7/28/1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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nobody has the responsibility of talking to Lost Tree Village. Unless you talk, you never make a deal. From the City's point -of -view, it is inappropriate for the County to leave it with the State. He pointed out that four of his council members were also in the audience. Commissioner Adams pointed out that it is difficult to have any discussion with someone who will not listen. She felt that was what has occurred with Lost Tree Corporation. She wanted to continue to let FCT handle it and suggested they stop giving fuel to the fire and continue the harassment of the citizens over it. MOTION WAS MADE by Commissioner Adams, SECONDED BY Commissioner Macht, to let the process run its course and not get into the middle of it and let FCT maintain it. Under discussion, Vice Chairman Macht pointed out that if they cannot bridge to those islands for the reason that the State owns the property, the value stated in the appraisal is too high. He felt the offer should stand even though it probably is too high. It was not true that the State did not negotiate with Lost Tree Corporation, the State did negotiate, very hard and over a number of years. He recounted some of the history of negotiations showing the recalcitrance of the principals of Lost Tree Corporation to reach an agreement. What is needed is to stick with the guidelines as Commissioner Ginn is urging on the Children's Services Network issue. He felt things got out of hand when they jumped away from the procedures in the Land Acquisition Guide. He felt it needed to run its course. Commissioner Ginn felt there was a major difference because "the people voted for this" and the "10 sites that were listed". She felt it was very damaging to the cause if the County truly wanted to buy the islands to insist that the County stay out of negotiations. She felt Vice Chairman Macht did not wish to buy the islands. She felt the County's $10.5 million offer to Lost Tree should have been modified by removing some of the restrictions the County had rejected concerning naming. Vice Chairman Macht pointed out that he was responsible for the islands not being developed years ago. He did want to see the islands purchased, at a fair price and in the best interest of the citizens. He felt it was fiction that the people had voted for the bond issue because of the 10 properties that were listed in the brochure. He felt it was because of properties like those ten. He reiterated the guidelines concerning offers on property being made based on appropriate appraisals. July 28, 1998 54 I