A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
MARCH 5, 1985
The Lake County Board of County Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, March 5, 1985, at 9:00 a.m. in the Board of County Commissioner's Meeting Roan, Lake County Courthouse, Tavares, Florida. Commissioners present at the meeting were: Glenn C. Burhans, Chairman; C. A. "Lex" Deems; Claude E. Smoak, Jr.; Thomas J. Windram; and James R. Carson, Jr. (arriving at 9:45 a.m.). Others present were: James C. Watkins, Clerk; Christopher C. Ford, County Attorney: Michael C. Willett, County Administrator; Robert L. Wilson, Finance Director; and Toni M. Austin, Secretary.
Mr. Watkins gave the Invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Commr. Smoak.
MINUTES
On a motion by Commr. Smoak, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously, the Board approved the Minutes of February 19, 1985, as corrected.
FIRE DISTRICTS-FIRE DEPARTMENTS
Mr. Michael C. Willett, County Administrator, introduced to the Board Mr. Chuck Sowers, who was recently employed as the Fire Coordinator for Lake County.
COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR'S AGENDA
LAWS AND LEGISLATION/RESOLUTIONS
Mr. Doug Fisher, Deland, appeared before the Board to discuss the deposit container law and request the Board to pass a Resolution favoring a bottle bill. Mr. Fisher informed the Board of other counties that had passed resolutions in favor of the bill.
Commr. Burhans informed the Board of a letter received from Jane J . Ferquson, Legislative Chairman for North Brevard Environ-mental Action Committees (NBEAC), requesting a resolution from Lake County supporting the bottle bill.
Mr. Fisher discussed Senate Bill 92 and the history of the bottle bill.
On a motion by Commr. Smoak, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the Board approved to endorse the concept of a bottle bill and directed a resolution be prepared and forwarded to the legislation.
MUNICIPALITIES/ZONING
On a motion by Commr. Smoak, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously, the Board approved the request from the City of Tavares to change the zoning on property annexed on January 2, 1985 - Ordinance No. 84-41 from Agriculture to R-l (30 acres with a density of 5.58 units per acre) and C-l (6 acres for General Commmercial).
RESOLUTIONS
Mr. John J. Maruniak, Florida Public Relations Association, Leesburg, appeared before the Board with a request to proclaim March 9, 1985, as "Everett A. Kelly Day" in conjunction with the Everett Kelly Roast 'n Toast.
On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the Board proclaimed March 9, 1985, as "Everett Kelly Day".
ACCOUNTS ALLOWED/ROAD PROJECTS
On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Smoak and carried unanimously, the Board approved payment No. 2 to Asphalt Pavers, Inc. for Project No. 3-85 Countywide Resurfacing in the amount of $264,159.00.
ASSESSMENTS/ACCOUNTS ALLOWED/ROAD PROJECTS
On a motion by Commr. Smoak, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the Board approved the final payment to Trac Roadbuilders, Inc. for Project No. 1-85 Wolfbranch Road in the amount of $48,748.25.
Included in the motion was approval of full payment to Paquette Paving Company for Project NO. SA-34 Florida Fruitland Park Tropical Homesites (Leesburg Boulevard and Marguerite Avenue) in the amount of $23,722.50.
ROADS-COUNTY AND STATE/RESOLUTIONS
On a motion by Commr. Smoak, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously, the Board approved to accept the following roads into the county maintenance system:
1. Leesburg Blvd. #l-5804A
2. Marguerite Avenue #l-5805.
DEEDS/ROADS-COUNTY AND STATE
On a motion by Commr. Smoak, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the Board accepted a right-of-way deed from Madeline D. Land on Sugarloaf Mountain Road #3-2350.
ACCOUNTS ALLOWED/PUBLIC WORKS
On a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously, the Board approved the request to purchase a tape drive for the Micro PDP-11 Computer in Public Works at an approximate cost of $3,000.00.
ASSESSMENTS/ROADS-COUNTY AND STATE
On a motion by Commr. Smoak, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the Board approved to bid the special assessment project on Moore Street from Haines Creek Road to Hunt Street.
MUNICIPALITIES/ROADS-COUNTY AND STATE
On a motion by Commr. Windram, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously, the Board approved the request from Fruitland Park for signalization at CR 466 and CR 25A, with the County and the City of Fruitland Park each paying one half of the costs, for a total amount of $13,600.00.
COMMITTEES/PLANNING DEPARTMENT/ZONING
Mr. Michael C. Willett, County Administrator, discussed with the Board a request for a joint meeting between the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Board of County Commissioners to discuss the Future Land Use Plan Revision. Mr. Willett stated that the Commission was requesting guidance from the Board, and that he informed the Commission that they were to make recommendations to the Board.
Mr. Dan Kotulla, Planning Department, addressed the Board on the items that would be reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Commission, such as new industrial node areas. Mr. Kotulla stated that the Commission has not yet reviewed the Future Land Use Plan Revision.
On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Smoak and carried unanimously, the Board requested that the Planning and Zoning Commission review the Future Land Use Plan Revision, meet with the staff and the public, and then return to meet with the Board of County Commissioners within 60 days.
BONDS/RESOLUTIONS/ROADS-COUNTY AND STATE
On a motion by Commr. Smoak, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the Board accepted a maintenance bond in the amount of $6,637.20 for New Bradford Mobile Estates and accepted the following roads into the county maintenance system:
1. North Shelley Drive #5-5940
2. Shelley Drive #5-6041
3. South Shelley Drive #5-5940A
CONTRACTS, LEASES AND AGREEMENTS/ROADS-COUNTY AND STATE
Mr. Michael C. Willett, County Administrator, addressed the Board regarding a request from Sumter County to cancel an agreement with Lake County dated June 30, 1969, and enter into a new agreement regarding Cherry Lake Road. Mr. Willett informed the Board that one half of Cherry Lake Road is in Sumter County and one half is in Lake County, and Lake County maintains the road. He stated that Sumter County has already obtained engineering plans to pave the first mile totally at their cost, and are requesting Lake County to pave the second mile. He further stated that he had indicated to Sumter County that Lake County has not made plans to do so this year.
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Smoak and carried unanimously, the Board approved for Sumter County to pave their portion of Cherry Lake Road, with Lake County paving their portion when the project fit into the County's budget.
CONTRACTS, LEASES AND AGREEMENTS/PROPERTY APPRAISER
Mr. Michael C. Willett, County Administrator, addressed the aoard regarding a request to pay Mr. George Ludwig the amount of $15,000.00 to add the intangible mobile home data to the fire tax data base. He stated that this was beyond the scope of the original contract with Mr. Ludwig.
On a motion by Commr. Smoak, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board approved to amend the contract with Mr. George Ludwig, to include an additional $15,000.00 from the Contingency Fund, for the addition to the data base all of the intangible mobile home data necessary for the structure tax.
Mr. Robert Wilson, Finance Director, informed the Board of a request from Mr. Ludwig for his final payment of $36,000 for the completion of the job.
The Board directed Mr. Wilson to review the contract before the final payment was made.
ACCOUNTS ALLOWED/FIRE DISTRICTS-FIRE DEPARTMENTS
On a motion by Commr. Smoak, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously, the Board approved the purchase of a Ford LTD for the County Fire Coordinator under the state bid contract as outlined by Mr. Willett.
BUDGETS/FIRE DISTRICTS-FIRE DEPARTMENTS
On a motion by Commr. Smoak, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously, the Board approved the budget for the County Fire Protection Department, which includes the Fire Inspector and and Fire Coordinator, as submitted by Mr. Willett, County
Administrator.
FIRE DISTRICTS-FIRE DEPARTMENTS
Mr. Chuck Sowers, Fire Coordinator, appeared before the Board and presented a brief history of his background, including his experience in fire service and personal history. Mr. Sowers discussed some of the problems that he has confronted since his arrival and commented on the new addressing system.
Mr. Willett informed the Board that Mr. Sowers will be located on the fourth floor of the New Lake County Courthouse with himself.
ORDINANCES/PLANNING DEPARTMENT
At 10:00 a.m. the Chairman announced that the advertised time had arrived to discuss the proposed amendments to the Comprehensive Land Use Plan.
It was noted that the proper proof of publication was on hand as it appeared in the February 12, 1985, and February 26, 1985, editions of the Sentinel Star, Lake Little Sentinel.
Mr. Dan Kotulla, Director of Planning, informed the Board that the Ordinance that was before them was in conjunction with the Road Impact Fee Ordinance passed on February 19, 1985. He stated that the ordinance today amends the land use plan element, transportation element, and the economic feasbility element, putting the proper language that the new development will in fact pay for the capital facilities needed to accommoda te that development.
No one present wished to discuss the proposed amendment with the Board.
On a motion by Commr. Smoak, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board approved the Ordinance as presented, being the amendments to the Comprehensive Plan to include the impact fees.
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously, the Board approved to place the proposed ordinance on the floor for its first and final reading, by title only:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE LAKE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, AMENDING THE LAND USE PLAN ELEMENT, TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT, AND ECONOMIC FEASIBILITY ELEMENT OF THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, BY ADDING PROVISIONS TO GUARANTEE THAT NEW DEVELOPMENTS BEAR A PROPORTIONATE SHARE OF THE COST OF PROVIDING NEW OR EXPANDED CAPITAL FACILITIES REQUIRED BY SUCH DEVELOPMENT; PROVIDING A SAVING CLAUSE: PROVIDING FOR THE REPEAL OF ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH: PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Smoak and carried unanimously, the Board adopted the Ordinance Amending the Land Use Plan Element, Transportation Element, and Economic Feasibility Element of the Comprehensive Plan, 1985-2, as read on its first and final reading by title only.
CONTRACTS, LEASES AND AGREEMENTS
Mr. Harry T. (Tommy) Holmes appeared before the Board to discuss a request for a cablevision franchise in Lake County. Mr. Holmes stated that there are approximately 1,700-2,000 potential subscribers for the services. He informed the Board of the
boundaries in which the services would be extended and the costs for the services.
Discussion occurred regarding serving everyone who expressed an interest in the services irregardless of how isolated an area might be. Discussion continued regarding the restrictions placed upon the canpany in the Agreement pertaining to the furnishing of services to a resident.
Mr. Holmes discussed the (90) day clause in the Agreement regarding obtaining permits from the Federal Aviation Administration. At this time he requested the clause to read (120) days. Mr. Chris Ford, County Attorney, recanmended the approval of the request.
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Smoak and carried unanimously, the Board approved the contract for CATV- Telephone Communications for a Cablevision Franchise and approved the amendment of (120) days.
At this time Mr. Ford suggested that the franchise agreement be assigned to the County Administrator for reconsideration of its structure to adhere foreseen problems in the future.
RESOLUTIONS/SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT
Discussion occurred regarding the nomination of Deputy Roy D. (Buck) Wrightam as "Deputy Sheriff of the Year".
On a motion by Commr. Smoak, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the Board approved for a resolution to be prepared and for Commissioner Smoak to present the resolution to Deputy Roy D. (Buck) Wrightam as "Deputy Sheriff of the Year" expressing the Board's appreciation for his work in Lake County.
COMMITTEES/MUNICIPALITIES/PUBLIC WORKS
Commr. Smoak informed the Board that he had received a notification from the City of Clermont that the City has formally adopted the Impact Fee Ordinance. He stated that he met with the Town Commission of Lady Lake, and they are opposing the County Impact Fee and are pursuing an in-town impact fee of their own through the City Clerk.
Commr. Smoak extended appreciation from the Homebuilders Association for the inclusion of members from their organization to help take part in the formulation of the Impact Fee Ordinance.
POLLUTION CONTROL
Commr. Burhans informed the Board of a memorandum received from Paulette Muller, Director of Pollution Control, and stated that she was recently appointed as Secretary-Treasurer for the Florida Local Environmental Regulation Association (FLERA).
LIBRARIES/SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT
Discussion occurred regarding a request received from Noel E. Griffin, Sheriff, requesting the Board's consideration for an Inmate Law Library.
On a motion by Commr. Smoak, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the Board directed the County Attorney to research the matter and appropriately respond to the situation as it exists in Lake County to the Sheriff.
ACCOUNTS ALLOWED/SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT
On a motion by Commr. Smoak, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried unanimously, the Board approved the following requests from Noel E. Griffin, Jr., Sheriff, for monies from the appropriate funds, pursuant to Florida Statute 943.25 (8) A, Lake County Ordinance 1982-l:
1. $48.00 to pay the Lake County Area Vo-Tech Center tuition fees for Deputies David Dunavent and Gary Nelson for their attendance to a Law Enforcement 40 Hour Comparative Compliance Course.
2. $24.00 to reimburse the Lake County Sheriff's
Department for tuition paid to the Lake County Area Vo- Tech Center for the attendance made by Deputy Jesse Reid to complete his certification for the State of Florida.
3. $400.00 for expenses incurred in sending Lieutenant J. R. Swails to training courses in Daytona Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, and Orlando.
APPOINTMENTS-RESIGNATIONS/PUBLIC HEALTH
Commr. Burhans informed the Board of a letter received from the Area Agency on Aging stating two vacant seats for members from Lake County. At this time the letter was referred to Mr. Lonnie Strickland, Director of Health and General Services.
RESOLUTIONS
Discussion occurred regarding a letter received fran the Osceola County Board of County Commissioners urging the
consideration for a resolution increasing the tax on deeds and other instruments relating to realty or interests in realty.
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously, the Board approved for a resolution to be prepared for an amendment for additional revenue for County programs to be forwarded to the legislative delegation.
COMMITTEES/PLANNING
Commr. Burhans reported on the public hearings held by the Tourist Development Council pertaining to the resort tax. He stated that there was some discussion by the Hotel-Motel Industry at the meeting held in Leesburg regarding the use of the monies received from the resort tax. It was the feeling of the Industry that the majority of the funds should be utilized for advertisement.
Commr. Burhans reviewed the referendum with the Board.
On a motion by Commr. Smoak, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously, the Board went on record supporting and reaffirming the ballot question as voted on by the people of Lake county, specifically outlining the priorities adopted by this Board as recommended by the Resort Tax Study Committee, and that the funds be expended in such a manner to reflect the intent of the ballot.
CLERK
Mr. Watkins informed the Board that the Clerk's Office is in the process of re-evaluating its computer system and updating it from a PDP to a VAX 11/750 system. Mr. Watkins discussed the use of the present system and the future needs of an advanced system stating that it will be to the County's advantage.
ACCOUNTS ALLOWED/LIBRARIES
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Smoak and carried unanimously, the Board approved the request to purchase a Minolta 4052 Copier for the Law Library at the following cost:
$5,668.45 Copier
1,234.OO Annual Contract
$6,902.45 Sub-Total
(1,150.45) l/6 % cost to Law Library
$5,752.00 F & F Contingency
Included in the motion was the approval of the transfer of $5,752.00 from 111-599-1-00-99-000-999 Contingency Reserve to
111-516-1-20-52-080-640, Circuit Court.
ACCOUNTS ALLOWED/GAME AND FRESH WATER FISH COMMISSION/
OUTDOOR RECREATIONAL FACILITIES
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried, the Board approved the following requests, to be funded from the Fishing Improvement Fund:
1. The purchase of approximately 50 gallons of stain for the public fishing pier on Lake Minneola at Clermont, not to exceed eight hundred dollars ($800).
2. The purchase of 50 bags of soybean chips for Lake Minneola, not to exceed nine hundred dollars ($900).
Commr. Windram was not present for the vote.
ACCOUNTS ALLOWED/PUBLIC WORKS
On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried, the Board approved the request to extend County Bid #210-009-083 for filled Rip Rap Bags to Golden Triangle Builders Supply, Mt. Dora, Florida, through October 1, 1985, at the same price.
Commr. Windram was not present for the vote.
BONDS - CONTRACTOR
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Smoak and carried, the Board approved the following Contractor Bonds:
New
#4083-85 George Richard Sanders & Ronald S. Lazo (Elec. Cont.)
#4245-85 James W. Spencer dba J & R Signs (Sign)
#4246-85 Rebecca Lanier (Residential Class C)
Commr. Windram was not present for the vote.
LICENSES AND PERMITS
On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried, the Board approved the following gun permits and bonds, with the denial of the application made by Joel Edwin Register: New
Larry Edward Shyers Louisa Anna Chrissinger
William F. Jones Harry S. Willis
Helen Louise Kronenthal Charles P. Kronenthal
Amos Henry Bruch William E. Burks
Leeland Boyce Shelton
Renewals
Rayford Maidson Butler Willis V.McCall
Pat Denman Howard B. Fox, Jr.
Additions
Louis Burg David L. Marden
Kendall R. Jones D. P. Wilder
ACCOUNTS ALLOWED/INDIGENTS
On a motion by Commr. Deems, seconded by Commr. Carson and carried, the Board approved the payment of Warrant #47040 through Warrant #47328 for the following accounts:
General Revenue Fine & Forfeiture
County Transportation Trust Revenue Sharing
Mosquito Control Law Library
Aquatic Weed Northeast Ambulance
Section 8 Private Industry Council
Certificate of Indebtedness Landfills
Countywide Library Special Assessments
Included in the motion was approval of payment for the following indigents for the month of March:
Nell Chappell for Pearl Boag/$50/District 2
Arnold Bridges for Lynn Goldsmith/$50/District 3
Commr. Windram was not present for the vote.
COURTS-JUDGES
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried, the Board approved and authorized signatures on the Satisfaction of Judgment, Case No. 84-806-CJ and 84-827-CJ, John Lee Roberson, Juvenile, Goldie Collins, Parent, in the amount of $150.00.
Commr. Windram was not present for the vote.
BONDS/FIRE DISTRICTS-FIRE DEPARTMENTS/REPORTS
On a motion by Commr. Carson, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried, the Board accepted the Public Official Bond for James R. Baysinger, Commissioner of the South Lake Fire District.
Included in the motion was acknowledgement of the Distribution of Revenue, Traffic/Criminal Cases for the following weeks:
February 15, 1985 ($11,895.11) February 22, 1985($10,487.39)
Commr. Windram was not present for the vote.
RECESS AND REASSEMBLY
At 11:23 the Chairman announced that the Board would recess for lunch. The Board reconvened at 2:00 p.m.
ROAD PROJECTS
Mr. Dick Newman, representing Newman Consulting Engineers,
appeared before the Board for an interview regarding the selection of an engineer for the reconstruction of C-473.
Mr. Bennie Bedenbaugh, representing Howard, Needles, Tammen & Bergendoff, addressed the Board to discuss the design project. He discussed the limitations with the 80 foot right-of-way and the drainage problems and their hopes of utilizing the wetland areas. He stated that the original pavement is worth about $700,000. TO construct this design product, it would cost approximately 3.4 million dollars, utilizing the existing right- of-way, a construction easement, and some detention ponds. Mr. Bedenbaugh stated that three intersections were included in the proposal.
Mr. Doug Prescott, representing Howard, Needles, Tammen & Bergendoff, addressed the Board and discussed the proposal for the engineering services. At this time he explained the fees which would include all applications for permits and involve approximately 6,407 man-hours.
Mr. Ben Benedum, Director of Public Works, appeared before the Board to discuss the design package stating that the plans would include complete reconstruct ion of C-4 73, but with a breaking point due to funding at any time.
Discussion occurred regarding accepting the design as presented today with concerns for future problems. Mr. Benedum stated that the County would know how to approach any future problems once the plan has been accepted. He further stated that no one could predict the action of the Department of Environmental Regulations in the future.
Discussion occurred regarding the development that was taking place around C-413 and the acceptance of this project being pre-mature not knowing what the funding will be in the future, nor the traffic flow.
Mr. Willett stated that he would like to review the proposal with Mr. Benedum and work towards the County's budgeted numbers, and reconsider the idea of getting the permits now.
On a motion by Commr. Smoak, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously, the Board continued the interview with Dick Newman Consulting Engineers in order for the staff to consult with the engineering firms and come back with a mutual set meeting time for final action by the Board.
Mr. Ford suggested that Mr. Willett discuss the possibility of condemnation with the engineering firms and the alternate costs.
Mr. Bedenbaugh discussed alternative construction plans at a cost of 2.65 million dollars.
EMERGENCY SERVICES
Mr. Joe Stephany, Director of the Department of Emergency
Management, addressed the Board regarding the uniform addressing system for Lake County. Mr. Stephany stated that the U. S. Postal Service has withdrawn from addressing, and instead relies on local government to assign addresses. He further stated that the County is replete with streets having duplication names, and there is no continuity in property numbers now assigned. As a result there are potential delays in responding to emergency calls and difficulties are being experienced in delivering services and goods. He discussed the Physical Addressing Chain, A Continuum Service Delivery, Figure 1 in his package of material for review. Mr. Stephany stated that he had visited several other counties to review their addressing systems. At this time he explained that the best system for Lake County is the current system of numbering of roads. The following was stated as the functional areas of the number system management:
1. Addressing Organization, Planning
and Management
2. Direction, Control and Operation
3. Public Education and Information
4. Number System Support Services
5. Training and Career Development
6. Record Keeping and Audit
Mr. Stephany stated that he felt the addressing system could be implemented within a two year period at an approximate cost of $120,000.
On a motion by Commr. Smoak, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously, the Board endorsed in concept, the proposal made by Mr. Stephany and authorized Mr. Stephany, working with Mr. Willett, County Administrator, to proceed with the uniform addressing system in Lake County.
Mrs. Miriam Yarby, Postmaster in Eustis, appeared before the Board and stated that she felt the presentation today by Mr. Stephany was the best method of handling the addressing problem in Lake County. She stated that she would cooperate in anyway possible with the new process.
EMERGENCY SERVICES
Mr. Stephany addressed the Board regarding a National
Emergency Telephone Number 911 and discussed having a no cost feasibility study prepared by the United Telephone System.
Mr. Dick Griffin, United Telephone System, addressed the Board regarding the type of study that would be conducted for a 911 system. He stated that the equipment and the costs would be provided by the telephone company in the study to operate the 911 system in the County and would not include personnel. Mr. Griffin stated that approximately 80% of the calls received are police related calls. He discussed the new canputerized system that will be available with the use of the new addressing and numbering system. He stated that it would take about three months to perform the study and about 18 - 20 months to enforce it.
On a motion by Commr. Smoak, seconded by Commr. Windram and carried unanimously, the Board endorsed the concept of the 911 system and authorized the Chairman to sign the request to United Telephone System for assistance in performing the study.
Commr. Carson stated that he was on the Board of Directors with United Telephone and requested that the record reflect, upon the advise of the County Attorney, his vote on the motion due to no advantage to either party.
AMBULANCES-HOSPITALS/EMERGENCY SERVICES/FIRE DISTRICTS-FIRE
DEPARTMENTS/APPOINTMENTS/COMMITTEES
Mr. Stephany addressed the Board regarding the communications needs of Lake County. He discussed the console system held by.Emergency Medical Services and the State providing the County with four (4) channels, and the system not presently being utilized to its fullest capacity.
Mr. Joe King, State of Florida Division of Communications, addressed the Board and stated that he assisted in constructing the emergency system presently used by the County and that the system is not utilized in the way in which it was designed. At this time he discussed the proper use of the system and the way it is presently being utilized. He further stated that the system was designed for all emergency services.
Discussion occurred regarding the County taking control of the system, reviewing its present condition and enforcing it at its fullest capacity.
Mr. Bill Compton, Director of Emergency Services, South Lake Hospital, addressed the Board to discuss his Study on Centralization of Emergency Medical Services Communications for Lake County, Florida. He stated that at the present time the Med Com Center is located at Leesburg Regional Hospital and is not presently serving the needs of the County. Be stated that each hospital is using its own frequency with no inner-frequency coordination from the districts.
Mr. Compton stated his plan would consist of the present console, with the upgrading of one base station located at a central site in the County at a higher elevation than currently operated, and could be implemented within 90 days at an approximate cost of $10,000. Should the County Commission decide to leave the console at Leesburg Regional Medical Center, the total operating costs would be approximately $100,000 a year. He stated that the hospitals were in agreement of the concept of his proposal.
Mr. Willett stated that the fire departments should be allowed input in the discussion of emergency services and the hospital contractual arrangements with the County should be reviewed and the system utilized to its fullest capacity.
On a motion by Commr. Smoak, seconded by Commr. Deems and carried unanimously, the Board moved the recanmendation of Mr.Stephany, Department of Emergency Management, that an appointment be made creating a Communications Study Committee, and that the County utilize, within that Study Committee, the review of the report made by Mr. Compton, and request assistance from the State in developing an overall communications system for Lake County.
Commr. Smoak requested that Mr. Stephany and the staff bring back to the Board of County Commissioners the recanmendation of the structure of the Communications Study Committee, including staff people, with the intent of the Study Committee to make positive changes in the direction of central canmunications in Lake County utilizing the maximum of the console and equipment available to the County today within the perimeters of the people willing to cooperate.
Mr. Stephany stated an extension of time for Operating Center.
At this time Commr. of the following members that a letter would be drafted requesting the activation of the grant for an Emergency Burhans informed the Board of the appointment to a canmittee to study the grant for an Emergency Operating Center and overall emergency communications:
Chuck Sowers
Zeb Osborne
Mike Willett
Joe Stephany
Representative of Sheriff's Department
Commissioner Deems
James C. Watkins
There being no further business to be brought to the attention of the Board, the meeting adjourned at 4:15 p.m.
Glenn C. Burhans, Chairman
James C. Watkins, Clerk
TMA/3-8-85