A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

JUNE 19, 2001

The Lake County Board of County Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, June 19, 2001, 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: Catherine C. Hanson, Chairman; Robert A. Pool, Vice Chairman; Debbie Stivender; Jennifer Hill; and Welton G. Cadwell. Others present were: Sandy Minkoff, County Attorney/Interim County Manager; Melanie Marsh, Assistant County Attorney; Barbara Lehman, Chief Deputy Clerk, County Finance; Wendy Taylor, Administrative Supervisor, Board of County Commissioner's Office; and Sandra Carter, Deputy Clerk.

INVOCATION AND PLEDGE

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

AGENDA UPDATE

Ms. Melanie Marsh, Assistant County Attorney, informed the Board that the County Attorney's Office would like to add a request for approval of a Corrective Deed to the Agenda, to be addressed under the County Attorney's Reports.

On a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Pool and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved to place said item on the Agenda, for approval.

Commr. Cadwell requested that Tab 19, a presentation regarding the Marion County Road Public Hearing that was held May 24, 2001, be moved up on the Agenda and addressed after the Clerk of Court's Consent Agenda.

It was the consensus of the Board to do so.

CLERK OF COURTS' CONSENT AGENDA

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

Bonds - Contractor



Contractor Bond - New, as follows:



NEW



5842-2001 William Shaffer



Contracts, Leases and Agreements



Request for approval of subscription agreement with Discover Financial Services, Inc., for credit card authorization and processing services and to further contract with First Data SurePay Gateway to accept payments by credit and debit cards over the internet; and authorized proper signatures on same.





Accounts Allowed/Courts-Judges



Satisfactions of Judgment, as follows:



State of Florida vs. Duane Rowland, in the amount of $250.00,Case No. 8600616CFA. Final Judgment entered on the 13th day of October, 1987, and recorded in Official Record Book 939, Page 595, of the Public Records of Lake County, Florida.



State of Florida vs. Duane Rowland, in the amount of $250.00, Case No. 8600616CFA. Final Judgment entered on the 30th day of January, 1990, and recorded in Official Record Book 1045, Page 1458, of the Public Records of Lake County, Florida.



State of Florida vs. Tammy Heflin, in the amount of $750.00, Case No. 98-148-CFA-02. Final Judgment entered on the 16th day of February, 2000, and recorded in Official Record Book 1815, Page 1126, of the Public Records of Lake County, Florida.



State of Florida vs. Harry C. Eyerly, in the amount of $750.00, Case No. 96-1468CFA. Final Judgment entered on the 16th day of December, 1996, and recorded in Official Record Book 1485, Page 051, of the Public Records of Lake County, Florida.



Accounts Allowed/Courts-Judges



Satisfaction and Release of Fine, as follows:



Reduction of Order of Fine for Mark Phillips, in the amount of $11,630.00, dated January 16, 2001, and recorded in Official Record Book 1899, Pages 2297 and 2298, of the Public Records of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Lake County, Florida, on the 17th day of January, 2001. The Judgment-Creditor directs that said Judgment be canceled of record.



Municipalities/Ordinances



Ordinance No. 2001-003, from the City of Fruitland Park, providing for the annexation of property generally located on the west side of U.S. Highway 441, north of Gray's Airport Road, generally known as the Logan Property, into the City of Fruitland Park. Passed and ordained the 24th day of May, 2001, by the City Commission of the City of Fruitland Park, Florida.



COUNTY MANAGER'S CONSENT AGENDA

Commr. Cadwell requested approval to pull Tab 13 from the County Manager's Consent Agenda, a request from Growth Management for approval of a Special Masters Settlement Agreement between Lake County and Gordon and Sudie Richardson, to be addressed separately.

On a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Pool 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 an amendment to the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Cooperation Agreement with the City of Tavares, in the amount of $22,325.00; and authorization for the Chairman to sign the amendment and execute the amended contract.



Community Services/Impact Fees/State Agencies



Request from Community Services for approval of the waiver of impact fees for applicants for the County's housing assistance program, funded by the State Housing Initiatives Partnership Program (SHIP); and approval of the payment of those fees from the Impact Fee Trust Fund interest.



Accounts Allowed/Community Services/Road Projects



Request from Community Services for approval of a minor amendment to the FY 2000/05 Consolidated Plan (within the Community Development Block Grant) that will transfer extra funds from the Lake Kathryn Roadway Paving Construction Account to the Forest Hills Paving Assessment Account, to accommodate cost overruns, in the amount of $10,000.00.



Contracts, Leases and Agreements/Economic Development/Education



Request from Economic Development for approval to execute a contract between the Lake County Board of County Commissioners and the Lake County School Board, allowing the Board of County Commissioners to meet the education requirements under the State contract, relative to the Apopka Farm Buyout Funds.



Accounts Allowed/Economic Development



Request from Economic Development for approval of the return of funds to the Jobs Growth Investment Trust Fund, in the amount of $23,200.00, due to the fact that Ro-Mack Lumber & Supply, Inc. funds have expired.



Contracts, Leases and Agreements/Emergency Services



Request from Emergency Services for approval of Agreement between the Lake County Board of County Commissioners and Lake Sumter EMS.



Accounts Allowed/Contracts, Leases and Agreements/Municipalities

Facilities and Capital Improvements



Request from Facilities and Capital Improvements for approval and signature on the Sewer Installation Agreement with Astor/Astor Park Water Association, Inc., for Astor River Park; and approval of budget transfer, in the amount of $4,000.00.



Contracts, Leases and Agreements/Municipalities

Rights-of-Way, Roads and Easements



Request from Facilities and Capital Improvements for approval and signature on the Sewer Easement Agreement with Astor/Astor Park Water Association, Inc., for Astor River Park.



Accounts Allowed/Budgets/Budget Transfers/Community Services/Impacts Fees

Fiscal and Administrative Services - Budget/Resolutions/Sheriff/Solid Waste



Request from Fiscal and Administrative Services-Budget for approval of the following:



Budget transfer, in the amount of $2,661.00, from Contingency - Landfill Enterprise to Solid Waste Management, Machinery and Equipment. New signs (budgeted) are being installed at the scalehouse, displaying tonnage per vehicle to the driver. The project will cost more, due to additional electrical connection requirements.



Budget transfer, in the amount of $20,000.00, from Contingency - Sheriff to Constitutional Offices/Sheriff, Law Enforcement Operating. Pursuant to F.S. 30.49, the Sheriff is requesting a transfer, in the amount of $20,000.00, from Contingency - Sheriff to the Law Enforcement Operating Account.



Budget transfer, in the amount of $22,325.00, from Contingency - Community Development to Community Services, Aid to Government Agencies. Lake County granted the City of Tavares $61,625.00 in the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) fund, to be used to construct improvements to the Ingraham Park Playground. The lowest bid for the project is $77,950.00 - $22,325.00 over the amount budgeted. Ten percent (10%) of the County's CDBG funds ($92,900.00) was set aside to cover project cost overruns. Approximately $45,000.00 of this is committed for anticipated cost overruns on other projects, leaving an equivalent amount available. Transfer of the funds will help the County maintain statutory expenditure rates.



Budget transfer, in the amount of $10,000.00, from Roadway Improvements to Community Services, Property Owners Share. Demand for paving assessment assistance by residents of Forest Hills has exceeded expectations and another $10,000.00 is needed. Funds are available in the Lake Kathryn paving project construction account. It is anticipated that construction will not start until after October 1, 2001, when additional CDBG funds will become available.



Resolution No. 2001-115, to amend the Fleet Maintenance Fund, in order to receive unanticipated revenue for Fiscal Year 2000/2001, in the amount of $200,000.00, from Sale of Fuel/Oil; and to provide appropriations for the disbursement of these funds to operating supplies.



Impact Fee Refund to James Baab, in the amount of $1,352.50, due to the County's delay in approving the waiver of impact fees.



Bonds - Mobile Home/Growth Management



Request from Growth Management for approval of Mobile Home Bond for Kelly Bisesi, to place a mobile home on the property located at 18900 Lakeview Drive, Clermont, Florida, for security reasons, during the construction of a home.



Contracts, Leases and Agreements/Growth Management



Request from Growth Management for approval of Special Masters Settlement Agreement between Lake County and Renninger's Twin Markets, Inc. (SM-15-96).



Contracts, Leases and Agreements/Growth Management



Request from Growth Management for approval of Special Masters Settlement Agreement between Lake County and George A. and Diane Ray (SM-6-01).



Public Works/Resolutions/Roads-County and State/Subdivisions



Request from Public Works for approval to execute Resolution No. 2001-109, accepting Lake Myrtle Boulevard (CR4-5204) and Shore Line Drive (CR4-5204A) into the County Road Maintenance System. Commissioner District 4, Lake Myrtle Shores Subdivision.



Public Works/Resolutions/Rights-of-Way, Roads and Easements/Road Projects



Request from Public Works for approval and execution of Resolution No. 2001-110, and a perpetual easement across C19A (Dora Avenue), for the purpose of constructing and maintaining a stormwater pipe line below ground level, in conjunction with the SR 500 (US 441) widening project.



Municipalities/Public Works/Resolutions/Road Vacations/Subdivisions



Request from Public Works for approval of Resolution No. 2001-111, advertising Vacation Petition No. 964, by Joe Godfrey, Jr., to vacate road in Section 14, Township 19, Range 25, recorded in the Plat of Silver Lakes Estates, in the Leesburg area - Commissioner District 3.



PERSONAL APPEARANCES/PRESENTATIONS

PRESENTATION

COMMENTS - MARION COUNTY ROAD PUBLIC MEETING HELD MAY 24, 2001

Commr. Cadwell informed the Board that this project was brought before them for approval for construction and, at that time, there were some people in the community that were concerned about the proposed realignment of Marion County Road. He stated that, after meeting with the residents in the area of the proposed road alignment project, he is convinced that the overwhelming majority of them are in favor of paving Marion County Road; however, they are in favor of keeping the existing route, as opposed to the realignment. He stated that he hoped the Board would approve to move forward with the project, but in its existing alignment, as opposed to the new alignment that was brought to the Board for approval. He questioned what time delays would be involved in moving forward with said project, in its existing alignment.

Mr. Jim Stivender, Jr., Senior Director, Public Works, addressed the Board, stating that he felt within two to three months the County should be ready to start the project, noting that they still need to obtain rights-of-way deeds from some of the property owners and that some of the rights-of-way deeds that they have received need to be swapped. He stated that the design work still needs to be done on the 1/4 mile section of road, as well, which he noted was never completed, because of the proposed realignment.

Commr. Cadwell informed the Board that, during the process, a complaint was filed with the State Attorney's Office, with regard to this project and the Public Works Department, however, noted that the State Attorney's Office found no wrong doing in the matter. He stated that they felt Mr. Stivender was trying to adjust a road that he foresaw as a problem, from an engineering standpoint.

A motion was made by Commr. Cadwell and seconded by Commr. Pool to approve the paving of Marion County Road, in its existing alignment, and to instruct staff to move forward quickly in obtaining the additional needed rights-of-way.

Under discussion, Commr. Hanson stated that the proposed project had quite a history, noting that it goes back to April of 1993. She thanked Commr. Cadwell for helping to resolve the issue, noting that it was a project the community was not in favor of originally.

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

Mr. Harpo Zaneis, a resident of the area in question, addressed the Board, stating that the residents recognize the difficulties created in dealing with decisions made by a previous Board. He stated that many times the current Board has to take abuse and criticism from the citizens and media without any control over the situation; however, in this situation, they recognized the fact that spending Lake County dollars to realign Marion County Road would be just one more favor to the developers - a favor ignoring bigger needs and better use of tax dollars. He stated that the residents, as well as the people of Lake County, thank the Board for doing the right thing. He stated that they would like for the Board to take a small percentage of the money that would have been spent on the realignment project and apply it to bridle trails, bicycle trails, and jogging paths along the Marion County Road rights-of-way, noting that this is the time to take advantage of smart planning for the area and at the same time create a fabulous green belt that will serve the public good, compliment the way of life that currently exists in the area, and create a valuable tax base for the County. He stated that the Board has the power to enhance, rather than destroy, the value in that area of Lake County and establish a showplace and legacy to the Board.

PERSONAL APPEARANCES/PRESENTATIONS

PRESENTATION

LAKE COUNTY WATER RESOURCE ATLAS

Mr. Allan Hewitt, Department of Growth Management, Water Resources, addressed the Board and requested approval of a Lake County Water Resource Atlas, noting that the County has decades of information in its database that relates to its lakes and, now that the County has access to the Internet and an Oracle Database System, staff feels they can go forward with a program that will allow the citizens, students, government officials, scientists, and educators in Lake County to access the Internet and obtain all the information they might want about the County's lakes.

Mr. Shaun Landry, a faculty member at the University of South Florida (USF), addressed the Board and gave a brief presentation about the Water Resource Atlas, a website for water resource management and citizen outreach, which stemmed from work that was conducted at the Florida Center for Community Design and Research, a research center at USF specializing in community design, planning informatics, interdisciplinary research, and education, at which time he answered questions from the Board regarding same.

Mr. Hewitt readdressed the Board and discussed the cost of the program, noting that it is approximately $155,000.00, funded through the University of South Florida, with interlocal agreements between the Lake County Water Authority, the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD), and Lake County, however, noted that, with grants and help from the Lake County Water Authority and the SJRWMD, the cost to the County should be approximately $12-15,000.00. He stated that the annual maintenance cost will be approximately $1,500-$2,500.00 per year, however, noted that, once the program is developed, it will be transferred to Lake County's website and the County will be the sole owner of it and will maintain the upgrades.

Commr. Stivender questioned who would manage the program, once it is established and on line.

Mr. Hewitt stated that the Water Resource Department will qualify all the water resource data coming in and the database administrator from the County's GIS Department will do the final quality assurance, before it goes into the database.

Commr. Hill questioned what the SJRWMD's contribution will be to the program.

Mr. Hewitt stated that the County is trying to get them to contribute $15-20,000, however, noted that it will not make up for the County's cost for the program.

Mr. Sandy Minkoff, County Attorney/Interim County Manager, informed the Board that the County is eligible to receive a $63,000.00 grant and its share of the funding will be contingent upon receipt of that grant. He stated that, once the County receives the grant, it will allocate $50,000.00 of it in the first year and $13,000.00 in the second year, so the only budgeted amount the County will have will be approximately $12-15,000.00 in FY 2002/2003. He stated that the County will need to approve a Resolution accepting the grant, allocate the funds, and then amend the budget.

Mr. Hewitt stated that the program will take approximately one year from start to finish, once the County enters into the interlocal agreements.

Commr. Pool questioned whether the County could borrow money from its stormwater fund for the program, since it is to monitor water quality, or whether the stormwater fee that the County now has could be used for the program.

Mr. Hewitt stated that the County is looking at incorporating stormwater as a function of the Water Resource Atlas.

Mr. Minkoff stated that the grant the County is getting is an entitlement grant, so it is not a question of whether the County will get it, but when it will get it. He stated that said funds have been allocated to the County, so there should not be any difficulty in obtaining the grant.

On a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Pool and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved a request from Growth Management, Water Resources, for approval to move forward with the Lake County Water Resource Atlas Program, as presented this date, pending grant acceptance.

PERSONAL APPEARANCES/PRESENTATIONS

PRESENTATION

WEST ORANGE SOUTH LAKE TRANSPORTATION TASK FORCE UPDATE

Mr. Jon VanderLey, Mayor of the Town of Oakland and Chairman of the West Orange South Lake Transportation Task Force, addressed the Board and updated them regarding the Transportation Task Force's efforts to obtain funding for the transportation needs in west Orange County and south Lake County. He stated that both the south Lake and the west Orange Chambers of Commerce support the counties in their endeavors. He stated that, when he was asked by the west Orange Chamber of Commerce to form the task force, it became clear that, if the task force was to have any impact at all, it was going to have to ignore jurisdictional boundaries and include south Lake County, as well as west Orange County, noting that the problems were primarily in the east/west corridor and both counties contribute to them; therefore, they both have to find a solution. He stated that, in the short time that the Transportation Task Force has been in existence, they have been able to get the Turnpike Authority to accelerate the construction of the third lane at the entrance and exit ramps at Hwy. 50 and Oakland, and, with the help of Representative Johnson and Senator Webster, they were able to get funding started for the PD&E for the six-laning of Hwy. 50, from Pine Hills Road in Orange County to Hwy. 27 in Clermont, and get a transportation management project approved and funded for Hwy. 50, which will bring some relief from the ever increasing traffic load, while that critical artery is being designed for widening. He stated that this year, with the assistance of Representative Johnson, they were able to obtain an additional $2.1 million from the Legislature for Hwy. 50 and $1.2 million for Hook Street, in south Lake County, which he noted is a badly needed project. He stated that they will be making a request to the TOPS Program again this year for additional monies, to complete the design phase for Hwy. 50 and for any other appropriate south Lake County projects.

Mr. VanderLey stated that, in addition, the Transportation Task Force has been working very closely with the Orlando/Orange County Express Authority on their potential extension to Hwy. 27 from the East/West Expressway and with the Turnpike Authority on the projects that they have planned for this area, which include some additional ramps, widening to six lanes, etc. He stated that they have the cities of Ocoee, Winter Garden, Oakland, and Clermont, as well as both Orange and Lake Counties involved with the task force technical committee. He stated that, if they can all agree on the components, it will be a big step. He stated that they believe the Transportation Task Force has been and can continue to be a useful vehicle to assist government leaders in bringing some attention to the needs of the counties. He stated that it does not take a wizard to know that one of the easiest ways to relieve traffic problems is to put less cars on the road and one of the best ways to do that is to create a situation where people can work and live in the same general area.

Mr. VanderLey stated that there has been talk for a number of years about a new general aviation airport in west Orange County, which culminated with the passage of House Bill 1613, during the 1999 legislative session. He stated that, at the time of its passage, the Bill had unanimous support from the Orange County Commission, as well as the Orange County Legislative Delegation. He stated that the site envisioned in the Bill was in extreme west Orange County and was chosen in 1995 from a list of three potential sites, two of which are now under construction as subdivisions. He stated that the chosen site has attracted opposition, because of a potential conflict with Horizons West Town Center and, because of all the growth, the FAA has asked the West Orange Aviation Authority to revisit the site selection process and submit two additional sites, one of which is located in south Lake County, approximately 8 miles south of Hwy. 50 and approximately one mile from Hwy. 27. He stated that the facility can help solve several problems at the same time, noting that there is no question that a new general aviation facility is needed in the Metropolitan area. He stated that general aviation has been growing at double digit annual rates for over 15 years, while the number of airports have been steadily decreasing. He stated that, in addition, the other facilities in the surrounding area, including Leesburg and Kissimmee, cannot provide facilities to keep up with the demand. He stated that a recent FDOT study showed that the airport and industrial park generate $310 million annually in economic activity. He stated that the economic activity of the airport alone would be substantial, noting that Florida ranks third nationally in general aviation economic impact. He stated that general aviation in Florida generates approximately $4 billion in economic activity annually and creates approximately 42,000 jobs, most of them 40% higher in wages than the average. He stated that projections show almost all the economic growth is in the I-4 corridor, while residential development is almost all in the west Orange/south Lake County area. He stated that, as for airport construction funding, the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) generally furnishes 90% of the cost, while the FDOT furnishes 5%, and the Transportation Task Force has been assured by both that, once the site selection issues are resolved, those funds will be available. He stated that the funds come from taxes on aviation, not from the general revenue. He noted that the facility would provide space for the Sheriff's Office, the Fire Department, etc., in south Lake County.

Mr. Jim Goff, representing the West Orange South Lake Transportation Task Force, addressed the Board stating that the Airport Authority has applied to the FAA to fund a new site selection study. He stated that they will be looking at the existing site, a site in Lake County, and a site in north Orange County and, once they do the site selection study and come up with a proposed site, they will go into the environmental assessment process, where they will obtain as much public input as possible from the surrounding communities. He stated that, once the environmental assessment is approved by the FAA, they will do the master plan for the airport, which will be submitted back to the FAA for approval. He stated that they will have to do a Development of Regional Impact (DRI), which will have to come back before the Board, for the development order to be issued. He stated that the proposed airport would be similar to the Leesburg Municipal Airport, but on a larger scale.

Mr. Lewis Rotundo, who has been working with both the Aviation Authority and the Transportation Task Force, addressed the Board, representing Representative Randy Johnson, noting that Representative Johnson was unable to attend this meeting, as planned, due to another commitment. He stated that Representative Johnson wanted him to relay to the Board that he is a strong supporter of the proposed airport and is committed to building it, therefore, is ready to work with either the Lake County Board of County Commissioners, or the Orange County Board of County Commissioners, if a site in one of the two counties is determined to be the one for the facility. He stated that the final determination for the site will be based on two factors, being: (1) county acceptability; and (2) FAA approval. He stated that, if those two factors come together, the necessary legislative changes can be made to allow the airport to go forward. He stated that the process will take about two years. He stated that the Transportation Task Force is looking today at whether the Board would be receptive to building an airport in Lake County, should a site prove feasible and should data support such an activity. He stated that they are currently expending funds that have been provided by the three cities in Orange County, being Apopka, Winter Garden, and Ocoee. He stated that, should Lake County decide that it would like to have said airport and a site in the County is determined to be the best site, they will be back before the Board with many promises, but no money, because the funds that are left over will be returned to the three cities alluded to earlier. He requested the Board to consider whether they would like for the County to participate in this process and, if so, to instruct staff to work with them, over the next few weeks, and let them come back to the Board at a later date with some recommendations for the process to move forward.

Mr. Brian Hofer, President of the South Lake Chamber of Commerce, addressed the Board, stating that they are very excited about this opportunity, noting that they need some additional diversification in the economy and feel that this project suits it perfectly, by providing higher paying jobs. He asked the Board to consider the request.

Commr. Hanson stated that the Board is continuing to search for opportunities to bring diversification to the County, noting that, if they do not do it, taxes will continue to increase in the County, as the County attempts to provide services that are demanded by its residents. She stated that she feels the Board should approve to move forward with evaluating a site.

Commr. Stivender stated that she did not realize the economic value that comes out of the Leesburg Municipal Airport, noting that there are many businesses at the airport that generate millions of dollars. She stated that she feels the proposed airport would bring the County's tax base up.

Commr. Pool stated that today there are not a lot of residential communities around the site in question, at the present time, noting that it is well buffered within thousands of vacant acres. He stated that he felt the Board should at least investigate the matter and allow the Transportation Task Force to go forward in the site selection process.

A motion was made by Commr. Pool and seconded by Commr. Stivender to approve a request for the West Orange South Lake Transportation Task Force to move forward with their site selection process, with staff's involvement, and bring any information they find back to the Board at a later date.

Under discussion, Commr. Cadwell stated that job creation has been one of his goals for the nine years that he has been on the Board, however, noted that when the airport element is thrown in, it gives it a little bit different twist, noting that his experience with the Umatilla Airport is that it is very expensive and a nuisance. He stated that he would vote in favor of the request, however, wanted everyone to know that it is far reaching and that he feels the Board needs to look at the effect that it will have on Leesburg's plans for the expansion and growth of their airport, so that it is not adversely effected. He suggested that the Board approach it very cautiously.

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

RECESS AND REASSEMBLY

At 10:10 a.m., the Chairman announced that the Board would take a 10 minute recess.

PERSONAL APPEARANCES/PRESENTATIONS

PRESENTATION

DOCUMENT IMAGING SYSTEM BY THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATIVE

PROFESSIONALS (CAP) TEAM

Representatives of the County Administrative Professionals (CAP) Team gave a brief presentation to the Board, at which time it was noted that the Team's mission is to foster communication, improve working relationships within county departments, and develop and implement new ideas through partnerships with county leaders, administrative support staff, and other county employees. They stated that the first step was defining the problem; therefore, they looked at staffing, records management, expenses, multiple files, document retrieval time, retention and storage, and customer service, which they elaborated on. They stated that they needed to identify potential solutions; therefore, to find out what other counties were doing, surveys were sent to the other 66 counties in Florida and, of the 32 responses received, it was determined that a standardized system did not exist. They stated that they visited Martin County, where they found that their system was focused on the tracking of documents, rather than a true imaging system, and it did not contain the necessary components for a total solution. They stated that, in searching for the perfect system, the team also sought assistance from the State of Florida, where a representative from the Archives and Records Department met with the team, to offer suggestions and provided a copy of the State's Guidelines, for the team's perusal. They stated that reviewing software was next on the list, where after evaluating several systems, it was the consensus of the team that involvement of the IT Division was inevitable, therefore, in March of 2000, Mr. Steve Earls, Director of IT, became an integral part of the team and, with his expertise, they were finally able to submit a recommendation to the Board.

The CAP Team noted that their recommended solution would be a coordinated network of filing stations, with scanning capabilities for all incoming documents; designated areas for filing stations; the creation of a Records Coordinator position for the filing stations; the purchase and installation of a Document Management/Imaging System; and the training and implementation of a pilot program. They noted that the advantages of such a system would give the County the ability to locate files easily; there would be a standardized system across departmental lines; it would allow the County to have the capability to put documents on the Internet for access by citizens, upon countywide implementation, thereby improving customer service; and would allow electronic signatures to be used with the same force and effect as a written signature; documents containing some information that would be considered confidential in nature would be allowed to have said information blacked out; and historical documents could be archived for easy retrieval. They stated that the Team has selected the County Manager's Office, the Board of County Commissioner's Office, the County Attorney's Office, Facilities and Capital Improvements, Records Management, and the Public Works Department to initiate the pilot program, noting that they were selected because of the diversities in size, function, and services provided. They stated that the pilot program will utilize existing staff, however, noted that, upon countywide implementation of the Enterprise Document Management System, additional staff may be necessary. They stated that the program would be evaluated in six months after implementation and the length of the program would be determined by the ease of operating the system and the difficulties encountered. They stated that, unless continual access of a document is needed, the Team has been advised to not scan proceeding documents and based on said recommendation, departments involved will begin scanning documents upon implementation of the pilot program. The team stated that, knowing consistency plays a major role in the success of the program, Records Management will provide training on a regular basis to all staff responsible for document management.

Mr. Steve Earls, Director of IT, stated that in order to become more familiar with document management technologies the Team consulted with experts in the industry and spoke with several firms currently providing document management solutions throughout Florida, at all levels of government, as well as in the corporate world, and performed an onsite survey and needs assessment, to determine a technology solution that would meet the present and future requirements of Lake County. He stated that the results of the survey were used to determine what functionality would be required for a capable solution to the County's document management needs. He stated that the Team determined that the new system would allow the County to capture, search, retrieve, and display all of the information and documents used in business today and would enable users to access a variety of business content, regardless of the source, including Web pages, electronic forms, paper, fax, e-mail, and line-of-business applications like AutoCAD and InfoSpan. He stated that the new system would be leading edge, providing subsecond response time to information requests, scaleable to add workflow processing, built around the Microsoft product line, and integrate with the County's Oracle Database System. He stated that it would be designed for the Internet, because it would be the foundation that the County would build upon for providing e-Government services to the citizens of Lake County.

Mr. Earls reviewed the proposed pilot hardware requirements for the program, noting that each department participating in the pilot program would be equipped with a network scanning station, consisting of a computer and a production quality scanner. He stated that said stations would be entry points into the system, for documents that exist in paper form. He stated that the necessary software to scan the documents and preform quality control on the images would reside on these stations. He stated that, with the implementation of the Enterprise Document Management System, files will no longer be stored in boxes in warehouses, but on hard disc drives, tapes, and microfilm. He stated that a storage area network is recommended with their solution, in anticipation of the growing demands for electronic data storage and the administration of that storage. He stated that said technology will help the County to meet the responsibilities that it is entrusted with, mainly protecting public records and vital documents. He stated that the proposed system will sustain Lake County well into the future. He stated that hardware costs for servers, scanning stations, and data storage devices is $400,000.00, however, noted that the majority of said costs, approximately $300,000.00 could be spread over three to five years, using a municipal lease purchase plan at an interest rate of 4.9%. He stated that software costs, including consulting services and maintenance, is $300,000.00, which brings the total cost of the pilot program to $700,000.00. He stated that annual recurring costs would be approximately $50-75,000.00 per year, which would include software upgrade protection and other maintenance costs.

The team informed the Board that, during the pilot program, existing staff will be utilized for implementation of the proposed document management system, however, noted that after the pilot program has been completed and evaluated, it may be determined that additional document management personnel is needed within certain departments; therefore, they project an estimated cost of $630,000.00 for implementation after the pilot program, for an estimated total cost of $1.3 million, which they noted includes additional personnel, with benefits and equipment. They requested approval to go forward with the project and purchase the necessary hardware and software; begin the pilot program; evaluate it within six months of implementation; purchase and phase in additional scanning equipment and user licenses; implement the Enterprise Document Management System countywide; and re-evaluate all procedures. They stated that they strongly believe this investment in technology will revolutionize business practices for the County's employees and would, therefore, be a major benefit for all Lake County citizens.

Mr. Sandy Minkoff, County Attorney/Interim County Manager, informed the Board that the ultimate goal of the program is to make documents immediately available to the public, as well, which would cut down on public records requests and the time that employees spend copying documents, noting that the public will be able to access the program through the Internet and do their own research, without having to ask help from employees. He stated that employees spend a lot of time responding to public records requests, so there would be additional savings there, as well as an increased opportunity for the public to obtain documents.

Mr. Tim O'Toole, Records Manager for Lake County, addressed the Board stating that any records that are filmed or scanned to an acceptable form of media is recognized by the State of Florida, including signatures and seals, as long as it is scanned and imaged under the quality control measures that the County currently has.

Commr. Hanson questioned whether the costs of the pilot program would qualify for the one cent sales tax.

Mr. Minkoff stated the Fiscal and Administrative Services Department believes that it would and noted that the legal department is currently evaluating it, to make sure that they agree with it.

Commr. Hill questioned whether the County could share the Clerk's storage network, since it is on a disc.

Mr. O'Toole stated that all the scanned images and documents that would be stored would be interchangeable and would be exchanged between the different entities, however, noted that the Clerk's system does not have the capacity, nor is their technology geared towards the Internet. He stated that they anticipate, as the County is brought on line, that the electronic data storage will quadruple, in a short period of time, because of the vast amount of electronic documents that will be placed on it, which will put a tremendous work load on a system that is already several years old. He stated that the County needs to move toward new technology - a fibre optic type network, so that it is functioning at the speed of light and not at how much signal it can get across a copper cable.

Commr. Pool questioned whether the Constitutional Officers have agreed that this would be a system that would be beneficial to them.

Mr. Earls stated that, historically, the systems have not been interconnected. He stated that the infrastructure the Board has purchased and has in place is available to the Constitutional Officers, however, for security reasons, as well as other reasons, they have decided not to connect to the Board's network. He stated that the capabilities are there and that any document imaging system, as long as there is additional licensing, would be available to them.

The Board thanked the CAP Team for their presentation.

CITIZEN QUESTION AND COMMENT PERIOD

Mr. Donald Pinto, a resident of Mid-Florida Lakes Mobile Home Park, addressed the Board stating that he was present, along with other members of the Mid-Florida Lakes Homeowners Association, representing the residents of the park, the employees of Dura-Stress Corporation, and customers of a mini-mall adjacent to the mobile home park entrance, who would like to have a traffic signal installed at the entrance to the park, located on CR 44, due to the fact that there have been a number of accidents and fatalities over the years. He submitted, for the record, a petition containing 1,054 signatures, requesting the installation of a traffic signal at the entrance to the park.

Ms. Dorothy Lange, a resident of Mid-Florida Lakes Mobile Home Park and a member of their Board of Directors, addressed the Board and read into the record a letter that she received from Ms. Florence M. Wilcox, Holiday, Florida, the daughter of the latest two fatalities, alluded to earlier by Mr. Pinto, requesting that a traffic signal be installed at the entrance to the park. She requested the Board to give the matter strong consideration.

The Board directed Mr. Jim Stivender, Jr., Senior Director, Public Works, to look into the matter.

Commr. Cadwell requested a copy of the traffic counts that were conducted at the site and the dates that they were taken, along with an accident count.

Commr. Pool suggested that a caution light be installed at the site and if, in fact, the study indicates that a traffic signal is needed there, it will be in place.

Mr. Stivender stated that Public Works has a consultant on board that will do a full study on the matter and report his findings back to the Board at a later date.

Mr. Eugene Thomas, a resident of Lake County, who lives on CR 561A, a road that is scheduled to come before the Board this date for a name change from CR 561A to CR 561, addressed the Board stating that the residents who live on CR 561A prefer not to have the name of the road changed. He stated that, if the name of the road absolutely has to be changed, the County needs to give the road a proper name and leave the numbers the same.

The Chairman noted that said issue would be addressed later in the meeting, under its scheduled slot.

Mr. Roy Hunter, a resident of Paisley and a member of the Northeast Lake Chamber of Commerce, addressed the Board requesting that they approve a Resolution, to be mailed to the local government in Paisley, Scotland, encouraging that city to become a sister city to Paisley, Florida, noting that the joining of the two cities would be an asset to both communities and to Lake County, as well.

Mr. Hunter requested the Board to take into consideration the needs of the indigents in the County, noting that so many are in dire straits and do not know which way to turn. He stated that only 40 people in the County qualified for help with their solid waste assessments, out of a total of 49 that applied, in a county that is an entitlement county. He stated that it is obvious people did not apply, because of lack of information. He requested the Board to send a personal letter signed by all the Commissioners along with the tax notices, indicating what one needs to do to obtain financial help with their solid waste assessment and explaining that it is not shameful to qualify, but is something that they are entitled to, should they meet the criteria. He suggested that they change said criteria, eliminating the "Assets" column completely.

Mr. Hunter also requested that the Board approve a Resolution and letter, to be sent to President George Bush and Governor Jeb Bush, requesting that a corps of engineers be sent to Lake County, along with any necessary equipment, to repair the many sand roads in the County that have greatly deteriorated, due to the long period of drought that the County has suffered, noting that the safety, welfare, and health of the County's rural citizens are at stake.

Commr. Hanson stated that the Board will deal with Mr. Hunter's request that a Resolution and letter be sent to the President, requesting that a corps of engineers be sent to Lake County to repair its sand roads, at a later date; however, noted that she will bring the matter of the Resolution regarding Paisley, Scotland up under her Reports, for the Board to address at that time. She stated that she saw no problem with the County sending the letter that Mr. Hunter requested to the citizens, along with their tax notices, if the Board agrees to it, however, noted that she hesitates changing the requirements. She stated that, since the County is moving forward at such an aggressive manner, it needs to let people know what is available and what documentation they will need to bring to the County for approval.

CONTRACTS, LEASES AND AGREEMENTS/GROWTH MANAGEMENT

Commr. Cadwell informed the Board that he had asked that this request be pulled from the County Manager's Consent Agenda and discussed separately, noting that it stemmed from action that he had requested the Board to take several months ago, with regard to a Developer's Agreement, to allow the placement of a mobile home on the parcel of property in question. He stated that, since that time, there was a Board of Adjustment case and, out of that case, the request went before a Special Master.

Ms. Sharon Farrell, Senior Director, Growth Management, addressed the Board and explained this request, at which time she reviewed an aerial of the property in question, stating that, due to the Special Master Hearing, staff has proposed that the mobile home be allowed to exist on a one acre tract and that trees be planted on the northeast and west boundaries of said tract, buffering the mobile home from the opposition, and that no further lot splits be provided for this particular parcel. She stated that the case went to the Board of Adjustment, for a variance to the mobile home count. She stated that, when the County did the half-mile test it failed, however, noted that the quarter mile test passed.

Mr. Chad Pendley, a property owner in the area in question, addressed the Board asking that they deny the request, because he feels that approval of it may start a precedent in the area.

Mr. Stan Harris, a property owner in the area in question, addressed the Board stating that this request was presented as a hardship exemption, however, noted that he does not see where a hardship is involved. He stated that there are other solutions to the problem that would be in compliance with the County's ordinances. He stated that, if the request is approved, he feels it will be an injustice to him and to every other property owner in the area.

Mr. Bruce Duncan, Attorney, representing Jimmy and E. L. Williams, Sleepy Hollow Homes, addressed the Board and reviewed an aerial of the property in question, stating that the 11 acre parcel goes out into the middle of the lake and abuts against the property of an adjacent property owner. He stated that a large portion of the 11 acre parcel is actually located inside the lake, underneath the water. He stated that the individuals in question looked at the possibility of doing a lot split, dividing the property into two five and one-half acre lots, which he noted would meet the mobile home density requirements, but the acreage that is under water would not count, so they would not be allowed to place a mobile home on the property. He stated that they have agreed to tree the property more heavily than what is required under the Code, in an attempt to buffer the mobile home from the view of the residents in opposition to the request. He stated that, during the Special Master Hearing, the Special Master offered an allowance for a 40' wide easement; however, staff did not feel it was necessary. He stated that, if it was something the Board would like for them to do, they would have no objection to going to a 40' easement, as opposed to the 25' easement that was proposed in the Special Master Agreement. He stated that they feel there is a hardship involved with this request, which he elaborated on.

A motion was made by Commr. Cadwell and seconded by Commr. Stivender to approve a request from Growth Management for approval of a Special Masters Settlement Agreement between Lake County and Gordon and Sudie Richardson (SM-5-01), to place a mobile home on an 11 acre parcel of property, with regard to a hardship case.

Under discussion, Commr. Hanson stated that she thought a family lot split could come down to a one acre parcel.

Ms. Farrell stated that, if the request involves less than five acres, staff has to do a mobile home count. She stated that the property dead ends at a lake; therefore, staff does not anticipate any further lot splits. She stated that the County looks at lot splits a lot differently now, as far as easements are concerned, noting that the rules regarding them have changed in the past two years.

Commr. Hanson questioned how the County deals with those individuals who have already dedicated 50 feet, rather than 40 feet, throughout the County.

Ms. Farrell stated that staff has not given it that much consideration. She stated that, in most cases, it is just a 50 foot easement on paper.

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

COUNTY MANAGER'S DEPARTMENTAL BUSINESS

COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS/RESOLUTIONS/ROADS-COUNTY AND STATE

Mr. Bruce Thorburn, Senior Director, Communications Systems, addressed the Board and explained this request, stating that Public Works is proposing to change 561A to 561, so that a driver trying to go from 561, north of Hwy. 27, heading south would have a contiguous drive. He stated that there is some concern, from a public safety standpoint, about the confusion of duplicate addresses in that area, so an alternative for the Board might be to consider not only signage showing 561, but that that portion of the road that was at one time called 561A be given some type of proper name, so that the addresses would remain the same, but it would have its own identity, which he noted would be much more conducive to people being able to find their way by following the road and still maintain the public safety issue and the fact that the residents will not have to change the name of their road.

Commr. Pool suggested calling 561A Lake Minneola Drive, since the road runs along Lake Minneola.

Mr. Jim Stivender, Jr., Senior Director, Public Works, addressed the Board, stating that the County is trying to make the road a contiguous route.

Ms. Janet Thomas, a resident of CR 561A, addressed the Board requesting that, if the County is going to change the road signs back to 561, for the time being, that they put the "A" back on the signs, noting that it was taken off of them.

Ms. Donna Augustine, a resident of CR 561A, addressed the Board and questioned whether the road would still be shown on maps as CR 561A, after it is given a proper name.

It was noted that the road would still be known as 561A.

On a motion by Commr. Pool, seconded by Commr. Stivender, and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board denied a request from Communications Systems for approval of a Resolution renaming a portion of CR 561A to CR 561, between SR 50 and US Highway 27, in the Clermont/Minneola area, to correct a "disjointed" CR 561 that was created when the City of Clermont annexed a portion of the road, and requested that the Public Works Department install new signs with the "A" reinserted after CR 561, until such time as the residents of CR 561A decide on a proper name for the road.

COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS/RESOLUTIONS/ROADS-COUNTY AND STATE

Mr. Bruce Thorburn, Senior Director, Communications Systems, addressed the Board and explained this request, stating that, as a result of the realignment/extension of Merry Road by the Lake County Public Works Department, a portion of the road must be renamed, which he elaborated on. He stated that it has been requested that the portion of the road running south from US Hwy. 441 to Old US Hwy. 441 be renamed David Walker Drive, in conjunction with David Walker Drive on the north side of US Hwy. 441, and that an easement known as Old Hammock Road, which used to come to a dead end, however, has since been continued forward to connect to Merry Road, be incorporated and named David Walker Drive, as well, leaving the portion of Merry Road that is shown as a square on the map, which is all residential, as it is.

On a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Cadwell and carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved a request from Communications Systems for approval of Resolution No. 2001-112, renaming a portion of Merry Road to David Walker Drive, running south from US Highway 441 to Old US Highway 441, in conjunction with David Walker Drive on the north side of US Highway 441.

CONTRACTS, LEASES AND AGREEMENTS/PUBLIC WORKS

RIGHTS-OF-WAY, ROADS AND EASEMENTS/ROAD PROJECTS

Mr. Jim Stivender, Jr., Senior Director, Public Works, addressed the Board and explained this request, stating that it was a request for approval to purchase two lots at the corner of 44C and C468 from the heirs of Ms. Mary Carolyn Keys for a retention pond, to improve said intersection. He stated that staff was recommending approval of the request.

On a motion by Commr. Hill, seconded by Commr. Stivender and carried, by a 4-0 vote, the Board approved a request from Public Works for approval and execution of a Purchase Agreement for Rights-of-Way, between Lake County and the heirs of Mary Carolyn Keys, in conjunction with the 44C/C468 intersection project in the Leesburg area - Commission District1. Commr. Cadwell was not present for the discussion or vote.

ACCOUNTS ALLOWED/ASSESSMENTS/BIDS/PUBLIC WORKS

ROADS-COUNTY AND STATE/SUBDIVISIONS

Mr. Jim Stivender, Jr., Senior Director, Public Works, addressed the Board and explained this request, stating that it was a request for approval of a mandatory special assessment and to advertise for bids for Jacaranda Avenue "Part" and Poinciana Drive "Part", in the Patio Point Subdivision, Special Assessment No. 95, at an estimated cost of $78,100.00. He stated that the request does not meet the 55% percentages, due to the Seidles owning all the property on the east side of the road, who are not interested in the special assessment project. He stated that it is an old subdivision plat, with lots along Saw Mill Lake. He stated that staff was recommending approval to move forward with the project, noting that it was brought forward by the property owners, not the County.

It was noted that, over a 20 year period, the County has only done approximately six mandatory special assessment projects.

On a motion by Commr. Pool, seconded by Commr. Stivender and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved a request from Public Works for approval of a mandatory special assessment and to advertise for bids for Jacaranda Avenue "Part" and Poinciana Drive "Part" (Patio Point Subdivision), Special Assessment No. 95, at an estimated cost of $78,100.00. Commission District 2 - CTT Funds.

ACCOUNTS ALLOWED/ASSESSMENTS/BIDS/PUBLIC WORKS

ROADS-COUNTY AND STATE/SUBDIVISIONS

Mr. Jim Stivender, Jr., Senior Director, Public Works, explained this request, stating that it was a request for a mandatory special assessment for Quaker Ridge Avenue, in the Mt. Plymouth Subdivision, Special Assessment No. 96, at an estimated cost of $75,775.00. He stated that there are property owners who own property, but do not live on the property, that are not willing to sign the petition; however, all the residents who live on the majority of the properties want to participate in the special assessment project. He stated that staff was recommending approval of the request.

Commr. Hanson questioned whether property owners on Edgewood Street and Muirfield Street had been contacted.

Mr. Stivender stated that they had, however, noted that they did not have any interest in participating in the project.

Commr. Hanson stated that she had recently been contacted by property owners on Thornhill Drive, who are interested in having a special assessment project done on their street, and questioned whether it was too late for them to join in with the project in question.

Mr. Stivender stated that there is still time for them to join in with said project.

On a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Stivender and carried, by a 4-0 vote, the Board approved a request from Public Works for approval of a mandatory special assessment and to advertise for bids for Quaker Ridge Avenue, in the Mt. Plymouth Subdivision, Special Assessment No. 96, at an estimated cost of $75,775.00. Commission District 4 - CTT Funds.

Commr. Pool was not present for the discussion or vote.

PUBLIC WORKS/RESOLUTIONS

Mr. Jim Stivender, Jr., Senior Director, Public Works, explained this request, stating that it was a request for approval of a Resolution requesting the Governor to approve the designation of the Metropolitan Planning Organization for Lake County. He stated that the County held a summit meeting a few months ago with the League of Cities and they expressed support of the Resolution. He stated that the County currently has alliances with the Central Florida Metropolitan Planning Organization and it is coordinating a study northwest of the County, regarding Sumter, Lake, and Marion Counties. He stated that staff has found that the alliances, so far, have been helpful in identifying what is happening across the borders. He stated that staff was recommending approval to move forward with the MPO, noting that the County still needs to go through a process, between now and April of 2002, to decide what they would recommend as the makeup of the MPO. He stated that this Resolution would be sent to the Governor, requesting the County's own designation, since the census information has been made available.

On a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Cadwell and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved a request from Public Works for approval of Resolution No. 2001-113, requesting Governor Jeb Bush to approve the designation of the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for Lake County.

PUBLIC WORKS/ROADS-COUNTY AND STATE/ROAD PROJECTS

Mr. Jim Stivender, Jr., Senior Director, Public Works, explained this request, stating that this may be the last year that the Board will be represented as five members of a Metropolitan Planning Organization for Lake County, to make recommendations, noting that, if it passes in April of 2002, that Board, which would be made up of city and county entities, could take the presentation and go with it and it would not come before this Board as they see it today. He stated that Mr. Noble Olasimbo, Engineer, Public Works Department, did an excellent job in putting the FDOT Five Year Work Program together. He reviewed a handout (Candidate Projects Priority List for FDOT's Work Program Development for FY 2002/03-2006/07) that staff prepared, for the Board's perusal, noting that it contained a combination of priority projects that staff supports that are already in the program, as well as some new projects, which he elaborated on.

On a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Pool and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved a request from Public Works for approval of the recommended prioritization of projects for Lake County from the FDOT Five Year Work Program.

OTHER BUSINESS

APPOINTMENTS-RESIGNATIONS/COMMITTEES

On a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Stivender and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board appointed individuals to the Palatlakaha Environmental and Agricultural Reserve (PEAR) Advisory Committee, as follows:

District 1



Mr. Christopher Bell

Mr. William Davis



District 2



Mr. Sean Parks

Mr. Bob Tracy



District 3



Mr. Charles Cannon

Mr. Richard Henley



District 4



Mr. Bernie Yokel



District 5



Ms. Nadine Foley

Mr. Lawrence "Larry" Schmidt



APPOINTMENTS-RESIGNATIONS/COMMITTEES



On a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Pool and carried unanimously,



by a 5-0 vote, the Board appointed individuals to the Comprehensive Health Care Committee,



as follows:



Lake Sumter Medical Society's Representative



Dr. Tully Patrowicz (reappointed)



Lake Sumter Medical Society's Alternate Representative



Dr. Mayssa Aziz-Toppino (appointed)



APPOINTMENTS-RESIGNATIONS/COMMITTEES



On a motion by Commr. Pool, seconded by Commr. Cadwell and carried unanimously,



by a 5-0 vote, the Board appointed individuals to vacant positions on the Bicycle/Pedestrian



Advisory Committee, as follows:



Mr. Christopher Bell (to complete term ending March 2, 2002)

Mr. William Davis (to complete term ending March 2, 2003)

Ms. Robin Neeld (to complete term ending March 2, 2003)





APPOINTMENTS-RESIGNATIONS/COMMITTEES

On a motion by Commr. Pool, seconded by Commr. Stivender and carried unanimously,



by a 5-0 vote, the Board appointed an individual to a vacant position on the County-Wide Solid



Waste Study Committee, as follows:



District 2



Mr. Raymond Freisinger



It was noted that the appointment of Ms. Mary Bennett, to represent District 5, would be



postponed until a later date.



REPORTS

COUNTY ATTORNEY

CONTRACTS, LEASES AND AGREEMENTS/COURTS-JUDGES

CODE ENFORCEMENT/SUITS AFFECTING THE COUNTY

Ms. Melanie Marsh, Assistant County Attorney, explained this request, stating that it was a request for approval of a Settlement Agreement and a Satisfaction and Release of Lien for James and Vada Carroll. She stated that there were some Code Enforcement liens that the County foreclosed on and, after the lawsuit was started, the Carrolls brought their property into compliance and now wish to settle the lawsuit.

On a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Stivender and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved a request from the County Attorney for approval of a Settlement Agreement between Lake County and James and Vada Carroll (County Court Case No. 01-432CC); and approval of a Satisfaction and Release of Lien, pertaining to the case. REPORTS

COUNTY ATTORNEY

CODE ENFORCEMENT/DEEDS/SUITS AFFECTING THE COUNTY

Ms. Melanie Marsh, Assistant County Attorney, explained this request, stating that a Code Enforcement foreclosure that the County completed in the year 2000 for John Miller properties, located on Merrill Street in Umatilla, next to the old labor camp, was recently brought to the attention of the County Attorney's Office. She stated that, upon doing the surveys to begin cleaning up the properties, staff discovered that the legal description that was used in the Certificate of Title issued by the Courts encumbers neighboring property, as well as the property that the County sought to foreclose on; therefore, staff is requesting approval to execute a Corrective Deed, to deed back to the neighboring property owners property that the County inadvertently included in the legal description.

On a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Stivender and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved a request from the County Attorney for approval to execute a Corrective Deed, deeding back to neighboring property owners property that the County inadvertently included in a legal description for a Code Enforcement foreclosure that the County completed in the year 2000 for John Miller Properties, in Umatilla.

REPORTS

COUNTY ATTORNEY

ADMINISTRATION BUILDING/COUNTY PROPERTY

Mr. Sandy Minkoff, County Attorney/Interim County Manager, informed the Board that the County is going forward with installing a lift in the front of the Administration Building, that will allow handicapped access from the front doors of the building. He stated that it will involve moving the Information Desk over, so that a lift can be installed, allowing one to ride a sort of mini-elevator up to the second floor. He stated that it will be large enough to accommodate a wheelchair or someone with crutches. He stated that, once that is done, handicapped access to the front doors will be re-oriented and modifications to at least one of the doors will be made, enabling it to swing freely, so that handicapped people can use them. He stated that, at the same time, the County is planning to move the public access computer terminals, which are currently located in the Break Room on the second floor of the Administration Building, to the lobby area, allowing the public to have access to them..

REPORTS

COMMISSIONER POOL - DISTRICT 2

EMERGENCY SERVICES

Commr. Pool stated that he would like to thank the County's firefighters, who are working very hard trying to keep the wildfires under control, for their efforts.

REPORTS

COMMISSIONER HANSON - CHAIRMAN AND DISTRICT 4

ROADS-COUNTY AND STATE/ROAD PROJECTS/STATE AGENCIES

On a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Pool and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved for the Chairman to send a letter to FDOT providing Lake County's support for anticipated roadway projects, which include the proposed interchange at I-75/CR 466 in Sumter County and the Project Development and Environment (PD&E) study for US 301 in Sumter and Marion Counties.

REPORTS

COMMISSIONER HANSON - CHAIRMAN AND DISTRICT 4

ACCOUNTS ALLOWED/OUTDOOR RECREATION

Commr. Hanson informed the Board that the Friends of Lake Apopka were requesting $5,000.00, to be used toward the development of a master plan for greenways, trails, recreation, and ecotourism opportunities within the Lake Apopka Basin.

Commr. Pool stated that he serves on the Lake Apopka Planning Initiative Steering Committee and that they were given a presentation by the Regional Planning Council as to what is scheduled to take place around Lake Apopka. He stated that it is 57 miles around the lake and he feels there are many opportunities, with regard to ecotourism, trails, vistas, views, etc., therefore, feels that $5,000.00 is a very small investment.

A motion was made by Commr. Pool and seconded by Commr. Cadwell to approve a request from Friends of Lake Apopka for funding, in the amount of $5,000.00, to be used toward the development of a master plan to identify potentials for greenways, trails, recreation, and ecotourism opportunities within the Lake Apopka Basin.

Under discussion, Commr. Hill stated that she had no objection to the Lake Apopka issue and what has occurred with the Friends of Lake Apopka, however, noted that she does object to the expenditure, at this point in time, which she elaborated on. She stated that her second objection to the request is the timing of it, noting that it is at the end of the year.

Commr. Pool stated that he appreciated where Commr. Hill was coming from, however, noted that there is rapid development taking place around the lake. He stated that he agreed that it would be better to plan these things, rather than have them presented to the Board at the last minute, however, noted that some grants have just become available and a consultant has been hired to do the studies. He stated that, if the County waits, it may lose an opportunity for greenways, trails, etc. to be constructed around the lake.

Commr. Hill stated that she has that same argument with children's issues, noting that grants are available and the Children's Commission needs the money now.

Commr. Hanson stated that they are all investments, whether they are investments in children or in opportunities for recreation. She stated that one of the County's goals has been to continue the Rails-to-Trails Program; therefore, she would support the request at this time, however, welcomed Commr. Hill's comments, noting that it might be a direction that the Board might want to go. She called for a vote on the motion, which was carried, by a 4-1 vote.

Commr. Hill voted "No".

RESOLUTIONS/ROADS-COUNTY AND STATE/ROAD PROJECTS

Discussion occurred regarding a request from Mr. Roy Hunter, a member of the Northeast Lake Chamber of Commerce, for approval of a Resolution and letter to be sent to President George Bush and Governor Jeb Bush, requesting that a corps of engineers be sent to Lake County, along with any necessary equipment, to repair the many sand roads in the County, which have greatly deteriorated, due to the long period of drought that the County has suffered.

Commr Cadwell stated that, once something has been designated as a disaster area, there is a procedure that the County has to go through, therefore, suggested that the Chairman write a letter to the Governor asking whether this would be an eligible expense and what the County needed to do regarding it.

Mr. Sandy Minkoff, County Attorney/Interim County Manager, informed the Board that he and Commr. Hanson had met with Mr. Hunter and has Community Services checking to see whether there are funds available under the FEMA Program to use for said roads. He stated that they will be getting back with Mr. Hunter as soon as possible, possibly within the next couple of weeks.

It was the consensus of the Board to postpone action regarding this request until a later date.

REPORTS

COMMISSIONER HANSON - CHAIRMAN AND DISTRICT 4

MUNICIPALITIES/RESOLUTIONS

On a motion by Commr. Pool, seconded by Commr. Stivender and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved Resolution No. 2001-114, supporting Paisley, Florida becoming a sister city to Paisley, Scotland, as requested by Mr. Roy Hunter.

REPORTS

COMMISSIONER HANSON - CHAIRMAN AND DISTRICT 4

ASSESSMENTS/SOLID WASTE

It was the consensus of the Board that a letter be sent with the tax notices, regarding the solid waste assessment and hardship assistance program.

Mr. Sandy Minkoff, County Attorney/Interim County Manager, informed the Board that information regarding the solid waste assessment and hardship assistance program will be included with the first class notices that are mailed out this year.

REPORTS

COMMISSIONER HANSON - CHAIRMAN AND DISTRICT 4

LAKE COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY

Commr. Hanson informed the Board that she had discussed the issue of holding a water summit with Mr. Mike Perry, Director, Lake County Water Authority, and, if the Board has no objections, the entities involved will move forward and try to develop a program, which they will bring back to the Board at a later date.

Mr. Perry addressed the Board stating that the Water Authority has had conversations about several issues that could be included in the water summit, noting that it would not just be related to water conservation. He stated that there is information available that the County needs to share with the community that is not necessarily being communicated effectively through the media, and in other ways. He stated that they feel a water summit will allow them to address a variety of issues, either through a one day meeting, or a series of evening meetings. He noted that the Water Authority feels a water summit will be a valuable tool and is willing to take on the effort of trying to coordinate it. He stated that they feel Commr. Hanson's idea is timely and important and they support it and are willing to take a role in it in any way they can.

Commr. Hanson stated that she feels the partnerships that can be furthered with the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD), the Lake County Water Authority, and the County can be very beneficial to the County. She stated that, if the Board has no concerns about the matter, staff will move forward and try to develop a program and bring it back to the Board at a later date.

There being no further business to be brought to the attention of the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 12:35 p.m.







________________________________ CATHERINE C. HANSON, CHAIRMAN





ATTEST:







________________________________

JAMES C. WATKINS, CLERK



sec/6-19-2001/7-3-2001/boardmin