MINUTES OF JANUARY 22, 2008, MEETING OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL COUNCIL OF VOLUSIA AND FLAGLER COUNTIES

Board Members Present: Betty O’Laughlin, John Baker, Robert Haviland, Don White, Sharon Rich, Alexa Ross, Brynn Newton

Approval of Minutes
The minutes of the November 27, 2008, meeting were approved.

Correspondence
Robert Haviland sent photographs of the Wilbur-by-the-Sea erosion control installation to the Department of Environmental Protection’s Division of Beaches and Shores, noting that the sand-filled tubes work well in small storms but erode when the waves are greater than 4'. Copies of the photographs and letter also went to Flagler County.

Seabird Island/Tuscany Commercial Project
A 150-slip marina, using either fill or stilts for construction of amenities and requiring dredging for Intracoastal Waterway channel access, has been proposed for property near Seabird Island and 500' from Rookery Island in Port Orange. A motion made by Robert Haviland and seconded by Don White passed, to send a letter to the City of Port Orange and the Department of Environmental Protection protesting further fill and dredging in the river and the additional traffic, and asking that the applicant be required to provide computer models of the effect on the bird rookery and of siltation. Don White suggested that because dredging is involved a copy of the letter should go to the Florida Inland Navigation District. John Baker questioned whether the location was a bad spot for a marina, if a marina is going to be built anywhere. Brynn Newton read David Hartgrove’s report on the meeting on the project in Port Orange. Elizabeth O’Laughlin will investigate whether the proposal is inconsistent with the City’s comprehensive plan.

Treasurer’s Report
Don White reported that after the corporate filing fee is paid, the balance will be $468.68. A motion made by John Baker and seconded by Brynn Newton passed, to accept the Treasurer’s report.

Don White will not be able to attend the February Environmental Council meeting.

Lady Godiva
The Volusia County Council has sent the project back to the Volusia Growth Management Commission, who had turned it down. Frank Bruno has stated that the VGMC’s denial must have been a “mistake.”

Evaluation and Appraisal Report
Betty O’Laughlin, Sandy Walters, and Michele Moen will meet with Volusia County staff on January 25th to discuss the state-mandated evaluation of how successful the County has been in addressing major community issues through its comprehensive plan and suggesting how the comprehensive plan should be revised to better address the community issues.

Flagler County
Don White reported that Palm Coast’s Linear Park has been nominated by Flagler Audubon as a Great Birding Trail.