Board Members Present: Betty O'Laughlin (Sierra Club),
Presiding, John Baker, Robert Haviland, Pat Williams, Michele Moen (Wetlands
Alert), Don White (Flagler Audubon), Brynn Newton
Others Present: Sharon Rich
The minutes of the May 24, 2005, and April 26, 2005, meetings were approved.
Leffler Appeal. Michele Moen reported that she is exceedingly impressed by Al Hadeed and the job he is doing. He will forward the 13-page amicus curiae brief to Michele Moen as soon as it is finished. Considering his investigation, research, and thorough understanding of the issues, Michele Moen said that the $1500.00 contributed to cover Mr. Hadeed's expenses is "nothing for what we're getting."
Flagler County. Don White reported that the "Blue Ribbon" wetlands protection ordinance committee continues to meet in Flagler County. Developers' attorney Paul Katz has proposed abandoning the local wetlands protection ordinance and relying instead entirely on state and federal agencies to protect Flagler County's wetlands.
Web Site. Robert Haviland reported that he is updating the Environmental Council's web site. He again asked for someone to take over as Webmaster, though he continues to donate the expenses of maintaining the "address" in the Internet. Six policy positions previously adopted by the Environmental Council are posted on the site. Phil Giorno of the Volusia Soil & Water Conservation District has asked if the District could link to ECVF's web site. Michele Moen suggested that those heading up specific projects for the Environmental Council should email updates to be posted on the site.
Robert Haviland stated that he will request that the Volusia County Charter Review Commission allow 20 minutes for him to present the Environmental Council's PowerPoint program on the beach. The Environmental Council's position on the aquifer also should be presented to the CRC.
Treasurer. The Treasurer's Report was received. Pat Williams reported that $1500.00 has been sent to Al Hadeed for the Leffler Appeal. Other expenses include $68.00 for post office box rent, $61.25 for corporate registration with the Department of State, and $100.00 for four months' rent for meeting space at the VTO building.
Snowden Annexation. Michele Moen reported that the County is not objecting to Edgewater's annexation.
Comprehensive plan amendment 05-1. Michele Moen reported that the Department of Community Affairs did object to Port Orange's leapfrogging across Highway 415. The Environmental Council had objected to widening .25 mile of 415 and changing acreage designation from conservation to "public use" for Port Orange.
Smart Growth. Michele Moen reported on the poor conduct of the Committee, including late receipt of disorganized maps from Pandion Systems, Inc. The details of the proposed "Keystone Recommendations" do not match the stated goals of protecting the environment.
Policy positions (Draft Adoption). A motion made by pat Williams and seconded by John Baker passed, to adopt the statement of policy on manatee protection. A motion made by Pat Williams and seconded by John Baker passed, to adopt the statement of policy on aquifer protection. A motion made by Brynn Newton and seconded by Pat Williams passed, to adopt the statement of policy on conduct of regulatory boards. A motion made by John Baker and seconded by Pat Williams passed, to adopt the statement of policy on wetlands protection. These policies will be posted on the web site (ecvf.org).
Thornby. A motion made by Brynn Newton and seconded by Don White passed, to send a letter urging Southeastern Archaeological, Inc., to be thorough in its survey on the Thornby site.
The next meeting will be on 25 July, at the VTO Building, 7:00 PM.