The Lake County Board of County Commissioners held a special Townhall Meeting on Thursday, April 23, 1992, at 7:00 p.m., at the Groveland Community Center, Groveland, Florida. Commissioners present at the meeting were: Michael J. Bakich, Chairman; Donald B. Bailey; C. W. "Chick" Gregg; Richard Swartz; and Catherine Hanson. Others present were: Annette Star Lustgarten, County Attorney; Peter F. Wahl, County Manager; Tim Hoban, Assistant County Attorney; Greg Stubbs, Director of Current Planning; Mike Anderson, Interim Director of Environmental Services; Mike Brooks, Public Works; Don Griffey, Director of Engineering for Public Works; Chuck Pula, Parks & Facilities Director; Jim Barker, Director of Pollution Control; Jack Bragg, Building Official; Ava Kronz, Assistant to the County Manager; and Marlene S. Foran, Deputy Clerk.
The Invocation was given by Mr. Bennett Allen, Vice Mayor of Groveland, and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Ms. Kathy Burns.
Commr. Bailey (District II Commissioner) opened the meeting by introducing the County Commissioners, County Staff, and various city officials and dignitaries who were present in the audience. It was noted that, in addition to the department heads and staff members present, there were approximately 87 individuals from the local community present.
UPDATE ON SOLID WASTE ISSUES
Mr. Mike Anderson, Interim Director of Environmental Services, appeared before those present to present an update on the solid waste issues presently on-going in the County. He addressed tipping fees; the on-going perceived inequity between the Cities and the unincorporated area over mandatory trash collection; recycling; the process of renegotiating the waste-to-energy agreement with Ogden Martin of Lake County; and the landfill mining approach as a way of providing solid waste to the incinerator and as a possible solution to the remediation of contaminated water.
At this time, the Board members and staff responded to questions and comments presented by those present in the audience regarding solid waste issues.
UPDATE ON ROAD PROJECTS IN DISTRICT 2
Mr. Don Griffey, Director of Engineering for Public Works, appeared before those present and discussed various road projects that the County currently has under way, past projects, as well as proposed future projects, at which time he presented a hand-out listing past, current, and future projects in District 2; double surface treated road projects; and recreation projects.
At this time, Mr. Griffey responded to questions and comments presented by those present in the audience regarding various road projects. A resident in the audience presented a question regarding the County's policy of mowing rights-of-way on County maintained clay roads; at which time Mr. Pete Wahl, County Manager, responded that he would review this issue. Discussion occurred regarding the re-alignment of Calvin Lee Road, at which time it was noted staff would meet with the residents in the area prior to the resurfacing of said road.
Mr. Chuck Pula, Parks & Facilities Director, appeared before those present to present an update on the Palatlakaha River Park project, which is 30 acres on the pristine Palatlakaha River, and reviewed the planned improvements at the park. Mr. Pula stated that funding through the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is not available at the present time; however, he is looking at other sources for funding for said project.
At this time, the Board members and staff responded to a number of questions presented by those present in the audience regarding parks and facilities, bicycle trails and nature trails in Lake County.
UPDATE ON TOURIST DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES
Mr. Dave Warren, Tourist Development Director, appeared before the Board to present an update on Tourist Development activities and stated that a 2% Tourist Development Tax is collected from all tourists who stay in Lake County for under six months. He reviewed
three major activities that are presently ongoing, the first being the development of the Tourist Development property at Highways 19/27 and the turnpike, which will include a Welcome Center; the second being the possibility of the Marlins Spring Training Camp being established in Lake County and the establishment of a Baseball Task Force, for the purpose of studying the feasibility of baseball in the County; and the possibility and feasibility of moving the Fairgrounds to the Tourist Development property.
At this time, staff responded to questions and comments presented by those present in the audience regarding the Tourist Development Council activities.
UPDATE ON COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS
Ms. Annette Star Lustgarten, County Attorney, appeared before the Board to present an update on the Lake County Comprehensive Plan, which was adopted on July 9, 1991, and then submitted to the Department of Community Affairs (DCA). She stated that on August 31, 1991, the Department of Community Affairs issued a Notice of Intent to find the Lake County Comprehensive Plan not in compliance, resulting in an Administrative Hearing, at which time she reviewed the status of said hearing. She stated that the County has retained the services of a consultant in Tallahassee for the purpose of reviewing the plan and representing the County in negotiations with the Department of Community Affairs (DCA). She stated that as part of the negotiations, the County is discussing, reevaluating and looking at the population projections that were included within the original Comprehensive Plan and further stating that the Green Swamp was one of the major issues addressed in comments provided by DCA, in their analysis of the County's Comprehensive Plan. She stated that all decisions will be made in a public hearing process in which all Lake County residents will have the opportunity to participate.
At this time, the Board members and staff responded to questions and comments presented by those present in the audience regarding the Comprehensive Plan, specifically issues pertaining to the Green Swamp.
Mr. Claude Smoak, a local resident, appeared before the Board and announced that the Farm Bureau is presenting a seminar, opened to the public, at the Agricultural Center on April 30, 1992, at 7:00 p.m., for the purpose of addressing many of the issues regarding the Comprehensive Plan.
Mr. Greg Stubbs, Director of Current Planning, appeared before the Board to present an update on the Land Development Regulations (LDRs) and stated that the second phase of the Comprehensive Plan process is the development of the Land Development Regulations. He stated that the LDRs have been prepared, and they are available for review in his office. He further stated that a public hearing on the LDRs has been scheduled on May 5, 1992 and on May 19, 1992, at 5:05 p.m., in the Board of County Commissioner's Meeting Room, Lake County Courthouse, Tavares, Florida.
There being no further business to be brought to the attention of the Board, the meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
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MICHAEL J. BAKICH, CHAIRMAN
ATTEST:
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JAMES C. WATKINS, CLERK
MSF/4-23-92/4-27-92