A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

BOARD ADVANCE - LAKE COUNTY BOYS RANCH

JUNE 16, 1997

The Lake County Board of County Commissioners met in special session on Monday, June 16, 1997, at 9:00 a.m., in the Conference Room, Lake County Boys Ranch, Altoona, Florida.  Commissioners present at the meeting were:  William "Bill" H. Good, Chairman (departed meeting at 1:30 p.m.); G. Richard Swartz, Vice Chairman; Catherine C. Hanson; Welton G. Cadwell; and Rhonda H. Gerber (departed meeting at 3:30 p.m.).  Others present were:  Sandy A. Minkoff, County Attorney; Sue B. Whittle, County Manager; Alvin Jackson, Assistant County Manager; Ava Kronz, Director of Continuous Quality Improvement; Fletcher Smith, Senior Director, Community Services; Mike Anderson, Senior Director, Facilities & Capital Improvements; Craig Haun, Senior Director, Fire & Emergency Services; Sharon Farrell, Senior Director, Division of Growth Management; Jim Stivender, Jr., Senior Director, Public Works; Don Post, Senior Director, Solid Waste Management Services; Sarah LaMarche, Director of Budget; Barbara Lehman, Chief Deputy Clerk, County Finance; John White, Vice President, William R. Hough & Company; Mitch Owens, William R. Hough & Company; Leif Erickson; and Marlene S. Foran, Deputy Clerk.

Commr. Good introduced Mr. John White, Vice President, William R. Hough & Company; and Mr. Mitch Owens, William R. Hough & Company.

UPDATE ON FY 1996/97 GOALS

It was noted that a notebook outlining the Fiscal Year 1996/97 Goals, Action Steps and Successes was distributed prior to the presentation.

Ms. Ava Kronz, Continuous Quality Assurance Improvement, provided a brief overview of the Fiscal Year 1996/97 Goals, Action Steps, and Successes as they relate to the following Focus Areas:

FOCUS AREA A: To build a sustainable environment for current and future generations in Lake County.

FOCUS AREA B: To develop an economic base which will allow our citizens the ability to enjoy optimum employment, varied cultural opportunities and a quality standard of living.

FOCUS AREA C: To nourish our communities enabling all residents the enjoyment of an aesthetically pleasing, safe, abundant and healthy lifestyle.

FOCUS AREA D: To increase citizen confidence in Lake County government.

Discussion occurred regarding the broadcasting of the Board of County Commissioners’ meetings in South Lake by CVI Cable Company.  Commr. Swartz stated that the Board does not currently have an agreement with Lake Sumter Community College that outlines the working relationship regarding the broadcast of the Board meetings, and suggested that the Board look at an agreement that clarifies the working relationship with the College.  He requested that staff further explore the possibility of expanding the programming with CVI Cable Company.

Ms. Sharon Farrell, Senior Director, Department of Growth Management, briefly discussed the accomplishments of the Building Services Division, Department of Growth Management, in streamlining operations and providing better service to customers.

Commr. Good brought up for discussion the use of telephone voice mail systems and expressed concern with the current system being used by Solid Waste Management Services.  He suggested that the use of voice mail systems be reviewed and that said systems be developed with a person answering the initial call.

Commr. Swartz brought up for discussion the need for a phone answering system to answer weekend phone calls to the various government departments; at which time the Board requested that staff review this issue.

Ms. Sue Whittle, County Manager, congratulated the County Attorney’s Office on the presentation of nineteen (19) seminars on Code of Ethics, Sunshine Law and Public Records Law and stated that the County Attorney’s Office would continue to present seminars as a part of the orientation process for new employees.

Mr. Craig Haun, Senior Director, Fire and Emergency Services, briefly discussed the completion of the reorganization of an in-service firefighter training program to make the program more accessible to volunteers in a more timely and efficient manner.

Mr. Mike Anderson, Senior Director, Facilities and Capital Improvements, briefly discussed the accomplishments of Facilities and Capital Improvements and noted that the “Dough Boy” monument would be transferred to the Old Historic Courthouse.

Ms. Whittle stated that discussion has occurred regarding the State of the County being held in the Old Historic Courthouse in October and requested direction from the Board whether or not that would be an appropriate site.

Mr. Anderson discussed the progress of work being conducted on off-site buildings and reported that engineering has been completed and a contractor has been selected for the Agricultural Center reroofing project; reworking of the air conditioning units has been completed on the Environmental Building and the County Health Administration Building and work has been scheduled on the Health Clinics.  He noted that work has been scheduled next year for the Lake County Fairgrounds.

Commr. Hanson suggested the possibility of the Planning and Development Services Division landscape architect professionally landscaping County property.

FISCAL YEAR 97/98 FOCUS AREAS

Ms. Kronz presented an overview of the Fiscal Year 1997/98 Goals, and the proposed Fiscal Year 1998 Action Steps, as they relate to the following Focus Areas:

FOCUS AREA A: To build a sustainable environment for current and future generations in Lake County.

FOCUS AREA B: To develop an economic base and the infrastructure needed which will allow our citizens the ability to enjoy optimum employment, varied cultural opportunities and a quality standard of living.

FOCUS AREA C: To nourish our communities enabling all residents the enjoyment of an aesthetically pleasing, safe, abundant and healthy lifestyle.

FOCUS AREA D: To increase citizen confidence in Lake County Government.

Commr. Hanson suggested that a neighborhood cleanup program be identified as an action step to provide pick up and disposal of trash and debris collected by neighborhoods.

Mr. Sandy Minkoff, County Attorney, suggested that the contracts with the haulers could be renegotiated to include pickup of debris collected by neighborhoods. 

Commr. Good requested that Focus Area A include a statement addressing agriculture incentive programs for economic development.

Discussion occurred regarding Goal 5, under Focus Area B, and it was the decision of the Board to amend Goal 5, as follows: “To develop an economic strategy which would include cultural, tourism, environmental, and educational activities.”  Commr. Good suggested that Goal 5 would be an appropriate place to add a statement addressing agriculture incentive programs for economic development.

Commr. Hanson requested a change to the Proposed FY 98 Action Steps, under Focus Area C, as follows: “To ensure that the residents of Lake County receive timely ambulance service, emergency medical services and transportation to medical facilities.”

Discussion occurred regarding Focus Area D; at which time Commr. Good requested that improved first contact personalized voice mail systems be added as a separate point under Proposed FY 98 Action Steps.

RECESS & REASSEMBLY 

At 10:40 a.m., the Chairman announced that the Board would recess for ten minutes, and reconvene at 10:50 a.m.

GENERAL FUND SUMMARY

Ms. Sarah LaMarche, Director of Budget, provided an overview of the tentative Fiscal Year 1997-98 budget, which was comprised of the General Fund Summary; Major Revenues - General Fund; Lake County Property Tax Valuation; Lake County Building Permit Activity; FY 1997/98 Enhanced Budget Requests; Infrastructure Sales Tax Projections; and Capital Projects Fund Tentative Proposed Budget.  It was noted that Ms. LaMarche had distributed backup prior to the start of her presentation.  Ms. LaMarche reviewed the format of the General Fund Summary and directed the Board’s attention to Revenues By Source and briefly reviewed Taxes, Licenses and Permits, Intergovernmental, Charges for Services, Fines and Forfeitures, Miscellaneous, and Transfers In.  She explained that the Requested 1997/98 column was the County Manager Baseline budget.  She directed the Board’s attention to Expenditures By Department and briefly reviewed BCC Department/Office, Judicial, In-house Support, and Constitutional Officers.  She stated that the subtotal for BCC Department/Office was a conservative request for the budget, noting that the Fiscal Year 1997/98 budget was $19,101,014.  She further noted that the Community Development Building Grant and Americorp expenditures were not in the budget for Fiscal Year 1997/98 and that the Judicial budget has been increased due to an anticipated increase in court cases.

In response to a question presented by Commr. Swartz regarding Article 5 costs, Mr. Minkoff stated that the attorneys would be making a recommendation to the Florida Association of Counties in June regarding Article 5 costs.

Commr. Good requested that Mr. Minkoff bring back to the Board information regarding the recommendations by the Florida Association of Counties regarding Article 5 costs.

Ms. LaMarche discussed the Constitutional Officers’ budgets and stated that the Sheriff’s transfer request was approximately $1,900,000, or 8.4%, and did not include approximately $70,000 for telephones.  She noted that the increase would be approximately 8.6% if the $70,000 were added back into the Sheriff’s budget.

At this time, Commr. Swartz requested that the Sheriff’s Transfer line item include the $70,000 even if it was to be placed in a different line item for budgeting purposes.

Ms. LaMarche directed the Board’s attention to Reserves and Contingencies and briefly reviewed Salaries; Reserve for Pay Equalization, noting that pay equalization had been removed for the outlying years; Reserve-Childrens’ Study; Reserve-Reprographic; Contingency-Sheriff/Develop; Sheriff Equipment Replacement, noting that this was a new line item from traffic fines to be used for any type of electronic equipment; Ending Fund Balance; Special (Additional Cash Carried Forward); Reserve-Information Services; Contingency; and Contingency-Sheriff.  She discussed the Assumptions and noted that Special Reserves would be reduced by $500,000 for Fiscal Year 1998.

MAJOR REVENUES - GENERAL FUND

Ms. LaMarche briefly reviewed charts that illustrate the major general revenue sources for Ad Valorem Taxes, Building Permits, Housing Federal Prisoners, Court Fees, State Revenue Shoring Proceeds, State Sales Tax, Excess Fees, Property Tax Valuation; and Lake County Building Department Permit Activity.

Commr. Swartz requested that Mr. Minkoff provide the Board with a comparison of other counties in regard to filing fees; at which time Mr. Minkoff noted that the Clerk of Circuit Court had said information readily available.

Discussion occurred in regard to developing a budget information mail out with the possibility of including said mail out with the Trim Notice; at which time Mr. Minkoff stated that the Tax Collector has previously recommended sending tax information with automobile registrations.

Discussion occurred regarding State Sales Tax; at which time, Ms. Whittle stated that the County would be requesting an audit from the State Revenue Department on the State Sales Tax.

LAKE COUNTY PROPERTY TAX VALUATION

Ms. LaMarche briefly discussed the Lake County Property Tax Valuation chart and explained that said chart covers a period of seven (7) years and that the Fiscal Year 1997/98 percent increase of 6.20% was taken from the newspaper.

LAKE COUNTY BUILDING PERMIT ACTIVITY

Discussion occurred regarding permit activity for the Lake County Building Department; at which time, Commr. Hanson requested a breakdown of the building permits and values for industrial and commercial versus residential.

Ms. Whittle directed the Board’s attention to the General Fund Summary and noted that Total Revenues in out years, based upon current trends, becomes larger and that staff was looking at other revenue sources that may be used in the future.

FY 1997/98 ENHANCED BUDGET REQUESTS

Capital Improvements

Ms. Whittle briefly discussed the Capital Improvements enhanced budget for Administration, Parks and Recreation, and Jail Building Maintenance, in the amount of $116,288.  She noted that a request for a security guard for the Administration Building, in the amount of $50,000, has been included under Administration; at which time discussion occurred regarding this issue.  It was the decision of the Board to move the request for a security guard for the Administration Building from the enhanced column to a new low priority column.

Community Services

Ms. Whittle briefly discussed the Community Services enhanced budget for Administration, Citizens’ Commission for Children, Social Services, County Public Health, Probation, and Library Services, in the amount of $459,054.  She stated that the major expenditures in the enhanced budget were for Library Services and that the budget at baseline includes no new programs.

Commr. Hanson stated that she felt strongly that a grant writer to research and seek new grants was needed by the County.  Discussion occurred regarding reimbursement of patron fees under Library Services, at which time, Commr. Swartz suggested that a breakdown of the number of unincorporated residents using library services be prepared, and indicated that the problem was that the reimbursement of patron fees was based on the number of card holders and not the number of times each card was used.  He stated that the Lake County Library Board voted on the recommendation prepared by the consultant’s report and expressed concern that no representatives from the municipalities were present at the meeting.  He suggested that the recommendation and report be reviewed by the municipalities.

Computer Services

Ms. Whittle briefly discussed the enhanced budget for Computer Services, and Computer Services - GIS, in the amount of $566,701, and explained that the entire enhanced budget, with the exception of a request for mobile computing and dial-in capability was for moving the GIS from the Water Authority to the County and establishing it as a full County operation.

Fire & Emergency Services

Ms. Whittle briefly discussed the Fire and Emergency Services enhanced budget for Special Emergency Response, Emergency Management, and Animal Control, in the amount of $149,987.

Mr. Craig Haun, Senior Director, Fire and Emergency Services, discussed the expansion of Station 42 to house SERT team units, in the amount of $75,200, in order to transfer the SERT team from the Sunnyside location.

Public Works

No comments were made regarding the Public Works enhanced budget, in the amount of $1,700.

Growth Management

Ms. Whittle briefly discussed the Growth Management enhanced budget for Current Planning, Long Range Planning, and Building, in the amount of $163,686, and explained that the request for a Planner III in Long Range Planning was for the purpose of completing the Evaluation and Appraisal Report (EAR) next year.  She stated that the numbers indicate a need for a building inspector, and one-half (½) clerical position at the South Lake location.  She noted that there were no new positions at the baseline level for the Board of County Commissioners’ budgets.

COUNTY TRANSPORTATION TRUST (112)

Ms. Whittle briefly discussed the enhanced budgets for Road Operations, Engineering, and Special Services, in the amount of $922,421.

Mr. Jim Stivender, Jr., Senior Director, Public Works, noted that the request for temporary labor, in the amount of $30,000, was at a rate of $8.50 per hour with no benefits.

AMBULANCE (122)

Ms. Whittle briefly discussed the enhanced budget for Ambulance, in the amount of $75,639.

Mr. Craig Haun, Senior Director, Fire & Emergency Services, discussed the request for one (1) dispatch supervisor and four (4) dispatchers at twenty percent (20%) and explained that the twenty percent (20%) was for the entire cost of the five (5) positions.  It was noted that the remaining eighty percent (80%) was listed under Fire/Rescue.  He stated that the twenty percent (20%) in Ambulance allows medical dispatching to the County and to the municipalities that have their own medical response.

Solid Waste (420)

Ms. Whittle briefly discussed the enhanced budget for Solid Waste, in the amount of $610,782, and explained that the major dollars were costs associated with placing the Stormwater and Fire Assessment into the system.

Mr. Don Post, Senior Director, Solid Waste Management Services, explained that the request for the Conditional Exempt Small Quantity Hazardous Waste Generator (CESQHWG) Disposal Program, in the amount of $101,089, was a disposal program for small businesses that are not large enough to have their own disposal contracts.

Mr. Leif Erickson, a member of Lake County Tomorrow, complimented Ms. Sue Whittle, County Manager, and Mr. Alvin Jackson, Deputy County Manager, for the direction and guidance that they have given to the Lake County Tomorrow program.  He discussed issues of concern pertaining to cooperation among government entities, the lack of support from the municipalities and the state in regard to planning for Lake County, and the need to education the citizens of Lake County.

RECESS & REASSEMBLY

At 12:35 p.m., the Chairman announced that the Board Advance would recess for lunch and reconvene at 1:40 p.m.

CAPITAL STRUCTURE AND REVENUE ANALYSIS

Commr. Swartz, Vice Chairman, reconvened the Board Advance at 1:40 p.m.  It was noted that Commr. Good would not be present for the remainder of the meeting due to another commitment.

Ms. LaMarche directed the Board’s attention to the Office of Facilities and Capital Improvements Infrastructure Sales Tax Projections for 1998 to 2003 chart and provided a brief overview of said chart.

CAPITAL PROJECTS FUND 301 TENTATIVE PROPOSED BUDGET

Ms. LaMarche discussed the tentative Capital Projects Fund 301 Total Revenues, in the amount of $5,407,022; and Total Expenditures in the amount of $5,407,022.  She noted a shortfall of $28,304 in expenditures.

Ms. LaMarche stated that the Infrastructure Sales Tax projects were projects that had an “A” priority from the last Board Advance with the exception of radio towers, in the amount of $1,250,000, which has been excluded.

Mr. Anderson provided a brief overview of the Infrastructure Sales Tax projects and explained that the renovation of the Morgue was currently on hold following discussions with Leesburg Regional Hospital.  He stated that the County had an understanding that the ambulance service would be vacating the morgue location in May; however, Leesburg Regional Hospital has indicated that they would like to keep the ambulance service at the morgue.

Mr. Minkoff stated that Leesburg Regional Hospital would like the morgue expanded at the present site in order for the ambulance service to remain at the morgue site.  He further stated that there has been no interest expressed in purchasing the property.

It was the consensus of the Board to move forward with renovation of the morgue at the present location; discuss with Leesburg Regional Hospital and the ambulance service provider an appropriate location for the ambulance service; and enter into a lease agreement with the ambulance service provider to build a new facility on County owned property if available.

Mr. Minkoff discussed Courtroom 8 and stated that there were currently seven (7) judges in suites, one suite being used for other uses, and seven (7) courtrooms.  He stated that a meeting has been scheduled with Judge Briggs to discuss the long range planning for the Judicial Center.

Commr. Swartz suggested that funds designated for Courtroom 8 be moved into another line item such as Other Funds.

Discussion occurred in regard to the renovation of the Lake County Fairgrounds; at which time Commr. Swartz suggested that staff look at a location on county owned land in the area of the landfill for a new fairgrounds facility.

Mr. Post discussed the long range tentative plan for Solid Waste which includes use of landfill property.

Commr. Swartz requested that staff prepare information on County property that may be available for a fairgrounds, and present a brief workshop for the purpose of discussing the fairgrounds issue.  He stated that discussions have occurred with the Lake County School Board regarding an exchange of County owned property for downtown School Board owned property to be used for parking.  He stated that he would not support providing parking a further distance away from where the County employees were currently parking.

Mr. Anderson requested further clarification on the direction given in regard to the fairgrounds; at which time Ms. Whittle stated that it was her understanding that the Board was requesting that staff look at the property at the landfill, determine how much property was available that has not been designated or is not needed for actual landfill operations, prepare a configuration, and look at the property as a possible fairgrounds location.  Discussion continued regarding the amount of land that may be available at the landfill.

Commr. Swartz stated that the Board was under the assumption that extra land was available at the landfill, and requested that staff recopy the Board on all previous fairground/exposition center information that had been provided to the Board to allow this issue to be revisited, and to look at additional land within the area of the landfill.

Commr. Cadwell requested that staff review fairgrounds/exposition centers in other counties similar to Lake County, and prepare an analysis of on-going costs and successes for the Board’s review.

Commr. Hanson addressed the concerns expressed by Commr. Cadwell in regard to the on-going costs associated with a fairgrounds/exposition center and stated that the fairgrounds/exposition center would not be a success by itself; however, an agricultural museum or other similar facility would add a double draw and help support the center.

At this time, Ms. Whittle brought up for discussion items not on the Infrastructure Sales Tax projects list.

Mr. Anderson discussed the preventive maintenance program that has been implemented this year and stated that staff would like to set aside a Facilities Maintenance line item to address maintenance projects that arise and are reflected in the preventive maintenance program such as water proofing buildings, repairing roofs, and re-caulking buildings.

Commr. Swartz suggested that staff provide the Board with a list and an estimate of funding needed to be set aside in the budget for the next three (3) years in order to address unanticipated maintenance projects.

Mr. Anderson stated that the Board spends approximately $115,000 per year on unanticipated special projects and that it was very difficult to anticipate those special projects.

Commr. Swartz discussed the Sales Tax Referendum and suggested the need for a general office building impact fee.

Discussion occurred regarding the Juvenile Detention Center and Assessment Center; at which time Commr. Swartz stated that the funding and operation of a Juvenile Detention Center and an Assessment Center was the responsibility of the State.

Commr. Hanson stated that she agrees that the Juvenile Detention Center was the responsibility of the State; however, the Assessment Center could be a community project, and the County’s portion, as a partner, could be to provide the land for the center.  She stated that the County should consider an Assessment Center that would keep more of the children from going to the Juvenile Detention Center.

Commr. Cadwell stated that the Juvenile Detention Center and the Assessment Center were the State’s responsibility.

Commr. Swartz stated that the Board needs to clearly state a position on the Juvenile Detention Center and the Assessment Center and indicate that the County would not fund or pay costs associated with operating either facility.

Commr. Gerber stated that the Juvenile Detention Center and the Assessment Center were the State’s responsibility; however, there was a need and, if it could be accomplished through private partnership with the Lake County Boys Ranch, the Board should consider that possibility.

Commr. Swartz suggested that the Chairman address a letter to the Juvenile Detention Center Committee outlining the County’s position.

CAPITAL STRUCTURE AND REVENUE ANALYSIS

Mr. John White, William R. Hough & Company, presented the Capital Structure and Revenue Analysis Report, dated April 1997, which had been prepared by William R. Hough & Company.   Mr. White stated that the purpose of the report was to evaluate the debt structure and revenue sources of Lake County, and act as a quick reference guide review of the County’s outstanding debt, available non-ad valorem revenues, and the debt service capacity of those revenues.  He presented a brief summary of the County’s outstanding debt, outstanding debt service schedules, pledgable revenue matrix, and detailed information on Resource Recovery issues.

Commr. Swartz brought up for discussion the Solid Waste Net Revenues, in the amount of $1,992,537 and questioned whether the County was considering modification of the existing revenue from special assessments and tipping fees; at which time Mr. Post responded that the Solid Waste budget for this year would address modification of the existing revenue.

Mr. White stated that William R. Hough & Company has recommended to the County Manager that a review of the Ogden Martin operation take place which would include a comparison of the Ogden Martin Systems of Lake, Inc. operation to other Ogden Martin operations, and that an analysis of a commercial assessment be prepared.  He stated that these two items drive what the County will do with solid waste from a financial standpoint. 

RECESS & REASSEMBLY

At 3:10 p.m., the Vice Chairman announced that the Board Advance would recess for ten minutes and reconvene at 3:20 p.m.

REVIEW OF FUNDING OPTIONS FOR $8 MILLION LINE OF CREDIT

Mr. White presented a review of funding options for the $8,000,000 Capital Projects Line of Credit, and distributed backup regarding same.  Mr. White explained that the County borrowed $8,000,000 in September 1994 for water/wastewater and roads at the Lake County Central Park, and renovation of the old jail, historical courthouse, round courthouse, and new records storage facility.  He stated that the County has been paying interest only on the Line of Credit, and has pledged, as security, land sales at Central Park, 2nd Guaranteed Entitlement Bonds, Covenant to Budget and Appropriate, and 2nd Guaranteed Entitlement Revenues.  He discussed Phase I, water/wastewater and roads at Lake County Central Park, and stated that the remaining value for 95 saleable acres was $1,710,000.  At this time, he discussed Proposal No. 1, the Central Park portion of the $8,000,000 Line of Credit, in the amount of $3,387,000, and stated that, to initiate payment of the principal on the debt, it was his recommendation to reduce the borrowing amount by using current Central Park Reserves to pay down the principal portion; and commit future land sales revenue less the administrative costs toward immediate payment on remaining principal.  Discussion occurred regarding the structuring of the pay down and the financing summary for Proposal No. 1.  He discussed Proposal No. 2, and stated that this portion of the debt service, in the amount of $4,613,000, could be paid from the County’s Infrastructure Sales Tax Fund (Fund 301).  He stated that it was financially prudent for the County to commit to payment of its debt by using available reserves to pay down a portion of the principal, and structure a new loan requiring both payment of principal and interest. Discussion occurred regarding the financing structure of the pay down and the financing summary.

Commr. Swartz suggested that the most prudent approach would be to make a principal payment of $1,000,000 on the existing Line of Credit from existing reserves in the Lake County Central Park Fund, and use $1,100,000 of existing Infrastructure Sales Tax Fund reserves to pay down the principal of the existing loan, budget the balance of the principal and interest out of the County’s proposed Repay Line of Credit, in the amount of $1,410,000, as indicated in the Infrastructure Sales Tax Projections, and use any land sales from Lake County Central Park toward an additional payment or to reduce the amount paid out of the proposed Repay Line of Credit.

Commr. Cadwell stated that the Industrial Development Authority (IDA) has not taken an official position on the feasibility of selling the Central Park to an interested party; however, Ms. Leslie Little, Director of Economic Development, has been approaching this possibility.  He stated that he would like to present the proposal for refinancing the $8,000,000 Line of Credit to the IDA.

Commr. Hanson suggested that the County determine a price per acre for Phase II and consider selling Phase II to a private developer who would develop said property as an industrial park.

REVIEW OF FUNDING PRIORITIES

Ms. Whittle presented a review of funding priorities and stated that figures would be presented to the Board in July that included an increase in the assessment for Solid Waste.  She stated that the question has been raised as to whether or not the County could invoke last year’s increase as well as this year’s increase, and noted that the County Attorney would research this issue.

Commr. Swartz interjected that the County needs to prepare for the increase in costs associated with the principal coming due on the 1993 Series B Bond in the year 2001, to which Ms. Whittle stated that staff was in the process of researching this issue.

Commr. Swartz briefly discussed the requirement by the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s adoption of MACT Standards for the control of Nitrogen Oxides Emissions (deNOX), and stressed that it was important that the County be prepared to go out for bid early for vendors who can provide the necessary services.

Mr. Post stated that staff has requested that Ogden Martin Systems of Lake, Inc. provide the bidding specifications for the deNOX equipment, and Ogden Martin has indicated that the Ogden Martin Service Agreement allows them to choose the methodology, however, provides the County the ability to review the methodology and company selected.  He stated that once Ogden Martin forwards the selected company, the County’s consultant can provide a review and analysis.

Ms. Whittle stated that a report on stormwater would be presented to the Board in July and would address what the County needs to do to move forward.  She stated that she has had discussion with Public Works regarding the road program and suggested that the Board consider the possibility of additional gas tax funding for Lake County.

Mr. Jim Stivender, Jr., Senior Director, Public Works, distributed a draft of the Stormwater Management Watershed Evaluation Criteria, and a chart titled Transportation Development and Environmental Quality and briefly discussed the chart.  He discussed the time schedule for collecting an additional gas tax and stated that, if the Board chooses to adopt additional gas tax funding, a comprehensive plan amendment would be required, and the earliest that funds could be collected was January 1999.

At this time, Mr. Minkoff discussed the time schedule for collecting an additional gas tax and explained that, if the Board adopted an ordinance by July 1, 1997, the gas tax could go into effect in 1997.

Discussion occurred regarding an additional gas tax, and it was the consensus of Commr. Hanson, Commr. Swartz, and Commr. Cadwell to collect an additional 5 cent gas tax; however, Commr. Cadwell expressed concern with moving too quickly with the gas tax and not appropriately educating the public on this issue.  Commr. Swartz requested that Mr. Minkoff review the legislation and time frame and report back to the Board at the June 17, 1997 meeting.

Ms. Whittle stated that she could not recommend rollback to the Board this year and explained that the summaries before the Board were based on continuing this year’s millage rate.  She requested discussion and direction from the Board on this issue.  She stated that, without any enhancements, the baseline budget had a shortfall of approximately $1,000,000 with the current millage rate, and that there were issues in the enhanced budget that must be addressed by the Board this year.

Commr. Cadwell stated that he would support the current direction of keeping the current millage rate this year.

Commr. Swartz stated that his goal would be to reach rollback, particularly in light of looking at other issues such as an additional gas tax; at which time Commr. Hanson concurred with Commr. Swartz.

Extensive discussion occurred regarding the budget for this year.  It was the direction of the Board for the Chairman to speak with the Constitutional Officers and inform them of the Board’s direction for FY 1997/98.

Ms. Whittle noted that the Board had previously directed staff to look at the Adopt-A-Shore Program, and the community clean up issues, and that costs associated with said programs would be brought back to the Board.

Commr. Hanson suggested that the Board along with the Sheriff look at volunteer based programs, such as the COPS Program, during the budget process in an attempt to save dollars.

Commr. Swartz stated that the Fire and Emergency Services Advisory Committee was in the process of preparing options for various Levels of Service, variable Levels of Service depending on more urban areas versus rural areas, modifying the assessment of $35.00 per structure to a base fee plus a square footage fee, and was preparing to go out into the community to educate the public and develop community support for an enhanced fire system.  He stated that he has requested that the County Attorney look at the statutory time limits involved with modifying the fire special assessment. He suggested that the Fire and Emergency Services Advisory Board be allowed to go out into the community to educate the public if the Board supports looking at the fire assessment issue.

Mr. Minkoff informed the Board that there was a July 1 and January 1 deadline for creating new districts and to create different Levels of Service would require different districts.  The Board directed Mr. Minkoff to review the time frames for creating new districts necessary for addressing the Levels of Service for fire protection.

There being no further business to be brought to the attention of the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 4:40 p.m.

 

 

___________________________________

WILLIAM "BILL" H. GOOD, CHAIRMAN

 

 

______________________________

JAMES C. WATKINS, CLERK

 

Msf/6-23-97