The Lake County Board of County Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, November 21, 2000, 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: Welton G. Cadwell, Chairman; Catherine C. Hanson, Vice Chairman; and Robert A. Pool. Others present were: Sue Whittle, County Manager; Sanford A. Minkoff, County Attorney; James C. Watkins, Clerk of Circuit Court; Barbara Lehman, Chief Deputy Clerk, County Finance; Wendy Taylor, Administrative Supervisor, Board of County Commissioner's Office; and Sandra Carter, Deputy Clerk.
The Chairman turned the meeting over to the Vice Chairman, Commr. Hanson.
INVESTITURE
Commr. Catherine Hanson, Vice Chairman, officiated over the 21st Investiture of newly elected Commrs. Jennifer Hill and Debbie Stivender and re-elected Commr. Welton G. Cadwell.
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE
Assistant Pastor David Lindsey, from the First United Methodist Church of Tavares, gave the Invocation and Sheriff George E. Knupp, Jr. led the Pledge of Allegiance.
OATH OF OFFICE
Mr. James C. Watkins, Clerk of Courts, administered the Oath of Office to Commr. Welton Cadwell, representing District 5, and Commr. Debbie Stivender, representing District3.
Judge Mark J. Hill administered the Oath of Office to Commr. Jennifer Hill, his wife, representing District 1.
Commr. Hanson turned the meeting back over to the Chairman, Commr. Cadwell.
Commr. Cadwell introduced Ms. Ciccolo's 11th Grade American History class from Umatilla High School to those present, as well as Lake County Sheriff George E. Knupp, Jr.; Mr. James C. Watkins, Clerk of Circuit Court; Mr. Ed Havill, Property Appraiser; Mr. Bob McKee, Tax Collector; former Lake County Commissioner Don Bailey; Judge Mark Hill; Judge Donna Miller; newly elected Superintendent of Schools, Ms. Pam Saylor; Mr. Jimmy Conner, Lake County School Board Member; former Lake County Sheriff Evie Griffin; and various past and present City Council Members and City Officials, who were present in the audience. He stated that he has enjoyed serving on the Board of County Commissioners for the past eight years and looks forward to serving for four more years.
Commr. Jennifer Hill and Commr. Debbie Stivender thanked their families and friends and those individuals who helped them get elected to the Board of County Commissioners.
RECESS AND REASSEMBLY
At 9:20 a.m., the Chairman announced that the Board would recess for the Investiture Reception and reconvene at 10:00 a.m.
AGENDA UPDATE
Commr. Cadwell noted that there was an Addendum to the Agenda.
MINUTES
Regarding the Minutes of September 26, 2000, the following change was requested:
On Page 50, Line 8, delete the second that.
On a motion by Commr. Pool, seconded by Commr. Hanson and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the Minutes of September 26, 2000 (Regular Meeting), as corrected.
CLERK OF COURTS' CONSENT AGENDA
On a motion by Commr. Hanson, seconded by Commr. Stivender and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the following requests:
Bonds - Contractor
Request for approval of Contractor Bonds - New, Cancellation, and Rider, as follows:
NEW
1674-01 Robert C. Kohn d/b/a Kohn Construction & Electric, Inc.
1761-01 William D. Kimmins d/b/a Classic Plumbing, Inc.
4016-01 Dennis M. Harney d/b/a Harney Aluminum
4102-01 Raymond V. Wise d/b/a Wise Electric Service, Inc.
4220-01 Connie Martin d/b/a C. L. Martin Roofing, Inc.
4431-01 Kenneth B. Coker d/b/a Tech Services (Air Conditioning)
4702-01 David McLeod (Electrical)
5018-01 William N. Varhol d/b/a Varhol Electric, Inc.
5039-01 Golden Triangle Air Conditioning & Refrigeration
5047-01 Jim Bader d/b/a Jim Bader Construction
5087-01 Paul A.Corp d/b/a Tender Plumbing Care, Inc.
5140-01 Kenneth B. Coker d/b/a Tech Services (Electrical)
5297-01 Robert L. Mott and Harry B. Bahner d/b/a Mott USA, Inc.
5447-01 Walter D. McQuaig, Jr. d/b/a American Masonry of Ocala
5655-01 Keith L. Smith d/b/a K. S. Electric of South Florida
5764-01 Blue Diamond Services, Inc. and William Tackett (Swimming Pool)
CANCELLATION
984-00 Harris Oil & Air Conditioning
RIDER
5423-01 Don Poss d/b/a Don Poss Roofing, Inc.
(Change address from P. O. Box 1152, Destin, FL 32540 to 2949 Gulf to Lake Highway, Inverness, FL 34452)
Accounts Allowed
Request for approval of list of items to be deleted from Fixed Assets, for the month of November, 2000, in the amount of $38,067.10.
Municipalities/Ordinances
Request to acknowledge receipt of Ordinances from the City of Tavares, as follows:
Ordinance No. 2000-08, an ordinance amending the boundaries of the City of Tavares, by including within the city limits approximately .63 acre of property located at the southeast corner of Tamarac Trail and Druid Place, in Lake County, Florida; rezoning the property from County R-6 to City RSF-1; subject to the rules, regulations, and obligations ordained by the City of Tavares Council; providing an effective date. Passed and Ordained the 7th day of June, 2000, by the City Council of the City of Tavares, Florida.
Ordinance No. 2000-12, an ordinance amending the boundaries of the City of Tavares, by annexing and rezoning approximately 9.8 acres located at the west side of S.R. 19, approximately 1/4 mile south of Lane Park Road, from Lake County AG to City PCD; subject to the rules, regulations, and obligations ordained by the City of Tavares Council; providing an effective date. Passed and Ordained this 19th day of July, 2000, by the City Council of the City of Tavares, Florida.
Ordinance No. 2000-13, an ordinance amending the boundaries of the City of Tavares, by annexing and rezoning approximately 1.5 acres of property known as Lot 17, Southridge Industrial Centre Subdivision, as recorded in Plat Book 29, Page 59, of the Official Records of Lake County, Florida, from Lake County HM to City Industrial; subject to the rules, regulations, and obligations ordained by the City of Tavares Council; providing an effective date. Passed and Ordained this 2nd day of August, 2000, by the City Council of the City of Tavares, Florida.
Ordinance No. 2000-19, an ordinance amending the boundaries of the City of Tavares, by annexing and rezoning approximately 33 acres located at the south side of Dora Avenue, approximately 1/4 mile east of Merry Road, from Lake County R-6 to City PCD and PUD; subject to the rules, regulations, and obligations ordained by the City of Tavares Council; providing an effective date. Passed and Ordained this 4th day of October, 2000, by the City Council of the City of Tavares, Florida.
Ordinance No. 2000-21, an ordinance amending the boundaries of the City of Tavares, by annexing and rezoning approximately .15 acre of property known as Lot 13, Dora Isles Subdivision, as recorded in Plat Book 25, Page 93, of the Official Records of Lake County, Florida, from Lake County RM to City RMH-S; subject to the rules, regulations, and obligations ordained by the City of Tavares Council; providing an effective date. Passed and Ordained this 4th day of October, 2000, by the City Council of the City of Tavares, Florida.
Accounts Allowed\Reports
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.
Budgets/St. Johns River Water Management District/State Agencies
Request to acknowledge receipt of copy of the 2000/2001 Final Budget Book for the St. Johns River Water Management District, adopted by the Governing Board on September 27, 2000.
Accounts Allowed/Clerk
Request to acknowledge receipt of Clerk of Courts' Excess Fees for FY 1999/2000, in the amount of $395,585.77, and request that funds be placed in a designated reserve account to satisfy the needs of the Clerk's Office, such as the purchase/lease of the First Union Bank building, located on Main Street, in Tavares, and any interior modifications needed for the building.
COUNTY MANAGER'S CONSENT AGENDA
Commr. Hanson requested that Tab 22, a request for approval of a Proclamation declaring January 7-13, 2001 as "Stop! Red Light Running" Week in Lake County be pulled and addressed separately.
On a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Hanson and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the following requests:
Accounts Allowed/Community Services/Contracts, Leases and Agreements/Grants
Request from Community Services for approval of agreement between Lake County and United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties, Inc., for grant funding, in the amount of $10,000.00, to compile, edit, produce, and distribute a current resource directory.
Budgets/Community Services/Libraries
Request from Community Services for approval and adoption of the FY 2000/2001 Annual Plan of Service and Combined Budget for the Lake County Library System.
Accounts Allowed/Facilities and Capital Improvements/Grants
Contracts, Leases and Agreements/Municipalities
Request from Facilities and Capital Improvements for approval for the Chairman to execute an Interlocal Agreement between Lake County and the City of Mt. Dora, in the amount of $12,400.00, recipients of the grant for FY 2000/2001, for the construction of a fence for the two new Little League fields, on property owned and operated by the City of Mt. Dora, located within the city limits.
Accounts Allowed/Facilities and Capital Improvements/Grants
Contracts, Leases and Agreements/Municipalities/Parks and Recreation
Request from Facilities and Capital Improvements for approval for the Chairman to execute Interlocal Agreements between Lake County and the City of Minneola, in the amount of $18,000.00, recipients of the grant for FY 2000/2001, for the construction of softball fields, basketball court, bleachers, and sidewalks for handicapped accessibility in Trailhead Park ($12,000.00); and construction of park site for Lake Ridge Park, with playground equipment and picnic tables and benches ( $6,000.00).
Accounts Allowed/Facilities and Capital Improvements/Committees/Municipalities
Parks and Recreation
Request from Facilities and Capital Improvements for approval of five Boating Improvement Projects selected by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, for funding for FY 2000/2001, in the total amount of $84,950.00, as follows:
Lake Griffin Recreation Area $ 4,000.00
City of Eustis $ 8,000.00
City of Umatilla $ 5,950.00
City of Clermont $40,000.00
Howey-in-the-Hills $27,000.00
Accounts Allowed/Contracts, Leases and Agreements/Grants/Municipalities
Facilities and Capital Improvements/Parks and Recreation
Request from Facilities and Capital Improvements for approval for the Chairman to execute an Interlocal Agreement between Lake County and the City of Clermont, in the amount of $40,000.00, recipients of the grant for FY 2000/2001, for the construction of lighting, fencing, bleachers, and back stops at Hancock Park, on property owned and operated by the City of Clermont, located within the city limits.
Accounts Allowed/Contracts, Leases and Agreements
Facilities and Capital Improvements//Municipalities/Sheriff's Office
Request from Facilities and Capital Improvements for approval and signature on the First Amendment to Lease Agreement between Lake County and the City of Clermont, relating to 882 Desoto Street, Clermont, Florida, for the Lake County Sheriff's substation, to extend the lease for one year, in the amount of $21,000.00.
Accounts Allowed/Contracts, Leases and Agreements/Municipalities
Facilities and Capital Improvements/Public Health
Request from Facilities and Capital Improvements for approval and signature on Lease Agreement with J. W. Brooks, for the Health Department's Administrative Office, located at 16140 U.S. 441, in Eustis, for three years, in the amount of $45,000.00 per year, plus the cost of property taxes and assessments.
Accounts Allowed/Budgets/Budget Transfers
Fiscal and Administrative Services-Budget/Resolutions
Request from Fiscal and Administrative Services - Budget for approval of budget transfers and Resolution, as follows:
Budget transfer, in the amount of $30,314.00, from Operating Supplies to the Community Development Fund - Community Services - Salaries, in the amount of $29,114.00, and Machinery and Equipment, in the amount of $1,200.00. A position is needed to handle added intake and administration workloads. Workload associated with administration of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program will be increased by the need to oversee three public assistance programs and three construction projects, in addition to routine administrative tasks. The Human Services Division's intake workload will expand, as two of the assistance programs will be administered in-house. The transfer also includes purchase of a personal computer. Funds will come from surplus administration monies budgeted in Operating Supplies.
Budget transfer, in the amount of $534.00, from Books, Publications, and Dues to the General Fund - Executive - Books, Publications, and Dues. Transfer is necessary to move the $534.00 rebudget from the old cost center to the new one, in the new Office of Ecotourism and Cultural Affairs.
Budget transfer, in the amount of $89,000.00, from Law Enforcement - Personal Services to the General Fund, Constitutional Officers - Sheriff, Law Enforcement - Equipment. Transfer is requested, due to accounting error by Sheriff's comptroller.
Resolution No. 2000-202, to amend the General Fund, in order to receive unanticipated revenue for FY 2000/2001, in the amount of $1,000.00, from Reimbursement Revenue, and to provide appropriations from the disbursement of these funds to Overtime, for Facilities Maintenance - Fairgrounds.
Accounts Allowed/Bids/Contracts, Leases and Agreements
Fiscal and Administrative Services-Procurement Services
Request from Fiscal and Administrative Services - Procurement Services for approval and authorization to award RFP No. 00-084, encumber funds, and authorize a contract, subject to County Attorney approval, to LifeStream Behavioral Center, Inc., d/b/a Lake County Transit, to provide transportation services for Lake County's disadvantaged, in the amount of $66,654.00.
Code Enforcement/Growth Management
Request from Growth Management for approval of release of property from Code Enforcement Board for David Sims.
Bonds-Mobile Home/Growth Management
Request from Growth Management for approval of mobile home bond for David and Donna Larson, located at 13032 Hartle Road, Clermont, FL 34711, for security reasons, during construction of conventional home.
Contracts, Leases and Agreements/Growth Management
Request from Growth Management for approval of Developer's Agreement for Leisure Communities, Ltd., Pennbrooke Fairways, Phase "R", to build six model homes.
Accounts Allowed/Public Works/Subdivisions
Request from Public Works for approval and authorization to release a Letter of Credit, for Maintenance, in the amount of $4,977.04, posted for Lake Smith Estates Subdivision - Commission District 5.
Accounts Allowed/Bids/Public Works/Roads-County and State/Road Projects
Request from Public Works for approval and authorization to award Lake Harris Shores Reconstructing and Resurfacing, Phase III, and CR 439 "Part" Project No. 2001-01, Bid No.
01-005, to Gray Materials and Contracting, Inc.; and to encumber and expend funds, in the amount of $246,792.00, from the Transportation Trust Fund - Commission Districts 3 and 4.
Public Works/Resolutions/Road Vacations-Approval to Advertise
Roads-County and State
Request from Public Works for approval of Resolution No. 2000-203, advertising Road Vacation Petition No. 946, by the Lake County Department of Public Works, to vacate right-of-way recorded in the Plat of Fruitland Park Tropical Homesites, located in Section 5, Township 19, Range 24 - Commission District 1.
Public Works/Resolutions/Road Vacations-Approval to Advertise
Roads-County and State
Request from Public Works for approval of Resolution No. 2000-204, advertising Road Vacation Petition No. 943, by Ronald and Melissa Moss, to vacate and cease maintenance on a portion of a county maintained clay road, in the Umatilla area, partially dedicated by the Plat of Dream Lake Poultry Ranches, in Section 5, Township 18 South, Range 26 East - Commission District 5.
Accounts Allowed/Public Works/Roads-County and State/Road Projects
Request from Public Works for approval and authorization to execute Change Order No. 5, in the amount of $1,690.00, for overlaying a parking lot and repairing a sanitary drainfield, in conjunction with CR 42 Widening and Resurfacing Project No. 8-95.
Accounts Allowed/Bids/Public Works/Roads-County and State/Road Projects
Request from Public Works for approval and authorization to advertise for bids for U.S. 441/CR 44B/Donnelly Street Intersection Improvement Project No. 2001-05, at an estimated cost of $613,250.00, from the Impact Fee Fund - Commissioner District 4, Benefit District 2.
ADDENDUM NO. 1
COUNTY MANAGER'S CONSENT AGENDA
Accounts Allowed/Fiscal and Administrative Services/Risk Management
Request from Risk Management for approval of Workers' Compensation Settlement with Sharon Fisher and authorization for the Chairman to execute the appropriate document(s), subject to the County Attorney's review and approval, in the amount of $23,500.00.
PUBLIC WORKS/RESOLUTIONS
On a motion by Commr. Hanson, seconded by Commr. Pool and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved a request from Public Works for approval of Proclamation No. 2000-205, declaring January 7-13, 2001 as "Stop! Red Light Running" Week in Lake County, and authorized proper signatures on same.
PRESENTATIONS/PUBLIC HEARINGS
PRESENTATION
CULTURAL AFFAIRS COUNCIL
Ms. Virginia Barker, representing the Lake County Cultural Affairs Council, addressed the Board and congratulated Commr. Hill and Commr. Stivender on their election to the Board of County Commissioners and Commr. Cadwell on his re-election to the Board. She thanked the Board for their continuing support to the Lake County Cultural Affairs Council, noting that she feels art weaves the color into the fabric of the community. She presented Commr. Stivender with an award, on behalf of the Lake County Cultural Affairs Council, recognizing her continuing interest in the Arts of Lake County.
PRESENTATIONS/PUBLIC HEARINGS
PRESENTATION
FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION'S FIVE YEAR WORK PROGRAM FOR FISCAL YEARS 2001/2002 TO 2005/2006
Mr. Mike Szunyog, Florida Department of Transportation, addressed the Board and gave a presentation on the Florida Department of Transportation's Five Year Work Program for Fiscal Years 2001/2002 to 2005/2006, at which time he reviewed some of the projects that have been added to the program. He stated that a Public Hearing will be held December 7, 2000, at the Florida Department of Transportation's Office, located in Orlando, regarding the program, which will include Orange, Seminole, Osceola, and Lake Counties. He stated that FDOT will be having some public information meetings on the program, as it progresses, and noted that staff will be very heavily involved in those meetings. He discussed the Florida Intrastate Highway System (FIHS), noting that it is a very high priority item for the FDOT. He stated that 50% of FDOT's funds go to projects involving the FIHS. He stated that the FDOT has had extraordinarily high cost increases this year, due to the increase in gasoline prices, which he noted effects all kinds of things, from the cost of asphalt to the cost of just doing business, which ate up a lot of FDOT funds. He noted that there have been $14 million in increases in Lake County alone, since July 1, 2000.
Mr. Jim Stivender, Jr., Senior Director, Public Works, addressed the Board stating that a lot of programs have been upgraded, since Mr. Szunyog came before the Board last year. He stated that, at that time, approximately $160 million had been budgeted for road projects for the next five years, however, that has now been increased to $205 million. He stated that two projects that have been bumped up are the Florida Turnpike Interchange, which is scheduled to be completed during FY 2002/2003, and the section of Hwy. 441 between Leesburg and Lake Sumter Community College. He stated that the projects that have been scheduled along the Hwy. 441 corridor are coming along faster than originally planned a year ago.
PRESENTATIONS/PUBLIC HEARINGS
PUBLIC HEARING
PROPOSED USES OF LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT BLOCK GRANT FUNDS AND APPROVAL OF THE USE OF THE FY 2000/2002 GRANT FUNDS OF $132,363.00, PLUS MATCHING FUNDS OF $14,707.00
Mr. Fletcher Smith, Senior Director, Community Services, addressed the Board stating that the Bureau of Justice Assistance requires that direct award recipients of Local Law Enforcement Block Grant funds hold at least one public hearing on the proposed uses of grant funds, to gain community input. He stated that the Local Law Enforcement Block Grant Advisory Committee met and recommended how the funds should be spent, for this coming year.
Major Claude Gnann, Lake County Sheriff's Office, addressed the Board stating that, if the grant is awarded to the Sheriff's Office, it will pay for maps that will be installed in patrol cars, which will allow the Communications Center to transmit target addresses to said cars, without the deputies even having to touch their machines. He stated that it will work the same for the Police Department, the Fire Department, and Emergency Services. He stated that it will allow a deputy to get to a target address in a timely manner, noting that the biggest single obstacle that law enforcement, or fire and emergency services, faces is finding a target address. The Chairman opened the public hearing.
No one was present in opposition to the request.
Ms. Beverly Wells, a resident of Deerhaven Campground, in Paisley, addressed the Board stating that, if anyone in her area needs an ambulance, they send someone to the main road to guide them in, because the ambulance usually cannot find them.
Commr. Hanson stated that there are a significant number of roads in the Deerhaven area that are not county maintained, therefore, do not have signs marking the roads, which remains a problem for emergency vehicles.
On a motion by Commr. Pool, seconded by Commr. Hanson and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved a request from Community Services for approval to use the FY 2000/2002 Local Law Enforcement Block Grant funds of $132,363.00, plus matching funds of $14,707.00 from the Sheriff's Office, to have a mapping and tracking program installed on existing MDT (Mobile Data Terminal) equipment currently installed in patrol cars, which will use the GPS (Global Positioning System) to track each vehicle in the fleet, allowing deputies to navigate to calls for service more quickly, due to the fact that the system shows the intended route to the target address, as well as the location of the deputy's vehicle in proximity to said address.
CITIZEN QUESTION AND COMMENT PERIOD
Mr. Roy Hunter, representing the Northeast Lake County Chamber of Commerce, addressed the Board and congratulated Commr. Hill and Commr. Stivender on their election to the Board of County Commissioners and Commr. Cadwell on his re-election to the Board. He congratulated Commr. Hanson and Commr. Pool, as well, noting that the Northeast Lake County Chamber of Commerce was looking forward to working with the new Board.
COUNTY MANAGER'S DEPARTMENTAL BUSINESS
ACCOUNTS ALLOWED/GROWTH MANAGEMENT/MUNICIPALITIES
STATE AGENCIES
Ms. Sharon Farrell, Senior Director, Growth Management, addressed the Board and explained this request, stating that staff was requesting approval to accept matching funds from the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD), in an amount up to $25,000.00. She stated that the County is about to embark on a Small Area Study in the Mt. Plymouth/Sorrento area and, in conjunction with it, would like to do a Water and Wastewater Master Plan. She stated that the only condition involving the SJRWMD is that the County include reuse as part of the study and the plan.
On a motion by Commr. Hanson, seconded by Commr. Pool and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved a request from Growth Management for approval to accept matching funds from the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD), for development of a Water and Wastewater Master Plan, in an amount up to $25,000.00, in conjunction with a Small Area Study being conducted in the Mt. Plymouth/Sorrento area. OTHER BUSINESS
APPOINTMENTS-RESIGNATIONS/COMMITTEES
CITIZEN TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Appointment of individuals to vacant positions on the Citizen Transportation Advisory Committee was postponed until the Board Meeting of November 28, 2000.
REPORTS
COUNTY MANAGER
COMMISSIONERS/MEETINGS
Ms. Sue Whittle, County Manager, informed the Board that, in preparation for the upcoming Board Retreat, to be held December 1, 2000, the Board members and staff will be given a handout that will need to be filled out, prior to the retreat, so that they can be tabulated, and returned to Dr. Mike Lillibridge, Northbay Psychological Services, who will be conducting a personality exercise at the retreat.
REPORTS
COMMISSIONER POOL - DISTRICT 2
COMMISSIONERS/LAWS AND LEGISLATION/MEETINGS
Commr. Pool brought up for discussion the issue of quasi-judicial proceedings, noting that he felt it was vitally important that the Commissioners, as elected officials, have an opportunity to speak with the citizens of the County, either pro or con, on issues. He stated that he would like to be able to attend more public meetings, or homeowner meetings, about certain issues, so that he can find out what the citizens' concerns are. He stated that a majority vote on the matter this date would allow the Commissioners the opportunity to speak with their constituents.
Commr. Hanson concurred, noting that she did not feel the Commissioners needed to indicate whether they were pro or con on issues, but felt the citizens of Lake County needed to have access to their Commissioners. She stated that they normally do not have that access, until there is a public hearing, and she feels there is a great deal of frustration in the community and a lack of understanding. She stated that she believes there is a way that the Commissioners can follow the law and not be quite as restrictive as they currently have to be. She stated that she feels the Board needs to look at what the surrounding counties are doing.
Commr. Cadwell stated that the Board has always erred on the side of caution and he feels the current format has served them well; therefore, he would not vote in favor of the request.
Commr. Hill stated that she ran for County Commissioner to be accountable to her constituents and the citizens of Lake County, therefore, would have to agree with Commrs. Pool and Hanson.
Commr. Hanson stated that she felt the Board should direct the County Attorney, Mr. Sandy Minkoff, to bring some options back to the Board, at a later date, regarding the matter.
A motion was made by Commr. Pool and seconded by Commr. Hanson to have the County Attorney bring several options back to the Board, at a later date, with regard to the County's current position on quasi-judicial proceedings and how it might possibly be changed, procedurally.
Under discussion, Commr. Cadwell stated that, since the Board would be writing a new policy regarding the matter, they needed to give the County Attorney guidance as to what they want the policy to say.
Mr. Minkoff, County Attorney, informed the Board that there were two ways to do it, statutorily, noting that one way allows the Commissioners to meet with the citizens of Lake County and their constituents by recording who they spoke with and filing it, for the record, and the second way lets the Commissioners have ex-parte contact with their constituents and the citizens of the County and not disclose it at all. He stated that the Board would need to decide which way they would want to go, however, noted that, in either event, an Ordinance would have to be approved, because one of the options is part of the County's Land Development Regulations, so it would have to be amended. He questioned whether they would want it to apply to other Boards and Committees, as well, which would need to be dealt with in the Ordinance.
Commr. Cadwell stated that he felt, if the Board was going to be able to do it, all the various Boards and Committees should be allowed to do it, as well.
Commr. Stivender stated that her experience with being on the City Council for the City of Tavares was that, if the members of the Council spoke with anyone prior to a particular meeting, they just informed the Council that they had said conversation and what the conversation was about. She noted that the City of Tavares has yet to have a lawsuit brought against them, with regard to this issue. She stated that, like Commr. Hill, she ran on the premise that everyone would be allowed to have contact with her and, if the Board prevents her from doing so, she will have lied to her constituents and the citizens of Lake County.
Commr. Pool interjected that the City of Clermont has not had any lawsuits, since changing their policy on the matter, as well.
The Chairman called for a vote on the motion, which was carried, by a 4-1 vote.
Commr. Cadwell voted "No".
REPORTS
COMMISSIONER POOL - DISTRICT 2
MISCELLANEOUS
Commr. Pool congratulated the South Lake County Community Foundation for their Pig-on-the-Pond Project, noting that it is the largest fund raiser in south Lake County for said foundation, and thanked all the volunteers that participated in the event, as well. He stated that they could not have done it without the help of the City of Clermont Police Department and the Lake County Sheriff's Office.
REPORTS
COMMISSIONER STIVENDER - DISTRICT 3
COMMISSIONERS
Commr. Stivender thanked everyone for their support and noted that she looks forward to working with the other Commissioners during her term.
REPORTS
COMMISSIONER HANSON - DISTRICT 4
PUBLIC HEALTH
Commr. Hanson informed the Board that she recently attended the University of South Florida's Institute on Elder Affairs Seminar and looks forward to sharing some of the ideas that were discussed at the seminar with Ms. Sue Whittle, County Manager, as the County develops that department.
OTHER BUSINESS (CONT'D.)
COMMISSIONERS/COMMITTEES/MEETINGS
The Board rescheduled the Election of Officers and a presentation regarding Lake County's participation in a Public/Private Regional Development Program, by Ms. Sandra Glenn, East Central Florida Regional Planning Council, from the Board Meeting of December 5, 2000 to the Board Meeting of December 12, 2000.
There being no further business to be brought to the attention of the Board, the meeting was adjourned at10:35 a.m.
________________________________ WELTON G. CADWELL, CHAIRMAN
ATTEST:
________________________________
JAMES C. WATKINS, CLERK
sec/11-21-2000/11-28-2000/boardmin