THE ENVIRONMENTAL COUNCIL OF VOLUSIA AND FLAGLER COUNTIES
MINUTES OF AUGUST 22, 2006, MEETING

Board Members Present: Betty O'Laughlin, John Baker, Robert Haviland, Don White, Sharon
Rich, Brynn Newton
Group Representatives Present: Alexa Ross (Environmental Action Committee)

The minutes of the July 25, 2006, meeting were approved.
The Treasurer's Report was deferred.
A check for $100.00 was received from Jane Culpepper, to pay ten years dues in advance.

Volusia County Charter Revisions
The County Council will place a proposed Charter amendment on the November ballot under which the Council would maintain comprehensive plan authority over lands even after they are annexed by cities, with no expiration period. Don White suggested that proponents of Amendment #7 replicate the 2002 Flagler County land acquisition ballot initiative campaign engage corporate benefactors and the media to support the amendment.

Gopher Tortoises
Betty O'Laughlin reported on recent developments regard Plantation Oaks. Sharon Rich stated that "soft release," utilizing fencing and monitoring when tortoises are relocated, is needed, and involves additional man hours. John Baker suggested coordinating efforts with Winter Springs Commissioner Joanna Krebs and Lake Mary Mayor Tom Green, who are working on the issue.

Flagler County
Don White reported that the Flagler County Commission has relieved Ginn Company of having to donate 30 to 40 acres of land previously pledged as part of the approval for "Hammock Beach River Club" on Bulow Creek. The Commission has also renamed Flagship Harbor "Betty Steflik Park." The property includes gopher tortoise habitat. Alexa Ross reported that although citizens gathered the required number of signatures to place a height limitation initiative on the ballot in Edgewater, the City plans to exempt DRIs from the restriction. John Baker distributed copies of an article entitled "Acts of Faith."