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• TO: James E. Chandler ._ u„nt`, DE AI21fMENT HEAD C�OyNCURRENCE: FZtSf.•r, \l. �aun�_..-ICP I Conununin Dei eiopment Director/ / tLyl-- ✓ FROM: Roland M. DeBlois;ATCP Chief. Environmental Planning DATE: July 31. 2001 RE• Request for Board Authorization to Issue Second Series of Environmental Land Acquisition Bonds It is requested that the data herein presented be given formal consideration by the Board of County Commissioners at its regular meeting of August 7, 2001. DFSCRIPTION AND CONDITIONS On November 21. 2000, the Board of County Commissioners directed staff and an ad hoc committee to develop and mail -out an informational brochure about the environmental lands proeram At that time. the Board also approved working with the University of Flondal Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory (FMEL) to conduct public workshops (and field trips) relating to the program The purpose of the brochure and workshops was to inform the public about the accomplishments and costs of the environmental lands program and to provide a forum for public input as the Board nears a decision on whether or not to issue the second bond senes (up to S11 million). The brochures have since been developed and mailed, and the workshops have been held. Also. the County Land Acquisition Advisory Committee (LAAC) recently considered the matter. Staff now requests the Board consider issuance ot the second bond series. LAAC Recommendation The LAAC, at its meeting on July 25, 2001, voted 9 to 2 to recommend that the Board of County Commissioners approve issuance of the second senes (S11 million) of environmental land acquisition bonds (see attached unapproved minutes) ANAIXSIS Approximately 120-150 people (combined) attended the two workshops. At the workshops. most of the attendees indicated that they were in favor of County issuance of the second bond series (the full amount of $11 million) Although the consensus of workshop attendees was to support continuation of the program and issuance of the bonds. that consensus cannot be construed as a definitive representation of overall public opinion. TneL \_A.r. reccert. re rank;n 0::: .-n::..._.., Ian' ot the listed protects exceeds the amount of funds available under the first bond senes. Therefore. if the County wishes to move forward with acquisition of the listed projects, issuance of the second senes bonds is warranted. One factor to consider is the interest rate at the time of bond issuance. If the County is to issue the second series. now is a good time, given current low interest rates. Another factor is the availability of state matching funds through the new Flonda Forever Program. The vanous state agencies recently began their first grant cycles under the new program. and by issuing the bonds. the County will be in a position to capitalize on cost -snare funding availability. AUGUST 7, 2001 • BKII9PG072