Alligator Point Taxpayers Association

Minutes

February 9, 2002

President Linc Barnett called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.

The minutes from the previous meeting of January 12^th were read by Bob Burnett. A motion to approve was made by Jim McCachren and seconded by Frank Gibson.

Bob Burnett read the treasurer’s report for January when APTA’s assets were $38,377.20. There were 99 paid members with four new members. Bob reminded the attendees that membership dues for 2002 were due. A motion to approve was made by Jim McCachren and seconded by Joe Hambrose.

Joe Hambrose reported on phase 1 of the Hidden Harbor development. The initial development application was approved by the Franklin County Board of County Commissioners after agreement was reached between APTA, APECO and the developer for no more than 29 lots in phase 1; prohibition of private docks and seawalls; limiting impervious areas on each lot to 6% of the lot size; and deed restrictions addressing the wetlands buffer, xeriscaping, and other environmental concerns.

Linc Barnett reported on the Tarpon Bay development. Linc said that the Board of Adjustment granted a variance which would permit each of the five proposed one-acre lots to have lot widths of 92.6 feet as opposed to the required 100 foot lot widths for R1 lots. Linc stated he would be submitting a letter to the Board requesting that they review their decision in light of the fact that when the variance was presented to the Board the size of each lot was identified as 1.6 acres.

Ann Maruszak thanked the members involved in putting together and mailing the membership survey form which was included in the December 2001 edition of the newsletter. Ann provided a high-level review of the results but noted that only approximately 65 surveys had been received out of 700 mailed.

Tom Vanderplaats recommended that the survey be re-sent as part of a membership dues renewal notice process. Rudeen Moon made a motion to send out the survey with a renewal membership card and a return envelope to the APTA membership. The motion was seconded by Dick Waters and approved by the Board. Donna Decker volunteered to join the membership committee.

Steve Fling provided a status on his survey regarding fire hydrant needs for Alligator Point and Bald Point to bring the whole community up to a standard of no more than 1,000 feet between fire hydrants. Steve estimated the need for approximately 96 additional hydrants. Steve will provide his final survey results at the March meeting.

Bob Burnett stated that the beautification committee wanted to plant Spanish Bayonet plants to block the old entry to Gulf Shore Blvd from Alligator Drive. Cheryl Sanders recommended that Bob obtain an opinion from the County Attorney, Al Shuler, before doing this. Cheryl stated there was a liability issue raised in the past regarding the County planting Spanish Bayonets where the public could be injured by them.

Dick Waters stated that Eddie Creamer, the Chairman of the Board of Franklin County Commissioners, sent letters to Senator Graham and other Florida legislators voicing concern that the spoil from the Apalachicola River may go to South Florida when it could be used to help mitigate the erosion problem at Alligator Point. Dick stated that his committee would develop a letter of support which members could send to Graham and the other Florida legislators.

Linc Barnett took a survey of the attending membership regarding their position on the inclusion of a marina in the planned St. Joe/Arvida SummerCamp development. The vast majority of the members indicated their opposition to a marina being included on the property. In addition, the vast majority of the members indicated their desire that APTA work with other community organizations who are opposed to the marina.

Linc Barnett provided to Bunky Atkinson a Lifetime Service Award for her contributions to APTA and the community.

Linc Barnett advised the membership that John Murphy had resigned his position on the Franklin County Planning and Zoning Commission. Linc stated that Vicki Barnett had been appointed to replace John.

Bonnie Allen, the ranger for Bald Point State Park, spoke to the membership about controlled burns which will be taking place in various portions of the Park over the next several months. Bonnie also brought the members up-to-date on the Park’s activities and thanked a number of people for their volunteer work at the Park.

Alan Pierce, Franklin County Planner, spoke to the membership. Alan stated that the Army Corps of Engineers is in the process of designing a vinyl sheet pile bulkhead which would start at My Blue Heaven and extend approximately 1,000 feet to the east to protect Alligator Drive. Alan said that ACORE will provide the county with a cost estimate for the project, however, no timeframe was provided. Alan stated there would be a public hearing before the county made any decision on the project.

Alan Pierce stated that there are no current plans to relocate the portions of Alligator Drive which are most susceptible to erosion; although he noted that he favors such a road move.

Alan Pierce stated that the use of a sand groin system to help renourish the beach at Alligator Point is no longer being pursued by the County as both of the potential providers have withdrawn their original promises regarding costs and obtaining of permits.

Alan Pierce stated that the County has received a grant for $106,415 for use at Alligator Point. The County has three years to spend the money. Alan said he would like input from the Alligator Point community as to how to use the money. Dick Waters said his committee would coordinate this input.

Alan Pierce discussed the County’s efforts to prevent the spoil from the Apalachicola River going to South Florida. Alan agreed to have the spoil tested for compatibility with Alligator Point sand.

Alan Pierce stated that the County wants to remove My Blue Heaven, the house next door, and the house at the western end of the rock revetment before a storm washes them into the gulf. Alan stated that FEMA has approved contracts to remove My Blue Heaven; Mr. Middlebrooks, who owns the house next door, has not agreed to sell yet; and Dr. Gomez, at the west end of rock revetment, has not yet been approached. Alan said the County has $81,000 from FEMA for removal of the houses.

David McLain, Executive Director, Apalachicola Bay River Keeper spoke to the membership about the tri-state agreement regarding water flow commitments for Florida for the Apalachicola River.

David McLain stated that his membership, like the APTA membership, was opposed to the inclusion of a marina in the SummerCamp development.

A motion to adjourn was made by Joe Hambrose and seconded by Frank Gibson.

The meeting ended at 11:30 a.m.