The Lake County Board of County Commissioners met in special session on Tuesday, July 25, 1989, at 9:00 a.m., in the Board of County Commissioner's Meeting Room, Lake County Courthouse, Tavares, Florida. Commissioners present at the meeting were: C. W. "Chick" Gregg, Chairman: Thomas J. Windram; Richard Swartz; Michael J. Bakich; and Don Bailey. Others present were: James C. Watkins, Clerk and Acting County Manager; Robert K. McKee, Chief Deputy Finance Director: Don Smalt, Budget Clerk; James C. Schuster, Analyst; and Toni M. Austin, Deputy Clerk.
BUDGETS
Mr. James C. Watkins I Clerk and Acting County Manager, informed the Board that the budget workshop would continue with the status quo budgets prepared by the different County divisions.
Division of Planning and Development
Mr. John Swanson, Director of Development, Mr. Jack Bragg, Building Official, Mr. Mike Szunyog, Director of Planning, and Mr. Greg Stubbs, Principal Planner, were present to discuss the proposed budget for the Division of Planning and Development.
Mr. Bob McKee, Chief Deputy Clerk, stated that the Board had been presented with an Addendum to the Building Department's proposed budget.
Mr. Swanson reviewed each line item in the proposed budget for the Building Department. He stated that he is anticipating $831,000.00 in revenue in this department, which would be a shortfall of approximately $30,000.00. Mr. Bragg has begun to revise some of the building permit fees, which would allocate approximately $100,000.00, with the department becoming self-sustaining.
Mr. Bragg discussed the changes recommended for the permitting fees, and the projected revenue it would produce. Mr. Bragg stated that the fees have not been changed since 1985, and he would be more comfortable polling the counties again.
Mr. Swanson stated that the additional generated revenue would justify the new positions for the department, with the amount of $72,814.00 not being included within the proposed budget, at this time.
Commr. Swartz suggested that the staff put together numbers for the overhead costs, to be transferred into the General Revenue Fund, and factor this into the increase in inspection fees, and present a new inspection fee schedule, based on the status quo budget plus the overhead costs, with the staff presenting those fees to the Board, with the comparisons, should they add those positions.
Mr. Watkins stated that today the status quo budget has been approved, with the Board instructing the staff to look at an increase in fee structure, based on discussion today, and for the Board to revisit the request for new positions, and the upgrading of the one position. Also Mr. Schuster will be adding $l00,000.00 as additional revenue, based on the tentative figures projected today.
Planning Department
Mr. Swanson informed the Board that the increase in regular salaries for the Planning Department is due to the addition of the Addressing personnel. At this time, Mr. Swanson continued to discuss each line item.
Mr. Swanson discussed Professional Services, which included $40,000.00 for consulting services to assist the County in the preparation of the Capital Improvement Program; $40,000.00 to update and make reproducable mylars in the Engineering Department; and stated that there is an additional $22,000.00 figure in Professional Services for consulting services to edit and review the Comprehensive Plan.
Mr. Mike Syunyog discussed the necessity of the consultant services for the Capital Improvement Program, and stated that he did feel that the County has the staff, time, and capability necessary to do it in-house.
Mr. Watkins stated that, should the Board not have the consultant review the Comprehensive Plan, and the Plan was sent to the State for review and not accepted, the State would just send it back for amendments to be made.
After some discussion, it was the consensus of the Board to eliminate the $22,000.00 for the editing and review of the County's Comprehensive Plan, with the total of Professional Services remaining at $80,000.00.
Mr. Swanson discussed the line item Machinery and Equipment, with Mr. McKee stating that $500.00 could be deleted for one desk.
Mr. Stubbs presented the Board with a proposed fee schedule, at which time he reviewed the existing fees and recommendations for increases.
Mr. Watkins recommended that the Planning and Development staff return on Wednesday at 11:OO a.m., with recommendations and justification, with respect to the Building Department fees and the Planning Department fees, and the process of timing to implement the changes.
Mr. Swanson stated that the overall proposed budget now reflects an overall cut, in the amount of appoximately $65,000.00.
ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
Soil Conservation
Mr. Don Findell, Director of Public Works, Mr. Richard Roof, Director of Pollution Control, Ms. Frankie Thorpe, Animal Control, Eric Cotsenmoyer, Director of Mosquito Control, and Mr. Fred Johnson, Lake Soil and Water Conservation District, appeared before the Board to discuss the different proposed budgets for Environmental Services.
Mr. Findell stated that the proposed budget reflects all State and Federal funding, and positions allowed. At this time, Mr. Findell discussed the different line items, and stated that the $500.00 for County Attorney Legal Fees can be removed from the budget, with funding being in the County staff budget with the County Manager's Office.
Mr. Findell discussed the amount budgeted under Machinery and Equipment for the medium antenna for the ground penetrating radar, with the equipment being used on a user-fee basis, paying for itself..Commr. Swartz suggested that Mr. Findell look into the reflection in revenue that will be caused by the user-fee on the radar equipment.
Mr. McKee informed the Board that the proposed budget for Soil Conservation reflects a reduction, in the amount of $500.00, for the County Attorney; a 11% reduction in all operating expenses; and has a piece of equipment that generates revenue.
Water Resources
Mr. Findell informed the Board that the cost of the revenue share is split 50-50 by USGS and the County, with the County and Water Authority splitting their share 50-50.
Mr. Watkins suggested that the representative from the Board talk with the Water Authority Board on assuming the entire budget.
Mr. Findell stated that he addressed this issue with Mr. Will Davis, Water Authority, who indicated that, if the Board did not wish to continue to fund this program, he would recommend that the Water Authority pick up the expense.
Lake Apopka-Beauclaire Canal
Mr. Findell stated that the program funds for this budget have been transferred to the St. Johns River Water Management District, with the County having no expenditures for the program, which will save the County approximately $90,000.00 over a three year period.
Animal Control
Mr. Findell discussed the Board assuming the responsibility of emergency calls relating to large animals, and stated that this reflects a need for the addition of three staff employees and one clerical assistant.
It was the feeling of the Board that detailed information was needed from the Sheriff to determine the necessary staff that would be needed to provide the additional services, with Mr. Watkins stating that the request would be made to the Sheriff to bring the information to the Board on Wednesday when he returns.
Ms. Frankie Thorpe discussed the increase in work orders and livestock calls. She stated that there are presently eight employees, and was authorized one part-time employee under the Private Industry Council program. Last year one additional employee was authorized.
Commr. Swartz suggested that Ms. Thorpe review the present fees, in order to determine what increases would be necessary to increase revenue, since the fees have not changed since 1978. He further suggested including in the budget the one clerical position, based on the evaluation of calls received by the Sheriff's Office, and how it will impact Animal Control.
Mr. Findell discussed the line item Buildings, and the amount of $60,000.00 being budgeted to construct an addition to the Animal Control building, in order to allow them to operate in a more sufficient manner. MS. Thorp produced letters of concern from Mr. Gerry Jacobs, Risk Management, regarding the potential risk of some of the present conditions and operations at the facility.
Discussion occurred regarding the line item Machinery and Equipment, which contains an amount for a replacement vehicle. Mr. Watkins suggested placing a portion of these funds into Contingency, based upon the present vehicles not lasting throughout the year.
Ms. Thorpe stated that this would create a necessity to increase the line item Repair and Maintenance.
Commr. Swartz stated that the Sheriff's Office has a 4-wheel drive that could replace one of the vehicles, and suggested that the Board go ahead and budget for two vehicles and approach the Sheriff for the Q-wheel drive.
It was the consensus of the Board to adjust Repair and Maintenance to reflect $25,000.00; leave $60,000.00 in Buildings; and budget one clerical position: and instructed Ms. Thorpe to reevaluate the Animal Control fees by a comparison with surrounding counties, making recommendations as to the implementation of the fees. With the Board having no further questions, the proposed budget, with changes, was tentatively approved.
Agriculture Center
Mr. Findell discussed the proposed budget for the Agriculture Center, stating that there has been a minimum increase. After reviewing each line item, he suggested decreasing the line item Operating Supplies to the amount of $7,500.00.
Mr. John Jackson, Agriculture Center, was present to discuss the proposed budget. Mr. Jackson discussed the request for additional equipment, including two computer terminals and a copier, and stated that S&3,000.00 would fund the two computer terminals, the rotatiller, and the folding machine.
It was the consensus of the Board to place in the status quo budget the amount of $8,000.00 in the line item Machinery and Equipment.
With the Board having no further questions, the proposed budget was tentatively approved.
Pollution Control
Mr. Findell discussed the line item Regular Salaries, and the present positions within the Pollution Control Department, and the positions that needed to be filled.
Commr. Swartz stated that he would like to review the organizational chart for Lake County, with Mr. Watkins stating that the information will be provided tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. He further stated that he would like to consider the position as Principal Planner for Natural Resources tomorrow, which, if eliminated, $35,000.00 would have to come out of Regular Salaries.
Discussion occurred regarding the line item Professional Services, with Mr. Findell stating that $150,000.00 is a consulting service fee for the preparation of the Stormwater Management Master Plan, and the $500,000.00 was the initial implementation of the Water and Sewer Master Plan, with additional studies and other negotiations necessary to implement the plan. Mr. Findell stated that the status quo figure of $100,000.00 is for the completion of the Water and Sewer Master Plan, and the Stormwater Management Ordinance.
After further discussion, the Board decided to fund one-half of the $150,000.00 for the preparation of the Stormwater Management Master Plan, increasing Professional Services to $175,000.00.
After some discussion, the Board reduced the line item Books, Publications and Dues from $12,000.00 to $8,000.00, and reduced line item Travel and Per Diem from $5,000.00 to $3,500.00.
Mr. Findell stated that four vehicles need to be replaced, although only two are budgeted.
The Board noted that all positions and salaries are scheduled for review tomorrow.
RECESS & REASSEMBLY
At 12:40 p.m., the Chairman announced that the Board would recess until 1:30 p.m.
County Library System
Mr. Lonnie Strickland, Director of Health and General Services, addressed the Board on the County Library System Fund. He discussed each line item, with additional funds, in the amount of $18,000.00, being placed in the line item Regular Salaries, bringing Total Personal Services to approximately $96,000.00, and with additional funds, in the amount of $85,000.00, being placed in the line item Contractual Services, bringing Total Operating Expenses to approximately $225,431.00.
With the Board having no further questions, the proposed budget was tentatively approved.
Mental Health
Mr. Bert Lacey was present to discuss the proposed budget for Mental Health, along with Mr. Strickland.
It was the consensus of the Board to increase the proposed status quo budget from $170,000.00 to $185,000.00.
Health Units
Dr. June Atkinson, Lake County Public Health Unit, was present to discuss the proposed budget for the Health Units, along with Mr. Strickland.
Dr. Atkinson informed the Board that the proposed budget reflected a 4% increase, and discussed the present health facilities and construction funds, in the amount of $250,000.00, for the construction of the new facility by the Agricultural Center. The Health Unit in Tavares will strictly be used for administrative purposes. She further stated that $80,000.00 is not reflected in the proposed budget before the Board, which will be requested at the next Board meeting. These additional funds will be used to remodel the existing building for administration.
Commr. Swartz suggested that Dr. Atkinson present information to the Board regarding position classification and salary ranges, as requested of the other departments, in order for the Board to review tomorrow.
Dr. Atkinson stated that they will not be filling any new positions, and have approximately 20 vacant positions, at the present.
Commr. Swartz requested a breakdown of State and County funding carried forward for the Health Units. Mr. Strickland stated that all fees, State funds, and County funds are placed into the Public Health Unit Trust Fund.
Medical Examiner
Dr. William Shutze was present to discuss the proposed budget for the Medical Examiner, along with Mr. Strickland.
Dr. Shutze reviewed the line items with the Board, increasing the line item Other Professional Services to $110,000.00, and placing $15,000.00 to Operating Supplies, in the status quo budget.
Mr. Strickland stated that the morgue fees were raised from $100.00 to $125.00 last year, with the Board questioning whether or not this is a fair charge. He further stated that the County has budgeted $358,000.00 from Marion County for the Medical Examiner.
The Board stated that, it would like to see information from Orange County regarding a fee comparison. Mr. Strickland stated that, before the Board sets a fee, he would like to consult with other surrounding counties.
Mr. Watkins requested that Mr. Strickland present to the Board tomorrow an estimation of an increase in fees that could be sustained, strictly for projection purposes.
Best Management Monitoring
Mr. Don Findell appeared before the Board to discuss the proposed budget for Best Management Monitoring, and stated that the funding is shared with Soil Conservation.
Commr. Gregg suggested that the staff research the expenditure side of this account.
Mosquito Control
Mr. Eric Cotsenmoyer, Director of Mosquito Control, and Mr. Findell were present to discuss the proposed budget for Mosquito Control. Mr. Cotsenmoyer discussed each line item, with the Board changing the status quo budget to reflect the following: $114,000.00 in Operating Supplies; $9,000.00 in Buildings; and $43,500.00 in Improvements Other than Buildings.
With the Board having no further questions, the proposed budget was tentatively approved.
Mosquito Control - State I
With the Board having no questions, the proposed budget for Mosquito Control - State I was tentatively approved.
Mosquito Control - State II
With the Board having no questions, the proposed budget for Mosquito Control - State II was tentatively approved.
T. Keith Hall, Tax Collector
Mr. T. Keith Hall, Tax Collector, appeared before the Board and stated that he operates through the approval of the Department of Revenue. Mr. Hall stated that his budget last year was over one million dollars, with him returning to the Board approximately $560,000.00 excess income. He further stated that he anticipates approximately the same amount of excess fees this year. Mr. Hall informed the Board that it will be notified of budget transfers or amendments from the Department of Revenue.
Ed Havill, Property Appraiser
Mr. Ed Havill, Property Appraiser, appeared before the Board and stated the average increase over the years for his office has been 6%. This year, due to the additional computers, the increase will be 15%.
Aquatic Weed Control
The Board reviewed each line item for Aquatic Weed Control, with Mr. Findell, and decreased the status quo budget line item Operating Supplies to $25,000.00.
Discussion occurred regarding Machinery and Equipment, with Commr. Swartz suggesting that staff check with Sheriff Knupp to see whether or not he has another 4-wheel drive.
With no further questions by the Board, the proposed budget was tentatively approved.
Aquatic/Hydrilla
Mr. Findell informed the Board that the proposed budget for Aquatic/Hydrilla had a zero status quo budget, with the account staying with Water Authority.
Landfill - Local
Ms. Claire Bartlett, Solid Waste Disposal Manager, addressed the Board on the proposed budget for the Landfill and reviewed the line items. At this time, she and Mr. Findell addressed the line item Salaries stating that it reflected two attendents to be staffed at the Ogden Martin Building, along with two reclassification positions. At this time, it was the consensus of the Board to have this budget remain at status quo for Personal Services.
With the Board having no further questions, the proposed budget was tentatively approved.
Solid Waste Management Recycling
Mr. Findell discussed the line items within the Solid Waste Management Recycling proposed budget.
With the Board having no questions, the proposed budget was tentatively approved.
Hazardous Waste Collection and Disposal
Ms. Claire Bartlett and Mr. Findell discussed the proposed budget for Hazardous Waste Collection and Disposal. Ms. Bartlett stated that the amount of funding, in the line item Professional Services, covers the Amnesty Day programs, with the one program being approximately $50,000.00, and meeting the Department of Environmental Services obligation by contract. She further stated that the position budgeted in Personal Services is for a required program by the State.
At this time, the Board placed $34,100.00 into Personal Services, reducing Professional services to $120,052.00.
With the Board having no further questions, the proposed budget was tentatively approved.
Landfill Enterprise Fund - Contingency and Cash Carried Forward
With the Board having no questions, the proposed budget was tentatively approved at status quo.
Animal Shelter Trust Fund
With the Board having no questions, the proposed budget was tentatively approved at status quo.
Community Services Block Grant
With the Board having no questions, the proposed budget was tentatively approved at status quo.
Fire Control
Mr. Strickland discussed the proposed budget for Fire Control stating that a 5% increase in salaries has been included in the fire budgets, because the projected revenues had not been received until July 5, 1989, therefore will have to be recalculated.
With the Board having no questions, the proposed budget was tentatively approved, with the adjustments to salaries.
Senior Citizens Services
With the Board having no questions, the proposed budget was tentatively approved at status quo.
Fairgrounds
Mr. Strickland discussed the line items within the Fairground's proposed budget, with questions being asked about Machinery and Equipment, and Repair and Maintenance.
With the Board having no further questions, the proposed budget was tentatively approved at status quo.
Veterans Services
Mr. Don Priem, Director of Veterans Services, discussed the line items within the proposed budget, with Mr. Watkins stating that the additional position and other salaries will be reviewed tomorrow, along with the other departments.
With the Board having no further questions, the proposed budget was tentatively approved at status quo.
EMS Trust Grant - Fire/Rescue
Ms. McDonald discussed the proposed budget stating that it involved four grant applications, which have to be matched with 50% County funding. Ms. McDonald informed the Board that the total figure in the Budget Request column was the correct figure, with the status quo figure not reflecting one grant.
With the Board having no further questions, the proposed budget was tentatively approved at the original budget request.
EMS Trust Award - Pre-hospital
With the Board having no questions, the proposed budget was tentatively approved at status quo.
Emergency Food and Shelter
Ms. McDonald informed the Board that additional funding would be received, and should be included in Aids to Private Organizations, with the total amount being $65,000.00.
With the Board having no further questions, or adjustments, the proposed budget was tentatively approved with the additional funds, as stated above.
EMS - South Lake Memorial Match
With the Board having no questions, the proposed budget was tentatively approved at status quo.
Northeast Hospital
With the Board having no questions, the proposed budget was tentatively approved at status quo.
Emergency Management Operation
Mr. Bob Reymont, Director of Emergency Services, discussed with the Board the line items within the proposed budget, and presented an explanation of the requested funding for Machinery and Equipment.
With the Board having no further questions, the proposed budget was tentatively approved at status quo.
Welfare - Administration
Mr. Strickland, Ms. McDonald, and Ms. Allison Hill discussed the proposed budget and the additional positions being requested for certification of eligibility. It was noted that the positions would be discussed tomorrow, along with the requests from other departments.
Ms. Nadine O'Conner informed the Board that Section 8 will no longer be renting the building where the Welfare Office is presently located.
Discussion occurred regarding the request for the copy machine, since Section 8 will be taking the machine with them when they move. Mr. Watkins stated that the hiring of a maintenance person for copiers is being considered.
At this time, the Board reduced the budget $ll,OOO.OO for a copier, and reduced the amount of funding for a vehicle to $12,000.00.
Welfare - Services
Mr. Strickland discussed each line of the proposed budget, which contained health care services, too, and after further discussion, he suggested that the Board stay with the actual budget request, rather than status quo.
Commr. Gregg discussed, rather than setting up the Medicaid-Hospital line item at $225,000.00, leave the line at status quo, and place the difference into a Contingency for Indigent Health Care line item, with the Board being in agreement. The Board was also in agreement to changing the status quo amount for Welfare -Hospital Services to $100,000.00.
Discussion occurred regarding the line item Welfare - Prisoner Hospital Services, with Mr. Strickland requesting the Board to budget the funds and place them back into the Sheriff's budget, because this should be the Sheriff's responsibility. Mr. Schuster was informed to make the transfer of funds to the Sheriff's budget.
Administrative Office (Health)
Mr. Strickland discussed the line items within the budget, and stated that two new positions were being requested, a computer programmer and an executive secretary.
With the Board having no questions, the proposed budget was tentatively approved, depending on the outcome of the salary information reviewed tomorrow.
Administrative Office (Public Safety)
Mr. Strickland stated that this budget involves three positions, and Commr. Swartz suggested that this be budgeted within the emergency management area. Suggestions were made to budget for a director and a vehicle for this area.
At this time, it was the consensus of the Board to budget for a Public Safety Director and place this funding under Administrative Office (Health).
Northeast Ambulance - General Government
With the Board having no questions, the proposed budget was tentatively approved at status quo.
Northeast Ambulance - Intra Governmental Transfers
With the Board having no questions, the proposed budget was tentatively approved.
Northeast Ambulance - Northeast Ambulance Service
Ms. McDonald informed the Board of status quo figures to be included in the proposed budget as follows: line item Machinery and Equipment, $58,093.00; line item Other Machinery and Equipment, $47,994.00; with the status quo being the same as budget requested.
Northeast Ambulance - Contingency and Cash Carried Forward
With the Board having no questions, the proposed budget was tentatively approved.
Northwest Ambulance - Intra Governmental Transfers
The Board had no questions regarding the fund.
Northwest Ambulance - Northwest Ambulance Service
Ms. McDonald informed the Board that the actual funding should be the budget request, in the amount of $271,873.00.
The Board had no questions regarding the fund.
Emergency E-911
Ms. McDonald stated that discussion has occurred regarding the possibility of a lease agreement with GTE on the equipment, rather than outright purchase, which will totally change the proposed budget.
Mr. Watkins requested that Ms. McDonald meet with Mr. Schuster and come back to the Board with recommendations.
Emergency E-911 (Contingency)
The Board had no questions regarding the fund.
Resort/Development Tax
Discussion occurred regarding the budgeted salaries for a planner and secretary to work with the Tourist Development Council, and to work with tourist related issues for Lake County, with Mr. Watkins suggesting that another planner be hired for the County, who can work both areas.
Discussion continued regarding the plans, which have been established by the Tourist Development Council, for a convention/expo center, with Commr. Bailey stating that the Council would like to use the entire funding for advertisement.
Commr. Gregg stated that he would like to see the funds budgeted for the preparation of a complete plan for a new fairgrounds, with Commr. Swartz stating that he would like to see a consultant hired to prepare a schematic design.
Commr. Bailey stated that he still felt that the Board needs to plan to look at a staff position in the near future.
Mr. Watkins stated that the budgeted funds will be taken out of salaries and placed into Professional Services for consulting services to help plan for that area, with a figure being brought back to the Board, after consulting with Water Authority.
There being no further business to be brought to the attention of the Board, the meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
C. W. "CHICK" GREGG, CHAIRMAN
ATTEST:
JAMES C. WATKINS
TMA/8-9-89/BCC