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CCLAAC Minutes 07/06/2022 July 6, 2022 MINUTES OF THE CONSERVATION COLLIER LAND ACQUISITION ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING Naples, Florida, July 6, 2022 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 1:00 P.M. in REGULAR SESSION at Administrative Building "F", 3"d Floor, Collier County Government Complex Naples, Florida with the following members present: CHAIRMAN: Bill Poteet VICE CHAIRMAN: Michele Lenhard Gary Bromley Brittany Patterson-Weber David Corban Karyn Allman Ron Clark Rhys Watkins (Vacancy) ALSO PRESENT: Summer Araque, Conservation Collier Program Coordinator Sally Ashkar, Assistant County Attorney Mitchell Barazowksi, Environmental Specialist Melissa Hennig, Environmental Specialist 1 July 6,2022 1. Roll Call Chairman Poteet called the meeting to order at 1:00P.M. Roll call was taken and a quorum was established with 8 Members present in the Boardroom. Rhys Watkins was welcomed as a new Member of the Committee. A. Approval of CCLAAC. Members attending the meeting remotely All Members were personally in attendance. 2. Approval of Agenda Ms. Lenhard moved to approve the Agenda. Second by Ms. Patterson-Weber. Carried unanimously 8- 0. 3. Approval of Meeting Minutes A. June 1, 2022,Regular CCLAAC Ms. Lenhard moved to approve the minutes of the June 1, 2022 subject to the following change: • Paragraph 2, line 6 -from "Rich Blonna,Marco Island City Council noted the property was taken of the market..."to "Rich Blonna,Marco Island City Council noted the property was taken off the market..." Second by Ms. Patterson-Weber. Carried unanimously 8—0. B. June 13,2022,Special CCLAAC Ms. Lenhard moved to approve the minutes of the June 13, 2022 as presented. Second by Ms. Patterson-Weber. Carried unanimously 8—0. 4. Old Business A. Acquisition Cycle 10 Update 1. Moody—Agreement for Sale & Purchase Ms. Araque presented the Executive Summary"Approve an Agreement for Sale and Purchase for 59.79 acres under the Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Program, at a cost not to exceed$514,700 (A9oody-Crawford)" for consideration. Ms. Patterson-Weber moved to recommend the Board of County Commissioners approve an Agreement for Sale and Purchase for 59.79 acres under the Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Program, at a cost not to exceed$514,700(Moody-Crawford). Second by Ms. Lenhard. Carried unanimously 8—0. 2. Hussey—Agreement for Sale and Purchase Ms. Araque presented the Executive Summary "Approve an Agreement for Sale and Purchase for approximately 256 acres under the Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Program, at a cost not to exceed$2,091,000 (H1111---Hussey)"for consideration. Ms. Lenhard moved to recommend the Board of County Contmissione►s approve an Agreement for Sale and Purchase approximately 256 acres under the Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Program, at a cost not to exceed$2,091,000(HHH-Hussey)." Second by Ms. Patterson-Weber. Carried unanimously 8—0. 3. Updates 2 July 6, 2022 Ms. Araque reported 13 landowners in the Panther Walk Preserve Target Protection Area have accepted the County's offer to purchase their parcels and the Purchase and Sale agreements will be brought forth to the Committee at the appropriate time. During Committee discussions it was noted Staff will: • Bring forth budget updates at the time of the quarterly ranking so the Committee is aware of the status of the program's funds available for purchase of lands. • Investigate the feasibility of utilizing remote participation for Subcommittee meetings to facilitate attendance by Members and the public. B. Acquisition Cycle 11 Updates Ms. Araque reported 32 applications have been received to date, mainly in relation to the program's Target Protection Areas. 5. New Business A. Donation from Geddes Levenson and Alex Rubinsteyn through the South Florida Wildlands Association (time certain after 3.B.) Matthew Schwartz of the South Florida Wildlands Association introduced Alex Rubinsteyn who was providing a donation through the Wildlands Association to Conservation Collier. Mr.Rubinsteyn addressed the Committee noting$6,000 was raised via gifts during his wedding to Geddes Levenson with the intention of donating the funds to the program for acquisition of a parcel in the Rivers Road Preserve Target Protection Area. The concept arose from their dedication to protection of wildlife in southern Florida including the Florida Panther. He hopes the activity will spur other individuals, organizations, etc.to provide future donations to the program. The Committee thanked the parties for their consideration. B. Initial Criteria Screening Report(ICSR) reviews 1. Hugh Starnes—Caracara Prairie Preserve TPA Ms. Hennig presented the"Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Program Initial Screening Report for the Starnes parcel is in the northwest portion of Collier County, FL in Section 19, Township 46, Range 28 and Commission District 5" for consideration. She noted the property received a score of 105 out of 400. Speaker Hugh Starnes noted the property has been utilized by Alico, Inc. as a trailer site for workers. There is also a cattle pen on site for use by those operating the cattle lease on Caracara Prairie Preserve. Iie hopes those activities may continue if the parcel is obtained by the County. There is a drainage easement for the ditch on the property which provides stormwater relief for Corkscrew Road. Ms. Araque reported she would investigate the feasibility of the existing uses remaining active after acquisition by the County. 2. Adams Trust Mr. Barazowksi presented the "Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Program Initial Screening Report for the H C&JSAdcons Trust"for consideration. IIe noted the parcel is 3 July 6, 2022 4.34 acres and located northeast of Alligator Flag Preserve and the property received a score of 105 out of 400. 3. Annecy/Barfield—Marco Island TPA Ms. Hennig presented the "Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Program initial Screening Report for the Marco Island Target Mailing Area—Annecy/I3arfIeld Parcels"for consideration. She noted the property received a score of 207 out of 400 and the City of Marco Island and many residents support acquisition of the parcels. Speakers Rosemary Tolliver,Audubon Eagle Watch noted the parcels are still on the open market and have been the site of Bald Eagle fledglings this year. Stefan BoIsen,Real Estate Broker for the properties noted the parcels are still for sale. A party interested in purchasing the lots backed out due to the environmental requirements associated with the property. The landowner is still interested in selling them to the County for preservation purposes. A fence was installed along the roadway to help prevent the Gopher Tortoises from entering the streets. Rich Blonna,Marco Island City Council noted the property provides great opportunities for passive recreation and walking paths. IIe expressed concern the property did not score higher for recreation and vulnerability. Brad Cornell, Audubon of the Western Everglades reported numerous volunteers assisted with the installation of the fence which is an indication of the public support for acquisition of the property. Recent surveys on the island indicate a large population with occupation of 2,700 burrows and a population estimate of 1,375 tortoises. He recommended the Australian Pines on remain until a native species has taken their place to ensure the eagles continue to utilize the site during the transition. Meredith Budd, Florida Wildlife Federation stressed the importance of the Marco Island properties and their Gopher Tortoise habitat. The habitat conflicts with urban land uses as they are generally comprised of sandy soils and upland vegetation. Ms. Henning noted the development of the scoring criteria are a tool used by the program, and not the sole item used for determining the ranking of a parcel being considered for acquisition. 4. Chestnut—Marco Island TPA Ms. Hennig presented the "Conservation Collier Land Acquisition Program Initial Screening Report for the Marco Island Target Mailing Area Chestnut Parcel" for consideration. She noted the property is located on Inlet Dr. approximately 0.6 miles north of Otter Mound Preserve, is 0.53 acres in size and received a score of 253 out of 400. Speakers Rich Blonna,Marco Island City Council noted the parcel may have the potential for Gopher Tortoise relocation. Brad Cornell, Audubon of the Southern Everglades noted there are studies which are ongoing or been completed on the island for the Gopher Tortoise including tracking and census counts. Once concern of relocating Marco Island tortoises to central Florida locations is the high mortality rate for the species due to the different environmental characteristic of the area. 4 July 6, 2022 During Committee discussion it was noted there is the potential for expansion of the area should the parcel be acquired as there are vacant lots abutting the property. C. ISC reviews 1. S & 13 Properties—Marco Island TPA Mr. Barazowksi presented the "Marco Island Target Mailing Area Initial Criteria Screening Form" for the above referenced parcel. The property is located on inlet Dr. approximately 0.2 miles northeast of Otter Mound Preserve. The property satisfies 3 Initial Screening Criteria. Ms. Patterson-Weber proved for the application to move forward in the acquisition process and for Staff to prepare an Initial Criteria Screening Report. Second by Ms.Allman. Carried unanimously 8—0. 2. South Terra Corp—Marco Island TPA Mr. Barazowksi presented the"Marco Island Target Mailing Area Initial Criteria Screening .Farm" for the above referenced parcel. The property is located on Caxambas Dr.,with the Cycle 10 A-list Agua Colina parcel on its northwest border and is approximately 0.2 miles east of Otter Mound Preserve. The property satisfies 4 Initial Screening Criteria. Speaker Rich Blonna,Marco Island City of Council noted the parcel is adjacent to the Agua Colina parcel and provides water access and historical/archeological opportunities. Ms. Lenhard moved for the application to move forward in the acquisition process and for Staff to prepare an Initial Criteria Screening Report. Second by Ms. Patterson-Weber. Carried unanimously 8— 0. 3. VanCleave—Rivers Road Preserve TPA Mr. Barazowksi presented the"Rivers Road Preserve Target Mailing Area Initial Criteria Screening Form" for the above referenced parcel. The property is located on Rivers Road directly across the street from Rivers Road Preserve. The property satisfies 3 Initial Screening Criteria. Ms. Patterson-Weber moved for the application to move forward in the acquisition process and for Staff to prepare an Initial Criteria Screening Report. Second by Ms. Allman. Carried unanimously 8—0. 4. County Barn Land Trust—County Barn Road TPA Ms. Hennig presented the"County Barn Target Protection Area Initial (.'riteria Screening Form" for the above referenced parcel. The property is located off County Barn Rd.,just north of Collier County's Fleet Complex. There is access to the property for maintenance activities and the infestation of non-native species is primarily confined to the understory vegetation. The property satisfies 4 Initial Screening Criteria. 5 • July 6, 2022 Ms. Paterson-Weber moved for the application to move forward in the acquisition process and for Staff to prepare an Initial Criteria Screening Report. Second by Ms.Allman. Carried unanimously 8—0. Target Protection Mailing Arca Reviews Ms. Hennig reported the Screening Forms and Reports for the parcels in the Target Protection Mailing Areas will be combined to reduce redundant reporting and presentations given the plant communities and topography are similar throughout the areas, the surrounding development is minimal, and the parcels are adjacent to each other. However, the parcels will be individually ranked by the Committee at time of consideration. 5. Dr. Robert H. Core III TPA—3 parcels Ms. Hennig presented the"Dr. Robert H. Gore 111 Preserve Target Protection Mailing Area (TPMA) Initial Criteria Screening Form"for the above referenced parcels. The properties are in North Golden Gate Estates just north of 1-75, south of 36th Ave. SE, and between the Fakaunion canal and the old Harley Davidson Test Track. The properties satisfy 5 Initial Screening Criteria. Ms. Lenhard moved for the application to move forward in the acquisition process and for Staff to prepare an Initial Criteria Screening Report. Second by Mr. Bromley. Carried unanimously 8—0. 6. Panther Walk TPA—3 parcels Ms. Hennig presented the "Panther Walk Preserve Target Protection Mailing Area (TPMA) Initial Criteria Screening Form"for the above referenced parcels. The properties are in North Golden Gate Estates just south of Immokalee Rd., west of Everglades Blvd., and just south of 56th Ave. NE. The screening includes the entire 272 parcels (532.4 acres) in the TPMA. The properties satisfy 5 Initial Screening Criteria. Ms. Lenlurrd moved for the application to move forward in the acquisition process and for Staff to prepare an Initial Criteria Screening Report. Second by Ms. Patterson-Weber. Carried unanimously 8—0. 7. HIM Ranch TPA—3 parcels Ms. Hennig presented the"HHH Ranch Target Protection Mailing Area(TPMA). Initial Criteria Screening Form"for the above referenced parcels. The properties are located just north of 1-75 adjacent to the I-II-IH Ranch A-list parcels from Cycle 10. The ISC covers the entirety of the TPMA for the HIII-I Ranch Area. The properties satisfy 5 Initial Screening Criteria. Mr. Carbon moved for the application to move forward in the acquisition process and for Staff to prepare an Initial Criteria Screening Report. Second by Mr. Clark. Carried unanimously 8— 0. 8. Northern Golden Gate Estates Scrub TPA— 1 parcel 6 July 6, 2022 Ms. Hennig presented the "NGGE Scrub Target Protection. Mailing Area (TPMA)Initial Criteria Screening Form" for the above referenced parcel. The property is in North Golden Gate Estates south of lmmokalee Rd., east of Everglades Blvd., and between 54th Ave.NE and 48th Ave. NE. The ISC covers the entirety of the TPMA. The property satisfies 3 Initial Screening Criteria. Mr. Corban moved for the application to move,forward in the acquisition process and for Staff to prepare an Initial Criteria Screening Report. Second by Mr. Gorbarr. Carried unanimously 8—0. 6. Coordinator Communications A. BCC Items Ms. Araque noted the BCC will be considering the following items at upcoming meetings: • The Pepper Ranch Camp Post Agreement in July. • The Moody property acquisition in July and the Hussey property in July or August. • The accelerated acquisition process in September (based on direction from upper management). Ms. Lenhard expressed concern on the delay for the BCC considering the accelerated acquisition process given the status of the real estate market and the expedited way the Committee seeks to address the issue. She recommended they be notified on the Committee's concerns in delaying review of the proposal given the item was moved forward based on their advice. Others noted the BCC is busy with many items including budgetary matters and a new County Manager just initiated work so it would be beneficial to allow them to dictate the timing of the process. Ms. Lenhard moved to notify the Board of County Commissioners the Committee is disappointed with the decision to delay hearing of the proposal to expedite the ranking process. The concern is the delay inhibits the process for accelerated acquisitions and the item should be heard in July. Second by Mr. Bromley. Motion failed 3 "yes"4 "no. Chairman Poteet, Mr. Corban, Ms. Patterson-Weber and Mr. Watkins voted "no." Ms.Allman abstained. B. Miscellaneous Items 1. CCLAAC Meeting Date July 5,2023—Move to a different day/date? Ms. Araque she will be circulating a poll to the Members to determine the date the meeting should be held. 2. Vacancy posted Ms. Araque reported Mr. Seef resigned from the Committee and the vacant seat will be advertised in accordance with County policy. 7. Subcommittee Reports A. Lands Evaluation & Management—Chair,Bill Poteet—last meeting April 21,2022; meeting to be scheduled for August/September to address request by BCC to evaluate preserves. Also, need to schedule one for December or January for upcoming acquisitions. Noted 7 July 6, 2022 B. Outreach—Chair, Brittany Patterson-Weber—Last Meeting February 15, 2022 Noted C. Ordinance Policy and Rules—Chair,Michele Lenhard- last meeting June 1, 2022 Noted 8. Chair Committee Member Comments None 9. Public General Comments Brad Cornell, Audubon of the Western Everglades noted the accelerated acquisition process is utilized by Lee 2020 as parcels become available in the CREW Water& Land Trust they move directly to the purchase stage. He commended the Committee on the expedited manner they dealt with the accelerated purchase proposal and related quarterly ranking concept. He agreed with Ms. Lenhard on the urgency the BCC should consider the proposal, especially given the current real estate market. He recommended any interested individual should contact their District Commissioner on the need to expedite the process as proposed by the Committee. 10. Staff Comments Ms. Hennig recognized the Committee for their efforts. Ms. Araque thanked Ms. Hennig for her efforts in the applications and noted moving forward one meeting packet will be made available at the meeting for public information purposes; if a Member needs one, they should notify Staff the Monday before the meeting and it will be provided upon request. 11. Next Meeting Date August 3, 2022 There being no further business for the good of the County, the meeting was adjourned by order of the chair at 3:08P.M. ConservationCollier Land Acquisition Advisory Committee William Potect, Cha. man These minutes approved by the Board/Committee on ZS -3- 2,2- as presented V or as amended . 8