A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
MARCH 1, 2005
The Lake County Board of County
Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, March 1, 2005, at 9:00 a.m.,
in the Board of County Commissioner’s Meeting Room, on the second floor of the Lake
County Administration Building, Tavares, Florida. Commissioners present at the
meeting were: Jennifer Hill, Chairman; Catherine C. Hanson, Vice Chairman; Debbie
Stivender; Welton G. Cadwell; 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; Barbara
Lehman, Chief Deputy Clerk, County Finance; and Sandra Carter, Deputy Clerk.
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE
Mr. Sandy Minkoff, County Attorney,
gave the Invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
RECOGNITION
The Chairman recognized and welcomed
to the meeting Sheriff Chris Daniels and Ms. Nancy Fullerton, a member of the
Lake County Water Authority, who were present in the audience.
AGENDA UPDATE
Mr. Bill
Neron, County Manager, informed the Board that there was an Addendum No. 1 to
the Agenda, containing an item under the County Manager’s Departmental Business
and a Report under his business. He
stated that he would like to add to the Agenda a discussion regarding the
FY2005 Justice Assistance Grant (JAG), noting that his office had just been notified
about the grant, and, in order for it to meet deadlines, it needed to be acted
on by the Board this date, should they desire to pursue it.
Mr. Sandy
Minkoff, County Attorney, informed the Board that he would like to add to the
Agenda a change to the lease that the County has with the American Legion Hall,
in Umatilla, regarding insurance requirements.
He stated that it would need a vote by the Board.
On a motion
by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Pool and carried unanimously, by a 5-0
vote, the Board approved to place said items on the Agenda.
CLERK OF COURTS’ CONSENT AGENDA
On a motion by Commr. Hanson,
seconded by Commr. Stivender and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board
approved the following requests:
Bonds
– Contractor
Request
for approval of Contractor Bonds – New, Cancellation, and Riders, as follows:
New
4214-05 Elgenia
S. Insalaco (Residential)
5701-05 Douglas
Griffin d/b/a Douglas Griffin Roofing
5736-05 Landon
Burr d/b/a Burr & Tiegs Electrical Contracting, Inc.
5795-05 Calvin
Andes (Electrical)
6109-05 Brian
D. Rossell d/b/a Central Florida Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc.
6239-05 James
E. Milburn, Jr. d/b/a J & R Roofing,
LLC
6240-05 Wayne
Deaton d/b/a Fayette Home Repairs
6341-05 Robert
L. Strong d/b/a Robert & Bonnie Strong Enterprises, Inc.
6342-05 Paul
Bursztynski d/b/a P H B Electric, Inc.
6343-05 Jim
Hillman d/b/a Hillman & Company, LLC
6344-05 Gary
Coutier d/b/a Courtier Industries, Inc.
6345-05 Bruce
Randall Prince d/b/a Prince Land Services, Inc.
6346-05 Mike
Hunter d/b/a Hunter Roofing, LLC
6347-05 Rickey
J. Russell d/b/a Russell Homes
6348-05 Robert
Pruitt, Jr. d/b/a Atlantis Water Services, Inc.
6349-05 Glenn
J. Gallagher
6350-05 Dave
Loden d/b/a Dave Loden Construction, Inc.
6352-05 Robert
B. Smith d/b/a “B” Electrical
6353-05 Mathias
Henry Kirbach, III d/b/a AmPro Builders, Inc.
Cancellation
4870-05
James J. Cooke
(Aluminum)
Riders
4262-05 Principal
changed from Kelton Braxton d/b/a Kelton Electrical Service to Kelton’s
Electical Service, Inc.
5864-05 Principal
changed from Ronald L. Vail to Ronald L. Vail Plumbing, Inc.
6165-05
A. R. Hartsfield
(Electrical Contractor)
Bond Number is changed from 047712
20646709 to 047712 66646709
Satisfaction and Release of Fines
Request for approval of Satisfaction and Release of
Fines, as follows:
Order of Fine (2004080125), in the amount of
$1,000.00, dated January 27, 2005, Medallion Convenience Stores, Inc. and
Tweedle Oil Company, Inc. The
Judgment-Creditor acknowledges receipt of $1,000.00, as payment in full of said
indebtedness, and hereby acknowledges satisfaction of said Judgment and directs
that said Judgment be canceled of record.
Order of Fine (2004080132, in the amount of $1,000.00,
dated January 27, 2005, Medallion Development Corporation. The Judgment-Creditor acknowledges receipt of
$1,000.00, as payment in full of said indebtedness, and hereby acknowledges
satisfaction of said Judgment and directs that said Judgment be canceled of
record.
List of Warrants
Request to acknowledge receipt of list of warrants
paid prior to this meeting, pursuant to Chapter 136 of the Florida Statutes,
which shall be incorporated into the Minutes as attached Exhibit A and filed in
the Board Support Division of the Clerk’s Office.
Monthly Distribution of Revenue Traffic/Criminal Cases
Request
to acknowledge receipt of Monthly Distribution of Revenue Traffic/Criminal
Cases, for the month ending December 31, 2004, in the amount of
$102,795.23. Same period, last
year: $184,002.74; and for the month
ending January 31, 2005, in the amount of $137,812.24. Same period, last year: $191,974.43.
Property
Placed on Lands Available List
Request
to acknowledge receipt of property placed on the Lands Available List. Lake County has until April 11,
2005, to purchase property from the Lands Available List before it is available
to the public.
Ordinance from City of Clermont
Request
to acknowledge receipt of Ordinance No. 497-M, from the City of Clermont,
annexing a vacant parcel of land into the City limits of the City of
Clermont. Passed and Ordained the 11th
day of January, 2005, by the City Council of the City of Clermont, Florida.
Meeting Notice from the
Southwest Florida Water Management District
Request to acknowledge receipt of Meeting Notice from
the Southwest Florida Water Management District – Agenda for Governing Board
Meeting scheduled for January 25-26, 2005, at 9:00 a.m., at the Bartow Service
Office, located at 170 Century Boulevard, Bartow, Florida 33830-7700; and a set of approved Minutes
from the Governing Board Meeting that was held on November 16, 2004, in
Arcadia, Florida.
Notices Before the Florida Public Service Commission
Request
to acknowledge receipt of Notices Before the Florida Public Service Commission,
as follows:
(a) Application of Raintree Utilities, Inc.,
for Authority to Transfer Water System Providing Water Service to Silver Oaks
Subdivision, in Lake County, Florida, to Applicant; and for Amendment of Water
Certificate No. 539-W, to Add Territory to its Certificated Area in Lake
County, Florida - Docket No. 050028-WU.
Objections
to the Application must be made in writing and filed with the Director,
Division of the Commission Clerk & Administrative Services, Florida Public
Service Commission, 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 30 days from the date of this Notice. The objection must state the grounds for the
objection with particularity.
(b) Application for Certificates to Provide Water and Wastewater
Service in Lake County, by Hidden Valley SPE LLC d/b/a Orange Lake; Docket No.
041141-WS, Order No. PSC-05-0059-CO-WS, issued January 18, 2005.
Consummating
Order by the Commission: By Order No.
PSC-04-1270-PAA-WS, issued December 22, 2004, the Commission proposed to take
certain action. Order has become
effective and final as of January 18, 2005.
(c) Docket No. 050028-WU, Application for
Authority to Charge for Water Service in Lake County, Florida, by Raintree
Utilities, Inc., dated January 21, 2005.
Notice is hereby given, on January 11, 2005, that Raintree Utilities,
Inc. (Utility) filed an application with the Florida Public Service
Commission. The Utility has entered into
an agreement with RTG Properties, the owner of the water system serving the
Silver Oaks Subdivision, for the transfer of the water system to the
Utility. The Utility has requested the
Commission’s approval to charge the 39 customers located in the Silver Oaks
Subdivision, in Lake County, Florida, the Commission approved rates and charges
for water service provided by the Utility.
Comments regarding the Utility, the rates that the Utility is requesting
authorization to charge, or requests to be placed on the mailing list for this
case, may be directed to: Director,
Division of the Commission Clerk & Administrative Services, Florida Public
Service Commission, 2540 Shumard Oak Boulevard, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0850.
Letter
from St. Johns River Water Management District
Request
to acknowledge receipt of letter from St. Johns River Water Management District
to Lake County and Interested Persons, and a copy of the attachment that will
appear in the newspaper, relating to Water Oak Utilities, Application No.
95654.
COUNTY
MANAGER’S CONSENT AGENDA
Commr.
Hanson asked that Tab 15, a request from Public Works for approval and authorization to award
CR 46A Widening and Resurfacing Project No. 2004-09, Bid Number 05-055, to Art
Walker Construction; and to encumber and expend funds, in the amount of
$2,168,935.40, from the Infrastructure Sales Tax Fund, be pulled, for
discussion.
Mr.
Sandy Minkoff, County Attorney, asked that Tab 18, a request from Public Works
for approval and authorization to accept the final plat for Bella Collina West
and all areas dedicated to the public, as shown on the Bella Collina West final
plat; accept a Performance Bond, in the amount of $13,769,113.00; and execute a
Developer's Agreement for Construction of Improvements between Lake County and
Ginn-Pine Island GP, LLC, be pulled, for discussion, as well.
On a motion by Commr. Cadwell,
seconded by Commr. Pool and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board
approved the following requests:
Budget
Request from Budget for approval of
the following:
1. Budget
Transfer – County Library System Fund, Department of Community Services,
Library Services Division, in the amount of $40,000.00, is requested. Transfer
$40,000.00 ($5,000.00 from Books, Publications and Dues; $10,000.00 from
Machinery and Equipment; $5,000.00 from Books, Publications and Library
Materials; and $20,000.00 from Library Materials Not Inventoried) to
Contractual Services. Additional funds are needed in Contractual Services for
the consultant fee for the Long Range Plan of Services for Libraries, and for
the contract with Unique Management Services, to assist with the recovery of
library overdue items and fines, which was approved by the Board of County
Commissioners on February 1, 2005. Funds available in above listed line items.
2. Budget
Transfer – Resort/Development Tax Fund, Department of Economic Development/Tourism,
in the amount of $250,000.00, is requested. Transfer $250,000.00 to Promotions.
Dollars budgeted for television and radio has exceeded projected budgets. In
addition, the Department has been increasing the advertising of more events and
sponsoring more events to promote Lake County. Additional monies are needed in
Promotions, to be able to continue this increased advertising and promotion.
Funds available in Special Reserve.
Community Services
Request for
approval to submit grant application for Library Services and Technology Act
Grant, for purchase of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Patron
self-checkout stations.
Request for approval to submit grant
application, and to authorize signature on partnership agreement for Library
Services and Technology Act Grant, for continuation of Lake County Library
System Family Literacy Program.
Request for approval of Lake County
Policy regarding Library Impact Fee Application and Distribution Process, and
approval to establish March 1 of each year, except for 2005, as project
application deadline; and to establish April 1 application deadline for 2005.
Request for approval for county staff
to assist with and participate in fundraising for new Citrus Ridge Library and
Cooper Memorial Library capital building projects; and assistance from County
Commissioners in fundraising efforts, where appropriate.
Environmental
Services
Request for approval to return $5,000.00 to Lake County Water Authority,
for proposed Rainwater Capture System; and to retain authorization to pursue
completion of project, using previously allocated Board funds.
Growth
Management
Request for approval
and execution of Release of Fine, for property owned by Kathleen H. Fuchs and
Marjorie L. Summers.
Request for approval
and execution of Release of Fine recorded in error, for property owned by
Raymond Erjavic.
Procurement
Services
Request for approval to award contract
for Emergency Management Consulting Services, on Homeland Security Grant Award
Program for Public Safety Department, to General Physics Corporation, for
$98,500.00, in accordance with Florida State Contract No. 973-001-00-1.
Public
Safety
Request for approval of Resolution No.
2005-24, setting annual wire line
E911 fee for FY 2005-2006 at fifty cents ($.50), pursuant to requirements of
Florida Statute 365.171.
Public Works
Request for approval and execution of Agreement with City of
Fruitland Park, for portions of Picciola Road (No. 5710) and Picciola Cutoff
(No. 5509), adjacent to city limits.
Request for approval to accept Deed
for Road Right of Way; Deed for Trail Improvements; Non-Exclusive Easement
Deeds; Statutory Quitclaim Deeds; and Statutory Warranty Deeds, as follows:
Deed
for Road Right of Way
Guber,
Donald and Ann (As Trustees)
Old
CR 50 (1551)
South
Lake Trail
Deed
for Trail Improvements
Guber,
Donald and Ann (As Trustees)
Old
CR 50 (1551)
South
Lake Trail
Non-Exclusive
Easement Deeds
The
Deacon Shores Partnership
Libby
Road West (2130)
Clay
to Pave
Center
Lake Properties, Inc.
Old
CR 50 (1551)
South
Lake Trail
Statutory
Quitclaim Deeds
Arrowhead
Estates Homeowners Association, Inc.
C 455
(2354)
South
Lake Trail
Cross
Creek Ranch & Grove, Inc.
N.
Buckhill Road (2739)
Road
Project
Miller,
James T.
Old
441 (0500A)
Site
Plan
Statutory
Warranty Deeds
Hubbard,
Arthur and Jean
CR
455 (2354)
South
Lake Trail
McComb,
Joseph
Edward
Road (7009)
Road
Project
McComb,
Peter S.
Edwards
Road (7009)
Road
Project
McComb,
Peter S.
Edwards
Road (7009)
Road
Project
Dunstan,
Mary Lee McComb &
McComb,
Joseph Allen &
McComb,
Peter Stuart &
McComb,
David Frampton &
McComb,
John Walker
Edwards
Road (7009)
Road
Project
Dunstan,
Mary Lee
Edwards
Road (7009)
Road
Project
Shamrock
Homes, Inc.
Lakeshore
Drive (5151)
Road
Project
Request for approval and authorization
to award Duda Road (No. 3168) Intersection Improvement Project No. 2005-04, Bid
No. 05-054, to Professional Dirt Service; and to encumber and expend funds, in
the amount of $537,616.00, from Road Impact Fee Fund. Commission District 3 –
Benefit District 2.
Request for approval of Supplemental
Agreement No. 3, in the amount of $74,683.50, related to South Clermont
Connector Project.
Request for approval and authorization
to accept final plat for Bella Collina East and all areas dedicated to the
public, as shown on Bella Collina East final plat; accept Performance Bond, in
the amount of $1,880,388.00; and execute Developer's Agreement for Construction
of Improvements between Lake County and Ginn-Pine Island GP, LLC. Bella Collina
East consists of 84 lots – Commission District 3.
Request for adoption and execution of
Resolution No. 2005-25, facilitating South Lake Trail/Lake Minneola Trail Phase
II Construction Project; execution of Local Agency Program Agreement with
Florida Department of Transportation, for South Lake Trail/Lake Minneola Trail
Phase II Construction Project (FDOT FPN 241438-1-58-01); and authorization to
advertise for bids, for South Lake Trail/Lake Minneola Trail Phase II Project
No.2005-05, at an estimated cost of $2,014,371.65. Through the Agreement, the
Florida Department of Transportation will fund $1,613,217.00, for construction,
and the Renewal Sales Tax Capital Projects Fund will fund the remaining
$401,154.65 – Commission District 2.
Request for adoption and authorization
for Chairman and County Attorney to sign Grant Agreement with City of Clermont,
upon approval and return of said Agreement, relating to contribution of
Infrastructure Sales Tax Funds for Community Recreation Projects.
PUBLIC
WORKS
CR
46A WIDENING AND RESURFACING PROJECT
Commr.
Hanson informed the Board that she asked that this request be pulled from the
County Manager’s Consent Agenda, for discussion. She stated that it deals with the widening
and resurfacing of CR 46A and, although she feels the resurfacing aspect of it
is long overdue, given the fact that the eastern part of the road may be
eliminated, questioned whether it really needed to be widened at this time, or
at least whether all of it needed to be widened.
Mr.
Jim Stivender, Jr., Public Works Director, addressed the Board stating that,
with the amount of heavy traffic that travels CR 46A, staff felt having paved
shoulders would be a good investment, even for the short period of time that
they will be in place, which he noted may only be five to ten years.
On
a motion by Commr. Hanson, seconded by Commr. Stivender and carried
unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved a request from Public Works for approval and authorization to award
CR 46A Widening and Resurfacing Project No. 2004-09, Bid Number 05-055, to Art
Walker Construction; and to encumber and expend funds, in the amount of
$2,168,935.40, from the Infrastructure Sales Tax Fund. Commission District 4.
PUBLIC
WORKS
FINAL
PLAT FOR BELLA COLLINA WEST
Mr.
Sandy Minkoff, County Attorney, informed the Board that he asked that this
request be pulled from the County Manager’s Consent Agenda, for discussion. He stated that it was a request for approval
of the final plat for Bella Collina West, however, noted that staff had pointed
out to the developers that there was an old underlying agricultural plat that
contained a right of way that they neglected to vacate in a timely
fashion. He stated that the project got
all the way to the final plat process, when it was realized that the right of
way impacted 31 of the lots in the development; therefore, in order to allow the
project to go forward, the County entered into an agreement with the developers,
which states that they cannot sell those 31 lots, until they get the vacation
completed. He stated that the developers
have filed for the vacation and it will be coming before the Board for approval
in one to two months. He stated that he
just wanted to bring the matter to the Board’s attention.
On
a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Hanson and carried
unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved a request from Public Works for approval and authorization to accept
the final plat for Bella Collina West and all areas dedicated to the public, as
shown on the Bella Collina West final plat; accept a Performance Bond, in the
amount of $13,769,113.00; and execute a Developer's Agreement for Construction
of Improvements between Lake County and Ginn-Pine Island GP, LLC. Bella Collina
West consists of 328 lots – Commission District 3.
PRESENTATION – MARCH OF DIMES
Ms. Kelly Pisciotta, Chairman of the
Lake-Sumter Board of Directors for the March of Dimes, addressed the Board
stating that she has been a March of Dimes volunteer for over 20 years. She stated that babies being born prematurely
are on the rise and that a local resident, Mr. Gus Grizzard, would be showing the
Board a video about his daughter, who was born prematurely, and her stay in the
hospital. She stated that last year
county employees raised over $7,000 for the March of Dimes, helping the County raise
a total of $220,000, in the fight to save babies. She thanked the Board and everyone involved
in raising said funds, however, noted that the March of Dimes looks for their
continued support. She stated that they
would love to see the County out in full force this year, at which time she
noted that an individual could take an envelope that she would provide to them
and collect money and be considered a “walker”, even if that individual cannot participate
in the March of Dimes Walk America, scheduled to be held April 30, 2005, in
Wooten Park.
Mr. Grizzard addressed the Board
stating that he was invited to share with them the story about his daughter,
Olivia, who was born May 10, 2005, at 27 weeks, weighing 2 lbs. 11 ozs. He stated that his family spent 71 days in
the hospital with his daughter and, while there, shared a lot of triumphs with
other parents, as well as tears. He
stated that his family was one of the lucky ones, because his daughter is now
doing fine, which he feels is a direct result of the involvement of the March
of Dimes and organizations like it. He
stated that he could not speak highly enough for the Lake-Sumter March of Dimes
volunteers, noting that they stayed in constant contact with his family,
checking with them on a daily basis. He
charged the Commissioners, personally, and as a group, to use their influence
to bring awareness to the March of Dimes, at which time he played a brief video
showing a montage of events that happened during his daughter’s 71 day stay in
the hospital. He thanked everyone that
has been involved with the March of Dimes and personally challenged those who
have not to get involved.
On a motion by Commr. Hanson,
seconded by Commr. Pool and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board
approved to place on the Agenda approval of a Resolution supporting the March
of Dimes.
On a motion by Commr. Hanson,
seconded by Commr. Stivender and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board
approved Resolution No. 2005-26, in support of the March of Dimes, to be
presented at a later date.
PRESENTATIONS/PERSONAL APPEARANCES
The Chairman presented Employee Awards, as follows, with
Ms. Cindy Hall, Assistant County Manager, commenting about each employee’s
service to the County:
EMPLOYEE AWARDS
Presentation
of Award to Employees with Five Years of Service
Truman E. McCall, II, Equipment Operator II, Public
Works/Road Operations/Maintenance Area III
(Not Present)
Neal J. Sandy, Senior Building Inspector, Growth Management/Building
Services/South Lake Annex
William C. Cork, Jr., Firefighter/EMT, Public Safety/Fire and Rescue
(Not Present)
Susan F. Goldfuss, Staff Assistant, Public Works/Lake-Sumter Metropolitan
Planning
Office
Noah W. Hollis, Jr., Firefighter/EMT, Public Safety/Fire and Rescue
(Not Present)
Michael A. Quick, Firefighter/Paramedic, Public Safety/Fire and Rescue
Presentation of Award to Employee with Twenty Years of Service
Dale A. King, Energy Maintenance Technician, Facilities Development
& Management/Facilities Management/Energy Management
Presentation of Award to Employee with Twenty-Five Years of Service
Teresa E. Dunham, Permitting Specialist, Growth Management/Building
Services/Main Office
BOARD/COMMITTEE
PRESENTATIONS
The Chairman presented Board/Committee Certificates, as
follows:
CERTIFICATES
Affordable
Housing Advisory Committee
Mary
Walker - for service from 2001-2005
Citizen Transportation Advisory Committee
Lorraine Johnson - for service from 1998-2004
Dr. Marcella Vogelmann-Peper - for service from 1998-2004 (Not Present)
Jan Miller - for service from 2000-2004 (Not Present)
Tom Winn - for service from 1998-2004
Desmond Byrne - for service from 1998-2004 (Not Present)
Elmer Webb - for service from 1998-2004 (Not Present)
Lee Hokr - for service from 1998-2004
Susana Gibson - for service from 1998-2004
Gerald Wayne - for service from 1999-2004 (Not Present)
Thomas Reid - for service from 1998-2004 (Not Present)
Gordon Warner - for service from 2002-2004 (Not Present)
Elder Affairs Coordinating Council
Nancy Smith for service from 2003-2005 (Not Present)
PUBLIC HEARING
ORDINANCE ENTITLED TEMPORARY HOUSING DURING CONSTRUCTION
Mr. Sandy Minkoff, County Attorney,
placed the proposed Ordinance on the floor, for its first and final reading, by
title only, as follows:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISIONERS OF
LAKE COUNTY, FLORIDA; AMENDING SECTION 10.02.02, LAKE COUNTY CODE, APPENDIX E,
LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS, ENTITLED TEMPORARY HOUSING DURING CONSTRUCTION;
DELETING THE REQIREMENT THAT MOBILE HOMES MUST MEET THE CRITERIA OF
3.01.02(A)(1)(a. THROUGH d.); PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY;PROVIDING FOR
INCLUSION IN THE CODE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
The
Chairman opened the public hearing.
No
one was present in opposition to the request.
There
being no one present who wished to address the Board, the Chairman closed the
public hearing portion of the meeting.
On
a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Hanson and carried
unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved Ordinance No. 2005-19, amending
Section 10.02.02, LDRs, Temporary Housing During Construction, as presented.
CITIZEN
QUESTION AND COMMENT PERIOD
Mr. Raymond Handloser, representing the
majority of homeowners on Southglen Drive, in Silver Glen Subdivision,
addressed the Board requesting that the County set up a special assessment
district for the purpose of engaging Lake Utility Services, Inc, an affiliate
of Utilities, Inc. (a private company), to supply water to each homestead
located within the Silver Glen Subdivision.
He submitted, for the record, a packet containing petitions signed by
the homeowners requesting the special assessment district, a map of the area,
and a letter from Mr. Bryan K. Gongre, Assistant Operations Manager, Lake
Utility Services, Inc., indicating the preliminary costs for providing said
service, being $22,460.00.
Mr. John Heinrich, a resident of
Silver Glen Subdivision, addressed the Board stating that he spends approximately
$170.00 per month to clean his water and it still is not drinkable and it has
ruined his icemaker and a lot of his family’s clothes. He stated that he has been fighting this
problem for six years and is just asking for clean water for his family.
Mr. Sandy Minkoff, County Attorney,
stated that, if the Board were to approve the special assessment, there would
have to be a public hearing and the County would need to notify everybody
concerned.
It was the consensus of the Board
that staff take the necessary steps to set up a special assessment district,
for the purpose of obtaining potable water for the residents of Silver Glen
Subdivision, as requested.
------------------------------
Mr. Roy Hunter, representing the
Northeast Lake Chamber of Commerce, addressed the Board asking that the County
help the residents in the northeast part of the County with
transportation. He suggested that the
County survey the people that are presently being served and then set up
regular routes for them. He suggested
that staff discuss the matter with Mr. Ken Harley, Public Transportation
Manager, Program Analysis and Contract Management, noting that he feels a lot
of the transportation problems could be solved, without additional costs to the
County. He stated that retired people
are on a declining income, rather than a fixed income, and one-third of the
County’s population is 60 years of age or older and retired. He stated that they pay their taxes and
deserve more than what they are getting for what they are paying. He stated that they need the County to come
up with something regarding transportation and less taxes, or at least no
additional taxes.
Commr. Hill informed Mr. Hunter that
the issue of transportation is on the Agenda for the Board of County
Commissioner’s Meeting scheduled for March 15, 2005, for discussion.
------------------------------
Mr. Travis Whigham, President of the
Forest Hills Association, addressed the Board and thanked them for allowing the
residents in the Forest Hills/Lake Mack area to use the old fire station for a
community center. He then questioned
whether the Board had any leads on how he could obtain some grant funding, or
financial backing, for an invention of his that will protect the roofs of homes
during hurricanes, noting that residents will not lose a single shingle, if
they utilize his invention. He stated
that, should he be able to obtain funding, he hopes to start a business
manufacturing his invention in the northeast Lake County area and would be able
to employ a lot of county residents.
Commr. Cadwell informed Mr. Whigham
that Lake Sumter Community College has a Business Assistance Center, which
offers assistance to individuals trying to open their own business, which is
run by Mr. Ken Bragg, former Principal of the Bragg Safety Complex. He stated that staff could get him in touch
with Mr. Bragg, if he wished.
Mr. Whigham thanked the Board for
everything they have done for his community, thus far, however, noted that
there is a lot more that needs to be done in the future. He noted, for informational purposes, that a
homeowner in the flooded area has moved out of state and is anxious to move
forward with the County purchasing his property, should they still wish to do
so.
Mr. Jim Stivender, Jr., Public Works
Director, addressed the Board stating that
his department has an agenda item coming forward in a couple of weeks,
requesting authorization to have appraisals done on some of the properties that
are located in the flooded area alluded to by Mr. Whigham. He stated that staff will be looking for
funding from the County, or from the St. Johns River Water Management District,
to pay for said appraisals.
COUNTY MANAGER’S DEPARTMENTAL
BUSINESS
PUBLIC WORKS
DRAFT PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER
PLAN
Mr. Jim Stivender, Jr., Public Works
Director, addressed the Board stating that staff had some questions for Mr. Bob
Stevens, former Parks and Recreation Director, about this request, therefore, were requesting
approval to postpone it until March 15, 2005.
On
a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Hanson and carried
unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved to postpone Tab 22, a request
from Public Works for review and approval of the draft Parks and Recreation
Master Plan, until the Board Meeting scheduled for March 15, 2005.
RECESS
AND REASSEMBLY
At
9:50 a.m., the Chairman announced that the Board would recess for 10 minutes.
ADDENDUM
NO. 1
COUNTY
MANAGER’S DEPARTMENTAL BUSINESS (CONT’D.)
PUBLIC
WORKS
CONCEPTUAL
DESIGN FOR NORTHEAST COMMUNITY PARK
Mr.
Randy Raymond, representing Herbert-Halback, Inc. (HHI), the firm hired by the
County to design the Northeast Community Park, addressed the Board and gave a
brief overview of the conceptual design for the park. He stated that, initially, there were three
concepts for the park, but the concept before the Board this date was the one
preferred by county staff, as well as by the community, during a community workshop
that was held regarding the park. He
displayed a drawing of the conceptual plan, noting that the entry to the park,
off of Roger Giles Road, will be realigned slightly, for safety purposes, and there
will be a park entry sign that will be lighted and landscaped. He stated that the ball fields will be full
length, which is 300 feet, as suggested by the residents, and the lighting for
the fields will be centralized. He
stated that there will be two entries into the park for vehicular traffic - one
accessing two 250 space parking lots and the other one accessing one 250 space
parking lot. He stated that the concession/restroom
area has been centrally located between the baseball and soccer fields; two
playgrounds have been located adjacent to said fields; and some courts for
sports such as basketball, racket ball, tennis, etc. have been located adjacent
to the parking lot on the northern side of the park. He stated that a pedestrian circulation
system has been included throughout the park, which could be used as an
exercise path, although it will also be used by maintenance vehicles, to access
the various fields. He stated that one
of the components of the plan is for a maintenance compound that will not only
service this park, but other parks in the area, as well, which is located at
the secondary entry, in the back of the park.
He stated that they have also included a picnic area in the park.
Mr.
Raymond stated that the site in question is an orange grove and that the County
plans to maintain as many of the trees as possible along the perimeter of the
park, for buffering, for the residents that currently live in the area, as well
as future residents. He stated that the
overall topography of the site slips to the south, so the retention areas are
located on the south end of the park. He
pointed out the fact that the conceptual drawing shows the inclusion of a
recreation center, to be located adjacent to the parking lots in the middle of
the complex, however, noted that it will involve a future phase of the
development. He stated that something that
could be a highlight of the park is an agricultural exhibit area, which could
showcase the County’s agriculture. He
then answered questions from the Board regarding the plan.
Commr.
Stivender stated that, since this plan will probably be a prototype for future
regional parks to be constructed in the County, she wanted to make sure that
there were sufficient softball fields, noting that there is a major need for
them, for the County’s softball teams.
Commr.
Cadwell stated that the County plans for the park to be open from 8:00 a.m. to
10:00 p.m. and that the residents that live in close proximity to the park
understand that. He stated that,
although there were some initial concerns about the park, everyone is excited
about it. He stated that something that
was brought up during the meeting that was held with the community is the need
for a swimming pool in Umatilla, at which time he noted that, although one has
not been planned for the park at the present time, there is an area where one
could be constructed, should that interest continue to grow.
Commr.
Hill addressed the issue of lighting, at which time she was informed that the
intent is to try to light as much of the park as possible. She then addressed the issue of seating and
was informed that staff has talked about having portable bleachers; however, there
are a couple of options being considered.
Commr.
Hanson questioned whether there would be a separate landscape design for the
park, utilizing plants that are native to the area and that are drought
resistant, and was informed that there would be such a design throughout the
park.
Commr.
Cadwell informed the Board that, when the property for the park was rezoned, it
was rezoned to include a caretaker’s residence on the north end of the park,
however, noted that it is not being shown in the plan, because it is scheduled to
come back to the Board at a later date for discussion. He stated that the realignment of Saltsdale
Road and Roger Giles Road is really going to help that intersection and that,
since the County has envisioned paving up to the entrance of the park and
Rogers Giles Road is on the double surface treatment list with the County,
which will take it back to Baker Road and Dexter Hill Road, that whole
community, which now has clay roads, will be helped.
It
was noted that the pedestrian paths within the park will be asphalt, which will
give them a multi-functional use and will make them handicapped accessible, as
well.
Mr.
Jim Stivender, Jr., Public Works Director, addressed the Board stating that the
County held off on a couple of its plans for sidewalks in the area, to see
where the park was going to fit in, so that they could plan for them beyond
this site.
On
a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Stivender and carried
unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved a request from Public Works for approval of the conceptual design for the
Northeast Community Park; and approval to move to the construction document
phase of the project development.
REPORTS - COUNTY MANAGER
MASTER SPACE STUDY
Ms. Chloe Jaco, Carter Goble Lee
(CGL), one of the consultants for the County’s Master Space and Facilities
Plan, addressed the Board stating that she would be recapping the results of the
planning worksession that was held on February 8, 2005, with the Board and
other elected officials, as well as department heads and county staff, along
with Mr. Steve Carter and
herself, from CGL, regarding the County’s Master Space Study. She stated that, during that worksession,
they reviewed the advantages and disadvantages of the four development options
that had been created, from discussions that were held between the County and
CGL. She stated that, from that emerged what
they are calling a consensus option, which she reviewed with the Board, as
follows:
CONSENSUS OPTION – KEEP COUNTY
ADMINISTRATION DOWNTOWN, DEMOLISH OLD JAIL, AND EXPAND JUDICIAL
Elements
§
Use County
Administration Building for General Government Functions, to Include County
Administration and Supervisor of Elections
§
Demolish Sheriff
Headquarters/Old Jail
§
Use Historic
Courthouse for Museum, Growth Management, and Information Technology
§
Use Public Works
Building for Growth Management
§
Expand Judicial
Complex
§
Build New Tavares
Complex for Tax Collector, Property Appraiser, Community Services, Health, Public
Works, Public Safety, and Sheriff
§
Build/Lease
New Future Complex in South Lake and North Lake
Advantages/Disadvantages
§
Consolidation of
Judicial Functions
§
Growth Management
and Information Technology at Multiple Locations
§
Departments Assigned
to County Administration Building Exceed Space Projections Before 2015
§
Demolition of Old
Jail Reduces Tavares’ Parking Deficit and Provides Space for New Parking
§
Demolition of Old
Jail Reduces Availability of Existing Downtown Space
§
More Than Double Expansion
of Judicial Complex Required
§
Expansion of
Tavares Central Energy Plan
§
Downtown
Parking Need of 684 Spaces by 2020
Total Project Cost 2015 $82,000,000
Ms.
Jaco stated that, with regard to parking needs for the downtown area, some new
information has come to light, so her firm hopes to get a better handle on that
issue. She stated that she would like to
get comments and direction on how the County wants to proceed, in preparing the
Master Space and Facilities Plan itself.
Commr.
Stivender informed the Board that she would like to clarify a statement that
appeared in an article in The Daily Commercial this date that was written by
one of the newspaper’s staff writers, Mr. Jacob Ogles. She stated that she does not agree that it is
a good idea to move the Property Appraiser, the Tax Collector, and some of the
other departments to the proposed complex in south Tavares, but that she did
not state that she felt the Tax Collector’s Office should be moved to the
Sheriff’s Administration Building (formerly Old Jail), as Mr. Ogles indicated in
his article that she had stated, during the Board Retreat that was held on
February 28, 2005, and that she apologized to Mr. McKee for it. She stated that, although the Historical
Courthouse is a prestigious, beautiful building, Mr. McKee has run out of space
and there are options that need to be looked at. She stated that, had she been present at the
February 8, 2005 meeting, when CGL gave their presentation regarding the Master
Space Study, she would have addressed the matter then.
Commr.
Stivender stated that, with regard to the issue of parking, the County looked
at constructing a parking garage across the street from the Administration
Building when she was the Capital Improvements Liaison Commissioner last year,
but it did not get into the discussions with CGL, when they were doing their
space study. She stated that she asked staff
to talk with the private property owners across the street from the
Administration Building about a private/public partnership, with regard to the
parking garage, and about the possibility of locating their businesses underneath
the parking garage and having some retail space available for lease. She stated that she is on the Downtown
Redevelopment Committee for the City of Tavares and feels that the County could
possibly lease some of the space for the Property Appraiser, the Tax Collector,
or some of the other constitutional officers, as additional space, rather than
constructing new buildings. She stated
that it would take care of some of the additional parking that the City needs
for the buildings that were constructed in the downtown area in the past. She stated that the City’s parking is in a
deficit, whether anything else is built in the downtown area or not. She stated that the parking garage was brought
up for discussion at the Board Retreat on February 28, 2005, at which time some
drawings of the garage that were done six to eight months ago were shown to the
Board, however, noted that some of the Commissioners have not yet seen the drawings. She stated that she wanted the issue to be
looked at, as well as an option that Commr. Cadwell suggested at the Board
Meeting that was held on February 8, 2005, with regard to the County looking at
lease space.
Ms.
Jaco stated that the issue of parking is a huge one and one that needs to be
addressed, however, noted that, before they can approach it, the County needs
to come to a consensus about which downtown buildings will be staying, which
ones will be going, and which ones will be expanded. She stated that the discussion about lease
versus own was more for those departments and space that are not in the
downtown area. She stated that the key
elements being discussed this date are for those participants who are currently
in the downtown area, not so much for the leased space in The Golden Triangle
area, the Eustis area, or the Mt. Dora area, noting that that has been tabled,
in a sense, as something that the Board will have to address in Phase II. She stated that the space crisis involves the
Judicial Center’s needs and the Sheriff’s needs, noting that, when one looks at
the numbers, they have the two highest deficit space needs.
Discussion
occurred regarding the relocation of the various departments, at which time
Commr. Stivender stated that the County has discussed relocating Public Works
for the past 15 years.
Ms.
Jaco stated that it has been a given from the onset that Public Works is going
to be relocated and that that building is going to be available to be utilized
by another department. She stated that
the focus has always come down to a few key elements, but the Sheriff’s Office,
Public Safety, and Public Works have been givens. She stated that the key question is the
status of the Sheriff’s Administration Building and whether or not it is an
asset that the County wants to keep, noting that the amount of space involved will
drive who can stay in the downtown area and who cannot.
Commr.
Pool interjected that that is where he is having a struggle – whether or not to
demolish the Sheriff’s Administration Building, as it now exists, noting that
he feels the building is structurally sound, but questions whether it is
functional and what the benefits and liabilities would be to maintaining or
refurbishing it. He stated that the
issue is the cost effectiveness of having the building renovated, or having a
new roof put on it, at which time he noted that he felt staff should let the
Board know what the cost would be for a total refurbishing of the building,
versus the cost of a new roof.
Ms.
Jaco stated that some other givens in the scenario is Community Services and
Health and Human Services, noting that moving those two departments to the
proposed complex has been discussed, as well.
Commr.
Cadwell stated that, if space is available, he would rather have Community
Services in town, however, noted that he feels the Property Appraiser and the
Tax Collector would be better served at the proposed complex.
Commr.
Hanson stated that, with regard to the Sheriff’s Administration Building, the
County recently put a number of dollars into restoring and renovating it for
the Sheriff; therefore, if the County can utilize it and reduce the parking
needs, by not having a high customer use in it, she would rather keep it than
demolish it.
Mr.
Stivender stated that the County has gotten 10 years of life out of the
building, since it has been refurbished, and he assumes the process to get
everything done that the Board is talking about will take almost as long. He stated that the decision about whether or
not that building goes could be made at a later date, noting that the County is
going to have to have people occupying it continually, as they move offices
around, so it might be used as an “option” building. He stated that sooner or later the building will
become obsolete, but the County will have gotten some useful life out of it.
Commr.
Cadwell pointed out the fact that, with Emergency Services being moved to the
proposed complex, it will free up a lot of parking.
Mr.
Bob McKee, Tax Collector, addressed the Board stating that he mentioned at the Board
Meeting that was held on February 8, 2005 the fact that, when the former Tax
Collector, Mr. T. Keith Hall, originally moved into the Historical Courthouse,
he was asked by the then sitting Board not to do motor vehicle transactions in
the new office, because the traffic that it would generate would be so
exorbitant that it could not possibly be accommodated in Tavares, so his office
has not handled those transactions for the past eight years. He stated that, if the Board chooses to move
his office to the south end of Tavares, they will be able to provide those
services and mitigate the impact on the south Lake County and golden triangle
offices. He stated that he spoke to Mr.
Ed Havill, the Property Appraiser, at length about the matter and was asked to
speak on his behalf, noting that he concurs with that position. He stated that they feel the County is on
track, so whatever the Board decides to do, as long as they have adequate space
and parking for their customers, they will be as flexible as the County needs
them to be.
Commr.
Cadwell stated that he hopes whatever departments end up in the Historical
Courthouse will be ones that will generate foot traffic, because sometimes that
is the only exposure that the Historical Museum gets.
Ms.
Jaco questioned what the Board planned to do about the Health Department and
the space that the County leases for it and was informed by Mr. Neron, County
Manager, that a couple of weeks ago he put together a group, consisting of the
County Attorney and several members of staff, to look at the issue of leasing
versus building and they used the Health Department as the test case for
that. He noted that the group is headed
by Mr. Greg Mihalic, Economic Development and Tourism Director. He stated that he would be discussing the issue
with them tomorrow and would question when they expect to have some information
to bring back to Board.
It
was noted that the group has been gathering information about the matter, but they
have not yet met.
Commr.
Hill questioned what the plan is for the Judicial Center, with regard to
expanding it – whether the consultants were looking at increasing the number of
floors on the building, or whether they were looking at constructing another building.
Ms.
Jaco stated that they had discussed the possibility of constructing another
building, approximately the same size, next to the original building and
connecting the two together. She stated
that some of the givens will be the demolition of the mail receiving building
and the old Tavares Health Clinic, located across the street from the mail
receiving building.
Commr.
Cadwell stated that there seems to be a consensus that the Sheriff’s
Administration Building will need to be utilized for several more years, while
all the changes are taking place, at which time he noted that he would like to
know what that building’s current needs are and what it will cost to take care
of those needs.
Mr.
Neron stated that, with regard to the cost of the new construction, staff can
bring back to the Board a more refined cost and, after meeting with the
County’s financial advisors, how the County will pay for it.
Commr.
Cadwell stated that the Board will be going through two Chairmen, while they
make some serious decisions about what they are going to do, with regard to the
Master Space and Facilities Plan. He
stated that, when the Judicial Center was built, the Board at that time had
very little to say about it and that, while he certainly would want this Board
to respond to the Clerk’s needs and the Judges’ needs, he feels they need to be
very active in how the new complex is built.
Mr.
Stivender informed the Board that, with regard to the Sheriff’s Administration
Building, there will be an item on the agenda for the Board Meeting scheduled
for March 15, 2005, requesting approval to have the roof reshingled, at a cost
of $200,000, due to patches that were left from the tower being replaced, plus
the age of the roof and the fact that part of it was blown off during the
hurricanes.
Commr.
Pool interjected that it will be a good investment for the County, if they can
get another five years out of the building.
It
was noted that the roof was replaced in 1995, during the restoration of the
building.
Ms.
Dottie Keedy, City Administrator for the City of Tavares, addressed the Board
stating that, with regard to expanding the Judicial Center, she did not feel
the Board could make that decision separate from the parking, noting that the
current parking spaces serve the building that is there, which she assumes will
be expanded; however, it is going to get rid of parking that is there, as well
as produce the need for additional parking.
She stated that, in looking at the chart, if the first phase that they
are talking about doing is 210,000 square feet, the County is going to need at
least 300 additional parking spaces, plus the ones that they will lose when
they build out over the parking lot. She
stated that it involves a significant amount of spaces and the Board is going
to have to figure out where they are going to put them. She stated that the stance the City has
taken, as long as she has been the City Administrator, is that, when the County
builds something new, the City does not look at it as a deficit, because they understand
the problem that the County is having.
She stated that they just look at the square footage that the County is
adding, which is what they did when the County built the Public Works building. She stated that the issue has nothing to do
with the deficit, or moving people out of the City, it is that the County will
not be able to get site plan approval, unless they address the parking
specifically for that building.
Commr.
Cadwell stated that the Board needs to state that, as they build, they will
commit to the fact that parking is part of that budget and that it will be done
at the same time that the building is constructed, so they will not have to go
before the City requesting variances.
Ms.
Jaco was asked to recap the revised consensus regarding Phase I of the Master
Space and Facilities Plan, at which time she stated that Phase I will involve
expanding the Judicial Center to at least meet a 10 year need; beginning a
complex in south Tavares for Public Safety, the Sheriff, the Tax Collector, the
Property Appraiser, and Public Works; and to determine what the parking need is
in the downtown area and, hopefully, come up with some possible solutions to it,
which will have to be part of Phase I.
She stated that Phase II will involve how the County will want to
address the Sheriff’s Administration Building and what impact it will have, as
to which functions will either move into that building, or be moved out to the new
complex. She stated that, once the Board
has taken care of those issues, they can start thinking about the south and
north areas of the County and how they want to address them, which will involve
Phases III and IV. She noted that she will
give the County a very rough schematic vision for the downtown area and for the
proposed complex, as part of the Master Space and Facilities Plan.
Commr. Stivender questioned when the
funding part of the plan would come into play and was informed by Mr. Neron,
County Manager, that, now that staff has some direction, they can work with CGL
and come back with the estimated cost, as well as the timing, and he will then
start working with Mr. Mitch Owens, the County’s financial advisor, and would
probably have to have a workshop with the Board, once they get the timing down,
as to potential ways to fund the project.
He stated that the County is going to need some type of a general fund
revenue bond issued, to cover the day to day ongoing expenses that will be
incurred for this type of a project. He
stated that he would rather not commit to a time frame at this time, however,
noted that staff will consider this project as a top priority and stay on it.
Commr. Cadwell clarified the fact
that, once it is known who is going to be relocated and what space is going to
be left, the Board will still have input about who is going where.
Mr. Minkoff informed the Board that there
is a possibility that Lake County will get two new judges – one County and one
Circuit, who will need office space, at which time Mr. Neron stated that the
County will have to work with the Judiciary and the Clerk on some type of an interim plan.
It was noted that the County will
have to look at additional staffing that goes along with the judges, as well, in
that one judge generates ten additional employees.
On
a motion by Commr. Pool, seconded by Commr. Stivender and carried unanimously,
by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved that Phase I of the Master Space Study will
include the Judicial Center at the 10 year square footage level; that the
Public Works Department, the Property Appraiser’s Office, the Tax Collector’s
Office, the Sheriff’s Office, and the Public Safety Department will be moved to
the proposed south Tavares complex; and that the Board will address the issue
of parking and the cost of parking for the downtown complex, when staff brings
back to the Board the estimated cost and phasing of the Master Space Study.
Mr.
McKee, Tax Collector, thanked the Board for allowing the Constitutional
Officers to participate in the process.
COUNTY
MANAGER’S DEPARTMENTAL BUSINESS (CONT’D.)
PUBLIC
WORKS
FERNDALE PRESERVE FLORIDA COMMUNITIES TRUST GRANT PROJECT
Ms.
Cindy Hall, Assistant County Manager, addressed the Board stating that staff
was requesting authorization to request an increase in the award amount, from
the Florida Communities Trust (FCT), for the Ferndale Preserve on Lake Apopka Project. She stated that the County was awarded the
grant, in the amount of $1,950,000, and, at that time, the County match would
have been $650,000. She stated that the
County went forward with the grant request of $2.6 million; however, since then,
the price has increased. She stated that
the increase in the purchase price will necessitate an increase in the award
from the Florida Community Trust of $1,166,250 and an increase in the County
match of $388,750. She stated that the
Lake County Water Authority still has pledged $187,500, in assisting the County
with its match, and the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) has
pledged $250,000 towards the match. She
stated that she spoke with the SJRWMD this morning and they indicated that they
may consider increasing that amount, so the County may get a little extra
support from them. She stated that staff
was requesting authorization to go forward to the Florida Communities Trust, to
request the balance of the grant money, however, noted that, in doing so, it
obligates the County to a higher match amount of money.
Commr.
Pool stated that he declared a conflict of interest and abstained from the
discussion and vote on this issue the first time it came before the Board and,
while the conflict has potentially been resolved, to be consistent, he was
going to do so again, because of an in-law issue with ownership of the
property.
Commr.
Hill pointed out the fact that, when the County first submitted this request,
the amount of money involved was $2.6 million, but it has increased to $4
million. She stated that she was sure
staff had appraisals done and had the property evaluated, however, questioned
how much of the acreage was actually uplands.
It
was noted that approximately 137 of the 192 acres is uplands.
Ms.
Hall stated that the County has sufficient dollars available for its match, so,
if the Board so chooses, at a later date, they could consider reimbursement
from the bond proceeds for environmental lands.
Commr.
Hill clarified the fact that the property is approximately $30,000 per
acre. She stated that she knows the
general public wants the County to buy property, but she is uncomfortable with
the increase in the cost, although it seems that that is what property goes for
in that area of the County. She stated
that the County has discussed utilizing said property for a regional park, but she
does not feel that the road structure in that area is conducive for a regional
park, at this time, and she does not feel there is enough acreage for a
regional park.
On
a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Hanson and carried, by a 4-0
vote, the Board approved a request from Public Works for authorization to
request an increase in the award amount, from the Florida Communities Trust
(FCT), for the Ferndale Preserve on Lake Apopka Project.
Commr.
Pool had declared a conflict of interest, therefore, abstained from the
discussion and vote.
REPORTS
– COUNTY ATTORNEY
COUNTY
LEASE WITH AUSTIN GILES POST 21 IN UMATILLA
Mr. Sandy Minkoff, County Attorney,
informed the Board that Austin Giles Post 21, in Umatilla, also known as the
American Legion Hall, has been used by the American Legion for many years and,
for a long time, the County did not have a separate insurance requirement in
their lease; however, in 1996, the County started requiring the American Legion
to have insurance, which has been difficult for them, since that time. He stated that a representative of the
American Legion has been in contact with his office, as well as the Board of
County Commissioners, requesting the County to waive the insurance requirement,
just as they did recently for the Lake Mack Fire Station. He stated that he has discussed the matter
with Risk Management and they do not have a problem with it, due to the fact
that said post does not allow the consumption of alcoholic beverages. He noted that the County would have to make a
slight change to the lease, because it currently allows them to let other
people use the facility, and, if it is not going to be covered by insurance,
the County would only want the American Legion to use it, not other
groups. He stated that staff was
recommending approval of the request.
On
a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Stivender and carried
unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved to waive the insurance
requirement for Austin Giles Post 21, in Umatilla, also known as the American
Legion Hall, as requested.
Mr.
Minkoff informed the Board that Risk Management is going to be looking at this
issue more globally, to see if such facilities can be covered under the
County’s policy.
REPORTS
– COUNTY MANAGER
FY
2005 JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANT (JAG)
Mr.
Fletcher Smith, Community Services Director, addressed the Board stating that
his office has just received notice that Lake County is eligible for the
Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program, formerly known as the Local Law
Enforcement Block Grant, and that the County could receive up to $88,210 for FY
2005. He stated that staff was
requesting that Ms. Robbie Hollenbeck, Special Projects Coordinator, Community
Services, be appointed as the contact person, to do the day to day grant
related activities, so that the County can submit the grant by March 31,
2005. He stated that the Sheriff’s
Office is working diligently to identify what types of equipment they want to
purchase with said dollars.
On
a motion by Commr. Hanson, seconded by Commr. Stivender and carried
unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved a request from Community
Services for approval to submit an electronic application for the Bureau of
Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) for FY 2005, in the amount of $88,210; and to
designate Ms. Robbie Hollenbeck, Special Projects Coordinator, Community
Services, as the program’s contact person, who will handle the day to day
matters related to the program.
REPORTS
– COMMISSIONER CADWELL – DISTRICT 5
COMPREHENSIVE
PLAN UPDATE PROCESS
Commr.
Cadwell brought to the attention of the Board the fact that the Chief of Comprehensive
Planning, Department of Community Affairs (DCA), wrote a letter to Ms. Amye
King, Chief Planner, Long Range Planning, Growth Management Department,
expressing the DCA’s support and appreciation for the update process that the
County is currently going through, with regard to its Comprehensive Plan. He stated that he thought it was very nice
for DCA to take the time to write Lake County expressing their support and
appreciation of the County’s Comprehensive Plan update process and expressing
to staff that they feel they are doing a good job.
REPORTS
– COMMISSIONER POOL – DISTRICT 2
SEVENTH
ANNUAL PIG ON THE POND FESTIVAL
Commr.
Pool reminded the Board about the 7th Annual Pig on the Pond Festival,
scheduled to be held March 11-12, 2005, at the Waterfront Park, in
Clermont. He stated that there are lots
of great events, lots of barbeque, and it is lots of fun. He stated that the whole idea behind the
event is to generate dollars back into the community, noting that it is a
fundraiser for the South Lake County Community Foundation and invited everyone
to attend.
REPORTS
– COMMISSIONER POOL – DISTRICT 2
RESOLUTION FACILITATING SOUTH LAKE
TRAIL/LAKE MINNEOLA TRAIL PHASE II CONSTRUCTION PROJECT
Commr. Pool expressed appreciation to
the Board for adopting Resolution No. 2005-25, earlier in the meeting, which
facilitates the South Lake Trail/Lake Minneola Trail Phase II Construction
Project, and the expenditure of funds for same.
REPORTS
– COMMISSIONER HANSON – DISTRICT 4
NEIGHBORHOOD
LAKES
Commr.
Hanson stated that she was very disappointed about an article that was written
in The Lake Sentinel, by Columnist Lauren Ritchie, the day after the Board
voted on the issue of Neighborhood Lakes, a development being proposed for the
Wekiva Basin area. She stated that the
article was unfortunate and that she felt it was written before the vote was actually
taken by the Board, because it contained a comment that she felt was slipped
in, in that it was almost hidden, that the Board did the right thing in voting
against the rezoning for Neighborhood Lakes.
She stated that she realizes Ms. Ritchie, as a columnist, can write her
opinion any time she wants, but she feels it is unfortunate that she wrote the
article. She stated that she feels that vote
was a very significant one for the Board for Neighborhood Lakes and that she
feels they did the right thing, however, noted that there was very little
recognition of it. She stated that she
took the lead on both votes, one being not to postpone the request and the other
being not to rezone the property. She
stated that the Board has worked too hard to protect the Wekiva Basin, which
she has been at the forefront of, to have such negative articles written about
them. She stated that people believe
what they read and such articles do a lot of harm, for the good things that the
Board is trying to do. She stated that
it is a little discouraging, but the Board can move forward knowing that they
did the right thing.
REPORTS
– COMMISSIONER HANSON – DISTRICT 4
APPOINTMENT TO THE WEKIVA RIVER
SYSTEM ADVISORY MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
Commr. Hanson informed the Board that
she was asked by the Secretary of the Interior to serve on the Wekiva River
System Advisory Management Committee, representing the interests of the Lake
County Planning Department, which is a tremendous honor. The purpose of the Committee is to assist in
the development of the comprehensive management plan for the Wekiva River
System and provide advice to the Secretary of the Interior, in carrying out the
management responsibilities of the Secretary, under the Wild and Scenic Rivers
Act. She stated that she will do her
best to represent Lake County and protect the environment and what they have
protected very well in the Wekiva Basin.
REPORTS – COMMISSIONER STIVENDER –
DISTRICT 3
RESOLUTION DESIGNATING PORTION OF SR
50 IN LAKE COUNTY AS “ERIC RAMIREZ HIGHWAY”
On a motion by Commr. Stivender,
seconded by Commr. Hanson and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board
approved Resolution No. 2005-27, supporting Florida Senate Bill 820,
designating a portion of SR 50, in Lake County, between the community of
Stuckey and the Mascotte city limits, as the “Eric Ramirez Highway”.
REPORTS – COMMISSIONER STIVENDER –
DISTRICT 3
REQUEST FOR LIGHTING ON SOME OF
COUNTY’S HIGHWAYS
Commr. Stivender stated that an
elderly resident, who lives at the corner of SR 19 and Dewey Robbins Road,
which is in a rural area of the County, has requested that a light be installed
on the power pole that is located at that corner, because of safety issues at
night involving cars that are speeding down SR 19, while he is trying to turn
off of the highway onto his property.
She stated that she asked staff to look into the matter, at which time Mr.
Jim Stivender, Jr., Public Works Director, informed her that the issue had been
addressed with prior Commissioners; however, they felt that it would be too
expensive for the County to have said lights installed. She stated that it will only cost the County
$7 per month for the light; therefore, she wanted staff to look into the matter
again, but was informed by the County Manager and the County Attorney that she
would have to bring the request before the Board for approval. She stated that she knows this same problem
is occurring in other areas of the County, where elderly residents are having
trouble finding their intersections at night, without being tail-ended.
Mr.
Bill Neron, County Manager, suggested that he and Mr. Stivender work with the
County Attorney and prepare an issues paper and possibly suggest some criteria
to be used, as well as look at the costs that would be involved. He suggested that it be taken care of at the
financial retreat, when the Board discusses other budget related issues.
Commr.
Cadwell stated that, countywide, the cost would be great and pointed out the
fact that one neighbor may want the light, while another may not, noting that
it is not as simple as it sounds.
Commr.
Hanson interjected that there may be some other alternative than having a
street light installed.
Mr.
Stivender stated that the County is trying to bring attention to its
intersections, especially on some of the major corridors, however, noted that
the dilemma with this request is that it is a policy decision by the Board, in
budgeting money, not just for maintaining the lights being requested, but the
demand and criteria that goes along with it.
He stated that there are a lot of subdivisions that want the County to
participate in their entire subdivision, so the policy needs to be very clear
on what the Board wants and does not want.
He noted that the County has just started something that some of the other
counties already have, which are signs erected on the right sides of the
roadways stating the names of the intersections, which are illuminated at
night, warning motorists that they are approaching the intersections.
Commr. Hanson stated that it is also one
of those issues that would probably help the elder friendly communities, such
as the Communities for a Lifetime, because it makes it easier for everyone.
REPORTS – COMMISSIONER HILL –
CHAIRMAN AND DISTRICT 1
TEACHER
OF THE YEAR CEREMONY
Commr. Hill thanked those
Commissioners who attended the Teacher of the Year ceremony recently, noting
that it was a very nice ceremony and very well attended. She stated that she appreciated Mr. Tom
Terry, Chief Meteorologist with Channel 9, attending the ceremony, as well,
noting that he was very delightful.
REPORTS – COMMISSIONER HANSON –
DISTRICT 4
BOARD RETREATS
Commr. Hanson stated that she felt the
Board Retreat that was held on Monday, February 28, 2005, was very good, but
she would again like to remind the County Manager to put together a Board
Retreat that is more of a brainstorming retreat.
The County Manager stated that he had
already made some telephone calls regarding the matter.
REPORTS
– COMMISSIONER CADWELL – DISTRICT 5
TRIP
TO WASHINGTON, D. C.
Commr. Cadwell reminded the Board
that he would be leaving town for Washington, D.C., on behalf of the Board, and
would be there until Wednesday, March 9, 2005.
REPORTS
– COUNTY MANAGER (CONT’D.)
CANCELLATION
OF BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONER’S MEETING
The
County Manager reminded the Board that the meeting scheduled for Tuesday, March
8, 2005, had been cancelled.
ADJOURNMENT
There
being no further business to be brought to the attention of the Board, the
meeting was adjourned at 11:30 a.m.
__________________________
JENNIFER HILL, CHAIRMAN
ATTEST:
__________________________
JAMES C. WATKINS, CLERK