Board Members Present: Betty O’Laughlin, John Baker,
Robert Haviland, Don White, Sharon Rich, Alexa Ross, Dot Carlson, Brynn Newton
Group Representative: David Hartgrove (Halifax Audubon)
Others attending: Charlie Carlson
Approval of Minutes
On a motion made by John Baker and seconded by David Hartgrove, the minutes
of the January 22, 2008, meeting were approved.
Treasurer’s
Report
Don White reported that all bills have been paid and issued checks have cleared.
Upon receipt of reimbursement from Volusia-Flagler Sierra Club for its share
of Ron Paradise’s consulting fee, the Council’s balance will be
$272.43. Brynn Newton will ask the Volusia Teachers Organization to void the
February 2008 rent invoice, since that meeting was cancelled due to severe weather.
A motion made by John Baker and seconded by David Hartgrove passed, to approve
the Treasurer’s report.
ICW Islands
Robert Haviland reported that Volusia County has produced a CD picturing all
of the islands in the Intracoastal Waterway in the county and reporting the
results of the citizen survey on how they should be managed. David Hartgrove
stated that the draft Coastal Island Management Plan is available at www.volusia.org.
Some islands would be candidates for restoration and as shorebird habitat. A
motion made by David Hartgrove and seconded by Don White passed, to take a “wait
and see” attitude until more information is available. David Hartgrove
will continue to monitor the issue.
Edgewater
Dot Carlson provided an update on Edgewater Citizens Alliance for Responsible
Development’s legal issues. A G.S. Florida/Restoration workshop is being
conducted by the City on April 30th from 9 a.m. to noon. Dot Carlson is requesting
a nighttime workshop as well, to enable more citizens to attend.
Seabird Island/Tuscany
Commercial Project
David Hartgrove stated that the Tuscany Project is inconsistent with Port Orange’s
comprehensive plan and that the developer has not responded to the City’s
questions. The City’s land development code prohibits dredging for a private
marina. John Baker cautioned that the development code, unlike the comprehensive
plan, can be circumvented via a variance or development agreement.
Flagler County
Don White stated that Flagler Audubon is monitoring the comprehensive plan reviews
by the County and Palm Coast that are underway. Reports on the County’s
review are posted at www.flaglercounty.org. Don White also reported on the issue
of feral cats in Palm Coast and Flagler County.
“Property
Rights” legislation
A motion made by John Baker and seconded by Sharon Rich passed, to send letters
in opposition to House Bill 881 and Senate Bill 1578 which revises the Bert
Harris Act and prohibits building moratoria.
Water
Don White stated that Flagler County has a decent water ordinance but no one
seems to know who has the responsibility for enforcement.