BCC Board Meeting Minutes

A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

MAY 18, 2004

The Lake County Board of County Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, May 18, 2004, 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: Debbie Stivender, Chairman; Jennifer Hill, Vice Chairman; Welton G. Cadwell; Catherine C. Hanson; and Robert A. Pool. Others present were: Sanford A. “Sandy” Minkoff, County Attorney; William “Bill” Neron, County Manager; Wendy Taylor, Executive Office Manager, Board of County Commissioner’s Office; James C. Watkins, Clerk of Court; Barbara Lehman, Chief Deputy Clerk, County Finance; and Judy Whaley, Deputy Clerk.

INVOCATION AND PLEDGE

Mr. James Watkins, Clerk of Court, gave the Invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance.

RECOGNITION - TONI AUSTIN RIGGS

Commr. Stivender announced that Ms. Toni Austin Riggs has worked for the Clerk of Court for 30 years and has supported the Lake County Board of County Commissioners for 21 of those years as a recording secretary. She remarked that Ms. Riggs takes Minutes of the Board’s meetings and is efficient and extremely good at her job.

Ms. Riggs expressed her appreciation to the Board and to Mr. Watkins.

Mr. Watkins stated that when he first took office as Clerk of Court it sometimes took over a year for the finished Minutes to reach the Board. He stated that Ms. Riggs has been a major part in the much improved turnaround time for getting the Minutes to the Board for their approval.

WELCOME - MARTIN BARKLEY

Commr. Stivender welcomed Mr. Martin Barkley from Southampton, England. Mr. Barkley is the Chief Executive of the Hampshire Partnership NHS Trust which is responsible for the provision of behavioral health care services to 1.5 million residents of southwestern England. He is visiting LifeStream Behavioral Center to learn about behavioral health care services in the United States. He will be traveling to Washington, D.C., later this week to share his experience with federal officials and other CEOs from the British Isles, Australia and New Zealand.

Mr. Barkley thanked the Board for the welcome and courtesy and thanked Mr. John Cherry and his colleagues at LifeStream Behavioral Center. He stated that he had a very informative day yesterday and has already learned things to apply back in the United Kingdom.

AGENDA UPDATE

Mr. Bill Neron, County Manager, stated that there is an Addendum with one Consent Agenda item and one Departmental Business item.

Commr. Stivender stated that she has items to add under the Report section of the Agenda.

MINUTES

On a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Pool and carried unanimously, by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved the Minutes of April 6, 2004 (Regular Meeting) as presented.

On a motion by Commr. Hanson, seconded by Commr. Hill and carried unanimously, by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved the Minutes of April 13, 2004 (Regular Meeting) as presented.

On a motion by Commr. Pool, seconded by Commr. Hanson and carried unanimously, by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved the Minutes of April 20, 2004 (Regular Meeting) as presented.

On a motion by Commr. Hanson, seconded by Commr. Hill and carried unanimously, by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved the Minutes of April 29, 2004 (Special Meeting) as presented.

CLERK OF COURTS’ CONSENT AGENDA

On a motion by Commr. Pool, seconded by Commr. Hanson and carried unanimously, by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved the Clerk of Courts’ Consent Agenda, Tab 2, Items 1-7, as follows:

List of Checks or Warrants Paid

Request to acknowledge receipt of list of checks or warrants paid prior to this meeting, pursuant to Chapter 136.06 (1) of the Florida Statutes, which shall be incorporated into the Minutes as Exhibit A and filed in the Board Support Division of the Clerk's Office.

Public Service Commission - Petition by Progress Energy Florida, Inc.

Request to acknowledge receipt from the Florida Public Service Commission, In re: Petition for approval of new curtailable service rate Schedules CS-3 and CST-3 by Progress Energy Florida, Inc. - Docket No. 040085-EI, Order No. PSC-04-0399-TRF-EI, Issued April 16, 2004 - Order Approving New Curtailable Service Rates and Notice of Further Proceedings.

Public Service Commission

Request to acknowledge receipt from the Florida Public Service Commission - Notice of Customer Service Hearing to Farmton Water Resources, LLC, Brevard County, Volusia County, City of Titusville, and All Other Interested Persons - Docket No. 021256-WU - Re: Application for Certificate to Provide Water Service in Volusia and Brevard Counties by Farmton Water Resources, LLC. - 6 p.m., Thursday, May 13, 2004, City Council Chambers, New Smyrna Beach City Hall, 210 Sams Avenue, New Smyrna Beach, Florida.

Public Service Commission

Request to acknowledge receipt from the Florida Public Service Commission - Notice of Commission Hearing and Prehearing to Progress Energy Florida, Inc., Florida Industrial Power Users Group, Office of Public Counsel and All Other Interested Persons. Docket No. 031057-EI. A hearing will be held before the Florida Public Service Commission regarding the review of Progress Energy Florida, Inc.’s benchmark for waterborne transportation transactions with Progress Fuels: Thursday, June 10, 2004, 9:30 a.m., Florida Public Service Commission, Betty Easley Conference Center, Room 148, 4075 Esplanade Way, Tallahassee, Florida. A prehearing conference will be held before Commissioner Charles M. Davidson, as Prehearing Officer, regarding the above-referenced matter: Wednesday, May 26, 2004, 9:30 a.m., Florida Public Service Commission, 4075 Esplanade Way, Betty Easley Conference Center, Room 152, Tallahassee, Florida.

Lake Utility Services, Inc.

Request to acknowledge receipt from the Lake Utility Services, Inc. - Notice of Application for an Extension of Water and Wastewater Service Area. Notice is hereby given on April 28, 2004, pursuant to Section 367.045, Florida Statutes, of the Application of Lake Utility Services, Inc., of its intent to apply to the Florida Public Service Commission to extend its service area to provide water and wastewater service to the property described below in Lake County, Florida: ADDITION No. 1 (Thompson Place Subdivision) A tract of land lying in Section 26, Township 22 South, Range 25 East, Lake County, Florida. ADDITION No. 2 (Mission Park Subdivision) A tract of land lying in Section 15, Township 24 South, Range 26 East, Lake County, Florida. Any objections to the Application must be made in writing and filed with the Director, Division of Commission Clerk and Administrative Services, 2540 Shumard Oak Boulevard, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0850, with a copy to Martin S. Friedman, Esquire, Rose, Sundstrom & Bentley, LLP, 600 S. North Lake Boulevard, Suite 160, Altamonte Springs, Florida 32701, within thirty (30) days from the date of this notice. The objection must state the grounds for the objection with particularity.

Satisfaction and Release of Fine

Request for approval and signature authorization of Satisfaction and Release of Fine fully releasing and discharging, Vasco J. Rimes, Patricia A. Leeks, and Pamela D. Legons from Order of Fine in the amount of $1,850.00, dated, April 18, 2003, and recorded in OR Book 2304, Pages 767 through 769 of the Public Records of the Clerk of Court of Lake County, Florida on April 23, 2003; and the Second Order of Fine in the amount of $3,450.00, dated July 16, 2003, and recorded in OR Book 2388, Pages 2203 through 2205, of the Public Records of the Clerk of Court of Lake County, Florida, on August 21, 2003.

Satisfactions of Judgment (3)

Request for approval and signature authorization of Satisfaction of Judgment fully releasing and discharging Mark Freda, Case No. 2002CF002600 (04), from the Order Assessing Additional Charges, Costs, and Fines, in consideration of the sum of $375.00. This Final Judgment entered on the 28th day of April 2003, and recorded in OR BOOK 02236, PAGE 0770, of the Public Records of Lake County, Florida.

Request for approval and signature authorization of Satisfaction of Judgment fully releasing and discharging William Patterson, Jr., Case No. 86-1011CF, from the Final Judgment Assessing Attorney’s Fees and Costs, in consideration of the sum of $250.00. This final Judgment entered on the 11th day of November 1986, and recorded in OR BOOK 898, PAGE 488, of the Public Records of Lake County, Florida.

Request for approval and signature authorization of Satisfaction of Judgment fully releasing and discharging William Patterson, Case No. 9501243CFA01, from the Final Judgment Assessing Attorney’s Fees and Costs, in consideration of the sum of $250.00. This Final Judgment entered on the 27th day of December 1995, and recorded in OR BOOK 1409, PAGE 104, of the Public Records of Lake County, Florida.

COUNTY MANAGER’S CONSENT AGENDA

Commr. Stivender stated that the County Manager’s Consent Agenda consists of Tabs 3 through 18 and one item on Addendum No. 1. She requested that Tab 4 be pulled for discussion.

Commr. Pool requested that the Addendum’s Consent Agenda item be separated from the regular Consent Agenda because he will abstain from the vote on that item.

On a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Hill and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the County Manager’s Consent Agenda, Tabs 3 through 18, pulling Tab 4 for discussion and excluding Addendum No. 1, Consent Agenda item, as follows:

Office of Budget

Budget transfer – Renewal Sales Tax Capital Projects Fund, Department of Public Works,

Request from Budget for approval of Budget Transfer – Renewal Sales Tax Capital Projects Fund, Department of Public Works, in the amount of $11,756.00 is requested. Transfer $11,756.00 from Special Reserve to Machinery & Equipment. The Sheriff’s Office is requesting the replacement of two recently wrecked vehicles. Any insurance proceeds will be returned to the County. The total cost, including light bars and other accessories, is $36,479.00. A balance of $24,723.00 remains in the Renewal Sales Tax Capital Projects Fund for vehicles and equipment for the Sheriff’s Office. An additional $11,756.00 is needed to purchase the two vehicles and related equipment. Funds are available in Special Reserve. The additional amount of $11,756.00 will be taken from the Fiscal Year 2005 allocation for Sheriff’s vehicles.

Budget Transfer – General Fund, Office of Information Technology, in the amount of $20,580.00 is requested. Transfer $20,580.00 from Reserve for Operations to Office Supplies – Information Technology. Information Technology is in the process of purchasing an email archival system. Additional funds are needed to purchase a system that will allow for full-text searches. Funds are available in Reserve for Operations.

Economic Development and Tourism

Approval of the sale of Lot 26B in the Christopher C. Ford Commerce Park to Matrix Development, Inc. at $35,000.00 per acre for approximately 5.664 acres and approval to execute all related documents.

Approval and execution of a Sign Face Lease Agreement with the City of Leesburg for a period of five years at an annual cost of $500.00 to establish outdoor advertising to bring more visitors into the County.

Approval and execution of an Agreement between Lake County and Superior Concrete Construction, LLC for the award of Jobs Growth Investment Trust Fund in the amount of $187,500.00.

Approval of the sale of Lot 16 in the Christopher C. Ford Commerce Park to Finley & Allison Construction, Inc. at $35,000.00 per acre for approximately 4.19 acres and approval to execute all related documents.

Environmental Services

Approval of Amendment to the Lake County Storage Tank Contract with the Department of Environmental Protection.

Program Analysis and Contract Management

Approval for the Office of Program Analysis and Contract Management staff to submit an application for the Florida Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged Trip and Equipment Grant for Fiscal Year 2004-2005 as well as supporting Resolution 2004-81.

Public Safety

Approval of Resolution 2004-82 setting the annual wire line E911 Fee at fifty cents ($.50) pursuant to requirements of Florida Statute 365.171.

Approval of an amendment to an existing Agreement with Lake Sumter Emergency Medical Services, Inc. that will provide a reimbursement of $200,000.00 to Lake County Fire Rescue for providing first response advanced life support services for Fiscal Year 2003-2004.

Public Works

Approval to annex the Agricultural Center property into the City of Tavares and pay the appropriate application fees in the amount of $2,368.00.

Approval and authorization for the Chairman to execute Satisfaction of Assessment Liens for the following 16 road assessments:

Assessment # / Name / Date Paid

683036 Harold & Margaret Artrip - 02/11/04

689001 Terri Young - 03/05/04

689009 Phillip & Hilda Akers - 02/25/04

689015 Tray H. Black - 03/08/04

689018 Wayne Vammen - 03/19/04

689024 Anthony Sylvester - 02/12/04

689025 Jay Bardwell - 02/11/04

690029 Dorothy & Ora Sebree, Jr. - 02/12/04

691017 David A. Spaulding - 02/06/04

691077 Meldon & Dorothy Hughes - 03/05/04

694075 Frederick & Marie Adler - 02/20/04

695011 Gayle & Anne Pennington - 03/05/04

698018 Lawrence & Karen Licnikas - 03/16/04

701001 David & Tammy Franz - 04/01/04

701005 Nayland Todd Stevens - 04/01/04

701008 Fannie Eschenberg - 04/01/04

Approval of the “Lake County Facilitation of Public Infrastructure Agreement for Roadway Improvements on CR 455” for the construction of a tunnel connecting the Bella Colina (a.k.a. Serena Vista/Hillcrest) properties lying both east and west of CR 455 near Montverde.

Approval and signature of Resolution 2004-83 to advertise Public Hearing for Vacation Petition Number 1027 by Cecil J. Clark, Trustee, representative Steven J. Richey, P.A., to vacate right of way, in the Plat of Silver Lake Estates, located in Section 16, Township 19 South, Range 25 East, in the Leesburg area – Commission District 1.

Approval and execution of a Purchase Agreement between Lake County and E. L. Williams, Inc., a Florida Corporation, for right of way in conjunction with the Sleepy Hollow Road Realignment Project located in the Leesburg area.

Approval and execution of a Purchase Agreement between Lake County and Sue Hollingsworth, Trustee, and Vance R. Sharp and Mary E. Sharp, for right of way in conjunction with the Sleepy Hollow Road Realignment Project located in the Leesburg area.

COUNTY MANAGER’S CONSENT AGENDA (CONTINUED)

COMMUNITY SERVICES - WORLD WAR II MEMORIAL

Mr. Tom Osebold, Veterans Service Director, Community Services, requested approval for wording on a World War II memorial marker to honor the more than 248,000 Floridians who served during WWII. The marker is for the overall State of Florida World War II memorial that will be dedicated on Veteran’s Day, November 11, 2004. Each county was given the opportunity to design their own marker. A County staff committee, made up of Mr. Osebold, Ms. Diane Kamp, Ms. Kelly LaFollette, and Mr. Fletcher Smith, asked for input from local veterans’ organizations on two different occasions. Most of the responders requested that Private Robert McTureous, Jr., U.S.M.C., a Medal of Honor recipient, be given recognition on the marker.

Commr. Hanson requested that “was” in the last sentence be changed to “were.”

On a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Hill and carried unanimously, by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved wording for Lake County’s marker for Florida’s World War II Veterans’ Memorial, with the requested change.

COUNTY MANAGER’S CONSENT AGENDA (ADDENDUM NO. 1)

PUBLIC WORKS - COOPER MEMORIAL LIBRARY RELOCATION

Commr. Pool stated, for the record, that he will abstain from the vote on the relocation site for the Cooper Memorial Library because his brother, Dan Pool, owns one half of the building known as Hughes Supply. (Form 8B Memorandum of Voting Conflict for County, Municipal, and Other Local Public Officers was submitted April 20, 2004, by Commr. Pool. A copy of the form is included in the backup material for this meeting.)

Commr. Stivender remarked that it is absolutely necessary to relocate the library but it was not a budgeted item and the funds will come out of contingency reserves. The library was closed and vacated on May 1, 2004, because of indoor air quality issues.

On a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Hanson and carried by a vote of 4-0, the Board approved the request from Public Works to execute a lease agreement for the Cooper Memorial Library relocation project, contingent upon approval of final lease contract by the County Attorney and approval of a budget transfer to provide funding for the renovations in the amount of $301,106.00.

Commr. Pool abstained from the vote.

PRESENTATION

TROUT LAKE NATURE CENTER

Ms. Nadine Foley, Trout Lake Nature Center Board Member, introduced Dr. Robert Hart, President; Mr. Bernie Yokel, Vice President; Ms. Marjorie LaRoe, member of the Building Committee; and Mr. Ron Macfarlane, Treasurer and Chairman of the Development Committee. She stated that Mr. Macfarlane will describe the project and request for funding for a new museum, classroom and aquatic study lab.

Mr. Macfarlane presented the proposed plan for the Charles E. Newell Museum with the Aquatic Laboratory (a copy of the drawing is included in the backup material). He gave a history of the 230-acre Trout Lake Nature Center (Nature Center) which dates back to 1987. The new building will replace the small eleven-year-old manufactured building which is showing the effects of the environment. He remarked that more than 2,000 students visited the Nature Center last school year and that adults have as much to gain as students. With more indoor space, the new center will be able to be open during the rainy summer season. The operation of the Nature Center is self funded by memberships, admission fees and donations. More funding sources are being explored. He stated that the volunteers do everything from grading the road to making repairs to the boardwalk and that they maintain the facility with the exception of electric and plumbing repairs. He explained that the Lake County Water Authority provides funding for one person, a naturalist. The proposed project will cost approximately $230,000.00 and the plans have been given to an architect for suggestions and ideas for modifications. Donations, remembrances and contributions to date total $75,000.00, and it is hoped that construction can begin by May 2005.

In response to an inquiry by Commr. Stivender, Mr. Macfarlane stated that they will be making a funding presentation to the Lake County Water Authority and the St. Johns River Water Management District and will add the Lake County School Board to the list. The City of Eustis may help with something else.

Commr. Hanson commented that the County has always been supportive of the Trout Lake Nature Center. She stated that she would like to find a way to participate in the funding and that the County Manager can look at the budget.

Commr. Stivender remarked that grants might be possible through the Parks and Recreation Department.

Commr. Hill stated that the County has some time to decide which funding source within the County to use and this item may fall under tourism, the museum or the Parks and Recreation Department.

Mr. Neron offered that he could bring back some suggestions during the budget process this summer.

Commr. Cadwell remarked that the environmental education partnership between the Nature Center, the Lake County Water Authority, the City of Eustis and the St. Johns River Water Management District, and adding the County, is unique. He stated that he would like the Board to commit $60,000.00 and to ask the County Manager how to budget that amount. He stated that the County’s commitment as a partner on the project could be used as leverage in the community. He expressed his concern that, in asking the School Board for funding for the project, they might point out that they already spend money to transport students and that contribution could even be lost. He stated that, as far as the reason for this education program, the County, the Water Authority and the Water Management District benefit more than anyone else.

Commr. Hill suggested that former State Representative Everett Kelly might be willing to lobby the legislature for additional funding because he had wanted to have something similar to this as a research center.

Ms. Foley commented that the Nature Center is a planning partner with the new Lake Eustis Institute.

Commr. Hanson made a motion, which was seconded by Commr. Cadwell, for the Board to move forward and instruct the County Manager to determine where the funds will come from, and commit to $60,000.00 for Trout Lake Nature Center’s new museum, classroom and aquatic study laboratory.

Under discussion, Commr. Hill asked if that means the Board will bring it back at budget time to look at all of them that may be coming forward or will it be in the budget right now.

Commr. Cadwell responded that $60,000.00 should be committed and the County Manager can bring back the information on how it can be funded, including whether to partially fund it this year and partially fund it from this summer’s budget.

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

CITIZEN QUESTION AND COMMENT PERIOD

Pat Congdon

Ms. Pat Congdon, a docent at Trout Lake Nature Center, thanked the Board members for their support.

Travis Whigham

Mr. Travis Whigham, a resident of east Lake County, addressed the Board with concerns regarding the March 25, 2004, draft budget for the Lake County Parks and Recreation Master Plan, 2015 Capital Improvement Plan. (A copy of the draft budget and two handwritten pages, presented to the Board by Mr. Whigham, were filed with the Deputy Clerk and are included with the backup material.) He stated that the budget, because of the math, will be short in 2006 by $174,250.00. He pointed out mathematical errors and stated that the 3% annual cost-of-living increases are not being applied each year.

Mr. Bill Neron, County Manager, pointed out that the sheet presented by Mr. Whigham is a first, rough draft which has not been approved by the Board, nor has it been recommended by staff. He stated that staff is aware of some of the shortfalls and these are estimates at best.

Commr. Cadwell suggested, as is the normal procedure under the Public Comment period, that Mr. Whigham should make his comments, then those comments should be given to the County Manager who can respond back to Mr. Whigham.

Mr. Whigham continued his comments and remarked that the park in Forest Hills needs improvements but, according to the draft budget, that park might be phased out. He made additional comments about facilities at other area parks. He requested that the County Commissioners think about everything that is going into the parks. For example, instead of just having four basketball courts or five baseball fields, have them set up for other sports such as racquetball or volleyball or swimming activities.

Commr. Stivender suggested that Mr. Whigham could attend the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meetings and explain his concerns for the park in his area.

Mr. Whigham stated that he is working toward having the park turned back over to the community as it was years ago.

Commr. Hanson noted that costs for the Mount Plymouth/Sorrento area park should be incorporated into the Master Plan.

COUNTY MANAGER’S DEPARTMENTAL BUSINESS

COMMUNITY SERVICES - LIFESTREAM BEHAVIORAL CENTER

Mr. Fletcher Smith, Director of Community Services, stated that the County received a letter dated April 18, 2004, from Mr. John Cherry, President/CEO of LifeStream Behavioral Center, requesting an additional $20,000.00 to use as a local match for the subsidized child care program in Lake County. He explained that, during the 2003-2004 budget year, the Citizen’s Commission for Children provided $22,100.00 as funding for the local match to Childhood Development Services (CDS). CDS’s contract from Lake County School Readiness Coalition was not renewed and LifeStream’s Child Care Choice Services was awarded the contract. It appears that a total of $117,149.00 is needed to make the 6% local match for the Lake County programs. One of the stipulations of the contract the Citizens’ Commission for Children (CCC) has with the programs they fund is that the maximum amount of funding that the CCC will recommend for a program is $25,000.00. Therefore, the Board would only have $2,900.00 that could be awarded without going over CCC’s maximum grant award ($25,000.00 less $22,100.00 equals $2,900.00). Also, he explained that the local dollars that are matched draw down a large amount of federal and state dollars, possibly by as much as $17.85 for every local dollar. He pointed out that, if Lake County leaves any dollars on the table that are not used this year, those dollars are not reallocated next year. Potentially, if LifeStream is not able to raise this local match, Lake County could lose more than $350,000.00 that will not be allocated next year.

Commr. Cadwell remarked that those dollars would also be gone from future years.

Mr. Smith further explained that the total match that needs to be made in Lake County is over $67,000.00 and LifeStream is asking the County Commission to fund $20,000.00. This program is for at-risk families and children who receive day-care services while their parents work.

In response to an inquiry by Commr. Hill regarding contributions by cities, Mr. John Cherry, President/CEO, LifeStream Behavioral Center, stated that LifeStream has requested about $45,000.00 from six of the largest cities in Lake County (Clermont, Eustis, Groveland, Leesburg, Mount Dora and Tavares). He expressed hope that next year the cities will participate fully and that LifeStream will only need $25,000.00 in funding from the CCC.

On a motion by Commr. Hanson, seconded by Commr. Hill and carried unanimously, by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved $20,000.00 in additional funding in local match needed by LifeStream Behavioral Center’s Child Care Choice Services in order to maximize federal and state funding that provides child care services for eligible Lake County families; and approved the related budget transfer.

PUBLIC WORKS - PEAR PARK GATEWAY

Mr. Bob Stevens, Parks and Recreation Director, explained the Option Agreement for Sale and Purchase between The Trust for Public Land and the Florida Communities Trust and Lake County to purchase approximately 51 acres titled “PEAR Park Gateway.” He stated that a grant has been received from Florida Communities Trust. The County is contributing 25%, approximately $782,000.00, and the State of Florida is contributing 75%, approximately $2,347,000.00.

Commr. Stivender confirmed with Mr. Stevens that this is the parcel owned by The Grady Arthur Smith Jr. Family Trust and that parimutuel funds from Districts 1 and 3 are being used for this purchase.

Commr. Hanson remarked that the purchase of this property makes the PEAR project work as far as accessibility and providing an entrance to the park.

Commr. Hill stated that the parimutuel funds have been available for quite some time and opined that the funds are being utilized as they were intended. She noted that other parimutuel funds are still available for the park project in Umatilla.

On a motion by Commr. Hill, seconded by Commr. Pool and carried unanimously, by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved the Option Agreement for Sale and Purchase between The Trust for Public Land and the Florida Communities Trust and Lake County to purchase approximately 51 acres titled “PEAR Park Gateway”; and authorized the Chairman to sign the Agreement upon completion and review by the County Attorney; and approved for staff to complete any necessary closing requirements.

REPORTS - COUNTY ATTORNEY

SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT - LAKE COUNTY VS PRENTISS & SUSAN FROST

Mr. Sandy Minkoff, County Attorney, stated that the Code Enforcement Department has recommended approval of a Settlement Agreement and approval of Satisfaction and Release of Liens in Circuit Court Case Number 2004-CA-184, Complaint for Permanent Mandatory Injunction, Lake County vs. Prentiss & Susan Frost (Code Enforcement Board CEB No. 168-99). Approval of the agreement will result in a $200.00 payment to the County and the property is now in compliance. He recommended approval.

On a motion by Commr. Hill, seconded by Commr. Hanson and carried unanimously, by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved the Settlement Agreement and approved Satisfaction and Release of Liens in Circuit Court Case Number 2004-CA-184, Complaint for Permanent Mandatory Injunction, Lake County vs. Prentiss & Susan Frost (Code Enforcement Board CEB No. 168-99).

REPORTS - COUNTY MANAGER

MINNEOLA FIRE SERVICES

Mr. Bill Neron, County Manager, stated that he was informed by e-mail from the City Manager of Minneola that there was a consensus at the April 27, 2004, City Council meeting that the City will be providing its own fire protection services as of October 1, 2005. That provides a transition period of approximately 16 months. He requested that the Board confirm that it is the County’s understanding that it will no longer be providing fire protection services within the City of Minneola as of September 30, 2005, and to authorize staff to begin a search for a new fire station site in an appropriate location in the unincorporated area, and also authorize staff to begin the CCNA (Competitive Consultants Negotiation Act) process to select an architect to design County fire stations.

Commr. Hanson stated that those are two different items that should have separate votes.

Mr. Ed Earl, a resident of the City of Minneola, addressed the Board and requested approval of this recommendation. He opined that it benefits the County and the City, and allows the County to pick a site to support the County’s fire service that will actually be better than the site within the City. He reported that it was brought up at the City Council meeting that the City joined the County’s fire service through the referendum process and another referendum would be necessary to cancel it. However, he remarked that if the County approves the request to cancel service to the City, a referendum will not be necessary.

Mr. Sandy Minkoff, County Attorney, explained that some cities that participate in the County’s fire protection service had referendums, but that would be an issue that would be handled by the city or town attorney. In the case of the Town of Lady Lake, they did not have another referendum when they withdrew a portion of the Town.

Mr. Earl clarified that the City of Minneola’s attorney, during the City Council meeting, indicated that an ordinance process could undo the agreement.

Commr. Pool stated that the City of Minneola requested that the County withdraw fire protection services. He opined that, should the City change its mind, something could be worked out with the County.

On a motion by Commr. Pool, seconded by Commr. Hanson and carried unanimously, by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved that Lake County will no longer provide fire/rescue services to the City of Minneola as of September 30, 2005, per the request of the City of Minneola.

Mr. Neron requested that staff be authorized to begin the Competitive Consultants Negotiation Act (CCNA) process to hire an architect to design County fire stations. Staff thinks a set plan with different facades for different elevations can be designed. He noted that the process is being started to find a site for a fire station in Lake Jem.

On a motion by Commr. Hanson, seconded by Commr. Pool and carried unanimously, by a vote of 5-0, the Board authorized staff to initiate the Competitive Consultants Negotiation Act (CCNA) process to select an architect to design County fire stations.

Commr. Cadwell requested that Lake-Sumter EMS be contacted, on all future stations, to see if there is an opportunity to share space.

Mr. Neron confirmed that the set design probably will include the ability to collocate EMS at all the future locations.

Commr. Stivender stated that the set design is also supposed to have the availability for a substation for law enforcement.

COUNTY MANAGER’S DEPARTMENTAL BUSINESS (ADDENDUM NO. 1)

PUBLIC WORKS - TEMPORARY BARRICADES ON VISTA DEL LAGO BLVD

Mr. Jim Stivender, Public Works Director, in presenting the request for approval to place temporary barricades on Vista Del Lago Boulevard (Vista Del Lago) where it intersects with Lake Louisa Road, stated that there have been issues with the connection between U.S. Highway 27 (Hwy. 27) and Lake Louisa Road for many years. In recent years, the cut-through has been very convenient for Walgreens, Publix, the signalized intersection and the connection to State Road 429 into Orange County. The Sheriff’s Department has monitored the connection and said that a high volume of traffic in a residential area is the issue, not speeding. He stated that he and Commr. Pool met with the homeowners’ association on April 20, 2004, and the association is very much in favor of barricading the south entrance to eliminate the cut-through traffic. By barricading Vista Del Lago, traffic will be forced down Lake Louisa Road and that will enhance the ability to get a traffic signal at the intersection at Hwy. 27. He stated that the South Lake Connector deeds are being prepared at this time to send to property owners. This project could be on line, designed and ready to go out to bid this fall with completion in the fall of 2005. That is a four-lane segment with a signalized intersection and will pull traffic off of Lakeshore Drive going north and Lake Louisa Road to the south. He explained that the Hartwood Marsh Road corridor, a four-lane highway into Orange County, includes the viable alternative of looping Hancock Road down to Lake Louisa Road. He reiterated that the Vistas Homeowners Association supports the barricade. Mr. Stivender informed the Board that he did receive a phone call from Vacation Village and they are concerned about traffic cutting through their subdivision, even though it is a private road, if the barricade is installed at Vista Del Lago.

Mr. Ted Bellville, President of the Vistas Homeowners Association (Vistas), stated that owners and residents of the Vistas have been working on this issue for a long time in an effort to make the subdivision safer. As a result of the April 20, 2004, meeting, the Vistas Board of Directors approved the placement of a temporary concrete barrier. He presented letters and a petition with 258 signatures which are included in the backup material. He stated that there is a concern with diminished property values as well as the huge amount of cut-through traffic. He stated that the community is considering the possibility of gating the entrance in the future.

In response to an inquiry by Commr. Stivender regarding the responsibility of maintaining the roads, Mr. Bellville stated that they are looking at gating just the entrance at Lake Louisa Road and replacing the temporary barriers. He stated that they are looking at the specific issues of that solution. He acknowledged that some of the residents in the subdivision think the barricade is premature. He requested the Board’s approval of the temporary barricade.

Ms. Nancy Madden, Bonita Court in the Vistas, stated that the placement of the barricade and subsequent closing of Vista Del Lago will create a very hazardous and possibly deadly situation. She stated that Vista Del Lago provides a safe passage for south Lake residents and school buses and barricading the road will cause traffic to back up at Lake Louisa Road and Hwy. 27. She opined that the frustration at that intersection will put people and school buses in danger. She reminded the Board of the incredible number of accidents that occurred at Vista Del Lago and Hwy. 27 before the light was installed. She stated that traffic on Vista Del Lago is heavy only during certain times of the day and that there have been no accidents. She remarked that the fire station is north on Lakeshore Drive and a fire truck would have to travel down Lake Louisa Road to Hwy. 27, then travel back up Hwy. 27 to Vista Del Lago, then turn into the subdivision to reach a burning house.

Commr. Pool confirmed that the barricade would not allow any vehicle traffic but will allow pedestrian and bicycle traffic with a four-foot wide access.

Ms. Madden stated that she was told that the temporary barricade could remain in place from one year up to ten years. She presented petitions signed by 14 Vistas residents and 18 non-Vistas residents who are opposed to the barricade. (The petitions are included in the backup material.)

Commr. Pool pointed out that ambulance and police vehicles would come down Hwy. 27 to Vista Del Lago and would not be affected by the barricade.

Ms. Madden reiterated her concerns about the delayed response time for fire trucks and the safety for a great number of residents in south Lake County if the street is barricaded.

Regarding installing a crash barrier for the use of emergency vehicles, Mr. Stivender expressed concern that other people would crash through and stated that a concrete barricade is simple and cheap and can be removed if there is a problem later on. He stated that he has notified the Public Safety Department about the plans to install the barricade. He explained that the Lake County Schools will change their routes and that all entities will be notified of the barricade.

Commr. Pool stated that he will try to negotiate with the City of Clermont because their fire station is within two blocks of that intersection and there might be a great opportunity to share some first response ideas on fire only issues.

Commr. Stivender stated that stipulations can be included that the street would not be closed until all the concerns are addressed.

Ms. Tammy Chauncey, Louisa Pointe Subdivision, stated that she must travel on Lake Louisa Road in order to access Hwy. 27 and that she has seen many, many car crashes at that intersection with Hwy. 27. She stated that closing Vista Del Lago will create a bad situation if traffic is forced to use the intersection of Lake Louisa Road and Hwy. 27 because there are no turn lanes or light there. She remarked that residents in the Vistas knew there was a through street in the subdivision when they bought their homes. She stated that she strongly opposes the barricade and asked the Board to take into consideration the safety of the lives of people who will be forced into an unsafe situation. She explained that, although she does not use Vista Del Lago, the additional volume of traffic at Lake Louisa Road and Hwy. 27 will result in additional crashes.

Commr. Pool remarked that he is trying to ensure that a light is installed at the Lake Louisa Road and Hwy. 27 intersection. He assured Ms. Chauncey that concerns will be researched.

Ms. Frankie Register, Manager of Vacation Village which is directly south of Vista Del Lago, stated that, before the Vistas subdivision was developed, vehicles used Vacation Village’s private roads as a cut-through route. She stated that she appeared at Planning and Zoning Commission meetings several times when the Vistas subdivision was being planned, knowing that there would be a public road for public access through there. She expressed concern that traffic will again cut through Vacation Village’s private property. She asked what amount of their personal budget will have to be spent to stop the cut-through traffic. She stated that signs are posted at both entrances to the Village that indicate that the property is private and is only for the use of homeowners and registered guests. She requested that an alternative situation be put into effect before the barricade goes up. She remarked that there have been tragic accidents at the Lake Louisa Road/Hwy. 27 intersection and asked why lives have to be lost before a traffic light can be installed.

Mr. Travis Whigham, a resident of east Lake County, asked if residents would take over maintenance of a county-maintained road whenever a public street is closed.

Commr. Pool explained that it still will be a public road with public access.

Mr. Whigham stated that he would approve some roads being closed if the residents who want it closed will pay for 100% of the maintenance themselves.

Ms. Joyce Heap, who lives on Vista Del Lago, stated that the homeowners’ association board has been getting requests to do something about the poor condition of Vista Del Lago. She stated that the County proposed closing the road. She opined that the reason might be that the road should be upgraded to handle a high volume of traffic. She stated that she has had to quit walking because of traffic and that some cars do exceed the speed limit. She stated that sometimes she cannot get out of her driveway because of the constant flow of cars and because cars are stacked up as a result of the traffic light at Hwy. 27. She remarked that a traffic light at Lake Louisa Road and Hwy. 27 would solve this situation. She stated that the school buses have slowed down somewhat after being contacted about speeding but that the bumps do not slow traffic. She stated that the traffic at night also creates noise. She expressed appreciation to the Board for trying to find a solution before someone is killed or hurt. She stated that signs are posted that indicate that there should be no through traffic.

Ms. Larue Gaines, who lives on Vista Del Lago, stated that traffic backs up past her home and that traffic has increased in the last eight years. She stated that three years ago the traffic count was 2,669 cars per day in a subdivision of approximately 200 homes. She stated that children have no place to learn to ride bicycles. She requested that the Board consider the vast majority of residents who live in the Vistas and who signed the petition.

In response to inquiries by Commr. Cadwell regarding whether a traffic signal would have been warranted at Vista Del Lago and Hwy. 27 and whether this is a temporary closing, Mr. Stivender remarked that the signal probably would have been warranted because of Hartwood Marsh Road traffic on the other side of Hwy. 27. Mr. Stivender stated that, if there is a greater problem at Lake Louisa Road and Hwy. 27, the barricades will be removed immediately. He added that, once a new signal and other factors are in place, the traffic in the area should be balanced, even with Hartwood Marsh Road at the other end of the Vista Del Lago intersection. Mr. Stivender pointed out that the entire traffic pattern in the area is being changed.

Commr. Cadwell remarked that, from a traffic engineering standpoint, the Vistas subdivision would not be approved today unless the road did go all the way through.

Mr. Stivender concurred and added that a major spine road, 24 to 30 feet wide without driveways coming off the road, would be required for subdivisions (such as the Vistas) that are approved today.

Commr. Hanson commented that they should be careful that the problem is not transferred to Vacation Village after Vista Del Lago is closed to through traffic. She stated that, because it is a private road, Vacation Village could be a gated community.

Mr. Stivender stated that Public Works will monitor that situation and added that the Sheriff’s Department is keeping a presence in the area.

In response to an inquiry by Commr. Hanson regarding opportunities for a county road to connect Lake Louisa Road to Hwy. 27, Mr. Stivender stated that the area is built out and there is no other opportunity for that.

Mr. Stivender stated that he has just been informed that the new traffic count through the Vistas subdivision is 3,169 cars per day.

In response to inquiries by Commr. Stivender and Commr. Pool, Mr. Stivender stated that a letter will be sent to the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) asking for a warrant study to be done at the Lake Louisa Road/Hwy. 27 intersection and new traffic counts will be done after the barricades are put up. He confirmed that a traffic signal might not be warranted without the collector traffic that will be generated by closing Vista Del Lago.

Commr. Pool stated that there is no easy solution or quick answer and the key is that a light is needed at Lake Louisa Road and Hwy. 27. He asked if the County can do something to facilitate the ingress and egress to Lake Louisa Road without having it be torn up when construction begins on the 6-laning of Hwy. 27.

Mr. Stivender replied that the timing probably allows enough time between the installation of a signal and the remodeling (of Hwy. 27) that will take place and the value could be amortized by that time.

For the record, Commr. Cadwell asked how many traditionally gated communities in the County have public roads in them.

Mr. Stivender responded that none of the gated communities have public roads.

Commr. Cadwell opined that, should the homeowners association be considering gating one entrance to the Vistas, the Board probably would never agree to limited access on a public road.

Mr. Stivender announced that Vista Del Lago is on the County’s resurfacing program and it will be resurfaced regardless of it being a collector road or not.

In response to an inquiry by Commr. Hill regarding placing the barricade before or after Bonita Court, Mr. Stivender stated that it was left up to the homeowners’ association whether to block the intersection at Lake Louisa Road, block the Walgreens side or block the road in between. The homeowners’ association chose to block Vista Del Lago at Lake Louisa Road.

Ms. Madden and Commr. Pool discussed the route she and her husband use. Ms. Madden remarked that she is concerned for the residents of south Lake County. She opined that residents of the Vistas would not be in favor of blocking Vista Del Lago at the Walgreens entrance on Hwy. 27 because they would then be forced down Lake Louisa Road themselves. She did agree that a traffic light is needed at Lake Louisa Road and Hwy.27 but stated that she is not willing to risk the life of one person to justify that light.

Mr. Stivender confirmed that a sign with a phone number will be posted.

A motion was made by Commr. Pool for temporary closure of Vista Del Lago Boulevard.

Commr. Cadwell stated that he will second the motion if language is added that, within 12 months, the Department will report back.

Commr. Pool stated that he will include language that the warrant study will be done within six months and that the letter will be submitted to FDOT and the warrant study process will be speeded up.

Under discussion, Commr. Stivender explained that the audience has been allowed to talk and it does not seem the audience members who are in favor of the approval need to keep coming back because it looks like it is going in the direction of approval.

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

RECESS AND REASSEMBLY

At 11:05, Commr. Stivender announced that the Board would take a five minute recess.

REPORTS - COMMISSIONER HILL - DISTRICT #1

GREEN YARD CEREMONY

Commr. Hill informed the Board that the Florida Department of Environmental Protection will designate American Auto and Truck Salvage as Lake County’s first Green Yard at a 2:00 p.m. ceremony today in Fruitland Park. The Green Yards pilot program helps automotive recyclers understand and comply with environmental regulations. She invited everyone to attend the awards ceremony.

REPORTS - COMMISSIONER STIVENDER - CHAIRMAN & DISTRICT #3

SCHOOL SITE SELECTION - MINNEOLA AREA

Commr. Stivender stated that she and Commr. Hill attended a school site selection meeting last week at the School Board office with developers, County staff and the School Board. She noted that Commr. Hill left before this item came up. The School Board is considering the purchase of the Lowndes property on an unimproved road (Sullivan Road near Grassy Lake Road) in the Minneola area for a high school. She stated that Mr. Jimmy Conner, School Board Member, asked her if the County will build a road to the school, like they did in south Lake County, if the School Board purchases the property. She informed Mr. Conner that she could only answer personally, not speaking for the Commission, and that she would like the developers and the School Board and the County to work out an agreement to get the road done but not at the County’s expense. She stated that Mr. Scott Strong, Vice Chairman of the School Board, requested that she bring the issue to the Board of Commissioners today to get their feelings on the issue. Commr. Stivender explained that this is a piece of land that the developers are offering. The Public Works Department and the developers have come up with a road network in the area and have determined which parts can be funded with impact fees from those developments and which parts have no funding.

Commr. Hanson pointed out that the School Board was very definitely opposed to a sewer treatment plant being built nearby because of the possibility of bringing more growth. She opined that building a school where there is no road will stimulate more growth and more sprawl.

Commr. Cadwell asked if there is a need for a school right now on that site.

Commr. Stivender responded that there is a need.

Commr. Hanson pointed out that there was a need for the sewer treatment plant, much the same as the need for the school.

Commr. Stivender stated that this issue may need a vote and requested that the Board add the item to the agenda.

Before a vote to add the item to the agenda, Commr. Cadwell asked if there is some type of time frame that the School Board is under that would cause the Board to take action on an add on item.

Commr. Stivender responded that there is a time frame.

Dr. Kathleen Farner-Thomas, Director of Planning, Program Evaluation and Accountability with the School Board, stated that this potential site is being considered for a high school that is in the five-year plan that was just adopted by the School Board. She explained that construction of any high school is, at least, a three-year process and the School Board would like to be able to open a high school by the 2007-2008 school year. She stated that the School Board will consider the purchase of the Lowndes property on May 24, 2004, contingent upon a number of issues.

Commissioner Hanson suggested that this important issue should be placed on a regular agenda and that it deserves a little more time for consideration.

Commr. Stivender asked what additional information the Board might want. She stated that Mr. Jim Stivender, Public Works Director, will explain the transportation side of it.

Commr. Hill remarked that all of Minneola’s City Council Members may not be in agreement on this issue.

Commr. Stivender stated that Minneola’s City Manager attended the school site selection committee meeting last week and was for doing this.

Dr. Farner-Thomas stated that Minneola’s Mayor might have been concerned about the 19-acre site, The Reserve at Minneola, that is being considered for a potential elementary school.

Commr. Cadwell rephrased his question and asked, other than this item being on the School Board’s agenda on May 24, 2004, is there a reason the School Board needs an answer from the County Commission before that date.

Dr. Farner-Thomas opined that the School Board wants the support of the County Commission before they purchase the property at a cost of about $3.5 million. She confirmed to Commr. Cadwell that there is no contract obligation that would cause the School Board to have to do that on May 24, 2004. She added that there is some time and that the County Commission could put this item on their regular agenda in one or two weeks.

Commr. Hanson remarked that a zoning change to CFD (Community Facility District) would also be necessary.

Commr. Cadwell expressed appreciation to the School Board for asking for input on this proposed site.

Commr. Stivender stated that the item will be placed on next week’s agenda as an addendum and will include any backup material that the Board requests.

Commr. Cadwell requested that information be included on the underlying zoning and densities that are approved in that area right now.

Commr. Pool requested information on whether or not the proposed school site will be within the city limits of the City of Minneola.

Commr. Hill requested information on the transportation impact fee credits.

Mr. Stivender explained that several years ago the City of Minneola discussed a loop around the City. The City did come back to impact fee meetings this year, probably in February or March 2004, and talked about phasing an extension of Hancock Road to the north along Turkey Farm Road, then west back to Hwy. 27. The City also talked about extending the road north up to a point where the developments are planned with an interchange with the Turnpike, then back to Hwy. 27. Developer meetings have been held to try to work out a road network. If all those were to occur, he asked what roads on the program would qualify as collector impact fee roads to benefit the public in the general area. The remainder of the roads and traffic would be worked through by developers and developer construction. He referred to a map which shows four road segments (IA, IIA, IB and IIB, between US Hwy. 27 and Florida’s Turnpike) that would benefit the general public and the flow of traffic in this area. (A copy of the map, which shows North Grassy Lake Road and Turkey Farm Road, is included in the backup material.) He stated that this is all contingent on the growth densities totally changing from what they are today. He stated that every road in this area, east of Hwy. 27 and west of Florida’s Turnpike, should be torn up and rebuilt. The capacity of those roads are for five-acre tracts or greater and cannot handle any decent density and growth that occurs. He stated that today’s existing road network (including Sullivan Road) cannot handle traffic for a high school. He stated that these four road segments have been proposed to be in this fall’s impact fee program. He estimated that the cost of a road for this school site would be between $2 and $3 million per mile. He remarked that millions and millions of dollars of road work will be necessary for the proposed site, assuming that four lane, urban segments will be necessary to handle the densities that are being talked about in the area.

Commr. Stivender stated that the school site selection group is trying to act and plan, not react. She stated that she brought it to the Board, informally, to let them know what is going on and to get their opinion. She stated that there is no need to plan unless there is an agreement between the two groups.

Mr. Stivender stated that the school site selection group has been trying to find a 60- to 80-acre parcel of land along the U.S. Highway 27/CR 561 corridor that is not a mile and one-half or two miles away from the main highway.

Commr. Hill asked if the proposed site fits the school siting ordinance and if it meets that requirement without a road infrastructure.

Commr. Stivender responded that the site itself, not necessarily how you get to the site, meets the requirement.

Commr. Pool suggested that Mr. Stivender should get in touch with Mr. Jim Ely, Executive Director of Florida’s Turnpike, because the County’s investment in infrastructure should be coordinated with them.

Mr. Stivender stated that he has been communicating with Mr. Ely over the last three years regarding the Turnpike’s plans for an interchange in the area. He stated that their plans are open ended within a two to three mile corridor.

Commr. Pool remarked that the Turnpike’s plans may facilitate what the County does and may determine what funds might be used to build a road from Hwy. 27 to the Turnpike. He added that the Turnpike might participate in order to bring traffic, paying customers, to that road. He stated that he has had general discussions with several landowners in the area about future road networks and future roads. He stated that it is important to work with them, not against them.

Mr. Stivender reminded the Board of the comprehensive plan issue that occurred during the realignment of Hartle Road five years ago.

Commr. Stivender stated that, according to Ms. Amye King, Chief Planner, Lake County Growth Management Department, the proposed school site is in an area that would not require a comprehensive plan amendment.

Commr. Cadwell requested that Mr. Stivender include a copy of the current benefit district projects when this item is placed on the agenda. He noted that if the Board chooses this as a project, some of those other projects will go away or move back and a decision will have to be made on those other projects.

Mr. Stivender advised the Board that all of that property is not owned by developers and that there is a section where there are several homes on one-acre tracts. He stated that, for a four-lane corridor, a 120- to 130-foot urban corridor would required.

Commr. Cadwell remarked that the long range planning department needs to be involved in the Board’s next meeting on this issue.

Mr. Bill Neron, County Manager, stated that Mr. Gregg Welstead, Growth Management Director, and several members of the Local Planning Agency (LPA) are at a conference in Tallahassee. On this important issue, he requested that the Board place this item on the June 1, 2004, meeting.

The Board agreed to place this item on the June 1, 2004, meeting agenda.

TRANSPORTATION DISADVANTAGED FIXED ROUTE SERVICE

Commr. Stivender stated that the Transportation Disadvantaged fixed route service will be back in operation as of June 1, 2004, and schedules will be going out.

Mr. Bill Neron, County Manager, remarked that he and Mr. Ken Harley, Lake County Public Transportation Manager, have been talking with the consultants and they may be bringing a recommendation to the Board to delay the implementation of that route until after the Master Plan is completed.

Commr. Stivender suggested that the implementation date should be confirmed before the routes are advertised.

ADVISORY GROUP REPRESENTATIVE - WEKIVA RIVER BASIN STATE PARKS

Commr. Stivender stated that she received a letter from the Florida Parks Service requesting that a Commissioner be appointed to an advisory group that would give input to the Department of Environmental Protection regarding the proposed unit management plan for the Wekiva River Basin State Parks (consists of Wekiwa Springs State Park, Rock Springs Run Reserve and Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park). She stated that she is recommending that Commr. Hanson represent the Board. The advisory group will meet Thursday, July 29, 2004, at 9:00 a.m. at the Wekiwa Springs Youth Camp Recreation Hall.

JOINT MEETING WITH LAKE COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD

Commr. Stivender announced that the June 7, 2004, joint meeting with the School Board has been postponed until September 2004 at the request of the School Board.

2004 NJCAA WOMEN’S DIVISION I FASTPITCH SOFTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

Commr. Stivender announced that the 2004 NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association) Women’s Division I Fastpitch Softball Championship will be held Thursday, May 20, 2004, through Saturday, May 22, 2004, at Hancock Park in Clermont.

LEESBURG YELLOW JACKETS - BASEBALL CHAMPIONS

Commr. Stivender announced that the Leesburg Yellow Jackets are this year’s District 9 Baseball Champions and will be playing in Winter Haven, Florida, tonight for the Class 4A, Region 3 Championship. She noted that Commr. Hill’s son plays on the team.

REPORTS - COMMISSIONER HANSON - DISTRICT #4

REMEMBRANCE - DONN ROOF

Commr. Hanson expressed her sadness upon hearing of the passing of Mr. Donn Roof, Surveying Manager, Lake County Public Works Department. She stated that he was a longtime servant of the people and that he certainly will be missed. There will be a celebration of his life on Friday, May 21, 2004, at Wooten Park in Tavares, Florida.

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS’ WORK SESSIONS

Commr. Hanson stated that it is very important that the Board keep its work sessions as work sessions and that the County Manager should not add items to agendas for the second and fifth Tuesday of each month. She stated that she had planned a vacation many weeks ago and missed many things that were added onto the agenda that could have been put on another date.

MOUNT PLYMOUTH/SORRENTO COMMITTEE

Commr. Hanson requested again that the County Manager and staff move forward on a Mount Plymouth-Sorrento growth management advisory committee. She noted that the presentation of the Mount Plymouth-Sorrento Framework Study was made to the Board approximately six months ago. She stated that there are a lot of ongoing planning issues in that area of the Wekiva and in East Lake County and input is needed from citizens in the area.

REPORTS - COMMISSIONER CADWELL - DISTRICT #5

2004 AAU NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

Commr. Cadwell announced that the 2004 AAU National Championships are being played July 10 through July 17, 2004, in Springfield, Missouri. The Lake County Lakers 10 and Under 4th Grade AAU Team, made up of countywide players, will represent Lake County, having received an automatic bid as a result of their performance in the Easter Classic held at Disney’s Wide World of Sports. The team needs to earn $10,000 for the trip. Tax deductible charitable contributions can be made payable to Lake Basketball Association and mailed to 267 E. Lakeview Street, Umatilla, Florida 32784, or by contacting the Board office or by calling Coach Dan Wilson at 352-516-8908. (An announcement was displayed on the monitor and a copy is included in the backup material.)

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to be brought to the attention of the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 11:46 a.m.

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DEBBIE STIVENDER, CHAIRMAN

ATTEST:

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JAMES C. WATKINS, CLERK