>> Good morning everyone let me welcome all of you to the Orange
County Board of Commission meeting on July 14th 2026.
We begin this morning in recognition of the passing
of one of our county employees.
We're going to have just a brief moment of silence,
and then after that we will have the invocation and then
the Pledge of Allegiance.
And with that we are going to take a brief moment of silence.
All right.
Thank you.
Phillip unfortunately was a young man
Who passed unexpectedly.
In the last week or so, so we want
to just remember his service.
He worked here with Commissioner Gomez Cordeiro
and we wish the very best for his family.
As they deal with these trying times.
With that, we are going to move forward,
and I'm going to ask Commissioner Wilson to introduce
her guest who will be bringing the invocation this morning.
After that, Commissioner Wilson if you will lead us
in the Pledge of Allegiance and then
we will start the formal portion of our board meeting today.
With that you're recognized.
Nicole H. Wilson: Thank you so much mayor good morning
everybody thank you for taking that time everybody Philip was
a friend to all at the Commissioner office
they welcomed me when I walked onto that floor in 2020
and Philip was somebody who we all looked to for guidance
and for wisdom Commi he was brilliant.
And even though my invocation guest this morning
will be doing a Christian invocation, I'm Jewish
and in the Jewish faith we say may his memory be a blessing.
And Philip's memory is a blessing.
And will continue to be a blessing
for all of those who knew him.
So come a good morning.
This morning I am so honored to welcome
my friend Pastor Socrates Perez Jr to lead us in our invocation.
Socrates Perez Jr is a pastor who served in church ministry
for 18 years.
With a passion for teaching, spiritual formation,
and music music ministry.
Currently Socrates works with undivided a national
organization committed to activating
churches and communities for racial healing.
Solidarity and justice.
As a part of these efforts Socrates
has launched Central Florida Movement.
An organization committed to standing
with immigrants in a time of uncertainty.
And this is certainly a timely invitation
knowing that blood was spilled in our streets again yesterday.
Since December people who share this commitment
have come together to learn from the experiences of immigrants
in our community to support them through accompaniment
at their ice check in appointments,
and to advocate for just policies.
Most recently the Central Florida Micah movement
has drawn the interest of over a dozen churches
and groups to participate in the care Kit initiative.
Packing backpacks to serve kids and teens who
have been impacted by the detention and deportation
of a family member.
Pastor Socrates is a proud product of Orange County,
raised in Orlando, went to local public schools in Pine Hills,
he graduated from West Orange High School, Warriors.
He attended Rollins College in Winter Park
and is now studying at Fuller Theological Seminary.
He served in Christian Church Management ministry
for 18 years.
In Southern California the other Orange County before
returning back here to Florida.
Socrates has been blessed with a strong foundation in Jesus
and the church along with opportunities
to experience Christian faith lived out
throughout various cultural expressions.
Today he's passionate about seeing the power
that faith has to respond to pain and brokenness
in our communities.
And with enduring hope healing and reconciliation
please join me in welcoming Pastor Socrates Perez Jr.
[Applause]
>> Thank you Commissioner Wilson and good morning mayor Demings
and commissioners.
I consider it an undeserved blessing
to offer a prayer this morning, I call it a blessing
because it's really a gift for this Hispanic kid whose life was
formed here in Orange County, and I call it undeserved
because I went a couple of minutes
long last time when I had this opportunity.
So thank you for inviting me back.
And I will keep it shorter this time,
but I just want to thank you for your commitment
to serve this community.
I often pray for each of you that God will lead you and watch
over you, specifically for the past week I've
been asking for God's presence that it would bring peace
as we grieve the passing of Filipe Toledo.
I've witnessed the profound love for him
and the appreciation for many for Philip's kindness,
his humility, for his high level of excellence,
for his dedication to serving Orange County well.
This is a great loss for all of us but one that I imagine
is felt deeply by each of you in the Orange County Staff.
And in times of loss the answer to the question
why O Lord is often beyond our understanding.
And even then I believe that God offers us consolation.
Through the embrace and outpouring
of love from our community, and through the nearness of God
who comforts us in all our troubles
so that we can comfort others.
Let us pray together.
Creator God, giver of every good and perfect gift,
we begin by thanking you for the gift of life.
And in the same breath, we mourn as we
consider the loss of our devoted public servant and a friend
to many in this room.
We ask for the comfort of your presence
and the warmth of the people who surround us.
And today God we also pray for all that
will take place in this room.
For the conversations and the decisions
that will impact our neighbors in significant ways.
I pray that we would treat one another
with mutual respect and mutual love,
that we would receive wisdom which you give freely
to all who ask.
I pray that we will honor the dignity of all of our neighbors.
Especially those who have been cast aside or mistreated,
and may we find the strength and courage
right now to do what is right in this hour.
Even when it comes at a personal cost.
God, I am deeply moved in this moment,
to lift up our beloved Haitian brothers
and sisters this morning.
We bring their concerns and their burdens before you as well
as over 300,000 of them come many here in Orange County are
set to lose their immigration status next week despite
the lives that they've built here and despite dangerous
conditions.
So we pray God for the protection of these neighbors
who are vital to our community and who
are precious in your sight.
That you would make a way where there
seems to be no way, that your peace which passes understanding
would guard their hearts and minds so that you would embolden
us to stand in solidarity with them.
Doing all that we can to seek justice on their behalf.
And finally, O Lord, we ask that you protect and watch
over our leaders today.
Mind and body, heart and soul.
Protect them from attacks that aim
to diminish their own humanity.
And may they know how deep and wide is your unconditional love.
For each of them.
May they be led by you in humility.
To value others above themselves,
seeking the interests of those whom they serve.
Thank you God for Orange County this beautiful home
that you have called us to care for.
And we thank you God for our people.
Whom you have called us to serve faithfully.
We pray these things in your holy name.
Amen.
Thank you.
Nicole H. Wilson: I pledge allegiance
to the flag of the United States of America
and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God,
indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
Thank you Commissioner thank you Commissioner Perez.
We have two items today we'll begin with proclamation then
have the presentations following.
The first proclamation is for smart irrigation laws.
Smart irrigation.
Proclamation reads whereas Orange County recognizes water
as a vital and natural resource that
is essential to sustaining our communities,
and outdoor water use is a significant portion
of Orange County water use.
We recognize-- and whereas smart irrigation technology
such as weather based controllers soil moisture
sensors, and efficient irrigation design
help reduce water waste and improve plant health
and protect our valuable water resources.
And whereas, regular irrigation systems, maintenance,
proper scheduling of irrigation timers,
are essential to maximizing irrigation efficiency
and supporting long term water conservation.
Now, therefore Jerry L Denning's with the authority vested in him
as county mayor does hereby declare the month of July 2026
as Smart Irrigation Month in Orange County Florida
to raise awareness of the water use efficiency
and encourage residents and businesses to develop
smart water practices to preserve this resource.
Done this 14th day of July 2026 signed by the mayor and all five
members of the Board of County Commissioners.
Accepting the proclamation is Matt Bowers
the administrator for Orange County Utilities.
Mr. Bowers?
>> Good morning.
Mayor Demings comment commissioners,
thank you for this opportunity again to come
and highlight the importance of water conservation.
More than half of our usage goes to irrigation here
in Central Florida.
And if we are going to continue to grow,
responsible water usage is going to be paramount for us to be
able to sustain our population.
Improving the efficiency of how we use water
as one of the most cost effective and impactful ways
to help ensure this valuable resource
remains sustainable for future generations.
Again, thank you to this board for the support
that you've given to water conservation.
Orange County Utilities, because of your support
we remain a leader in water conservation.
Our team has trained and certified irrigation technicians
to provide customers with expert assistance
and evaluating and adjusting irrigation systems
to improve efficiency.
I would just like to add we are the first municipality
or utility in the state of Florida
that all of our personnel out in the field
are certified and trained professionals.
This July we are encouraging you to take a few simple steps
to make sure your irrigation systems are operating
efficiently.
First of all, we recommend walking through your yard
while your irrigation system is running.
If you don't walk through you don't see the problems
and you can't know what they are.
So you walk through, you check for leaks,
you check for broken components and misaligned sprinklers.
I don't know how many times we go
by where we see that it's spraying completely
on the sidewalk or only on the driveway.
No matter how much you water it, concrete is not going to grow.
And, also has a reminder during this time of year
to set your irrigation timer to no more than twice a week.
And if your system continues to run after significant rainfall
like last night I'm sure you saw on the news, the intersection
on 50 flooded out, you probably don't
need to be irrigating today.
So if you see your system running
after that significant rainfall like that
then your rain sensor may need to be repaired or replaced.
These simple actions can help homeowners use water
more efficiently, avoid unexpected increases
in their water bill and maintain healthy attractive landscapes.
Thank you for your continued recruitment
for water conservation and the opportunity
to highlight smart water usage practices.
[Applause]
>> Alright I'll crack utilities team Mark Cuneata is
the director.
All right let's give our utilities department
a big round of applause.
Good job everyone!
Thank you Matt!
[Applause]
>> Our second and final proclamation is for parks
and Recreation Month.
I see our parks friends here.
A lot of them are here today.
It's good to see you all.
The proclamation reads whereas a National Recreation and Park
Association of designated July as park and Recreation month
to recognize the vital role that Parks and Recreation played
in building strong vibrant and resilient communities
across the nation.
And Whereas Parks and Recreation Services
are a central component of Orange County's commitment
to enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors
by providing safe accessible and welcoming spaces for recreation
wellness education and community connection.
Whereas Orange County Parks and Recreation
manages a diverse system of 114 parks, trails, preserves,
recreation centers, athletic facilities,
campgrounds, historical sites, natural resources
to welcome more than 16 million residents and visitors annually.
Whereas Orange County's parks trails and recreation programs
promote healthy and active lifestyles,
foster social connections, support
physical and mental well-being, inspire lifelong learning
and contribute to the economic vitality
and environmental sustainability of our community.
Whereas Orange County's extensive park system
provides opportunities for outdoor adventure,
cultural and historical appreciation,
athletic participation, and community celebrations helping
make Orange County one of the most desirable places
to live work and play.
Whereas the dedicated park and recreation professionals
work year round to preserve natural habitats,
protect environmental resource, provide
high quality recreational programs,
support youth development engage older adults,
encourage volunteerism and create memorable experiences
that enrich the lives of Orange County residents.
Now, therefore Jerry Demings by his authority as mayor does
hereby declare the month of July as Parks and Recreation Month
and encourage all residents to take advantage of the services
provided by the Orange County Parks and Recreation Division
done in order this 14th day of July 2026 and all five members
of the Board of County Commissioners.
Accepting the proclamation is the manager
Kyle Kent was the manager of Orange County
Parks and Recreation.
Mr. Kent?
[Applause]
>> Thank you mayor and Commissioners.
On behalf of the 500 plus staff members
that you have working on your Parks and Recreation
team we are pleased to accept this proclamation,
we are grateful for your recognition.
We would like to point out that Parks and Recreation
places and the faces when things are going right
in their community.
And right now with 4 million people visiting us each quarter,
I think that's a testament that people think things are
going right in this community.
So we always appreciate the support come
and please do pleased to accept this award.
I would like to flip the script a little bit here.
We have one of those important reasons
that we all work for Parks and Recreation.
And we invest in our community that's
here with us today and her name is Elise Loki.
Come on up here Elise.
Elise is the winner of our art contest here come on over.
Each summer we hold an art contest
throughout our summer camps and Elise
is one of the camp members that Port David.
Her artwork is on the screen up there
and Elise I'm going to give you like three seconds
to tell us what's going on in this bottom corner over here.
Because I think that's important to narrate.
Why don't you tell us what that is?
>> One of my counselors Matt is helping a squirrel.
It happened in real life.
The squirrel fell on its arm and broke it.
And Matt knows the place to help squirrels.
So --
Parks and recreation department can come up and take a photo to.
Don't be shy.
Come on up.
[Applause]
>> All right.
Thanks parks!
Don't go too far Kyle.
We have two presentations for this morning.
The first presentation is regarding parks again
it's a presentation of the National Association of County
Park and Recreation Officials Award for 2025,
so Kyle is going to come up and talk
a little bit about this award we would appreciate that.
>> Thank you very much.
So one of the events that we have been producing
for several years now for the community
is called movies in the Park.
We make it an effort to bring out large projection
screens show current movies, in the community setting.
In the lawn you bring your lawn chairs
or throw your blankets down.
It's a lot of fun, it's free.
We try to do these in multiple communities throughout the year.
And we submitted a nomination and it
was recognized for bringing the community together
as a great gathering and community function.
So, we are pleased to admit that they
felt it was worthy of an award.
[Applause]
>> Who doesn't love our parks?
You've got to love them.
All of those volunteers on the advisory board,
thank you for serving.
Through the movies in the Park program,
countless residents have enjoyed evenings of entertainment.
Connection, and lasting memories in our beautiful parks.
So with this, this award from the National Association
of County Parks, and recreation officials in 2026,
this parks and Recreation program class three award
presented to Orange County Parks and Recreation
for movies in the Park and movies on the trails program.
So again Kyle congratulations to you and your entire team.
[Applause]
All right thanks parks, and thanks folks!
And the final presentation is for the North American Hazardous
Materials Management Association best outreach program.
I'm going to call on Kate Rogers with the environmental program
supervisor from an environmental protection
division for more information.
>> morning and County Administrator Brooks,
I'm very honored to receive this award on behalf
of the Environmental Protection Division as I am very new
in my role as supervisor of Epd's Pollution Prevention
Control Program I must direct all praise for this
accomplishment to my team, and our predecessor.
This National Award recognizes the team's innovative approach
to keeping hazardous pharmaceutical waste
from small health care facilities
out of our environment.
Our pollution prevention and communication staff
designed a user friendly digital questionnaire
that achieved a response rate of over 50%.
Furthermore, follow up engagement continued
with calls come emails, and in-person inspections
that improved the facility's understanding of their roles
and responsibilities in the final suit of goal waste
Management.
This national recognition affirms the importance
of the work that Orange County is
doing to conserve and protect, and enhance
our environment for current and future generations.
It also shines a light on the tremendous talent,
and professional expertise that characterize the care
and service that the BPD provides to our community.
Thank you.
[Applause]
>> You know I know it's a little daunting at times to come before
the public like this, I can hear that nervousness in your voice
come you couldn't wait for it to be over.
But, let me just say this.
Our community, our board of County Commission and BPD staff
have made it a priority to make sure
that we protect our environment here within Orange County.
So for the Environmental Protection Division
to receive this recognition it reflects the county's commitment
to protecting the environment.
Whether through preventing pollution,
improving water quality, in our lakes, or rivers,
or protecting the sensitive lands.
Our entire team, thank you for the work
that you're doing each and every day.
Sometimes there are some unsung heroes.
So join me this will hopefully be a little less
stressful for you all.
[Applause] Right one more round of applause for that department!
Thank you all so much!
Jerry L. Demings: All right as we transition again,
congratulations to all of those who received recognition
this morning.
We are going to move forward on our agenda at this time
while we move through the period of time in which we invite
members of the public to come forward
regarding any concerns or topics of importance to them.
There are certain matters that will be taken up this afternoon
during the afternoon portion, typically
they are land use issues, or other issues
that should be properly brought to other boards.
We will of course move forward at this time.
How many persons do we have that wish to be heard this morning?
>> Mayor we have 42 speaker cards this morning.
>> Okay so we do have a pretty active schedule this morning.
So those of you who are going to come forward we're
going to give you each one minute in which
to plead your case.
Because of the history that we have
and the experience that we have we do
know that it can be done, in that period of time.
So with that, we will start perhaps
in the order of which we have received
and the request to speak this >> Thank you mayor, folks
I'm going to call your name in batches,
when I do please line up along the wall at the end of the room
here.
Approach the podium in the order called
and please begin with your name and address.
Our first speaker is going to be Hank Halbert, followed
by Lucy Halbert.
Followed by Anna Marie Halbert.
Followed by Chad Mangione.
Michelle Mangione.
And David Martinez.
>> I thought it was going to be minutes but we're going
to shorten this down.
Hello mayor.
Thank you for your 45 years of service
to the city of Orlando and the county.
Okay good morning I'm Hank Halbert of 2711 East Michigan
Street, we are here kind of in objection of a large steel
building that's been placed on Michigan Street
at a professional office they've been called
the Monster of Michigan Street, the Michigan street
monster, what's the other one?
The spaceship that landed?
And the Michigan street eyesore.
I've sent pictures to each and every one of you,
hopefully you've seen those.
It's hard to describe it in words.
It's 3300 zero cubic feet building sitting in the middle
or adjacent to a neighborhood.
The permit was approved over like a year period I guess,
and we didn't know anything about this there was very little
transparency.
Very little fairness.
No input from the neighborhood whatsoever.
There are 12 houses involved, we see talking to real estate
people we could well we have probably 50 to $100,000 value
per house.
That's going to be affected.
That's why I'm here today.
I'll let the next speaker elaborate.
But we ask the county to not approve the permit in October.
Thank you.
>> Thank you Mr. Halbert for your presence.
We move to the next speaker please.
>> Good morning everyone.
And, first of all, shout out to the park and recreation team.
And thank you mayor for recognizing
the importance of them.
And also, my two daughters, they both learned how
to swim and the Gatlin pool.
So we love it.
Thank you.
Thank you for allowing me to speak today.
My name is Lucy Halbert, my husband
and I have lived in 2711 East Michigan Street since 1998.
I came to the United States in 1996.
And we've raised our two daughters here
and have been proud to call this community our home for nearly
three decades.
We are here today because of the large steel building warehouse
that was constructed at 26 17th East Michigan Street just three
doors from my home.
The structure is not compatible with the character
of the Edinburgh Heights neighborhood and the surrounding
communities.
Edinburgh Heights is a quiet diverse established realty built
in the early 1980s with some houses built even earlier,
maybe in the 50s or 60s 70s.
We have families, small children, senior citizens,
and longtime residents who value the peaceful quality of life
that we have here.
We love our neighborhood, and we do not want to leave.
About 12 families -- >> Sorry Miss Halbert that time is gone
quickly.
>> Yes very quickly.
>> Thank you.
Just thank you.
We just don't think that building belongs there.
Thank you.
>> All right.
We move to our next speaker.
>> Hi I'm Anna Halbrook and if you can't tell those were
my parents.
I live at 2711 East Michigan Street.
I've lived in the county my whole life,
from Kaylee elementary to Howard to Boone,
I followed the school path of countless other Orange County
natives.
This is my home.
When I got home from college to see that the paint company down
the street had erected a humongous metal shed
that towered over all the houses on my block
I was very confused to say the least.
I have no issues with all the professional offices that are
scattered around the area come up with the industrialization
of my neighborhood is something that I truly cannot stand for.
We are a community of working class people
from all walks of life, my mother
is an immigrant we know that there are many other immigrants
in my neighborhood.
We have members of the LGBTQ plus community,
it's very diverse.
The most important thing is that people raise their children here
and invest their money and property here.
I feel that this structure sets a very dangerous precedent
for not just my neighborhood but for Orange County as a whole.
No one wants to see their home turned into an industrial zone.
We ask that the county considers reevaluating
permitting of this structure for the whole neighborhood.
Thank you so much.
>> Alright thank you Miss Halbert.
We'll move to the next speaker please.
Evan good morning.
I don't believe that I'm actually the next speaker
but there's nobody else so.
I'm actually here to voice my concern over the same building
that Hank and his family have spoken about.
I'm sorry my name is David Martinez.
I own 2707 East Michigan.
And, basically this building is completely
out of character with the area.
In every conceivable way.
When you think of buildings you think of scale, outside of scale
you think of style, it doesn't really
mesh with any style in the neighborhood.
The materials come absolutely anything.
Can use more importantly.
So it's going to bring, I don't know
what's going to be stored in this warehouse looking building,
but the use of it is of concern, the increased traffic
and the type of traffic that it's going to bring,
it's only a two lane road at that point.
And so it's also setting a dangerous precedent for the area
as well.
So I just wanted to voice my displeasure
and maybe we can get this thing taken care of.
Thank you.
Goodbye.
>> Right thank you Mr. Martinez.
Next speaker >> Right of Chad Michele and aren't here,
our next speaker will be Destin Correa.
Followed by Peter Murray.
Susie Morris.
Sana Hafeez.
Jose Hernandez.
>> Good morning.
Board of County Commissioners my name
is Desmond Carrera I live at 225 I'm
here with Sunrise Moreno in support of the Sunrise Plan.
I'm a student with no car I found a 311
request about an unsafe crossing on Valencia College Lane.
And Boa Vista.
Because students like me have nothing protecting us
from traffic the last one I want my loved ones to see
is me on the evening news because I
succumb to a fate like other Florida pedestrians
crossing the road.
This is because our infrastructure currently does
not account for pedestrians.
The star plan.
A rapid transit initiative that has eight rapid transit
corridors in this county.
Pedestrian safety becomes a higher priority.
I ask this board to take the next step
in investing in the infrastructure that actually
keeps everyone safe, protected lanes come a safe crossings,
and the star plan Denver did it and Orange County Cantu.
Thank you.
>> Right.
Thank you for your comments.
Next speaker please?
And then while they're doing this
I just wanted to say my condolences to the Commissioner.
>> I'm going to ask you to go up to the mic so we can hear you.
We can't hear you.
>> I just wanted to say condolences to to Commissioner
Katara for losing somebody very important it sounds like.
So I'm sorry.
I can't project the evidence I'd like to show the community.
Okay.
Peter Murray, good morning mayor and commissioners,
I want to thank Comptroller Diamond for investigating
the evidence regarding fairly funded procurement July 20th
2609.
The controlling finding confirmed that this $2 million
procurement was federally non-compliant
and the charter spectrum was received unfair advantage.
What concerns me is that I first reported this issue to the board
on May April 9th 2024.
And to professional Standards on May 1st 2024.
The evidence presented at the time
indicated that two employees were involved.
In why 2609.
And 2024 are system Procurement Manager Julie Milan also advised
professional standards as the available evidence appeared
to show that two employees from the mayor's office
were attempting to prevent a potential bidder from receiving
the contract award and that this should not have happened.
Professional standards declined to investigate
I asked over 100 times to follow up and they refused.
Is now the third federally funded transaction
that I have reported which has been confirmed to be accurate.
I have additional evidence and professional standards still
refuses to review that evidence.
I'm not going to ask for more time I'm not
getting thrown out again.
Thank you.
I have more evidence than I would like to help.
Jerry L. Demings: All right thank you Mr. Murray.
Next speaker please?
My name is Susie Morris I live at 3638 Lake Drive Orlando.
Good morning mayor and Commissioners.
I'm here to speak in support of keeping Green's Place properties
as protected green space.
I urge the board to prioritize the conversations
and conservations when evaluating and managing
agriculture uses on these lands.
Green Place was funded by taxpayers
to preserve environmentally sensitive areas wildlife
corridors become water resources and public recreation
common not for agriculture production.
I respectfully ask that you keep the primary focus
on conservation and public benefit,
apply the strongest environmental protections
to any potential uses, and continue involving the public
in these important decisions.
Thank you for your work on the Green Place program,
please keep these lands as true spaces for all of us.
Thank you.
Jerry L. Demings: Thank you for your comments.
Next speaker?
>> (Speaking in another language) My English is not very
good.
I lived in this neighborhood for many years,
and I don't think that this building is characterized
of the surroundings.
As a kindergarten school right directly in front
of this, of this building, which may or may not
contain chemicals, it looks like it probably
will contain chemicals.
>> (Speaking in another language) And I'm not only
concerned for myself, it's mostly for the future residents
and for my family and their future.
I don't feel that it's right, and the decision
is in your hands.
Thank you.
Jerry L. Demings: Okay.
I know he gave us his name, can you repeat his name for us?
>> My name is Jose Santos Hernandez.
Jerry L. Demings: Mr. Jose Santos Hernandez.
All right.
Thank you.
All right, we will move to the next speaker.
>> Thank you mayor.
Our next speaker will be Alan Levi.
Followed by Linda Coffin, Nicholas Tahtali, Ava Gorin,
Trevor sweet, and Samuel Chambers.
>> Good morning my name is Alan Levi I live at 535 East Harding
Street in Orlando.
That's district three.
There is a myth that people experiencing homelessness
are mostly drug users or alcoholics.
While substance abuse exists within the homeless population,
most people experiencing homelessness
do not have a substance abuse problem.
HUD data shows that about 16% reported use,
but that 16% it's the same number for all Americans.
And you know the myth that adults
experiencing homelessness struggle
with severe mental illness?
Yes, 26% do.
But so do 20% of all Americans.
It's just as likely that someone's homelessness
led to mental illness and addiction than the other way
around.
Again, it's really just as likely
that someone's homelessness led to mental health and addiction
than the other way around.
Thank you.
Jerry L. Demings: All right thank you Mr. Levi.
Next speaker please.
>> Hello.
I did have an image but --
I'll just start speaking.
Hello, good morning my name is Nicholas Vitale,
I live at 32836 district one.
I am here as part of the Sunrise Movement
to talk about two things.
First, I am opposed to opening up green place to grazing lands,
because I don't know if you saw yesterday
the flooding on McGuire colonial yesterday if we were really
committed to mitigating storm water damage
and flooding our county, we should
be preserving our wetlands not opening them up
to additional agricultural usages.
And, my second thing is I'm here in support of the Star plan.
Again.
I'm going to keep mentioning it until September, and maybe
even after that to.
But I believe in it a lot.
I've lived in this county for most of my life,
and I have been in a very touristy part of town
whenever tourists come to town they crowd the streets
and I can predict whenever there's a Disney shift change
because the traffic gets more.
If we can get these people on public transportation,
and free up the roads I think that would be a much nicer place
to live.
Thank you for your >> Right.
Thank you.
Next speaker?
Evan before I get started I want to express that immigrants
are welcome here, our heartfelt condolences to all of you,
and especially Commissioner Cordero and her staff
as we remember Phillip.
Thank you very much.
My name is Linda Coffin, and I'm from 32810 immigrants
are welcome here.
The deadline to end Temporary protected status for many
Haitians is now July 24th, we recognize the tremendous burden
this will place on families, employers,
and the entire community.
Mayor, we are asking you to take action on behalf of the board
and write a letter to Senator Scott and Moody
to say yes to s 4814, that would extend
temporary protected status.
We know that the House has already passed this bill,
so that's why we want you to go ahead and write
a letter with all of you signing it for S 4814.
Haitian immigrants came here legally under TPS,
they have become an essential part of Central Florida.
They serve our hospitals, nursing homes, hospitals,
hotels, schools, and countless other businesses that
keep our communities moving.
They are caretakers, health care professionals
come a hospital workers, and much more.
Thank you.
Jerry L. Demings: All right.
Thank you Miss Coffin.
Our next speaker?
Evan good morning mayor and Commissioners.
My name is Trevor sweet, I live at ten 626 Demille place,
I am a district one resident.
And I am also the field representative for the Central
Florida AfL-CIO.
I'm here to ask the mayor to sign a letter
to be sent to U.S. Senators encouraging support
for U.S. Senate Bill 4814 to extend TPS protections.
Our neighbors are in jeopardy of losing homes
that they have come to know for so long.
Our members who have been working in the theme
parks, the airport, the hotels, and all
across Orange County in different occupations
will no longer be qualified to work,
to provide for their families and work
in the industries vital to enriching our community.
Mayor Demings, show your support for the residents
in your community, show solidarity, and sign the letter.
Thank you for my time.
Thank you.
Jerry L. Demings: All right thank you.
Next speaker.
>> Hello mayor and Board of Commissioners my name is Eva
Gorin, I live at 4291 Mensa Lane.
And I am here on account of sunrise Orlando Florida
to support their star transit system that they have developed.
As a university student from South Florida,
I was deprived of the opportunity
to grow up with safe, organized transit for much of my life.
It was the norm for my family to get around by separate cars,
even as gas prices rose tremendously
and the emissions in cars increased
climate change and the enhanced greenhouse gas effect.
Now that I live here in Central Florida
however, where more attention is paid towards community,
the environment, and finding more productive means
of transport, I find that it's in my best interest
to put any resources possible towards supporting the Star
plan that could encourage the follow
through as a thorough point for the rest of Florida
to replicate throughout the years.
Thank you so much for your consideration and I
heed the rest of my time as well.
Jerry L. Demings: All right thank you for your next speaker.
>> Alright folks the next speaker is going to be
Christiana High, followed by Mike Ruggiero, Barry Lardner,
Nelson Shapiro, Barbara McKane, and Rick Baird.
>> Good morning Mayor and commissioners my name is Doctor
Cristiano at 335 South Center Boulevard Winter Park.
I'm speaking on behalf of the Major conservancy teams
in Florida regarding agenda item number
260837 evaluation of Future managed AG uses on properties.
TNC asks that the board carefully weigh water quality
implications and proposed AG uses specifically
categories on greenhouse properties
before taking any action.
There's evidence that categories and operations
near water bodies as the driver of an point source
pollution the resorts and community impacts that
can persist long after it ends.
We request that before developing these terms, that
allow the use of greenspace properties for categories
that the board direct BPD staff to complete water quality impact
assessment for each proposed lease
parcel to understand the state of water quality,
establish appropriate lease conditions,
and confirm consistency with the counties B map targets.
While protecting the land and water resources
that residents depend on.
Orange County like many local governments
is working to have stricter requirements
and it's, thank you for the opportunity
to speak with you today.
Jerry L. Demings: All right.
Thank you.
Next speaker.
>> Good morning everyone, Barry Lardner,
1257 West Christmas Ray Christmas Florida.
I'm here to oppose the consideration
for future agricultural uses on Green Place properties.
The purpose to purchase these lands
was to preserve environmentally sensitive lands,
the previous owners not only sold
these lands for that purpose as well, once
sold the land owner terminated leases for agricultural use.
Please know I've been in agriculture
in Orange County for 49 years.
19 years as a ranch hand hauling 40 years providing ag services
and cultural services for many AG
and government agriculture government agencies including
Green Place program.
Recently working on properties being considered
for potential ag use ranch observes lands
degraded in every regard.
If you allow such lands for cattle grazing
it would entail a tremendous cost.
Property considered would require new perimeter fencing,
interior fencing consistent cross fences for the purpose
of rotating cattle fencing,
Jerry L. Demings: Thank you Mr. Larson.
We got the point.
Thank you.
Next speaker?
>> Good morning everyone board of commissioners my name is
Nelson Shapiro I'm a city commission planning student here
at UCF I'm also a worker and a resident of two years here
in Orlando.
I'd first like to note that in order to be here
I've had to sacrifice my attendance to lecture,
part of my working hours and also commute here.
Therefore I want it to serve as a reminder to the council
that the voice isn't here today are likely not
truly representative of the total population
as many people are likely at work, school, or far away.
With this I would like to share with the council
my critical support of today's proposed Star plan.
Due to a lack of public mass transit systems here in Orlando,
we are all paying for the city's primary mode of transportation,
cars, a minimum of four times.
When we pay taxes until that goes towards expensive highway
construction roadway maintenance,
and I know this since I work and study in that industry.
Two, we buy or rent vehicles and three
we pay monthly payments for insurance,
and for we all have to pay for gas.
This is not to include the cost of space
for everyone including the city as well as individual repairs
or maintenance, please come we need a true public mass transit
system and we need it now.
Thank you.
Jerry L. Demings: All right.
Thank you.
Next.
Evan hello Barbara McCann I live in the city park since the early
50s.
And, I'm with the safe park Neighborhood Association.
And when Commissioner Mary I Johnson
was our commissioner in district three, we had asked,
she used to come to our meetings,
and we asked her if she could help us get land
to build a park, because there was no park in Isaiah Park,
and the closest park was Inglewood.
So everybody had to cross which was dangerous.
So she went to ou, and acquired land for a very low price,
the rumor was that she got it for a dollar,
but there's no record of that.
But we'll believe it.
So, we got a great park.
It's a dog park, it's now got volleyball,
it's got a skate park that my son helped build.
Shout out to Trent.
And so I'm here to please ask that the naming of the park
get changed to Mary I Johnson.
Thank you.
Jerry L. Demings: All right.
Thank you.
Next time
>> I'm here today as a private resident,
but I also am a member of Orange Audubon Society.
After I was hired from Orange County I went to Oceana County
and I went to a meeting where they
were talking about BMPs and Tmdls on the chain of lakes,
and how they add interest how the ag interest would really
protect, and I asked if as a member of the local government
whose responsibility it was who to meet T&E
and if we could tour some of these and I was told no.
The local representatives could not look at their BMPs.
Secondly, catalysis did exist at one time on Christmas average
Creek but they were canceled several years later.
And finally psilocybin mushrooms to readily grow on cow patties.
So.
Thank you.
Jerry L. Demings: I got Rick, was the last name?
>> Baird.
BAIRD.
Jerry L. Demings: Got it.
Thank you.
All right we'll move to the next speaker.
>> All right folks next batch of speakers is going to start with
Mike Patterson.
Followed by Aaron Germer.
David Ward, Robin Ward, Christopher Stalder,
and Janet Ellery.
Good morning mayor and commissioners.
Comptroller diamond, County administrator Brooks, my name
is Mike Patterson I live at 2325 Phillips Road Christmas Florida.
The reason I'm here today is a brief statement com I sit
on the AG Advisory board which y'all appointed me
to on the Green Place board.
But our chair for ag advisory is not here today so he asked me
to make sure that y'all got these points and positions from
the AG advisory.
Also I've attached some letters from the community.
Of support for grazing, the pilot
program on these properties in Roberts branch.
You'll also find a folder there from UF IFAs,
it shows other counties that have allowed the grazing
to be done on some of their properties
that they were bought just as you bought at.
So thank you very much,
Jerry L. Demings: All right thank you Mr. Patterson.
Next speaker.
>> Good morning Chair and commissioners my name is Aaron
Germer, I live at 2325 Phillips Road Christmas Florida.
I'm the president of the Orange County Cattlemen's Association
and I'm here in support of the Green Place and catalyzes.
From a land management standpoint
this pilot program has the potential
to provide practical benefits to Orange County,
the county being discussed appears well suited
to a pilot program for grazing.
Subject to county approval.
There's also a stewardship component
considering community discussion there
was different views on the true long term
cost of managing this type of land,
rather than debate those numbers today we believe a pilot
program gives the county a practical way
to evaluate actual cost and actual responsibilities
and actual land management outcomes.
A properly structured grazing lease
may help reduce Orange County's direct maintenance burden
by shifting certain responsibilities
to the producer.
Those responsibilities could include
fencing water insurance maintenance,
and regular observation of the property.
This is not about replacing conservation with agriculture,
it's about using agriculture as a practical tool
to help the county manage these properties.
Thank you.
Thank you Mr. Drummer.
Jerry L. Demings: Next speaker.
My name is David Ward, I live at 1703 Taylor Creek Road.
In Christmas Florida.
And I would like to give my time to Robin Ward for her comments.
Jerry L. Demings: Unfortunately can't give your time to her
during this session.
But you're welcome to speak.
>> All right then I'll make a few comments myself.
I'm a lifetime resident of Orange County.
And I am a cattle producer.
Cattle has been an integral part of Florida for over 400 years.
We still have our wetlands, we still have our streams,
we still have our rivers.
I just asked the commission to do due consideration
for the proposal set forth by the AG Advisory Board
for the pilot program to see the reality of cattle,
not just a lot of data showing what could happen, excuse me.
That's all.
Thank you.
Jerry L. Demings: All right.
Mr. Ward.
You did a fine job.
Next speaker?
>> Good morning Mayor and commissioners my name is Robin
Ward, 1703 Tinder Creek Road and Christmas,
as a member of the AG Advisory Board I'd like to make a comment
regarding BMPs and safeguards on Roberts Branch.
The Agriculture Advisory Committee
should draw forward on what the strong best management
practices.
Clear safeguards and accountability.
First, cattle should not have direct access
to the creeks come wetlands or sensitive water resources.
Any grazing plan should require controlled water sources
and appropriate separations from sensitive environmental areas
second the pilot should require formal best management
practices these should include rotating grazing,
appropriate stocking rates, repairing
the wetland buffers, on site watering
systems and ongoing monitoring.
Third, the least must be structured correctly.
If the producers to expect to be invested
in fencing water structures and maintenance in the lease
term and lease conditions must realistically
be enough to attract responsible operators.
Thank you.
Jerry L. Demings: All right.
Thank you.
>> Good morning Mayor and commissioners.
Neighbors.
I'm Christopher Stahlgren, I reside at 5102 Saint Germain
Avenue in Bel Air Florida.
And I'm an advocate for the housing and and with the support
Orlando shelters and I was delighted to see the news about
the county purchasing the 200 room hotel near the 33rd Street
jail, and I hope that it is utilized as another pathway
for people to find permanent housing.
I think that's a great location.
Near the jail to get people in and moved on with their lives
and in a positive direction.
I live near the international airport,
and I see more people all the time experiencing homelessness.
Just last week I saw for the first time on South Conway Road
a woman sleeping on the sidewalk across from Lake Conway East
neighborhood in front of these huge monstrous warehouses
that are built on speculation near the airport for industry.
If we can leave those huge warehouses empty and brand
new waiting for possible tenants come
we can certainly do something to help the homeless population.
Thank you.
Jerry L. Demings: All right.
Thank you.
And, let's help her with getting that mic down.
>> Good morning.
My name is Shayna, I'm the president of the HOA.
We have been trying to get the complex back together
and see what we can do to bring it back together.
But there's always someone that comes along and tears it down.
Whether we're trying to get it approved again.
I'm tired, I'm ready to leave and just leave it alone.
The place needs to really be gone.
I'm just tired of it.
Thank you.
Jerry L. Demings: What was your last name again?
Ellery.
And are you referencing the area there off of Michigan?
Or which area?
Timberscombe.
Okay.
All right.
Thank you.
>> All right our next batch of speakers is going to start with
Cynthia Clay Tacoma followed by Chris Downey, Deborah Green,
seven Charleston, Trini Quiroz, and Michael Montenegro.
Morning mayor and commissioners my name
is Chris Dowdy I live on one two Park Road on district five
I also started as a member of the Dag Advisory Board
a recommendation today is not to open all Green Place properties
to unrestricted agricultural use, etc.
Recommendation is much more narrow
we're asking the board to allow a site specific pilot
program for managed cow grazing on Green Place property
currently being discussed.
The key policy issues the difference between preservation
and conservation.
Preservation generally means a hands off approach.
Conservation allows for active land management
and the management supports long term health of land.
Green place properties are already being actively
managed in some form if the county is mowing
maintaining controlling vegetation repairing access
or managing public use and the land
is not being treated as untouched preservation.
The question is whether or not whether management should occur,
is which is the most effective management tool.
Managed grazing is not simply an agricultural use
properly structured as a recognized Conservational land
management practice.
We can look to the cattlemen and ranchers of Orange County
as great stewards of the land, and I appreciate your time.
Thank you.
Jerry L. Demings: All right.
Thank you.
Next speaker.
>> Good morning my name is Cynthia Claytor call my address
is 2529!
Court Orlando Florida.
I'm here to speak about Biscayne like Miss Janet did.
We met last year and I was a big advocate
for staying in keeper's canon and trying to rescue at.
At this point I don't feel the same way.
We're still having a lot of problems
come we're having financial difficulties,
we need help in timber scam and we're not getting it.
Everything has gone downhill, further than we ever
thought it could go.
So come at this point in time I don't believe
it's worth saving any more.
I believe that the residents need
to find new places to go including myself.
And Miss Janet.
We are 72 and 73 years old at this time,
and we can no longer take what's going on in there.
It's just hard to stop things when you can't even
get the police to do it.
So come I'm here to just speak on that point.
Because I know you're going to talk about Timbers canon today.
And we need help.
We really do.
Because we're not getting it at this point.
So that's what I'm here to talk about.
We are ready to go just like Janet said I am too.
That's all I had to say.
Thank you.
Jerry L. Demings: All right.
Thank you.
We will have a presentation later this morning
about timber scan.
So.
And some of the things that we're able to do.
So thank you.
Okay good morning.
>> Good morning Mayor and Commissioners.
Thank you.
I'm Deborah Green from Orange Audubon, P.O. Box 274 Aqua for.
And Orange Audubon has been a partner for the Green Place
program over the years, I appreciate these properties
as well-managed habitats for wildlife.
And for people to hike and enjoy nature.
Each year we hold two walks in collaboration
with Orange County.
And the point I'd like to make about the damage of grazing
is that the cattle actually damage
the sensitive native grasses that
are a key part of those ecosystems and other plants.
And, on the coats of the cattle, come seeds of invasive species
that can then take hold and are very hard to eliminate.
And the habitats, prescribed burning
may be limited with cattle on the property and birds
and gopher tortoises and other native species
that the Green Place program has been trying to support
will be set back.
So thank you for your attention.
Jerry L. Demings: All right.
Thank you.
Next please.
>> (Speaking in another language) one would think that
after 60 long years of community advocacy, one would be tired,
sleeping, eating or doing something.
But anyone come any taxpayer come any citizen any person
with humanity to attend these meetings.
When you go home, put your computer
and see who pays attention when somebody comes here
to express their feelings in one minute
and who knows, maybe that you have a $7 parking
bill across the street just to be here.
Community people, advocates, people
who care for your community come to these meetings
and repeat over and over and over that you are the taxpayers,
you pay salaries to the people to do
a decent job for the people.
I am so sick and tired of coming to these meetings
but I will continue to come.
Thank you.
Jerry L. Demings: All right Pierre thank you miss Kiros.
Just a reminder to those of you in the audience.
I know most of you probably know the rules,
but I'm going to repeat this.
Remember while we are in these proceedings
to maintain the decorum.
There should be no clapping, no outward making of noise
or otherwise.
Okay?
You get a Warning, we want you to stay.
Otherwise come if you don't follow the rules then
we will ask you to leave.
Thank you.
All right.
Yes sir.
>> Hello, my name is Mark Montenegro.
I'm from 32826 sunrise Orlando I'm here
to support the star plan, recently just
had a town hall in district A at South Creek Library
it was pretty fun.
We met a lot of people from Hunters Creek,
multiple people told me how much they
love how the star plan focuses on different nodes and activity
in Orange County and not just downtown, and not just downtown
transportation.
In practice, in my experience I live in the UCF area
and you see five I try to go to the airport to use the by line
and it took 2.5 hours even though it's a 30 minute car
ride.
But to go to downtown which is technically a longer distance
only takes like an hour and 15 minutes.
After I traveled here from Miami a three hour trip I
had almost the same amount of time, 2.5 hours commuting
from the same county from district three to district five.
The airport to my home.
So, please support the Star plan and also support
Orlando shelters.
Thank you so much.
Jerry L. Demings: All right.
Thank you.
Next speaker please?
>> Good morning my name is seven Charleston I live in district
six, and I am here in support of the Star plan.
All my life I have had to do public transportation
because my parents only have one car.
I went to UCF downtown comet takes me
like two hours from Pine Hills to UCF.
So, I spent four hours each day going to school,
I was working two jobs and doing a lot
of other community related stuff so my life was
kind of impossible.
And, you know, just for access to opportunities and things
of that sort, public transportation
is a lifeline for a lot of people.
A lot of underprivileged areas, and mainly the people
who use public transportation are elders, youth, immigrants,
disabled, a lot of people who need access to opportunities.
My organization Seeds of Pine Hills we
work with a lot of juvenile juveniles,
and they also need that opportunity.
So thank you guys who came here and support that com
I hope you have a good day.
Jerry L. Demings: All right.
Thank you sir.
Next please.
>> Right next batch of speakers we're gonna start with Barocio
Campbell, followed by doctor Jim Moyer, hope Adelson,
Eugene staccato, Dominic Verardi, and Will Larkins.
And Vivian Robey.
>> Good morning, how are y'all doing today?
I'm Horatio Campbell 449 Chantel Road Orlando Florida.
I'm here on behalf of -- basically I'm here looking
for support.
I put a petition in to try to get a bathroom
at Cadence Square Park, I'm doing this
because this is the area that I grew up in.
I did a lot of time incarcerated and during that time
of incarceration I did a lot of self-reflecting,
and after I did that self-reflection I started
to realize a pattern in my community.
I started to realize that we was raised the wrong way.
We had a lot of dysfunction, we had a lot of trauma growing up
which led to starting this corporation
to help transform the lives of the young people
in my community.
And I want to start by helping them get back
Katie Park since it's no longer a dangerous area
and people are starting to chill at the park a lot.
And there's no way to wash their hands,
if an accident happens no one can wash their face
or nothing like that.
But I am looking for a connection
to help bring my vision to life.
Have a great day.
Jerry L. Demings: All right.
Thank you for the suggestion.
I'll look to the county administrator
to have the team evaluate.
>> I actually spoke with him earlier last week.
Oh there he is right there.
>> Good morning mayor commissioners,
my name is Doctor Jim Moyer, I'm elected on the Whittier District
two supervisor serving Northwest Orange County including Lockhart
Felwood and Tangerine and unincorporated orange.
I'm here today, well, my responsibility
within the constraints of the law
is to work with other governmental entities
to serve the people.
The City of alpaca has given me an opportunity
to work one on one starting this Thursday every month.
With office hours there.
I have sent a letter to Cauee for the same thing,
eight ville Chamber of Commerce has offered,
we haven't worked out the details.
I've sent a letter to Orlando Commissioner district three
Roger Chaffin, and I am asking Orange County would it
be possible to in the future work out
some kind of arrangement where I could meet one on one
and promote things like conservation
of water conservation and the smart irrigation.
Thank you, God bless you.
Jerry L. Demings: All right Doctor Mario real quick
just send me a letter with the details
and what you're looking at doing.
And we will evaluate okay?
>> Thank you sir.
Jerry L. Demings: You're welcome.
All right next speaker please.
>> I'm gonna try to summarize 20 minutes into one minute.
I'm just joking.
Good morning mayor and commissioners,
I'm going to talk about two issues really quick.
So, my name is Eugene staccato, 331 Roswell Avenue Orlando,
I'm still there as of this morning.
I'm a board member on Green Place
I was one of the bad people I guess who wanted to push forward
the study on using grazing.
The thinking I was coming from was looking at what
our biological center has done on the ranch on the 10,000 acre
ranch that they've been using for about 30 years now
as a research station I'm using cattle as part of the tool set.
And that's what I'm trying to think
about is can we use cattle?
And also goats.
That's actually a spot on invasive.
And that's been done with kudzu.
And my thinking is more of a tool not
a giant grazing program.
So this is just one of the things in the toolkit.
The other thing is about this afternoon about the 2050 issue.
I've got some worries that the state has
taken a lot of our tools away from the 2050 plan,
and that might leave us open if we go adopt a show of 2050.
So maybe the proper thing to do is to look at the 2030
and do a year on it and modifying a ten year extension.
Thank you.
Jerry L. Demings: All right thank you Mr. Staccato.
The next speaker?
>> Good morning my name is Hope Adelson I live at 32806
and before I begin I would just like to express my condolences
to Commissioner Cordero.
I am here with the Sunrise Movement Orlando
in support of the Star Rapid Transit Plan.
I was born and raised here in Orlando
and I am a proud recent graduate of Boone High School.
In high school I was extremely lucky to have access to a car.
Car insurance is just really expensive coming gas
prices are only getting higher.
This is an important reason why Orlando would benefit
from extended transportation infrastructure
comment would connect many people not just teenagers
to their jobs come with their homes,
and schools in a way that is more affordable.
Additionally I'm becoming an adult
in a world that is trying to grapple with the climate crisis.
Climate change is the reason our Summers are only getting hotter
and the hurricanes we are faced with
are only getting more extreme and more frequent.
We need to fight for our homes and the next generation
of Floridians.
By implementing the Star plan we can lower carbon emissions
in Orange County by an estimated 15 to 20%.
Thank you for listening comment I
hope I can count on your support for funding public Jerry L.
Demings: All right.
Thank you.
Next speaker?
Ma'am hello board my name is Don I live in 3276 in Oviedo.
But I'm actually moving downtown because I'm tired of traffic.
I would love to ride the colorful busses every day.
They absolutely make my day all of the people on the bus
because you know reducing our risk of death every day I think
is something that's important to all of us,
and when there's 16,000 car accidents in America every day,
it's kind of scary to experience our community together people
say oh well people go out.
But when your entire environment requires $12,000 a year
on average just to own a car, that's literally a society based
on classism and racism which it's not your job as the board
to fix that, but supporting sunrise and the star plan can
help to mitigate the effects of those.
Can not only help people who are disabled,
lower class, and on the margins of our society, but everyone.
Literally everyone.
Because most people don't yearn to sit in traffic and drive,
they yearn for each other.
And that's something that has been stripped away
from us because of car dependency and decades
of decisions.
But support the star plan.
Thank you.
Jerry L. Demings: All right.
Thank you.
Next speaker.
Hi my name is Will Larkin's, I'm a lifelong Orlando N
and I graduated one of Brook High School Go Wildcats.
But I go to FIU in Miami now and I study sustainability.
And I think it's really cool that you guys have
it seems like many different ways
to help your constituents and community today.
So I'm here today in support of the Star plan,
not just because of safety, like you mentioned
there's a lot of car accidents, in fact
according to the Florida Traffic Safety
Dashboard approximately 58 to 70 car accidents occur
every single day in Orlando.
But, we also have America's farmers here and as
we know Florida is one of the fastest developing
places on earth, in fact 20 acres of Florida's wild land
is cleared every hour for development.
So if we're able to come I didn't
have a car in high school, so I saw
how there's entire sections of Orange County that
are completely inaccessible by public transportation,
and the more people that are able to take the bus like I
wouldn't drive if I was given the opportunity.
The more development we can have because instead of building out
into our forest and into our agricultural land we can build
on top of parking lot so it keeps people safer comment
protects our farmland from future development,
and also I would like to say I support our immigrant neighbors,
please sign that bill, looks like y'all have a lot
of opportunity to help today.
Thank you.
>> All right.
Thank you sir.
Next speaker please?
Hi my name is Vivian Ravi, I'm from zip code
32803 I'm here in support of the Star plan.
I have been writing public transport
for the past few years, and it has been such a great way for me
to connect with people that I never would have.
My father is in in Orange County, he's on a work release,
and he works a few buildings over,
his commute is 30 minutes by the SunRail,
but on weekends it's an hour and 20 minutes each way
riding the bus.
So that kind of sucks for him, he has no other option.
Also, support for the homeless people in Orlando.
As I've grown up I feel like I see more and more people
living on the streets.
And that's very concerning.
So yeah.
Thank you so much for your time, thank you
for upholding the democracy today, and listening
to the people.
Thank you.
Jerry L. Demings: All right.
Thank you miss ROV.
Next speaker?
>> All right next batch of speakers is going to start with
Jan Carlo Rodriguez, followed by Liz Connor, Lashonda Jones,
Wesley Lewis?
Kendrick gray Jr, Matthew Dore, Claire Von der.
And Bryant B.
>> Good morning orange County Commission,
I also do want to extend my condolences to Commissioner
Cordero Phillip was an incredible guy and it was always
a pleasure working with M. Good morning Orange County Commission
my name is Karen Rodriguez I'm with Orlando here to support
the Star Transit plan at Grants grassroots initiative to fund
busses and trains all across Orange County,
we're looking forward to being heard by the Orange County
Commission on Tuesday September 29th, save the date,
and we are excited for the board to vote yes to the study and we
look forward to seeing y'all's yes vote.
Stars built a framework with tiffs,
as citizens board and trust fund to support transportation
in the long term, by passing star
we created transparent systems that
make it easier to pass the sales tax and use TT dollars.
As convos with the tourist development task continue
the task has an opportunity to support terrorism tourism while
supporting families. -- support tourism.
Not only that connecting tourists
to where people live in Orlando can create
new economic opportunities.
We hope you will support star and help us build an Orange
County that we can afford.
I'm also asking the Commission to vote no to the proposition --
this goes against our common goals.
Thank you so much have a great day.
Jerry L. Demings: All right thank you so much next speaker.
>> Good morning everybody.
We are back.
So my name is Liz Connor com I live in district five Orlando
Florida 32820.
So I know later you're going to talk about vision 2050,
and I have many concerns.
I think putting a judgment before the case of SB 180
can be dangerous because we haven't seen how that plays out,
I don't agree with developers being
able to opt out in certain environmental rules
and rural sensitive areas.
I think it made sense for certain areas
but you know they're going to opt out.
That's going to happen right?
That goes against the work that this board did,
that goes against the work that we did,
and the community voted for.
While I do support vision 2050 personally,
there are things that just aren't
right with that potential of putting
the cart before the horse.
Jumping ahead, trying to save what we can, like I get that.
But, I think if they don't want to play by the rules of the land
then that's not the land for you.
That's not the area for you.
I think you buy that no income and it shouldn't
be the practice that you know it and flip it intentionally
just for massive profits.
It's not good for our community, it's not good for scroll,
you're hanging about traffic come
you're hearing about safety concerns, flooding, yesterday,
we have no infrastructure.
So I just ask that that might not be a good idea.
Jerry L. Demings: All right thank you very much.
Next speaker.
Adam good morning my name is Lashonda Jones.
And I'm here for 2522 Scan Corp. I just needed someone
to know and to hear me out that right now as temper scan is
fraudulently removing people and our residents
from their residents by sending out John Doe letters.
Saying that they're squatters.
I have a contract with timber scan,
to purchase since 2021 which has not been closed as of yet.
I've made payments, and I have documents
to show that I've made those payments.
And that I've made the payments.
But, also, I wanted to let you know that two of the board
members said that they didn't know of any of the papers being
served, the squatters letters, and they
said that the names were Connie and Carmen.
I'm just asking that someone takes the time
to have justice served and help with those legal issues.
Thank you.
Jerry L. Demings: All right.
Thank you.
We will move to the next speaker.
And by the way, if any of you are under the age of 18,
you don't have to identify your address.
Okay?
Just your name.
That's good enough okay?
Hello my name is Wilson Lewis I'm from district six.
And I am a part of the black Rose Summer program.
We are working on a community action
where we identify problems in our community
and try to create a solution.
The problem that I am focusing on is public transportation.
This matters to me because it may be cars,
maybe being too expensive, or you don't have access to cars,
so public transportation is a good solution to this problem
that we may have.
And I would like to ask the commissioner for advice
on this issue that I have.
That's it.
Thank you.
Jerry L. Demings: All right.
Thank you Mr. Lewis.
And we would be glad to talk to you afterwards.
Commissioner Scott are you familiar?
So you know how to follow up with him?
Okay.
Thank you.
All right.
Next speaker?
>> Good morning commissioners my name is Matthew door,
>> My name is Brian.
>> And I'm in district six as part of the Summer Rose program.
I came to talk about the issue of drug use on teens 14
through 18.
In our community.
It can lead to poor grades, missed classes, difficulty
concentrating in class, and it can also cause unsafe driving.
For teens.
We should have clubs in our community
that teach his drug use and helping them to quit
and choosing to do more healthy choices in our community.
Thank you.
Jerry L. Demings: All right.
Thank you!
>> Good morning Commissioner my name is Claire Vance and I am
part of I'm from district six, and I'm part of black Rose
summer program.
We've been working on a community action project
and the problem that I am focusing on
is community cleanup.
The issue affects our neighborhoods and the people
who live in them.
This matters to me because keeping our community clean
can make our neighborhoods look better,
help protect the environment, and create healthier place
for everyone.
Today I would like to ask the commissioners
for your commitment to supporting clean cleaner
communities by increasing community cleanup efforts.
Providing more trash cans, and encouraging residents
to help keep our neighborhoods clean.
Together we can make district six
a cleaner and safer and healthier place for everyone.
Thank you for your time, and for listening.
Jerry L. Demings: All right.
Thank you.
We'll see you soon.
Alright, next speaker?
I have I'm testing testing, can you guys hear me
I'm at good morning Mayor.
And Board of County Commissioners.
I'm Kendrick Gray, I reside in Orlando
and I am also an intern under Nicole Wilson.
So today I will speak on agriculture and the update
on the green please place properties.
This agenda item was set an important precedent
for future management of Green Place lands.
Making my comment significant for the environmental community.
The Green Place program has long represented Orange County's
commitment to protecting the environment,
preserving wildlife and providing impactful conservation
benefits for future generations.
About 80% of residents supported the Green Place
with the understanding that these properties
would remain dedicated to environmental protection.
Cattle grazing, the risks of eroding the same promise
to our residents that was provided.
Its negative effects are compact soils, degrading wetlands,
introducing invasive species, and deteriorated water quality
through nutrient loading.
Today, authorizing agriculture, agricultural
uses on conservation lands.
Will fundamentally change how green place properties
are managed in the future.
Thank you.
Jerry L. Demings: All right.
Thank you Mr. Gray.
All right we will move to the next speaker.
>> Good morning.
Excuse me.
Good morning Mr. Mayor and Commissioners,
thank you for the opportunity to be here to speak.
My name is Zach Moldoff, my zip code is 32792,
my full address can be found in the written record today.
And so today I'm dressed a little different.
I always come down here in my work clothes,
lately I've been working on running for office which has me
out there knocking on doors, experiencing all kinds of stuff
in interesting ways in our community.
But, one thing that has been really interesting
is my wife pointed out like hey, people
might think that you're a proud boy out there walking around
like that.
And that's definitely not me, and I don't even
understand how those people dress
or what it means to look like one.
But, that did make me think about how hard it is to be a man
and just walk around in a neighborhood of strangers
because there's so many dangerous ideas about men
right now.
And it's not that men haven't been
guilty of doing dangerous things.
But I think our community does a great job
of getting past the national rhetoric of knowing each other.
And if you see people in your neighborhood
walking around and knocking on doors,
they might be politicians, they might not,
might be young men like this who are motivated to get out
and go and do something.
And what I love is that we continue to live in a county
where things are done our way.
But, SunRail has a $105 million annual operating budget that
is paid to a company in France.
And we want the weekend service money is here.
Jerry L. Demings: All right.
Thank you Mr..
We move to the next speaker.
>> Mayor that was all the speakers,
there were a few cards that didn't show,
so just one more check for Deborah Green,
Mike or, symbol chambers, Santa Hafiz, Chad, or Michelle,
or anyone else would like to speak?
Jerry L. Demings: Okay.
All right.
So -- we have come on Ma'am would you like to speak?
Okay.
If you didn't fill out a card, if you can just
do that before you leave.
Just tell us your name.
>> I believe that I did but I don't know if it went.
Thank you very much.
I'm Aria Smith 32801.
There must be something rotten in the core of the social system
that increases its wealth without diminishing its misery.
And increases in crimes even more rapidly than in numbers.
Neighbors come these words were written over a century ago.
Yet they perfectly diagnosed the crisis facing temper scan today.
For sale and diminution forced sale and demolitions
are not solutions.
Are merely a legal eviction of our elders
and the erasure of a community.
Focusing on Semper Scam is an informative distraction period
this board knows that according to a national low housing report
Orlando Ranks is the worst metropolitan area in America
for affordable housing, leaving only 19 affordable units
available for every 100 extremely low income renters.
Tearing down one complex is not stop the spread.
Is simply reallocates the problem
to the next vulnerable neighborhood.
Instead come I'm urging a new approach,
you must allow an independent group of informed individuals
to design manage and address individual housing
across the county, unlike traditional stagnant counties
that ignore resident concerns this group will
be a direct grassroots vehicle for community
led rehabilitation.
Many of the commissioners aides would like my contact
information after the conclusion of the session please reach out.
Thank you.
Jerry L. Demings: All right.
Thank you Miss Smith.
Do we have any other persons?
For public comment?
All right.
Then we are going to move forward on our agenda.
Thank you to all those who spoke.
Commissioner Scott?
Michael “Mike” Scott:
>> Thank you mayor.
So just two items.
One, I talked with those residents quite frequently.
I have friends who stay in Tampa scan and if any of you
haven't driven through temper Scan in the past 30 days
I would encourage you to do so.
You learn a lot just by driving through.
There was a guard shack up front,
and we had someone living in the guard shack,
they had to tear it down because there's been a lot going
on in timber!.
So I just want to highlight that we
are trying to make sure that whatever solution
the county comes up with it is informed what the residents
there, and it's thoughtful and it's approach.
We've had some conversations just this morning
talking with them about plans and so
staff is going to be working on that.
And then, the other thing is for those that have been here
this entire morning you saw a new county staff member
a professional who'd been working for a while
speak in front of all of you and the people who are watching live
on the internet or on TV.
And it was like a Smiley face.
I drew a Smiley face.
Gentlemen come what you did this morning will always be hard.
It is difficult to speak in front of people
comment is difficult to show your Smiley face.
And maybe it's not a Smiley face it's a palm,
it's a project that you're all working on or a song or a rap.
It's difficult to take the things that come here and here
and share them with someone, because you don't know
if they're going to say it's a good idea, or a bad idea come
you're crazy come you're smart, or good job, keep going.
Well I'm telling you, good job, keep going.
Seven is incredible, I've seen the work
you guys have done not just in my role as commissioner,
but even before coming into this role, took you guys planning
and preparation to get dressed, put on your best fit,
you look good.
So thank you.
Because you could have been sleeping.
Summer.
Y'all could be hanging out but you're here with us.
So thank you for your time.
Seven, thank you for bringing them and mayor,
thank you for being a role model.
You've been there for me since I was 20 years old a freshman
in college.
So I hope that the example that you
set for me is one that I can continue
to set for other mentors like what seven and the other mentors
do so thank you mayor for your example and your leadership.
Before even being a mayor.
I appreciate you.
Jerry L. Demings: So how old are you now?
25? (laughs)
Michael “Mike” Scott: I am 44 years old.
Jerry L. Demings: All right.
Again thank you all for being here today we're
going to move forward on the agenda,
these young people all came in and the future is bright for us.
Stay engaged in your community.
All right.
We are going to move to the consent agenda come
we are going to go to the county administrator
for Mr. Brooks who will be presenting the consent agenda.
[Cross-Talk] And then with that I'm going to ask for a motion
for approval.
>> Mayor can I say a comment?
I was hoping that Charles Johnson was here?
Yeah he is pure Commissioner Mary Johnson's son,
and because of the park naming in our consent agenda
I was hoping we could give him a moment.
>> Let's deal with the consent agenda first,
and then I will gladly comment depending on how that turns out.
Do I have a motion?
>> So moved.
>> Second.
Jerry L. Demings: All right we have a motion
and a second all in favor let it be
known by saying I. Opposed no.
The motion passes and it is unanimous.
And let me just go to my passage of the consent agenda
on today's agenda there was a contract
to purchase 84.7 acres of environmentally sensitive land
in southwest Orange County, the acquisition of the Wbmg
development Parcels helps to provide vital water resource
protection, and further preserve the county's rare habitats
such as baygall, and hydric pine, flatwoods.
Somebody in here knows what that is I know.
The wetlands preserve through the acquisition
will expand upon an existing wildlife corridor that
contains both public land and privately owned conservation
areas such as the Akula property.
The county's Preserve, and the Grand Cypress Conservation
Easements.
Preservation of this property will
serve to protect the wetlands that
serve as the outfall for the butler chain of lakes
into Reedy Creek.
Additionally this acquisition will
preserve natural habitats that support
and protect Florida and all species.
Today Orange County has purchased and preserved
3417 acres.
Since the board approved the $100 million purchase
environmentally to purchase environmental assisted lands.
I think that is worthy of some recognition.
All right.
The board also renamed two parks part of which
is what Commissioner Rebay was referencing.
Yucatan Park has been renamed Commissioner I Johnson
Park honoring the first Hispanic elected commissioner
of both Orange County and the City of Orlando who
played an influential role in the creation of that park
during her tenure in the early 2000 s.
I had the privilege of working with Commissioner Mary
Johnson when she was with the city of Orlando, and here.
With Orange County Governor Commissioner.
She was a vociferous and tireless advocate
for the community.
Also, I want to recognize the fact that the Taft ballfield is
now the Albert Hodges Park honoring the local businessmen
benefactor and community builder who
played a notable role in the development of the Taft and Pine
Castle.
In those areas.
Both Renamings are the recommendations to the board
were made by the parks and Recreation Advisory Board's.
So do we still have any Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
members who are still with us this morning?
I know there was some here earlier.
Okay.
Today's approval of the U.S. Forest Grant and Sustainable
Communities Grant in the neighborhood of Beautification
grants represented investment in nearly $125,000 in neighborhood
improvements enhancing the appearance quality and life
and value of the communities across Orange County.
These grants provide nonprofit and neighborhood organizations
with resources to invest in public safety, neighborhood
resilience, and long term economic vitality
of our community across Orange County.
And so, with that, Mr. Dennison?
Would you like to come and say anything
on behalf of your deceased mom?
If so, I invite you to the microphone.
>> I just want to only say thank you to the board for recognizing
my mother.
I know green space and conservation work
were part of her services to this community
along with the Victim Service Center which you're aware of.
And thank you to the Parks Department and Barbara
McCann for the Azalea Park Association
for all of your work.
I know mom's dancing and having.
So thank you very much.
[Applause]
Jerry L. Demings: She is indeed.
All right.
Congratulations and I had the privilege
of working with your father also at the Orlando Fire Department.
All right.
So, again we are going to now move forward on our agenda
and move to the discussion agenda at this time.
And Miss Beth Jackson?
She's going to come forward from our environmental Programs
administration, she will be making a presentation
regarding the future manage agricultural uses on Green place
properties.
We heard from a number of our residents
today who spoke about the potential pilot project some pro
and some in opposition but that she's
going to lay out the entire program
and then we will have a discussion
by the Board of County Commissioners
and then give some direction to staff.
With that Miss Jackson you are recognized.
>> Thank you Mayor and commissioners.
Along with myself, Kevin Campbell
will be presenting for UF IFAs as well.
And so, today what we are going to be covering
is a purpose, some green place background, advisory board
discussions, a pilot program, public policy considerations,
and then we are going to summarize the presentation
and then open it up for board discussion.
So the purpose of this presentation today
is to update the BCC on the advisory board
engagement and discussions, provide context
for policy and technical aspects of the agricultural use issue,
seek board direction on whether to proceed with a private pilot
project, and if so how to move forward with that.
The board may want to consider this policy question as part
of their discussion, our agricultural uses
environmentally equivalent to preservation.
So, green place is the county's initiative
to preserve restore and maintain environmentally sensitive lands,
and its mission is to preserve and manage
environmentally sensitive lands, protect water resources,
and to provide a quality nature based recreational out
experience for existing and future generations.
So, in 2021, and we are very grateful
the BCC allocated $100 million for the purchase
and preservation of environmentally sensitive lands.
As of June 2026, when Orlando Kingdom and this most recent
property that you all approved today,
we will have preserved 3772 acres.
And since the program's inception,
we have managed to preserve 27,155 acres.
8743 of those by Green Forest, 12 properties
are owned by the public managed by green
for staff, four properties open to the public managed
with our partners.
And here's a map of Orange County
and all of the Green Place properties
are those highlighted in the lime green.
The property in red will be the focus of our discussion today.
And those in crosshatch were properties
that were purchased by other state
agencies and private entities.
So, it's important to lay out some of the policy
context for you all.
So, the comprehensive plan policy has some definitions.
Preservation means the designation preservation
is defined as publicly or privately owned and significant
environmental importance for the purposes
of environmental protection.
That compatible very low recreational educational uses
and natural amenities and site for public amenities
will allow for allowable uses.
You heard today the term conservation.
And, as defined by the county's Comp plan
that means it recognizes lands designated for conserving
our natural resources.
And that's usually done through a more formal process
with our wetland permitting, property,
and is primarily used by private lands.
Agricultural is applicable only to the areas
outside the county's urban service area.
And it recognizes the long term viability of the economic asset
while allowing single family residence on the large lots.
And it's appropriate for locations in which residents
prefer a rural lifestyle.
So, there are a couple of policies and goals
that we wanted to focus on in this presentation.
The first one is goal C which is conservation.
And that's to enhance our county's natural resources,
including our groundwater vegetative communities,
and soils and wetlands.
And two of the objectives under that goal
we wanted to highlight where objective C 1.2,
which says that we should protect and improve our surface
waters by identifying sources of pollution,
and coordinating the development and implementation of pollution
abatement devices and methods and programs.
And the second one is to protect identify wetland areas
and existing natural wildlife.
As it's been alluded to, the board
will be discussing vision 2050 later on today.
If that moves forward, all green place properties
are or will be assigned a place type of preservation,
and preservation properties would
be categorized as T1 trans x, all green place properties would
fall under that T1 transect, and, it mirrors that definition
under the destination 2030 Comp Plan
compatible very low impact recreational or educational
uses.
And then it goes on to list some of them.
It's important to note that in T1, agricultural uses would not
be allowed.
So, in 2007, the previous Board of County Commissioners
approved green place uses and it was
amended in December of 20 2011 and secondary uses
must be compatible with primary uses.
When we took this to the board, at that time
we were not using the designation of preservation,
but in developing this presentation,
we realized that these uses may now
be in conflict with our comprehensive plan policy.
And that will be evaluated.
As you can see, cattle grazing is a secondary use under this.
Okay, now we are going to go to the advisory board discussions.
And so, in February 2025 the Agricultural Advisory Board
in acquired a limited agricultural uses one
of them being cattle grazing could be implemented
on green place properties.
In April of 2025, the topic was presented to our Greenspace
Advisory Board, and then in May of 2025,
a memo was sent to the board outlining the discussions, land
use designations, staffing and resource
requirements, and opportunities for partnership.
In August of 2025, green Place approved a motion
to pursue a pilot program which would assess
the site for the ability to host cattle grazing
operations for a five year lease with a renewable up to ten.
It would require us to monitor the site
throughout the implementation to assess
the impacts of cattle grazing.
In October 2025, another board memo
was sent giving you all an update of our progress
on these discussions.
And then in October of 2025 as well,
Green Place Advisory Board approved a motion
selecting Roberts Ranch Reserve North as the site
for the proposed pilot program.
April 20th 22nd, 2026 initial results of the monitoring were
presented to the Green Place Advisory Board with direction
to gather and receive direction to gather more precise figures.
And we will go over what we presented later
on in this presentation.
In June of 2026, the Green Place Advisory Board
was provided the update and information,
and it was a split decision two verses two
in support of not in support of cattle grazing.
It's important to note that two of the members of the Green
Place Advisory Board are from the agricultural community,
and now we are going to go over that pilot program.
So.
Some of the Subbullets that we are
going to be discussing on site selection
as I previously mentioned the Green Place Advisory Board
has already selected the parcel for us.
The evaluation methodology evaluation findings,
comparative analysis, Savage Christmas Creek property,
sorry excuse me, preserve.
Operational considerations as well as
public use compatibility.
So.
This is the proposed pilot project on the site.
It's Roberts Ranch Reserve is 395 acres.
The county acquired it in October of 2025.
With a purchase price of $9 million plus.
The prior use was a single family with cattle less,
high potential for restoration, and it's
regionally significant due to its proximity to Bronson State
Forest.
Another green parcels as well as its location
within the Florida Wildlife Corridor.
And I just want to say on a side,
this is the third property that we purchased
from this particular family, so they
were very invested in wanting to see their properties preserved.
Again, here's another map of the of a closer up version of where
Roberts Ranch Preserve North is located.
And, the evaluation methodologies
that we use we did a forage assessment which
is a suitability of the site for pasture grasses.
A bacterial analysis of the soil as well as the water
within Roberts Ranch.
So, we took samples and we did microbial source tracking.
And Roberts Ranch is that subbasin is impaired for E coli.
And a natural community assessment
we looked at the canopy shrub ground
cover percent coverages exotic and invasive species and plant
species diversity.
And now I'm going to turn it over to Kevin.
>> Good morning everyone.
I will cover the agricultural evaluation completed
by U of I six extension, we were asked
to really provide sort of an objective research based
analysis assessment of the properties
agricultural capability and just to be clear,
UF IFAs extension cooperative extension,
we are not advocating for or against,
we just want to bring the non-biased information
to you all.
One point to remember that Beth mentioned earlier
is that this property historically
was used for cattle grazing before it was acquired
by the county, so we weren't evaluating whether it could be.
Or whether it had occurred in the past, because it did.
But we did evaluate the property's current condition
to understand what it could support.
So, we evaluated the soils, we forage
resources, nutrient levels come overall productivity
of the site.
So in other words we really wanted
to understand how productive the landscape could be.
From an agricultural standpoint, how much foraging
could potentially produce.
We found the soil was well suited for bear grass which
is one of the most common pasture grasses used in Florida,
and after accounting for the wetlands on the property,
the wooded areas, the other areas unsuitable for grazing,
we identified approximately 200 acres
as potentially grazing property on that property.
So, using the results, you can see the soil sample results
on the slide, high phosphorus because it
was used so fertilization, potassium was low,
so it's a give and take for that.
Which is usually to produce that stand and adequate levels
of other elements.
In a low organic measure.
Using that, we came up with an estimated property's carrying
capacity.
So carrying capacity is basically
the number of animals the land could sustainably
support over time while maintaining
the health of the resources, based on our evaluation,
we estimated a carrying capacity of around 40 to 50 animal
units for reference one animal unit is representing one
mature cow and a calf.?
One important point I'd like to emphasize
is that this is not a recommendation
to place 40 to 50 cows on the property.
It sort of serves as an agricultural benchmark
that helps us to understand the biological capacity
of the property.
So basically it answers the technical question
of what the property could support
if grazing would be allowed or looked
at as a pilot from the board.
I'm going to pass it back over to Beth.
>> So as I mentioned earlier we did perform a bacterial analysis
as part of that preliminary evaluation.
So we tested both the stream bed for legacy levels of E.coli,
and we determined that there are biomarkers
associated with bacteria found in the guts
of warm blooded animals and can therefore
be used to measure the fecal bacterial concentrations
and we are viewing that in conjunction
with UCF and a professor at UCF.
So the results of the microbial, say that three times fast.
Microbial source tracking indicates a heavy presence
of cattle and the older soils, with presence
decreasing in newer soils.
So future grazing could potentially keep those E levels
at a higher level.
And the charges just lays out some of the findings
that we found.
Along with that, we tested the water quality and the tributary
on the property.
Between March and May of 2026.
This is one of the properties that we
would be having quarterly water quality sampling on.
So, they tested for alkalinity, organic nitrogen E coli,
and the results indicate decreased levels
of E coli in recent months, as we are all
aware we have been in a drought.
So, and exceedance is readings over 410 of those probable
numbers per 100ml.
And so, on the march of that we found 1732 MP s of E coli.
And then it decreased over time.
So, impaired water bodies and basins, Fdep
designates water bodies that do not meet water quality
standards as impaired.
Fdep sets a total maximum daily load on impaired water bodies.
For parameters such as nitrogen, phosphorus, E coli,
some heavy metals, the county is required to fund and implement
projects to remove, and reduce those impairments and discharges
into water bodies.
And we have been made aware that this
is a high priority for this particular basin for Fdep
to put and to establish a Tmdl.
And so, the designate it and impaired it in August of 2024,
and I already said they are working on establishing
a bacterial Tmdl.
And there are no known structural BMPs
to address bacterial impairments.
And removal of point source is most cost effective strategy
to meet water quality requirements,
and in fact, we have a past history with another green place
property that we purchased where we received
a grant from the state and the reason
why we were awarded that grant was because we were removing
cattle.
As a source of points.
Or pollutants.
So now I'm going to go over the Natural Community assessment.
This is a photo of Roberts Ranch Preserve North.
And that area in the back by the fence is what should be
or what is a depression marsh which has been
impacted by previous land uses.
So, we looked at the canopy cover, it's low.
It's less than 5%.
And so we use a methodology developed by the Florida
Wildlife and Conservation Commission,
to determine what conditions we have, and where they should be.
So the desired conditions for canopy
should be between 10 to 30% of the coverage.
The shrub was low also on Roberts Ranch North
because Roberts Ranch Preserve North.
Gets less than 5%.
The desired conditions for the shrub coverage is 50 to 80%,
ground cover, that was good.
90 to 100%.
The desired condition was 70 to 100%.
Native species diversity was low,
we only observed 9 to 12 species in those areas
that we evaluated.
And the desired conditions are 50 plus species.
And the exotic species coverage was determined to be high,
90 to 100%.
And as Kevin mentioned earlier, the majority of the grass
species out there is Bahia and that is
considered an exotic species.
I said exotic..
So, we felt like it was important to compare Roberts
Ranch Preserve north to a site that a Green place site
we are calling it a reference site which is our Savage
Christmas Creek Preserve.
It's located three miles from the proposed pilot site.
We purchased it in 1999 and we have added to it
since with $100 million that you all generously donated
towards acquisition of our natural resources.
It's 1576 acres.
The total price is $14.6 million.
It did have cattle at the time of the acquisition, in 1999.
And, in 2011, we undertook an active upland restoration
project, on this site.
Which involved the removal of pasture grasses and herbicides.
We harvested native seed from off site,
and we planted those native seeds
to restore that area back to three natural communities
scrubby flatwoods Mesic and Wet flatwoods.
And then, passive wetland restoration on the property
began.
In 2012.
So, comparing the results between Roberts Ranch Preserve
and Savage Christmas Creek Preserve,
for canopy, 5%, for Savage Christmas Creek Preserve
it was 25.
And that's in the area of that pasture restoration.
The shrub coverage, 5% on Roberts Ranch Preserve
whereas on Savage Christmas Creek it was 10 to 20.
Ground cover, Roberts Ranch was 90 to 100%,
same thing with Savage Christmas Creek Preserve.
Native species diversity, 12 for Roberts Ranch Reserve,
whereas Savage Christmas Creek Preserve was 39.
And, the exotic species coverage 90 to 100% for Roberts Ranch.
Versus less than 5% from Savage Christmas Creek.
So, the pilot site graze areas have
a lower diversity and higher invasive species presence.
Savage Christmas Creek Preserve is
restored areas that resemble a healthy ecosystem as I mentioned
earlier as our flatwoods and wet flatwoods,
and the pilot site could mirror Savage Christmas Creek preserve
under proper management and restoration efforts.
And in fact we do have some preliminary plans
to start restoring Roberts Ranch Preserve.
We will be utilizing some of the tree funds
to plant some trees out there as well as
if the board decides to not move forward with this pilot project.
We It would then begin to do some passive enhancement
by reducing the mowing of those pasture areas.
And so, the operational considerations,
it could impact our ability to manage the property
with prescribed fire.
Could delay future restoration efforts.
Staff time dedicated to managing the catalyst
could be spent on needed improvements
on this property as well as our Green Place property.
We have a small but mighty team, and the Green Place program.
And so, managing a thousand 8000 plus acres
is a hard task, as well as making
sure that the users of the ones that are open
have a great experience.
And, it could reduce some of the mowing costs,
but it could reduce some of the mowing costs for the program.
And, so, we are just doing the preliminary things
under the pilot program, if the board decides
to move forward with the pilot program,
we would then work on the lease creation along with Iphis,
and develop scope of services and delegation
of responsibilities.
And craft a contract documents along
with our procurement colleagues.
And then as well as county and facilitate review
of those contracts.
And then we would bid it out, unlike a normal bid,
the bid would go to the highest bidder here.
Because we are going to be because it's
seen as a revenue generating opportunity.
And then, we would then go under contract management
and oversight, and all of those things that we did previously,
we would be doing annually.
So we would be looking at the natural communities
annually to see if we notice an impact on those communities.
We estimate 10% of one full time land manager.
To oversight on that contract as well as additional staff
resources.
That will be needed for that annual vegetation.
And the monitoring of the site.
So, some of the risks that could potentially
be associated with cattle operations
are physical hazards and injury risk
to individuals such as kicking, pinning, and charging because we
as humans think they're cute, and they are cute,
but we want to pet them and they don't really like that.
Risk of disease, parasites or fungal transmission,
and cattle operation should not occur on properties
that are open to the public.
And property usage should not contradict with the intent
of the acquisition.
Which is environmental protection.
And so, now I'm going to go over the public policy
considerations.
And so, we are going to be talking
about environmental impacts, agricultural use benefit,
cattle grazing near Orange County, advisory board
discussions, county charter and comprehensive plan requirements,
and the cost versus benefit analysis.
So, is this you Kevin?
I lost track.
>> Like any land use management practice manage grazing has some
potential benefits, and some potential challenges.
We looked at decades of agricultural research
that really just came down to largely how is the land managed?
Some of the public comments earlier
mentioned and managed grazing can contribute
to soil compaction, erosion, vegetation degradation, water
quality impacts, and also increased bacterial loading,
but that's why best management practices or BMPs
you've probably heard that term are such an important part
of modern grazing management.
These include rotational grazing, appropriate stocking
rates as I mentioned earlier, protecting sensitive areas
with fencing and stream buffers, providing alternative watering
sources, maybe dig a hole, no pun intended of just having
water, and ongoing monitoring are all
designed to reduce the environmental impacts
and protect the water quality.
When those practices are implemented research
has shown that managed grazing can also provide benefits
by helping to control excessive vegetation,
reducing the accumulated biomass that can contribute to wildfire,
maintaining open landscapes and also supporting
habitat management objectives.
So from our perspective and extension
it's really the management not simply
the presence of the livestock that ultimately
determines the outcome.
So, from an agricultural perspective
managed grazing as I mentioned is recognized
as a land management tool.
So, managing vegetation, reducing the excess biomass,
maintaining the open pasture, and the other land management
practices it can complement other land management
practices when appropriate.
In agriculture we often talk about using the right management
tool for the right landscape.
So, depending on the property, that
could include prescribed fire, mechanical
mowing maybe some herbicide treatments, managed grazing,
or a combination of some of those approaches or all of those
approaches for that property.
No single practice is really appropriate for every property,
because some have limitations some have advantages.
Research has shown that when grazing
is properly managed and appropriately managed
it can help recycle the nutrients on the property
and maintain the forage quality and reduce those loads that can
contribute to wildfire risk.
And, it really does also at the end of the day
really depend on applying that grazing sound management,
and continually monitoring those site conditions over time where
that producer will probably be there daily.
The important point from our perspective
is that grazing isn't viewed as a livestock production,
it's a land management practice.
So, stewardship is the land management practice and matching
that right with the right property is going to be good.
And, I would be remiss if I didn't highlight
the what the agriculture is in Orange County,
because it does play a significant role.
Orange County is home to over 600 farms.
Which operate roughly on around 84,000 acres.
Which generates over $400 million
in annual ag sales which is amazing.
Despite being one of Florida's urbanized counties.
Orange County ranks fifth in the state
in total agricultural sales, and second in nursery greenhouse
floriculture and sod production.
So, agriculture here in Orange County
is very diverse, commercial nurseries, citrus cattle,
equine, specialty crops, and definitely
a strong generation of the next agricultural leaders with R4 h
youngsters and FFA.
As Orange County continues to grow,
agriculture will remain an important part of our economy
and our community and landscape here so understanding
that broader agricultural context
really helps inform this discussion.
Beth?
>> So, while we were evaluating this proposal,
we did reach out statewide throughout the entire state
to see what other local natural resource preservation programs
and whether they use the activity of cattle grazing
on their properties or, or not.
And this is not all inclusive, these
are only the folks that actually responded to us.
So we are aware that there are other programs that allow cattle
grazing.
So Saint Johns River Water Management District
in South Florida Water Management District
do allow cattle grazing.
And almost all of their lease areas
are 500 plus acres in size.
Seminole County does not allow it
due to a lack of available land.
Lake County no grazing program due to active land restoration
and other ecological concerns.
Osceola County does not have a grazing program.
And so, Kevin, you're up.
>> So I'm the county liaison for the agricultural advisory Board.
And that board powers and duties does provide recommendations
on various county rules regulations and ordinances that
affect the ag industry to really retain and enhance
that industry's presence.
We do have an 11 member board which
is made up of AG education, horticulture, equine, livestock,
fruit crop, landscape, water management, tree producer,
and urban agriculture.
As mentioned at the very beginning
this board did have a concern or question if you will.
That was raised , prior to the sale of.
The board also discussed some positive impacts
of the community if it were to be allowed, and also
some negative impacts to the community
if it were to be allowed for and also as well as the environment.
The board to discuss, and they understand
that conservation environmental protection and public access
should be the primary greenspace properties.
And they did present this as a land stewardship tool
and some members spoke earlier to aid
the management of the property.
While future activities were being
established such as the pilot.
Doing the pilot feasibility.
>> The Greenspace Advisory board,
their mission statement is ensuring the strategic
acquisition of ecologically diverse lands to enhance
the quality of life for our residents and visitors
of Central Florida.
It's a seven member board.
Academic R2, agricultural R2 at large one
environmental conservation Organization member is at two.
So, the board discussions they were originally
considering this as a potential income source
to aid in purchasing properties, to ensure the lands
are fully utilized and not left unmanaged.
We tried to partner with local communities
and build relationships, but after discussion
and further information that was provided,
some concerns arose over water quality and vegetative
communities.
And so, the county charter 704 was passed
with 80% support in 2024.
And that address county protected
lands including public parks, recreation areas,
and environmentally sensitive lands
acquired by the county for environmental ecological
recreational purposes.
This charter would require a majority
plus one vote of the County Commission
to authorize the disposition of the land.
Or a change in the use of the land.
So, allowing cattle grazing on green place property that
have been purchased for the purpose of and use
as preservation could be considered as a change of use
requiring a supermajority vote.
And so, the adopted comprehensive plan
which is destination 2030 and the vision 2050 the proposed One
vision 2050 directs development towards existing communities.
Already served by infrastructure while conserving our open space
and protecting animal and plant habitats
from places of natural beauty.
In 2007 the Green Place Use Resolution
needs to be put into context with the adopt a Comprehensive
Plan policies and definitions for Preservations and vision
2050.
And their intent with respect to T1 transects natural preserves.
Natural lands are currently preserved
or in the process of being preserved generally
under public ownership or ownership of institutions.
Preserve natural and sensitive lands within Orange County.
Provide for ecosystem education and limited public recreation
without threatening those sensitive ecosystems.
And again, cattle grazing if vision 2050 were passed.
They would not be allowed in T1 parcels.
To maintain the program is estimated to be $15,000 per year
bringing all of these are based on actual elements.
The potential fencing needed to exclude the cattle from Roberts
Ranch is estimated at 180,000 through the county's contract.
And that's a photo of Roberts Ranch.
So, the benefits would project an annual revenue from
the cattle would be about 20 to $30,000.
It can help to control the biomass of fuel loads
as Kevin mentioned, it also provides an on site presence
while future management is initiated,
and it also builds relationships between the agricultural and
preservation communities.
Catalyze would not be revenue positive with the county
during the pilot program.
Based on the numbers that we have crunched.
And so, in summary, green place parcels
are intended for preservation restoration and maintenance
of environmentally sensitive lands,
the advisory board supports the Green Place Advisory Board
split in their support and the Agricultural Advisory Board
is fully supportive, the pilot program assessment
revealed site has many environmental constraints
including an impaired water body integrated natural communities.
The site would likely need to remain
closed to public recreation, limiting the number of users.
The catalyst could help build relationships
across the community and bridge the gap of land management
activities that are implemented the board must resolve charter
policies and use for the catalyst,
and the lease will not be revenue positive to the county.
And so, again, I'm going to restate that fundamental policy
question, to help frame your discussion.
Our agricultural uses and environmentally equivalent
preservation.
And the issues to consider are the county charter
and comprehensive plan policies.
Environmental impacts agricultural use benefit,
the cost versus benefit analysis,
and operational considerations and public use compatibility.
And so, staff is seeking more direction
on whether to move forward with the pilot program for cattle
grazing on Roberts Ranch Preserve or other Green place
properties.
And Kevin and I will be happy to address any of your questions.
Thank you.
Jerry L. Demings: All right.
Beth you said the annual revenue from the pilot
will be approximately 20 million?
>> 20 to 30 000.
Jerry L. Demings: And the annual expenses would be how much?
>> Annual would be 15000.
But those are also start up costs.
We did crunch the numbers mayor and it came out to 6.96 years
before the county would start to have any revenue.
Jerry L. Demings: Yeah because the start up costs.
All right I got it.
With that, we are going to open it up
for discussion by the board.
We will start with Commissioner Wilson.
Nicole H. Wilson: Thank you mayor.
Thank you so much for the presentation.
And for the time spent at the briefing,
I will say that I was a little bit shocked
when this kind of came so developed to us today,
and I have a few questions, a few comments come
but I kind of want to start by asking,
my understanding of our incredible advisory boards
we are so grateful for their volunteerism and their work.
But my understanding of the governing documents
procedural outlines of their work
is to review ordinances that are in place to provide advice
if you will as an advisory board.
This appears to be the creation of some legislative action
so I was just wondering about sort
of how it got this far without board
direction and the ability for us to say hey,
maybe we tap the brakes on this, knowing that there was actually
legislation very similar to this going through this year that
was defeated, there was a lot of discussion about the reasons
why it was defeated for state parks and state conservation
movements.
And it would have been very informative,
I think it would have been something
that we could have discussed along the way.
I read the memo I think that came
from you that said that there were conversations
between the advisory board and the county commission,
I got an introduction to a new member,
and I was grateful for that introduction,
but it certainly doesn't supplant
the need for board direction on creating legislation.
So I kind of wanted to get some feedback from Mr. Kam on >> Yeah
sure.
Throughout this process, it grew.
The conversation did grow.
And we wanted to make sure that we had enough data
and we had enough research, we had enough surveys and science
before we even brought it to you because it was our position
that they wanted to just bring everything to you instead
of just going back and forth, we did have a member of E PD
join our ag advisory boards just to bounce some ideas off
and we also had a JC Arbor or agricultural extension
agent join the Green Place Advisory board,
so there can be some context.
So we can continue to move forward with the discussions.
Nicole H. Wilson: And did you all
track that state legislation that
was looking at very similar types of uses on state park
lands?
>> It was tracked, but I think our major thrust was primarily
on this because the original question is could this work?
Could this happen?
And as we were starting to look and gather more information
Nicole H. Wilson: That's lawmaking.
That's lawmaking.
I just want to make sure that that's clear that
that's lawmaking that's policy and that's the role of this
community --
Committee.
>> That was the goal comment it kind of merged with other data.
And then also it wasn't a secondary use for green place
properties, but then we also had the planning with the T1,
and that was interesting throughout the discussions,
and then that's when we found that out that
was when like okay we need to move this forward.
Nicole H. Wilson: I appreciate that and I
think it's important I want to say right from the go
we have common goals right?
To protect ag lands and conservation lands,
but that's an and, that's an and.
So we need to protect ag lands and conservation
lands so I just want to start out this entire conversation
by saying that.
I love that we got these, thank you so
much for whoever shared them.
Because this is a great resource and it's
an important piece of information.
But it really supports I think the position
that I have here which is that the programs that
are successful with this allow the retention
of the piece of property to stay with the farmer.
That the retention of the piece of property
stays with the farmer, and then the easement
is provided by a land trust.
I don't know if the Agricultural Advisory Board participated,
or heard from anybody when we discussed as a board
the possibility for the infrastructure surtax
that included a portion to be dedicated to land acquisition
and conservation.
It didn't go any further than this,
we would have loved to have heard
from you all at that point, to understand that that would have
given us a lot of options to have
a various new structural program.
But, we didn't get that far.
I think there are some really incredible opportunities
and structural opportunities for farmer owned
and privately owned land with conservation easements applied
to them.
But that's not the Green Place program.
The Green Place program is a fully developed program
that has its own structure dedicated
to the conservation of our most fragile
environmental ecologically sensitive lands.
And, there's an incredible amount of trust
that we had to go to the public to ask for in order
to really develop that program to its fullest potential.
Which I believe even going back to what
we saw on the agenda and the consent
and adding more property to that almost every single agenda,
it has been a very robust and powerful program.
My biggest concern with applying a pilot to that program
is it inherently changes the nature of the program.
And, our communication about the need for both agricultural lands
and specifically protecting environmentally sensitive lands
should be in conjunction.
But I'm afraid if we overlap those
we will put ourselves in a position to break
some of that public trust.
Because it sounds again like somebody
is trying to develop a business off
of the public tax dollars off of the conservation and acquisition
work.
I kind of wanted to find out actually
I'm going to let this go down the line
and hear what my colleagues have to say.
I will tell you that I don't support a pilot of this type.
I think it's really important for us
to continue to stay really focused on the mission
of the Green Place program because they've
got their hands full.
We understand we are moving into a budget session
where everyone is being asked, you
know there's no new positions coming anywhere everyone's being
asked to tighten their belt, every penny
has been looked at and accounted for,
and so for us to put ourselves at risk by somehow leveraging
this land that is there for purpose for ecosystems
in order to potentially advance other business interests
is I feel like a risk to the entire program.
So that's my position here I don't support the pilot program
but I do want to hear the board's discussion on this
and I appreciate all the information
on this I know there's a lot of work to bring it forward.
I would request if there are discussions
being had on legislative initiatives that you start
by talking to the board right?
You get this far down the line and what
looks like a very developed program,
we may have been able to provide enough input,
honestly I wish we would have talked before January because I
think there would have been a lot of conversations about how
to use a half center bonding financing mechanism to help
acquire more ag lands, but we didn't get that luxury.
So that would be my request.
And if County Administrator Brooks
has some comments about that,
>> Just a point on the time not to distract from
the conversations.
Right with respect to the timing it
did start out as a recommendation
from the advisory board that we would come to the board
as we were going through the process.
There were questions.
And as Kevin indicated it started leading to a desire
to have more information.
We brought this to the board for a policy discussion
they know that I'm always saying we're not
the policymakers we have responsibility
to provide all the information.
So that was part of that evolution
to do the analysis studies that we
would take the discussion for that full sort of discussion.
Not only on the staff policy level discussion
it was not intended to do that, but it was our goal
to do with our staff to get as much data analysis as possible
for the board policy session.
Nicole H. Wilson: Thank you.
And I appreciate that.
Jerry L. Demings: I do think that in some of these situations
we have advisory boards staff gets put into a position
where they're being asked questions
by these various advisory boards and staff ends up being put
in a position to do research.
At some point.
At that point is now where this is coming before the board,
and so I don't necessarily think that it's an appropriate point
to have this conversation for information.
But, I am kind of interested in you
know they talked about the Green Place advisory board,
and the split decision.
That's what?
Seven members?
>> Seven members at that last meeting,
only four members were present.
We did have a quorum.
Jerry L. Demings: Okay so that part wasn't quite explained,
so only four of the seven were present at that time?
And so we ended up with a 2 to 2 vote
which then is not persuasive when you only have two.
Did we have any indication from the other three
where they were on this issue?
>> They were originally supportive of the matter,
but they did not hear the additional information,
especially for the water quality.
In fact, one of the members who voted against it
had concerns in the very beginning
but, they just voted to continue to pursue it,
but his comments at the end were that he couldn't support it
because of the water quality impacts.
And the impacts to our natural resources.
Jerry L. Demings: Well and obviously today I
think we have a significant threshold that we
have to get beyond in order to advance this.
And the requirement to have this essentially five members.
We probably wouldn't get that today I know.
Those of us who are present.
Well, let's see.
Yeah.
It would be very difficult to.
Out of the six remaining to have five of them.
To vote to advance this.
So I'm interested to listen to the rest of the board.
But, this conversation today is about giving the staff
some feedback okay?
To either pursue a pilot, bring back additional information
for us to make a decision on another date,
but if there is low interest by the board,
today to advance this, then this conversation
is going to conclude today.
Because I do think that Commissioner Wilson very adeptly
pointed out that we are really going
to have to be very fiscally conservative with this upcoming
budget cycle.
And, looking at how we spend dollars.
Secondly, I do think that as this report indicates
the operational considerations that
are significant there are some risk of cattle operations,
and then, there are if we move forward
it will require a change as I see it in land use
by the supermajority.
And so, we can continue the conversation,
I want to see if you get that kind of support
to move forward or not.
Commissioner Simrad?
You're up.
Kelly Martinez Semrad: Thank you mayor.
Thank you for the presentation I really
appreciate how well developed it was because I can honestly
say it from both sides when I was coming in today.
I take the advisors that I have on board there recommendation
to me wholeheartedly.
District five did vote for the exploration of this pilot
study and that advisory board, and, I
come from agricultural background,
I grew up in in the pasturelands of Oconomowoc Wisconsin that
only has you know has more cows living
in it than it does people.
And, I was very active in the FFA,
I believe that probably one of my greatest mentors
was Bobby Beagle's, and so, you know his wife
Vicki tells me sometimes Kelly don't tell too many people
that because some people loved him and some people didn't but,
I'm proud that he was a mentor, and if I believe
one thing about cattle ranchers and farmers is
that they care about the land.
I really truly believe at.
I know it.
I believe in the power of agricultural economy,
it has one of the lowest leakage effects that we actually
have in our local economy here.
I'll also talk about the finances in a minute,
because that's where I'm a little bit hooked.
I'll say that every single day farmers put food on our tables,
I'm okay with supporting farmers in a program like this.
And I believe that there are ways
that we can do a controlled pilot
study to learn about the impact of what happens here.
And when I say controlled, I would need more information
today than what I got, which I mean you know
what are the control variables?
That we would be looking at?
What's the period of measurement that we are considering?
We already have great Pre-data, so we
can do a pretest and post-test and a during test,
and a post-test here, to really understand
the dynamics of what happens.
I am concerned about the rezoning,
I don't know what those implications are
when we have a state that is preempting our land rights all
the time.
We are dealing with one this afternoon with Senate Bill 180,
but where I have my pause here O,
and I also just want to say to, because I did some research
and there are other, when we use our land in this form,
it opens the door for other grants
that we could actually apply for that could then help detour
all of the things that we are concerned about from,
let me see.
The fencing to protect the wetlands, rotations of grazing
infrastructure, invasive species management, native grass
restoration, water quality improvements, those are all
through USDA Conservation program
grants that fund programs like this.
So, I do have a lot of support for this.
But, where I am concerned because you know Orange County
we went through a Doge process.
By golly up here and we didn't get such great reviews,
and so what I'm concerned about is nobody did.
Nobody did.
You are absolutely right.
But where I am concerned is when we talk about a seven year
deficit before we begin to see anything,
and that's where I have reason to pause.
Because our books are under scrutiny,
we are coming into the budgeting session right now,
we are looking at you know if property tax reform passes,
the loss of more than $100 million.
So there are those concerns.
And so I need more information on the pilot study
and the variables that would be controlled,
the intervals of testing so that we understand when we can say,
this isn't working or hey this is working,
and I need to understand the finances better.
So I don't know if you have any of that information today,
but I'm not opposed to exploring this program, I am supportive.
>> So as I mentioned in my presentation Commissioner,
we will be doing the vegetation evaluation every year.
And we could potentially do it twice a year.
Once in the fall and once in the spring,
because there are differences in seasonality with the species
that we can observe through those.
The water quality, monitoring of Robert's rest
will continue to occur on a quarterly basis,
similar to the other water bodies
that we sample throughout the year.
Through the Environmental Protection Commission.
Kelly Martinez Semrad: So what's the trigger
when you say this is working?
Or this is the trigger, this is not working?
What are those thresholds?
And whose thresholds are those?
Do we make them up?
Are they like where do these come from?
>> The evaluation criteria, I believe it utilizes and was
developed by the Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Commission.
So, we will compare these pre results to the annual results
and then we will continue to do that as in the presentation as I
alluded the numbers for Robert's Ranch Preserve vegetative
community is extremely low the invasive invasives that
occur on that property within the areas that they evaluated
is high.
Kelly Martinez Semrad: But as you're doing the tests,
what's that trigger?
Where you get a number and you say this number is too low,
this number is too high, at what point is there an evaluation
of continuing the program?
How long do we wait for improvement to show?
Or how long do we wait for a decrease in standard to show?
>> I don't think we would see an improvement in those criteria
that we evaluated for the vegetative community and cattle
grazing would continue because we would not be doing
the restoration that we would need to look at and achieve
the results that we saw on the reference site.
That being said, and I just have to mention,
the water quality and the fact that it may become impaired
and that there are no structural BMPs,
I know Kevin talked about BMPs that
could be placed in the lease in the scope,
and if it's the board's decision to move forward,
we will work with them very closely
to make sure that we include those into any lease.
But, there are no structural BMPs to address E coli.
And, on average, the water quality improvement
projects that we can address cost between 2 to $10 million.
One project.
Jerry L. Demings: John do you want to come to the mic?
>> Commissioner there's no magic score,
and that's ultimately we understand that there is
a policy discussion to be had about what the board thinks
preservation looks like, and so, that's one of the reasons that
we wanted to bring forth this comparative analysis which was
a property the Savage Christmas Creek Preserve,
it was a property that the county acquired 20 years ago.
It was former cattle grazing, we went
through both active and passive restoration of that property,
so that property 20 years earlier
is fairly comparable to where Robert's branch Preserve sits
today.
So as you look at those numbers, if you're
comfortable with that level of degradation,
or the lack of restoration preservation.
Ultimately that's the board's decision
but what level of quality that you're looking to achieve.
Is that comparative analysis was attempting to basically say
again, cattle grazing just came from the property
versus Robert's branch.
Or within the last two years.
So we can restore it and leave it alone
it could look like savage Christmas Creek in 20 years.
That benchmark is at least what we
attempted to do absent a score or something.
Kelly Martinez Semrad: Okay.
So I'm trying to cross compare then with other government
organizations or supporting government organizations
because Saint John's River management
frequently we look to them for guidance in terms of what we are
doing environmentally, and they are using this practice,
but I'm hearing both from you some strong intonation that this
is it doesn't sound as though you're supporting of it,
and that's okay, I'm just trying to understand why we are seeing
other government agencies that we
reference for environmental assessments are using it?
>> I'm going to go back to that water quality issue that
Robert's branch is impaired isn't paired for E coli,
and the cancer the county wants to say to they determine
a maximum daily loading would be required to try to clean that
up.
Unlike the Water management districts,
they are not involved in that process.
They don't get allocations for a percentage of what they need
to clean up for impairments.
And I don't disagree with you that they utilize it
as a means to help them with managing the site,
providing on site presence, that's a decision
that they made a very long time ago.
And I'm going to hearken back to the boat trip
when we took forH the spa.
We didn't include the start up cost, which is, you know,
if we were to fence out Robert's ranch it would cost the county
$180,000.
Of the leasee if that's the way that we are going to go.
We have to make sure that they are doing what they obligated
themselves to the contract, and I'm not saying they won't.
It's just that we we use the term trust verify.
As good stewards of the county's properties,
we need to make sure that we have a continued presence,
to continue to develop that relationship with the lessee,
so that if it's the board's decision,
it would be a win win for both, the leasee, and the county.
So, we looked at 10% of the time 40 hours a week,
came out to $15,000 for one staff person's time.
For that annual.
That doesn't include the cost, so we added all of those up,
we did not include the cost of the property,
I did that exercise, it's really 50 or 60 years to pay it back.
Yeah.
It also would take a long time for the Leasee
to make money if they were to be putting in the water sources
and thankfully the fences are in good condition, but some of them
need the perimeter fencing, because that's
important to the leasee or a potentially C,
because, that cow is a commodity.
They don't want to have that cow go out on the road
and get lost or hit by a car.
Kelly Martinez Semrad: You had some specific benefits
to the program.
And I'm sure you spoke on cost and the analyzation from BPD
is definitely true for their numbers.
But, there could be different numbers at the end.
If a lease was negotiated or an agreement came forth
such as fencing would be on the producer.
So all of the fencing costs would be on the producer.
And they are as something you mentioned
I think it's E coli through NRCs that could help the producer put
on fences and be able to move them at a cost share.
Because that is a commodity, they
don't want that cattle to go away.
There are instances Saint John's,
there's a member representing the water
on our ag advisory board from Saint John's River Water
Management District, and she gave
a cost of what they charge it was around,
I want to say 4 to $700 per head of cattle, basically.
That's like the lease agreement.
There is another water management district
that charges per acre.
Now, of course that's like thousands of acres,
but, a quarterly payment to that entity would be around 17000.
And that's just some of the research that I looked at.
So, there are some ways that it could be negotiated with costs,
because the farmer would be there on site, there would
probably not be any kind of mowing,
because the cattle would do all of that if you will, the fencing
and for the waterways you can fence out or double fence,
put buffers, is it a save all?
Probably not.
But, is it a solution for the time being
that wouldn't increase bacterial loads?
Definitely.
Because that falls into BMP.
So it's a seesaw approach.
If that helps or answers your question there.
Kelly Martinez Semrad: It does.
I think this is where I am and I don't
know what my board members are thinking,
I'm still fighting, because I have a realistic fear that I
think that the property tax reform is going to pass,
and that scares me, and when I think about
that I understand that the budget has
a scarce resource the scarcest resource is the cash that feeds
the budget when we talk about property tax reform,
and I think that there's opportunity and risk in programs
like this and the opportunity is if we talk
about a reduction in budget we talk about a reduction
in the ability to manage land.
And I think that this does provide then an access point
to help us manage our land, I hear the water quality concerns,
I know that they are innovative approaches,
I know that our cattle ranchers and our farmers
come I believe them to be good stewards of the land,
I come from an agricultural family.
I consider myself an environmentalist.
And I believe that where there is a will there is a way.
I think that a controlled pilot study can work,
but the key word is controlled.
And I don't like nobody here wants
to see water quality get worse, but I also
don't want to see us having to be forced by the state
to auction off what they consider surplus conservation
land either.
Or preservation land.
And that was in at the state two years ago
was that auctioning off of the surplus.
So if we're using the land, then it isn't surplus,
this is a way to make revenue, but I
do have concerns on those finances,
but I hear Kevin that there are opportunities.
And I want to also emphasize, this is not a program
that anybody is asking to use on 100% of Green Place Lane.
So come you know come again, I believe
that where there's a will there's a way,
and I think that we can still restore green place
land while also using it in the form of grazing land.
So I would support it but I do have a concern on this finances,
and today my vote I'm not going to vote on something that I
don't understand finances on.
That's my simple rule of thumb.
I just want.
And I don't clearly have an understanding of the finances
and how we prevent a funding gap of seven years.
So that's where my big concern is.
Thank you.
Jerry L. Demings: All right.
We do have another item this morning so
let me see if we can't get a reading from the members
of the board whether to proceed, with
some additional due diligence for a decision
to come at a later date.
Clearly I think I know where Commissioner Wilson is.
Nicole H. Wilson: Yeah if I could, just to reiterate,
the boil down for me is that we are altering a land use that
was promised to our environmental community
and it's not surplus land, this is deeded to Orange County.
So it's very different than the examples
that I think you're referring to in the legislature.
These were deeded Orange County Green Place properties
for the purpose of ecosystem services, in perpetuity,
so if we break into that today, if we crack into that today
and change this land use, we are doing exactly what
we have come to that counter up there
and argued against for years and years.
And that is ultimately why I am a no.
I will say, I believe there is a path forward
in a separate program.
I want to get with the advisory board
to talk about that, because there are many funding
mechanisms.
These are funding mechanisms where the landholders still
own their land.
And they alleviate part of the cost
by getting an easement over it.
That is not what we're talking about in this pilot.
So there are options to move forward, this is not it.
No.
Jerry L. Demings: Okay.
We can read that.
Commissioner?
Mayra Uribe: I wanted to ask some questions, are you sure?
Am I up?
Fantastic.
There's a concern that Commissioner Wilson
said it didn't seem well that this
has elevated so quickly without our input before today.
I think we have had discussions with folks in agriculture come
and we've had discussions about this along the way,
but I would have expected more of a transparent process
with us included when we got here.
I see both sides of this, but I am super super
concerned about the cost.
And I am very concerned that this is being brought
on us right now as a cost.
So we're trying to we're supposed to be giving you
guys direction but I don't think we're really
at the inception of what we wanted to frame to see this.
I do believe there is technology that
could have helped the water, but none of us
will be here in eight years you know?
And I just want to know like will the board take it
as an opportunity and how impactful and important that is?
But, I'm not a no because I don't think this is good,
but I just am a no because I don't feel comfortable
making that decision without all of the knowledge of the good
and the bad and you know you're discussing the cost
and we all know that that's overbearing,
and did we hear about the water quality?
I do trust agriculture it was here before we got here,
so there's a lot more of that before we actually got involved.
But when it pertains to this, and actually
any kind of wetland impact and stuff like that,
just having that full depth of knowledge is very concerning.
But, ultimately I do want to take a pause,
I do not feel comfortable moving forward.
Thank you.
Jerry L. Demings: All right Commissioner Gomes Cordeiro.
Maribel Gomez Cordero: Thank you.
I'm very concerned about the finances as well.
I think based on what Commissioner Wilson said
a tentative or any other way I would
like to explore that as well.
So, I don't --
Jerry L. Demings: Okay.
Commissioner I think we know where you are on this?
Kelly Martinez Semrad: I would ask
that we move this to another day with full information
on finances so we can understand the full financial picture
that this paints, Commissioner Wilson I hear what you're saying
regarding the rezoning and stating on that podium,
because I have been there hundreds of times.
And you're right, advocating for zoning changes.
But, we got a toll road running through solid oak forest that
was promised to the people, it's not
a different issue coming because it's publicly
owned land it was left to the people in perpetuity
with taxpayer money.
Excuse me.
I have the mic.
So it's not separate.
Then we've got Eagles roost, that's directly attached to it
and then we've got another green place
land that is mid mitigated mitigated land.
So we have these issues all the time here
so we're purchasing the land, and if we
can later this afternoon talk about letting people opt out
of vision 2050 our land use Nicole H. Wilson: That's not
what we're talking about right Kelly Martinez Semrad:
It is to the taxpayers because if we can have somebody opt out
to our comprehensive land use plan to use the old version
but we're going to come in here and tell farmers
that we can't find a way that while we actively don't have
money to restore this property, that we are not going to use it?
And if you look at CFX 2025 by the way
they've got a road running through this.
So I'd rather use the land to help our farmers
in our cattlemen while we get our finances in order
but in order to do that I got to understand
our finances to understand how we're impacting taxpayers
so while these issues may seem separate to us
because we understand the different pots
and how these things work, to taxpayers it's
convoluted on the surface.
So I think where there's a will there's a way
and this program could be successful.
Thank you.
Jerry L. Demings: Commissioner Scott?
Michael “Mike” Scott: I've kind of been teetering back
and forth.
But I would like to see and Commissioner Wilson
if you don't have any objection is
that the staff has done some pretty significant work
and put time on this.
So I think from a board direction standpoint
if we could allow them to talk with your team come
and talk with some others and present some additional options,
and then we can revisit the conversation.
Because by nature the very definition of a pilot is to try.
Understand what Saying we're changing the use
but we're just trying something.
Nicole H. Wilson: Know.
It will change the use so I opposed the change
use for Greenpeace for any other use.
And that's going to be where I land.
I'm a no to busting into our Conservation Lands program
period.
Michael “Mike” Scott: I got you.
I got you.
Jerry L. Demings: Look what we don't have is any consensus
to move it forward.
Towards going to the next step you know?
To make this a policy.
But, perhaps there may be some consensus
to do some additional research and gather data,
this is a little troubling to me that even out of the Greenspace
Advisory board.
Let me finish.
Let me just finish.
I think that that it's problematic because the Green
Place Advisory Committee they didn't even clearly advance this
forward.
And so I think there is some need for more discussion there.
You know?
Out of that seven member body, they are citizens.
That's the citizen advisory board.
And we didn't get a good read in from them.
And then also, when we look at this desire to get to the point
you have to have a supermajority.
We're not gonna get there.
Not at this point.
So I know that the board is going
to significantly change here in just a matter of months.
Our staff come we've got a number of issues
that we're going to have to bring before this board.
During this budget cycle.
We don't have time to waste if you will to manage our board
meetings so, if we're not giving staff some clear direction,
today, then staff is all over the place.
Okay?
So I don't see, I don't hear clear direction to staff.
I hear politics entering into it you
know I'm not really ready to make a decision today,
but, that doesn't give staff the direction
that they need to either go back and do research or not.
So this is not ready for this board
to make a decision on today.
And quite frankly, I don't think that it's
going to be ready for this board to make
a decision anytime before several of us
are going to leave the board.
This isn't going to come back before November.
Or December.
Am I right?
I don't see that coming back.
>> Correct.
In part because I don't know what more
we can actually provide that would be a deciding factor.
Jerry L. Demings: Okay.
So this isn't coming back for a while.
You know Commissioner Wilson come you and Commissioner Simran
and probably Commissioner Scott?
You all are going to have to take the lead on if you want
this to come back at some point I'm just telling you,
we don't have everything to wrestle with all of the issues
that we have to wrestle with that
are going to come before this board
within the next few months.
It's just not going to happen.
Nicole H. Wilson: I'm going to ask my team
to set up a meeting with the advisory board
to set up other ideas that's what
I'm going to do for my office and I want to work with them.
Kelly Martinez Semrad: Commissioner
we can do that at sunshine.
Jerry L. Demings: I think the advisory board and the board
this is where you got to get a better reading coming
from those citizen advisory boards.
In order to kind of get to the point
where the board of County commissioners
can have a meaningful conversation.
And we're just not ready today.
So, we are going to table this for further direction
in the future.
That's the board direction you're going to have for now.
And we are going to move on to our agenda
and try to get this in.
Jason?
>> Good morning mayor.
Jerry L. Demings: How long are you
going to need for this Jason?
Can you get this done by 1:00?
>> I can present in that time the discussion is what I
can't control.
Jerry L. Demings: All right Jason you're up.
>> Good morning mayor and commissioners coming this
morning I'm bringing you our afternoon.
Sorry I'm bringing you an update about the Timberlake
Condominiums.
I will be joined by Yvette for a piece of this presentation.
So there are some key terms that I would like everyone
to be familiar with to make sure that we are
on the same page going forward, timber scan on the lake which
is also referred to as timber scan also the property complex
neighborhood, the condo units or the residential units in timber!
The building is a group of condo units,
the condominium or the condo was a type of ownership
in which individuals owned separate units,
and then they share ownership responsibility
of the common areas, so think the hallways, the exterior,
parking areas etc.
That is a type of ownership of a mandatory HOA.
And you have the condo association
which is the govern the condo units
and maintain the shared areas, and then the declarations,
those are the legal documents outlining the ownership
structure and the rights.
Think of it as a charter or guiding document for the condos.
Timber scan as we know is plagued
by public safety concerns and residents living unsafe
and in precarious conditions.
Many of the buildings are or most of the buildings
are demolished, those that are standing are dilapidated,
there are condo units without walls
that have people living in them, the county
owns 38% of those condo units and most of those
have been demolished.
There are unmaintained fire hydrants and tremendous amount
of dumping.
To address these long term concerns the county proposes
several solutions which we are bringing forth today
the first is to terminate the condominiums,
so the property can be sold.
Second is to utilize a third party to manage that sale,
and then importantly to offer services to the residents who
are being impacted.
So, this is the third time you would
have heard this presentation about timber scan,
I've just addressed this board in January of last year,
which at that time I was really introducing
a grand scale of timber scan and all of what's going on there.
Talked about the history and the conditions
I talked about the resources and I proposed a solution.
There was no action taken at the time,
the board wanted staff to meet with the community
and bring it back for another update that happened in March,
of which we then detailed engaging with the residents
and stakeholders and provided more updates,
I mean at that time we proposed next steps without necessarily
requiring an action and no action was taken then either.
So, following those BCC meeting staff
reviewed the condos and documented and documented
records, retained an attorney to view long term options,
and continue to monitor activities in timber
scan title searches are being conducted
on all of the condo units.
We continue to engage with residents and stakeholders
there, and of course resident response inquiries.
Today's presentation is going to provide a brief history
realizing you all are familiar with the conditions
and present the legal review of the options which
is those are new, the services for the residents
will be presented by Reyes, we will discuss communication plan
and any updates.
We are not requesting an action from you this afternoon,
we are simply seeking direction about the issue and the plan.
So this is our outline of which I
will start with the history and existing conditions and timber
scan.
Built in the 1970s, timber scan was at that time luxurious condo
a luxurious condominium complex.
Many of the young professionals who
could afford it lived at this complex, it was on the water,
close to downtown, was 321 units, they do have,
it was built with a master condo association which
collects the dues to maintain the property.
Think of all the regular day to day maintenance
that you have on the condominium complex of this side
the size maintaining the exterior, cutting the grass,
servicing the fire hydrants and maintaining the amenities
and things like that.
There are four separate condo associations in timber scan
which makes things a little bit more difficult and complicated.
Three of those associations are inactive,
they have not been dissolved, but there's no leadership
anymore and their staff members and residents are actively
working with that section you heard
from some of those residents this morning.
The decline of timber scan started in the 90s really with
mismanagement of funds and poor administration of those condo
associations.
Again the condo associations they
are required to collect dues to make the day to day improvements
and maintenance of that property.
At some point the dues collecting became inconsistent
and did not happen on a regular basis,
this resulted in water service almost being disconnected.
Again, that condo association they
were used to pay the water among other utilities.
Buildings became damaged, the state of central Florida
it took time for people to build their homes,
but in a condo association the dues
and the recent funding that they raised
was meant to address the damaged structures
and that did not occur the instructors you
can see before you damaged in the hurricane,
damage in those hurricanes which could not be built,
which could not be the foreclosure crisis very
detrimental very difficult in regards
so you have now dilapidated structures
combined with people in 2019 the residents
did attempt to initiate receivership that
was ultimately unsuccessful.
So now we are up into majority you see where dilapidated you
see pictures here there were fires, people when you
have vacant units we know that people
try to inhabit those units.
They would use cooking materials or whatever
and those fires burned and they lost structures
some spread to other units, there were serious public safety
concerns in timber scan mainly because a lot of people
left, there were available opportunities for people
for deviance, and not only did deviance stay in timber scan
but it also spread to neighboring communities.
Again I mentioned people lost their homes
or left, which presented an opportunity for people to squat
in those units.
There was dumping, HOA dues weren't collected,
water bills were not being paid nor was trash collection.
So that left just a very disheartening
come a very discouraging come a very difficult place for people
to live and place for people to conduct their lives.
This then culminated in 2014 where the water bill was not
being paid to ou c.
O you see started the process of disconnecting the water as they
would do with the traditional account,
but it was so far behind.
The residents came to the BCC made an appeal for assistance,
at that time after some meetings and discussions,
the disconnection was delayed and eventually not done,
and eventually the county started
to lean in and get involved in some of the operations
at Timber Scan and realized just how dire the conditions were.
That involved providing social services,
and approved infrastructure which we will get into shortly.
And again, Orange County saw the dire need, saw the destruction,
saw the public safety, life safety, and other issues
in timber scan and decided intervention was best.
The county has invested about $3.5 million most of that has
gone towards demolishing unsafe structures,
social services were offered at that time with relocation
systems, county secured buildings,
repaired water and wastewater systems,
repaid storm drains and pave outs and had about $40,000
of wastewater fees fees.
But I want to emphasize most of these infrastructure
improvements were the result of the condo association.
They weren't able to so the county then made
an extraordinary decision to address the concerns their.
What we see now is things are a bit more quiet,
but it's still not a place where someone would necessarily
want to live as evidenced by the two residents who
came this morning who were asking for an opportunity
to lead leave.
Again the buildings are demolished,
the existing buildings are unsafe,
dilapidated, fire hydrants are unmaintained,
the county owns 123 condo units which
I will talk about a little bit later,
there are units without water and people are living in them.
Dumping is still there.
All of them approximately 84% was demolished.
So, this is a visualization of the demolished demolitions that
occurred, each of those little rectangles
represents what was a building and a group of condo units
a building in temper scan.
What was replaced by the red rectangles
is all the buildings that were demolished.
As you can see here, there are eight buildings still standing.
The buildings that are the yellow rectangle buildings
are somewhat in the cluster, I guess to my right
or we'll say in the eastern part of the map,
those are all section two, the one in the back closest
to the lake has a building that does not have water service.
So, again there are eight buildings standing,
56 units, two of those are owned by the county, of those 50
it's about 54, they maintain the hope of exemption as of 2026.
I mentioned earlier that the county
owns 123 units about 38% of temper
scan those were not the county acquiring those through the tax
process those properties come most of them
demolished so air acceded to the county.
Again 2021 of those are demolished
and two are still standing.
So in summary, temper scan is plagued
by public safety concerns and residents and unsafe conditions.
The dilapidated buildings presented
and present public safety and resident safety.
The county did pursue demolition and demolish
41 of the 48 buildings in their 56 buildings still remaining.
There are still unaddressed life safety --
the county owns 123 units through the taxi process,
four condo units have a home extension,
and then the county again is $3.5 million invested
in the county to stabilize the conditions.
So in regards, this session we'll
be new to the listening audience about the options
again the county proposes a long term solution to the conditions.
I'd like to terminate the condos utilize the third party
to manage the sale, and then offer services to residents.
The County Attorney's office did retain law group,
they are Florida based real estate firm the specialized
conflicts of regulation, they've done this type of work
before, it was very refreshing to speak
with a firm of this level of expertise,
and for them to bring their expertise to help guide us
through this process.
They conducted a legal analysis and to determine
the condominium.
And this is based on their analysis,
profitable equitable or safe and those are their words
from the report, they recommended
they didn't recommend, they proposed four options
for terminating.
There's equitable termination, termination based on damage,
increased possibility and then there's an optional termination.
The equitable termination is allowed because the property was
damaged or destroyed and cannot be repaired.
It provides the most viable option to terminate
and allows for judicial partition which
is our desire for the property to be sold,
and must be initiated by condominium owner.
Again those condo units are there
so the county does have the authority
to initiate this equitable termination.
The termination trustee would be the person
who would be responsible for terminating the termination
process and facilitating the sale of that property.
And then laying down the association affairs.
Previously we used the term receiver
which was the wrong term to describe what we are doing.
Receiver responsible for maintaining a property
or trying to manage it.
Termination trustee would be the goal of terminating the condos,
selling the property, and then lining up all the affairs.
Here is the second option which is the termination based
on major damage, and this is based on the condo declarations
in timber scan.
That if majority of sorry based on major damage
suffered by more than 80% of timber scan.
This also may be initiated by a condo unit owner in timber scan.
The next option is termination based on economic waste which
is basically contrary to public policy because of damage
and deterioration.
Sorry operating timber scan is contrary to public policy
because of damage and deterioration.
Maintaining or restoring it would be financially irrational
or practically impossible.
And that's based on the conditions which are there now.
Importantly, this option does require 66% of the condo unit
owners and a majority of the association directors
to provide consent before proceeding.
This again may be initiated by a condo unit
owner or the association.
And the last of those options, optional termination this
is again a voluntary termination through a plan of termination.
This plan does have to go through the state,
so for a vision of condominiums, timeshares and mobile homes,
this does require consent of at least 80% of voting interests
in timber scan, at least 5% of those or any 5% of the voting
interests object then the plan cannot move forward.
This also can be initiated by a condo unit or condo association.
So I went through those rather fast,
so I want to summarize each of those options right now.
So in regards to the equitable termination,
that is eligible for termination today based on the conditions.
The Florida no owner consent is required, the authority
for that is basically the Florida statutes, that
does allow for a sale after and that
is the recommendation by legal counsel based on major damage
eligible for termination now.
Again no consent or external review
prior, the authorities and then the sale and termination
could occur afterwards.
Termination based on economic waste and possibility, that does
require consent of the owners of the associations,
it's based on the statutes and the sale is for that afterwards,
and the optional termination does
require consent of the owners and the association,
there is an external review that's
based on the Florida statutes and the sale
after termination if possible.
So this is very lengthy, but I'll skip through and highlight
the most important parts.
So if the county were to move forward with this effort,
not to say that we would start in September,
but if we started this effort in September
the legal process is it would take about a year
for a summary judgment requiring the equitable termination.
So we're looking at September 2027.
These are more timelines.
We don't need to go over them they're
more information available.
More steps in the process.
If the next reasonable milestone is July 2028,
which would be the partition sale or the judgment
to potentially sell the property.
Again we are looking at about two years
and this would be if all of those steps went smoothly
and again you see everything there
so you don't delay, no intervening appeals
in the process.
So if you're looking at about two years
give or take for this process to start to finish.
So in summary operating timber scan is no longer equitable
practical or safe, the equitable termination
is what the county is proposing, that's
what was recommended to us from our external counsel they are
allowed to terminate the condos from the center of the property
and that would also provide a consent,
no consent is required from the property owners,
and then we would utilize the termination
trustee to manage the sale.
This entire process could take about two years.
So I'm going to bring up a vet race
to talk about the residents which includes
the resources to the residents.
>> Good afternoon mayor and Commissioners.
Again.
I am Yvette Reyes, the manager of the Citizens Resource
and Outreach Division.
And my portion today is brief.
But, it is the most important because it does
talk about the assistance to the individuals and families that
currently reside in this community.
So as you heard from some of the residents this morning,
they are ready for help and we are ready to help.
So the mission of the citizen Research and Outreach Division
is to direct resources to Orange County residents
through various social service programs.
We are familiar with this community,
and we are committed to working alongside its residents
throughout this transition.
So as previously mentioned the trustees work will
result in the sale of the property and this
could take years.
So, ideally this provides us an opportunity
to relocate the residents before the sale of the property.
So during that time, our division
will provide supportive services to help residents
navigate this transition.
We will do this by assigning each household a dedicated case
manager who will assess the needs of the household.
And will serve as the consistent point of contact
throughout the process.
In addition to assisting residents with relocation
case managers will also connect them
to county services offered through the division shown
on this slide.
Which offer and provide numerous resources
for children and families.
In addition come we partner with several community agencies
that can provide further support based on each household's
unique circumstances.
Although only four of the units currently
have homestead exemption, utility records
and our direct engagement with the residents
indicate that approximately ten of the units are owner occupied.
And this means that it is the primary residence of the owner.
So, this community is continually
changing with both owners and renters moving in and out,
as recently as last month.
But due to the ongoing conditions as the property
it has been very difficult for owners
to sell their condos so as part of the proposed assistance
plan the county may offer to acquire owner occupied units
as a part of the real estate transaction as Jason mentioned,
and appraisal will be completed and is
being completed with all of the units,
especially the acquired units.
The real estate management division retained
and professional appraiser who evaluated
five of the condo units and the appraiser
resulted in a value of approximately 65000
for each of those units.
So, this can be used as a reference point or a starting
point for any potential acquisition process.
So, in summary, the termination of the trustee's work
will result in the property being
sold while the process could take years,
it also provides us an opportunity
to relocate the current residents before the property is
sold.
So our division is committed to supporting the residents
through this transition by providing case management
and connecting them with county and community services.
As a part of this assistance plan
the county may also offer to acquire the eligible owner
occupied units at an approved value of.
Investors that landlord their own units
but do not live on the property would
receive proper compensation for the property's eventual sale.
I'll now turn it back over to Jason.
Thank you.
>> Thank you Yvette.
Realizing the importance of communication I mean
you've worked very closely with the Communications Division's.
To make sure we have a plan if this effort moves forward
and that involves working with the media emphasizing the life
safety concerns, in the county's motivation for the actions.
We have done similar projects during the last couple of years,
and learning from those lessons we've
identified the appropriate context to speak to the media.
And then of course we have reoccurring meetings
to make sure that we get appropriate updates.
And then the PIOs will have media inquiries and the web
page, and there's already a web page
that's created and provides public facing information,
and then creating the appropriate handouts and door
hangers.
But all of that to say we have considered
the way the communications with the public or with the media
and with all the stakeholders involved as a critical part
of this effort.
So we are wrapping up mayor.
In regards to updates, the county
continues to engage with residents,
Reyes talked about that, we did send notices
to each of the condo units in timber scan about today's
meeting, the county owned units are vacant and secured.
Worked very closely with the Sheriff's office and facilities
to ensure that staff regularly checks on those properties
to make sure that they are vacant and secure.
The conditions in timber scan are deteriorating,
last year we heard from groups of people about efforts
to address timber scan, and we were making progress,
unfortunately that has not happened.
Our love there predictably it is unfortunate
that that has not happened.
There's more vacant units there, more activity,
I would say the deviant type of activity is happening there,
it does have a different feel.
A year ago or a year and a half ago
we brought the Sheriff's office with us as a precaution,
but we quickly realized that maybe that
wasn't needed because we were dealing with families,
people were happy to see us and Yvette and her team
had contacts there.
Fast forward to this year and current times
I'd say it's not safe for us to canvass there.
So again it's an indication as how things have deteriorated.
The section two stakeholders, two
if you remember there were two brothers who
were kind of leading the charge, they
were the most vocal about their efforts to address timber scan.
For different reasons, neither of them
were with timber scan anymore, we
suspect that may have played a part
in some of the deteriorating conditions.
Without those two being present, they have not provided the plan
they spent a lot of 2025 talking about and saying that they were
going to provide to us, the county Attorney's office Shonda
White specifically, reviewed section two's condo documents,
and that review she did find an incumbent's on the property
of about $770,000 in increasing.
So again that's the benefit of that title search
to see what other incumbents is out there.
Finishing the update section two they had a previous account that
was closed I guess it was sometime last year of about
82,000, some of that money is owed to Orange County Utilities.
That was sent to debt collections,
they have opened a new account, however that new account is now
$47,000 past due.
So we see a similar trend, so now this
would be the second account that they have
managed that is now past due.
You see typically with these accounts we see taking action,
they have not at this point, so it is continuing to accrue,
there is I'm not sure what the issue is but they've now accrued
this very large past due amount, title searches
are being done by the real estate management
division on all the condo units, or at least the one standing
or demolished, again we want to determine
if there are other leads or encumbrances come
and that does include title searches of the condo
associations.
Condo units also are still being sold.
There were seven condo units listed for sale as of
just a couple weeks ago in the end of June,
there were recent sales in May of last year
and as early as this year.
There was a very unfortunate experience with someone
who bought a unit earlier this year bought it sight unseen,
looked at this listing looked at the pictures,
saw the price moved here from up north,
and then quickly realized the situation in timber scan
and how now somewhat she's in a very bad situation.
Is very sad, but this is unfortunately
this is the way the real estate market works.
We are trying to figure a way to provide some notice to people
or at least work with real estate agents about awareness
about this when units are being sold people are still
actively buying these who don't know any better.
So in summary.
Again, where I started and in regards
to public safety concerns and residents they're
living in unsafe conditions, I've said it before
and I will continue to say it, about the buildings demolished,
those that are still standing are dilapidated,
there are people living in condo units without water service.
The county owns the 38% of the units,
the unmaintained fire hydrants, and dumping.
Shum Law Group proposed is no longer practical or equitable
or safe.
And they've also proposed long term solutions.
The equitable termination is what
we talked about earlier, that is the best long term solution
to address the unsafe and precarious positions there,
conclusion of the process could take
years which again would provide opportunities for the county
to provide services there.
Should the county proceed with this or should we get direction
to proceed, we would be seeking authority to terminate timber
scans condominiums, petition for termination trustee and support
for the Residents assistance plan,
if again there is direction today we would bring this back
as a consent agenda item on the 25th of August,
realizing we've spent today discussing all of the different
situations and all of the different options at play.
So, just again in summary we heard a little bit of it
this morning but I want to debunk
some of the misinformation that could go around
about timber scam.
Orange County is not responsible for maintaining timber scam.
That is the condo association.
Orange County is also not removing people
from timber scan, the goal of this effort
is to provide services to people so that they can leave
and that at the end of this process
we would have hopefully relocated
the folks before the sale of the property.
And Orange County is not buying or selling
timber scan as a whole.
What the county proposes is a long term solution
to the conditions there to terminate the condominiums,
to utilize a third party to manage the sale,
to offer services to residents, and to acquire condo units
if the direction is there.
So, in regards to board direction there is no action
today, we are seeking direction about implementation
which could involve terminating the timber scan condominiums,
petitioning for termination trustee
and the resident assistance, where
that concludes the formal part of the presentation,
although Eva and I are the ones you heard
from this afternoon there are others in the audience here
who worked on this with us and are available to answer
any questions.
Jerry L. Demings: All right.
No sadly we've been dealing with this for far too long.
Orange County is not in the business
of preserving dilapidated substandard housing that
poses a threat to the life, safety, health of our residents.
It's time.
In fact, it's past time.
For us to seek an implementation schedule as you
laid out here to move forward with an equitable termination
of this condominium complex.
It pains me to say in some regards because I
know people live there.
And everybody ought to have the opportunity
to have pride in where they live.
And it pains me that these two grandmothers here today
and they're caught up.
They're caught up in a situation where they've got residents,
they've got owners of property, all around them who are not
taking care of that property.
Those people who are living there
deserve to have the opportunity to get out of their.
Okay?
Where, we should be working with providing some run on assistance
and for those who are owners who live there because they can't go
anywhere else, we ought to be helping
them to facilitate the opportunity for them
to move somewhere where they get out of being faced with life,
health, and safety challenge.
For those people who own property there, who are renters,
or who are renting the property, to other people, who are not
fixing up the property, they are part of the problem.
If you own property and you're renting it to someone else,
you have a moral responsibility to make sure
that that property is a place that's dignified where you
would want your family to live.
And so I believe that at some day moving forward
with this process, my concern and my priority
is for those owner occupied units
and those renters who perhaps can't
afford to live somewhere else.
And getting them some assistance to move somewhere else.
It's time.
So, I don't want us to keep kicking the can down the road.
We've kicked it down the road I know
I've been personally involved with this one way
or another for almost two decades.
And it hasn't gotten any better.
A lot of promises have been made,
by people who so-called are investors in the property,
and none of them have ever come through.
They have failed these people who are living there.
And I do not want this board county commission
to continue failing at taking care of people.
These are people who are living their.
When we say it's unsafe, it's unhealthy,
for them to live there, that's a problem.
That's a problem.
You now?
I don't want the blood of these people who might be subjected
to something to be on my hands.
Okay?
And I hope our board doesn't -- we need to move forward.
Okay?
With this process at this point.
There are no other options.
Failure to do so just continues to expose
people and lives I'm close to the age of those grandmothers
who are here.
Some of y'all probably got some sisters and brothers there
on the board.
I say Commissioner Scott might have
a parent closer to that age.
Could you imagine?
If your parent was living like this Commissioner Scott?
You know?
Anyway.
Our board needs to take some action,
and let us move this, except the direction that our staff, we've
wrestled with this thing, it's time.
You know, it's time.
Jason, y'all have been out there come our staff has been out
there, and you're hearing our staff say it's not even safe
for the staff to go out there.
As a 37.5 year law enforcement officer.
I know when I see something that is unsafe.
And this is it.
I've been out there when gunfire was
fired when I was the Sheriff.
And it's worse now than it was then.
So, let's stop making excuses.
Let's move forward.
You know?
I see members of the board want to talk about it.
But look, we need to stop talking.
And start acting.
Start getting something done.
Commissioner Scott you're the district commissioner
I'm going to go with you first.
Michael “Mike” Scott: I'll let the other commissioners make
their comments I'm ready to move.
Jerry L. Demings: He's ready to move.
Commissioner Wilson?
Nicole H. Wilson: I'm 100% with every single thing you just
said.
I just actually wanted to find out
if there were opportunities to recoup from responsible parties,
because I agree, to some extent there's
been predatory activity in understanding that this you know
there are people still believing that they can make money
from the suffering of some of these individuals,
is there a path that will allow us
to be able to recoup from some of the responsible parties?
>> I will say, during at the sale of the property,
all of the lien holders they will be compensated
appropriately.
I don't know if we will get it from individual people,
but from the sale of the property,
all of the lien holders could be compensated.
Nicole H. Wilson: And then I 100% agree
with I think the support for case management everybody
get their own so we don't lose anybody in the shuffle,
I was just wondering, this is something I asked about before,
will that be proactive on our part?
Knowing that there are several divisions in place?
Are those case managers then going to help people navigate?
Because it's just a large bureaucracy,
I just want to make sure they don't
get lost in the >>, of course come we are going to be doing
that individualized service to them,
we are going to be proactive because the goal is
to ensure that those individuals who are residing there
do transition and have a smooth transition as possible,
because it is difficult right?
Being uprooted from their homes, but, we
are going to be there to support them
throughout that whole process, and we
will be proactive in that.
Nicole H. Wilson: Thank you so much
and I obviously very much support the pathway
that I believe looks like the obvious one
from the legal consultant, the only utilization
of a termination trustee and the termination,
I think understanding and sort of hearing that there's also
some residents that I think want to still here they had questions
about legal entanglements for themselves,
would be able to also refer people for those services
or legal aid?
>> Have already referred folks to legal aid Barbara and Larry
Thatcher have met with them, this has never stopped,
it just stopped here, but the event staff and her team,
they're doing cartwheels and backflips to get folks where
they need to be, and other folks are moving in as they're trying
to resolve issues.
We had someone living in the guard shack.
In the guard shack.
So they've done everything to make sure that these people are
not left out on the street.
Nicole H. Wilson: Thank you.
Do you think there's any way that we can get in touch
with the MLS listing servers?
With the database themselves?
I thought about Zillow, Redfin, I mean those are --
somewhere there's an oversight by some corporation,
I wonder if there's a way to flag those properties.
>> That's an excellent question Commissioner and Lucy worked
with she sent an email to the association to try to figure out
a way, I don't know if we can flag it on Zillow,
but we're trying to build an awareness with the real estate
agents in the community about timber scan.
So we can try to at least avoid the scenario where somebody
is moving here sight unseen because of pictures
and a good price for housing.
Nicole H. Wilson: Perfect.
Thank you so much.
Jerry L. Demings: All right.
I feel like if this is a threat to the health safety
and welfare of anybody living there then
it's a health a threat to health safety and welfare for everybody
living there.
That's the situation that we have at this point.
As we move forward, we've got to take action.
We've got to take action now.
Commissioner urethra?
Mayra Uribe: I think we're all on
board, what's it been two years that we've been talking
about this of like my question comes because once it's vacated
and demoed and everything, is this
going to be up for grabs for any developer that's come in?
Or are we going to be looking at comprehensive affordable
housing?
What, I mean, I don't know where the county
and where we are legally sitting,
that's a very vulnerable area.
But he's opting to not go to their own apartment
to live there.
Are we just putting it out to the highest bidder?
Are we being purposeful on this?
So what's the plan?
>> Yes.
We will definitely be purposeful.
When that property again the property or the county
is a lien holder.
The county has a hard cost on that property secured
by Eileen and then also administrative fines,
so the county does have a say in the discussions we
had over the last year or two is to find
a buyer who will put an asset to that Greater Texas Americana
area.
I'm not going to speculate as to what that will be
but hopefully that'll be an asset to the community.
The hard cost would be that 3.5 million.
Those again for the demolitions come with the infrastructure
improvements, those are 3.5.
Then there's the administrative fines
but I don't have that calculated right now.
Those are in the millions and millions of dollars for running
fines for noncompliance. .
They created a different account.
Different accounts still connected to the section two.?
That's not going to occur to us..
No because some of that money is owed to the county.
Sounds good there's no owner right now.
We are majority owner.
Because of that check just like we do in other cases
where we leveraged dollars to build affordable housing
we can do the same thing with this
where we have taken some of our surplus
and put it into to make it kak to lower the cost
and improve the quality of housing for people.
We have all kinds of models Kak I think there are 12
that we have done so far.
There is opportunity.
We talk about the owners Kak we largely talk about ourselves.
So there is no reason why we cannot turn this into a success
story.
Whether it be the ribbon cutting or redeveloped property
I'm going to be there with the rest of those people .
Anyway that's the summary SP mayor I am all with you.
It's time for action.
Commissioner Scott I look forward to what your motion is.
When I went to that property in the beginning
when I first heard about it because I wasn't
familiar with it and I drove around,
it's alarming what I saw.
There are children, there are seniors,
there are people with pets that are there that are living
and I know your staff has done a very good job very thoughtful
in this approach and I want to thank all of you.
I remember the first time you told me about this.
It was so shocking to hear the conditions these people were
living in.
I'm grateful we're here today and grateful we're
going to move forward to help manage save lives.
Thank you for everything you have done. .
Commissioner Scott, if you can turn that into a motion..
Thank you for the presentation and your work and effort.
In slide 18, you said the yellow one that's here to the lake
>> I'm trying to get there fast enough
>> You said people are living there?
>> People own units there.
Everything in yellow is a building that is still standing
and people are living in those buildings.
>> Thank you.
>> That's why we have to have relocation assistance services.
Commissioner Scott are you ready
>> I'm asking on how to frame this motion.
I'd like to frame it in a way where staff doesn't
have to continue to come back and get latitude
to make adjustments.
How would I do that?
>> You actually don't need a motion.
Typically what staff looks for is consensus and what I've heard
is resounding consensus for the three bullets.
If you would like to make a motion, you can direct staff
and you can exert the three bullets
>> I don't have a motion I move that you move forward and take
whatever action necessary.
>> We have a second.
All in favor.
Opposed.
I want to emphasize the official proposal will
be on the consent agenda.
This was very helpful and I thank you.
>> With that thank you all.
We will move forward on that spirit we are going into recess
and we will come back at 2 p.m..