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purchase of the islands, but not at the price on the options. Herndon Williams, 3554 Ocean Drive, a former member of the original LAAC, seconded Ms. Broda's remarks. The purpose of the bond funds was to buy "environmentally sensitive" land and this proposed purchase seemed to him to be re -doing the whole concept of the LAAC. He thought no one could call these islands "environmentally sensitive" except for the water grass and mangroves which ring the islands. He felt it was wrong. Patricia Brown, 1740 21' Street, was a strong supporter ofthe land acquisition bonds and brought a copy of the County's pamphlet which she had helped to write. She gave history of the Comprehensive Plan and set aside for native habitat and vegetation. She would like to see the islands preserved, but not at this cost. She urged the Board to "dicker" some more. Bill Webb, 911 Ladybug Lane, warned that the price will escalate, that the County will not be able to buy the islands for less. He urged the Board to buy the islands. Francis Coffee, 88 Cache Cay, gave history back to March 29, 1990 when the Board of County Commissioners' Chairman requested a prioritized list from the municipalities for lands to be purchased as public land. It seemed to him that the acquisition of the islands had been talked about for many years and it was time to buy the islands or pay a lot in litigation. Chairman Tippin declared a 7 -minute recess at 11:36 a.m. The meeting was reconvened at 11:45 a.m. with all Commissioners and staff present. Chairman Tippin said the Board would hear a few more speakers and asked for brevity as there were still several other items on their agenda. Bob Swift, 6450 Glendale Road, a member of LAAC since the early days, speaking from his experience and as a taxpayer, understood the emotional and aesthetic desire tosee the islands undeveloped, but that was emotional desire and not an environmental reason To save the City of Vero Beach from a pending lawsuit is a political decision, not an environmental decision. He credited staff with having done a marvelous job in leveraging money through the use of State agencies. The process the Commission embarked upon in this instance was initiated without a public notice and is completely at odds with the process put in place for the sound and prudent expenditure of the bond funds and he strongly urged the Board to go back to a prudent and considered expenditure for the tax dollars. He thought a couple of things were missing from this settlement, namely, offers from the town of Indian May 26, 1998 41 .1, ., E0;:1 t, Cr16l.0 6 i