Present and signed in: John Payne, Lynda Kendrick, Maria C. Pagan, Jack Vealey, Jean Colvin, Tom Colvin, Martin Call, James E. English, Jr.,, Sarah Gillim, M. Dove, Rob Andrys, Lynn Fensterer, Roxanne Gause, David Lee, Richard Woodruff.  

Meeting opened by Sarah Gillim, chair  

Minutes of ALVA Inc. BOD meeting, May 9, 2002 approved.  

Treasurer’s Report from Lynn Fensterer cautioned that current balance, $1965.30, is “thin.” $4,000.00 is yet to be contributed by Lee County.  The expense of printing and binding copies of the “Alva Plan:” cost nearly $1,400.00 and more will be needed for the next general meeting.  Complete treasurer’s report is attached to the filed copy of the minutes.  

Most of the meeting addressed comments and concerns voiced by the community regarding the May 23 draft of the Alva Plan produced by Carol Cunningham and Associates.  

1.  Alva Cemetery: Proposal (attached to filed copy of minutes) from James English for the Alva Plan to add a section which would request that the  administration of cemetery to continue to be under the direction of the Alva Cemetery Board of Trustees, to exempt the cemetery from Lee County ordinances and subdivision regulations, and to support state legislation to create such exemption from states statutes, other regulations, and code provisions.  Mr. English stated that without such exemptions the cemetery would deteriorate, lack maintenance and that no plots could be offered for sale.  Proposal approved.  

2.  A proposal to increase surface water management to prevent flooding and catastrophic movement of surface water lying north of the Caloosahatchee River and east of SR 31 and to assist with the restoration of historic water flows to Spanish Creek (attached to filed copy of minutes) was approved.   It was also agreed to include something to address the flooding problem that occurs along Hickey Creek because of water diversions and drainage issues in Lehigh. - this is part of the East county water management area  

3.  Misunderstandings of the so-called “Riverwalk” concept, while not included in the proposed Alva Plan, continue to raise questions from property owners on the river near Alva center.  To mitigate these concerns it was approved to rewrite the sixth paragraph of page 14 to re-emphasize that property owners’ rights would be protected.  However, the plan will allow for the concept to be developed at some time in the future by volunteer donations or purchase of property while not encroaching on private property.  

4. There is a concern about the prohibition of commercial along SR 80 except for the node discussed in the plan.  The goal was to prevent strip development.  Three  parcels owned by Jack Vealy are within the rural village boundary but at least one is outside this “node” designated in the plan.  He would like these to be included in an area that could be commercial since it was his intent upon purchase to develop them as commercial some day.  Jim English submitted a proposal that commercial be allowed at any median breaks along the newly widened SR 80.  Sarah pointed out that the Lee Plan land allocation through 2020 allows for 46 acres of land to be commercial in the Alva planning area (as defined by Lee County).  36 of these acres have already been zoned commercial and 10 remain.  Since only 10 remain perhaps the prohibition should be less defined but just encourage the commercial to be developed within the rural village boundaries, especially in subareas 2 and 3 (which extend along 80 within the rural village boundaries).  It was agreed that this needs further thought and discussion.  

5.  Maps designating “commercial” areas are somewhat misleading.  These are indications of areas that could become commercial in the future if a property owner so desired.  It needs to be clarified that Alva inc will not be taking any property and making it commercial.  There is far more land in this area than would ever be developed commercially and more acreage than the Lee plan land allocation will permit for commercial.   There needs to be clarification of the meanings of these maps that show “potential” commercial.  

6.  “Transfer of Development Rights” portions of the proposed Alva plan will be deleted.  It is not well understood and in any case not likely to occur in an area such as Alva.  What will be emphasized is the development of Private land trust  for preservation purposes.  Deletion of sections on Transfer of Development Rights approved.  

7. “Development Clustering” is not well understood.  The  appendix on conservation communities causes confusion as it describes denser clustering than would be  appropriate for the Alva area.  

This portion of the appendix to be removed (approved).  Suggestions to help explain what is implied by clustering is to use language that  describes the benefits instead of creating confusion with not easily understood technical language. It was approved that something be put in the plan that describes how some clustering can benefit a community by increasing setbacks, open space etc.  

8.  Scenic Highway designation for County Rd. #78 has received mostly positive responses and few negative. Some want to know more about it.  It was pointed out that as development occurs along 78 care should be taken not to allow too many individual driveways to open onto 78, instead  one opening for multiple homes should be encouraged.   

9.  Further evaluations are planned to define boundaries for the Alva plan. Clarifications are needed as to the location of the Alva fire district and Lehigh fire district boundaries.  A map of the fire districts will be purchased from the property appraisers office.  Richard Woodruff (Wilson Miller and Babcock) counseled limiting the boundary to the Alva center area only.   

10.  Water concerns on page 37 of the Alva Plan were discussed. Goal is to determine that adequate water is preserved for agricultural and current residential  use in the area.   

Roxanne Gause is developing the program for the June 27 community meeting to provide more involvement in and understanding of the plan.  She has procured individuals to serve on a panel.  These include, Wayne Daltry (community smart growth), Paul O’Conner (Lee County planning), George Austin (representing commercial interests), Kate English (agricultural concerns), Martin Call (the Alva Inc. board).   One other is yet to be confirmed; the panel will have six persons.  Ms Gause is structuring the meeting to give maximum opportunities for wide participation but limiting individual’s time.  Newspapers and other news media will be contacted to help publicize.  A suggestion was made to have some beverages available in the lobby or outside to help slake peoples’ thirst during what could be a rather long meeting. 

David Lee urged everyone to talk with neighbors and others about any concerns they may have about the Alva plan.  He is personally calling people with concerns and mentioned two incorrect assumptions received from various persons:

First, that the Alva Historic District will “take over houses” and dictate how they can be maintained and used.  The proposals within the Alva plan for the historic district are only incentives, which may set standards for new developments, but have no power other than suggestive for present property owners.

Second, that the Alva group/board etc. are a group of “wealthy newcomers” who want to create their own “playground.”  The opposite is true as the board and those involved are dedicated to preserving the diversity which is a hallmark of the Alva community.   

It is important to do all possible to refute myths and assumptions that have no basis in fact, and help people understand that the mission of Alva Inc. is to preserve and enhance the heritage and strengths of Alva.   

Discussion ensued on whether to have Carol make the final revisions to the plan despite the fact that she is retiring and will not be available to represent us before the Lee planning agency in 2003.  Possible alternatives incude hiring a different planner. It was  suggested that consultation be pursued with Paul O”Conner (Lee County) as it is their funds which have made the planning process possible.  Sarah will contact Jim Mudd or Paul O’connor and discuss the situation with them.   

Sarah Gillim announced that she would remain president of Alva, Inc. only until the Alva Plan is submitted to Lee County and plans to step down by early August.  There are many other very capable individuals in the community and it is hoped that someone will step up to the plate to continue the efforts of ALVA inc.  She also suggested that the presidency be a 1 year term with the option to continue 2 years if so desired.     

Meeting adjourned.

Submitted by John Payne, secretary