Friends of Lake Jesup

Chairman Robert King called the meeting to order at 7:09 p.m.

Minutes were read, corrected and approved.

Pete Milam, USACOE, still has not gotten P.R.P. approved to be able to move on to the next phase. Do not have money or approval to move forward. Milam says he is pressing to get them approved as quickly as possible.

Chairman King reported that Glen Lowe with SJRWMD came and spoke to the group a few weeks ago. His feelings were that we received bad information about mitigation and only two projects had mitigation outside the basin; one being the Lake Mary project. Glen is still working at compiling mitigation information. The evidence is still inconclusive. As of now Chairman King is still not confident enough to go in front of governing board. Once there is a clear report King will bring I to the meeting to allow the friends to discuss what to do next. He says we will go to board once have correct information and will only go to board if it is necessary.

Ed Hayes, FWCC, gave presentation on the Dredging Project Preliminary Design. Ed handed out copies of summary of this design. Project funding life was 18 months and is nearing its end. Have to make a decision soon on the design and this must be done by January 15 2003 or will lose money. Generated top layer of unconsolidated sediments. By combining to maps found depths of sediment that needs to be removed from lake. The Cameron Ranch site is being looked as disposal sites. About 380 –390 acres for disposal. Have identified 20 million cubic yards of sediment. Would require 40 feet high dikes plus freeboard to equal total height 43-44 ft high dikes. Central zone has very little amount of sediment and does not necessarily need to be dredged. East and South zones are the areas of highest priority. 7.72 million cubic yards of sediment removed and would require dikes of about 17 ft. They have met with DEP and SJRWMD. Is waiting for SJRWMD for the permission to use the land. Once this approval is granted can move forward with final designs. Land is clay like and imperious to water and will not allow water to peculate. The materials within the dikes will take a long time to dry out. Continuing to look for things to do with muck does not look promising. Question was raised regarding elevation of useable land and it was reported that it appears that land will be useable to about the two foot NGVD level. Discussion followed regarding use of sovereignty-submerged lands for the containment area. Lawson said FWCC would be responsible for the containment area after the dredging is finished and until the SJRWMD deems the property is back in acceptable conditions. This has fall into the category of in the public interest. Would like a letter from the group if they support it.

Motion made by Bill Daniel in favor of the projected and seconded by Carol Woods. Group will write letter of support for the project. Discussion followed around the preliminary nature of the plan and requested and received assurance from FWCC as to the future continued cooperation to improve the project and address the Friends concerns. Discussion highlighted that the district is being very cooperative with the project and Robert Christianson is doing all he can to cooperate. Ed Hayes, FWCC, Cookie cutter is still making progress. It is over by Marlbed Flats areas. Need letters to go specifically to each agency. The letters need to mention districts willingness. The group decided that the letter will go through peer review through email and will be sent out in a few days. Reservation and concerns were asked to be sent through email to Robert. Lawson agreed to cooperate in applying for a submerged land lease to the state for a reasonable elevation. The FWCC agreed that if everything goes right earthmovers could be started by spring.

Scott Bear, CH2MHill, FDOT has alternatives and have some preliminary retention ponds. They are being reviewed by department’s drainage folks and are not final. Right now they are going through the approval process. On the west side just the west of the park. On the south side there is concerns about the park. Likely alternatives will be on the north side. On the eastside have two upland perspectives in the area. These appear the best perspectives. East side will work better. The west side will be wet ponds. Want locate in a place that is not in a wetland. The ponds will have 100% capture rate. Draft reports will be submitted by 30 to DOT. Planning to have public information workshop on October 15. Under tight schedule for DOT to spend money. Meeting will be at Sanford Civic Center. It will be from 6 to 8 at night. Cannot commit to preferred alternative until they have approval from the Corp. By the end of June there will be a consultant under contract designing the bridge and schedule will be set. Funding is in the five-year work plan.

Chairman King said that the Seminole County film has been sidetracked and will not be ready for a few weeks to a month.

Chairman King reported that the Lakewatch report shows that compared to the other lakes in the state Lake Jesup is very polluted.

Chairman King said Kim Hall no longer works for the city of Winter Springs. Chairman informed city manager that he needs to replace someone as a representative to Friends.

Chairman King reported county has not got the stuff to put Friends on the water atlas. DEP turned info in. SJRWMD is on board. During FDOT design phase for their web page will be setup. They can provide electronic info on alternatives for now.

Chuck Collins, DEP, provided information on stormwater treatment grants through Florida Forever.

Meeting Adjourned at 9:05 p.m.