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accomplishing in two weeks what had not been done in six years. He offered numerous scenarios if the islands are not purchased and felt that the $11 million price for the islands was not inflated. He urged the Commission to approve the options today and exercise one of them on June 30' because a delay would be disastrous. (The statistics Mr. Foote presented in writing are on file with the backup.) Chairman Tippin asked that speakers condense their remarks so it would not be necessary for him to restrict their time to speak. Carl Pease, City of Vero Beach Mayor, 1436 32' Avenue, gave history from 1990 as to Vice Chairman Macht's and his role in the planning for land use on the islands. He hoped the Commissioners would do what they have to do to preserve the islands; the price was good. Jim Granse, 36 Pine Arbor Lane, favored buying the islands but not at this price inasmuch as the only appraisal he had heard was for $5.7 million. He thought it could be a little unconstitutional to be speaking of figures almost double the appraisal. Art Neuberger, City of Vero Beach Councilman, 833 20' Street, advised that he was still in favor of the purchase of the islands. He asked Mr. Cox to address his question about the status of the lawsuit against the City of Vero Beach if the options are approved at this meeting. Jens Tripson, 1740 21'` Street, president of the Pelican Island Audubon Society, wanted to clarify that the PIAS wants to see the islands purchased, but does not want to see an exorbitant price paid for them. He offered information that the State will not allow certain infrastructure on the island and found it hard to believe that someone would pay a large price for a lot on which they would have to have a septic tank and generator. He predicted the Board would be opening the door for incredible ripoff of the taxpayers if they paid more than the appraised value for these islands. He offered copies of his information to anyone who wished to have them. Bud Kleckner, 7720 Indian Oaks Drive, Apt. I-203, formerly lived on the barrier island. He pointed out that the backup material from the 1992 bond referendum said that properties would be purchased at fair market value from willing sellers. He favored purchase of the islands, but at a fair market value following the guidelines for purchasing environmental lands. (Mr. Kleckner's letter is on file with the backup.) Toni Robinson, 1111 Indian Mound Trail, urged purchase of the islands because we cannot rely on State laws which can change. She gave an example of an island that has been May 26, 1998 39 1 iJ