NATURAL RESOURCES ADVISORY COMMISSION (NRAC)
January 28, 2015 REGULAR MEETING
Meeting Place: Bert J. Harris Agri-Civic Center, Auditorium
4509 George Blvd., Sebring, FL 33875
Meeting Time: 4:00 PM
ATTENDANCE:
Members
Kevin Main (excused abs)
Hilary Swain
Sarah Childs (absent)
Benjamin Butler
Shirley Whitsitt (excused abs)
Russ Danser (absent)
Dale McQuillen
Tim Hurner
Erin McCarta
Bill Buchans
I.
II.
III.
IV.
County Staff
June Fisher
Michael McMillian
Joedene Thayer
Isis Brown
Ross MacBeth
Guests:
Dr. Elton Gissendanner
Frances Gissendanner
Curt Olsen
Meeting was called to order by Mike McMillian at 4:02 pm. Mr. McMillian read the public notice.
Pledge of Allegiance followed by introductions.
Approval of the December 2014 minutes – Motion: Mr. Buchans, Second: Ms. McCarta; No discussion;
Unanimous approval.
A. Ross MacBeth addressed NRAC members to discuss the December 3, 2014 meeting. NRAC had
advertised for and received four applications for two open slots; one environmental and one professional.
During that meeting one of the applicants was present. After presenting his background information to the
group he was asked to wait outside while the members of NRAC discussed the four applications received.
Mr. MacBeth explained to the members that NRAC is a “Sunshine Group” required to meet under the
Sunshine. As such, the meetings are posted/advertised and the public is invited to attend. Minutes must be
taken at these minutes however a recording is not required. When the applicant was asked to wait outside
the meeting was operating “Out of Sunshine”. Currently there is a Florida appellate case on this type of
action. Everything that happened from that point forward was void. Sunshine law violations often have a
cure and the cure for this violation is to provide the applicant with a copy of the taped December meeting if
he desires to listen to it. Mr. MacBeth suggested that the group hold off on nominating and voting for
applicants until the offended applicant be allowed to listen to the tape and make comments to the group (if
he so desires) during the February 25 meeting. Only after the “cure” has occurred, NRAC members can
continue their discussion concerning membership and ultimately make a recommendation to the BCC.
Additionally, Mr. MacBeth suggested that once all members are seated, the Sunshine Law video be shown
to the group. Staff will obtain additional training as well. When Mr. MacBeth asked if there were any
questions, there were none.
B. Membership. Clarification of current membership. Mr. McMillian explained a second ruling from Mr.
MacBeth involving committee membership. Members of a committee continue to serve until they resign,
are reappointed or replaced. Therefore Ms. McCarta and Mr. Buchans are still voting members of NRAC.
C. Chair and Co-Chair elections. Tabled until all members of NRAC are seated.
D. Land acquisition flow chart. Dr. Swain walked the members of NRAC through her draft of the
acquisition flow chart. Properties can be rejected by NRAC if they do not meet certain criteria. Ms.
McCarta stated that documenting why properties were rejected would be important and that NRAC
members may be responsible to draft this documentation. Mr. Hurner suggested that when we are ready,
staff write a rejection letter and allow NRAC to approve it. He reminded the group that NRAC cannot
reject a property but merely make a recommendation to the BCC. Mr. Hurner suggested that we keep the
flow chart simple and straight-forward. There were several suggestions to Dr. Swain of corrections or
possible improvements. It was also suggested that this version be dated and labeled as Draft Version 1. Ms.
McCarta suggested that before showing the final draft version to upper level county staff NRAC should
IX.
write a brief preface pertaining to the purpose of the flow chart. After the meeting Dr. Swain went over the
group suggestions/corrections with Mr. McMillian so he could edit Version 1 creating Version 2.
REPORTS:
A. Chairperson’s Report: Nothing to report.
VI.
UPDATES:
A. Conservation Trust Fund –Mr. McMillian updated the current status of the Conservation Trust
Fund. Currently there is 500K earmarked for the county contribution of a possible 2015 REPI grant.
Additionally 495K was loaned to the BCC. The money will be used to cover closing cost on a
conservation easement for a portion of the Rafter T Ranch. The money will be returned within 30-60
days. That leaves a balance of approximately 169K in the fund.
VII.
CITIZENS NOT ON THE AGENDA – Dr. Gissendanner spoke to NRAC about the importance of the
land acquisition flow chart and bringing in public comment. With the passage of Amendment 1 there may
be millions of dollars available for the purchase of conservation land and conservation easements in
Highlands County in the near future. The 2015 Florida Forever Priority List is out and NRAC members
asked Mr. McMillian to bring it to the next meeting.
VIII.
ANNOUNCEMENTS –Next meeting will be February 25, 2015.
ADJOURN – meeting adjourned at 5:17 pm.