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Chainnan Ginn questioned why she heard from Senator Pruitt in Tallahassee that the appraisals came in very high, and Environmental Chief Roland DeBlois stated that he did not know whether or not the seller has had appraisals prepared. Commissioner Macht believed there had been too much communication with Tallahassee and that the waters have been further muddied by actions of the City of Vero Beach. The City's ordinance passed in 1990 permitted the development of up to one unit per 2 acres, with a requirement that 80% of the land must remain green. There was a requirement that the houses must be built on pilings and that absolutely no fill whatsoever could be brought in. In another development recently the City allowed a developer to bring in offsite fill. The ordinance was adopted to prevent damage to the wetlands and the estuary and the City has now flung a "stone in the mud". Chairman Ginn emphasized that a vote had been cast to set aside 8 million dollars for this purpose and she expressed her frustration that we should not be "dragging our heels". She believed that we should have done a better job on the application sent to the Department of Community Affairs and should have gotten more points to begin with. The Governing Board wants the project to go forward and we should not have had to go to Tallahassee. Commissioner Macht stated that we have a mechanism for making this purchase and it is very important that we follow the procedures. Commissioner Stanbridge noted that FCT has certain procedures and they need to be a part of any negotiations. County Administrator Jim Chandler emphasized that County staff is not stalling this matter but doing everything possible to bring it to fruition. Commissioner Macht noted that staff has the best record in the State for obtaining grants. DECEMBER 4, 2001 -119- UA it" U I J V-1) 7.