A REGULAR
MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
DECEMBER 6,
2005
The Lake County
Board of County Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, December 6,
2005, at 9:00 a.m., in the Board of County Commissioners’ Meeting Room, Lake County
Administration Building, Tavares, Florida.
Commissioners present at the meeting were: 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; Cindy Hall, County Manager; Wendy
Taylor, Executive Office Manager, Board of County Commissioners’ Office; 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 the former Mayor of the City of Fruitland Park, Mr. Ron White, who
was present in the audience.
ELECTION OF
OFFICERS
On a motion by
Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Pool and carried unanimously, the Board
selected Commr. Hanson as Chairman for 2006.
Commr. Hill
thanked the Board for the opportunity of having served as their Chairman during
the past year, noting that it was an honor and privilege to have served them,
that she enjoyed it very much, and that she appreciated their support.
Commr. Hanson
stated that Commr. Hill did an outstanding job of serving Lake County during
the past year and that she appreciated all her hard work. She stated that she also appreciated the
Board’s confidence in having her serve as Chairman for 2006 and that she will
try to serve them and the citizens of Lake County well. She stated that she would like for the County
Manager to schedule a visioning retreat for the Board and senior staff, so that
they can get together on some of the goals that she would like to see
accomplished during the upcoming year.
On a motion by
Commr. Hill, seconded by Commr. Pool and carried unanimously, the Board
selected Commr. Cadwell as Vice Chairman for 2006.
AGENDA UPDATE
Ms. Cindy Hall,
County Manager, informed the Board that Tab 48, under Other Business, states,
in error, the need to appoint individuals to two vacant positions on the Impact
Fee Committee, when, in fact, there is only one vacancy to be filled. She noted that there was an Addendum No. 1 to
the Agenda, containing two requests from Community Services, as well.
Mr. Sandy
Minkoff, County Attorney, stated that he had two items to be placed on the
Agenda, one being the settlement of an accident claim involving a county
facilities vehicle, and the other a request from Realvest, one of the contract
purchasers of a site at the Christopher C. Ford Commerce Park, who is
requesting an extension to their contract.
He noted that both requests will require action by the Board.
On a motion by Commr. Pool, seconded by Commr.
Stivender and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved to place
said items on the Agenda.
MINUTES
On a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr.
Hill and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the Minutes of
September 27, 2005 (Regular Meeting), as presented.
Regarding the Minutes of October 28, 2005 (Special
Meeting), Commr. Hill requested the following change:
On Page 2, Line 28, change “contingent” to
“contentious”.
On a motion by Commr. Hill, seconded by Commr. Pool
and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the Minutes of
October 28, 2005 (Special Joint Meeting with School Board and League of Cities
regarding School Concurrency), as corrected.
On a motion by Commr. Pool, seconded by Commr. Hill
and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the Minutes of
November 1, 2005 (Regular Meeting), as presented.
On a motion by Commr. Pool, seconded by Commr.
Stivender and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the
Minutes of November 8, 2005 (Regular Meeting), as presented.
CLERK OF COURTS’ CONSENT AGENDA
On a motion by Commr. Hill, 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,
Cancellations, and Reinstatements, as follows:
New
801-06 James L. Stinson
d/b/a Stinson Electric, Inc.
5695-06 RTD Electric, Inc.
5842-06 William Shaffer d/b/a Shaffer’s Electric
6041-06 Sean R. Adair d/b/a Par Excellence Services Electric Co.
6042-06 Francisco
Perez d/b/a Technical Electric Services & Supplies
6094-06 Dewey
Ray Crigger d/b/a Partnership Custom Construction Co.
6430-06 Richard
O. Batchelor d/b/a Brite Lites Electric, Inc.
6431-06 Ronald
Cor_Bell Dawson d/b/a Dawson Roofing, Inc.
6433-06 Bruce
Hage d/b/a Bruce Hage Irrigation
6434-06 Darren
M. Taggart, Sr. d/b/a DMT & Son, Inc.
6435-06 Lonnie
H. Ramsey and/or Kerrie Ramsey d/b/a RAM-Z Heating & Air, Inc.
6436-06 III
Phase Haze, Inc. (Electrical)
6437-06 James
T. Kempton d/b/a Hardeman Landscape Nursery, Inc.
6438-06 Brent
Galbraith d/b/a Comfort Zone Heat & Air, Inc.
6439-06 James
Goodyear d/b/a Clermont Scapes, Inc.
Cancellations
5923-03 Terry
Scott d/b/a Terry Scotts Irrigation
5979-03 R.
L. Huffstetler d/b/a Huffstetler Landscape Contracting
4684-04 Charles
Pepper
4989-04 Jerry
Smith d/b/a Jerry Smith Electric, Inc.
5604-04 Constructive
Services of Central Florida, Inc.
5767-04 Bill
Porter d/b/a Bill Porter Plastering, Inc.
4607-05 Frederick
S. Troesch d/b/a Steve Troesch Plumbing, Inc.
4628-05 Daniel
R. Herndon d/b/a Star Management
5095-05 James
Williams d/b/a Williams Sales & Service, Inc.
5590-05 Joseph
G. Russell d/b/a Russell’s Aluminum, Inc.
5626-05 Jay
O. Berry d/b/a J.W. Berry Signs, Inc.
5653-05 John
T. Jarrett d/b/a Jarrett Electric, LLC
5683-05 John
Wetzel Advanced Water Shapes by Nat
5737-05 Dennis
Guinn d/b/a Guinn’s Electrical Services
5833-05 Darryl
A. Vickers d/b/a Central Florida Electric
5840-05 Jeff
Clark Poag d/b/a Arizona Air
5988-05 Rodolfo
Vera
6000-05 Joseph
D. Fannin, Jr. d/b/a Southern Pride Services
6022-05 Alvin
Barnett d/b/a Barnett Construction, Inc.
6051-05 William
R. Gamble IV
6090-05 Chris
Herod d/b/a Herod Pool Contracting, Inc.
6097-05 JBD
Builders, Inc.
6099-05 Timothy
M. Bunyon/Customize Electric, Inc. d/b/a C.E.I.
6129-05 Timothy
Mercer d/b/a Mercer Electric
6172-05 Jeffrey
A. Spears d/b/a Soffit Masters, Inc.
6189-05 Nathan
Slomowicz of Landscape Systems, Inc.
6220-05 Ray
Digiovanni d/b/a Future Construction of Tampa Bay
6222-05 Fred
J. Fairchild d/b/a Fred J. Fairchild Electric, Inc.
6234-05 Michael
Diestler d/b/a Mykee Electric, Inc.
6238-05 Marcos
Pardo d/b/a Pardo Construction
6371-05 Deborah
Raymond d/b/a England Roofing
6204-06 Jeff
Reamer d/b/a Dixie Landscape Company, Inc.
6198-07 Ronald
S. Morton d/b/a Seminole Landscaping, Inc.
Reinstatements
6032-06 Ralph
Milne Electrical Solutions, Inc.
6156-06 William
Back d/b/a Golden Triangle Electric, Inc.
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
October 31, 2005, in the amount of $156,552.87.
Same period, last year:
$99,402.84.
St. Johns River Water Management
District’s Water Resource Development Work
Program
Request to acknowledge receipt of
St. Johns River Water Management District’s Water Resource Development Work
Program (dated October 28, 2005), pursuant to Section 373.536(6)(a)(4), Florida
Statutes.
Southwest Florida Water
Management District Governing Board Meeting Agenda
and Approved Minutes of Governing
Board Meeting
Request to acknowledge receipt of
Southwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board Meeting Agenda for
November 30, 2005 and December 1, 2005 Meetings, to be held at 2250 NE Roan
Street, Arcadia, Florida; and approved Minutes of Governing Board Meeting held
September 27, 2005, at 2379 Broad Street, Brooksville, Florida.
Notice of Application for
Amendment to Water and Wastewater Certificates
Request to acknowledge receipt of
Notice of Application for Amendment to Water and Wastewater Certificates –
Notice is hereby given on the 15th day of November, 2005, pursuant
to Section 367.045, Florida Statutes, and Section 25-30.030, Florida
Administrative Code, of the Application of Shangri-La by the Lake Utilities,
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. Objections to the Application
must be made in writing and filed, as indicated on the notice.
Annexation Ordinances from the
City of Tavares
Request to acknowledge receipt of
Annexation Ordinances from the City of Tavares, as follows:
Ordinance No. 2005-34 – Annexing
approximately 26.4 acres – SR 19 and Lane Park Cutoff Road.
Ordinance No. 2005-38 – Annexing
approximately 2.82 acres – Gause Street, West of Lake Dora.
Ordinance No. 2005-42 – Annexing approximately 4.74 acres –
Dead River Road and SR 19.
COUNTY MANAGER’S CONSENT AGENDA
Commr. Stivender asked that Tab 19,
a request from Growth Management, be pulled for discussion.
Commr. Cadwell asked that Tab 13, a
request from Economic Development and Tourism, be pulled for discussion, to
enable Mr. Gregg Mihalic, Economic Development and Tourism Director, to explain
the new process to the Board.
Commr. Pool asked that Tab 18, a
request from Environmental Services, be pulled for discussion, as well.
On a motion by Commr. Stivender,
seconded by Commr. Hill and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board
approved the following requests:
Budget
Request for approval of the following:
1. Budget Transfer – Fire Services Impact
Fee Trust Fund, Department of Public Safety, Fire/Rescue Division. Transfer
$35,133.00 from Land to Machinery and Equipment ($34,637.00) and Office Supplies
($496.00). Funds are needed to purchase thermal imaging cameras with chargers
for the fire stations at Paisley, Eustis, Lake Jem, and Leesburg, who do not
currently have thermal imaging cameras. Funds available in Land, as there are
funds remaining after the purchase of the Lake Jem land.
2. Budget Transfer – County Fire Control
Fund, Department of Public Safety, Fire/Rescue Division. Transfer $54,171.00
from Land to Machinery and Equipment ($52,343.00) and Office Supplies
($1,828.00). Funds are needed to purchase defibrillators/monitors, battery
support systems, Lifepak batteries, and SP92 sensors for the fire stations at
Eustis, Paisley and Lake Jem. Funds available in Land, as funds budgeted for
the Altoona land purchase are no longer needed.
3. Resolution No. 2005-202, to amend the
County Fire Control Fund, in order to receive unanticipated revenue for Fiscal
year 2005/2006, in the amount of $6,900.00, deposited into Volunteer Fire
Assistance Grant; and provide appropriations for the disbursement for Operating
Supplies. Funds were received from the
State of Florida, Division of Forestry.
4. Resolution No. 2005-203, to amend the
County Fire Control Fund, in order to receive unanticipated revenue for Fiscal
Year 2005/2006, in the amount of $39,001.00, deposited into Firefighters Grant
Program; and provide appropriations for the disbursement for Machinery and
Equipment. Funds were received from the Department of Homeland Security and
will be used to purchase portable radios.
Request for approval of the Assignment
and Amendment of Agreement between Lake County, The Greater Construction
Corporation, and Greater Pines Homeowners' Association, Inc., for the provision
of maintenance services within Greater Pines Municipal Services.
Request
for approval of write-off of $2,462.00 in excess transfers of concurrency
funds, to reconcile Concurrency Accounts and eliminate discrepancies.
Request
for approval of very low-income and low-income impact fee waivers, as refunds
to lenders, on behalf of qualified individuals.
Community
Services
Request
for approval to acknowledge the Special Project Savings Plan from the Lake
County Health Department Trust Fund, to reallocate existing funds.
Request
for approval to submit grant application electronically, for the Gates Computer
Upgrade Grant Program (Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Grant); and for the
Chairman to sign any resulting grant agreement or documentation, subject to
County Attorney approval.
Request
for approval of the amended Agreement between the Florida Commission for the
Transportation Disadvantaged and the Board of County Commissioners, regarding
the funding for the Medicaid Non-Emergency Transportation Program.
Request
from Community Services for approval of Agreement with We Care of Lake County,
for delivery of Coordinated, Comprehensive Primary and Specialty Healthcare for
Medically Indigent Residents.
Request
from Community Services for approval to designate LifeStream Behavioral Center
as the approved drug abuse treatment/education program recipient, for funds
collected, per Ordinance No. 2001-90, Alcohol and Drug Trust Fund Revenue, from
October 1, 2003 through September 30, 2005.
Economic
Development and Tourism
Request
for approval of Resolution No. 2005-204, which recommends that Di-Tech Testing
Company be approved as a Qualified Target Industry; recommends the award of the
Qualified Target Industry (QTI) Tax Refund; and commits to 20 percent (20%)
matching funds of $24,000.00 over a four year period.
Request
for approval and execution of Resolution No. 2005-205, approving the issuance
by the Orange County Industrial Development Authority of its Industrial
Development Revenue Bonds for the Central Florida YMCA Project, in an amount
not to exceed $17,500,000.00.
Employee
Services
Request
for approval to accept the Agreement with LRMC/HealthChoice, for discount on
inpatient and outpatient hospital services provided by LRMC, when charges are
incurred for Lake County employees and dependents in the HealthChoice CPO Plan.
Request for approval to process
payment to Vann Gannaway Chevrolet, Inc., for repair of Doug Walker's vehicle,
subject to County Attorney's review and approval.
Request for approval to process
payment to Phillips Buick Pontiac GMC Truck, Inc., for repair of Gerald Kirk's
vehicle, subject to County Attorney's review and approval.
Growth Management
Request for approval of the
Interlocal Agreement with Lake-Sumter MPO, which will formalize the cooperation
and sharing of data and resources, including, but not limited to, fifty percent
funding of a GIS Analyst position; approval of unanticipated revenue Resolution
No. 2005-206, in the amount of $26,000.00, to amend the GIS budget, to include
the funding for this Agreement; and approval of Form 9, to upgrade the
scheduled hours for the associated GIS Analyst position from part-time status
to full-time status, for use in meeting the stipulations of this Agreement.
Procurement Services
Request for approval to declare
items on submitted lists surplus to county needs; authorize removal of said
items from county's official fixed asset inventory system records; and
authorize Interim Procurement Services Director to sign vehicle titles.
Request for approval and
authorization for Procurement Services to waive bid requirements and standardizing
on Diamondback Airboats; and procure the airboats from the manufacturer,
Diamondback Airboats, in Cocoa, Florida, for use by Aquatic Plant Management.
Request for approval to award and
execute the contract with BCI Engineers and Scientists, Inc., to provide
stormwater engineering services for Lake Dora, Lake Beauclaire, and Lake
Carlton, in the amount of $125,659.00, RSQ 05-121.
Request for approval and
authorization to execute the First Amendment to the Scope of Services included in
the On-Call Continuing Contract for geotechnical engineering services with Devo
Seereeram, Ph.D., for RSQ 03-032.
Request for approval to award the
renewal of the annual Maintenance Agreement with Honeywell Building Solutions,
in the amount of $26,516.00, for Building Management Support Services, on the
Honeywell Automated HVAC System for the Government Complex in Tavares; and
authorization for the County Manager to award the renewals each year hereafter.
Request for approval to renew the
contract for the Group Dental Insurance, RFP 01-077, CompBenefits, for one
additional twelve month period, at the same rates.
Request for approval to award and
execute the contract with Jones Edmunds & Associates, RSQ 06-008, to
provide engineering services for the Phase II Landfill Permit Modifications, in
the amount of $74,680.00.
Public Safety
Request for approval and execution
of Modification No. 1 to the State Homeland Security Grant (SHSG), to reinstate
the Agreement and extend the contract date from September 30, 2005 to March 31,
2006.
Public
Works
Request
for approval and authorization to release a Maintenance Bond, in the amount of
$49,975.00, posted for Fairways at Mt. Plymouth, Phase III. Fairways at Mt.
Plymouth, Phase III consists of 76 lots – Commission District 4.
Request
for approval and authorization to release a Maintenance Bond, in the amount of
$8,417.74, for Eden Estates. Eden Estates consists of 17 lots – Commission
District 4.
Request
for approval and signature on Agreement between State of Florida, Department of
Environmental Protection, Land and Water Conservation Fund Program, and Lake
County, for Palatlakaha Environmental Reserve project. (Check was presented to the Board at the November 15, 2005 BCC
Meeting)
Request for approval, acceptance, and execution of
Subordination of Utility Interest Agreement between Lake County and Florida
Power Corporation, d/b/a Progress Energy Florida, Inc., on North Buckhill Road
(No. 2739).
Request for approval and execution
of Cooperative Agreement for Exchange of Interests between Lake County and St.
John's River Water Management District; and Perpetual Access Easement, in
conjunction with Lake County Sleepy Hollow Realignment Project and St. John's
Harris Bayou Project.
Request for approval and authorization
to accept final plat for Windsong at Leesburg, and all areas dedicated to the
public, as shown on Windsong at Leesburg final plat; accept Performance Bond,
in the amount of $1,693,398.39; and execute Developer's Agreement for
Construction of Improvements between Lake County and The Ryland Group,
Inc. Windsong at Leesburg consists of
185 lots – Commission District 3.
Request for approval and authorization to release
Letter of Credit for Performance, for Grand Island Ridge, in the amount of
$319,000.00; accept Letter of Credit for Maintenance, in the amount of
$106,510.70; execute Developer's Agreement for Maintenance of Improvements
between Lake County and Palmer Homes, Inc.; and execute Resolution No. 2005-207, accepting following roads into County
Road Maintenance System: Cadet Road (CR No. 6345), Scout Court (CR No. 6345A),
Spirit Court (CR No. 6345B), Cavalier Court (CR No. 6345C), and Regiment Drive
(CR No. 6345D). Also, accept Cashier's Check for Performance, in the amount of
$1,597.20; and execute Developer's Agreement for Construction of Improvements
between Lake County and Palmer Homes, Inc.
Grand Island Ridge consists of 68 lots – Commission District 5.
Request for approval and
authorization to accept final plat for Estates at Sunnyside, and all areas
dedicated to the public, as shown on Estates at Sunnyside plat. Estates at
Sunnyside consists of 14 lots – Commission District 1.
Request for approval and signature
on Resolution No. 2005-208, authorizing posting of speed limit signs on following
roads in Clermont area:
Courtyard Lane 1528B
Marsh Hammock Way 1631
Water Fern Circle 1631A
Water Orchid Avenue 1631B
Marsh Elder Street 1631C
Winding Marsh Street 1631D
Golden Club Street 1631E
Switch Crane Street 1631F
Berry Groves Road 0421
Request for approval and execution of First Amendment
to Interlocal Agreement between Lake County Board of County Commissioners and
City of Tavares, for Tavares Western Connector Design and Construction Project.
ADDENDUM NO. 1
COUNTY MANAGER’S CONSENT AGENDA
Community Services
Request for approval of corrected
Addendum Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities Medicaid Waiver Services
Agreement, from November 1, 2005 through October 31, 2008.
Request for approval of corrected
Addendum Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities Medicaid Family and
Support Living Waiver Agreement, from November 1, 2005 through October 31,
2008.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND TOURISM
LAKE COUNTY JOBS GROWTH
INVESTMENT TRUST FUND PROGRAM
Mr. Greg Mihalic, Economic
Development and Tourism Director, addressed the Board stating that the County’s
Jobs Growth Investment (JGI) Trust Fund program, which has been around for many
years, has a component for disabled workers, but it has not been used in 7 ˝
years. He stated that he feels the
biggest constraint against it is that it requires an employer to hire at least
five disabled people, in order to qualify for it. He stated that the revised procedure allows a
$3,000 payment to be made to employers for each disabled worker they hire, to
cover some of the extra expenses involved with hiring said individuals. He stated that the Industrial Development
Authority (IDA) brought the issue up approximately nine months ago, asked staff
to look at it, has had several meetings since then, and recommends the
changes. He stated that staff believes
it will allow the program to be used in partnership with those employee service
providers that deal with disabled people, such as Sunrise ARC of Lake County,
Inc., so staff feels it is a very positive step for JGI and for the County.
On a motion by Commr. Cadwell,
seconded by Commr. Pool and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board
approved a request from Economic Development and Tourism for approval of a new
Jobs Growth Investment (JGI) Trust Fund procedure, to assist companies in
employing and training persons with disabilities; approval to award $3,000 per
position created and filled; and approval to work with and process applications
for employment and follow-up through companies in Lake County who currently
provide worker training and placement of the disabled.
ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
ALTERNATIVE WATER SUPPLY FOR
COUNTY PROVIDED BY ORLANDO
UTILITIES COMMISSION
Mr. Sandy Minkoff, County Attorney,
stated that the County was involved in litigation with the Orlando Utilities
Commission (OUC) regarding its Consumptive Use Permit, which resulted in a
settlement, allowing the County to have OUC develop up to five million gallons
of an alternative water supply for the County.
He stated that the cities and the County have been participating in the
water alliance and what this request does is allow the County to exercise its
option and begin the negotiation process of setting aside that alternative
water. He stated that this is not a
binding commitment, because the contract then provides, over the next year, of
trying to negotiate the final contract for that alternative water supply. He stated that staff was recommending the
County exercise its option to begin that negotiation process. He noted that Commr. Hanson is on the water
alliance with the cities and will continue to work with them, as the County
goes forward in this process.
Commr. Pool questioned whether
Conserv II qualifies, or whether the amount was above and beyond what Conserv
II now delivers to Lake County.
Mr. Minkoff stated that Conserv II
would be a part of it, but that this request deals with an alternative water
supply for drinking water.
On a motion by Commr. Pool, seconded
by Commr. Stivender and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved
a request from Environmental Services for approval for Lake County to exercise
its option, by notifying the Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC) in writing, on
or before January 1, 2006, of its decision to obtain water from an Alternative
Water Supply Project to be developed by OUC and the quantity of alternative
water to be utilized by Lake County.
GROWTH MANAGEMENT
PROPOSED PURCHASE OF PROPERTY
ADJACENT TO DORA CANAL
Commr. Stivender informed the Board
that she asked that this request be pulled for discussion, because, after
talking with Mr. David Hansen, Public Lands Program Manager, and Ms. Cindy
Hall, County Manager, she feels there are some things that the County needs to
investigate, as it moves forward with this matter. She stated that the majority of the property
is wetlands and is surrounded by the City of Tavares, who automatically
requires in their ordinances that wetlands be preserved, so she is not sure
whether the County would want to purchase all of the proposed property, when it
could use the $350,000 asking price for said property on another site that may
be more suitable, however, noted that she was not sure exactly how much usable
acreage is available. She stated that
she wanted the Board to be aware that she was not real comfortable spending the
$15,000 for the property to be evaluated, but, in talking with Ms. Hall and Mr.
Hansen, she feels the County has to do it, in order to move forward and find
out how much of the property is usable and to get an appraisal of the
property. She stated that she wanted the
Board to be aware of what is going on and get their feelings on the matter.
Commr. Cadwell questioned, with
regard to the evaluation of the property and the appraisal, whether the land
use that currently exists and the types of rules that govern the land would be
taken into consideration.
Mr. Minkoff stated that it would and that one of the reasons Mr. David Hansen, Public Lands Program Manager, did not bring a contract back to the Board right away is because he has some of the same concerns that have been alluded to. He stated that, until staff sees the appraisal and environmental studies, they do not know what the property is worth.
On a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr.
Pool and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved a request from
Environmental Services for approval and authorization for staff to evaluate a
28 (+/-) acre parcel of property, located adjacent to the Dora Canal, for
purchase.
PRESENTATIONS/PERSONAL
APPEARANCES
The Chairman presented Employee
Awards, as follows, with Ms. Sharon Wall, Employee Services Director,
commenting about each employee’s service to the County:
EMPLOYEE AWARDS
Presentation of Award to
Employees with Five Years of Service
John D. Wight, Contracting Officer,
Procurement Services
Edith M. Hendrickson, Library
Assistant, Community Services/Library Services
Robert A. Armas, Firefighter/EMT,
Public Safety/Fire and Rescue
Michael J. Timpanaro, Plans Examiner
I, Growth Management/Building Services
(Not Present)
Roger D. Warren, Equipment Operator
IV, Environmental Services/Solid Waste
Operations (Not Present)
Sherry W. Aldrich, Office Associate
IV, Public Safety/Fire and Rescue
Aaron J. Chaddick, Network Administrator,
Information Technology/Information
Systems
Presentation of Award to
Employees with Fifteen Years of Service
Leon F. Burton, Environmental
Inspector, Environmental Services/Solid Waste
Operations (Not Present)
John M. Bringard, Outsourcing
Contracts Manager, Public Works/Road Operations
BOARD/COMMITTEE PRESENTATIONS
The Chairman presented the following
plaques and certificates:
PLAQUES
Board of Building Examiners
Debbie Vanier – for service from
1999-2005 (Not Present)
Cultural Affairs Council
Dorothy Vedder – for service from
2000-2005
CERTIFICATES
Comprehensive Health Care
Committee
R. Patton McConnell – for service
from 2003-2005
Cultural Affairs Council
Jonathan Cherry – for service from
2001-2005 (Not Present)
Sydra Nightingale – for service from
2003-2005 (Not Present)
Sandra Stura – for service from
2003-2005 (Not Present)
Elder Affairs Coordinating Council
Dr. Thomas Cook – for service from
2004-2005 (Not Present)
Impact Fee Committee
Tennyson Legg – for service from
2004-2005
Sue Tucker – for service from
2004-2005
Library Advisory Board
Helen White – for service from
1999-2005
COUNTY MANAGER’S DEPARTMENTAL
BUSINESS
BUDGET
APPEAL BY HAWTHORNE RESIDENTS
COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION, INC.
REGARDING REFUND OF SCHOOL IMPACT
FEES
Mr. Sandy Minkoff, County Attorney,
explained this request, stating that it was a request for an educational impact
fee refund for some lots at Hawthorne that qualified earlier this year for the
exemption. He stated that staff was
recommending approval of the request.
On a motion by Commr. Pool, seconded
by Commr. Stivender and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved
a request from Budget for approval of an appeal by Mr. Charles Johnson, on
behalf of the Hawthorne Residents Cooperative Association, Inc., for a refund
of school impact fees that were paid on three lots. Sago Palm at Hawthorne is an approved adult
only community.
Mr. Dan Gordon, Manager for Hawthorne, addressed the
Board stating that this request involved an informal process that got fouled
up. He suggested that the Board either
formalize the process, or give the County Manager and the County Attorney the
authority to correct any mistakes that might be made in the future. He stated that he was insulted by the fact
that he had to come before the Board, in order to get the money back, when
everybody agreed that there was a problem.
He noted that he first applied for the refund in November of 2004.
Commr. Hanson stated that Mr. Gordon
made a good point and that she felt the County’s Impact Fee Committee would be
looking at some recommendations.
PRESENTATION
STATEWIDE TRAILS PROGRAM BY
FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, OFFICE
OF GREENWAYS AND TRAILS,
AND UPDATE ON BLUEWAYS PROGRAM
Ms. Blanche Hardy, Environmental
Services Director, addressed the Board and gave a brief update on the County’s
Blueways Program, noting that, at the end of October, the County received
notice from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission that they
tentatively approved the County’s Blueways Program and, on November 7, 2005, a
staff meeting took place to discuss the permit, the appearance of the markers,
the installation of same, and promotion of the Blueways Program. She stated that they emailed the Florida Fish
and Wildlife Commission requesting clarification regarding the permit, as well
as additional specifications on the installation of the signs, and provided
them with an illustration of the proposed marker. She stated that all of those things have been
taken care of, at which time she displayed a copy of the marker, for the
Board’s review. She stated that the
County was told by the State that they could add a couple of markers, if they wanted
to, so they sent the Water Authority a letter on November 21, 2005, asking if
they would like to include markers for Hickory Point, on the Lake Harris Run,
and for the Flat Island Preserve, on the Lake Griffin Run, and are waiting for
a response. She noted that she was very
happy to inform the Board that the County’s blueways is now on the State’s big
map.
Mr. Jim Wood, Assistant Director,
Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Office of Greenways and Trails,
addressed the Board stating that his office, which is based in Tallahassee, is
a sister division of the Florida State Parks Program at DEP. He stated that, in 2002, they hosted, in
coordination with Lake County and other counties in the Central Florida region,
the National Trails Symposium, and one of the reasons it was possible to bring
it to this area is because of all the projects that are going on in this
community, with regard to trails and greenways.
He gave a brief overview of the Greenways and Trails Program, noting
that the Board would be able to see where Lake County sits, in the context of
some things that his office is doing at the State level, at which time he gave
a power point presentation regarding a statewide plan was done for greenways
and trails. He stated that there were
regional greenways task forces and many agencies and communities around the
State were involved in developing it back in the late 1990s. He stated that it was approved by the
Legislature in 1999 and defined many of the things that their program does and
the work that they do with communities throughout the State on greenways and
trails. He stated that the plan was a
series of action steps, with recommendations, for everything from public
outreach to what to do to focus on resources, buying land, and developing
greenways and trails throughout the State.
He stated that, as a companion to the written plan, a series of maps
were developed at that time, being an ecological greenways map and a series of
trail network maps. He stated that the
ecological network defines an ideal world, if they were able to acquire and
protect, either through public or private ownership, lands throughout the
State, to create a connected system of conservation lands, at which time he
pointed out areas on a map contained in the Board’s backup material of lands
that could be protected. He stated that
what it attempts to do is bring together and connect some of the large
conservation lands in the State, such as the national forests, national parks,
state parks, state forests, etc., which is focused on wildlife connectivity. He stated that, within that greenways
network, his office has identified, in their work with the University of
Florida, ten critical linkages, which serve as the road map for the priorities
that they focus on. He stated that those
ten critical linkages are those that his office would want to spend the most
priority on throughout the State. He
stated that, in companion with the ecological greenways network, he mentioned a
series of trails maps, noting that, originally, in 1999, when that plan was completed,
there was a version that was done and there was so much master planning going
on at the local levels that, in 2004, his office updated said maps, at which
time he noted that what the Board had before them this date was the revised
version of said maps. He stated that
said maps represents a vision and includes some sections, which already
exist. He stated that it can be said
that Central Florida is on the leading edge, in terms of trails and working
community to community and within counties.
He stated that one of the other maps contained in the backup material is
the hiking trails network, which he noted conforms to the congressionally
designated national scenic trail. He
stated that Florida has one of eight national scenic trails in the Country and
said map is a hiking foot path that has been in the making for nearly four
decades, which will consist of 1,300 miles, when it is completed, running from
Pensacola into south Florida, with portions of it running through Lake County. He stated that a good portion of it is
completed, but there is still a great deal to go, in terms of totally
completing it. He stated that it is a
focus for their program and they work with the U.S. Forest Service and the
Florida Trail Association and other communities, to help make it a reality in
Florida, which he noted is, in essence, an Appalachian Trail for Florida.
Mr. Wood stated that there is a
Paddling Trails Network map, as well, which identifies waterways that are
appropriate for designation as paddling trails within the State, some of which
are already designated. He pointed out
how important it is to work with partners and the fact that, because trails and
greenways are linear and cross through multiple jurisdictions, management often
requires the work of many people. He
stated that they are partnership projects and his office is just one small
piece of the pie, in helping to bring greenways and trails together, along with
the many communities and other organizations throughout the State. He stated that his office directly manages
eight state trails, one of which runs through part of Lake County, which is the
Van Fleet State Trail. He stated that
his office also manages the Cross Florida Greenway, which is the former Cross
Florida Barge Canal, which in the early 1990s was converted to a conservation
and recreation area. He stated that, if
one has driven down I-75 and wondered what the landscaped bridge over the
interstate in the Ocala area is, it is the crossing for the Cross Florida
Greenway.
Mr. Wood stated that Ms. Kate
Perkins is the Regional Coordinator for this part of the State and is one of
three people who act as liaisons between his office and the local communities,
in trying to help bring it all together.
He stated that his office has a program to purchase land for trails,
however, noted that Florida Forever is the State’s land buying program for
conservation lands. He stated that 4.5%,
or $13.5 million, is focused on the purchase of trails, with eligibility for it
being determined on whether or not the County is on the original trails maps
that he reviewed with the Board earlier in the meeting. He stated that, if a project is not on those
maps, it is not eligible for funding, under their program. He stated that one of the unique elements
about their acquisition program is the fact that they purchase land at the
State level, but then the local governments will often sublease the land, so
that they are able to manage it more within the community. He discussed the West Orange Trail, with
regard to partnerships, noting that it was one that was purchased in phases
through their program and Orange County is the lead, in terms of the management
and day to day operations. He stated
that the funding came from the State to buy the land, which allowed Orange
County to have more of its local resources directed toward development of the
trail. He stated that his office also
administers a Federal Recreational Trails Program, which provides funding for
trail development, noting that all communities are eligible for funding for
that. He stated that his office has a
Designation Program, which recognizes individual projects, as well as indicates
that it is part of the statewide system of greenways and trails, at which time
he noted that over 700,000 acres have already been designated as part of the
State’s system of greenways and trails.
He stated that a provision in the Florida Statutes provides for private
landowners to have liability protection, if they were to designate some of
their land as part of the State Greenways and Trails System, which is an
incentive to encourage private landowners to become part of the system.
Mr. Wood stated that another big
part of what his office does is outreach and promotion, noting that a lot of
information is now known about the benefits of trails in communities, in that
it can raise the value of houses. He
stated that, in Florida, they have seen the benefits, in terms of tourism,
quite a bit. He stated that state parks
and trails generate an important part of the State’s economy, so his office
tries to promote that, through many of the things they do. He stated that they work hand in hand with
Visit Florida on many projects, at which time he displayed a brochure that was
completed last year, which he noted came out of the realization that
information about bicycle trails was the single most requested item they had at
the visitor Welcome Centers in Florida, which was a direct result of that. He stated that they also have a Quarterly Newsletter
that tells a little bit about their program and an Online Trails Guide, to help
visitors find their way to some of the places within the State. He stated that another thing his office has
is a planning oriented website that they do, in conjunction with the University
of Florida, which allows people to view the trails data and submit updates to
the information. He stated that they are
in the process this year to do that, so anyone can go on and look at the
information which he reviewed and submit data to his office, which is very
important, because they try to serve as a central clearing house for trails
data in the State of Florida. He noted
that some Local/Regional Trail Projects are as follows:
·
Central Florida
Loop – planned 200 mile multi-use trail loop and greenway
·
South Lake Trail
– important regional connector
·
Lake Apopka Loop
Trail – planned 54 mile multi-use loop trail around Lake Apopka
·
Leesburg Trails –
Leesburg-Wildwood Trail, the Fountain Lake Trail, and the Tav-Lee Trail, Phase
II
Mr. Wood stated that another project
his office has been involved with is part of the St. Johns River Alliance, with
the focus being on the environmental, cultural, and other benefits of that
basin and how to protect them. He stated
that, within that alliance, there is a committee, the St. Johns River Alliance
Corridor and Trails Committee, to focus on the recreational assets, trails in
particular, and his office (OGT) has been working to try to help facilitate
identification of those things that exist.
Mr. Herb Hiller, Chairman of the St.
Johns River Alliance Corridor and Trails Committee, addressed the Board stating
that they are engaged now, through corridors and trails, on working the middle
base of the St. Johns River as a model section for completing a 310 mile long
river trails system, which they hope to complete in our lifetime. He stated that the Office of Greenways and
Trails (OGT) has been very helpful to them, with regard to same. He stated that that model is underway at the
present time, through considerable cooperation from Volusia, Putnam, and now
Lake County. He stated that they expect
it to be their most active trails development project for the River
Alliance. He referred to a program that
is being started in the City of Lake Helen, in Volusia County, at the Florida
Discovery Bicycling Center, which will introduce a bicycle touring and adult
bicycle training program year-round that will include trail rides through the
middle basin and that will utilize part of Hwy. 19 through Lake County, as well
as other roads in the area.
Mr. Gene Molnar, President of Lake
County Rails to Trails, addressed the Board stating that his group will
continue to cooperate with the County and will bug any and everybody at every
opportunity. He stated that they are
proud of what the County is doing, noting that they like the sound of money in
the County budget, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) budget, and
the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) budget. He stated that he did not know about the
total dollars, but, hopefully, the percentages will not change, but remain the
same. He then noted that he had some
brochures about the Rails to Trails Program that he would like to have
distributed at the State level.
PRESENTATION
ENHANCED PROGRAMS FOR PARKS AND ROADS IN
UNINCORPORATED
LAKE COUNTY
Mr. Jim Stivender, Jr., Public Works
Director, addressed the Board stating that the issue of enhanced programs for
parks and roads in the unincorporated areas of Lake County came up at a
workshop meeting that was held recently, so staff sat down and worked on
putting something together to identify projects and issues associated with the
County’s parks, its existing county maintained clay roads system, and its
non-county maintained roads and how the County could wrap it all together into
some kind of a program, which he elaborated on.
He stated that Mr. Roberto Bonilla, the new Parks and Recreation
Division Director, would be reporting to work on Monday, December 19, 2005, and
staff was looking forward to working with him on this matter. He noted that the South Lake Trail, which is
scheduled to begin construction on January 2, 2006, is one of the trails on the
list that staff put together. He stated
that the County has an impact fee for parks, but it does not have an
established revenue source for parks maintenance and/or parks development;
there is a need for a funding source to maintain the roads that are in the
County today; and the County’s road projects need to be looked at, to see if
there is adequate right of way. He
stated that he and Commr. Cadwell talked at length about modifying the County’s
special assessment program in a way that the County knows it has needed right
of way and participation from the property owners that support the County
continuing to maintain some type of a road, such as lime rock or clay, that can
be permitted and would be acceptable to the residents, with the understanding
that a funding source would be put together for it. He stated that the County has a municipal
service tax, it is just a matter of whether or not the Board would want to
utilize it, or any other funding source, to help fund and support a program
that would include parks maintenance, existing road maintenance, and a
potential program for non-county maintained roads.
Commr. Cadwell questioned whether
there would be a different level of maintenance, noting that there may be a
group of clay roads that need only once or twice a year maintenance and whether
they would be accepted with that understanding.
Mr. Stivender stated that, in
fairness to everyone, they are either in or not in. He stated that it is hard to make a judgment
call, so staff is looking at an in or not in – it is not a case of something in
between.
Commr. Pool stated that the problem
with that is that those people that live on roads that are not “in” are going
to say that they are paying their taxes, but the County is not helping them,
they are only helping the other guy get his road taken care of.
Commr. Cadwell stated that there are
people that want to live in the unincorporated areas, but are also demanding a
higher level of service, and this is a way for them to have it and pay for it
themselves, as opposed to the cities paying for it. He stated that, if one were to look at the
transportation picture in Lake County for the next 20 years, the only way to do
anything with the dirt and clay roads in the County is to pay for it out of ad
valorem taxes, or find another revenue source, but the County is getting ready
to build some additional parks and is going to need maintenance money for them.
Commr. Hanson questioned whether the
costs would be split in thirds, or whether it would be as budgeted, and was
informed by Ms. Hall, County Manager, that that is something that would be
brought back to the Board and fine tuned during the budget process, noting that
it was just a conceptual idea that was being presented to the Board this date.
Commr. Hanson stated that it will
not solve all the problems and needs, but it is a start, noting that, at the
present time, the County does not have any funding source to pay for it. She questioned when staff anticipates they
will bring the matter back to the Board and was informed by Ms. Hall that, if
there was a general consensus, staff would plan to bring it forward to the
Board throughout the budget process in the Spring, which would allow plenty of
time for public comment.
PRESENTATION
CR 466A (MILLER STREET) DESIGN
PROJECT AND PROJECT
DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL
STUDY (PD&E) CONDUCTED BY
CITY OF FRUITLAND PARK
Mr. Fred Schneider, Director of
Engineering, Department of Public Works, addressed the Board stating that there
are some major road projects in the County that staff wanted to speak to the
Board about in the Lady Lake, Fruitland Park, and Clermont areas, some of which
have been in the process for one to two years.
He stated that Project Development and Environmental Studies (PD&E)
have been performed and completed for them and, as part of it, the City of
Fruitland Park has also performed a PD&E study, as well as the Town of Lady
Lake. He stated that the County is
moving forward with said projects and wanted to present to the Board where they
are in the design process. He stated
that part of that design is going to entail right of way acquisition, which is
going to impact residences, businesses, etc., and staff wanted the Board to be
aware of what those would be. He stated
that, with regard to the CR 466 project, the PD&E study did not identify
any residential or business impacts; however, it did identify several
residential and business impacts on the CR 466A PD&E study. He stated that said information was given to
the City of Fruitland Park on October 28, 2005, and the City was asked whether
they wanted to continue with the corridor alignment that they determined they
would like to have and the County was informed that the City did want to
continue with said alignment. He stated
that the impacts will be on the north side of CR 466A only, as the City wants
the right of way to be taken from just one side of the road. He stated that the majority of the homes are
in the unincorporated area, with a few being in the City limits. He stated that the County will move forward
with the project, however, noted that more public meetings will be held. He stated that staff feels the best thing to
do is communicate with the Board, the public, and the homeowners in the area,
to try to get the information out and keep the Board informed about where some
of the projects are headed.
Mr. Fred Brickett, with Kimley-Horn
and Associates, Inc., one of the County’s consultants, addressed the Board and
gave a power point presentation regarding the CR 466A project, noting that its
limits extend from the Lake County/Sumter County line to U.S. 27. He stated that CR 466A is in need of
improvement, because of the ongoing explosion of growth and development in the
area. He stated that, as Mr. Schneider
mentioned, a PD&E study was conducted and an alignment of two sections was
recommended as part of that study. He
stated that the two sections are four-lane divided urban sections, with a
raised median, curb and gutter, bike lanes, and sidewalks. He stated that they are partnering with the
City of Fruitland Park and are committed to continue that partnership. He stated that, from the recommended
alignment and typical sections that were approved, they are looking at
approximately sixteen residential relocations and three business relocations,
however, noted that they are going back and re-evaluating the alignment, to
minimize those relocations. He stated
that something else they are looking at is re-evaluating the pond sites, trying
to make best use of some of the properties that they have to purchase. He stated that they anticipate the design and
permitting process to be completed by the summer of 2007.
Mr. Brickett stated that, with
regard to the CR 25A project, it extends from Fruitland Street to U.S. 27. He stated that the purpose of the project is
not to increase capacity, but to improve overall safety for both the motorists
and the pedestrians. He stated that they
are looking at two sections, all within a 40 foot right of way. He stated that there will be two lanes of
traffic, with bicycle lanes and a sidewalk on one side. He stated that they are doing a preliminary
engineering phase that will give the County the basis for the design
criteria. He stated that they are
partnering with the City of Fruitland Park, which is being done in conjunction
with the CR 466A project. He stated that
they are improving the U.S. 27 intersection, noting that they are going to find
ways to make it a little better. He
stated that the project will move forward, with the intent of minimizing
impacts, noting that they do not look at having any relocations, or very much
land acquisition. He stated that they
expect to have the design and permitting aspect of the project completed by the
end of 2006.
RECESS AND REASSEMBLY
At 10:12 a.m., the Chairman
announced that the Board would recess for a special Metropolitan Planning
Organization (MPO) presentation, to be held in the Rotunda of the Lake County
Administration Building. She noted that
the Board Meeting would resume immediately following the presentation.
PRESENTATION
LAKE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION
REGIONAL INCENTIVE PROGRAM
(TRIP) FUNDING FROM FLORIDA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Commr. Debbie Stivender, Chairman of
the Lake-Sumter Metropolitan Planning Organization, announced at a special
ceremony that was held in the Rotunda of the Administration Building that the
District 5 Office of the Florida Department of Transportation had awarded the
Lake County Transportation Regional Incentive Program (TRIP) funding, in the
amount of $5 million, for the purpose of improving CR 466. It was noted that the funding was approved,
because of a 50% match by The Villages and the Lake County Board of County
Commissioners, but that said project could not have become a reality without
the local cooperation of Lake County, Sumter County, The Villages, and the Town
of Lady Lake.
PRESENTATION
CR 466 DESIGN PROJECT AND PROJECT
DEVELOPMENT AND
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY (PD&E)
CONDUCTED BY TOWN OF LADY LAKE
Mr. Fred Brickett, with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc., readdressed the Board stating that the CR 466 project is needed, with the growth and expansion of that corridor, noting that the project limits are from the County line east of U.S. 27 to Lake Griffin Road. He stated that the project has been split into two segments, noting that Segment A is the responsibility of The Villages, for design and construction, and Segment B will be done by the County’s consultants. He stated that Segment A runs from the County line to Rolling Acres Road, noting that said section matches what was constructed in Sumter County, which is a four-lane divided road, with bicycle lanes and sidewalks on both sides. He stated that Segment B runs from Rolling Acres Road to Lake Griffin Road, which runs through the Town of Lady Lake. He stated that it is a somewhat reduced plan, with a typical section that was recommended in the PD&E phase – 88 feet of right of way, but is still divided, with bicycle lanes and sidewalks. He stated that, on the east side of U.S. 27, they are keeping within the existing right of way and improving the existing two lanes, to add the bicycle lanes and sidewalks on both sides. He stated that the study was completed in 2004 and they are partnering with the Town of Lady Lake, who has been involved through the PD&E process, and are continuing with the current discussions. He stated that right of way will be required, but they do not see any relocations being needed. He stated that they are moving forward with advanced right of way acquisition, which he feels will pick up a little, as they move forward. He stated that they anticipate design and permitting to be completed by the end of 2006.
Mr. Brickett stated that Lake Ella Road is a project
that they are doing that runs from April Hills Road to east of U.S. 27, tying
into Eagles Nest Road. He stated that
the purpose of this project is to provide a more direct connection for Lake
Ella Road to Eagles Nest Road, as opposed to the alignment that currently
exists. He stated that they have not
come to a conclusion yet, but are looking at a four-lane divided road, which
would facilitate the needs of upcoming developments. He noted that one of the important things
about this project is that they are partnering with the property owners
regarding right of way. He stated that a
signal will be added at U.S. 27 and they anticipate design and permitting to be
completed by the end of 2006.
Commr. Cadwell questioned whether
anything could be done with the hill at the intersection of Eagles Nest Road
and U.S. 27 and was informed that the State will be handling the U.S. 27
portion of the project and that they may make some improvements at that intersection.
Commr. Pool questioned whether those projects that have sidewalks planned for
both sides of the road could be changed, to where the sidewalk would be
installed on one side of the road only and expanded for a trail opportunity.
Mr. Brickett stated that, through
the PD&E phase of the project, there has been a lot of discussion about
that very subject, with regard to CR 466.
He stated that Segment A, which The Villages is going to be
constructing, is going to have a wider width sidewalk/trail on one side of the
road (south side, from the County line to Rolling Acres Road), however, noted
that the other part will have sidewalks on both sides of the road, because a
little narrower right of way is involved.
PRESENTATION
HARTLE ROAD PROJECT DEVELOPMENT
AND ENVIRONMENTAL (PD&E)
STUDY AND DESIGN OF HARTWOOD
MARSH ROAD
Mr. Kent Black, with HNTB
Corporation, consultants for the County, addressed the Board and gave a power
point presentation on the Hartle Road Project Development and Environmental (PD&E)
Study and design that is currently underway for the four-laning of Hartwood
Marsh Road, from U.S. 27 to the County line.
He stated that there will be a quick preliminary engineering phase and
then the final design of South Hancock Road, from where it currently terminates
from Hartwood Marsh Road to U.S. 27, opposite Lake Louisa Road. He stated that what they are looking to
accomplish is to develop an east/west roadway system that parallels S.R. 50, as
a reliever to it, and create some north/south corridors, as an alternative to
U.S. 27 and the interchange at S.R. 50.
He stated that the Hartle Road study area will extend on the south from
Hartwood Marsh Road to S.R. 50, noting that the County is already working on
the realignment of Hartle Road on the north, to be opposite CR 455, which will
then be a straight shot to the South Lake Trail area of the County. He stated that part of the study area for the
Hartle Road project also includes Johns Lake Road, at which time he gave some
alternatives, as to why they are looking at that extended area, as well. He stated that there are some constraints
along the corridor, particularly between several subdivisions, which will be a
challenge, in terms of giving it a nice four-lane divided corridor, so they are
looking at some alternatives to coming through that area. He stated that the PD&E study is really a
preliminary engineering and environmental screening study, noting that they are
looking at fatal flaws environmentally and they are also looking to establish
what the preferred alternative and alignment is, with considerable input from
the public and from their partners - the City of Clermont and the County. He stated that the study process involves
collecting a lot of engineering, traffic, and safety data, as well as public
input and concern, and then a whole range of environmental evaluations are
looked at, such as cultural resources and threatened and endangered species,
which they evaluate. He stated that they
also look for the existence of right of way and easement areas that will be
able to facilitate the corridor.
Mr. Black displayed a graphic
identifying their project study schedule, noting that they are currently
working through the data collection process and will start the alternatives
analysis right after the first public meeting and will then move towards the
Spring of 2006 and into early Summer, developing a preferred alternative, in
conjunction with the City of Clermont and the homeowners and property owners
along the corridor. He stated that public
involvement extends throughout the entire study effort, noting that their first
public meeting is a kickoff meeting, which will take place on Thursday,
December 15, 2005, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at the Lake-Sumter Community
College south campus, located on North Hancock Road, where they will be able to
receive formal public input. He stated
that they will also be available for neighborhood and group meetings on the
PD&E study and they have launched a website, as well, that will keep people
informed about the progress of the study and the other design projects.
Mr. Black stated that one of the key
issues of the project is establishing a need, which is to have an additional
north/south corridor in the area in question, which is a fast growing area of
Clermont. He stated that neighborhood
impacts and working through them, as they develop a typical section of the
alignment, will be critical. He stated
that the trails will be multi-use along this section of the County and the tie
in to Hartwood Marsh Road will be very sensitive, as new development occurs in
that area, at which time he noted that they will be working with those
developers, to make sure that they get an alignment that is conducive with
their development plans. He stated that
they will address any potential noise impacts, which is part of the scope of
this project, and traffic safety is always a concern, so they will be
addressing any safety concerns, with horizontal and vertical alignments and
other geometric issues related to the roadway.
He stated that another one of the key elements will be to look at the
existing right of ways and easements and opportunities to minimize the cost of
the project, by having partnerships with stake holders along the corridor. He addressed alignment alternatives, noting
that Alternative 1 is a four-lane roadway, which would extend from Hartwood
Marsh Road to SR 50, and would follow the existing alignment of Hartle
Road. He stated that the potential
impacts are providing a full width typical section for a four-lane divided
roadway, going through a pretty constrained neighborhood, with two subdivisions
aligning the existing Hartle Road. He
stated that Alternative 2 (identified in red on a map contained in the Board’s
backup material) is an improved two-lane section for Hartle Road, from SR 50 to
John’s Lake Road, and then it calls for an improved two-lane section for John’s
Lake Road, from Hancock Road to Hartle Road, so there will be an enhanced
four-lanes worth of capacity, but not all of it will be going to the
north. He stated that some of it will be
going to the east and some of it will be going to the north and, from that
point south to Hartwood Marsh Road, there will be a four-lane divided road,
which is another alternative that they will be looking at. He stated that Alternative 3 is what they are
calling the Hartle Road realignment, noting that they will use the existing
alignment, south of SR 50 to a point, and then they will swing out around the
subdivisions on the west side, completely avoiding that constrained area, tie
it back in close to John’s Lake Road and then come down the utility easement
area to Hartwood Marsh Road.
Mr. Black stated that the other
Group II projects that he mentioned earlier is the Hartwood Marsh Road final
design, noting that several years ago a PD&E study was completed for
Hartwood Marsh Road that recommended a four-lane divided roadway from U.S. 27
to the County line and this is the final design phase of that project. He stated that South Hancock Road is another
project that they will do a preliminary engineering study on for a corridor, to
establish the alignment, and then they will complete the final design of that
project, as well. He stated that a
signal warrant study has been completed for North Hancock Road, South Hancock
Road, and Hartwood Marsh Road and the intersection does warrant a signal, so
they will be looking at advancing a signal design for that location.
Commr. Pool questioned how quickly
that could be done and was informed by Mr. Black that it will be done as
quickly as they can figure out how to get it staged up with the final design
projects.
Mr. Black stated that joint project
opportunities for multi-use trails within the South Hancock Road area, which
extends from U.S. 27 to Hartwood Marsh Road, will be to have at least a ten
foot multi-use trail along that corridor, to extend from the north side of
Hartwood Marsh Road at the County line to the Hartle Road extension and then to
South Hancock Road, as well, so it will all be continuous, from South Hancock
Road to Hartwood Marsh Road to the County line.
He stated that, within the PD&E study for Hartle Road, they will
accommodate, within the typical sections that they evaluate, a multi-use trail
north to SR 50, which will then be realigned with CR 455, making a nice
connection into the South Lake Trail area.
He stated that the key issue for Hartwood Marsh Road is to widen it from
two-lanes to four-lanes and to maintain realignment through the Tarmac property,
eliminating the horizontal curves on the roadway. He stated that approximately 30 acres of
right of way is needed along the corridor and the County has been working very
diligently on acquiring a good bit of that right of way for the roadway
enhancement. He stated that a noise
evaluation will be done, as well, particularly on the west side of the Kings
Ridge subdivision, as part of the final design.
He stated that they will also be doing a Phase I Preliminary Engineering
Study, to establish the alignment and make sure that they are consistent with
any development patterns that are occurring in the area, and then tie in
opposite Lake Louisa, on U.S. 27. He
stated that they will then move very quickly into Phase II, which is the final
roadway design for South Hancock Road.
He stated that their intent is to get South Hancock Road and Hartwood
Marsh Road in synch, in terms of the final design, and then carry them forward
and complete them about the same time.
COUNTY MANAGER’S DEPARTMENTAL
BUSINESS (CONT’D.)
PRESENTATION OF LEGISLATIVE
POSITIONS FOR LAKE COUNTY FOR
THE 2006 FLORIDA LEGISLATIVE
SESSION
Mr. Jason Showe, Revenue
Coordinator, Budget Office, addressed the Board and presented the County’s
twenty Legislative Positions for the 2006 Florida Legislative Session, of which
twelve are similar to ones that were presented to the Legislature last year, as
follows:
Social Services
County Contributions to Medicaid
Increase State Aid to Libraries
Operating Grant Appropriations
Special Appropriation for Lake
County/Lake Sumter Community College Joint Use
Library
Fund Florida Public Library
Construction Grants
Request for Funding for New Facility
for Lake County Health Department
Funding for the Transportation
Disadvantaged Program
Medicaid HMO Program (Transportation
Disadvantaged)
Funding for the Medicaid
Non-Emergency Transportation Program
Public Safety
Support Legislation that Assists
with Funding for County Emergency Operations Center (EOC)
Support Legislation Requiring Power
Companies to Provide Electrical Grid Information to Each County’s Emergency
Management Office
Finance and Taxation
Withholding Support from Legislation
that Funds State Programs by Diverting Trust Fund Monies from the Intended
Purpose by Assigning Unfunded
Mandated to Counties
Funding State and Local Housing
Trust Fund
Support Prevention of Additional
Diversions from the State Transportation Trust Fund for Non-Transportation
Purposes; Begin to Phase Out More
of the Current Diversion
Transportation
Support the Funding for CR 466
Improvement from Two Lanes to Four Lanes
Support the Funding for CR 470/48
Improvement from Two Lanes to Four Lanes
Support the Funding for Hartwood
Marsh Road Improvement from Two Lanes to Four Lanes
Support the Funding for CR 466A
Improvement from Two Lanes to Four Lanes
Support the Funding for CR 437
Realignment PD&E Study
Support the Funding for Wekiva
Parkway and 46 Bypass
Environmental
Support the Funding to Install
Water, Sewer, and Reclaimed Water Reuse Utilities and to Implement Enhancement
of Groundwater Supplies Through
Recharge in the Wekiva Protection Area of Lake and Seminole Counties
On a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Pool and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved a request from the Budget Office for approval of the twenty legislative positions for Lake County for the 2006 Florida Legislative Session, as presented.
REPORTS
- COMMISSIONER CADWELL - DISTRICT 5
FLORIDA
ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES’ 2006 LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM
On a
motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Stivender and carried unanimously,
by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved to support the Florida Association of
Counties’ (FAC) 2006 Legislative Program and endorsed the Joint Legislative
Program of FAC, the Florida League of Cities, and the School Board Association.
Commr.
Cadwell asked that language be added to the County’s legislative positions
indicating that the Board endorses those two groups.
Commr.
Hill informed the Board that the County’s legislative delegation will be at
Lake-Sumter Community College on December 13, 2005, which the Chairman will
host.
Mr.
T. J. Fish, Executive Director of the Lake-Sumter Metropolitan Planning
Organization (MPO), addressed the Board and informed them that the MPO approved
ten positions, four of which went out as priorities, being: (1) Changing what
is currently the charter county transit surtax, making it available to all 67
counties, as an option to match the State funds, much like the TRIP Project;
(2) the three Transportation Disadvantaged positions alluded to by Mr. Showe;
(3) a statewide increase in seat belt law enforcement; and (4) increasing
funding for Driver’s Education at high schools.
PUBLIC
SAFETY
CITY
OF LEESBURG BUSINESS PLAN
Mr.
Bruce Thorburn, Public Safety Communications Systems Director, addressed the
Board stating that, during the hurricane season of 1994, the County got very
little broadcast coverage, while trying to inform the public about what the
County was doing, or where it was going, pre/post the hurricanes, so, as a result,
the City of Leesburg came before the Board and asked to have staff go forward
and obtain another cable channel, which was allowable under the Ordinance and
the County’s franchise agreement with Comcast, and offered to allow the County
to connect its EOC (Emergency Operations Center), for emergency purposes, to
Comcast subscribers across their fiber optic network. He stated that the Board instructed staff to
see if the County could connect to Bright House Cable and Florida Cable, as
well, so that all subscribers of cable service in Lake County would have access
to the EOC pre, during, and post emergency situations. He stated that the Board asked for a Business
Plan and the City has come back with one, noting that he; Mr. Gary Kaiser,
Public Safety Director; Mr. Jim Perry, Assistant City Manager, City of
Leesburg; and Mr. Richard Scott and Mr. Terry Longordo, with Lake-Sumter
Community College TV 13, all met regarding the matter. He stated that a suggestion was made for a
formalized committee, to regulate and handle any issues that might come up, but
it was staff’s opinion that a formalized committee would be arduous and
unnecessary, since he has entertained a very amicable relationship with the
County’s fourteen municipalities, as well as the Constitutional Officers and
Lake-Sumter Community College, over the years and could continue in that
vein. He stated that, with the fiscal
and operational impacts, if the County formalized a committee, it would be
under the rules of the Sunshine Law, which would mean that recordings would
have to take place and records would have to be kept and maintained, which he
felt, administratively, was unnecessary.
He stated that another issue was the fact that the City of Leesburg
agreed to pay for all the hardware needed to connect to Bright House and
Comcast and the County has already, through Emergency Management, paid for the
necessary hardware to connect its EOC.
He stated that they discovered there was going to be some additional need
in the County’s Media Center, in that it has an antiquated computer system that
should have been replaced years ago, so, included in this request is approval
of the funding necessary to have the City of Leesburg purchase the hardware and
then have the County reimburse them for it and the connectivity necessary for
the approximately four or five percent of subscribers that are provided for by
Florida Cable, Inc. He stated that staff
believes they can handle any situation that might arise amicably, but, in the
unlikely event of a problem, since the Board is the authority for all
franchises in the County, staff can come back to them at that time.
Mr.
Perry, Assistant City Manager, City of Leesburg, addressed the Board stating
that a set of equipment is required for each cable entity that is hooked up to,
which cost approximately $6,000, and, in order to move this request forward,
the City has asked the County to provide the third component for the remaining
cable system. He stated that, as the
existing cable companies expand, the governmental channel would be available to
all basic tier subscribers on any of the systems under the City of Leesburg
Business Plan. He stated that, should
another cable system come into the County, it would require the additional
expenditure of approximately $6,000, just to get the equipment going. He stated that, as it sits at the present
time, they are covering all of the Comcast subscribers. He stated that they began broadcasting in March
of this year, moved to Channel 22 on the Comcast system May 1, 2005, and are
now ready to move forward with the south Lake County area, at which time he
noted that the Business Plan spells out how the municipalities and the
constitutional officers would have access to the constituents through said
channel.
Commr.
Hill clarified the fact that the goal is to reach as many people as possible,
especially in the unincorporated areas of the County. She stated that she would agree with staff’s
recommendation to keep it inhouse, however, questioned whether the County could
come back and create the Committee alluded to earlier, should problems
arise. She was informed that that would
be possible, in that it is the County’s franchise.
Mr.
Perry stated that the Business Plan explains how business would be conducted,
in partnership with the Community College and the City of Leesburg, noting that
it spells out in great detail that, in the event of a weather incident, the
County would have absolute control over the information that is presented, not
the cities, and the tiers would go down from that, as far as public meetings,
press releases, or briefings to the public is concerned. He stated that, since it is the County’s
franchise, should the Board choose to change that, it could.
Commr.
Hanson questioned how far the County was from being able to televise the Board
of County Commissioners’ Meetings and the School Board Meetings live and was
informed that it was just a matter of the Board deciding that it would like to
go that route.
Mr.
Thorburn stated that the request before the Board this date was not in the
cable franchise budget, so some line items would need to be added to the
budget, to make sure that the City of Leesburg is reimbursed for the cost of
their hardware, as well as to purchase the hardware that is needed for the
County, and it only covers a three year period, so, in subsequent budget years,
there will be budgetary concerns about potential recurring costs, not only for
maintenance and replacement of the networks, but any software/hardware that
should arise.
Mr. Gary
Kaiser, Public Safety Director, addressed the Board and cautioned them about
Items 2 and 3 (contained in a memorandum in the Board’s backup material from
Mr. Thorburn to Ms. Hall regarding this request), noting that the recurring
costs for use of the City’s network after three years is unknown and the
production costs for programming at the market rate, if so desired, is also
unknown. He stated that he was
cautioning the Board about it, because these kinds of projects have a knack of
taking on a life of their own. He noted
that staff will monitor it closely.
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 Safety for approval to accept the City of Leesburg Business Plan, with changes, and implement activation of the "Lakefront" Government Access Channel; and approval of related Budget Transfer, in the amount of $10,000.00, from Reserves (General Fund).
OTHER
BUSINESS
APPOINTMENT
TO LAKE COUNTY IMPACT FEE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
On a
motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Pool and carried unanimously, by a
5-0 vote, the Board appointed Ms. Nancy Lee Hurlbert, representing District 5,
to the vacant Citizen-at-Large position on the Lake County Impact Fee Advisory
Committee, to complete an unexpired term ending August 6, 2006. (Rescheduled from November 15, 2005 BCC
Meeting)
APPOINTMENT TO LAKE COUNTY ELDER AFFAIRS COUNCIL
On a
motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Hill and carried unanimously, by
a 5-0 vote, the Board appointed Ms. Colleen Kollman to the vacant District 3
seat on the Lake County Elder Affairs Council, to complete an unexpired term
ending January 31, 2007.
APPOINTMENTS
TO LAKE COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH CARE
COMMITTEE
On a
motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Hill and carried unanimously, by
a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the appointment of Mr. Phil Braun, as the
Leesburg Regional Medical Center Member representative on the Lake County
Comprehensive Health Care Committee; and Ms. Joni Smith, as the Alternate
Member representative.
REAPPOINTMENTS
TO LAKE COUNTY INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY
On a
motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Pool and carried unanimously, by a
5-0 vote, the Board reappointed the following individuals to upcoming vacant
positions on the Industrial Development Authority, to serve four-year terms,
beginning March 10, 2006:
Ms.
Kristen Bartch
Mr.
Shannon Elswick
Mr.
Frank Gammon
Mr.
Raymond San Fratello
Mr.
Billy Spikes
Commr.
Cadwell informed the Board that he would like to set aside some time at one of
the Board’s upcoming meetings to recognize Mr. Carl Lunderstadt, the current
Chairman of the Industrial Development Authority, who has served as its
Chairman for several years, but has asked not to be reappointed.
Commr.
Hanson asked that Commr. Cadwell work with the County Manager regarding said
matter, at which time she recognized Ms. Derieth Sutton, Secretary to the
Industrial Development Authority, who was present in the audience, noting that
the Board appreciates all that she does for the Industrial Development
Authority and the County, as well.
REPORTS
– COUNTY ATTORNEY
INTERLOCAL
AGREEMENT WITH CITY OF MASCOTTE REGARDING
ANIMAL
CONTROL SERVICES FOR CITY
Mr.
Sandy Minkoff, County Attorney, informed the Board that this request was for
approval of an agreement with the City of Mascotte, where the County would be
providing animal control services for the City.
On a
motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Pool and carried unanimously, by
a 5-0 vote, the Board approved a request from the County Attorney for approval
and signature on an Interlocal Agreement with the City of Mascotte, pertaining
to animal control services for the City.
REPORTS
– COUNTY ATTORNEY
SETTLEMENT
OF CLAIM REGARDING ACCIDENT INVOLVING COUNTY
FACILITIES
VEHICLE
Mr.
Sandy Minkoff, County Attorney, stated that this request was for approval to
settle a claim for damages sustained to a private vehicle, from an accident involving
a county facilities vehicle.
On a
motion by Commr. Pool, seconded by Commr. Cadwell and carried unanimously, by a
5-0 vote, the Board approved a request from the County Attorney for approval to
settle a claim with Ms. Tesah Tureaud, in the amount of $4,213.50, for damages
sustained to her vehicle, from an accident involving a county facilities
vehicle on November 18, 2005.
REPORTS
– COUNTY ATTORNEY
PURCHASE OF PROPERTY AT
CHRISTOPHER C. FORD COMMERCE PARK
Mr. Sandy Minkoff, County Attorney,
stated that the County entered into a contract with Realvest Development, for
the purchase of a parcel of property at the Christopher C. Ford Commerce Park,
on August 18, 2005, at which time the purchaser was given 90 days due diligence
to make a decision regarding the purchase of said property. He stated that the Board then agreed to
extend that date by 30 days, until December 16, 2005; however, the purchaser
has now asked for an additional extension.
He stated that the Industrial Development Authority (IDA) addressed the
request, but referred it to the Architectural Review Committee, who recommended
against the additional extension, in that they believe the property can be
marketed to someone else, should Realvest decide not to close.
Mr. Greg Mihalic, Economic
Development and Tourism Director, informed the Board that, on December 1, 2005,
the Architectural Review Committee recommended against an extension, however,
noted that they can only make a recommendation – they do not have the authority
to grant the extension. He stated that
it would be up to the Board of County Commissioners to make that decision.
Mr. George Livingston, President, Realvest
Development, addressed the Board stating that his company contracted with the
County to purchase Tract D, Lots 3 and 4, of the Christopher C. Ford Commerce
Park; however, during the due diligence process, they discovered a significant
issue, so they asked that the due diligence period be extended. He stated that he asked for some other
things, as well, that were denied and he has since agreed to drop, which he
elaborated on. He stated that the total
price of the 26 acre tract that his company agreed to and has under contract is
$1,950,000, or $75,000 per acre, while everybody else in the park paid $50,000,
or less, per acre. He stated that his
company’s goal is to purchase the property, but there is a significant site
issue that needs to be resolved, either for his company, or for the next
individual proposing to purchase the property.
He stated that they were not aware that there is a 20’ wide drainage
easement across the site, which was discovered during the due diligence period,
noting that they did not know it was there before making an offer on the
property. He stated that they discovered
after the fact that the easement is recorded, but it is not visible, noting
that one cannot see it when looking at the property. He stated that a 36 inch drainage pipe, which
serves other properties within the park, runs along the easement at one end of
the site and is very near the surface, which prevents them from grading the
site to a level that can be developed, which significantly impacts the site
design, because one cannot construct a building over an easement. He stated that, at a minimum, it reduces use
of the site to approximately half and it clearly affects value, not only for
his company, but for anybody else. He
stated that it makes financing the site tough to almost impossible. He stated that there is also a lift station
on the site, which was never recorded when the City of Groveland installed the
sewer and water lines.
Mr. Livingston stated that he and
his colleagues, who are developers, brokers, property managers, and real estate
consultants, want to see buildings on the site and he feels the County would
like to see buildings on the site, as well.
He stated that, if they were to be successful in getting this issue
resolved, they feel that, with a design based on moving the drainage easement
to the edge of the property, they could put somewhere between 250,000 to
300,000 square feet of industrial buildings on the site, which would put
approximately fifteen to twenty million dollars on the County’s tax roll in two
to three years and would create somewhere between 300 and 400 jobs. He stated that he would like to extend their
due diligence period until an agreement on moving the easement could be reached
with the County and extend the closing until after the easement has been
relocated and recorded, which is what is required for them to be able to
finance the project, and direct staff to work with them to solve the issues in
a timely manner. He stated that, if
their requests are granted, they will commit to developing a plan to relocate
the easement as soon as possible and will pay for the relocation of the
drainage pipe. He stated that, when he
addressed the Architectural Review Committee, he asked that the County pay to
have the drainage easement relocated, which will cost approximately $200,000;
however, he has now decided to eat that $200,000. He stated that they will re-plat the site to
reflect said changes and current market conditions, record the lift station
legal description, and start the site plan approval process as soon as it is
determined where the easement will be located.
He stated that they already have a significant amount of money invested
in this project and are trying to fix a problem that they did not know existed,
until after they entered into the contract.
He stated that they want to purchase the site and intend to seek major
tenants as users, but the easement issue needs to be fixed.
Commr. Hanson questioned whether Mr.
Livingston was stating that his company would be willing to pay for the
relocation of the easement and was informed by Mr. Livingston that that was
correct, but that it would need to be relocated to the edge of the property.
Commr. Stivender questioned how long
it would take to do that and was informed by Mr. Livingston that it depended on
how quickly the County responded.
Commr. Cadwell interjected that Mr.
Livingston was oversimplifying the matter, noting that this was the first time
that the County had heard anything about Realvest being willing to pay the cost
of having the drainage easement relocated.
He stated that, before now, it had been a big bone of contention.
Mr. Mihalic readdressed the Board
stating that he did not feel relocating the drainage easement should hold up
the closing on the property.
Commr. Cadwell stated that the
County had not considered moving the easement up to this point, because Realvest
wanted the County to pay the cost of moving it.
He stated that the cooperative attitude being displayed by Mr.
Livingston was not what it had been.
Mr. Mihalic stated that Realvest has
until December 31, 2005, to close on the property.
Commr. Stivender questioned why
holding off on the closing would be a problem and was informed by Mr. Minkoff,
County Attorney, that it would cost the County a lot of money, noting that, if
the closing occurs on December 31st, the County will have
approximately $2 million in its hands, but, if the County extends the closing
for six months, it will lose the interest on that $2 million.
Commr. Stivender questioned whether,
during the closing, the County could have some stipulations in the contract
that would make both Realvest and the County feel comfortable with Realvest
paying the cost of relocating the drainage easement.
Mr. Minkoff stated that the County
could increase the price of the property, as part of the extension. He stated that the easement has always been on
the plat and was available for anyone bidding on the property to see.
Mr. Livingston informed the Board
that, if he did not get the extension that he was asking for, he was not going
to close on the property and it would take at least six months for anybody else
to close on it, so Realvest would be the most likely company to get money in
the County’s pocket the quickest.
Commr. Hanson asked if there were
any other issues that had not been addressed and was informed that the issue of
the easement was the only thing that needed to be dealt with. She stated that she did not have a problem
with waiting an additional 30 days, however, was informed by Mr. Minkoff that
the problem could not be solved in 30 days, noting that to vacate an easement
would take at least 120 days.
Commr. Cadwell stated that the
County gave Realvest one extension to their contract and it is to the point now
where an additional extension will not benefit the County. He stated that the IDA is the caretaker of the
Christopher C. Ford Commerce Park property and their recommendation is to deny
Realvest their request for an additional extension to their contract.
A motion was made by Commr. Cadwell to uphold the
recommendation of the IDA and not grant the additional extension requested by
Realvest.
Commr. Hill seconded the motion, for
discussion, at which time she questioned whether the matter would go back to
the IDA and was informed that it would not.
Mr. Minkoff stated that Realvest
would have an opportunity to honor the contract and close on the property;
however, if they do not, the County will attempt to resell the property.
It was noted that there is no issue
with the County, in relocating the easement.
The Chairman called for a vote on
the motion, which was carried, by a 3-2 vote.
Commrs. Stivender and Pool voted
“No”.
REPORTS – COUNTY MANAGER
CANCELLATION OF WORKSHOP MEETING
Ms. Cindy Hall, County Manager,
stated that staff did not have anything to put on the Agenda for the workshop meeting
scheduled for Tuesday, December 13, 2005, therefore, questioned whether the
Board would like to cancel it.
Commr. Hanson stated that staff did
not need to schedule the second Tuesday of the month as a workshop meeting day
in the future, noting that, should something come up where a workshop meeting
would need to be scheduled, they could schedule it at that time.
It was noted that the meeting
scheduled for December 13, 2005 was being cancelled.
REPORTS – COMMISSIONER HILL –
DISTRICT 1
BLUE JEANS FOR BABIES DAY
Commr. Hill stated that Wednesday,
December 7, 2005, was the 7th Annual Blue Jeans for Babies Day and
that, if any county employee wished to participate, they could purchase a tee
shirt at any of the Lake County Tax Collector’s offices and wear it with their
blue jeans on said day.
REPORTS – COMMISSIONER HILL –
DISTRICT 1
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.
MEMORIAL CELEBRATION
Commr. Hill informed the Board that
Mr. T. H. Poole, former President of the Tri-City Branch of the NAACP, asked
that they mark January 6-16, 2006, on their calendars, noting that several
celebrations will be held in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on those
days, which Mr. Poole has invited the Commissioners to attend. She stated that Mr. Poole also asked that the
Board repeat the level of participation, with regard to funding, that they have
done in the past. It was noted that the
Board approves a Proclamation honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. each year.
REPORTS – COMMISSIONER STIVENDER
– DISTRICT 3
5000 FRIENDS OF FLORIDA
PROCLAMATION
On a motion by Commr. Stivender,
seconded by Commr. Pool and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board
approved Proclamation No. 2005-209, proclaiming the Board’s support of 5000
Friends of Florida.
REPORTS – COMMISSIONER STIVENDER
– DISTRICT 3
LAKE COUNTY HOLIDAY PARADES
Commr. Stivender announced that she
participated in holiday parades that were held in the County on Saturday, at
which time she thanked members of the Fire Departments and the Police
Departments for their assistance during the parades.
REPORTS – COMMISSIONER STIVENDER
– DISTRICT 3
MANDATORY BIDDERS CONFERENCE
Commr. Stivender stated that grant
applications for funding from Human Services, the Children’s Services Council,
and Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) are all being done together now
and that the applications will be ready for pickup on Monday, December 12,
2005. She stated that a Mandatory
Bidders Conference has been scheduled for Friday, December 16, 2005, in Room
233 of the Administration Building, at 9:00 a.m., for all agencies who intend
to seek said funding for Fiscal Year 2006/2007.
REPORTS – COMMISSIONER STIVENDER
– DISTRICT 3
LAKE COUNTY FIREFIGHTERS UNION
Commr. Stivender informed the Board
that she received a letter from the Lake County Firefighters Union and would
like for staff to bring back to the Board an update of what is going on with
that issue at a future meeting.
REPORTS – COMMISSIONER STIVENDER
– DISTRICT 3
DEATH OF FORMER SENATOR RICHARD
LANGLEY’S DAUGHER
Commr. Stivender stated that former
State Senator Richard Langley’s daughter, Dickie Marie “Dee Dee” Langley,
passed away this past weekend and asked that everyone include the Langley
family in their prayers.
REPORTS – COMMISSIONER CADWELL –
DISTRICT 5
FLORIDA IMPACT FEE REVIEW TASK
FORCE MEETING
Commr. Cadwell reminded the Board
about the Florida Impact Fee Review Task Force Meeting that he will be
attending on Monday, December 12, 2005, at the University of North Florida, in
Jacksonville. He stated that the Florida
Association of Counties Legislative Committee was very clear that the counties
were not negotiating any points, with regard to impact fees – that they were
going to stand firm, in that it is their home rule power to do so. He stated that there would be no model
ordinance involved and they believe they have the support of the residents of
Florida that they want growth to continue to try to pay for itself and the
counties do not need interference from Tallahassee to make that happen.
REPORTS – COMMISSIONER HANSON –
DISTRICT 4
BRITT ROAD PROJECT
Commr. Hanson stated that the Public
Works Department held a meeting on Monday, December 5, 2005, regarding Britt
Road and that she felt some very good suggestions were made. She noted that the design process for the
Britt Road project is now 60% complete, so the County will be moving forward
and, hopefully, addressing most of the concerns of the citizens.
REPORTS – COMMISSIONER HANSON –
DISTRICT 4
MT. PLYMOUTH/SORRENTO ADVISORY
COMMITTEE
Commr. Hanson stated that the Mt.
Plymouth/Sorrento Advisory Committee held a meeting on Saturday, December 10,
2005, which was very successful, noting that approximately 100 people attended
the meeting and looked at the design plan for Mt. Plymouth/Sorrento and the
urban compact node for the Wekiva.
REPORTS – COMMISSIONER HANSON –
DISTRICT 4
MT. DORA HOLIDAY PARADE
Commr. Hanson stated that she
participated in the Mt. Dora holiday parade that was held on Saturday, December
3, 2005, which was very nice.
REPORTS – COUNTY MANAGER
(CONT’D.)
JOINT PROJECT WITH TRUST FOR
PUBLIC LANDS
Ms. Cindy Hall, County Manager,
informed the Board that the County will be doing a joint project with Trust for
Public Lands (TPL) inhouse, but will be using the expertise of TPL. She stated that she did not have a time frame
for it, however, noted that she would bring information regarding it back to
the Board at a later date, at which time Ms. Regina Frazier, Budget Director/Interim
Procurement Director, informed the Board that a draft agenda item will be
coming before them regarding the matter on December 20, 2005.
Commr. Hanson noted that time is of
the essence.
CITIZEN QUESTION AND COMMENT
PERIOD
Mr. Roy Hunter, representing the Northeast Lake
Chamber of Commerce, addressed the Board stating that it would be nice if Ms.
Cindy Hall, County Manager; Mr. Bruce Thorburn, Communications Systems
Director; and Mr. Gary Kaiser, Public Safety Director, would talk to DIRECTV
and the DISH Network about the issue of cable television and free advertising,
noting that he believes the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules state
that every television station has to provide so many free minutes of
advertising for community projects, at which time he displayed an ad indicating
that on Saturday, December 10, 2005, Santa Claus will be at the Community
Center in Paisley and at the Walgreens Drug Store, located at SR 19/CR 44A,
which the Northeast Lake Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring. He noted that all the photographs taken with
Santa will be free and there will be free candy for the children, as well.
Mr. Hunter stated that Ms. Julie
Allen, from Hospice, will be giving a presentation at the Northeast Lake
Chamber of Commerce Meeting that is scheduled to be held on December 17, 2005,
at Spring Creek School, at which time he noted that those people who do not
understand Hospice, or have some misconstrued idea about the organization,
should attend the meeting and learn what Hospice is really all about. He stated that they do a lot of good. He then discussed the fact that there have
been a lot of articles in the newspapers recently about not having God in
government. He stated that there are only
three forms of government – anarchy, dictatorship, and democracy and as long as
God is kept in the government that exists today this Country will never have a
dictatorship or anarchy, so God needs to be kept in government.
---------------------------------------
Mr. Travis Whigham, representing the Forest Hills
Association, addressed the Board stating that the Association had a good
turnout at their last meeting, noting that the residents wanted to know what
had transpired, with regard to a grant that the community had applied for. He stated that he let them know that the
community did not receive the grant, but that there was a possibility of some
funds being available for materials that are needed for some projects that are
being proposed for their community. He
stated that an individual in their community has agreed to donate needed
shingles, another individual is working on obtaining a donation of 20 gallons
of paint, and he and his family are trying to raise enough money to put in
soccer and football goals that are needed at one of the parks. He stated that the residents would like to
have a pavilion constructed in their community, to be used for picnics, etc.; a
fishing dock, to replace one that the community had years ago that rotted away;
benches for the community’s parks, as well as its soccer and football fields; a
drug and alcohol program; funds to hook up some computers that were donated to
their community center by the Lake County School System, to get them
operational for use by the residents; and transportation to get the community’s
children to and from the local youth centers for after-school activities.
Commr. Hanson suggested that Mr.
Whigham meet with his District Commissioner, regarding his concerns and
requests.
RECESS AND REASSEMBLY
At 12:00 noon, the Chairman
announced that the Board would recess until 5:05 p.m., for a Public Hearing on
two Ordinances scheduled to come before the Board.
COMMISSIONERS
It was noted that Commr. Cadwell,
Vice Chairman, would be presiding over the Public Hearing scheduled for 5:05
p.m., due to the fact that the Chairman, Commr. Hanson, had a previous
commitment and would be unable to chair the meeting. It was further noted that Commr. Stivender
would not be present at the Public Hearing, as well, due to another commitment.
PUBLIC HEARING
ORDINANCE AMENDING LAND DEVELOPMENT
REGULATIONS TO
REMOVE BUS SHELTER SIGNS AND
BENCH SIGNS FROM EXEMPT SIGNS
Mr. Sandy Minkoff, County Attorney,
placed the proposed Ordinance on the floor for its final hearing, by title
only, as follows:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS OF LAKE
COUNTY, FLORIDA; AMENDING SECTION
11.01.04, LAKE COUNTY CODE,
APPENDIX E, LAND DEVELOPENT
REGULATIONS, TO REMOVE BUS
SHELTER SIGNS AND BENCH SIGNS FROM
EXEMPT SIGNS; PROVIDING
FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR
INCLUSION IN THE CODE; AND
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
The Vice 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 Vice Chairman closed the public hearing.
On a motion by Commr. Hanson,
seconded by Commr. Stivender and carried unanimously, by a 4-0 vote, the Board
approved Ordinance No. 2005-103, Amending Section 11.01.04 of the Land
Development Regulations (LDRs) to Remove Bus Shelter Signs and Bench Signs from
Exempt Signs, as presented.
ORDINANCE AMENDING LAND
DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS
REGARDING SCHEDULE OF PERMITTED
AND CONDITIONAL USES
Mr. Sandy Minkoff, County Attorney,
placed the proposed Ordinance on the floor for its final hearing, by title
only, as follows:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS OF LAKE
COUNTY, FLORIDA; AMENDING SECTION
3.01.03, LAKE COUNTY CODE,
APPENDIX E, LAND DEVELOPMENT
REGULATIONS, ENTITLED SCHEDULE
OF PERMITTED AND CONDITIONAL USES,
LAKE COUNTY
CODE, APPENDIX E, LAND DEVELOPMENT
REGULATIONS; ADDING
UNDER RECREATIONAL USES CLUB PRIVATE
OR COUNTRY AND RIDING
STABLE OR ACADEMY; ADDING LAND
DEVELOPMENT REGULATION
SECTION NUMBERS FOR CERTAIN USE
CLASSIFICATIONS; FOR
COMMERCIAL USES ADDING REFERENCE TO
THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
AND MINOR GRAMMATICAL CORRECTIONS;
PROVIDING FOR
SEVERABILITY;
PROVIDING FOR INCLUSION IN THE CODE; AND
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
The Vice 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 Vice Chairman closed the public hearing.
On a motion by Commr. Cadwell,
seconded by Commr. Pool and carried unanimously, by a 4-0 vote, the Board
approved Ordinance No. 2005-104, Amending
Section 3.01.03 of the Land Development Regulations (LDRs) Entitled Schedule of
Permitted and Conditional Uses, as presented.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no
further business to be brought to the attention of the Board, the meeting was
adjourned at 5:08 p.m.
____________________________________
CATHERINE C. HANSON, CHAIRMAN
ATTEST:
__________________________
JAMES
C. WATKINS, CLERK