ALVA (A Living Vision for Alva) BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

June 7, 2001, Alva Museum, 7:00 p.m.

Twenty persons attended. Professional planners, Carole Cunningham, and the firm of Vanesse and Daylor were also present. The President, Sarah Gillim, called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. After approval of the minutes of the last general and directors meetings, the planners were asked to make their presentations. 

Carole Cunningham stated that she had attended the last town meeting and was impressed with the interest and concern shown about the future of Alva. The indication was that the majority shared the same vision for Alva, based on why we came here or have lived here all our lives. Creating a plan for the future is easy-making it work over the long term is difficult. We should encourage those who live here and have a talent that can be used to facilitate the plan to help in its creation, i.e., artists, designers, architects, those with management skills, etc. She envisions creating a plan for Alva that would become a model for other communities to follow. Carole gave her background and what she accomplished in California and in Florida. At one time she worked for Lee County as the Director of the Management Department for three years, so is familiar with all the persons that should be involved in our project, especially those in the regional planning council. She worked for economic growth in North Port and also for St. Cloud. She worked for Ft. Myers Beach in creating their comprehensive plan and their redevelopment plan. She will work with us to help pull together and guide the vision and plans that we want, and bring in resources that we need for the process. She has good management skills, knows how to run a project on time, and how to write a plan. We must draw everyone into the process. Find out who may oppose the plan and try to make them understand what we are trying to do. She has experience in being able to research and reach out to people in the county. We have to create the plan in such a form that Lee County will approve it.  She feels that we should do all of this within a year. Her charge is $16,000

broken up into three parts. She will write the plan and put it together with illustrations and in percentages format for a flat fee of $11,000. This is estimated on a per hour basis. She would not be paid in full until the plan is finished. She would sit down with the Board and map out what needs to be done that is best suited to all the residents of Alva. An item to mention is that Carole resides in Arcadia on a 30 acre ranch. 

The firm of Vanesse and Daylor was represented by the Vice President, Tim Hancock. Also present were Dan DeLisi, Planning Process/Consensus Building, C. Chad Elkins, Landscape/Streetscape Guidelines/Community Charrette, and Diane Wakeman, Community/Media Relations. Mr. Hancock was quite thoroughly prepared with handouts of their proposed Alva Community Plan, with the Mission Statement showing its main points. Then he explained how we would get there and what they would do as a firm. He explained what they had done in consensus building, and also showed the large maps of the area involved in our plan. He stated that a map (charrette) produces a vision which means more than a thousand words. He talked about the "umbrella" land use plan and the land development code amendments, which gives us a blueprint for land use. He stated that their firm had a landscape architecture department, and they had done similar plans in Collier and Estero. He then explained the duties of the Planning Team. He also stated that we have to reach out to naysayers to hear what they have to say, find out the designation for their land, and then see if any restrictions apply. In future planning, we can create new standards and new landowners would have to agree with them before purchasing their land. The firm has a website, and our plan would be kept up to date on that site. He mentioned that, through recent legislation, counties can start pilot programs designated as conservation communities. We have to find a way that it is in everyone's best interests to look at uses other than development. The majority of their clients are landowners. He indicated that we, as a group, are considering two different entities-a sole proprietor and a firm of professional planners. Carole stated that she has never worked directly for a developer, but primarily for municipalities and for county governments. Upon being asked their fee, Mr. Hancock stated that it would be $15,000. 

After the departure of the planners, Rob Andrys gave a summary of what was discussed at the Planning Committee meeting the previous night. It was difficult to make a decision because they are different in that one is an individual and the other is a firm. Benefits are associated with each type, but we have to decide which will mesh the best with our community. Roxanne Gause was given the task of contacting people who have had work done by both parties. She did an excellent job, and stated that everyone was most helpful and gave good reports on both of them. She contacted Paul O'Conner from the Lee Plan. The Estero job was done by Vanesse and Daylor. Meg Judgefrom the Estero Chamber of Commerce gave her some good ideas to pursue in selecting a planner. V and D sent a representative who was new to the area.  She feels they did a good plan, but she suggested that we try to select omeone who lives in our area, and  that the more work that we do as a group and/or individuals, the cheaper it is with the planners. Also, be sure to work closely with Mr. O'Conner because we will have a better chance of our plan succeeding. Be specific on the budget, and also emphasize community character. In checking with North Port and St. Cloud, Carole was praised for her work, and they had a positive experience with her and her work. Positives were that she is a good listener and puts ideas into planning language. She works best on given projects and likes to be left alone to do her work. She met the time frame required for the projects. Recommendations were that it is important to get the development orders in time to create and establish them because good development orders are essential. Individuals expressed opinions on the qualifications of the proposed planners. The consensus was that an individual would speak more to the kind of community we are than a corporate entity and that it would be better to have just one person as the planner who would understand our vision for the future. It was a difficult decision to make as both made good points; however, upon asking the Directors for a vote, it was decided in favor of Carole Cunningham. 

Sarah read a letter she proposed to send to Paul O'Conner about our decision as to our planner and our request for funds in order to develop our plan. Bill Brewer moved that we send the letter; Rob Andrys seconded; passed. A discussion was held about the proposed sale/exchange of Babcock Ranch land. The heirs have approached Florida about selling some of their land in the Telegraph Creek area to the State for conservation. This would be in exchange for development rights on 20,000 acres of their land, which is mostly in Lee County. In the Lee Plan, most of this Babcock land is designated for one unit per ten acres. They will need to get the land use changed in order to develop the property. Jim English provided us with a map of the Babcock land in order to locate the areas in question. Sarah read a letter to be sent indicating that we are against this proposal. Some modifications to the letter were suggested. Rob Andrys made the motion that we send the letter as modified; Marilyn Fensterer seconded; passed. 

Gus Perfetto made copies of the By Laws so that everyone could review them and have them approved at the next Directors' meeting. Steve Brookman reported that our website is up and running. It can be accessed at: www.Alvafl.org. The group thanked him for his work. If you want to send something to him to include on the web site, just contact Webmaster at the site, and he will receive it. 

Committee Reports: Agriculture: Chaney Reese is working with Tallahassee on the land development program to keep land in agriculture. Right now we are looking at the possibility of a number of 5-acre developments going into ½ to ¼ acre development. We want that stopped. He will keep on top of this. 

Fundraising/Membership/Public Relations: Lynda Kendrick reported on their meeting. They plan to meet on the first Tuesday of the month. This month they met at the Alva Diner; next month, due to the July 4th holiday, they will meet on the 10th at Tom's Restaurant. They are planning to have T-shirts made up in green with white lettering "Keep Alva Green". They have set a goal of $5,000 for the first year. They have been asked why they are raising money. It will be kept in a contingency fund to be used when needed. A Trash to Treasures & Bake Sale will be held on July 28 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Tom's Restaurant. A Penny Pot will be at the door at all meetings for donations. A $5.00 membership fee was discussed. They are obtaining an Alva mailing list from the Library. It was suggested that each committee head print all e-mails regarding A Living Vision for Alva and make them available for their committee members and also for those who do not have computers to be picked up at the general meetings. A barn dance family get-together to be held in October was discussed. Everyone should come up with suggestions as to how to save money for the Alva group. 

Bikepaths, etc.: Sarah suggested to Mike Dove that they should request information regarding this from the local DOT and also from the state DOT to be used as guide lines. Mike has requested a list of Alva addresses from the Property Appraiser's office. 

Old Business: Treasurer's Report: We have $579.34 on hand. Our non-profit status is still in process. Marilyn mentioned that several people wish to make contributions to our group when we have our non-profit status. 

The next general Town Meeting will be held on June 28 at the Alva Middle School at 7:00 p.m. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:10 p.m. Several stayed to see the Babcock map and to look at the Alva satellite photos left by Mr. Hancock. Respectfully submitted, Jean W. Colvin, Acting Secretary 728-2196 

Those attending: Sarah Gillim, Lynn Fensterer, Jean & Tom Colvin, Roxanne Gause, Rev. W.C. Brewer, Michael Dove, Nina Rigby, Jack & Kim Liddell, Martin Call, Rob Andrys, Steve Brookman, Chaney R. Reese, Maria Pagan, Lynda Kendrick, John & Jensene Payne. Also present: Carole Cunningham, Tim Hancock (V&D), Diane Wakeman, (V&D), Daniel DeLisi (V&D), and C. Chad Elkins, (V&D).