A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

SEPTEMBER 15, 1998

The Lake County Board of County Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, September 15, 1998, at 9:00 a.m., in the Board of County Commissioner's Meeting Room, Lake County Administration Building, Tavares, Florida. Commissioners present at the meeting were: G. Richard Swartz, Jr., Chairman; Welton G. Cadwell, Vice Chairman; William "Bill" H. Good; Rhonda H. Gerber; and Catherine C. Hanson. Others present were: Alvin B. Jackson, Deputy County Manager; Sanford (Sandy) A. Minkoff, County Attorney; Wendy Taylor, Administrative Assistant, Board of County Commissioner's Office; and Marlene S. Foran, Deputy Clerk.

Commr. Cadwell gave the Invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance.

AGENDA UPDATE

It was noted that a published Addendum No. 1 had been added to the agenda.

Commr. Gerber requested that discussion on the proposed sign ordinance be added to the agenda under Reports.

On a motion by Commr. Gerber, seconded by Commr. Good and carried unanimously by a 5 - 0 vote, the Board approved to add discussion on the proposed sign ordinance to the agenda under Reports.

Commr. Hanson noted that she would be discussing the Animal Control Ordinance under Reports.

MINUTE APPROVAL

On a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Gerber and carried unanimously by a 5 - 0 vote, the Board approved the Minutes of July 28, 1998 (Regular Meeting), as presented.

CLERK OF COURTS' CONSENT AGENDA

On a motion by Commr. Hanson, seconded by Commr. Cadwell and carried unanimously by a 5 - 0 vote, the Board approved the following requests:

Accounts Allowed/Budgets



Request for approval of Budget Adjustments for FY 97/98 from the Office of Finance, as follows:



A. Transfers:



1. Fund: General Fund

Department: Constitutional Officer/Sheriff

From: Contingency - Sheriff $15,000

To: Transfer/Law Capital $15,000

Transfer #: 98-354



Justification: Pursuant to F.S. 30.49, the Sheriff is requesting that $15,000 be transferred from Contingency - Sheriff to Law Capital - Outlay.

2. Fund: General Fund

Department: Judicial

From: Several $130,000

To: Several $130,000

Transfer #: 98-355



Justification: Transfer needed to place funds in accounts that reflect the reporting requirements outlined by the State for court related expenditures.



B. Resolutions:



1. Fund: General Fund

Department: Growth Management

Revenue: Building Services $6,000

South Lake Annex $6,000

Expenditure: Building Services Capital Outlay $6,000

South Lake Capital Outlay $6,000

Amendment #: 98-356



Justification: Resolution No. 1998-134 to receive unanticipated revenue from increased building permits being issued.



2. Fund: General Fund

Department: Growth Management

Revenue: Current Planning $6,000

Expenditure: Capital Outlay $6,000

Amendment #: 98-357



Justification: Resolution No. 1998-135 to receive unanticipated revenue from additional revenues from site plan reviews.



Accounts Allowed/Courts-Judges/Code Enforcement



Request for approval of Satisfaction and Release of Fine, Code Enforcement Case, in the amount of $495.08, June Leroy; and authorized proper signature on same.



Bonds - Contractor



Request for approval of Contractor Bonds, New and Cancellations, as follows:



New



4753-99 L. Norman Adams Home Builders, Inc.

5178-99 Thomas W. Beasley

5179-99 Fairway Sign Corporation

5345-99 Jerry D. Hill dba A-R-S Roofing

5348-99 Richard l. Poppa dba D.P. Electric

5435-98 Building & Remodeling Contractor County of Lake

5510-99 Arnoldo Zapatero dba A Z Heating & A/C

5641-99 Jerry A. Moore dba Jerry A. Moore Carpentry

5642-99 John Milton Smith dba Smith Roofing



Cancellations



150-93 James E. Denman dba Denman's Heating & Air Conditioning

1646-95 Donald Girard dba Ace Homes by Girard

5107-95 Raymond Trail dba Ram Masonry

5194-93 William H. Lynum, Jr.

5521-98 Lawerence H. Davenport



Accounts Allowed

Request to acknowledge receipt of list of warrants paid prior to this meeting, pursuant to Chapter 136 of the Florida Statutes, which shall be incorporated into the Minutes as attached Exhibit A and filed in the Board Support Division of the Clerk's Office.





COUNTY MANAGER'S CONSENT AGENDA



Mr. Alvin Jackson, Deputy County Manager, noted the following correction to Tab 27:



Change ($764,143.13 capitalized assets and $56,831.91 non-capital assets) to ($746,087.93 capitalized assets and $54,206.91 non-capital assets).



On a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Good and carried unanimously by a 5 - 0 vote, the Board approved the following requests:

Resolutions



Request for approval and execution of Proclamation No. 1998-132 proclaiming September 14-18, 1998 as Florida Industrial Appreciation Week.



Committees/Hall of Fame



Request for ratification of Susan Pennacchia and Gwendolyn Manning as the 1998 Women's Hall of Fame inductees as selected by the Women's Hall of Fame Committee.



Contracts, Leases & Agreements/Communications



Request for approval to transfer the Lake County/Galaxy Telecom, L.P. Cable Television Franchise to a new corporate restructured company maintaining the same corporate management.



Contracts, Leases & Agreements

Request for approval and execution of Annual Contributions Contract between Lake County and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for amended projects FL135CE.



Accounts Allowed/Bonds/State Agencies



Request for approval and execution of Resolution No. 1998-136 approving the issuance by the Orange County Housing Finance Authority of its Orange County Horsing Finance Authority single family mortgage revenue bonds in one or more series in an original aggregate principal amount not to exceed $30,000,000 for the purpose of providing funds for the purchase of mortgage loans originated by participating lending institutions to finance the purchase of new or existing owner-occupied single family residences in Orange, Osceola, Seminole or Lake Counties, Florida or purchasing securities evidencing interests in or backed by a pool of such mortgage loans, including securities guaranteed by the Federal government or agencies thereof or by the Federal National Mortgage Association.



Courts-Judges



Request for approval and execution of Satisfaction of Mortgage for Kevin M. and SueAnn Angel.



Accounts Allowed/Contracts, Leases & Agreements



Request for approval and execution of Jobs Growth Investment (JGI) Trust Fund Agreement between Lake County and Flori-Design, Inc. to expand its business operations in Lake County. This agreement is for JGI funds not to exceed $10,000.



Bonds - Mobile Homes



Request for approval of cancellation of Mobile Home Bond and removal of travel trailer from the property of Benjamin Blasingim in the Lady Lake area.



Contracts, Leases & Agreements/State Agencies



Request for approval and execution of agreement between Lake County and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the management of major exotic aquatic plants located within the County boundaries and on sovereign water bodies.

Accounts Allowed/Bids/Road Projects



Request for approval to advertise for bids for #2-0528 Laws Road Paving Project No. 1-99 at an estimated cost of $605,611 from the Transportation Trust Fund - Commissioner District 2.



Request for approval to advertise for bids for #4-9097 Deerhaven Road and #4-9096A South Boulevard Paving Project No. 2-99 at an estimated cost of $458,020 from the Transportation Trust Fund - Commissioner District 4.



Request for approval to award #4-6379 West Eldorado Drive Paving Project No. 9-98, Bid No. 98-117, to Professional Dirt Service, Inc. and to encumber and expend funds in the amount of $103,240 from the Transportation Trust Fund - Commissioner District 4.



Accounts Allowed/Bonds/Road Projects



Request for approval to release a maintenance bond, in the amount of $7,829, that was posted for the paving of #2-1926 Coralwood Lane.



Accounts Allowed/Bonds/Subdivisions



Request for approval to release a maintenance bond, in the amount of $34,100, that was posted for Greater Hills Phase 7 Subdivision.



Request for approval to release a maintenance bond, in the amount of $16,546.29, that was posted for Reagan's Run Subdivision.



Accounts Allowed/Subdivisions

Request for approval to release a letter of credit for maintenance, in the amount of $47,509, that was posted for Crescent Lake Club First Addition Subdivision.



Accounts Allowed/Subdivisions



19Request for approval to release a letter of credit for maintenance, in the amount of $44,534, that was posted for Arrowhead Phase I Subdivision.



Accounts Allowed/Subdivisions

Request for approval to release a letter of credit for maintenance, in the amount of $20,051, that was posted for Biscayne Heights Subdivision.



Resolutions/Rights-of-Way, Roads & Easements



Request for approval to advertise Vacation Petition No. 876 by James and Mary Stewart to vacate right-of-way, map of Astatula, Section 28, Township 20S, Range 26E, Astatula area - Commissioner District 3.



Request for approval to advertise Vacation Petition No. 877 by Charles H. Masters to vacate utility easement, Orange Blossom Gardens, Section 7, Township 18S, Range 24E, Lady Lake area, Commissioner District 5.



Request for approval to advertise Vacation Petition No. 878 by John R. Prickett, Jr., to vacate right-of-way, corrected plat of North Leesburg Subdivision, Section 15, Township 19S, Range 24E, Leesburg area - Commissioner District 1.



Accounts Allowed/Subdivisions



Request for acceptance of final plat for Greater Pines Phase 5 Subdivision; acceptance of a letter of credit for performance, in the amount of $574,684.29; and approval and execution of Developer's Agreement for construction of improvements between Lake County and The Greater Construction Company.



Request for acceptance of final plat for Westchester Phase 5 Subdivision; acceptance of irrevocable letter of credit for maintenance in the amount of $17,300; approval and execution of Developer's Agreement between Lake County and Titan 474, Inc. for maintenance of improvements; and approval and execution of Resolution No. 1998-137 accepting Wilkinson Drive "Part" (2-0159J) and Norfolk Court (2-0159K) into the County road maintenance system.



Assessments/Deeds/Rights-of-Way, Roads & Easements



Request for acceptance of the following Statutory Warranty Deeds:



John L. & Shelby J Mahon

Laws Road (#2-0528)



James A. & Anne M. Stumpf

Luana Drive



Rufus & Ester Johnson

Micro Racetrack Road (#1-6202)



Allan C. Diamond

Temple Hill Road (#5-6708)



Accounts Allowed/Bids/Purchasing



Request for approval for departments to direct pay utility bills up to the approved budgetary limits; and approval for each department director to designate an individual, or individuals, to approve such expenditures.



Request for approval for the Office of Purchasing to advertise throughout Fiscal Year 1998/1999 for Lake County's annual bids and proposals as specified on the listing of goods and services provided; and approval for the Office of Purchasing to award and/or extend the annual bids and proposals and to piggyback other governmental or cooperative bids if the award recommendation is to the lowest and best responsive and responsible bidder or the highest ranked respondent, and issue purchase orders within budgeted funds.



Request for approval to declare as surplus the listed items ($746,087.93 capitalized assets and $54,206.91 non-capital assets); and authorize their sale to the highest bidders at the annual Combined County-Cities Auction on September 26, 1998 at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Eustis. Additional excess property items will be added to those listed herein as they are received and will be noted on the September 22, 1998 agenda.



Accounts Allowed/Contracts, Leases & Agreements/Municipalities



Request for approval and execution of Interlocal Agreement between Lake County and the City of Leesburg relating to recycling revenue sharing for term beginning Fiscal Year 1998/1999 in the amount of $22,345.



Assessments/Resolutions/Subdivisions



Request for approval and execution of Resolution No. 1998-138 providing for certification of assessment roll for the Greater Groves Subdivision, providing for certified copies, and providing for an effective date.



Request for approval and execution of Resolution No. 1998-139 providing for certification of assessment roll for Greater Pines Subdivision, providing for certified copies, and providing for an effective date.



Request for approval and execution of Resolution No. 1998-140 providing for certification of assessment roll for Village Green Subdivision, providing for certified copies, and providing for an effective date.



Request for approval and execution of Resolution No. 1998-141 providing for certification of assessment roll for Greater Hills Subdivision, providing for certified copies, and providing for an effective date.



Request for approval and execution of Resolution No. 1998-142 providing for certification of assessment roll for Picciola Subdivision, providing for certified copies, and providing for an effective date.



Assessments/Resolutions/Solid Waste



Request for approval and execution of Resolution No. 1998-143 providing for certification of assessment roll for the Solid Waste Collection and Disposal Assessment, providing for certified copies, and providing for an effective date.



ADDENDUM NO. 1



Accounts Allowed/Budgets



Request for approval and execution of tentative Certified Budget for Arthropod Control for Fiscal Year 1998/1999 in the amount of $34,328.



PERSONAL APPEARANCES/PUBLIC HEARINGS

PUBLIC HEARINGS

RESOLUTIONS

Mr. Sandy Minkoff, County Attorney, presented the resolution adopting the Fee Schedules for Fiscal Year 1998/1999 and noted a change on Exhibit E, Page 4, deleting"Per K Byte" and the charge of $0.015 from the fee schedule.

Mr. Jim Stivender, Jr., Senior Director, Public Works, appeared before the Board and addressed questions pertaining to the fee schedule for the Department of Public Works.

Mr. Minkoff noted that a change was made in the charge for public records for the general public to the state recommended fee of $.15 per one sided copy and a fee of $.20 per two sided copy. He explained that staff was exploring ways in which to minimize the cost of duplicating video tapes and stated that the actual cost of duplication and staff time should be charged by the County if it takes more than one quarter hour.

At this time, the Chairman opened the public hearing portion of the meeting.

There being no one present wishing to discuss this request, the public hearing portion of the meeting was closed.

On a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Good and carried unanimously by a 5 - 0 vote, the Board approved Resolution No. 1998-144 adopting the Fee Schedules for Fiscal Year 1998/1999, as amended.

ORDINANCES/SIGNS

Mr. Sandy Minkoff, County Attorney, placed the proposed ordinance amending Chapter 3, Alcoholic Beverages, Section 3.4 of the Lake County Code, on the floor for its final reading, by title only, as follows:

AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF LAKE COUNTY, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 3, ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, SECTION 3-4 OF THE LAKE COUNTY CODE BY AMENDING VERBIAGE OF POSTED SIGNS; AND PROVIDING FOR EXEMPTION OF VENDORS SELLING ALCOHOL FOR CONSUMPTION ON PREMISES; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR INCLUSION IN THE LAKE COUNTY CODE; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.



At this time, the Chairman opened the public hearing portion of the meeting.

There being no one present wishing to discuss this request, the public hearing portion of the meeting was closed.

Commr. Hanson made a motion, which was seconded by Commr. Cadwell, to approve Ordinance No. 1998-75 amending Chapter 3, Alcoholic Beverages, Section 3.4 of the Lake County Code, as read on its final reading, by title only.

Commr. Hanson requested that the Chairman send a letter to all counties in Florida informing them of the revisions in Ordinance No. 1998-75.

The Chairman called for a vote on the motion, which carried unanimously by a 5 - 0 vote.

ADDENDUM NO. 1

CONTRACTS, LEASES & AGREEMENTS/COUNTY PROPERTY

Mr. Mike Anderson, Senior Director, Facilities and Capital Improvements, appeared before the Board to present a request for approval of five items relating to the development of Christopher C. Ford Central Park Phase II and the proposed sale of property to Circuit City. He presented the request for approval and execution of the Release and Replacement Agreement between Dr. Marion C. and Mark D. Manning and Lake County, Florida and illustrated on the monitor the location of the property located immediately south of the proposed Circuit City property. He stated that, in exchange for the Manning's release of the easement, the County has agreed to provide alternate access to provide the Mannings with water connections which shall terminate and be capped off at the County/Manning property line, and to provide the Manning property with sewage connections in the form of a force main and/or lift station or, the cash equivalent of the estimated County cost for providing such sewage connections not to exceed $10,000. He presented a request for approval and execution of Relocation of Easements between Lake County and William Alan and Karin C. Moore, Lake County and Stanley M. and Cindy S. Hunt, and Lake County and Joann Allison and briefly discussed this request. He briefly discussed a request for authorization to accept the final plat for Lake County Central Park Phase II; Supplemental Declaration of Restrictive Covenants; and Circuit City property closing documents delineating the responsibilities of the seller and the buyer.

On a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Good and carried unanimously by a 5 - 0 vote, the Board approved the request for approval and execution of the following items relating to the development of Christopher C. Ford Central Park Phase II and the proposed sale of property to Circuit City:

(1) Release and Replacement Agreement between Lake County and Dr. Marion C. and Mark D. Manning.

(2) Relocation of Easements between Lake County and William Alan and Karin C. Moore, Lake County and Stanley M. and Cindy S. Hunt, and Lake County and Joann Allison.

(3) Lake County Central Park Final Plat.

(4) Supplemental Declaration of Restrictive Covenants for Lake County Central Park.

(5) Circuit City Sales Closing Documents.



ROAD VACATIONS

PETITION NO. 880 LAKE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS GROVELAND AREA

Mr. Jim Stivender, Jr., Senior Director, Department of Public Works, appeared before the Board to present Vacation Petition No. 880 by the Department of Public Works to vacate a portion of Lewis Grove Road and explained that no right-of-way was dedicated on this section of Lewis Grove Road. He illustrated on the monitor the location of the property in question and explained that the County has provided a temporary clay road to be used for continual access during construction of all phases of this operation. It was noted that the new road has been named Lewis Grove Road to allow the property owners to keep their same addresses.

At this time, Commr. Swartz opened the public hearing portion of the meeting.

There being no one present wishing to discuss this request, the public hearing portion of the meeting was closed.

On a motion by Commr. Good, seconded by Commr. Cadwell and carried unanimously by a 5 - 0 vote, the Board approved Vacation Petition No. 880 by Jim Stivender, Jr., Senior Director, Lake County Department of Public Works, to vacate a portion of Lewis Grove Road (#2-2324), Section 29, Township 21 S, Range 25E, Groveland area - Commissioner District 2 - Resolution No. 1998-147.

PERSONAL APPEARANCES

PRESENTATIONS

RESOLUTIONS

Commr. Richard Swartz, Chairman, and the Lake County Board of County Commissioners presented Resolution No. 1998-115 to the Lake County Department of Fire and Emergency Services and the Lake County Volunteer Firefighter Council extending heartfelt thanks and appreciation for aid and assistance rendered during the devastating fires. Chief Frank LaFluer and Mr. Brian Gamble accepted the resolutions on behalf of the Lake County Department of Fire Rescue Services and the Lake County Volunteer Firefighter Council.

2020 LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN

Mr. Jim Stivender, Jr., Senior Director, Department of Public Works, appeared before the Board to present the presentation on the Lake County 2020 Long-Range Transportation Plan Growth Projection Results and the Transit Development Plan Alternatives for Lake County Transit System.

Mr. Bill Oliver, Senior Vice President, Tendale, Oliver & Associates, appeared before the Board and explained that the Board hired Tendale, Oliver & Associates in December 1997 to undertake an eighteen month study process to develop a long range transportation plan for Lake County and to provide the Board additional input and a closer working relationship with the Florida Department of Transportation to direct the expenditure of transportation funds within Lake County. He stated that, in addition, the study will provide technical support to Lake County's Comprehensive Plan Transportation Element and will provide County staff with tools to help continue transportation planning activities. He introduced Mr. Steve Tindale, and Mr. Bill Ball, Senior Transportation Planner, Tendale, Oliver & Associates. He started that the presentation at this time would provide an update on the Transportation Development Plan; the Transportation Disadvantage Service Plan; Goals , Objectives, and Measures of Effectiveness; and Review Growth Projections.

Mr. Bill Ball, Senior Transportation Planner, Tindale, Oliver & Associates, appeared before the Board to discuss the Transit Development Plan and the Transportation Disadvantage Service Plan and introduced Ms. Laura LaChance, Center for Urban Transit Research. At this time, he presented a slide presentation on the monitor and discussed the following:

Transit Development Plan



Transportation Disadvantage Service Plan

Ridership - 256,000 riders in 1998

Operating Cost Per Trip 1993-1007



Results of Trend and Peer Review Analysis

Survey Results - Discussion Groups, On-Board Surveys, General Public Survey



Selected User Suggestions

General Public Survey:





Primary Corridors Identified



Secondary Corridors Identified

Potential Markets



Mobility Needs (Priorities)



Mr. Ball explained that a second public workshop was scheduled in the Training Room of the Lake County Administration Building today, September 15, 1998, at 2:00 p.m., and final recommendations would be distributed to the Board in October and placed on the agenda for the Board's consideration and adoption.

Mr. Oliver distributed a copy of Chapter Four - Development of Socio-Economic Data and Chapter Five - Goals, Objectives, and Measures of Effectiveness, and stated that the Estimate Transportation Demand and Needs Study was scheduled for completion in December 1998; a Cost Feasibility Transportation Plan would be developed in April 1999; and Plan Adoption would be in May & June 1999.

Mr. Oliver discussed Chapter Five, Goals, Objectives, and Measures of Effectiveness and explained that the Study Guidance Team and the Citizens Advisory Committee have reviewed the goals and objectives and have endorsed the goals and objectives to the Board of County Commissioners for the purpose of guiding the preparation and evaluation of transportation system alternative plans. He noted that, during the plan development and adoption process, adjustments to the County Goals, Objectives and Measures of Effectiveness were possible. He requested that the Board review the information and provide feedback to County staff. He stated that the two goal statements that have been defined for Lake County's transportation system were as follows: 1) "To provide for its residents and visitors a safe, convenient, aesthetically pleasing, and efficient traffic circulation system over the short and long range planning time frames for both motorized and non-motorized transportation modes." 2) "To provide its residents with a safe and economially viable form of mass transportation when local conditions are able to support such a system." He briefly discussed the major objectives, which included safety, quality/coverage, environmental impacts, compatibility and financial soundness, and explained that each of the objectives would be used to evaluate the different transportation systems that are tested in the plan development process and to provide the technical staff with a report card to show how well each plan addresses each objective. He discussed growth projections and illustrated on the Relative Growth Map the locations of the districts. He stated that they would request formal indorsement of these projections from the Board. He noted that Rule 9J-5 of the Florida Administrative Code requires that the population projections and the growth projections that are used to develop the Comprehensive Plan for each element be consistent, and stated that this projection of growth deserves publicity. He noted that it was important that the infrastructure planning work agrees with the Transportation Plan.

Mr. Jim Vanpelt, Transportation Manager, LifeStream Behavioral Center, appeared before the Board and explained that projections indicate that the transportation ridership was going to increase and his responsibility was to prepare for the growth and present a quality service. He explained that they have a very aggressive vehicle replacement program with seven (7) vehicles purchased this year, and they were scheduled to purchase six (6) new vehicles next year. He stated that they were currently investigating an automatic scheduling software program to address the scheduling issues which will improve the quality of service.

Mr. Stuart Buchanan, Alternative Transportation Planner, stated that they were trying to market the strengths of the system and numerous presentations have been made at developments, and they were working in conjunction with Lake Sumter Community College to do a promotional video which would be aired on the Community College television channel and distributed throughout homeowner's associations and municipalities. He stated that local municipalities were installing bus stop signs, and he has requested information on private vendors that install bus stops which are funded through advertising.

CITIZEN QUESTION AND COMMENT PERIOD

At this time, the Chairman announced that the Board would hear questions, comments, and concerns from the citizens who were present in the audience.

Mr. Jim Franklin appeared before the Board to discuss the exorbitant charge for eight (8) pills that he received from Leesburg Regional Medical Center during an emergency call to the hospital. He explained that he was charged $129.20 for the eight (8) pills and a pharmacist has indicated that he could purchase those eight (8) pills for $4.99 from a local pharmacy. He stated that he has been working with Leesburg Regional Medical Center on this issue and has been given a 65% discount on the medication; however, he feels that he was still being taken advantage of by the hospital. He requested that the Board make a concentrated effort to get legislation passed addressing Hospital Boards and how Hospital Districts are organized.

No action was taken.

COUNTY MANAGER'S DEPARTMENTAL BUSINESS

REPORTS

Mr. Fletcher Smith, Senior Director, Community Services, appeared before the Board to present the request for acceptance of the Lake County Cultural Affairs Council Annual Plan for Fiscal Year 1998/1999 and introduced Ms. Connie Patrowicz, Chairman, Lake County Cultural Affairs Council.

Ms. Connie Patrowicz, Chairman, Lake County Cultural Affairs Council appeared before the Board to submit the Lake County Cultural Affairs Council Annual Report for Fiscal Year 1998/1999. She stated that the Annual Report includes the goals for Fiscal Year 1998/1999, a budget, the Fiscal Year 1997/1998 accomplishments, and a copy of the Lake Arts Newsletter. She invited the Board to the monthly Cultural Affairs Council meeting this evening at which time a highly endorsed national program for children ages four to six, titled "Start With The Arts", would be presented. She stated that she had indicated on September 9, 1998 that their license tag revenue was $18,000 per year, which was in error, and she clarified that the license tag revenue was approximately $8,000 per year. She expressed appreciation to the Board for their help and support and expressed appreciation to Mr. Fletcher Smith, Mr. Mike Anderson and County staff for their assistance with "Art In The Round".

On a motion by Commr. Hanson, seconded by Commr. Gerber and carried unanimously by a 5 - 0 vote, the Board approved the request to accept the Lake County Cultural Affairs Council Annual Plan for Fiscal Year 1998/1999.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Mr. Bruce Duncan, Director of Economic Development, appeared before the Board to present a request to change the Jobs Growth Investment Trust Fund Guidelines. He explained that the Incentive Committee of the Industrial Development Authority has determined that a third category should be added to the Jobs Growth Investment Trust Fund to grant incentives to companies which employ disabled workers which would include the following changes: 1) $1,000 award for disabled workers; 2) Disabled jobs must pay minimum wage to qualify; 3) Jobs paying 20% above minimum wage will qualify for 100% of award; and 4) Jobs paying minimum wage will receive 80% of the award. He stated that this was an opportunity to award people who were willing to hire the disabled.

Commr. Hanson congratulated Commr. Cadwell and Mr. Duncan for bringing this change forward.

On a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Hanson and carried unanimously by a 5 - 0 vote, the Board approved to change the Jobs Growth Investment Trust Fund Guidelines to include a disabled workers category.

CONTRACTS, LEASES & AGREEMENTS/RESOLUTIONS

Mr. Chuck Pula, Parks and Recreation Manager, appeared before the Board to present a recommendation to approve a resolution to rename the Palatlakaha River Board Ramp to Arnold Park and to execute an agreement between the Arnold family and the County to accept an easement from Arnold Industries, Minerals and Development, Inc. He noted that Mr. Charles Arnold and Mr. Jim Loflin, representing the Arnold family, were present in the audience.

Mr. Charles Arnold, son of Jay Ray Arnold, appeared before the Board to express his appreciation on behalf of the Arnold family for the renaming of the Palatlakaha River Board Ramp to Arnold Park.

Commr. Good stated that it was always a pleasure to honor a family that has made such a rich contribution to the history of Lake County and read into the record the following history of the Arnold family:

"The Arnold brothers; J. Ray, Luther and J.B. were born in the 1870's and 1880's to John Samuel and Cynthia Thomas Arnold. They were raised in the region of Owen County, Kentucky. They ran a farming and cattle raising operation. With the impatience and enthusiasm of youth, they were soon convinced that Horace Greley's advice of "Go West Young Man, Go West", held the future for them.



They left the Blue Ridge Mountains of Kentucky for the area known as "Indian Territory" which is now better known as the states of New Mexico and Oklahoma. They eventually settled around Portales, Dora and Eida, New Mexico. After a period of trying to scratch out a living from the dry and arid soil, J. Ray and the others left for Florida via Louisiana.



In 1910, there was a severe drought in Florida, which killed most of the original growth of long leaf yellow pine. The trees had been weakened by the process of "bleeding" the sap, which is called "turpentining". This drought caused severe problems for the lumbering business. In 1910, J. Ray married Eva Lee Dowling. Her father operated a lumber and turpentine business around Live Oak, Olustee and Lake City, Florida. He also operated a turpentine business in Central Florida at Taylorsville (now Groveland, Florida). This Groveland site was in partnership with Mr. E.E. Edge, called the Edge-Dowling Lumber Company in 1910, and in 1912 built a home on Lake Lucerne in Orlando, Orange County, Florida, which is still standing. He tried to own homes both in Orlando and Groveland and commute to and from work, but due to sand roads and time consumed traveling, he decided in 1919 to move his main residence to Groveland.



For the next twenty-five (25) years or more the brothers owned and operated both the J. Ray Arnold Lumber Company (formerly Edge-Dowling Lumber Company) and the J. Ray Arnold Cypress Company. This was one of the largest lumber operations east of the Mississippi River. The mill produced five (5) million board feet of timber every calendar month. For more than twenty (20) years, the J. Ray Arnold Lumber Company was the largest "gross" shipper of lumber on the Atlantic Coastline Railroad and was Lake County's largest "employer".



On May 19, 1925, tragedy struck when the whole mill was destroyed by fire. It was rebuilt at a cost of many millions of dollars in late 1926. It incorporated many new and innovative parts and equipment designed by J. Ray Arnold. The mill ran until the start of World War II, when the mill was dismantled and all the iron and steel shipped off to be melted down for the war effort.



J. Ray and his wife, Eva, started the first so called "lunch program" in Groveland by donating milk from the Arnold cows to the school at lunch time. They also built the Teacherage. It was a two story dormitory type building, complete with a salaried couple to oversee and take care of the structure. It was a place where single school teachers could find a suitable place to live while teaching the children in the public schools. J. Ray was very interested in education and personally spearheaded the search for trained and competent teachers to come to Groveland.



The Arnolds built the First Baptist Church of Groveland in 1922, complete with large leaded stain glass windows bearing the inscription "Honoring God and Our Parents, John Samuel and Cynthia Thomas Arnold". The large window has been relocated to the new church building. On October 26, 1997, the 75th anniversary of the founding of the church was celebrated. J. Ray Arnold was recognized as one of the original charter members.



J. Ray Arnold and brothers help to start the Bank of Groveland and were large stock holders and depositors until the bank closed during the depression of 1929. Because of the shortage of cash money during the depression, the lumber company had its own money minted out of an aluminum alloy called "bobbit" with denominations of 5, 10, 25, 50 cents and $1.00. They paid all of the hundreds of workers at the mill with these coins, which were redeemable at the country store called the commissary.



Influenced by the early years in Oklahoma and New Mexico, the family was convinced that there was oil in the State of Florida and the Gulf of Mexico. In 1935, the brothers spent over one-half million dollars in an unsuccessful attempt to find oil in Lake County by drilling a dry hole 6,129 feet deep on company land. In 1972 Amoco Production Company drilled a second well to the dept of around 6,000 feet. It was located within one mile of the other well drilled in 1835. This second well was on lands formerly owned by the family. Oil and gas has been found throughout the Gulf area including: Cuba, Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama as well as Jay, Florida and the everglades. Unfortunately, J. Ray Arnold and his brothers never lived to see the discovery of the Destin Dome in the Gulf of Mexico or the Jay fields.



J. Ray came to Lake County in 1910 and by 1920 had succeeded in getting his whole family of father and mother and seven children to move to Groveland where they lived until they died. J. Ray passed away in 1957. Most of his descendants live in and around Orlando, Miami and Naples, Florida. These descendants include Attorney W.W. Arnold of Orlando; Charles E. Arnold of Orlando; Judge C. Jeffery Arnold of Orlando; and the former Clerk of the Town of Groveland, John S. Arnold, II. J. Ray Arnold was a far sighted and brilliant man with great vision of the future and above all a wonderful, caring parent.



On a motion by Commr. Good, seconded by Commr. Hanson and carried unanimously by a 5 - 0 vote, the Board approved the request for approval and execution of Resolution No. 1995-145 to rename the Palatlakaha River Board Ramp to Arnold Park; and approval and execution of Agreement between Lake County and Arnold Industries, Minerals and Development Inc., et al, for conveyance of non-exclusive easement to give the public access to the park.

REPORTS

COUNTY ATTORNEY

ACCOUNTS ALLOWED/COURTS-JUDGES

Mr. Sandy Minkoff, County Attorney, presented this request.

On a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Good and carried unanimously by a 5 - 0 vote, the Board approved the request for approval of release of Lot 16, Nelson's Replat, Plat Book 12, Page 71, from a Public Defender's lien, in the amount of $750, against

William McCullough.

ORDINANCES/MEETINGS

Mr. Sandy Minkoff, County Attorney, presented this request.

On a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Good and carried unanimously by a 5 - 0 vote, the Board approved the request for approval to advertise an ordinance providing for Procedures Governing Quasi-Judicial Hearings.

ADDENDUM NO. 1

COUNTY MANAGER

LEGISLATURE

Commr. Swartz requested that the approval of the draft issues for the 1998 Legislative Packet for presentation to the Lake County Legislative Delegation be postponed until a later date.

COMMISSIONER GERBER - DISTRICT NO. 1

RESOLUTIONS

Commr. Gerber made a motion, which was seconded by Commr. Good, to approve Resolution No. 1998-146 encouraging support of Constitutional Revision 7 which will be on the November 1998 general election ballot.

Commr. Cadwell stated that he and the Florida Association of Counties would be visiting the Editorial Boards of the local papers and presenting the Board's position.

The Chairman called for a vote on the motion, which passed by a 5 - 0 vote.

ROADS-COUNTY & STATE/SIGNS

Commr. Gerber stated that she has been alarmed with the growth of commercial development along the U.S. 441 corridor and with the large commercial signs that will be installed for the commercial properties. She stated that staff has indicated that they were awaiting direction from the Board in regard to the sign ordinance, and she requested clarification on this issue.

Ms. Sharon Farrell, Senior Director, Department of Growth Management, appeared before the Board and explained that a draft sign ordinance has been prepared and that she would meet with the County Attorney to discuss the ordinance and bring it back to the Board for a workshop by October.

On a motion by Commr. Gerber, seconded by Commr. Hanson and carried unanimously by a 5 - 0 vote, the Board directed staff to bring a draft sign ordinance back to the Board for a workshop in the very near future.

COMMISSIONER HANSON - DISTRICT NO. 4

RESOLUTIONS

On a motion by Commr. Hanson, seconded by Commr. Gerber and carried unanimously by a 5 - 0 vote, the Board approved the request for approval and execution of Proclamation No. 1998-133 proclaiming October 1998 as Invasive Nonnative Plant Eradication Awareness Month.

ORDINANCES

Commr. Hanson requested an update on the Animal Control Ordinance and stated that she has received many calls about the ineffectiveness of said ordinance.

Commr. Swartz explained that, at this time, there were two large draft documents, one prepared by staff and one prepare by the Animal Control Ordinance Study Committee. At this time, staff was directed to review both proposed draft animal control ordinances and bring both ordinances back to the Board for a workshop.

ADDENDUM NO. 1

REPORTS

COMMISSIONER HANSON - DISTRICT NO. 4

MEETINGS

Commr. Hanson informed the Board that she would be holding a District Meeting on Thursday, September 17, 1998, at 6:00 p.m., at the Spring Creek Elementary School in Paisley for residents of the Paisley, Lake Mack, Lake Kathryn and Forest Hills areas for the purpose of discussing issues pertaining to Fire Rescue Services.

COMMISSIONER CADWELL - DISTRICT NO. 5

LANDFILLS

Commr. Cadwell requested that staff prepare a report on the Lady Lake Landfill closure.

Mr. Sandy Minkoff, County Attorney, informed the Board that a lawsuit has recently been filed by the contractor, and that the County was involving an engineer and requesting that the lawsuit be moved to mediation as quickly as possible.



COUNTY MANAGER'S DEPARTMENTAL BUSINESS

ROADS-COUNTY & STATE/RIGHTS-OF-WAY, ROADS & EASEMENTS

Mr. Jim Stivender, Jr., Senior Director, Department of Public Works, appeared before the Board and explained that this request was to accept a maintenance map for a portion of County Road 565A from Max Hooks Road to Silver Eagle Road.

At this time, the Chairman opened the public hearing portion of the meeting.

There being no one present wishing to discuss this request, the public hearing portion of the meeting was closed.

On a motion by Commr. Good, seconded by Commr. Gerber and carried unanimously by a 5 - 0 vote, the Board approved the request for acceptance of a Maintenance Map for a portion of County Road 565A from Max Hooks Road to Silver Eagle Road.

There being no further business to be brought to the attention of the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 11:15 p.m.



__________________________________ G. RICHARD SWARTZ, JR.,CHAIRMAN











ATTEST:









_________________________________

JAMES C. WATKINS, CLERK



9-15-98/9-23-98/boardmin