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Last Tuesday's action was not an example of good government. The county's <br />committee system was bypassed and Commissioner EggerNs motion was made <br />before a partisan gallery. It was made without representative public input and made <br />under an agenda item that was specific to finance. There was no time or no reason <br />for any constructive discussion by dissenting individuals or groups. It may even be <br />unlawful. <br />In light of the foregoing and other considerations, I believe that the proper solution <br />to the matter is a plebiscite. Under state law the citizens of Indian River County may <br />speak for themselves through a referendum as to whether they wish to pay more <br />than.the appraised value of the islands or, perhaps if the wish to buy them at all. <br />The first opportunity for a plebiscite is in the fall and ample time thus provided for all <br />to express their opinions, not just a special interest group. The Board of <br />Commissioners has relied on referenda in the past and should have no difficulty in <br />doing so now. <br />MOTION WAS MADE by Vice Chairman Macht, <br />SECONDED by Commissioner Adams, that the <br />Board advance the final approval of any purchase <br />agreement regarding the Lost Tree Islands to a public <br />referendum. <br />Commissioner Eggert noted that the County attorneys were aware of her actions at <br />the last hearing and assumed they would have advised her had she performed any illegal <br />action. She did not believe in government by referendum but thought the Board was elected <br />to represent all the people of the community. She has heard from people all over the County <br />regarding this situation and has been told, both by local attorneys and attorneys in <br />Tallahassee that the bridgehead ordinance will not hold. She did not feel there was any point <br />in delaying action any further. <br />Commissioner Ginn agreed with Commissioner Eggert and felt the voters voted for <br />the $26,000,000 bond issue to acquire environmentally sensitive lands. She believed this <br />purchase will be a benchmark and will go down in history. <br />Commissioner Ginn then questioned staff regarding Florida Community Trust's <br />requirements should the County accept their dollars toward this purchase. <br />County Administrator Chandler advised those requirements would be a part of the <br />presentation next Tuesday after he has met with staff and an agreement has been reached. <br />The agreement will be presented to the Board next week, together with the costs involved. <br />MAY 1% 1998 <br />-77- <br />