7/16/2002 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Chip Landers, 1295 45th Court SW, representing the Hallstrom family, noted that the County is considering this property on an emergency basis because there is a pending contract. Should the County not purchase the property, it will be sold and developed. The Chairman asked if anyone else wished to be heard regarding this matter. There being none, the Chairman closed the public hearing. Commissioner Macht commented that the LAAC criteria includes environmentally and recreationally significant lands, as well as lands which require restoration. This property certainly qualifies for restoration as it is scarred from recreational vehicles. We also need to consider that this property will be helpful in the recharge of the aquifer. 2003 will be the 200t' anniversary of the purchase of Pelican Island Refuge, which was considered to be an unconstitutional action at the time it was purchased. Who would want to reverse that decision? Government does have some latitude with spending monies in these areas Also, we have set aside $8,000,000 for the purchase of the Lost Tree Islands which have no historical or environmental significance and will have to be totally cleaned and restored. These judgments are made on a totality of the factors involved. Commissioner Ginn questioned whether the historical category had been added to the LAAC Guide, and Mr. DeBlois responded that the wording has been approved but the Guide needs to be codified. Commissioner Ginn directed staff to be sure that gets done and commented that she believed she would be pleased in 10 years that she voted for this purchase but she was concerned about the expenditure of the funds. JULY 16, 2002 -28- EC