Friends of Lake Jesup
Thursday, March 15, 2001
East Branch (Oviedo) Seminole County Library
DRAFT MINUTES
Chairman Robert King called the meeting to order at 7:09 p.m.
Because a number of visitors were in attendance, Chairman King asked that everyone introduce himself or herself.
The group reviewed the minutes of the February 15, 2001 meeting. Regina Lovings, SJRWMD, asked that the word “report” be changed to “overview” with regard to Dean Dobberfuhl’s presentation of the hydrodynamic model changes. Bill Daniel said his comments on the area west of the causeway had to do with open water and not wetlands. The minutes were accepted as amended.
Chairman King discussed the correspondence attached to the minutes. He said the only letter that had not been written was the one thanking Henry Dean for the district’s participation in the culvert project and other items. He said he would draft a letter and have it ready for the next meeting.
Shannon Conklin, from Rep. Tom Feeney’s office, gave a report on the status of legislative funding. She said Rep. Feeney said $740,000 would be in the budget this year for the FFWCC project.
George Means, a longtime member of the group, presented information on the construction of the causeway at State Road 46.
Ed Hayes, FFWCC, gave a report on the progress of the berm removal. He passed around photographs of the work in progress. He suggested that the extra money remaining in the contract be applied to revegetation. The group agreed to draft a letter recommending that the FFWCC ask the FDEP for the balance for the revegetation project.
Pete Milam, USACE, gave a presentation on the Corps’ future plans for Lake Jesup. He distributed outlines of the 1135 program and project schedule. After much discussion by the group, it was decided that the FLJ would provide the Corps with a copy of its goals for the lake, and would help set parameters for improved fish and wildlife habitat and for an economic assessment. Mr. Daniel said he wanted to make sure recreational access to the lake and relocation of fish camps at the mouth of the lake part of the goals.
Chairman King asked Mr. Milam for access to the Corps’ hydrodynamic modelers, to possibly help with an independent assessment of the Dr. Gary Zarillo’s model. Mr. Milam said the Corps had not reached that stage as yet.
Chairman King gave a report on a conversation with Evelyn Smart of the US Coast Guard. He said Ms. Smart said she had nothing to review at this time but was aware of potential Coast Guard involvement in the project.
Mark Callahan, CH2MHill, representing FDOT, gave a presentation of four options for the design of the State Road 46 bridge. (Copies of the presentation are on file.) After discussing the four options, the group asked Mr. Callahan to come back in a couple of months with a few more alternatives or refinements of the first four designs, addressing access issues and a 25-foot tree line to tree line bridge. Harold Webb, FDOT, said he could bring ROW people to discuss relocation of the fish camps.
Ms. Lovings, SJRWMD, said the model viewing, by the FLJ, has been cleared and that Mr. King should get with her to set up a date.
Ms. Lovings introduced Carla Palmer, SJRWMD, who is the head of the Middle Basin SWIM project. The Middle Basin consists of the Econlockhatchee and Wekiva rivers, Lake Monroe, Lake Jesup, and Deep Creek.
Ms. Palmer explained the general concepts of the program and how it will affect the restoration program.
Mr. King introduced Mark Zivojnovich, Hydromentia, who gave a brief presentation on an aquaculture program that could be used on the lake.
The meeting was adjourned at 10 p.m.