Loading...
CCLAAC Minutes 04/10/2017 April 10,2017 MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE CONSERVATION COLLIER LAND ACQUISITION ADVISORY COMMITTEE Naples, Florida, April 10, 2017 LET IT BE REMEMBERED, the Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Advisory Committee in and for the County of Collier, having conducted business herein, met on this date at 9:00 A.M. in REGULAR SESSION at Administrative Building "F", 3" Floor, Collier County Government Complex Naples, Florida with the following members present: CHAIRMAN: Bill Poteet VICE CHAIRMAN: Pat Sherry Tracey Dewrell Susan Calkins Michael Seef John Psaras Jacob Winge Michael Seef ALSO PRESENT: Alexandra Sulecki, Conservation Collier Coordinator, Program Manager Colleen Greene, Assistant County Attorney Melissa Hennig, Sr. Environmental Specialist Christal Segura, Sr. Environmental Specialist Barry Williams, Director, Parks and Recreation CONSERVATION COLLIER LAND ACQUISITION ADVISORY COMMITTEE April 10, 2017, 9:00 A.M. Commission Boardroom W. Harmon Turner Building (Building "F"), Third Floor AGENDA Roll Call II. Approval of Agenda III. Approval of January 9, 2017 Meeting Minutes IV. Old Business: A. Conservation Collier Reauthorization 1. Status and discussion 2. Acquisition Process overview 3. Reinstate subcommittees: Ordinance, Policy& Rules, Lands Evaluation & Management, Outreach V. New Business A. Applications and Nomination B. Brochures - Draft Main Brochure and Rack Card C. Cattle Lease Extension for Caracara Prairie Preserve D. Preserve Accessibility (Requested by Michael Seef) E. FWC Panther Outreach Specialist Jayne Johnston F. General Land Management Update VI. Coordinator Communications A. BCC Items 1. LDC Amendment—Offsite Preservation - Status 2. Greenway Interpretive Sign panels - Status B. Misc Items VII. Subcommittee Reports A. LDC donation Endowments—Chairman: Tracey Dewrell B. Trees Subcommittee—Chairman - to be determined at the meeting on 3/30/17 C. Trails—Chairman: Michael Seef D. Education— Chairwoman: Susan Calkins E. Chair Committee Member Comments— Report on Path of the Panther lecture at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary on Friday, March 24th VIII. Public General Comments IX. Staff Comments X. Next Meeting/Adjourn Committee Members: Please notify Alexandra Sulecki at 252-2961 no later than 5:00 p.m.on April 7, 2017 if you cannot attend this meeting or if you have a conflict and will abstain from voting on an agenda item. April 10, 2017 I. Roll Call Chairman Poteet called the meeting to order at 9:00AM. Roll call was taken and a quorum was established. II. Approval of Agenda Mr. Winge moved to approve the Agenda subject to hearing Item VE after Item III. Second by Ms. Sherry. Carried unanimously 7—0. III. Approval of January 9, 2017 minutes Mr.Dewrell moved to approve the minutes of the January 9, 2017 meeting as presented Second by Ms. Sherry. Carried unanimously 7—0. Speaker Bobbi Lee Davenport, Cypress Cove Conservancy spoke in support of acquiring the Gore properties as they are environmentally valuable and could be used as an education center. IV. Old Business A. Conservation Collier Reauthorization 1. Status and discussion Ms. Sulecki provided the Executive Summary "Conservation Collier Reauthorization"dated April 10, 2017 noting: • On February 14,2017 the BCC voted to restore the County's acquisition Program by a 3 —2 vote. • The proposal is to utilize$17M of reserve funds to initiate the acquisitions followed by a 0.25 millage imposed on property taxes for 2018. • There are several parcels that were previously recommended for acquisition on the "CCLAAC Cycle 8 Approved Land Acquisition List—January 25, 2011"which may be reconsidered as well as newly nominated parcels • The process includes a review to determine if the properties are suitable for acquisition and a ranking process for the parcels occurs annually in December. • The Committee may be expanded to 9 members and the Subcommittees providing support to the main Committee will be reactivated. 2. Acquisition Process overview Ms. Sulecki presented a Memorandum dated April 10, 2017 "Subject: Conservation Collier Process Review—From Ordinance 2007-63, "Secondary Criteria Screening Form, a sample of a Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Program Project Design Report," "Resolution No. 2005—162 - A Resolution of the Board of County Commissioners of the County of Collier, Florida, Approving a Target Protection Area Mailing Strategy for the Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Program's Third Property Select"and "Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Program Initial Screening Criteria"noting: • The acquisitions currently identified include a list of Target Protection Areas and the previously approved Active Acquisition List. • Going forward,properties may be nominated for acquisition by an owner or the public. • Staff also contacts owners within"Target Protection Areas"to determine if they are interested in selling their lands to the County. 2 April 10, 2017 • An eligible parcel is evaluated by Staff for its environmental value after which it is forwarded to the Committee for consideration. If 5 members vote in the affirmative,the property moves forward for an Initial Criteria Screening Report including a comprehensive evaluation and scoring of the applicable criteria. The Committee determined: 1. Although the public may nominate properties, no nomination should be brought forth by Committee Members. 2. It would be beneficial for the County Attorney's Office to provide a presentation to the Committee on the Sunshine Law and Ethics. 3. Reinstate subcommittees: Ordinance, Policy &Rules,Lands Evaluation & Management, Outreach Ms. Sulecki reported it would be beneficial to return to the previous monthly meeting schedule. Mr. Dewrell moved to resume monthly Committee meetings in June 2017. Meetings to be held the second Monday of the month at 9:00am. Second by Ms. Calkins. Carried unanimously 7—0. Ms. Sulecki noted the existing Subcommittees should be merged with the previously established Subcommittees which were disbanded when acquisitions ceased. Mr. Winge moved to reinstate the Ordinance,Policy and Rules,Lands Evaluation & Management and Outreach Subcommittees. Second by Ms. Sherry. Carried unanimously 7 —0. The Committee assigned the following Members to the Subcommittees: Outreach—Mr. Seef, Mr. Winge, Mr. Psaras, Ms. Calkins. Lands Evaluation&Management—Mr. Dewrell, Chairman Poteet, Ms. Sherry and Mr. Seef Ordinance Policy&Rules—Mr. Psaras, Mr. Winge and Ms. Sherry. The Committee noted the existing Subcommittees would be merged with the revamped Subcommittees. Temporary Staffing Ms. Sulecki noted given the recent changes in the Program, temporary staffing will be necessary to fulfill the directive provided by the BCC. Mr.Dewrell moved to recommend the Board of County Commissioners approve the appropriate budget transfers in an amount not to exceed$215,000 for temporary staffing, expenses associated with the staffing(vehicle, etc.) and land acquisitions. Second by Ms. Sherry. Carried unanimously 7—0. V. New Business A. Applications and Nomination Ms. Sulecki provided the document"Conservation Collier Applications and Nomination"dated April 10, 2017. It outlined three parcels previously under consideration for acquisition: April 10, 2017 Romak The parcel is located in Red Maple Swamp and originally approved for purchase by the BCC in 2009 however there were title issues with the property which have been addressed by the owner and a new acquisition application filed with the County. Mr. Winge moved to recommend the Board of County Commissioners approve acquisition of the Romak parcel. Second by Mr. Seef. Carried unanimously 7—0. Green and Green Investments The property was previously placed on the A list meeting 6 out of 6 of the screening criteria. The County's offer was previously rejected by the owner and Staff recommends it be reconsidered for acquisition. Mr. Psaras moved to reactivate the process required for the County to acquire the parcel. Second by Ms. Sherry. Carried unanimously 7—0. Speaker Meredith Barnard, Conservancy of Southwest Florida spoke in support of acquiring the parcel due to its sensitive wetland characteristics and bird habitat. Gore The properties were previously recommended for acquisition with an offer accepted in 2007. The home site was exempted from the acquisition and the parcels were placed on the B-List in 2009. Staff is awaiting filing of a new application by the owner before consideration by the Committee. Speakers Bobbi Lee Davenport(spoke at the beginning of the meeting). Meredith Barnard, Conservancy of Southwest Florida spoke in support of acquiring the parcels. Ray Chrisman,Trust for Public Lands encouraged the Committee to be proactive in identifying parcels and acquiring lands including reaching out to partners such as government agencies, etc. for input. He supports acquisition of the Gore parcel. Ms. Sulecki reported she has received letters supporting the acquisition from the US Fish and Wildlife Service dated March 27, 2017 and the Florida Wildlife Federation dated March 29,2017. The Committee recommended Staff contact the County Transportation Dept.for update on Everglades Blvd. interchange. B. Brochures -Draft Main Brochure and Rack Card Ms. Sulecki presented the "Conservation Collier"brochure and "Trails and Tails, Explore Your Conservation Collier Lands"rack cards for information purposes. The items will be distributed to area hotels,businesses, Chamber of Commerce Visitor Centers, etc. The Committee recommended the Outreach Subcommittee investigate the feasibility of developing an "App"to access the brochure, rack card and other pertinent information. 4 April 10, 2017 Ms. Sherry moved to approve the brochure and rack card as presented by Staff. Second by Mr. Winge. Carried unanimously 7—0. C. Cattle Lease Extension for Caracara Prairie Preserve Ms. Hennig provided the Executive Summary "Third Amendment of the Starnes Cattle Lease Agreement at Caracara Prairie Preserve"dated April 10, 2017 for consideration. She noted the owner is seeking a one year extension to the lease. Mr. Psaras moved to recommend the Board of County Commissioners approve the one year extension to the Starnes Cattle Lease Agreement. The Committee noted the feasibility of leasing the lands should be reconsidered upon the expiration of the lease. D. Preserve Accessibility(Requested by Michael See!) Mr. Seef noted there is no pubic access to Wet Woods and Railhead Scrub Preserve and it would be prudent to identify options for access. The Committee noted funding for a boardwalk for Wet Woods Preserve was eliminated a few years ago due to weak returns on investments of program funds and it may be beneficial to revisit that item as well. The Committee noted the item should be remanded to the Lands Evaluation and Management Subcommittee. The Committee requested Staff to provide an update on funds available in the budget for capital improvements. E. FWC Panther Outreach Specialist Jayne Johnston (this item was heard after Item III) Mr.Johnston presented the PowerPoint "Living with Panthers"and provided a historical overview of panthers in Florida highlighting: • In the 1980's, their population was reduced to approximately 20-30 animals however with efforts, it is estimated they now number 250 or more. • The males have a range of 200 square miles and the females have a range of 80 square miles. • They are carnivores with the threat to their survival being loss of habitat, in breeding, illegal killings, disease and vehicle collisions. • Recovery efforts include genetic restoration,habitat preservation, development of roadway underpasses to reduce the chance of vehicle collisions, etc. • In 2008, a Panther Recovery Plan was enacted to help promote protection of the species. • Any sightings should be reported to the appropriate party so it may be adequately documented to help researchers with their work. F. General Land Management Update Staff provided the "Land Management Report for Preserves Prepared for the Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Advisory Committee April 10, 2017"for information purposes. She noted the Logan Woods neighbors are trimming the trees up to the property line until a formal policy has been executed. 5 April 10,2017 VI. Coordinator Communications A.BCC Items 1/10/17— Accepted a land donation from Richmond Park. 1/24/17— Status update on Conservation Collier and directed Staff to report on public polling efforts. 2/14/17— Reported on polling and outreach efforts; received BCC direction as discussed today. 2/28/17— Chairman Poteet and Mr. Seef were reappointed. 3/28/17 - Accepted a monetary donation of$219,000 for a rural area project. 4/11/17— Accepted a monetary donation of$45,000 for 0.2 acres of off site preservation. B. LDC Amendment—Offsite Preservation- Status The proposed amendment will be returned to the Subcommittee for discussion. C. Greenway Interpretive Sign panels—Status A draft of the sign panels has been completed and the locations identified on maps. D. Misc Items • The volunteer luncheon to be held on 4/29/17 at North Collier Regional Park. Ms. Sherry to attend and represent the Committee. • The Comprehensive Watershed Improvement Program Committee moved to support the future acquisition of Conservation Collier lands for those properties who protect watershed promote and hydrological connectivity. • Staff continues to monitor the County's restudies of the Golden Gate Area Master Plan, Rural Lands Stewardship Area, Immokalee Area Master Plan and the Rural Fringe Mixed Use District including the concept of including Conservation Collier lands in the County's TDR program. The Committee requested an update on the City of Naples Bridge to be constructed South of the Gordon River Greenway. VII. Subcommittee Reports A. LDC donation Endowments—Chairman: Tracey Dewrell Mr.Dewrell reported a meeting will be held to discuss the endowment policy and the Subcommittee will be merged with the Lands Evaluation and Management Subcommittee. B. Trees Subcommittee—Chairman- to be determined at the meeting on 3/30/17 Mr.Winge reported the criteria for a policy or ordinance for tree maintenance along property lines is under review and the Subcommittee will be merged with the Ordinance, Policy and Rules Subcommittee. C. Trails—Chairman: Michael Seef Mr. Seef reported a meeting was held on March 17th to review the rack card,brochure and distribution network for the publications. The Subcommittee will be merged with the Outreach Subcommittee D. Education—Chairwoman: Susan Calkins f1 April 10, 2017 Ms. Calkins reported the Subcommittee is reviewing the option of making the preserves available to local schools for educational purposes and any requirements that would need to be in place for the activity. The Subcommittee will be merged with the Outreach Subcommittee. VIII. Chair Committee Member Comments A. Report on Path of the Panther lecture at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary on Friday,March 24th. Mr. Seef reported on the lecture noting there is a corridor of movement for panthers throughout the State which is identified on a map. The Committee should be aware of the locations within the County so any properties may be considered for acquisition that facilitate movement of the animal. IX. Public General Comments None X. Staff Comments None There being no further business for the good of the County,the meeting was adjourned by order of the chair at 11:26A.M. Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Advisory Committee Bill Poteet,Chairman These minutes approved by the Board/Committee on 6-0----/7 as presented V or as amended • 7