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Martin County

File #: 25-0822   
Type: Consent Status: Passed
In control: Board of County Commissioners
On agenda: 4/8/2025 Final action: 4/8/2025
Title: ENVIRONMENTAL LANDS ACQUISITION PROGRAM
Attachments: 1. 250325 ENVIRONMENTAL LAND OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE MANUAL FOR BOCC CONSIDERATION - FINAL.pdf

PLACEMENT: Consent

TITLE:

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ENVIRONMENTAL LANDS ACQUISITION PROGRAM

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

executive summary

The purpose of this board item is to adopt the Environmental Land Oversight Committee Manual (ELOCM). The purpose of the ELOCM is to outline the process by which the Board of County Commissioners appointed the Environmental Lands Oversight Committee (ELOC), as well as the process by which the ELOM will review, evaluate and provide recommendations for environmentally sensitive lands that have been nominated for acquisition as a part of the 2024 Sales Tax Referendum.

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DEPARTMENT: Public Works                     

PREPARED BY:                      Name: Michael Yustin                     

                     Title:                     Senior Project Manager                     

REQUESTED BY:                                                

 

PRESET:     

PROCEDURES: None                     

 

BACKGROUND/RELATED STRATEGIC GOAL:

 

On February 20, 2024, the Board of County Commissioners (Board) approved a referendum for the 2024 general election ballot, proposing a 0.5% sales tax on specific purchases for a 10-year period. This initiative aims to generate approximately $220 million, dedicated solely to acquiring environmentally sensitive lands within Martin County. The designated project areas for land acquisition, through fee simple interests or conservation easements, include Indian River Lagoon (IRL) South, Pal Mar, Loxa-Lucie, and the Blueways. Ordinance #1221 was adopted by the Board establishing the framework for this land acquisition program. The current board item focuses on adopting the Environmental Lands Oversight Committee Manual (ELOCM). This manual outlines the procedures for the Environmental Lands Oversight Committee (ELOC), a Board-appointed advisory body, to review, evaluate, and recommend environmentally sensitive lands nominated for acquisition under the 2024 Sales Tax Referendum.

 

ISSUES:

 

None

 

LEGAL SUFFICIENCY REVIEW:

 

This item has been reviewed for legal sufficiency to determine whether it is consistent with applicable law, has identified and addressed legal risks, and has developed strategies for legal defensibility.

 

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

 

RECOMMENDATION

Move that the Board adopt the Environmental Lands Oversight Committee Manual.

 

ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS

Pull this item from the Consent Agenda and provide staff guidance and recommended amendments for the adoption of the Environmental Lands Oversight Committee Manual.

 

FISCAL IMPACT:

 

RECOMMENDATION

None

                     

ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS

None

 

DOCUMENT(S) REQUIRING ACTION:

Budget Transfer / Amendment                      Chair Letter                                                               Contract / Agreement

Grant / Application                                          Notice          Ordinance                     Resolution

Other:

This document may be reproduced upon request in an alternative format by contacting the County ADA Coordinator (772) 320-3131, the County Administration Office (772) 288-5400, Florida Relay 711, or by completing our accessibility feedback form at www.martin.fl.us/accessibility-feedback <http://www.martin.fl.us/accessibility-feedback>.