A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

REDISTRICTING WORKSHOP

AUGUST 19, 1991

The Lake County Board of County Commissioners met in special session on Monday, August 19, 1991, at 1:30 p.m., in the Board of County Commissioner's Meeting Room, Lake County Courthouse, Tavares, Florida. Commissioners present at the meeting were: Donald B. Bailey, Chairman; C. W. "Chick" Gregg; Richard Swartz; Catherine Hanson; and Michael J. Bakich. Others present were: Annette Star Lustgarten, County Attorney; Mike Anderson, Director of Capital Improvements (sitting in for Al Thelen, County Manager); James C. Watkins, Clerk; Robert K. McKee, Chief Deputy Clerk; and Toni M. Austin, Deputy Clerk.

PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT

REDISTRICTING

Mr. John Swanson, Director of Planning and Development, appeared before the Board and stated that the Board members have reviewed the three proposals that staff was directed to prepare, and in addition, precinct maps were prepared, along with a census map showing the population, in order that the Board have a complete overview of possible changes.

Commr. Bailey discussed his district area, in relation to the area Commr. Swartz will represent, and stated that he would like to have Hawthorne, and the Okahumpka area, which would allow 30,667 minus 300-400.

Discussion occurred regarding the creation of the South Lake District, with Mr. Swanson stating that the newly created District has basically the same existing districts, but with adjustments being made in Districts 1, 3, and 5.

Commr. Bakich stated that, if a South Lake District is created, the Board wants to retain the continuity in the County. He suggested keeping as much of the original map as possible, with Districts 4 and 5 basically the same, and working with Districts 1, 2, and 3.

Mr. Swanson stated that the first proposal is what exists today with population adjustments; the second proposal is to create a South Lake District; and the third proposal is to create a minority district, all which were developed at the direction of the Board.

Discussion occurred regarding the Districts 1, 4 and 5, with Commr. Bakich stating that the present map is more equitable in terms of land, but can see a need in the future to adjust the large land masses. He discussed Districts 4 and 5 staying the same.

Discussion occurred regarding the census indicating an average of 31,000 per district, with District 1 being approximately 427 above the average of the five districts, and with District 5 being 300 below average.

Commr. Swartz stated that he would like to avoid, if possible, the splitting of communities, such as Eustis, and discussed trying to develop the districts, in relation to population (30,400 per district).

Commr. Bakich stated that he would like to see the Board disturb the County as little as possible, and would like to consider basically the first proposal, which is based on proportion of population, keeping Districts 1, 4 and 5 almost the same. He stated that he would like to see this possibility developed by staff to review.

Mr. Gene Molnar, Lake County School Board, appeared before the Board to discuss the map that is the closest to the school districts, and stated that he would like a copy of the proposal that the Board selects, in order to provide it to the members of the School Board at their meeting tomorrow.

Direction was given to staff to bring back alternatives proposed by the Board members today, with Mr. Swanson taking the concept to equalize the population, based on the census, and with the population being adjusted as close to three percent (3%), but within a five percent (5%) range.



There being no further business to be brought to the attention of the Board, the meeting adjourned at 2:55 p.m.



DONALD B. BAILEY, CHAIRMAN



ATTEST:







JAMES C. WATKINS, CLERK



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