MINUTES OF January 23, 2007, MEETING OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL COUNCIL OF VOLUSIA AND FLAGLER COUNTIES


Board Members Present: Betty O'Laughlin (Sierra Club), John Baker, Robert Haviland, Don White (Flagler Audubon), Sharon Rich (Paw Paw Chapter Native Plant Society), Brynn Newton Members Present: Sandy Walters

The minutes of the Novemeber 28, 2006, meeting were approved as corrected.

Treasurer's Report
Brynn Newton stated that Pat Williams reports that the current balance is $621.93. A check for $175.00 has been sent to the Volusia Teachers Organization for rent, and $55.00 in dues has yet to be deposited. A motion made by Brynn Newton and seconded by Don White passed, to accept the Treasurer's Report.

Correspondence
Robert Haviland reported that a letter has been sent to the Department of Environmental Protection's Division of Beaches and Shores regarding Flagler Beach's shoreline problems and solutions.

General discussion
There was a discussion of comprehensive plans, concurrency, and mass transit. John Baker stated that most communities "farm out" the task of writing their comprehensive plans, producing formulaic results which serve only to make the Department of Community Affairs happy and consultants rich.

Wal-Mart Putnam County
Opponents of the massive Wal-Mart distribution center planned near the Putnam/Volusia county line are asking citizens to send e-mails to the Volusia County Council encouraging efforts to stop the project. Sandy Walters reported that the Department of Community Affairs' ORC report noted traffic problems but did not deny the project.

West Volusia State Heritage Scenic Corridor
Sandy Walters provided an update on the effort to have U.S. Highway 17/92 from Putnam to Seminole County designated a Scenic Corridor.

Gopher Tortoises
Betty O'Laughlin reported that a lot of people are working on gopher tortoise protection measures and a lot of attention has been drawn to the problem. Robert Haviland stated that gopher tortoises should be in the comprehensive plan. Sandy Walters reported that among the suggestions made for Volusia County's effort, neighbors are combining unfenced habitat acreage to meet the 20-acre relocation minimum. She stated that County Attorney Doug Weaver has forbidden relocation of gopher tortoises to County-owned land.

Samsula Local Plan
Sandy Walters reported that the Plan is currently in "stall mode" while certain parties are suing the Department of Community Affairs and the County; but Volusia County is standing its ground and defending its plan.

Florida Forever Day
Sharon Rich reported that "Florida Forever Day" will be held on February 6th in Tallahassee.

Flagler County
Don White reported that Flagler County Environmental Planner Tim Telfer believes that Volusia County's gopher tortoise ordinance relies too much on guidelines set by outside agencies. Mr. White stated that Flagler County Commissioner George Hanns wants letters of support to save some trees outside of Bunnell. A public hearing will be held on February 19th.

Beach
There was a discussion of proposals for Flagler Beach erosion. A motion made by John Baker and seconded by Brynn Newton passed, to propose anew that Robert Haviland make the Environmental Council's beach presentation to the Volusia County Council.