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BACKGROUND: Indian River County currently owns a building located in Gifford at 4716 33rd Avenue commonly referred to as the "Jaycee" building. The property was acquired in 1969, through delinquent taxes. Based on available departmental records, the building was used by the Gifford Jaycees. Records are sketchy at best as to the legal status of occupancy of the building by the Jaycees at that time. Subsequently, there were insurance problems and a former county administrator was asked to address the issue. Records could not be established at that time as to any documentation giving authority for the Jaycees to occupy the building. In October 1992, the Jaycees were notified to bring the building up to code or staff would seek approval to raze the building. On December 15, 1992, the Board of County Commissioners voted to have the building demolished. Then shortly thereafter, a request was received from Reverend Eugene Edelette, Chairman of the Drug Committee of the Indian River Ministerial Association to use the building. Sonny Dean wrote a letter on March 4, 1993 addressed to Reverend Edelette outlining the improvements or corrections that should be made to the building. Reverend Edelette responded on May 5, 1993 agreeing to the improvements as outlined in Sonny Dean's letter of March 4. On March 25, 1993, the Board of County Commissioners approved the request by Reverend Edelette subject to repairs within a specified time and subject to an agreement to be drawn by the County Attorney. The proposed lease required completion of improvements within 6 months of execution of lease. The lease was executed on January 28, 1994 and Reverend Edelette was advised in writing that the improvements had to be completed by July 28, 1994. In December of 1996, the General Services Director wrote Reverend Edelette and expressed concern over complaints about the appearance of the structure and that there had been no appreciable change to the improvement of the building. A deadline of January 10, 1997 was given to receive a response regarding the condition of the building, or the Board would be requested to consider voiding the lease. In a memorandum to the file, the Director of General Services indicated that Reverend Edelette had met with him and assured him that corrective action would be undertaken. On January 30, 1997, the Gifford Jaycees wrote their desire to obtain the building. Subsequently, the matter was brought to the Board, and on March 4, 1997, the existing lease was terminated. A new lease was approved to the Gifford Jaycees that was to run until March 11, 2002. The lease was subject to a number of stipulations: 1. The lease required that a licensed architect be used to develop the specifications for renovation and that the work would be performed under the supervision of licensed contractors. 2 The lease specified the type and amount of insurance to be carried on the structure and premises by the Gifford Jaycees. 3. The lease required the facility to be used as a "community center," an allowable use in an RM -10 zoning district. On June 17, 1997, the Board of County Commissioners approved the payment of the water and sewer utility impact fees in the amount of $5,276.00, however they were never paid. On June 11, 1998, Sonny Dean notified the County Administrator that the Jaycees, in a letter dated March 2, 1998, expressed their desire to cancel the lease due to lack of enrollment in their organization. Mr. Dean also indicated that the Glorious Community Church through Reverend Scott Petry wished to purchase the property. He also indicated that the Gifford Economic Development Council had submitted a proposal to lease the property similar to the Jaycees. On June 16, 1998, the Board of County Commissioners approved the drafting of a lease for the Gifford Economic Development Council to lease the building formerly occupied by the Gifford Jaycees and directed the Gifford Economic Development Council to demonstrate how the costs involved would be covered. On June 24, 1998, the General Services Director, Sonny Dean, wrote the Gifford Economic Development Council through Mr. William Mosely and advised them that the lease had been drafted and prepared for execution by both parties. He instructed Mr. Mosely to bring their proof of insurance to the General Services office and to present a letter to the County stating that the Gifford Economic Development Council would assume the responsibilities of the Gifford Jaycees per the approved site plan. Mr. Dean indicated that that would allow the Gifford Economic Development Council to obtain a building permit. He further indicated that December 7, 1999 87 BOOK ill