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CCLAAC Minutes 08/14/2017August 14, 2017 MINUTES OF THE CONSERVATION COLLIER LAND ACQUISITION ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING Naples, Florida, August 14, 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", 3rd Floor, Collier County Government Complex Naples, Florida with the following members present: CHAIRMAN: VICE CHAIRMAN: Bill Poteet (Excused) Pat Sherry Tracey Dewrell Susan Calkins (Excused) Michael Seef John Psaras Jacob Winge Carol Pratt (Vacancy) .ALSO PRESENT: Alexandra Sulecki, Conservation Collier Coordinator, Program Manager Jennifer Belpedio, Assistant County Attorney Christal Segura, Environmental Specialist Gary Bigelow, Operations Coordinator August 14, 2017 I. Roll Call — welcome to new member Carol Pratt Vice Chairman Sherry called the meeting to order at 9:OOAM. Roll call was taken and a quorum was established. Ms. Pratt was welcomed as a new Member of the Committee. II. Approval of Agenda Mr. Dewrell moved to approve the Agenda. Second by Mr. Psaras. Carried unanimously 6 — 0. III. Approval of July 10, 2017 minutes Mr. Seef moved to approve the minutes of the July 10, 2017 meeting as presented. Second by Mr. Psaras. Carried unanimously 6 — 0. IV. Old Business A. LDC Amendment — Offsite Preservation - Status Ms. Sulecki reported: • The proposed amendment for offsite preservation was heard by the Collier County Planning Commission (CCPC) in July and they are considering recommending the provision for off site preservation be removed entirely from the Land Development Code. • The previous recommendations formulated by the Development Services Advisory Committee and the Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Advisory Committee and any developed by the CCPC will be forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) for consideration in October. V. New Business A. Program Status — Adjusting cycle — Focusing criteria to current conservation needs Ms. Sulecki reported: • The BCC determined not to increase the millage rate to fund the program at the July 11, 2017 meeting. • This leaves the program with no dedicated funding source for acquisition of properties. • The "cycle" timing for properties under consideration will be adjusted and applications received by September 1, 2017 will be ranked for priority in April of 2018. • Acquisition of properties may be delayed until a referendum is considered by the voters. • Direction on the program will be sought from the BCC (including focusing the programs criteria on the current conservation needs) at a workshop to be held in September. B. Use of Donation Funds in Multi -parcel projects Ms. Sulecki provided a Memo dated August 8, 2017 — Subject: "Use of Donation funds for Multi - parcel Project parcels" which summarized status of the management endowment funds from donated lands in Winchester Head and Red Maple Swamp. There is potentially $120,000 of funds available for use in acquiring parcels in the area if the Committee so desires. Mr. Dewrell moved for the County to utilize the funds accumulated for the management endowment for donated properties in Winchester Head and Red Maple Swamp for acquisition purposes. Second by Mr. Winge. Carried unanimously 6 — 0. C. New applications 1. I-75 parcel (Faust) — Application and Initial Criteria Ms. Sulecki presented the "Faust Property: Initial Screening Criteria " noting the property is located north of I-75 and borders one of the "Gore" properties (numerous parcels in the area 2 August 14, 2017 which are under consideration for acquisition) on the north side. The property meets 3 of the 6 Initial Screening Criteria and is bordered by residential use on the east and west sides. Mr. Winge noted the property is adjacent to other urban uses, and not contiguous to any other I-75 parcels which may be considered for acquisition by the County. Additionally, the application is the only property brought forth for the "1-75" parcels and would be a stand alone parcel at this point in time. Mr. Winge moved to not deem the application as a qualified proposal at this time. Second by Mr. Dewrell, During Committee discussion, the following was noted: • Kevin Godsea of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) previously provided a letter to the Committee dated March 27, 2017 in support of acquiring the "Gore parcels" which indicated properties in this area would help in providing linkage to the Belle Meade Natural Resource Protection Area for the Florida Panther. • The acquisition of the "Gore properties" is a top priority and it may be beneficial to delay any consideration of this application until those properties are acquired by the County. • It may be beneficial to continue consideration of the acquisition given an action at this point in time could only deem it a "qualified proposal." This would allow more time to obtain additional information on the property before a final determination is made by the Committee. Motion carried S "yes" — I "no. " Mr. Seef voted "no. " 2. Half Circle L Ranch — Application and Initial Criteria Ms. Sulecki presented the "Half Circle L Ranch: Initial Screening" report noting: • The applicant own 9,000 acres located in both Collier and Hendry County. • The proposal would be to segregate 6 parcels out of the lands in Collier County for transfer to the County. • There are listed archeological sites on the site and the property meets 5 of the 6 screening criteria, the only exception being the property is not located within another Agency's acquisition project. The Committee noted the property has sound ecological values but expressed concern on the potential cost of acquisition and outlying location in the County limiting the opportunity for public use. Speakers Dane, Kip and Rocky Scofield, property owners, addressed the Committee noting: • There are 3,500 acres in Collier County with an estimated value (including any restoration or RLSA type credits) of $4,000/acre. The lands were in the RLSA program, but the owner rescinded the approved designations. • The property has been on the market for 6 years and the archeological sites remain in their original condition. • If the proposal comes to fruition, there is the potential for a conservation easement being placed on the lands in Hendry County. 3 August 14, 2017 • Currently one individual farms the lands and they conduct the cattle ranching operation. The following was noted during Committee discussion: • Concern the property is not in close proximity to County urban centers potentially limiting its use by residents. • The property does meet the initial screening criteria and it may be beneficial to determine any recreational uses that could be developed on the property. • Conservation Collier already has a similar property in the area (Pepper Ranch) and concern it may not be prudent to expend the funds on a like property. • It would be beneficial to obtain additional information before a final determination is made on acquiring the property. Mr. Dewrell moved to deem the application a qualified proposal and to obtain more information on the proposed acquisition. Second by Mr. Seef. Carried unanimously 6 — 0. 3. RMS parcels (Espinar, Romack, Celsnak) — A -List Applications Ms. Sulecki presented the "Red Maple Swamp Offered to Conservation Collier as of 818117" for consideration noting the parcels offered for sale are 1.14 acres, 1.14 acres and 2.73 acres in size and located in the multi parcel project area previously approved for acquisition. Mr. Dewrell moved to recommend the Board of County Commissioners accept the proposed acquisitor by the owners for the Espinar, Romack and Celsnak parcels as identified above. Second by Mr. Winge. Carried unanimously 6 — 0. 4. WH parcels (Wallace, Bueno-Costa, Eubanks) — A -List Applications Ms. Sulecki presented the "Winchester Head — NGGE Unit 62 & 65 Offered as of 818117" for consideration noting the parcels offered for sale are 2.50 acres, 1.14 acres and 2.73 acres in size and located in the multi parcel project area previously approved for acquisition. Mr. Dewrell moved to recommend the Board of County Commissioners accept the proposed acquisition by the owners for the Wallace, Bueno-Costa and Eubanks parcels as identified above. Second by Mr. Winge. Carried unanimously 6 — 0. VI. Coordinator Communications A. BCC Items Ms. Sulecki reported on the prior and upcoming activity at Board of County Commissioner meetings. 7/11/17— The Board discussed not increasing the millage rate to fund the program, which action would be finalized at a September meeting. 9/12/17— Two Memorandum of Agreements between the County and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will be heard for youth hunts at Pepper Ranch (Hog hunt in December and a Turkey hunt in February 2018). B. Mise Items • The Committee reviewed a video published on line developed by the Florida Mudcutters, a mountain biking group who develops and maintains trails at Pepper Ranch. • Staff is working on a grant application for phase 2 of the bike trails from the Florida Division of Parks and Recreation's (FRDAP) grant program. 0 August 14, 2017 • Tom Mortenson maintains wildlife cameras at Pepper Ranch and has entered a photo of a Florida Panther taken at the Preserve in the Trail Cam Pro Contest. VII. Subcommittee Reports A. Lands Evaluation & Management — Chair -Tracey Dewrell; Members - Bill Poteet, Patricia Sherry, Michael Seef Mr. Dewrell reported the Subcommittee met on 7/12/17 and discussed the process for Initial Criteria Screening Reports and consideration will be given to adding a section on the properties potential for public use including constructing parking areas and trail systems. B. Outreach Chair- Michael Seef ; Jacob Winge, John Psaras, Susan Calkins, Mr. Seef reported the Subcommittee is working on updating the programs web page to identify the availability of trails at preserves and continuing to expand marketing efforts including distribution of rack cards providing information in the "Naples Passport" an area marketing publication, working with the area Concierge Association opportunities, etc. C. Ordinance Policy and Rules- Chair- Patricia Sherry; Members — Jacob Winge, John Psaras, Vice Chairman Sherry reported the Subcommittee is reviewing policies for public access and parking at preserves and will be approaching the Board of County Commissioners in an effort to determine their goals and priorities for the program given the influx of new members on the Board. VIII. Chair Committee Member Comments Ms. Sulecki reported investigation is still ongoing on any options available for improvements on the Hack property including a parking area and boardwalk and will provide an update at the September meeting. 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 10:30A.M. Conse vation Co . nd Acquisition Advisory Committee Bill Poteet, Chairman These minutes appr v by the Board/Committee on as presented or as amended L�-- 5 August 14, 2017 MINUTES OF THE CONSERVATION COLLIER LAND ACQUISITION ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING Naples, Florida, August 14, 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: VICE CHAIRMAN: Bill Poteet (Excused) Pat Sherry Tracey Dewrell Susan Calkins (Excused) Michael Seef John Psaras Jacob Winge Carol Pratt (Vacancy) ALSO PRESENT: Alexandra Sulecki, Conservation Collier Coordinator, Program Manager Jennifer Belpedio, Assistant County Attorney Christal Segura, Environmental Specialist Gary Bigelow, Operations Coordinator 1 August 14, 2017 I. Roll Call — welcome to new member Carol Pratt Vice Chairman Sherry called the meeting to order at 9:OOAM. Roll call was taken and a quorum was established. Ms. Pratt was welcomed as a new Member of the Committee. II. Approval of Agenda Mr. Dewrell moved to approve the Agenda. Second by Mr. Psaras. Carried unanimously 6 — 0. III. Approval of July 10, 2017 minutes Mr. Seef moved to approve the minutes of the July 10, 2017 meeting as presented. Second by Mr. Psaras. Carried unanimously 6 — 0. IV. Old Business A. LDC Amendment — Offsite Preservation - Status Ms. Sulecki reported: • The proposed amendment for offsite preservation was heard by the Collier County Planning Commission (CCPC) in July and they are considering recommending the provision for off site preservation be removed entirely from the Land Development Code. • The previous recommendations formulated by the Development Services Advisory Committee and the Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Advisory Committee and any developed by the CCPC will be forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) for consideration in October. V. New Business A. Program Status — Adjusting cycle — Focusing criteria to current conservation needs Ms. Sulecki reported: • The BCC determined not to increase the millage rate to fund the program at the July 11, 2017 meeting. • This leaves the program with no dedicated funding source for acquisition of properties. • The "cycle" timing for properties under consideration will be adjusted and applications received by September 1, 2017 will be ranked for priority in April of 2018. • Acquisition of properties may be delayed until a referendum is considered by the voters. • Direction on the program will be sought from the BCC (including focusing the programs criteria on the current conservation needs) at a workshop to be held in September. B. Use of Donation Funds in Multi -parcel projects Ms. Sulecki provided a Memo dated August 8, 2017 — Subject: "Use of Donation funds for Multi - parcel Project parcels" which summarized status of the management endowment funds from donated lands in Winchester Head and Red Maple Swamp. There is potentially $120,000 of funds available for use in acquiring parcels in the area if the Committee so desires. Mr. Dewrell moved for the County to utilize the funds accumulated for the management endowment for donated properties in Winchester Head and Red Maple Swamp for acquisition purposes. Second by Mr. Winge. Carried unanimously 6 — 0. C. New applications 1. I-75 parcel (Faust) — Application and Initial Criteria Ms. Sulecki presented the "Faust Property: Initial Screening Criteria " noting the property is located north of I-75 and borders one of the "Gore" properties (numerous parcels in the area 2 August 14, 2017 which are under consideration for acquisition) on the north side. The property meets 3 of the 6 Initial Screening Criteria and is bordered by residential use on the east and west sides. Mr. Winge noted the property is adjacent to other urban uses, and not contiguous to any other I-75 parcels which may be considered for acquisition by the County. Additionally, the application is the only property brought forth for the "1-75" parcels and would be a stand alone parcel at this point in time. Mr. Winge moved to not deem the application as a qualified proposal at this time. Second by Mr. Dewrell. During Committee discussion, the following was noted: • Kevin Godsea of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) previously provided a letter to the Committee dated March 27, 2017 in support of acquiring the "Gore parcels" which indicated properties in this area would help in providing linkage to the Belle Meade Natural Resource Protection Area for the Florida Panther. • The acquisition of the "Gore properties" is a top priority and it may be beneficial to delay any consideration of this application until those properties are acquired by the County. • It may be beneficial to continue consideration of the acquisition given an action at this point in time could only deem it a "qualified proposal." This would allow more time to obtain additional information on the property before a final determination is made by the Committee. Motion carried 5 "yes" — I "no. " Mr. Seef voted "no. " 2. Half Circle L Ranch — Application and Initial Criteria Ms. Sulecki presented the "Half Circle L Ranch: Initial Screening" report noting: • The applicant own 9,000 acres located in both Collier and Hendry County. • The proposal would be to segregate 6 parcels out of the lands in Collier County for transfer to the County. • There are listed archeological sites on the site and the property meets 5 of the 6 screening criteria, the only exception being the property is not located within another Agency's acquisition project. The Committee noted the property has sound ecological values but expressed concern on the potential cost of acquisition and outlying location in the County limiting the opportunity for public use. Speakers Dane, Kip and Rocky Scofield, property owners, addressed the Committee noting: • There are 3,500 acres in Collier County with an estimated value (including any restoration or RLSA type credits) of $4,000/acre. The lands were in the RLSA program, but the owner rescinded the approved designations. • The property has been on the market for 6 years and the archeological sites remain in their original condition. • If the proposal comes to fruition, there is the potential for a conservation easement being placed on the lands in Hendry County. W August 14, 2017 Currently one individual farms the lands and they conduct the cattle ranching operation. The following was noted during Committee discussion: • Concern the property is not in close proximity to County urban centers potentially limiting its use by residents. • The property does meet the initial screening criteria and it may be beneficial to determine any recreational uses that could be developed on the property. • Conservation Collier already has a similar property in the area (Pepper Ranch) and concern it may not be prudent to expend the funds on a like property. • It would be beneficial to obtain additional information before a final determination is made on acquiring the property. Mr. Dewrell moved to deem the application a qualified proposal and to obtain more information on the proposed acquisition. Second by Mr. Seef. Carried unanimously 6 — 0. 3. RMS parcels (Espinar, Romack, Celsnak) — A -List Applications Ms. Sulecki presented the "Red Maple Swamp Offered to Conservation Collier as of 818/17" for consideration noting the parcels offered for sale are 1.14 acres, 1.14 acres and 2.73 acres in size and located in the multi parcel project area previously approved for acquisition. Mr. Dewrell moved to recommend the Board of County Commissioners accept the proposed acquisiton by the owners for the Espinar, Romack and Celsnak parcels as identified above. Second by Mr. Winge. Carried unanimously 6 — 0. 4. WH parcels (Wallace, Bueno-Costa, Eubanks) — A -List Applications Ms. Sulecki presented the "Winchester Head — NGGE Unit 62 & 65 Offered as of 818117" for consideration noting the parcels offered for sale are 2.50 acres, 1.14 acres and 2.73 acres in size and located in the multi parcel project area previously approved for acquisition. Mr. Dewrell moved to recommend the Board of County Commissioners accept the proposed acquisition by the owners for the Wallace, Bueno-Costa and Eubanks parcels as identified above. Second by Mr. Winge. Carried unanimously 6 — 0. VI. Coordinator Communications A. BCC Items Ms. Sulecki reported on the prior and upcoming activity at Board of County Commissioner meetings. 7/11/17— The Board discussed not increasing the millage rate to fund the program, which action would be finalized at a September meeting. 9/12/17— Two Memorandum of Agreements between the County and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will be heard for youth hunts at Pepper Ranch (Hog hunt in December and a Turkey hunt in February 2018). B. Misc Items • The Committee reviewed a video published on line developed by the Florida Mudcutters, a mountain biking group who develops and maintains trails at Pepper Ranch. • Staff is working on a grant application for phase 2 of the bike trails from the Florida Division of Parks and Recreation's (FRDAP) grant program. 4 August 14, 2017 • Tom Mortenson maintains wildlife cameras at Pepper Ranch and has entered a photo of a Florida Panther taken at the Preserve in the Trail Cam Pro Contest. VII. Subcommittee Reports A. Lands Evaluation & Management — Chair -Tracey Dewrell; Members - Bill Poteet, Patricia Sherry, Michael Seef Mr. Dewrell reported the Subcommittee met on 7/12/17 and discussed the process for Initial Criteria Screening Reports and consideration will be given to adding a section on the properties potential for public use including constructing parking areas and trail systems. B. Outreach Chair- Michael Seef ; Jacob Winge, John Psaras, Susan Calkins, Mr. Seef reported the Subcommittee is working on updating the programs web page to identify the availability of trails at preserves and continuing to expand marketing efforts including distribution of rack cards providing information in the "`Naples Passport" an area marketing publication, working with the area Concierge Association opportunities, etc. C. Ordinance Policy and Rules- Chair- Patricia Sherry; Members — Jacob Winge, John Psaras, Vice Chairman Sherry reported the Subcommittee is reviewing policies for public access and parking at preserves and will be approaching the Board of County Commissioners in an effort to determine their goals and priorities for the program given the influx of new members on the Board. VIII. Chair Committee Member Comments Ms. Sulecki reported investigation is still ongoing on any options available for improvements on the Hack property including a parking area and boardwalk and will provide an update at the September meeting. 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 10:30A.M. Conse nation Co nd Acquisition Advisory Committee Bill Poteet, Chairman These minutes appr v by the Board/Committee on as presented or as amended o. 5