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Mr. DeBlois advised that the Land Acquisition Advisory Committee (LAAC) had <br />voted unanimously in support of this purchase hoping that the County would be given 50-50 <br />title ownership on the parcel. They did not, however, want the title to impede the purchase. <br />He further advised that during negotiations for this purchase, the sellers wanted a closing <br />before the end of August, so it appears the County will have to advance the full purchase <br />price and seek reimbursement for the State's share. <br />The Chairman opened the public hearing and asked if anyone wished to be heard in <br />this matter. <br />Frank Coffey, 88 Cache Cay, questioned whether this property actually fell under the <br />guidelines for purchasing with the County's bond funds as environmentally significant lands. <br />He felt the cost was very high and, because it was classified residential, it ought not be taken <br />off the tax roll and the County should spend the funds more wisely. <br />Toni Robinson, 1100 Indian Mound Trail, believed the County needed to take <br />advantage of the State's funding, which will come to an end in the year 2000. She also <br />favored preserving oceanfront properties and pointed out the importance of this parcel being <br />added to the Archie Carr Preserve. <br />It was determined that no one else wished to be heard and the Chairman closed the <br />public hearing. <br />MOTION WAS MADE by Commissioner Macht, SECONDED <br />BY Commissioner Adams, to approve the Spallone property <br />purchase contract by agreeing to exercise its purchase option, <br />contingent on the State's approval to exercise the option under <br />a 50% cost -share and authorized staff to proceed with property <br />closing tasks in coordination with the State and authorized the <br />Chairman to execute any documents associated with the closing. <br />Under discussion, Vice Chairman Macht thought there was great value in acquiring <br />this land. To respond to Mr. Coffey's concern, he believed the guidelines also included the <br />word "recreation". He felt it very important to preserve beach access for our grandchildren. <br />July 14, 1998 <br />40 <br />