1 00:00:07,905 --> 00:00:11,865 I'm gonna call the, uh, natural resource, uh, committee, special call, meeting to 2 00:00:12,085 --> 00:00:15,645 order. Uh, would you rise with me for the pledge of allegiance? 3 00:00:18,485 --> 00:00:20,985 I pledge allegiance to the flag nation, united states of america, 4 00:00:22,865 --> 00:00:26,655 and to the republic, republic for which it stands, one nation, one nation under 5 00:00:27,635 --> 00:00:30,805 invisible with liberty and justice for all. 6 00:00:32,505 --> 00:00:35,725 uh, thank you. Um, this is a special call meeting 7 00:00:36,555 --> 00:00:39,805 because there were some, uh, community concerns, 8 00:00:40,865 --> 00:00:44,285 uh, on, on, on major one major project, 9 00:00:44,985 --> 00:00:48,945 uh, which is the palmetto bluff. I call it the palmetto bluff. And, 10 00:00:49,305 --> 00:00:52,825 um, there was also counsel, uh, ask, um, 11 00:00:53,505 --> 00:00:57,365 it, the, the second one that deals with, um, hilton head on 12 00:00:57,565 --> 00:01:01,465 hilton head, uh, to come back, um, with more due 13 00:01:01,685 --> 00:01:05,645 diligence. And I think that's something that can be handled, is being handled by council 14 00:01:06,065 --> 00:01:09,785 at, I mean, by staff at this time. But it's on the agenda, um, 15 00:01:10,305 --> 00:01:14,225 for public comment as well. There is no need for any action 16 00:01:14,665 --> 00:01:17,985 on this party at this time, simply because, um, 17 00:01:19,065 --> 00:01:22,725 uh, the action is already man, uh, mandated to come 18 00:01:23,085 --> 00:01:26,985 back to council on the 22nd, uh, 19 00:01:27,205 --> 00:01:31,125 meeting to be on the agenda. Um, this right here, 20 00:01:31,425 --> 00:01:35,045 the day was just to hear concerns about the palmetto 21 00:01:35,765 --> 00:01:38,565 bluff property. And if anybody has, uh, other concerns, 22 00:01:40,065 --> 00:01:44,005 um, for the, um, the, the property on 23 00:01:44,205 --> 00:01:48,155 hilton head, um, we can entertain or can, uh, hear 24 00:01:48,715 --> 00:01:52,575 from them as well. Um, what I going 25 00:01:52,925 --> 00:01:56,905 to, oh, me, let me do this. Um, 26 00:01:57,585 --> 00:02:01,485 the, uh, freedom of information all notification 27 00:02:02,165 --> 00:02:05,365 was sent out. Yes, sir, it was. Okay. Thank you, ma'am. I'm gonna read the agenda 28 00:02:06,305 --> 00:02:10,285 and then, uh, I need the approval of the agenda. So, um, at this time, 29 00:02:10,625 --> 00:02:14,235 uh, I entertain a motion to approve the agenda. I'll upon motion that 30 00:02:14,665 --> 00:02:18,635 ms. Tabernac is motion a second. I'll 31 00:02:18,925 --> 00:02:22,745 second. Um, doc, I mean, who's mr. Passman? Oh, 32 00:02:22,965 --> 00:02:26,485 okay. Mr. Passman is seconded, and I'd like to make an amendment to the agenda 33 00:02:26,985 --> 00:02:30,885 at the appropriate time. Um, okay. Is the motion to approve the 34 00:02:31,085 --> 00:02:34,715 agenda then, mrs. Howard, do you have a, uh, amendment? 35 00:02:35,925 --> 00:02:39,915 I do. I'd like to make a motion, uh, to amend the agenda to add an item 36 00:02:40,205 --> 00:02:43,925 number seven, so that additional comments by staff or the 37 00:02:44,245 --> 00:02:47,425 chairman of the green space committee can be done after the public comment period. 38 00:02:48,555 --> 00:02:52,465 okay. Is there a second to that? Second. Second. Okay. Is the property motion to 39 00:02:52,685 --> 00:02:55,965 send and second it that we add an additional comment 40 00:02:57,275 --> 00:03:00,745 from the staff and the committee, um, 41 00:03:01,665 --> 00:03:05,605 the green space committee. Uh, any question, those in favor, 42 00:03:05,765 --> 00:03:09,595 please indicate by raising the hand. Okay. 43 00:03:10,025 --> 00:03:13,845 mr. Mr. Passman, are you? Yes. Yes. Okay. And mr. Dawson 44 00:03:14,485 --> 00:03:18,485 has voted yes in the confirmation, in the affirmative. So it's unanimous 45 00:03:18,925 --> 00:03:22,325 at this time? Yes, sir. Um, eight. Now, the motion as amended, 46 00:03:23,065 --> 00:03:26,975 uh, is on the floor, uh, to approve the agenda as amended. Those 47 00:03:27,325 --> 00:03:31,165 in favor, please indicate by raising the hand. And mr. Dawson, thank 48 00:03:31,365 --> 00:03:35,205 you. It is unanimous. Um, this time, uh, the 49 00:03:35,525 --> 00:03:39,025 chair will hear, um, the 50 00:03:39,635 --> 00:03:43,545 item eight a a, um, um, 51 00:03:44,575 --> 00:03:48,335 which resolution authorizing the county administrator to execute the 52 00:03:48,755 --> 00:03:52,675 documents necessary and to provide funds to contribute to the 53 00:03:52,865 --> 00:03:56,655 procurement by the applicant, which is the tong of hilton head island 54 00:03:57,495 --> 00:04:01,475 for the acquisition of fee. Simple, real, real property located on hilton 55 00:04:01,795 --> 00:04:05,475 head island, known as the broad creek marina track. 56 00:04:06,335 --> 00:04:09,825 and it has, um, the pin number r 5 10, 0 1 1 0 0 0 0, 0 0 6, 0 0 0, 57 00:04:17,095 --> 00:04:19,925 not to exceed the requested amount of $7.7 million. 58 00:04:22,935 --> 00:04:26,595 um, and so at this time, I'll ask staff to come forward 59 00:04:27,015 --> 00:04:30,435 to talk about that property. I'll ask 60 00:04:31,655 --> 00:04:35,515 the chairman of the green space committee, mike shane, to come forward 61 00:04:35,735 --> 00:04:39,515 to talk about that property. Mr. Chairman, lately, I feel like I'm your 62 00:04:39,775 --> 00:04:43,575 unpaid staff, here, but, 63 00:04:44,495 --> 00:04:48,265 uh, with your permission, mr. Chairman, just to, so, uh, uh, this, 64 00:04:49,055 --> 00:04:52,975 to be clear, what today, my expectation today was 65 00:04:53,195 --> 00:04:57,155 council asked, and you graciously offered to allow to have 66 00:04:57,415 --> 00:04:59,955 an additional input session on the two projects 67 00:05:01,665 --> 00:05:04,955 that are on the, on the agenda. Green space met on friday 68 00:05:06,255 --> 00:05:10,255 at council last monday, council asked green space to 69 00:05:10,475 --> 00:05:14,475 give one additional review of this particular project, then with the town of hilton head, 70 00:05:14,675 --> 00:05:17,915 the applicant being the town on that information. Information 71 00:05:18,695 --> 00:05:22,555 was discussed. For full disclosure, I was not in attendance on friday. 72 00:05:23,115 --> 00:05:26,985 I apologize, I was out of town. But the green space committee retains 73 00:05:27,695 --> 00:05:31,655 the recommendation to council that'll take place next week. So 74 00:05:31,875 --> 00:05:35,085 we'll bring, so council will review this as an action for next monday night 75 00:05:36,095 --> 00:05:39,035 to retain the recommendation of the seven point up to $7.7 million 76 00:05:41,375 --> 00:05:44,295 to the town of hilton for the acquisition of the broad creek marina. 77 00:05:47,185 --> 00:05:50,795 okay. Um, any question of mr. 78 00:05:51,725 --> 00:05:55,635 shane? I think mr. Um, , 79 00:05:56,455 --> 00:06:00,145 you had some question earlier about the, 80 00:06:00,545 --> 00:06:04,545 um, due diligence, the appraisal, et cetera, et cetera. So, uh, 81 00:06:04,985 --> 00:06:08,925 you, uh, has it been satisfied? Yeah, I'm, I'm good on that front 82 00:06:09,255 --> 00:06:13,065 right now. A comment, uh, at the, uh, chat with counsel, um, 83 00:06:13,675 --> 00:06:17,545 last thursday, I think, wasn't it? You have the, uh, there were four members of 84 00:06:17,765 --> 00:06:21,445 the hilton head town council there, and they expressed their great enthusiasm and a high desire 85 00:06:21,845 --> 00:06:24,785 to have this matter go forward because they are 86 00:06:26,255 --> 00:06:30,045 concerned about the, uh, matter of growth on marshland road because the, 87 00:06:30,265 --> 00:06:33,505 um, the, um, zoning there would allow for about 88 00:06:35,205 --> 00:06:39,145 200 rooftops on the nine acres with the 89 00:06:39,345 --> 00:06:42,825 additional consideration that the buildings could be 70 feet high, 90 00:06:43,435 --> 00:06:44,545 which would make them mall about, 91 00:06:47,525 --> 00:06:51,215 that would certainly be out of character for that area on westland road as it connects 92 00:06:51,575 --> 00:06:55,295 over to the cross island parkway. That's the area. Can't hear you, larry. 93 00:06:57,085 --> 00:07:00,735 talking to mike. Okay. , do I have to start over? 94 00:07:01,275 --> 00:07:05,215 no. Okay, good. No. Okay. So, um, I just will, I will just 95 00:07:05,415 --> 00:07:09,005 mention that the, uh, the four members of, um, of the town council, each 96 00:07:09,475 --> 00:07:13,415 one of them took a turn to say how important this was for them and the future 97 00:07:14,045 --> 00:07:17,685 over there as they see it developing. Okay. 98 00:07:18,125 --> 00:07:21,995 okay. Uh, anything else? Mr. Anybody else have any 99 00:07:22,415 --> 00:07:26,335 questions? Okay, now will go ahead. So I'll reiterate what 100 00:07:26,495 --> 00:07:30,335 mr. Mcallen said. The four council members from hilton head were there thursday night 101 00:07:31,395 --> 00:07:35,255 and express their, uh, interest that we do put this forward. 102 00:07:36,245 --> 00:07:39,905 they purchase the land, they're paying half, this would be half from green space, 103 00:07:40,745 --> 00:07:44,405 which as mr. Mcshane has noted, is kind of a step forward, because 104 00:07:44,915 --> 00:07:48,775 in the past, they, we have green space, has paid all of it. They're very, 105 00:07:49,595 --> 00:07:53,455 um, concerned that we do preserve this land. We heard it from all four 106 00:07:53,655 --> 00:07:57,255 of them. And so that is on the table for everyone to 107 00:07:57,695 --> 00:08:01,015 consider. And vice chairman, if I may add, uh, opportunities 108 00:08:03,035 --> 00:08:06,385 for governmental entities to acquire waterfront 109 00:08:07,405 --> 00:08:11,315 land today, that then allows public access to 110 00:08:11,535 --> 00:08:14,735 the waterfront, in this case, to the, to the river. 111 00:08:15,875 --> 00:08:19,855 uh, and creeks is another benefit that explicitly 112 00:08:20,295 --> 00:08:24,285 is what the state of south carolina has been looking to try to do, because 113 00:08:24,805 --> 00:08:28,065 that, if you think, if you, as a native south carolinian, 114 00:08:29,735 --> 00:08:33,355 I offer for consideration 50 years ago, 115 00:08:33,955 --> 00:08:37,755 it was not uncommon that even on private lands, people had access to 116 00:08:37,975 --> 00:08:41,575 the water. That has demonstrably changed and evolved 117 00:08:42,415 --> 00:08:46,325 culturally with the transition and ownership, that has become much 118 00:08:46,615 --> 00:08:50,535 more difficult for many of the public to get access, particularly on 119 00:08:50,735 --> 00:08:54,565 the private lands. And I'm, and I'm not here to, uh, suggest 120 00:08:55,285 --> 00:08:59,285 private lands that are not doing what they should do. It's because a lot of it comes with a 121 00:08:59,405 --> 00:09:03,245 liability aspect. Um, from that, that being said, that 122 00:09:03,555 --> 00:09:07,245 anytime that a public entity can, uh, provide 123 00:09:07,645 --> 00:09:11,525 additional access, I think is a benefit for generations to come. It's 124 00:09:11,815 --> 00:09:15,695 not just today. This is something that'll be for generations not yet here 125 00:09:16,045 --> 00:09:17,905 that will benefit from in that area particular, 126 00:09:20,975 --> 00:09:24,755 I understand we're not, we're not gonna take any action on no, there's no action. Mr. 127 00:09:25,175 --> 00:09:29,095 chairman, my understanding is this re this opportunity for counsel to take an action will 128 00:09:29,335 --> 00:09:33,145 be on monday night yes. At your full counsel meeting. But the purpose today 129 00:09:33,635 --> 00:09:37,495 was green space, did follow through, had a review, thank you to the 130 00:09:37,655 --> 00:09:40,775 vice chairman of this committee. Mm-hmm . Serving in my steed on friday 131 00:09:41,795 --> 00:09:45,295 for running the green space committee and the, as the recommendation stands. 132 00:09:46,105 --> 00:09:48,995 right. And so we're gonna, um, entertain the second, 133 00:09:50,355 --> 00:09:54,255 um, discussion item here, which is the resolution authorizing 134 00:09:54,535 --> 00:09:58,265 the county administrator to execute the documents necessary to provide funds 135 00:09:58,675 --> 00:10:02,475 for the procurement by the applicant, the nature conservancy, for the 136 00:10:02,695 --> 00:10:06,615 acquisition of free simple real estate property in the town of bluffton, known 137 00:10:06,775 --> 00:10:09,995 as the new river forest. Uh, and the 138 00:10:11,635 --> 00:10:13,315 pin number is r 6 14 0 4 5 0 0 0 0 0 19, 0, 0, 0 0 139 00:10:20,235 --> 00:10:23,455 and r, um, three, I mean 6 10 0 44 0, 0 0 1 2 6, 0 0 0 0, 140 00:10:31,435 --> 00:10:35,115 not to exceed the requested amount of 42,000. Um, 141 00:10:35,875 --> 00:10:39,685 um, 42 million. I'm, I'm, I'm just a little bit, yeah, 142 00:10:39,975 --> 00:10:43,475 just a little bit. . 42 million. Um, mr. Han, 143 00:10:43,995 --> 00:10:47,955 um, this is a recommendation coming from the green space. Yes, sir. And as, and 144 00:10:48,235 --> 00:10:52,055 as uh, described, uh, last week, uh, council asked green 145 00:10:52,375 --> 00:10:56,275 space to go back and, and provide some additional, uh, 146 00:10:56,715 --> 00:11:00,055 uh, in sufficient information for council, which I believe 147 00:11:00,875 --> 00:11:04,575 I'm asking mr. Chairman just an, uh, affirmation that, that my understanding that information 148 00:11:05,115 --> 00:11:08,615 was presented both to the national resource committee and will be available 149 00:11:09,155 --> 00:11:12,965 to all council members. That included some detail that 150 00:11:13,255 --> 00:11:17,135 was asked. And I'm just gonna highlight a couple points that the public has brought 151 00:11:17,535 --> 00:11:21,295 to the attention of council. There was a number of, uh, discussions about public 152 00:11:21,715 --> 00:11:25,695 access to this track to confirm it's not going to go 153 00:11:25,815 --> 00:11:29,215 through pennett bluff, that there will be recorded covenants 154 00:11:29,855 --> 00:11:33,845 intended to prohibit public access through pennett 155 00:11:34,575 --> 00:11:38,375 bluff. That the forestry commission, which I have a representative, a senior representative 156 00:11:38,895 --> 00:11:42,095 of the commission in here again this evening, and will be again here next week. 157 00:11:43,275 --> 00:11:46,735 uh, it will continue to manage the wildlife population on this property, including 158 00:11:47,695 --> 00:11:50,735 managing the hunting activities that are already occurring on this property, 159 00:11:52,165 --> 00:11:55,845 that the com, that the plan would be for the commission to take ownership 160 00:11:56,335 --> 00:12:00,245 after, uh, appropriate approvals by the state joint bond review commission and the 161 00:12:00,365 --> 00:12:04,295 forestry commission, and will maintain it as a self-sustaining state forest, which 162 00:12:04,645 --> 00:12:08,445 is their mission across the state. This then 163 00:12:08,725 --> 00:12:12,325 would ent entail the new river track? We remain undeveloped, preserved in a manner consistent 164 00:12:12,765 --> 00:12:16,525 with his current use. As many you recall being on site, 165 00:12:16,905 --> 00:12:20,645 you saw the current use, you saw the road structure through that, you saw the managed 166 00:12:20,925 --> 00:12:24,765 forest through that property. And then the forestry commission, I believe, 167 00:12:25,005 --> 00:12:28,905 will be, uh, genuine in their sustainability of 168 00:12:29,125 --> 00:12:32,885 that by then developing a management plan that will take 169 00:12:33,195 --> 00:12:35,965 into consideration the public comments that have been made to date. 170 00:12:37,505 --> 00:12:41,045 so what's been made today will be part of their record to take into consideration 171 00:12:42,105 --> 00:12:46,045 as well as what has moved forward. So it doesn't end today. Mr. Chairman, I wanna be clear, it doesn't even 172 00:12:46,125 --> 00:12:49,885 end next monday when counsel takes an action, you are taken 173 00:12:50,145 --> 00:12:54,125 in action to provide the funding that allows the state to catch 174 00:12:54,465 --> 00:12:57,605 up of at least 20 million of the 42 million, 175 00:12:58,985 --> 00:13:02,985 and certainly doesn't prohibit that, um, uh, the 176 00:13:03,205 --> 00:13:06,765 state pursue some additional dollars that may even shrink that difference 177 00:13:07,585 --> 00:13:11,405 beyond that. And it put some timeframes. So the, the discussion 178 00:13:11,885 --> 00:13:15,805 that took place on friday at green space is going 179 00:13:16,005 --> 00:13:18,885 to add a few, wor a few verbiage to the resolution. 180 00:13:20,425 --> 00:13:22,725 and mr. Chairman, your permission, I'm gonna read the resolution, please. 181 00:13:24,495 --> 00:13:28,075 green space advisory committee recommends that beaufort county council approve 182 00:13:28,685 --> 00:13:32,585 a grant not to exceed the requested amount of 42 million to 183 00:13:32,805 --> 00:13:36,315 the applicant, the nature conservancy, who has a representative here 184 00:13:37,465 --> 00:13:41,435 to assist the applicant in the acquisition of the new river forest properties, subject 185 00:13:41,945 --> 00:13:45,565 to an agreement by the applicant applicant agreeing 186 00:13:46,125 --> 00:13:49,965 to pursue all available federal and state grants, which will be used 187 00:13:50,165 --> 00:13:54,045 to reimburse the green space program in the anticipated amount 188 00:13:54,505 --> 00:13:57,545 of at least $20 million. At least $20 million 189 00:13:59,355 --> 00:14:02,885 applicant will play, will place covenants and restrictions 190 00:14:04,065 --> 00:14:07,845 or a conservation easement protecting the property in a form reasonably 191 00:14:08,485 --> 00:14:12,405 acceptable to the county. Within three years, you will 192 00:14:12,565 --> 00:14:16,005 have a chance to see that that document, 193 00:14:16,925 --> 00:14:19,165 I believe will be a conservation easement, will be in perpetuity. 194 00:14:21,305 --> 00:14:24,845 that's what gives the, the strength that to the citizens, that that 195 00:14:25,645 --> 00:14:29,525 property is going to stay in the, in the acceptable reasonable condition it's 196 00:14:29,805 --> 00:14:33,805 in today. And the applicant will convey the property to the south carolina forestry 197 00:14:34,325 --> 00:14:37,855 commission within three years or sooner, shall 198 00:14:38,425 --> 00:14:42,085 and shall otherwise be required, if not, will be required to convey the 199 00:14:42,485 --> 00:14:45,565 property to the county, subject to the conservation easement. 200 00:14:48,165 --> 00:14:51,985 the subject to the conservation easement on the end of that resolution is what is 201 00:14:52,205 --> 00:14:56,075 the green space is recommending to be added to the resolution, working with your council 202 00:14:57,585 --> 00:15:01,525 to do so, to give the public confidence that whether it ends up 203 00:15:01,645 --> 00:15:04,925 at the forestry commission, most likely, or in the, 204 00:15:06,485 --> 00:15:10,285 I would say the least chance, but to the county, there'll be an 205 00:15:10,525 --> 00:15:11,365 easement on that property, 206 00:15:14,915 --> 00:15:18,755 even though we know the debate about that the development agreement runs 207 00:15:19,045 --> 00:15:21,885 through. And its debate on whether it's 33 48 or 57. 208 00:15:24,185 --> 00:15:28,125 I'm sort of agnostic to the date because there's an end date. We know that 209 00:15:28,285 --> 00:15:30,185 development agreements already seen at least six 210 00:15:32,725 --> 00:15:36,625 revisions, certainly subject to it again. And 211 00:15:36,845 --> 00:15:40,765 what I hope and what green space has done is not think about just the next 30 212 00:15:41,005 --> 00:15:44,785 years. Think about 30 years ago, many in this room may not even been here 30 years ago, 213 00:15:46,395 --> 00:15:49,835 much less, even shorter time than that. You're doing this 214 00:15:50,625 --> 00:15:53,415 to provide this for citizens who are not even here today. 215 00:15:55,375 --> 00:15:59,205 most of us isn't room in, in 2057, may likely not 216 00:15:59,425 --> 00:16:02,425 be participating in going on a trail on new river , 217 00:16:05,765 --> 00:16:09,065 but we know that there's gonna be generations that will, 218 00:16:10,005 --> 00:16:13,985 that's what you're doing. This is what green space has done. This is why I 219 00:16:14,465 --> 00:16:18,305 commend this county and its voters to create this. Had you not 220 00:16:18,505 --> 00:16:22,285 done this program, we wouldn't even be having this discussion because 221 00:16:22,915 --> 00:16:25,975 the state's not in a position today to do all this at one time. 222 00:16:28,055 --> 00:16:31,165 think about it. The reason we're able to do this is because we have a willing 223 00:16:32,385 --> 00:16:36,005 entity, the nature conservancy, to go negotiate a bargain 224 00:16:36,475 --> 00:16:40,355 sale on a track, because you can provide the financing 225 00:16:42,305 --> 00:16:46,045 and take the time to receive at least 20 million of it back 226 00:16:46,705 --> 00:16:49,165 is, enables this really to be something that can occur 227 00:16:50,785 --> 00:16:54,585 had it not been for green space in this county. And the wisdom of your voters to 228 00:16:54,865 --> 00:16:58,805 put this program in place. And I live in a county that I wish desperately had this type 229 00:16:58,925 --> 00:17:02,725 of program, would never, it just 230 00:17:02,965 --> 00:17:05,885 wouldn't, it wouldn't occur. Yeah. And at some point, 231 00:17:07,445 --> 00:17:10,895 whether we're here or not, that property is subject to being, 232 00:17:12,235 --> 00:17:16,055 so please accept my premise. Development agreements do not protect 233 00:17:17,055 --> 00:17:21,005 property. The o zoning does not 234 00:17:21,205 --> 00:17:24,925 protect property plan development agreements, 235 00:17:25,625 --> 00:17:29,625 et cetera. None of that protects a conservation easement in 236 00:17:29,845 --> 00:17:33,125 perpetuity assures the community of the sustainability 237 00:17:33,905 --> 00:17:37,885 of the, of the condition of that property going forward. And the fact that it'll have state ownership 238 00:17:38,535 --> 00:17:42,125 means you don't even have to worry about that portion of the development agreement going forward. 239 00:17:45,325 --> 00:17:48,835 okay. Any, anything else mr. Hin? Believe 240 00:17:49,525 --> 00:17:53,285 I wanna open up to council members to ask a question. Sure. And I believe council got, there was a question about the appraisal, 241 00:17:53,605 --> 00:17:57,185 that app, the appraisal was produced and I believe it had and has been, uh, 242 00:17:57,665 --> 00:18:01,565 uh, allowed. It has been made public, uh, right. So, uh, I 243 00:18:01,685 --> 00:18:04,985 don't think there's, there's no, there's no hidden facts here, um, 244 00:18:06,825 --> 00:18:10,355 to this. So, mr. Chairman, I'll, uh, answer any questions from your council members, committee 245 00:18:10,965 --> 00:18:14,965 members, excuse me. I'm, I'm going to pass along something that came 246 00:18:15,205 --> 00:18:19,045 from some of the residents who are online. If we could show 247 00:18:19,245 --> 00:18:23,205 them again, um, their question that, one of the questions 248 00:18:23,365 --> 00:18:27,165 is who's gonna pay for ingress roads to go 249 00:18:27,435 --> 00:18:31,085 into there? Because there is no road right now. So all state 250 00:18:31,495 --> 00:18:35,205 properties, they will have to, that capital will come through the state 251 00:18:35,505 --> 00:18:39,285 agency. So whether it be the department of natural resources, parks, recreation and tourism, 252 00:18:40,065 --> 00:18:43,875 or forestry, which are the three principle resource agencies, that 253 00:18:44,165 --> 00:18:47,605 has to be part of their plan and they will have to provide the capital 254 00:18:48,385 --> 00:18:52,385 to do so. Okay. What's fortunate here is outside the 255 00:18:52,605 --> 00:18:56,245 immediate access, you've got tremendous road infrastructure already on this 256 00:18:56,685 --> 00:18:59,825 property. So the capital to get access 257 00:19:00,985 --> 00:19:04,845 is gonna be, I think, gonna be fairly minimal for the commission to do 258 00:19:05,005 --> 00:19:08,435 that and to add the 800 acres that the county currently owns 259 00:19:09,355 --> 00:19:13,285 into that, because access for that right now, frankly, most people in the county didn't even know you 260 00:19:13,445 --> 00:19:17,445 have the 800 acres. I would not being snarky here, I don't 261 00:19:17,645 --> 00:19:19,845 think most of the council knew you had 800 acres right there 262 00:19:22,315 --> 00:19:26,245 that will then permit even greater access for that property because 263 00:19:26,705 --> 00:19:30,685 it was tied up. And really the, really, the access problem was part of the problem 264 00:19:30,845 --> 00:19:34,505 having the ownership. So their other question, is it, 265 00:19:35,035 --> 00:19:38,825 will it provide a financial burden to the town of bluffton for 266 00:19:39,185 --> 00:19:42,895 law enforcement emt and fire services? I'm just passing along 267 00:19:43,385 --> 00:19:47,325 the question. Yes, ma'am. I understand madam vice chairman, that you're just the messenger on that. No more so 268 00:19:47,525 --> 00:19:51,375 than it does today. Understand. 269 00:19:52,745 --> 00:19:56,495 in fact, I would argue that putting this property under easement means 270 00:19:57,025 --> 00:20:00,745 you know exactly how much you'd ever have to invest in that versus 271 00:20:01,315 --> 00:20:05,285 what subject to a change in the development agreement. And having residential 272 00:20:05,925 --> 00:20:09,315 even no matter what it is, is only proven factually 273 00:20:10,075 --> 00:20:12,125 that that adds to your operating expenses. 274 00:20:16,025 --> 00:20:19,965 yes. Thanks for mentioning that. The appraisal had been released. There was some confusion 275 00:20:20,485 --> 00:20:24,185 with regard to, uh, a number of $8 million, uh, versus the 276 00:20:24,605 --> 00:20:28,365 purchase price that's been negotiated here, $42 million. And that appraisal 277 00:20:28,905 --> 00:20:32,675 was sent out, uh, uh, on the agenda link so that everybody who read 278 00:20:32,965 --> 00:20:36,765 that was able to hit that link and pull up the entire agenda, which consisted 279 00:20:37,325 --> 00:20:41,325 of how many pages? 46, 50 pages, something like 280 00:20:41,485 --> 00:20:45,425 that. Yeah. So all of that is available online for anybody who wants to, uh, 281 00:20:45,645 --> 00:20:49,625 review it. And secondly, I'll just make a comment, I think in 282 00:20:49,845 --> 00:20:53,715 the history, uh, of beaufort county, which is rather, uh, lengthy, 283 00:20:54,765 --> 00:20:58,645 I don't think that there's been a legacy project like this in the history of this 284 00:20:58,845 --> 00:21:02,605 county where this much land has been purchased and set aside for future 285 00:21:03,145 --> 00:21:07,145 public use. And quite frankly, I think it may be the largest one 286 00:21:07,365 --> 00:21:09,805 in the history of the entire state of the four 287 00:21:14,035 --> 00:21:17,825 outside the, um, land that's already in, um, in 288 00:21:18,045 --> 00:21:21,845 the, uh, forestry commission that's being maintained by them. 289 00:21:22,275 --> 00:21:26,165 this is a remarkable undertaking and one that I think will stand 290 00:21:26,445 --> 00:21:30,365 to mr. Vice chairman. Just to be fair to 291 00:21:30,585 --> 00:21:33,265 some of our colleagues, there have been some other larger projects 292 00:21:34,805 --> 00:21:38,745 in the state history, but this is certainly in recent history, one of the largest projects 293 00:21:39,305 --> 00:21:43,205 that'll be undertaken. Mr. Chairman? Yes. 294 00:21:43,725 --> 00:21:47,705 in our packet on page, uh, 1 1 1, there's, uh, information 295 00:21:48,455 --> 00:21:52,085 that, uh, was prepared recently and it was available at the 296 00:21:52,555 --> 00:21:56,245 green space meeting last friday. That goes into why 297 00:21:56,895 --> 00:22:00,865 this is so important to, uh, not only beaufort county, but the state, 298 00:22:01,125 --> 00:22:04,565 and I would argue the whole region in the southeast. Um, 299 00:22:05,245 --> 00:22:09,085 and it talks about the management by the forestry commission. Uh, 300 00:22:09,615 --> 00:22:13,265 they, they, they can do this, this project will be a legacy 301 00:22:13,765 --> 00:22:17,585 for generations to come. And, um, I have a 10-year-old 302 00:22:18,065 --> 00:22:21,945 and a 12-year-old grandchildren, and I hope that they will have access to this 303 00:22:22,245 --> 00:22:25,885 so that they can, there's no other property that they can go on. 304 00:22:26,365 --> 00:22:29,945 um, when they get to the age and they, and they like to do it now, 305 00:22:30,505 --> 00:22:34,445 roam the woods, they, they can do that on this property and it 306 00:22:34,665 --> 00:22:38,485 will be a legacy for generations. Thank you. Any 307 00:22:38,705 --> 00:22:42,505 other council members? Yes, mr. ? 308 00:22:43,095 --> 00:22:46,765 yeah, david's fine. . Um, all right. So going through this, um, 309 00:22:47,565 --> 00:22:51,305 the appraisal, where did the value for the timber 310 00:22:52,225 --> 00:22:55,785 generate? Was that solely from the broker? From the listing broker, 311 00:22:56,415 --> 00:22:59,545 with your permission, I'm gonna ask a resource here. It's with their forrester. 312 00:23:00,605 --> 00:23:04,285 do you mind, just so we can get the record, introduce yourself. Uh, and 313 00:23:04,715 --> 00:23:08,365 hello david bishop in nature conservancy. It, the timber was 314 00:23:08,785 --> 00:23:12,385 provided by their long-term forester stro morrison at estel. I believe 315 00:23:12,805 --> 00:23:16,665 the es I don't know if it's on y'all's appraisal, but the one we have here says it from the listing broker 316 00:23:20,185 --> 00:23:24,185 provided from the forester through the broker to us, it's not uncommon, 317 00:23:24,325 --> 00:23:28,175 ms. Barolo is, you know that any, any time you're looking at a large timber track, that, 318 00:23:28,575 --> 00:23:32,145 that a broker would have that information, but it would come from a certified forester, 319 00:23:32,915 --> 00:23:36,805 which mr. Morrison is, and he served on the forestry commission in 320 00:23:37,025 --> 00:23:40,145 an appointed role in pass. So I, I'd have confidence in his numbers. 321 00:23:41,085 --> 00:23:44,945 and, uh, last thing, if I may, uh, the nature con, uh, 322 00:23:45,345 --> 00:23:49,245 the nature conservancy, I believe they were all involved in the, 323 00:23:49,365 --> 00:23:51,965 in the three comps that are listed. Is that correct? In some capacity, 324 00:23:53,705 --> 00:23:57,685 yes, sir. Because I believe some of the comps are some of the jasper county sites that are in with proximity. 325 00:23:58,385 --> 00:24:01,995 so chelsea, uh, gregory neck, et cetera. And did anybody justify 326 00:24:03,585 --> 00:24:07,465 the, the location premium that was put on it for 327 00:24:07,685 --> 00:24:11,365 proximity and the highest and best use of the land in the appraisal? 328 00:24:11,785 --> 00:24:15,645 it seems like there was some, some little bit of guesswork done in the 329 00:24:15,845 --> 00:24:19,825 appraisal, and I know, I know it's a kind of a calculated, there's a little bit of an 330 00:24:20,065 --> 00:24:23,905 art in the science to that, and I have confidence in the appraisal process. The 331 00:24:24,125 --> 00:24:27,925 appraiser has got a good reputation in, in on that, and the state has used that appraiser 332 00:24:28,405 --> 00:24:31,065 before on other tracks outside this area. So 333 00:24:33,525 --> 00:24:37,365 I believe that's all I had right now. Yeah, I just wanted to make sure with the, the highest 334 00:24:37,665 --> 00:24:41,125 and best use of the land, the way that was calculated with it being 31, 32 335 00:24:42,165 --> 00:24:45,925 years out from no development, are we looking at speculative development in the future 336 00:24:46,175 --> 00:24:48,905 based that we're basing this price on versus what it is now? 337 00:24:50,225 --> 00:24:53,615 and, and I, I think that makes a difference there. And also when you look at the timber value, 338 00:24:54,285 --> 00:24:57,715 I think that could make a different, uh, different for the overall price and price per acre. 339 00:24:58,845 --> 00:25:02,765 I think ms. Barolo, you have a point, but I, I, I'll point out again, that development agreement 340 00:25:03,505 --> 00:25:07,405 is subject to at the whim of a town council. That could change very rapidly. 341 00:25:08,745 --> 00:25:12,725 and I guess my, I'll ask if I may last question. Go ahead. Um, have we, have, 342 00:25:12,965 --> 00:25:16,845 we, and I think buying it for public use is, is the best thing 343 00:25:17,045 --> 00:25:19,785 to do, but did we approach, um, 344 00:25:21,505 --> 00:25:25,445 buying the contract, the development agreement from the town of bluffton or, or inserting ourself 345 00:25:25,725 --> 00:25:29,445 in some capacity on that front? We did not. We, there was some discussion 346 00:25:30,005 --> 00:25:33,995 about whether it was a purchase of development rights or just 347 00:25:34,445 --> 00:25:38,285 a, just a landowner hold, taking an easement and the landowner retaining, or a private landowner 348 00:25:38,685 --> 00:25:42,315 retaining it. But the, the current owner has decided they wanna sell. 349 00:25:43,785 --> 00:25:46,925 and I think that drove, that really drives the equation from that point forward. 350 00:25:48,255 --> 00:25:51,935 thank you. Yep. Um, mr. Lawson, go ahead. I, again, 351 00:25:52,365 --> 00:25:56,325 I represent that area to preserve this, but you know, I've, I've been asked 352 00:25:56,525 --> 00:26:00,345 some pretty tough questions. And again, these aren't def directly to you, mr. 353 00:26:00,675 --> 00:26:04,445 mcshane, but, um, I've had people question on the appraisal that's 354 00:26:04,805 --> 00:26:08,805 there, even though it's done by a, a, a certified person that does appraisals is a 355 00:26:08,925 --> 00:26:12,765 fact that, you know, 1,575 acres of this is actually 356 00:26:13,585 --> 00:26:17,485 king's grant marshland, which could, nothing could be done with that in the 357 00:26:17,605 --> 00:26:20,965 future anyhow. So if you pull that out, I mean, right now we're paying about 9,000 358 00:26:21,945 --> 00:26:25,915 an acre when you consider the total acreage, yes, sir, total acreage. But when you're looking at what, 359 00:26:26,505 --> 00:26:30,085 to your point, what one could do is wha out on that king's grant, 360 00:26:30,585 --> 00:26:34,485 that's what you, that's the value of as, as someone owns king grant land. The value I have 361 00:26:34,645 --> 00:26:38,545 in that is I can prevent any warpage occurring on it. Someone cannot put 362 00:26:38,765 --> 00:26:41,565 a dock as an example on, I could object to that, 363 00:26:43,945 --> 00:26:47,805 but, but you're not gonna fill that in. The risk is that you've got other 364 00:26:48,005 --> 00:26:51,645 freshwater wetlands on the upland portion of that, that are all subject to potential 365 00:26:52,435 --> 00:26:56,165 fill, because you've had, as a council, had to deal with that in other developments. 366 00:26:57,665 --> 00:27:01,525 so, hey, and that was, you're exactly right. And that was the, the kind of the questioning 367 00:27:01,725 --> 00:27:04,885 of the appraisal that came in was if you back that out, well then we're actually paying 368 00:27:05,745 --> 00:27:09,605 one and a half times more per acre than what the, the appraisal is, is 369 00:27:09,805 --> 00:27:13,725 saying, if, if, again, you own it, but you can't do anything with it, except stop other people 370 00:27:13,885 --> 00:27:17,785 from doing things with it. So that's the one, the one thing that's, that's been pushed at me by 371 00:27:18,315 --> 00:27:22,245 many, many people in the bluffton area. Um, the second 372 00:27:22,485 --> 00:27:26,485 thing is, um, is obviously right now the only access to this is off of 373 00:27:26,725 --> 00:27:30,615 a private road, which is the new riverside drive, which, 374 00:27:30,965 --> 00:27:34,885 which is owned by south street partners. And does that limit us? And again, 375 00:27:35,085 --> 00:27:38,905 again, this might not be your question. 'cause again, um, it limit us or 376 00:27:39,185 --> 00:27:43,125 the state from making it a park coming off of a private road like 377 00:27:43,365 --> 00:27:47,275 that. Mr. Lawson, if you'll indulge me here a moment you want to, because 378 00:27:47,805 --> 00:27:51,555 I know this, I sit closer to yeah. Um, it's 379 00:27:51,845 --> 00:27:55,805 hard to sit back there and want to answer some of these questions you're doing, doing a good job, but there's some 380 00:27:55,925 --> 00:27:59,685 details. So, uh, we gotta figure out the road issue, uh, through new riverside. 381 00:28:00,275 --> 00:28:04,045 that is part of the due diligence period. So that is, uh, making sure 382 00:28:04,325 --> 00:28:07,585 that we have that that is on the seller's responsibility, um, 383 00:28:08,905 --> 00:28:12,845 to figure that out once we know exactly what the state needs. Uh, a couple things 384 00:28:13,045 --> 00:28:17,005 about the appraisal, if I could address that. The marsh on the 385 00:28:17,125 --> 00:28:20,945 county's appraisal, uh, had no bearing on the value. They excluded it, 386 00:28:21,165 --> 00:28:25,105 they didn't put a value mark on it. I would argue that there is value in king's grant marsh that's 387 00:28:25,525 --> 00:28:29,505 increasing every year with changing and mitigation. Um, 388 00:28:30,945 --> 00:28:34,885 but right now they put $0 on it. And so what they came up with was the 389 00:28:35,155 --> 00:28:38,605 non-title areas, and they came up with the value plus the timber. 390 00:28:41,185 --> 00:28:45,165 the final thing is probably the one that, that, that keeps me, keeps me 391 00:28:45,325 --> 00:28:49,165 up at night is the fact that, you know, um, uh, senator davis has done a great job 392 00:28:49,365 --> 00:28:53,365 of providing for us and saying, doing what he says he's gonna 393 00:28:53,485 --> 00:28:57,275 do. However, um, there is no absolute guarantee 394 00:28:57,885 --> 00:29:01,705 that the money's gonna be coming from the state we we're told. It is, and 395 00:29:01,925 --> 00:29:05,865 again, and I I mentioned this, I think before that the fact that you have, um, uh, ms. 396 00:29:06,085 --> 00:29:09,485 yvette who's our, our governor or possible future 397 00:29:10,125 --> 00:29:13,985 governor saying she wants to eliminate, um, south carolina income tax. And 398 00:29:14,205 --> 00:29:18,145 if that happens, well that then changes the gamut of everything and money being spent on 399 00:29:18,385 --> 00:29:22,365 all these other things. So that's probably my biggest thing is, is three years from now, 400 00:29:22,525 --> 00:29:26,445 things could change, the climate could change, another covid happens, whatever it is, and we're 401 00:29:26,685 --> 00:29:30,565 still there. We, we've put the whole 42 million forward thinking that we 402 00:29:30,725 --> 00:29:34,565 were only gonna spend 20 million. Again, this isn't on you. This is just us trusting the system. I think it's 403 00:29:34,765 --> 00:29:38,765 a fair point, mr. Lawson. There are no guarantees here. So yes, there is some risk. I 404 00:29:38,885 --> 00:29:42,405 think the risks are very minimal. Risks are minimal because we have a great track record. 405 00:29:43,235 --> 00:29:47,185 this has already been demonstrated to be a priority by the state forestry commission. The 406 00:29:47,405 --> 00:29:51,205 general assembly is supporting that by allowing the budget to give 407 00:29:51,605 --> 00:29:55,565 consideration of that to do so. So despite the fact that whether a candidate 408 00:29:56,625 --> 00:30:00,185 claims that she's gonna, she or she's gonna get it to zero income tax 409 00:30:00,745 --> 00:30:04,395 has to get a hundred and how many? 145 plus four, 410 00:30:04,905 --> 00:30:08,765 but 190 members of the general assembly to go along with that, or the majority of 411 00:30:08,965 --> 00:30:11,725 that to go along with that. So I I, 412 00:30:14,065 --> 00:30:17,845 in 23 years as an appointment, and I realize I offer, no, I, I hope 413 00:30:18,205 --> 00:30:21,725 what I offer is some credibility here in 23 years as an appointee 414 00:30:22,225 --> 00:30:26,115 on state resource agencies, through 415 00:30:26,755 --> 00:30:30,575 good times and very tough times, I've always seen these 416 00:30:31,155 --> 00:30:35,085 come through. That's the best I can offer you right 417 00:30:35,365 --> 00:30:39,345 now, that, that I have made this clear that this is clear. Senator who 418 00:30:39,565 --> 00:30:43,565 chairs the senate finance natural resource committee have support of his counterpart 419 00:30:44,125 --> 00:30:48,005 in the house. You have delegation members sitting on joint bond 420 00:30:48,245 --> 00:30:52,125 review committee. You've got members, delegation members who are sitting on senate finance 421 00:30:52,875 --> 00:30:56,725 members on house ways and means this I think, is a very 422 00:30:57,005 --> 00:31:00,675 strong compelling case. Is there risk? Yes, sir. There's 423 00:31:01,165 --> 00:31:05,165 risk that I'm gonna, when I drive back to charleston today, that when I get into charleston county, I'm gonna 424 00:31:05,285 --> 00:31:09,005 get screwed up. It's all I could, there's 425 00:31:09,495 --> 00:31:13,475 no guarantee on this. And I, I, yeah, yeah, I understand that, that that's, 426 00:31:14,595 --> 00:31:18,535 I'm very appreciative of the fact that's, you pointed out, let's go into this with eyes wide open. 427 00:31:19,915 --> 00:31:23,735 had you not had this ability, if you not had this program, we wouldn't even be having this conversation. 428 00:31:24,365 --> 00:31:28,255 this land would not be even for something we could consider. But what you've 429 00:31:28,535 --> 00:31:32,335 done is you've set it up to have this opportunity, and this 430 00:31:32,615 --> 00:31:36,535 is the opportunity. Thank you. 431 00:31:37,315 --> 00:31:40,575 it will never be any less expensive than it is today. Yes, sir. 432 00:31:41,675 --> 00:31:45,535 um, mr. Dawson, you have any question, 433 00:31:47,015 --> 00:31:50,955 comments you wanna make at this time? No, 434 00:31:51,215 --> 00:31:55,135 I, I would only say that, uh, you know, I was, uh, privileged to be a part 435 00:31:55,355 --> 00:31:59,045 of the tour group that actually visited this site. 436 00:31:59,675 --> 00:32:03,635 and I will tell you, this is a pristine piece of property and, 437 00:32:04,435 --> 00:32:08,285 uh, worthy of us, uh, preserving it. So, uh, the deal that 438 00:32:08,595 --> 00:32:12,455 is before us, I think is probably one of the best that we're going to 439 00:32:12,615 --> 00:32:16,425 get. Um, but I, I, but I would say, uh, based 440 00:32:16,845 --> 00:32:20,755 upon councilman lawson's, uh, comment, uh, the 441 00:32:21,025 --> 00:32:24,755 issue that is before us and that the, uh, public 442 00:32:25,235 --> 00:32:29,105 is going to hold us, uh, to, is that we're 443 00:32:29,615 --> 00:32:31,655 spending, uh, we're spending 444 00:32:34,645 --> 00:32:37,605 $42 million of public money, 445 00:32:38,945 --> 00:32:42,665 uh, and the state is only going to, uh, 446 00:32:43,065 --> 00:32:46,985 get us at least 20 million back. And so that's, that's 447 00:32:47,405 --> 00:32:51,275 a difference of 22 million that, that we're actually investing 448 00:32:51,905 --> 00:32:55,785 in this part, and the state is actually investing the other 22. So, 449 00:32:56,385 --> 00:33:00,345 uh, that's, that's something that we're going to have to deal with. But other than that, I'm, I'm, 450 00:33:00,625 --> 00:33:04,485 I'm all in favor of it. I'll support it. Hey, um, 451 00:33:05,885 --> 00:33:09,405 22, uh, million, um, 20 million 452 00:33:10,465 --> 00:33:14,135 I think I heard at least plus, at least 20 million at least. Yeah. 453 00:33:14,685 --> 00:33:18,655 so I'm a, I'm a I I like that. May I give an example of what just occurred this 454 00:33:18,945 --> 00:33:22,665 week on a program? Mm-hmm . That I, I want to pursue. This information 455 00:33:23,185 --> 00:33:27,145 is quite fresh. The department 456 00:33:27,505 --> 00:33:31,485 of interior of the federal government announced the distribution of 327 million in 457 00:33:31,705 --> 00:33:35,025 formula grants on hundred 34 in competitive grants from the land water conservation 458 00:33:35,745 --> 00:33:39,505 funds. That's the revenue that comes off the oil and gas leases offshore. 459 00:33:41,285 --> 00:33:45,245 all 50 states have a chance to do that. It's for parks, playground trails, 460 00:33:45,665 --> 00:33:49,065 and open spaces. It has to be a one-to-one match 461 00:33:51,205 --> 00:33:53,905 so far. This literally was introduced on friday, 462 00:33:55,805 --> 00:33:59,185 is an, is an example of the kind of programs that we're gonna go after 463 00:33:59,845 --> 00:34:03,745 to help even take that, that at least 20 million to make 464 00:34:03,905 --> 00:34:07,805 it a greater number than that. And this didn't even, this program 465 00:34:07,925 --> 00:34:09,275 didn't exist until this past week. 466 00:34:11,985 --> 00:34:15,635 so that's, that's the, that's the value of working with 467 00:34:16,165 --> 00:34:20,125 somebody like the nature conservancy in this case, because they imminently qualify 468 00:34:21,505 --> 00:34:25,085 to go help, uh, search out those kind of programs. 469 00:34:26,105 --> 00:34:29,805 I'm as interested as anybody in this room to bring as much back, more than 20 million, 470 00:34:31,595 --> 00:34:35,485 because then this extends the, the ability to do it on other projects right 471 00:34:35,725 --> 00:34:39,365 now. But as pointed out, mr. Chairman, I don't believe there's another bigger project available 472 00:34:40,135 --> 00:34:43,365 south of the broad in beaufort county. 473 00:34:46,435 --> 00:34:50,405 okay. Um, one of the things I've learned, um, is that, um, if you are 474 00:34:50,485 --> 00:34:53,615 in a position to receive particular federal funds, 475 00:34:54,545 --> 00:34:58,405 um, a lot of, lot of other areas are not. And beaufort 476 00:34:58,885 --> 00:35:02,465 county has always been in a position to receive federal funds. So, 477 00:35:02,945 --> 00:35:06,925 and one of the things about federal funds, they're not gonna turn it back in. And so if you're 478 00:35:07,125 --> 00:35:11,085 in a position that you really riding high, so I'm gonna ride with 479 00:35:11,325 --> 00:35:15,205 you, man, at this time. Um, if there's no other 480 00:35:15,925 --> 00:35:19,765 comments, questions from council, no. Um, I'm gonna 481 00:35:20,005 --> 00:35:23,865 open it up to the public at this time. And so, um, I'm going, um, 482 00:35:24,875 --> 00:35:28,525 because you came here, I only have one at this time 483 00:35:28,955 --> 00:35:32,785 here. And then there are others on online 484 00:35:33,355 --> 00:35:36,705 that wanted to, um, also maybe, uh, asking 485 00:35:37,625 --> 00:35:41,185 or making comments. So I'm going to, um, um, 486 00:35:44,345 --> 00:35:48,345 mr. Huff, john huff, um, he's with new 487 00:35:48,565 --> 00:35:52,525 river, new riverside park. Um, that's the 488 00:35:52,645 --> 00:35:56,645 topic. Oh yeah. Counsel, thank you 489 00:35:56,725 --> 00:36:00,225 for your time. And I want to say 490 00:36:00,765 --> 00:36:04,645 I like this project and I would love to see this thing 491 00:36:04,845 --> 00:36:08,675 preserved. And, um, I emailed all of you last 492 00:36:08,965 --> 00:36:12,445 week a bunch of documents, and I think you guys received them, and hopefully 493 00:36:13,005 --> 00:36:16,395 you've reviewed them. You guys have commented on a bunch of things already 494 00:36:17,065 --> 00:36:20,465 and just wanted to, uh, reiterate a couple things. Um, 495 00:36:21,195 --> 00:36:23,965 biggest concern here is the purchase price we're talking about is $42 million. 496 00:36:25,385 --> 00:36:29,245 um, I've sent every one of you a master deed from the wall cam family 497 00:36:30,035 --> 00:36:34,005 from when this property was transferred over to pioneer land back in 498 00:36:34,255 --> 00:36:38,205 march 27th, 2025. Um, the wal cam family 499 00:36:38,585 --> 00:36:42,465 signed an affidavit for this property. It has all the 500 00:36:43,165 --> 00:36:47,085 tms numbers that you guys have referenced in that affidavit. They said the 501 00:36:47,205 --> 00:36:51,085 fair mail value of this property was $8.715 million. I 502 00:36:51,365 --> 00:36:54,805 mentioned that number last week to you guys. I've heard it referenced again today. 503 00:36:55,825 --> 00:36:59,685 um, would like to know where that number came from. 504 00:37:00,345 --> 00:37:04,315 is that the fair market value of this piece of property? And now, why is the state willing 505 00:37:04,805 --> 00:37:08,365 to pay $42 million for this piece of property? When the owner signed an affidavit 506 00:37:09,125 --> 00:37:12,965 recorded this at beaufort county rod, that they 507 00:37:13,205 --> 00:37:17,025 thought the fair market value was $8.7 million. Um, and 508 00:37:17,245 --> 00:37:20,475 then additionally it was brought up today that new riverside 509 00:37:21,585 --> 00:37:25,285 is a private road that I happen to live off of. I live in the landings, 510 00:37:26,105 --> 00:37:30,005 my hoa funds fund to re maintain 511 00:37:30,235 --> 00:37:34,235 this road. Um, somebody from the state forestry commission said 512 00:37:34,525 --> 00:37:38,155 there's a park just like this in columbia, and they see upwards 513 00:37:38,645 --> 00:37:42,505 of 200,000 visitors a year there. Um, new riverside is 514 00:37:42,725 --> 00:37:46,685 kind of located out in the middle of nowhere, so there's gonna 515 00:37:46,845 --> 00:37:50,345 be a lot of people that drive there, come to this park via car. 516 00:37:51,105 --> 00:37:54,925 um, there's gonna be a lot of additional traffic we see in an area that already sees a lot of traffic 517 00:37:55,305 --> 00:37:59,265 up at the roundabout. Uh, I don't know if mr. Lawson's up there often, but 518 00:37:59,485 --> 00:38:03,025 that traffic circle sees a lot of traffic. I live there, I drive through it every day. Um, 519 00:38:04,265 --> 00:38:08,125 is there a plan to do a traffic study on new riverside road? Um, is that 520 00:38:08,285 --> 00:38:11,805 road designed to accommodate another a hundred thousand people a year? 521 00:38:12,585 --> 00:38:16,445 um, what, what is the plan for the state to fund and help 522 00:38:16,925 --> 00:38:20,665 maintain a road that is privately owned and maintained by homeowners? And 523 00:38:20,945 --> 00:38:24,685 is this gonna become another burden of mine that I have to pay more money 524 00:38:24,955 --> 00:38:28,625 because we've got a park there and we don't have the funds to 525 00:38:29,045 --> 00:38:33,005 maintain the road? Um, again, I love this project. Would love to see it preserved for 526 00:38:33,205 --> 00:38:37,065 my, my kids and my future generations. We just hope you, uh, 527 00:38:37,315 --> 00:38:40,165 take some consideration in our taxpayer funds. Thank you, 528 00:38:41,745 --> 00:38:44,485 mr. Huff. Um, is there any other 529 00:38:45,865 --> 00:38:49,765 no, sir. No, no one in the palm meadow bluff room is interested in commenting. 530 00:38:50,745 --> 00:38:54,525 uh, okay. Um, would they introduce themselves and we'll 531 00:38:54,765 --> 00:38:58,665 go from there. No one online was interested in commenting? Oh, 532 00:38:59,425 --> 00:39:03,325 um, uh, yes ma'am. Please do. 'cause I'm gonna call back up. 533 00:39:03,685 --> 00:39:07,285 I wanna reiterate what mr. Hof just said. That is a very 534 00:39:07,755 --> 00:39:11,565 congested area. I I can't even explain how much at the circle. 535 00:39:11,945 --> 00:39:15,525 and then down new riverside. And also there's a new elementary 536 00:39:16,125 --> 00:39:19,965 school going in there. If you've ever gone to may river high school, you know, you're 537 00:39:20,285 --> 00:39:24,205 sitting in traffic from now until forever. But I'm guessing 538 00:39:24,525 --> 00:39:27,965 most people will not access this park at eight o'clock in the morning. I could be wrong. 539 00:39:28,785 --> 00:39:32,315 you know, a lot of people get up early, but I understand his concern. 540 00:39:32,875 --> 00:39:36,845 that is a highly congested area, and they do pay taxes to palmetto 541 00:39:37,405 --> 00:39:41,345 bluff for their roads. So, mr. Chairman, can I make a comment? Um, as 542 00:39:41,565 --> 00:39:45,165 part of the process, the south carolina forestry commission will do a management 543 00:39:45,595 --> 00:39:49,565 plan, and there will be, and there I'm sure we'll do some estimates of 544 00:39:50,085 --> 00:39:53,745 visitors, uh, based on what is the public wants to see 545 00:39:54,145 --> 00:39:57,785 on this property. And I think from that you can ex uh, 546 00:39:58,355 --> 00:40:02,305 come up with types of traffic generation and times of day. 547 00:40:02,825 --> 00:40:06,625 but that would be all part of the management plan process when that happens. And, 548 00:40:07,225 --> 00:40:10,745 um, if they're planning to build pavilions, are they planning to build, um, 549 00:40:11,765 --> 00:40:15,545 anything permanent? I, I, I'm just talking out loud, but 550 00:40:15,905 --> 00:40:19,705 um, you know, lots of visitors is great, but 551 00:40:20,225 --> 00:40:24,205 you gotta be able to have the staff to manage the visitors too. So I would think 552 00:40:24,405 --> 00:40:28,365 that would be part of the forestry commission's, uh, plans in the 553 00:40:28,525 --> 00:40:32,365 future to let the public know what they plan to do there. And that might 554 00:40:32,605 --> 00:40:36,525 alleviate mr. Huff's concerns. Just to comment, cameron, may I, 555 00:40:36,825 --> 00:40:40,765 uh, we have a couple resources that I think can address a couple of the points that have 556 00:40:40,885 --> 00:40:44,785 just been brought up. Oh, please do with your permission. Please do. Uh, first, uh, 557 00:40:45,445 --> 00:40:49,105 I have a representative from the forestry commission. I think he can not only address the 558 00:40:49,485 --> 00:40:53,325 specific issue, but talk a little more broadly about their process. This is mr. Phillips. 559 00:40:54,035 --> 00:40:57,805 yeah, they know james douglas. Oh, douglas. I'm our state lands coordinator, so I oversee 560 00:40:58,465 --> 00:41:01,905 all of our state property. Um, I spent 14 years on 561 00:41:02,615 --> 00:41:05,645 manchester state forest, which is in sumter county, 28,000 acres, 562 00:41:06,625 --> 00:41:10,165 um, managing that property. So well aware of public land management. 563 00:41:10,905 --> 00:41:14,885 um, yeah, we would definitely take all the consideration of the neighbors 564 00:41:15,395 --> 00:41:19,005 into consideration of what type of recreation they would want to have there. 565 00:41:20,065 --> 00:41:23,845 um, the count, the beaufort county on other properties 566 00:41:24,205 --> 00:41:28,205 we just bought are against equestrian recreation. So we wouldn't 567 00:41:28,635 --> 00:41:32,125 have that on the property unless the local residents wanna have it. We have 568 00:41:32,935 --> 00:41:36,255 equestrian, we have ohv, we have dirt bikes, 569 00:41:37,005 --> 00:41:40,905 bicycles, we do a little bit of everything. And we, we 570 00:41:41,125 --> 00:41:44,565 would work with the locals to provide whatever type of recreation they want. 571 00:41:45,425 --> 00:41:48,765 um, this area is very heavily populated 572 00:41:49,945 --> 00:41:53,845 and most of the use, I'll tell you will come from that neighborhood that's adjacent 573 00:41:54,065 --> 00:41:57,765 to the property. Um, I know the traffic, there's a high school there 574 00:41:58,265 --> 00:42:02,245 and talking about elementary school there. So you're already bringing in people that don't pay for that road 575 00:42:02,955 --> 00:42:06,385 that are using it. And I know the high school has a signed 576 00:42:06,965 --> 00:42:10,725 a, um, a use agreement to use that road. So we're looking into 577 00:42:11,005 --> 00:42:14,705 something similar. Hey, um, 578 00:42:15,545 --> 00:42:19,445 one of the things I, you know, I would note that, um, the purchase 579 00:42:19,745 --> 00:42:22,975 of this property would give us 13 miles of riverfront, 580 00:42:24,145 --> 00:42:27,965 uh, frontage. And with the previous property, I think that's 581 00:42:28,325 --> 00:42:32,085 five miles of riverfront. So you're looking at almost 18 miles of riverfront. 582 00:42:32,965 --> 00:42:35,965 I mean, if nothing else, kayaking, canoeing, 583 00:42:37,565 --> 00:42:40,825 I mean yes, sir. Yeah. But anyway, you 584 00:42:41,595 --> 00:42:45,365 yeah. And the question was asked about law enforcement. So the far street commission, we do have our own 585 00:42:45,665 --> 00:42:49,285 law enforcement officers. That's true. And we were work with department of natural resources 586 00:42:50,145 --> 00:42:54,145 and their law enforcement on that property as well. Hey, quick question. I'm 587 00:42:54,365 --> 00:42:58,045 sorry, mr. I'll get you next. Oh, sorry. You can go ahead. It's just two questions. 588 00:42:58,385 --> 00:43:02,155 one is, um, when you are, uh, when 589 00:43:02,445 --> 00:43:06,265 you're engaging in the partnership, operat a partnership operation, uh, in 590 00:43:06,485 --> 00:43:10,445 the eventuality, this all is accomplished. You'll be doing a, uh, timber census 591 00:43:11,065 --> 00:43:14,805 and you'll also be doing a planned public, uh, uh, a public 592 00:43:15,325 --> 00:43:19,075 planning process. How long does that public planning process take? 593 00:43:19,385 --> 00:43:22,725 and who will be involved in that beside the people from the forestry commission? 594 00:43:24,745 --> 00:43:28,515 so we, we bring in all partners, and it's not just a limited, 595 00:43:29,815 --> 00:43:33,795 we're gonna do it for 12 months and it's over. It's an ongoing process year 596 00:43:34,085 --> 00:43:37,925 after year if the residents change their mind and wanna see something different, 597 00:43:38,175 --> 00:43:42,165 we're, we're open to changing with the times, but there'll be an opportunity 598 00:43:42,585 --> 00:43:45,965 for the residents there to have input into the public planning process 599 00:43:46,595 --> 00:43:50,365 that will be undertaken as you develop the management plan for this particular 600 00:43:50,845 --> 00:43:54,755 piece of property. Yes, sir. And all of our properties also certified to sustainable 601 00:43:55,445 --> 00:43:59,245 forestry initiative, which means we have, we can't cut more timber than 602 00:43:59,485 --> 00:44:02,725 we're growing. So the whole idea of the program is sustainable forestry. 603 00:44:03,865 --> 00:44:07,365 um, haron state forest was mentioned earlier in columbia is a big recreational 604 00:44:07,955 --> 00:44:11,905 educational forest. We have a group called friends of haron state forest. It 605 00:44:12,125 --> 00:44:15,915 is a local group that have created a, um, 5 0 1 606 00:44:16,685 --> 00:44:20,605 c3 nonprofit, and they work with us to put in trails, maintain 607 00:44:20,745 --> 00:44:24,685 trails. We work with them on any kind of management we got going on. We let them know 608 00:44:24,885 --> 00:44:28,885 ahead of time, hey, we're gonna be doing this. And they can have input throughout the whole process. 609 00:44:29,555 --> 00:44:33,425 okay. Thank you very much mr. . Yeah. Just to go 610 00:44:33,645 --> 00:44:37,215 back and, and try to answer one of the questions that was brought up here, the $8,715,000, 611 00:44:39,825 --> 00:44:43,805 uh, land transaction, that was actually an internal transfer between the family 612 00:44:43,965 --> 00:44:47,445 members and partners, uh, that, that held the land. Also another, 613 00:44:48,185 --> 00:44:51,685 uh, transfer of 3,270,000 for another parcel. 614 00:44:52,825 --> 00:44:56,645 so it wasn't just one transfer, it was two transfers inside of this. And it's actually for anybody 615 00:44:56,885 --> 00:45:00,725 interested, it's on page three of the appraisal and it talks about the statement of ownership. 616 00:45:01,745 --> 00:45:05,165 so I just wanted to put that out there 'cause I had that same question when I heard the, the 8 million 617 00:45:06,405 --> 00:45:10,365 transfer as well. Well, I appreciate you addressing 'cause uh, uh, it's unfortunate, I think 618 00:45:10,525 --> 00:45:14,445 that a number got out and, and was maybe misunderstood that that 619 00:45:14,645 --> 00:45:18,605 was an appraised value. That was, as you said, an internal asset reallocation, which 620 00:45:18,845 --> 00:45:22,665 is not uncommon, uh, at times when, uh, families move assets around. 621 00:45:23,475 --> 00:45:27,285 well, yes sir. I mean it's, it's a, it is a method 622 00:45:27,585 --> 00:45:30,745 of, of, uh, frankly, wealth management. Um, 623 00:45:31,905 --> 00:45:34,765 and that is not uncommon in this county to do that. 624 00:45:36,725 --> 00:45:40,245 I got one, one more, one more tough question for you. Um, the 340 625 00:45:41,015 --> 00:45:44,455 acres that's in the southern part of, of the 3000 626 00:45:45,285 --> 00:45:49,105 above and 340 on the southern park, do we have access to that? Is 627 00:45:49,325 --> 00:45:53,325 there, is there a way to get to that or how, how is, 'cause you look at it right now and it looks 628 00:45:53,445 --> 00:45:57,245 like we don't have, it's gonna not contiguous. Um, and we're 629 00:45:57,525 --> 00:46:01,325 not gonna have access to that, the southern 340 acres. So just for the records, 630 00:46:01,695 --> 00:46:04,985 david bishop nature conservancy, go ahead david. Thank you. Um, 631 00:46:06,115 --> 00:46:09,405 yeah, so you're referring to south of the square 632 00:46:10,665 --> 00:46:14,605 on that? Yeah, it's back a couple. I have not 633 00:46:14,745 --> 00:46:18,565 set foot on there. I'm, I've looked at more of a, I think you have to be a 634 00:46:18,825 --> 00:46:22,445 pig to get through there. It's just thick swampy, it's river buffer 635 00:46:23,025 --> 00:46:26,045 and on the east side of that is a new golf course. 636 00:46:27,345 --> 00:46:30,965 um, and so, no, I don't see that being 637 00:46:31,525 --> 00:46:35,525 a public access. Uh, I see the river buffer and the aesthetics 638 00:46:35,965 --> 00:46:39,765 from the river being important, the water quality benefits. I think this is the type of thing that 639 00:46:40,945 --> 00:46:44,805 as the forestry commission and the land trust, which will hold an easement 640 00:46:45,625 --> 00:46:49,565 become more familiar, they codify that in the terms of the 641 00:46:49,965 --> 00:46:53,025 easement and the forest uses. So, um, 642 00:46:55,385 --> 00:46:59,245 is there any access at all though, even before I'm looking 643 00:46:59,405 --> 00:47:03,045 at it? I think that's to be determined. We have not determined what the 644 00:47:03,465 --> 00:47:07,315 use is or the access is. The buffers square goes out into 645 00:47:07,625 --> 00:47:11,245 the, the saltwater marsh. Correct. So there, 646 00:47:11,815 --> 00:47:14,605 other than going through the marsh itself, which we're not gonna be able to put an access through there, 647 00:47:15,865 --> 00:47:19,845 we don't, unless you've got an easement someplace else through their, 648 00:47:20,055 --> 00:47:22,845 their property, we don't, there's no access or it's gonna be landlocked. 649 00:47:24,115 --> 00:47:27,695 well, I think you can access a little bit, I think from a management safety standpoint, 650 00:47:29,545 --> 00:47:33,445 if needed, you have one road access there that you see that yellow line, you could 651 00:47:33,565 --> 00:47:37,325 hit the corner of it, but it's really, I don't think you would want 652 00:47:37,605 --> 00:47:41,425 to access it because it's, it's not accessible land. It's swampy 653 00:47:42,045 --> 00:47:45,885 shrub. Go ahead. I ju I just wanted to add too, we have 654 00:47:46,285 --> 00:47:50,205 a lot of users access properties straight from river. So you can 655 00:47:50,325 --> 00:47:53,725 come up the river and access that property for whatever your recreational 656 00:47:54,885 --> 00:47:58,715 pleasure is, whether you just wanna get in the pluff mud or you want to look 657 00:47:59,005 --> 00:48:02,965 for oysters or you want to bird watch. Um, so you can come 658 00:48:03,165 --> 00:48:06,795 up the river and access that piece of property. The best, um, example 659 00:48:07,285 --> 00:48:10,695 of what you put in here is the, the, the map right before the picture, sarah. 660 00:48:12,145 --> 00:48:13,855 so the pic, the pic, the pictures start 661 00:48:19,215 --> 00:48:19,565 going down. 662 00:48:31,695 --> 00:48:35,475 so if you look, the two ones are what we're purchasing, and in between there's the square 663 00:48:35,735 --> 00:48:39,415 you mentioned, um, and the, the gray area is 664 00:48:39,915 --> 00:48:43,195 actually salt water marsh, which you would yeah. That we couldn't put a road through there. 665 00:48:44,255 --> 00:48:47,815 so we really don't have a a, an access 666 00:48:48,415 --> 00:48:50,035 or, or a road to, to get there. 667 00:48:58,135 --> 00:49:00,565 it's pretty far off the marsh there to have river access. 668 00:49:05,425 --> 00:49:09,315 just again, I, I I'm all for this, but I'm trying to be the devil's advocates. I wanna hit 669 00:49:09,515 --> 00:49:13,175 everything and prove why we're doing this and making sure it makes sense. Mr. Watson 670 00:49:13,675 --> 00:49:17,635 always thought of you as an angel, not a devil. Talk to my wife and 671 00:49:17,835 --> 00:49:21,735 then I don't know that we are gonna have the 672 00:49:21,955 --> 00:49:25,355 perfect answer today on that. 673 00:49:26,075 --> 00:49:29,915 I think the overall, what I think council, I ask council 674 00:49:30,215 --> 00:49:33,625 to give this consideration. We got a once in a time opportunity here. 675 00:49:35,445 --> 00:49:38,555 perfection sometimes can be the enemy of some good work. 676 00:49:40,815 --> 00:49:44,235 the good work right there is that you're not gonna have at any time 677 00:49:44,855 --> 00:49:48,765 the threat of having anything change on that. And at this 678 00:49:48,925 --> 00:49:52,885 point, from a wildlife standpoint, that might be the best use of that 679 00:49:53,145 --> 00:49:57,045 as it really becomes a wildlife sanctuary because of everything 680 00:49:57,445 --> 00:50:00,795 else being, uh, developed and turned into more of an urban landscape. 681 00:50:02,795 --> 00:50:06,445 that that is what wildlife is looking for. And you might be providing 682 00:50:06,925 --> 00:50:10,355 some of that just by that 340 acres. Not to take away from 683 00:50:11,075 --> 00:50:13,895 fact, but if 10% of this track 684 00:50:15,225 --> 00:50:19,125 of the upland side is, is not necessarily 685 00:50:20,925 --> 00:50:24,325 a park access, you're still doing a benefit through the ecosystem. 686 00:50:29,895 --> 00:50:33,625 okay. Any other comments or questions? 687 00:50:34,725 --> 00:50:38,485 um, there is no other public comments. Um, 688 00:50:38,815 --> 00:50:42,805 nothing at palmetto bluff again. One more time. Oh, 689 00:50:43,175 --> 00:50:45,975 he's, somebody's coming up. Yeah. Okay, good. 690 00:50:51,365 --> 00:50:54,745 go. Go ahead sir. The room is muted there. Just gimme your name. 691 00:51:00,175 --> 00:51:02,055 we can't hear you. We, 692 00:51:08,255 --> 00:51:11,865 we are not hearing anything. Where's 693 00:51:12,375 --> 00:51:12,375 our 694 00:51:51,085 --> 00:51:53,905 yes mr. Chairman, while they're, just, while they're working on that for that gentleman, 695 00:51:55,125 --> 00:51:58,945 uh, there'll be another opportunity monday evening. This will be on 696 00:51:59,145 --> 00:52:02,995 your council agenda, both projects. You have a public comment section again 697 00:52:03,345 --> 00:52:07,145 on monday evening, I believe that starts at 6:00 pm mm-hmm . 698 00:52:07,685 --> 00:52:11,485 and the modifications to the resolution on new river was simply to, 699 00:52:11,805 --> 00:52:15,665 as subject to the, to the conservation easement, no matter whether it's forestry 700 00:52:16,025 --> 00:52:19,985 commission or county owned on that. Brian am I, I just want 701 00:52:20,185 --> 00:52:23,895 to confirm with your counsel that it is accurate. Okay. 702 00:52:25,205 --> 00:52:29,165 mr. Rothenberg, can you, no, 703 00:52:29,385 --> 00:52:32,825 we still cannot hear you. Um, broadcast is right there. 704 00:52:42,975 --> 00:52:45,955 are they texting you, sarah broadcast or alex texting? 705 00:53:02,245 --> 00:53:02,745 audio test. 706 00:53:10,405 --> 00:53:12,275 we're gonna have to bring down the room. Have to bring down the room. 707 00:53:25,255 --> 00:53:29,125 sarah, we could send them our telephone number and if they have a phone in the room, maybe they 708 00:53:29,365 --> 00:53:31,965 could call and we could put it on speaker for the presentation. Alright, 709 00:53:35,475 --> 00:53:38,805 that is all right. How's the audio? Now you go. 710 00:53:39,515 --> 00:53:40,245 it's good. Thank you. 711 00:53:43,695 --> 00:53:47,555 y'all can hear me now? Yes. Yes. Okay, 712 00:53:47,845 --> 00:53:51,655 great. Sorry. Sorry for that. I have a simple question that's 713 00:53:52,015 --> 00:53:55,935 been passed around palmetto bluff over the last week. As I've spoken to my friends 714 00:53:56,155 --> 00:53:59,845 and other community members, and while we appreciate what 715 00:54:00,275 --> 00:54:03,255 the honorable senator has promised and represented, 716 00:54:05,215 --> 00:54:08,035 I'm wondering how we can make sure that those promises 717 00:54:09,495 --> 00:54:13,275 are entered into the record at the time that the deed 718 00:54:13,515 --> 00:54:17,435 is transferred or whatever the mechanisms of the real estate 719 00:54:17,635 --> 00:54:21,435 transaction are, so that we can be assured that 720 00:54:21,925 --> 00:54:25,675 those promises are, are, are kept. And, and also 721 00:54:25,995 --> 00:54:29,495 a specific question with recent comps that the 722 00:54:30,375 --> 00:54:33,755 nature conservancy was involved in. And I know they're 723 00:54:34,455 --> 00:54:38,305 all different and separate transactions, but there have been times when 724 00:54:38,855 --> 00:54:42,715 the conservancy has sold off parts or parcels of the land that 725 00:54:42,915 --> 00:54:46,675 they have bought for, for whatever reason. And can we be sure 726 00:54:48,345 --> 00:54:51,405 no land will be sold off to a private developer, 727 00:54:52,555 --> 00:54:56,215 um, for, for any reason? And can this be 728 00:54:56,735 --> 00:55:00,145 memorialized into the, into the transaction from the get go, which 729 00:55:01,555 --> 00:55:05,365 will ease the anxiety of people having to wait for the three years or whatever the timeframe 730 00:55:05,865 --> 00:55:08,745 is before it's in quotes official. Thanks. 731 00:55:10,305 --> 00:55:14,105 you, you bring up the audio. Thank you mr. Rothenberg. Um, 732 00:55:15,025 --> 00:55:17,805 mr. Mccain is going to address that question right now. 733 00:55:20,065 --> 00:55:24,005 uh, mr. Chairman, could I just have confirmation that they can hear me in the palmetto bluff? You hear 734 00:55:24,125 --> 00:55:27,195 us there? Yes. Yes. Okay. 735 00:55:28,585 --> 00:55:32,165 so, so this should give ultimate consideration 736 00:55:32,865 --> 00:55:36,645 to the residents to have confidence that this will occur. That, that the nature conservancy 737 00:55:37,315 --> 00:55:40,845 will not sell this to another private landowner because your resolution 738 00:55:42,515 --> 00:55:46,325 that you pass to fund this stipulates the applicant 739 00:55:46,725 --> 00:55:50,445 will not only place the covenants restrictions, but is agreeing to purchase 740 00:55:50,825 --> 00:55:54,685 to, uh, uh, convey the property to the forestry commission 741 00:55:55,005 --> 00:55:58,565 within that three years, or it comes to the county. We ask for the three years 742 00:55:59,145 --> 00:56:02,925 simply to allow to get through the due diligence of legislation to get the 743 00:56:03,285 --> 00:56:07,105 reimbursement and, uh, any other potential grants that we 744 00:56:07,325 --> 00:56:11,245 have we're gonna pursue. So the fact that you adopt that resolution, I think 745 00:56:11,525 --> 00:56:15,295 les counsel says otherwise that the, that that locks 746 00:56:16,125 --> 00:56:19,915 'cause the covenant agreement on the grant will lock the nature conservancy into 747 00:56:20,315 --> 00:56:24,085 only transferring this to the forestry commission or to the county. 748 00:56:25,225 --> 00:56:27,765 it would prohibit them from selling it to any other party. 749 00:56:30,265 --> 00:56:33,865 I'm gonna ask your, your counsel to just affirm my statement. Mr. 750 00:56:35,215 --> 00:56:39,125 thank you. Okay. ? Yes. He said yes. Yeah. And so 751 00:56:39,525 --> 00:56:40,705 I hope the gentleman heard that. The, 752 00:56:45,105 --> 00:56:49,005 he said yes. Thank you. Yes, do, yes. Okay. . Anybody else 753 00:56:49,215 --> 00:56:52,055 there? Yeah, go ahead. Anybody else there? 754 00:56:54,955 --> 00:56:58,085 okay. Um, I, 755 00:56:59,505 --> 00:57:03,505 we have resolved this and, um, 756 00:57:04,435 --> 00:57:06,565 this meeting is adjourned. Thank you.