20131205 Final Minutes - Sarasota County Government

ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE LANDS OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE
MINUTES
Think Tank, 3rd Floor, 1660 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota FL 34236
Thursday, December 5, 2013
2:30 p.m.
Call to Order 02:27
The meeting was called to order at 2:30 p.m.
Roll Call 02:30
ESLOC Members Present: Gary Serviss, Chair; Jennifer Shafer, Vice Chair; Barry Luchs;
Peter Price; Cathy Rustin; Julie Byrne; Charlie Sample; Sydney Crampton (arrived at 2:40
p.m.)
ESLOC Members Absent: S.T.A.R. Member John Lawrence, Pamela Fetterman
Sarasota County Staff
Natural Resources (NR): Amy Meese (left at 4:22 p.m.), Belinda Perry, Brooke Elias, Scott
Moranda, Nancy Edmondson, Chris Meyer, Jeff Weber, Peachy Faylona
Parks & Recreation (P&R): Brie Ondercin, Kim Heuberger (late arrival)
Real Estate Services (RES): John Herrli
Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast (CFGC): Lee Amos, Debi Osborne
Public
Jono Miller, Citizen, Ann Van Cott, Citizen
Michael Saunders representatives: Peggy Wellman, Joe Bell, Robert Moffatt
Public Comment 03:46
Jono Miller, Chair of Parks Advisory and Recreation Council (PARC), spoke regarding two
parcels. He has not spoken to either the owners or their agents. The first is the ONeil
property [Old Miakka Preserve]. He encouraged the committee to think of dividing this parcel
in various ways, not just north to south. The second parcel is the Johnson property, located on
the Myakka River [Rocky Ford site]. Although he generally does not favor buying properties
with structures, this property is an exception. The reason is that acquiring it would provide
continuation of protected river frontage adjacent to previously protected environmentally
sensitive lands. He recommended that ESLOC move forward with this property.
Peggy Wellman, Michael Saunders 07:00
Peggy Wellman of Michael Saunders was there to represent the Johnson property which is
being considered for 2nd tier review (2TR). She gave a brief overview of the approximately
5.12 acre property including a 2-bedroom, 1-bath home with a wrap-around deck, located
directly on the river. She discussed the access roads and habitats. Responding to a question,
she noted that there is no current appraisal for the property; the last one was done in 2005.
Approval of Minutes of October 3, 2013 09:20
Motion: Approval of Minutes of October 3, 2013 Action: Approve, Moved by Barry Luchs
Seconded by Peter Price. There was a request to correct the spelling of Julie Byrnes name on
page 2. Motion passed unanimously at 2:38 p.m.
Old Business
None
New Business: 10:20
2TR Review: Johnson property - Sleeping Turtles North – Scott Moranda, NR
Brooke Elias noted that the last 2TR was in 2007.But following changes to 2TR parameters in
2010, specifically for species recovery plans and recent for future land use map changes, a
second look was recommended.
Scott Moranda, Land Manager, gave an overview of the property. He presented a map
showing the exact location, its boundaries, noting properties owned by the County in the
vicinity. The Sarasota County Property Appraisers 2013 assessed value is approximately
$110,000, with the taxable value at $95,000. There was a brief summary of the parcels plant
species, and soils. There is no scrub jay population in the vicinity. It is in a FEMA designated
high-risk flood zone and flood insurance would be mandatory. Site photos and comparison of
the first and this current 2TR was presented. A discussion ensued.
Motion 28:25
Motion to accept 2nd Tier Review as shown and direct county staff to move ahead. Motion:
Moved by Jennifer Shafer; Seconded by Sydney Crampton. This motion passed
unanimously at 2:58 p.m.
Walton Ranch Environmental Assessment – Jeff Weber, NR, 29:20
Following an inquiry from a citizen regarding the potential to purchase fee simple acreage
within the ESLPP-protected Walton Ranch tract, Jeff Weber organized Preserve Management
staff to prepare an assessment of this parcel. He presented the field teams transect route,
followed during the site visit. The property is divided into six sections. Sarasota County
History Center staff provided a cultural and historical survey, finding no cultural or historical
sites on the property. There is feral hog population and damage on site, but a contract for their
removal is in place. Mesic Hammock habitat covers about 800 acres of the site; abandoned
and improved pasture is a significant habitat component also. The characteristics of each
section were presented. Section 19 (NW) is characterized by species and habitat diversity.
Section 30 has an interesting mix of native habitats and species. A newly discovered exoticinvasive plant species for Sarasota County, devils horsewhip, is abundant in this section.
Section 29 is a blend of pasture areas and native habitats. Selby Gardens staff has provided
assistance with vegetation inventory and plant identification in the southern two sections.
A cattle grazing contract is being prepared for presentation to the board in 2014. This may
result in approximately $80,000 per year in in-kind services and cost saving benefits. An
exotic invasive plant removal contract will be initiated soon. Sections 19, 31 and 32 received
higher environmentally sensitive rankings. Sections 29 and 30 had lower quality rankings;
Section 20 had the lowest habitat quality ranking. Based on the five ESLPP criteria, Section
19 scored the lowest (= most environmentally sensitive); sections 31 and 32 a close second
and the least environmentally sensitive land is Section 20. Recommendations: Sections 31 and
32 should not be considered for surplus. Section 30 should not be considered because it would
isolate high quality habitat in Section 19 and reduce connectivity to the lower two sections.
Sections 20 and 29 are the best candidates for surplus. A discussion ensued.
During the discussion it was clarified that the 1999 governing ordinance requires that any
proceeds resulting from the sale of surplussed lands revert to the original fund from which the
ESLPP land purchase was funded.
Motion: 1:03:35
Motion to further evaluate Sections 20 & 29 for potential surplus, as defined by the Sarasota
County Surplus Land Code. Motion: Moved by Barry Luchs; Seconded by Peter Price. This
motion passed at 3:36 p.m. with 7 yeas and 1 nay from Sydney Crampton.
Long-Term Management of Public Lands 1:07 – Amy Meese, NR
Amy Meese gave a summary of the Long-Term Management of Public Lands workshop
presented to the County Commission by Belinda Perry in October. During the Commissioners
2012 retreat, they identified the long-term management of public lands as a strategic initiative
for the County. As part of this initiative, an inventory of all managed lands will be conducted
to evaluate and guide future land protection and long-term management policies. It was noted
that about half of currently managed lands were protected before the ESLPP referendum, with
an almost equal amount purchased after. This is important because these lands have different
funding sources and different management strategies based on their revenues.
It is proposed that in a year-long process, ESLOC should evaluate all the lands currently in the
program and decide whether or not they still meet the criteria of being environmentally
sensitive. It will be a clear-cut process wherein lands are identified as environmentally
sensitive and those that are not will be further evaluated for potential surplus actions.
Brooke Elias gave an overview of the history of the ESLPP and the lands currently in the
program. She provided maps that show the publicly protected lands locations and
connectivity. She requested members review Resolution No. 92-272, as this is the criteria for
identifying and ranking environmentally sensitive lands. It was proposed that at each ESLOC
meeting in the coming year a number of sites will be evaluated, with a goal to completing the
evaluation at the October meeting.
It was suggested that the evaluation start with all ESLPP lands purchased fee simple, by the
County, without partners. Jennifer Shafer proposed to conduct a geographical evaluation as
opposed to starting with properties that were purchased fee simple. Amy Meese responded
that the suggestion to begin with fee simple properties was to limit the mitigating factors;
properties purchased with partners are more complex.
Julie Byrne suggested that it would be beneficial if members could receive information on the
parcels before the meetings, so they have enough time to go over them. Gary Serviss also
suggested that if possible, members should be allowed to join county staff during their site
visits.
Charlie Sample suggested that a general orientation or workshop be organized. In the
following discussion, it was noted that a special meeting during which members will be given
an overview of all ESLPP priority sites would allow them to see a big picture.
Motion: 1:48
Motion to have a special meeting to review ESLPP sites to get a perspective of the past and
whole picture of the land that we are evaluating.
Motion: Moved by Charlie Sample; Seconded by Cathy Rustin. This motion passed
unanimously at 4:18 p.m.
Amy Meese volunteered to send out a poll which will allow members to select the dates which
are most convenient. The meeting is proposed to be timed like a regular meeting starting at
2:30 p.m. This is foreseen for the month of January 2014.
Land Acquisition Update 1:54:15 – Debi Osborne, CFGC
Debi Osborne presented a brief update on acquisition activities. A copy of the November
Matrix was distributed. She mentioned the Englewood Water District (EWD) parcel and
Sydney Crampton, who is a member of the EWD Board, informed the committee that her
Board will probably ask for a second appraisal of the Ainger Creek property.
A question was raised regarding the progress on the negotiations for Little Salt Springs and
John Herrli (RES) informed the group that the representatives of the University of Miami are
preparing a package to present to their board next month, based on the County offer. It was a
proposal to assume management and control over the property, rather than to purchase it.
Reports 1:59:36
Chair – No report
Because of the speed with which the meeting was proceeding, Brooke Elias proposed that the
election for officers be held.
Election of Officers for 2014: 1:59:45
For the position of Chair:
Motion: 2:00:35
Motion: to nominate Cathy Rustin as Chair Motion: Moved by Jennifer Shafer; Cathy Rustin
declined the nomination.
Motion: 2:00:56
Motion to nominate Jennifer Shafer as Chair: Motion: Moved by Cathy Rustin: Seconded by
: Julie Byrne. Jennifer expressed her concern regarding her availability to attend all meetings.
Motion: 2:01:07
Motion to nominate Gary Serviss as Chair: Motion: Moved by Jennifer Shafer: Seconded by:
Julie Byrne.
Motion: 2:01:43
Motion to close the floor for nominations for Chair: Motion: Moved by Peter Price:
Seconded by: Barry Luchs.
Gary Serviss requested to be recused because he has been chairman for several years.
Jennifer Shafer was unanimously voted as Chair at 4:32 p.m.
For the position of Vice Chair:
Motion: 2:03:05
Motion: to nominate Gary Serviss as Vice Chair; Motion: Moved by Jennifer Shafer;
Seconded by: Sydney Crampton
Motion: 2:03:35
Motion to close the floor for nominations for Vice Chair and proceed with voting Motion:
Moved by Barry Luchs: Seconded by: Sydney Crampton.
Gary Serviss was unanimously voted as Vice Chair at 4:33 p.m.
Jennifer Shafer 2:04
Jennifer Shafer informed the group that the annual County Sustainability Workshop is on
Wednesday, December 18, 2013, at the Girls Scouts complex on Cattlemen Road. The fee is
$30.00 for participants; students can attend for a discounted rate of $20.00.
Staff: 2:05
Brooke Elias – 2:05:09
Brooke Elias gave an update on the naming of the Oscar Scherer Buffer parcel. The County
purchased the buffer sometime in 1991 and Preserve Management staff has been managing
this site. Since the State Department of Transportation's Honore connector opened, it has
become very popular, resulting in the need to officially name the site. Because this property
was purchased with general funds, a Name Selection Committee was assembled; Barry Luchs
served as an ESLOC representative. After receiving an unprecedented number of responses
from the public, the Committee unanimously selected the name Scherer Thaxton Preserve.
The Committees name recommendation was approved by the County Commission on
December 10th.
Brooke Elias informed the group that Fire Fest 2014 will be held at the Carlton Memorial
Reserve on February 1, 2014.This will be a great family event to help citizens learn more
about prescribed burning and its importance in land management. Demonstration prescribed
burns will be held during the event.
The Staff Report was sent by email as usual to all members.
The draft 2014 Schedule of ESLOC Meetings, together with the Joint PARC-ESLOC
meetings, was submitted for approval. It was agreed to maintain the proposed schedule.
Following the ESLOC decision during the October 3rd meeting to partner with Parks to
purchase the ONeil property on Old Miakka, the PARC Board at their meeting on November
14th, passed a similar motion to partner on the propertys purchase, with a 50/50 funding split.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 4:46 p.m.
ChairDate
Recording SecretaryDate