain as they are. He strongly supported the motion on the floor. Jim Granse, 36 Pine Arbor Lane, a concerned citizen, favored not purchasing the property in concert with the FCT. He pointed out that the State holds title on the recent purchases. He felt the point that the State might hold title should be discussed. He questioned whether considering this issue today was constitutional since a "report" was on the agenda and would not mean anything to the general population of Indian River County. He opposed voting $12 million for the purchase of the islands. George Foote, 119 Cache Cay Drive, referred to a copy he had of the 1992 brochure urging passage of the bond referendum. He discussed the value of the islands and felt it represented quality of life and potentially impacted residential property values in the county. He urged negotiation and purchase of the islands. Bob Walsh, 4405 Sunset Drive, felt there must be a figure somewhere between the appraisal and the amount in the motion for which the islands could be purchased. Toni Robinson, 1111 Indian Mound Trail, spoke about quality of life in Indian River County believing that the river islands are key to that quality of life. She made many suggestions including getting an appraiser acceptable to both sides. She was concerned about environmental impact if the islands are developed. She urged the Board to act quickly and thanked them for their efforts. Francis Coffee, 88 Cache Cay, Vero Beach, advised that he had examined the tax records and reported on the ownership of the islands. He confirmed Vice Chairman Macht's claim that the islands are not under one ownership. He had spent time looking at the appraised value of properties and reported on tax rates per acre and taxes collected for those properties. He stated that if Lost Tree Village Corporation believes the land is worth $12.2 million, it is presently assessed at only 8% of that value. It seemed to him that if an agreement could not be reached to purchase the islands, that the assessment should be increased to be more in keeping with the amount being asked by the owners. He also told of the money raised by the sale of Indian River Lagoon license plates, showing the environmental concern of people in the county. He urged the Commission to give the matter serious thought. May 12, 1998 38 0 is