The Lake County Board of County Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, February 2, 1999 at 9:00 a.m., in the Board of County Commissioners' Meeting Room, Lake County Administration Building, Tavares, Florida. Commissioners present at the meeting were: Welton G. Cadwell, Chairman; Catherine C. Hanson, Vice Chairman; Rhonda H. Gerber; G. Richard Swartz, Jr.; and Robert A. Pool. Others present were: Sandy A. Minkoff, County Attorney; Sue B. Whittle, County Manager; Wendy Taylor, BCC Administrative Supervisor; Barbara Lehman, Chief Deputy Clerk, County Finance; and Toni M. Riggs, Deputy Clerk.
Commr. Cadwell gave the Invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
AGENDA UPDATE
It was noted that there were no changes or deletions from today's agenda.
Commr. Cadwell stated that the Board had before them an Addendum No. 1 and an Addendum No. 2, and he requested that the Board consider Addendum No. 2 after the consent agenda and the personal appearances.
MINUTES
Discussion occurred regarding the Minutes of January 12, 1999, Regular Meeting, with Commr. Swartz requesting that, on Page 7, Lines 9 and 10, the language be amended to clarify that he was particularly interested in seeing the Board prohibit that activity (nudity) to the extent legally possible.
On a motion by Commr. Swartz, seconded by Commr. Hanson and carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the Minutes of January 12, 1999, Regular Meeting, as amended.
Discussion occurred regarding the Minutes of January 19, 1999, Regular Meeting, with Commr. Swartz requesting that, on Page 11, Line 23, the language be amended to include the comments relative to rental apartments/other rental units being similar in their situation, in regard to this issue.
On a motion by Commr. Swartz, seconded by Commr. Hanson and carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the Minutes of January 19, 1999, Regular Meeting, as amended.
CLERK OF COURTS' CONSENT AGENDA
On a motion by Commr. Hanson, seconded by Commr. Pool and carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the following requests, Tabs 1 - 15, Clerk of Courts' Consent Agenda, as follows:
Accounts Allowed
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.
Bonds - Contractor
Amendment
1980-99 Harrison H. Moody/Harry Moody Signs -
Rider amends and changes the expiration date of the bond from
September 30, 1998 to September 30, 1999.
Cancellation
984-98 Harris Oil & Air Conditioning, Inc.
New
4122-99 Ronald L. Hart dba Homes With Hart (Home Remodeling)
4774-99 Joe Strickland Electrical Contractor Inc. (Electrical)
5151-99 Jean A. Morrissette/Morrissette Electric, Inc. (Electrical)
5203-99 Musselwhite Electric, Inc. (Electrical)
5291-99 Scott A. Bruehl dba Apopka Plumbing (Plumbing)
5670-99 Guy W. Stewartson/GMT Electrical Co. Inc. (Electrical)
5671-99 Frank J. Fusco/Frank's Air Conditioning, Inc. (Air Cond./Refrigeration)
5672-99 Diversified Electrical Systems, Inc. (Electrical Contractor)
5673-99 Christopher Dixon Homes
5674-01 Stephen W. Roper/Roper Plumbing, Inc. (Plumbing)
5675-99 Ron Kaiser (Aluminum Siding)
Accounts Allowed/Courts-Judges
Approve and signature authorization on the Satisfaction of Judgment, State of Florida vs. Claude Lee Merrell, Case No. 85-14,955TT32, in the amount of $250.00.
Approve and signature authorization on the Satisfaction of Judgment, State of Florida vs. David Loren Mudd, Case. No. 97-301-CFA, in the amount of $100.00.
Accounts Allowed/Courts-Judges
Approve Satisfaction and Release of Fine, Wilson R. Timmons, in the amount of $879.02 (Order of Fine recorded in OR Book 1312 Pages 817, 818 and 819)
Budgets/Hospitals
Request to acknowledge receipt of the copy of the 1997-1998 Budget for North Lake County Hospital District/Independent Special District.
Health Department/Reports
Request to acknowledge receipt of the report of the activities and expenditures of the Lake County Health Department (CHD) for the period ending September 30, 1998, pursuant to Chapter 154, Florida Statutes, and the contract between the Department of Health and Lake County.
Utilities
Request to acknowledge receipt of the following: Before the Florida Public Service Commission, Notice of Commission Prehearing and Hearing to MCI Telecommunications Corporation and All Other Interested Persons, Docket No. 890435-TI, Initiation of Show Cause Proceedings Against MCI Telecommunications Corporation for Charging FCC Universal Service Assessments on Intrastate Toll Calls - Notice is hereby given that the Florida Public Service Commission will hold a public hearing, pursuant to Section 120.57 (2), Florida Statutes, in the above referenced docket Thursday, February 11, 1999, 9:30 a.m., Room 148 Betty Easley Conference Center, 4075 Esplanade Way, Tallahassee, Florida. A prehearing conference will be held Wednesday, January 27, 1999, 9:30 a.m., Room 152, Betty Easley Conference Center, 4075 Esplanade Way, Tallahassee, Florida.
Utilities
Request to acknowledge receipt of the following: Amended Notice of Hearing and Prehearing to Florida Power & Light Company, Florida Power Corporation, Gulf Power Company, Tampa Electric Company and All Other Interested Persons, Re: Docket No. 990001-EI - Fuel and Purchased Power Cost Recovery Clause and Generating Performance Incentive Factor Transmission Reconsideration - Notice is hereby given that a hearing will be held before the Florida Public Service Commission regarding Florida Power Corporation's Motion for Reconsideration of Order No. PSC-98-0073-FOF-EI, , at 9:30 a.m., Friday, February 12, 1999, Betty Easley Conference Center, Room 148, 4075 Esplanade Way, Tallahassee, Florida. A prehearing conference will be held before Commissioner Susan F. Clark, as Prehearing Officer, regarding the above referenced matter at 3 p.m., Wednesday, January 27, 1999, Betty Easley Conference Center, Room 148, Tallahassee, Florida.
Utilities
Request to acknowledge receipt of the following: Notice of Prehearing Conference Before the Florida Public Service Commission to Lake Utility Services, Inc. and All Other Interested Persons; RE: Docket No. 980483-WU; Investigation into possible over collection of Allowances For Funds Prudently Invested (AFPI) in Lake County by Lake Utility Services, Inc. Notice is hereby given that a prehearing conference will be held before Commissioner E. Leon Jacobs, as Prehearing Officer, on January 15, 1999, at 1:30 p.m., Room 152, Betty Easley Conference Center, 4075 Esplanade Way, Tallahassee, Florida.
Utilities
Request to acknowledge receipt of the following: Notice of Application for an Extension of Service Area from the Florida Water Service Corporation. Notice is hereby given on December 31, 1998, pursuant to Section 367.045, Florida Statutes, of the Application of Florida Water Services Corporation to amend its Water Certificate No. 106-W to add and delete territory in Lake County, Florida, as follows: Lake County Silver Lakes/Western Shores Proposed Addition to Water Service Territory, that portion of Township 19 South, Range 25 East, Lake County, Florida. Any objection to said application must be made in writing within thirty days from this date to Director, Division of Records and Reporting, Florida Public Service Commission, 2540 Shumard oak Boulevard, Tallahassee, Florida, 32399-0870.
Municipalities/Ordinances
Request to acknowledge receipt of the following: City of Eustis Ordinance No. 98-32 annexing into the corporate limits of the City of Eustis, 2.31 + acres of vacant land on the northeast corner of U.S. Hwy. 441 and East Crooked Lake Drive, with a conceptual plan for proposed bank building; subject to the Lake County Land Use Map designation of "urban", pursuant to Florida Statute 171.062. Passed, ordained and approved by the City Commission of the City of Eustis, Florida on January 5, 1999.
Accounts Allowed/Courts-Judges
Request to acknowledge receipt of the Monthly Distribution of Revenue, Traffic/Criminal Cases, Month Ending December 31, 1998:
Disbursements made to Board: $164,599.41
Same period last year: $139,656.75
Municipalities/Ordinances
Request to acknowledge receipt of the following: a copy of Ordinance 98-009 Annexing Property to the City of Fruitland Park, Florida; Providing for the Annexation of Property Generally Located Southeast of the Intersection of U.S. Highway 441 and Register Road, and Generally Known as the Lake Griffin State Park Property; Providing for PFD (Public Facilities District) Zoning of the Property; Providing for an Institutional Comprehensive Plan Land Use Designation for the Property; Providing for an Effective Date, passed and ordained the 14th day of January, 1999, by the City Commission of the City of Fruitland Park, Florida.
Accounts Allowed/Courts-Judges
Satisfaction and Release of Fine, Dorothy Couch Bailey and Mid-State Trust II, in the amount of $200.00 (Order of Order of Fine recorded in OR Book 1671 Pages 1576 and 1577).
Utilities
Request to acknowledge receipt of the following: Notice of Hearing Before the Florida Public Service Commission to Lake Utility Services, Inc. and All Other Interested Persons; RE: Docket No. 980483-WU; Investigation Into Possible Over Collection of Allowance For Funds Prudently Invested (AFPI) in Lake County by Lake Utility Services, Inc. Notice is hereby given that a hearing will be held on January25, 1999, at 10:00 p.m., Jenkins Auditorium, 691 Montrose Street, Clermont, Florida.
COUNTY MANAGER'S CONSENT AGENDA
Ms. Sue Whittle, County Manager, noted that there was an item under the consent agenda on Addendum No. 1 for the Board to approve along with the regular consent agenda.
Commr. Hanson questioned the total amount paid to the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council, under Tab 7, B.
Ms. Sarah LaMarche, Senior Director of Fiscal and Administrative Services, explained that the $1,385 was in addition to the $43,000, because the assessment is based on per capita.
On a motion by Commr. Swartz, seconded by Commr. Gerber and carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the following requests, Tabs 3-17, and Addendum No. 1, I.A., County Manager's Consent Agenda, as follows:
Accounts Allowed/Contracts, Leases & Agreement/Grants/State Agencies
Request for execution of the Fiscal Year 1999 State and Local Assistance (SLA) Agreement between the State of Florida Department of Community Affairs and Lake County. This agreement is for the annual 50/50 matching grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency administered by the Department of Community Affairs in the amount of $27,560.00.
Accounts Allowed/Ambulances-Hospitals/Emergency Services
Transfer of Titles to three ambulance vehicles to Florida Regional Emergency Medical Services to have new chassis installed on each per the Capital Acquisition Plan for 1999, at an approximate trade-in value of $5,000.00 per unit. Property number 16693, 16980, and 15343.
Accounts Allowed/Contracts, Leases & Agreements/Municipalities/Taxes
Request for the Chairman to execute agreements with the City of Tavares, in the amount of $12,456.00, and the Town of Lady lake, in the amount of $15,000.00 relating to contribution of Infrastructure Sales Tax Funds for Community Recreational Projects FY 98/99. Fiscal Impact: $27,456.00.
Accounts Allowed/Contracts, Leases & Agreements/Municipalities/Taxes
Request for the Chairman to execute an agreement with the city of Fruitland Park relating to contribution of Infrastructure Sales Tax Funds for Community Recreational Projects FY 98/99, in the amount of $10,000.
Accounts Allowed/Fiscal and Administrative Services
Public Works, Growth Management/Sheriff's Department
A. Transfer of funds in the amount of $16,152.00 from the Transportation Trust Fund, Public Works, Contingency to Machinery and Equipment to pay for a plan hold master file storage system that was ordered but not received until after 10/01/98. It was not rebudgeted because it was anticipated that it would be received prior to the end of September 1998.
B. Transfer of funds in the amount of $1,385.00 from the General Fund, Growth Management, Contingency to Aids to Private Organizations to pay the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council assessment amount for FY 98/99 which was higher than originally estimated.
C. Transfer of funds in the amount of $10,000.00 from General Fund - Constitutional Offices - Contingency - Sheriff to Bailiff-Operating Expenses $5,800.00 and Law Enf.-Operating Expenses $4,200.00 pursuant to F.S. 30.49 request from the Sheriff.
Growth Management/Ordinances/Code Enforcement
Request to advertise for public hearings on the repeal and amendment of Land Development Regulations Chapter 2, Sections 9.01.00 and 9.02.00 (Landscape Standards and Tree Protection Ordinance, and 13.06.02.A.6 (Code Enforcement Board).
Personnel
Execution of Certificates for employees with one and three years of services, as listed.
Accounts Allowed/Roads-County & State/Public Works
Request of payment to Hunters Trace Properties for an Impact Fee reimbursement. The reimbursement is for offsite improvements constructed by the developer that are not directly related to the traffic impacts associated with the development. Reimbursement will be from Benefit Road Impact Fees Benefit District 5, in the amount of $83,787.22.
Resolutions/Roads-County & State/Signs
Resolution authorizing the posting of "NO TRUCKS" signs on Lake Emma Rd. (2-119) north of Groveland between Villa City Rd. (2-2215/CR 565) and SR 19.
Resolutions/Roads-County & State/Signs
Resolution authorizing the posting of "NO TRUCKS" signs on the following roads in the Wekiva area:
Chipola Trail (4-4098B)
Holopaw Trail (4-4198)
Okaloosa Trail (4-4198A)
Nocatee Trail (4-4198B)
Wacassa Trail (4-4298A)
Resolutions/Roads-County & State/Signs
Resolution authorizing the posting of "NO TRUCKS" signs on the following roads in the Okahumpka area:
Fourth Street (2-3108)
Bay Avenue (2-3108A)
Walnut Avenue (2-3108B)
Palmetto Avenue (2-3108C)
Lemon Avenue (2-3108D)
Accounts Allowed/Assessments
And authorized the Chairman to execute the following Satisfaction of Liens for five road assessments:
677068 Scott Cromer $ 894.73
685016 Darren L. Price $2,237.10
685027 Darren L. Price $1,317.13
685044 Llewellyn Dawkins, Sr. $1,178.77
686024 Nevin D. Wherrell $1,284.70
Deeds/Rights-of-Way, Roads & Easements
Acceptance of one Statutory Quit Claim Deed, eight Statutory Warranty Deeds, and Two Temporary Non-Exclusive Easement Deeds, as follows:
Statutory Quit Claim Deed
Griffin, Bruce E. (North Blvd.)
Johnson, Naomi L.
Statutory Warranty Deed
Szwec, Theodore (First St./Rolling Acres Rd.)
Szwec, Theodore C.
Szwec, Thomas J.
Szwec, Richard J.
Szwec, Ronald M.
Fennell Investments. Ltd. (First St./Rolling Acres Rd.)
Bailey, Gerald G. & Lois R. (Fishermans Road- 4 8589)
Condev Land Fund III, Ltd. (Glenbrook Entrance Rd.)
Condev Land Fund II, Ltd. (Glenbrook Entrance Rd.)
Wheelus, Sheron Thomas, Jr. &
Barbara Sue (Illinois St. - 5 7115)
Lemons, Joan M. (Mardon Circle - 4 8688
Provenzano, Marilyn Lynette (Moore St. - 5 5437)
Justice, Mary Ruth
Temporary Non-Exclusive Easement
Fennell Investments, Ltd. (First St./Rolling Acres Rd.)
Szwec, Theodore (First St./Rolling Acres Rd.)
Szwec, Theodore C.
Szwec, Thomas J.
Szwec, Richard J.
Szwec, Ronald M.
Subdivisions
Authorization to accept the final plat for O'Brien Estates Subdivision consisting of eight lots - Commissioner District 2.
Accounts Allowed/Contracts, Leases & Agreements/Subdivisions
Authorization to accept the final plat for Royal Highlands Phase 1-D Subdivision, execute a Developer's Agreement between Lake County and Pringle Communities, Inc. for Construction of Improvements, and accept a Letter of Credit in the amount of $1,308,807.34 and accept a Statutory Conservation Easement Deed. Subdivision consists of 192 lots - Commissioner District 2.
ADDENDUM NO. 1
COUNTY MANAGER'S CONSENT AGENDA
Accounts Allowed/Contracts, Leases & Agreements/Subdivisions
Request for authorization to accept a final plat for Greater Groves Phase 7 Subdivision and Greater Groves Phase 8 Subdivision; accept a letter of credit for performance in the amount of $150,662.00; and execute a Developer's Agreement for Construction of Improvements between Lake County and The Greater Construction Company. Greater Groves Phase 7 Subdivision consists of 30 lots and Greater Groves Phase 8 Subdivision consists of 40 lots - Commissioner District 2.
PERSONAL APPEARANCES - EMPLOYEE AWARDS
Ms. Gwen Benton, Personnel Officer, presented information regarding the following employees who were being honored for their years of service:
Presentation of Plaques to Employees with Five Years of Service
Libby L. Steele, Secretary II, Facilities and Capital Improvements/Jail Maintenance (not present)
Donna Gray Williams, Librarian II, Community Services, Library
Carolyn Szucs, Secretary III, Community Services/Library
(not present)
Susan M. Strum, Principal Planner, Growth Management/Planning and Development
Mitchell M. Montgomery, Maintenance Specialist II, Facilities and Capital Improvements/Building Maintenance
(not present)
Presentation of Plaques to Employees with Ten Years of Service
Braxton Bixceglia, Firefighter/EMT, Emergency Services/Fire/Rescue
Timothy L. Crow, Firefighter/EMT, Emergency Services/Fire/Rescue
Karen L. Chester, Stormwater Technician, Public Works/Special Services (not present)
Presentation of Plaque and Bond to "Employee of the Quarter" First Quarter (October, November and December)
Perry Jacobs, HLC Gardens Manager, Horticultural Learning Center, Agricultural Education Service
ADDENDUM NO. 2
REPORTS/RESOLUTIONS/OTHER COUNTIES/ROADS-COUNTY & STATE
Commr. Cadwell stated that the issue regarding the interchange on the Florida Turnpike at C-468 in Sumter County was on the agenda last week, and Commr. Hanson had requested that the Board have more time to consider this item. He noted that Mr. Tony Otte, City Manager, City of Leesburg, and Mr. Robert Lovell, Mayor, City of Leesburg, were present to discuss the issue. Commr. Cadwell felt that there was a need for Sumter County to come and make a presentation to the Board and the City of Leesburg.
Mr. Lovell stated that the City of Leesburg had just become aware of the proposed construction of an interchange on the Florida Turnpike at C-468. He stated that, for eight years, the City had planned for the C-470 exchange, and it has identified that area for future growth. The City has acquired about 25 acres in the south area, and it has annexed several thousand acres into the City. The right-of-way has been given by Mr. Albert Leeburg on one side of the interstate, and the City of Leesburg has donated about 20 acres on the other side costing the City about $350,000. Mr. Lovell stated that about $1 million has already been spent to do the exchange at C-470, and now the City has heard that the exchange may be moved, and the money that was to fund C-470, by a new Act of Congress, would be taken from this area and moved to the exchange at C-468 that would enhance the Villages. The City has no objection to them pushing for an exchange on C-468, but the City believes that it is in the City's best interest to keep it at the current proposed location, and it is to the advantage of Lake County to keep it there. Mr. Lovell stated that the City has run its waster water and utility lines 15 miles south to one of the Pringle developments. Mr. Lovell explained the plans that were being proposed by Sumter County and stated that this will not help to divert traffic around Leesburg, or the gridlock problem, and what would help Leesburg would be a diversion route around Leesburg that would keep the traffic on Highway 27, or divert it over to Highway 441 in some kind of orderly manner. The City has invested $10 million in a waste water treatment plant to be built at C-470, which will take care of the growth in the south part of Leesburg, and the future expansion of Leesburg in the south area, and he would like the Board to consider all of this at some time.
Mr. Otte presented the Board with a letter from the City of Leesburg that requests that the City Commission of Leesburg meet with the Board to discuss this important topic. He agreed that Sumter County should come and make a presentation to the Board and the City of Leesburg.
Commr. Cadwell suggested that Mr. Otte and Ms. Whittle try and schedule a meeting date and invite the Chairman from Sumter County and any of his staff to attend that meeting.
Mr. Albert Leeburg addressed the Board and stated that the interchange at C-470 was not put in for the benefit of Lake County, nor Sumter County. He stated that it was a federal project that was put in for the benefit of the federal government, and the servicing of the largest federal prison in the United States.
Commr. Hanson stated that, after the meeting last week, she had asked the County Manager to talk to staff and Mr. Jim Stivender, Senior Director of Public Works, to try to develop some sort of analysis of the two intersections, even though the Board is on record as supporting C-470 last year. She stated that the Board needed to look at the impact on Lake County and which location would actually have the greatest benefit to Lake County.
Commr. Swartz stated that one reason he voted against the proposal, when it came before the Board some months ago, was there appeared to be no ground work, no basis, no documentation, no study, no analysis that the federal government had done to indicate the need for the interchange at C-470, and he doubted that there had been such an analysis for an interchange at C-468, and until he sees one for either proposal, he was not going to support an interchange. He could not see how just the federal prison could justify an interchange. He wants to see an analysis, and if the federal government, through Congressman Cliff Stearns, has pushed the C-470 interchange, then surely there is an underlying study showing the need for that interchange and why millions of dollars would be spent to locate one there. He stated that, if the study was not available through any of the other parties, maybe staff can make contact with Congressman Stearns's office and find out if there is any underlying basis for an interchange at either of these intersections. He was also concerned about what kind of impact C-470 will have on the small rural community of Okahumpka, because as far as he could see, there had been no consideration for that area.
Commr. Cadwell asked Ms. Sue Whittle, County Manager to contact Mr. Tony Otte, City Manager, City of Leesburg, and schedule a joint public meeting with the Board and the City Of Leesburg to discuss the status of the construction of an interchange on the Florida Turnpike at CR 470.
PRESENTATION OF PROCUREMENT CARD TEAM FINDINGS
FISCAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
Ms. Sarah LaMarche, Senior Director, Fiscal and Administrative Services, stated that she was here today to present the findings of the Procurement Card Team that has been working well over nine months to determine the feasibility of using procurement cards in Lake County. The Team consisted of the following members: Frank LaFleur, Teresa Harrison, Donna Collins, Kate Landry and Bruce Conway. She stated that they have also met with the external auditors on this situation and have been in constant contact with Ms. Barbara Lehman, Chief Deputy Clerk, County Finance. The Team has presented the findings and recommendations to the County Manager and Senior Staff, with the final step being a presentation to the Board. Ms. LaMarche stated that they have chosen NationsBank, because that is the bank that has the contract with the State. She noted that Mr. Evan Tullos, representative from NationsBank, was here to make a presentation. Ms. LaMarche explained that the Team visited Volusia County and the City of Ocala, who have this process in place. It was noted that there was no type of selection process used to choose NationsBank. Ms. LaMarche stated that, with the Board's permission, the Team will be starting a pilot program in three areas, the Solid Waste Impact Center, the Fleet Maintenance Shop, and Purchasing.
Mr. Evan Tullos, NationsBank, addressed the Board and stated that his responsibility is the State of Florida contract, which he will be discussing with the Board. Mr. Tullos presented highlights about the purchasing card program and stated that this is not a credit card; Lake County will not compromise any of its controls it presently uses for small dollar purchasing; and this is an efficiency tool and is meant to re-engineer Lake County's small dollar purchases. He stated that this is a State contract which allows Lake County to participate at no cost, as well as earn rebate on an annual basis. Mr. Tullos reviewed the purchase card experience that NationsBank has had in the industry, and the competitive advantages, and stated that NationsBank has recently merged with Bank of America. He noted that the Federal Government did choose NationsBank and awarded them with the State contract. He stated that, because of the State contract, the County will be issued a VISA rather than a MasterCard, but as some point, the County will have a choice. Mr. Tullos presented an overview of the following:
Mr. Tullos explained that vendors will be paid within 48 hours, which will be one of the big efficiencies. He stated that the County will have a policy and procedure statement in place, which has been drawn up, and a cardholder agreement, which will be signed by everyone who carries a card. He stated that, if the Board adopts the card liability opportunity, this will allow the County not to incur any losses, because of an employee's misuse of a card; however, the County must terminate the individual if there is any misuse.
Mr. Tullos continued the discussion by providing detailed information on the following procedures:
Mr. Tullos noted that the State of Florida contract does require a 14 day settlement, and noted Florida Statute 315.211, which is the late payment act for the State of Florida.
Ms. LaMarche explained that anything over $500 would have to go on a purchase order. She explained that the Team looked at the volume of purchase orders written under $500, which was astronomical.
Ms. Sue Whittle, County Manager, explained that the real savings will be in the processing of all of the paperwork that goes into small dollar purchases. She stated that the cards will be available to any level of employee who is interested in purchasing for the County.
Ms. LaMarche stated that the County will have a 90 day pilot program, and the Team will stay active forever and will be directly involved in training, and once the pilot program group begins to feel comfortable, they can begin to train the rest of the people. She noted that they found that, in the places that have the procurement card in place, 15 to 20 percent of the employees have the cards.
Ms. Whittle stated that, along with the pilot group, they will be adding the County Manager, County Attorney, and the Commissioners' Office.
Ms. LaMarche noted that Mr. Bruce Conway, Purchasing Manager, will be completely in charge of the procurement card program.
It was noted that staff would be considering the liability policy to address any misuse of a card by an employee.
Ms. Whittle stated that staff needed approval to enter into the pilot procurement card program, for 90 days, with staff coming back with a report at the end of the 90 days, and assuming it has been successful, staff will go county-wide with it.
On a motion by Commr. Pool, seconded by Commr. Gerber and carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved staff's request to enter into the pilot procurement card program, for 90 days, with staff coming back with a report at the end of the 90 days.
Ms. Whittle extended her appreciation to the Team for their hard work in developing the information provided to the Board.
CITIZEN QUESTION AND COMMENT PERIOD
It was noted that no one wished to address the Board with questions, comments or concerns.
OTHER BUSINESS
APPOINTMENTS-RESIGNATIONS/COMMITTEES
On a motion by Commr. Gerber, seconded by Commr. Swartz and carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the request for approval and execution of Resolution 1999-20 appointing Commissioner Catherine C. Hanson as Chairman of the Tourist Development Council.
APPOINTMENTS-RESIGNATIONS/COMMITTEES
On a motion by Commr. Swartz, seconded by Commr. Hanson and carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the appointment of Ms. Joan McCall as the at-large representative to the Lake County Citizens' Commission for Children to complete a term ending May 14, 1999.
It was noted that the request for an appointment to District 2 would b placed back on the agenda for another meeting.
APPOINTMENTS-RESIGNATIONS/COMMITTEES
Commr. Hanson made a motion, which was seconded by Commr. Pool, to approve the following appointments to the County-wide Solid Waste Study Committee: J. Mallon LaShay, Robert K. Ringer, and Albert A. Arjibay.
Under discussion, Commr. Swartz explained that he has not been able to get a District 3 representative for sometime and stated that the Board may want to provide for the ability to appoint someone out of the district and bring back a resolution change for consideration.
The Chairman called for a vote on the motion, which was carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote.
ADDENDUM NO. 1
BONDS/COUNTY MANAGER
Ms. Sue Whittle, County Manager, informed the Board that staff had recently done a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the selection of investment bankers for the refunding of the racetrack bonds, and the County received five responses. It was noted that the Board was not to choose one of the firms today, but only discuss the selection process.
Ms. Barbara Lehman, Chief Deputy Clerk, County Finance, stated that the three firms that staff has reviewed and selected as the top three are SunTrust, First Union, and Smith Barney, in no particular order. Ms. Lehman explained that staff could ask the three firms to do the following: give a presentation to staff and staff will rank them and make a recommendation to the Board, based on that ranking; ask for a fee quote at that time; or hire two of them and have co-managers for the job so that two firms would be working and marketing the bond issue. Ms. Lehman stated the issue involves less than $4 million.
Ms. Whittle explained that the County Manager will be bringing forward a recommendation to the Board. She stated that staff has looked at all of the possibilities and discussed them with the financial advisors and she would suggest that the County look at a fee quote from the three firms. Staff feels that all three of these firms are very well qualified and able to handle the refunding of the bonds.
Commr. Cadwell questioned, if the County goes through the RFP process, and it still gets a fee quote, would it take the lowest one, or would it still consider the RFP process.
Mr. Sandy Minkoff, County Attorney, stated that, after talking to the advisors, the County would go with the lowest fee, and included in the fee quote would be their outside attorneys and added costs. He stated that initially, through the RFP process, staff wanted to screen the firms that applied to make certain that they would pick the ones that were qualified and not necessarily the least expensive one.
Ms. Lehman explained that, in the RFP, it states that the County would use, for a selection criteria, the quality and quantity of experience of the proposer, and their ability to meet the requirements and the completeness of their response, and these firms have met all of these requirements.
Commr. Cadwell explained that somewhere down the road the County may want to qualify three or four firms, and then they would come in with a fee for future issues.
Mr. Minkoff stated that staff was guided by the recommendation of the financial advisors, and the fact that the County currently does business with both First Union and SunTrust, and Smith Barney was included because they originally came to County Finance and said that this was something that the County should do.
Ms. Whittle stated that staff will bring back the final recommendation to the Board.
REPORTS - COUNTY ATTORNEY
CONTRACTS, LEASES & AGREEMENTS/COURTS-JUDGES
On a motion by Commr. Hanson, seconded by Commr. Pool and carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the following requests: approval and execution of a Special Master Agreement between Lake County and Anthony Hines and Vercell Mims Jackson, owners, and Frank T. Gaylord, Special Master, to retain Frank T. Gaylord as Special Master in Case No. SM-6-98; and approval and execution of a Special Master Agreement between Lake County and Franklin D. Logenbach, owner and Frank T. Gaylord, Special Master, to retain Frank T. Gaylord as Special Master in Case No. SM-7-98.
MEETINGS
Mr. Sandy Minkoff, County Attorney, informed the Board that, because of the advertising requirements for the sign ordinance, the second hearing on the sign ordinance will be held March 2, 1999, at 5:05 p.m.
REPORTS - COUNTY MANAGER
SOLID WASTE/REPORTS
Commr. Cadwell explained that an article had appeared in the paper regarding contaminated water in Umatilla.
Ms. Sue Whittle, County Manager, stated that she asked Mr. Don Post, Senior Director, Solid Waste Management Services, and Ms. Sharon Farrell, Senior Director, Growth Management, whose departments have been working on this issue, if they could update the Board on this issue.
Mr. Post addressed the Board and stated that, in 1996 during the summer monitoring of the 30 groundwater monitoring wells that the County has around the Umatilla facility, the County had its first detection of benzene. He explained that staff waited until the next sampling event to get a confirmation. It was noted that the tests are done every six months, and the detection was made in the same well. Mr. Post stated that the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) requested that the County prepare a plan. The County had a meeting with FDEP last summer on the plan, and they considered the level that was detected to be a minor hit, but the County wanted to be pro-active and wanted to take action. Initially FDEP had recommended that the County put in additional monitoring wells to check below the superficial aquifer. Mr. Post noted that the detection was in the superficial aquifer and not in the groundwater aquifer where the drinking water is found. He stated that the County agreed to this, however, it decided to do a hydro-punch test where it works with a consulting firm, to identify where the plume is coming from. Mr. Post stated that staff has been working with Mr. Jim Bradner, Director of the Solid and Hazardous Waste Department at FDEP in Orlando. Mr. Post noted that the first part of the article did not give the impression that the County had already taken the appropriate action, but it has and any additional correspondence that Ms. Laxsamee Levin, FDEP Engineer, may have sent was not received by the Solid Waste Department, or Growth Management Department, and Mr. Bradner indicated that he had not been copied on any correspondence that had been distributed. After seeing the article, staff communicated with Mr. Bradner this morning, and he was going to fax staff a statement explaining that he was cognizant of what the County was doing and he was aware of it, and he had provided additional time for the County to respond this summer, as to what it was going to do with the Preliminary Contamination Assessment Process (PCAP) and the hydro-drilling. He noted that FDEP did not feel there was an urgency based on the five parts per billion that was identified, and it has stayed at that five parts per billion and has not drastically changed from that level. Mr. Post stated that the PCAP is approximately 80 percent done already in Growth Management.
Commr. Cadwell stated that, in spite of what the article said, the County has not ignored the issue, and it is working on it, and it has contacted the FDEP and they are aware of what the County is doing.
Mr. Post stated that the Supervisor of FDEP is aware of what the County is doing, and he recognizes the additional expense of the County to try and take the next step to address the contamination.
Commr. Cadwell requested the Mr. Post contact Mr. Alex Nixon, County Administrator, City of Umatilla, and offer to have someone at their meeting tonight to relay the information provided here today.
Mr. Post noted that the County is aggressively working on the problem, and it is going beyond what is required by the FDEP. He stated that they will do a follow-up on the issue and make sure that the newspapers has all of the information.
REPORTS - COMMISSIONER POOL - DISTRICT #2
MEETINGS/STATE AGENCIES
Commr. Pool informed the Board that he attended a meeting last Wednesday to discuss the Highway 50 corridor, and to discuss viable opportunities for vehicles to travel in the future, and he feels it is important that Lake County and Orange County work on some joint planning for the Highway 50 corridor.
Commr. Pool stated that he was invited by Commissioner Bob Freeman to attend a meeting last Thursday in Orange County, to talk about Horizons West, and Lake County should be included in a joint planning effort with Orange County. He stated that they indicated that they would be glad to come to Lake County and give an update and a 15 minute presentation on the Horizons West project. An airport has been approved in southwest Orange County, and the Beltway is still on the drawing boards, and Commr. Pool stated that he would like to invite Miller, Sellen, Connor & Walsh to give an update on the Horizons West project.
REPORTS - COMMISSIONER SWARTZ - DISTRICT #3
RESOLUTIONS
On a motion by Commr. Swartz, seconded by Commr. Gerber and carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the request for approval and execution of Proclamation 1999-21 designating February as the month to honor American Veterans wounded in combat (Viola Days).
REPORTS - COMMISSIONER CADWELL - CHAIRMAN AND DISTRICT #5
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 1999-22 designating February 14-20, 1999 as National Vocational Education Week.
Commr. Cadwell requested that staff contact Ms. Susan Moxley at the Vocational Technical Center and schedule a time to make a presentation of the Proclamation.
MEETINGS/ORDINANCES
It was noted that the first reading of the Sign Ordinance will be February 16, 1999, on the regular agenda, and the second reading will be March 2, 1999, at 5:05 p.m.
There being no further business to be brought forward to the attention of the Board, the meeting adjourned at 10:20 a.m.
WELTON G. CADWELL, CHAIRMAN
ATTEST:
JAMES C. WATKINS, CLERK
TMR/BOARDMIN/2-2-99/2-11/99