Friends of Lake Jesup

Meeting called to order at 7:10

Chairman King, reported, that Regina Bereswell, representative for the City of Oviedo, informed Robert that she has a $500 check from Wal-Mart.

Chairman King, introduced, Tony Miller from SJRWMD and the host, Dave Caulley, Commodore for the Boat Club.

Reviewed minutes of last meeting. Inaccurate line regarding acreage was struck form last month’s minutes. Verbal opinion regarding 46-bridge project will not be given until April. Minutes were corrected and approved.

Chairman King, requested members to verbally correct things that they believe are being said wrong, instead of just ignoring it and letting it slip by. He would like anyone who disagrees with anything they should raise their hands so that the group can deal the problem.

First item on the agenda was the Out of Basin Mitigation issue that has been discussed over the past months. Regina Loving, SJRWMD, reported that there have been 8 projects that had offsite mitigation. Tony Miller, SJRWMD, discussed briefly how mitigation credits are determined and stated he had reduced the list of all projects requiring mitigation in the Jesup basin. He discussed each of those projects and where and how much mitigation went out of basin. He said that because credits were weighted differently it is impossible to calculate exactly how acres went out of the basin. Mr. Miller fielded questions regarding what percentage of mitigation left the basin and about the pending Uniform Mitigation Assessment Method being formulated currently. No action from the Friends was decided upon to respond to the District’s report. Group thanked Tony, Regina, and Glen for all their hard work in reaching this point.

ED Hayes, FWCC, Reported that there have been good opening bids for the construction of the holding facility; the opening bid was $3.95 million and will be encumbered by the end of the month. The price is $2.50 per cubic yard. Consultants are working on a restoration plan for that site and plan to meet with the district once that is complete. He will have more information for us next meeting.

Pete Milam, USACOE, reported that the modeler is busy putting data received from the District into to their model. The modeler will come to Platka on February 13th t present the model and answer any questions regarding the model. Cecilia Height would like to be added to list people who want to go to Platka. Mr. Milam says they will have enough information to provide DOT with what they need by April.

Chuck Vreeland, FDOT, reported that they have decided to use CH2MHill to continue with the 30% design. CH2MHill will begin the permit process. In 2007 the will begin construction and the contractor will hire a design firm. They will design the bridge and the will be encouraged to be innovative with building the design as long as the meet all the requirements. The bridge will have enough clearance for commercial boat traffic, which is a 25-foot clearance.

Craig Shadrix, Seminole County, reported that Carlton Henley appointed Caroline Schulzt, an environmental consultant, to Natural Lands. There is still one open spot for Henley to appoint someone to. Seminole County has applied for a large community trust grant for Clifton Springs. Negotiations for Clifton Springs have not reached an agreement. Mr. Shadrix discussed Hiley’s Fish Camp and there future plans for it.

The group discussed what should be done with the $500 check from Wal-Mart. Group decide to have full discussion before making a decision on cashing the check. The group will make a final decision next meeting.

Regina Loving requested that last names be used in the minutes for clarity.

Chairman King, requested to have draft language for the website be submitted by next meeting. Group agreed to review and submit opinions on draft language through email.

Meeting adjourned.