TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: A. Jerome Fletcher II, ICMA-CM, MPA, City Manager
TITLE: Discussion and Possible Action Regarding the Proposed General Terms and Parcel Map to Facilitate Development of a Conservation Easement Between the City of North Port and Big Waters Land Trust, Inc. for a Portion of the Warm Mineral Springs Park Parcel.
Recommended Action
Review and approve the proposed General Terms and Parcel Map to facilitate development of a conservation easement between the City of North Port and Big Water Land Trust, Inc. for a portion of the Warm Mineral Springs Park parcel.
Background Information
During the September 10, 2024, City Commission Regular Meeting, a motion was made to direct the City Manager to work with staff to negotiate with the Conservation Foundation, (now known as Big Waters Land Trust, Inc.) and the Gulf Coast Community Foundation for a conservation easement to the 60 acres adjacent to Warm Mineral Springs, explore the possibility of bringing in Selby Gardens or another botanical partner, and to identify a section of property for development as an alternative holistic health center. Staff and stakeholders have collaborated to create a General Terms document to serve as a guide in the development of a Conservation Easement Agreement. The General Terms document outlines the overall purpose (Section 1), conservation values (Section 2), prohibited (Section 3) and permitted (Section 4) uses, and rights and obligations of the parties (Section 5). The Parcel Map identifies the proposed subdivision of the parcel to delineate the conservation easement.
Pending Commission review and approval, the following are the next steps in the process:
a) Incorporate the approved general terms into a draft Conservation Easement Agreement for legal review.
b) Order a Lot Split Survey.
c) Submit the finalized Conservation Easement Agreement and related documents for City Commission review and approval.
d) Record the conservation easement with the Sarasota County Clerk.
e) Finalize the transfer of development rights associated with the conservation easement parcel.
While the conservation easement will not hinder pursuit of the Outstanding Florida Springs (OFS) designation as directed at the February 25, 2025, City Commission Regular Meeting, a thorough assessment of the long-term commitments, both financial and personnel-related, is essential. Should the OFS designation be received, and a determination is made in the future that the Spring is impaired due to nitrate levels, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection would be required to develop and implement a Basin Management Action Plan. The Basic Management Action Plan could impose restrictions on development within a designated priority focus area, potentially impacting the City's growth and economic opportunities around Warm Mineral Springs Park.
Strategic Plan
Quality of Life
Economic Development & Growth Management
Financial Impact
Not applicable.
Procurement
Attachments:
1. Proposed General Terms
2. Proposed Parcel Map
3. 09-10-2024 Meeting Minutes
4. 02-25-2025 Meeting Minutes
Prepared by: Sandy Pfundheller, Parks & Recreation Director
Department Director: Sandy Pfundheller, Parks & Recreation Director