A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

FEBRUARY 21, 2006

The Lake County Board of County Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, February 21, 2006, at 9:00 a.m., in the Board of County Commissioners’ Meeting, Lake County Administration Building, Tavares, Florida.  Commissioners present at the meeting were: Catherine C. Hanson, Chairman; Welton G. Cadwell, Vice Chairman; Jennifer Hill; and Robert A. Pool.  Commissioners not present:  Debbie Stivender.  Others present were: Sanford A. “Sandy” Minkoff, County Attorney; Cindy Hall, County Manager; Wendy Taylor, Executive Office Manager, County Manager’s Office; and Toni M. Riggs, Deputy Clerk.

INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

            Elder Elijah Terry with the Church of God by Faith gave the Invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance.

            AGENDA UPDATE

            Ms. Cindy Hall, County Manager, stated that she would like to pull Tab 12 on the fire station site in the Paisley/Lake Kathryn area; a little bit more work needs to be done on this item.  The Board also has Addendum No. 1 that has an item under the County Attorney’s reports having to do with approval and authorization on tax deed sales.

            Commr. Hanson stated that, even though the Board is pulling Tab 12, she would like to have a little discussion on this item.

            INTRODUCTIONS/LEADERSHIP LAKE COUNTY

            Commr. Cadwell introduced Martha Ledford, Pringle Development, who is doing her internship for Leadership Lake County today.

            COMMISSIONERS

            Commr. Hanson stated that she would like to recognize that Commr. Debbie Stivender is absent today and that their thoughts and prayers are with her and her father.

            MINUTE APPROVAL

            On a motion by Commr. Pool, seconded by Commr. Hill and carried unanimously by a 4-0 vote, the Board approved the Minutes of January 23, 2006, Special Joint Meeting, School Board and Municipalities, as presented.

            On a motion by Commr. Pool, seconded by Commr. Hill and carried unanimously by a 4-0 vote, the Board approved the Minutes of January 27, 2006, Visioning Retreat, as presented.

            CLERK OF THE COURT’S CONSENT AGENDA

            On a motion by Commr. Hill, seconded by Commr. Pool and carried unanimously by a 4-0 vote, the Board approved the Clerk of Court’s Consent Agenda, Items 1 through 8, as follows:

            List of Checks or Warrants

 

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

 

            Contractor Bonds

 

            Request to approve the following Contractor Bonds:

New

 

5675-06           Frank R. Kaiser II d.b.a. Ron Kaiser LLC

6048-06           Mark S. MacDonald d.b.a. Water Systems Irrigation Specialists of Florida Inc.

6097-06           James Drawdy d.b.a. JBD Builders, Inc.

6452-06           McGhee Landscaping & Irrigation, Inc.

6453-06           Timothy Kuhn d.b.a. Kuhn Electric, Inc.

6454-06           James Calvin Allen d.b.a. J.A.M. Construction, Inc. of N. Central Florida

6455-06           Southern Landscaping & Lawn Maintenance, Inc.

6456-06           Mark Bowman d.b.a. Cypress Signs

 

Cancellation

 

5809-04           William R. Bil d.b.a. William Bil Plumbing

 

            Land Available List

 

            Request to acknowledge receipt of the property placed on the Lands Available List.

 

ST. JOHNS RIVER WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT/PERMIT APPLICATION/BATSON’S GREENHOUSES, INC.

 

            Request to acknowledge receipt from the St. Johns River Water Management District a Written Notice of Intended District Decision on Permit Application(s) in Lake County (Notice dated January 25, 2006); Batson’s Greenhouses, Inc., Gene Batson, PO Box 1410, Mount Dora, FL 32756-1410, application #2688. The District proposes to allocate 0.033 million gallons per day of ground water for the irrigation of 6.5 acres of indoor foliage. The withdrawals used by this proposed project will consist of ground water from the Floridan Aquifer via 4 active wells in Lake County, located in Section 21, Township 19 South, and Range 27 East, known as Heritage. Petitions for an administrative hearing on the above application must be filed within 26 days of the District depositing this written Notice of Intended District Decision in the mail.

 

FLORIDA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION/ANNUAL REESTABLISHMENT OF PRICE INCREASE OR DECREASE INDEX

 

            Request to acknowledge receipt from the Florida Public Service Commission, a notice in re: Annual reestablishment of price increase or decrease index of major categories of operating costs incurred by water and wastewater utilities pursuant to Section 367.081(4) (a) F.S., Docket No. 060005-WS, Order No. PSC-06-0075-PAA-WS, Issued January 31, 2006. Any person whose substantial interests are affected by the action proposed by this order may file a petition for a formal proceeding, in the form provided by Rule 28-106.201, Florida Administrative Code. This petition must be received by the Director, Division of the Commission Clerk and Administrative Services, 2540 Shumard Oak Boulevard, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0850, by the close of business on February 14, 2006.

 

ST. JOHNS RIVER WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT/RELIABLE PEAT COMPANY JV

 

            Request to acknowledge receipt from the St. Johns River Water Management District a legal notice regarding Reliable Peat Company JV, P.O. Box 491440, Leesburg, FL 34749-1440, application #103164, and proposal to withdraw 2.74 million gallons per day of surface water for a 173 acre peat mine. Withdrawals used by this proposed project will consist of surface water from an on-site lake via 3 proposed pumps in Lake County, located in Sections 5 - 8, Township 21 South, Range 24 East, known as Youth Camp Peat Mine. If interested in the listed application, contact the St. Johns River Water Management District, 4049 Reid St., P.O. Box 1429, Palatka, Florida 32178-1429.

 

            Cascades at Groveland Community Development District/Resolution

 

            Request to acknowledge receipt of the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2005/2006, a copy of the Resolution 2006-07 designating the District’s Agent and Registered Office Address, and a copy of Resolution 2006-09 identifying the Fiscal Year 2005/2006 meeting schedule for the newly established Cascades at Groveland Community Development District, pursuant to Chapter 190, Florida Statutes.

 

            Satisfaction and Release of Fine/Drescher

 

            Request to approve Satisfaction and Release of Fine against Robert Drescher, in the amount of $250.00 – Order of Fine recorded in OR Book 02300, Pages 1510 – 1511 of the Public Records of Lake County, Florida.

 

            COUNTY MANAGER’S CONSENT AGENDA

            On a motion by Commr. Hill, seconded by Commr. Cadwell and carried unanimously by a 4-0 vote, the Board approved the following County Manager’s Consent Agenda, Tabs 3 through 27 and pulling Tab 12:

            Budget Transfer/Public Safety/Contractual Services/Grants

 

            Request from Budget for a budget transfer – General Fund, Department of Public Safety, Emergency Management Division. Transfer $50,519.00 from Contractual Services to Personal Services ($24,679.00), Operating Expenses ($20,659.00), and Capital Outlay ($5,181.00). Funds need to be reallocated to pay for a limited-term, part-time employee. The initial intention was to use outside contractors, so the majority of the funds were budgeted in Contractual Services. It has been determined that it would be more beneficial to hire an employee. Emergency Management requested and received approval to fund the position with the State Homeland Security Grant as long as the grant exists. Funds available in Contractual Services.

 

            Budget Transfer/Environmental Services/Covanta Contract Management Division

 

Request from Budget for a budget transfer – Landfill Enterprise Fund, Department of Environmental Services, Covanta Contract Management Division. Transfer $300,000.00 from Contractual Services to Utility Services. A new natural gas agreement with Covanta was approved by the Board of County Commissioners on November 22, 2005 and signed by the Chairman on December 20, 2005. A transfer of funds from one object code to another is required due to the new agreement. Funds available in Contractual Services. No new funds are required.

 

            Budget Transfer/Public Safety/Office Supplies

 

            Request from Budget for a budget transfer – County Fire Control Fund, Department of Public Safety, Fire Rescue Division. Transfer $15,000.00 from Professional Services to Office Supplies. Additional funds are needed in the Office Supplies account to pay outstanding invoices and provide additional funds for future expenses. Funds available in Professional Services.

 

            Budget Transfer/Public Safety/Office Supplies

 

Request from Budget for a budget transfer – County Fire Control Fund, Department of Public Safety, Fire Rescue Division. Transfer $12,000.00 from Repair and Maintenance to Office Supplies. Additional funds are needed in the Office Supplies account to pay outstanding invoices and provide additional funds for future expenses. Funds available in Repair and Maintenance.

 

            Budget Transfer/Public Works/Stormwater Improvements

 

            Request from Budget for a budget transfer – Stormwater Management Fund, Department of Public Works, Engineering Division, Stormwater Section. Transfer $800,000.00 from Special Reserve to Professional Services. Many Stormwater improvements have been identified over the past year due to the higher than average rainfall. There are additional projects that will need to be funded this year, for study and final design only. Funds available in Special Reserve.

            Budget Transfer/Environmental Services/Operating Supplies

 

            Request from Budget for a budget transfer – Landfill Enterprise Fund, Department of Environmental Services, Solid Waste Administration Division. Transfer $13,425.00 from Reserve for Operations to Operating Supplies. Additional recycle bins are needed to meet increased citizen requests due to the increase in completed residential construction. Funds available in Reserve for Operations.

 

            Ordinance – Request to Advertise – Lake County Elder Affairs Coordinating Council

 

            Request from Community Services for approval to advertise change to the Ordinance which address the operation of the Lake County Elder Affairs Coordinating Council.

 

            Annual Funding Agreements/Community Services

 

            Request from Community Services for approval to amend the Annual Funding Agreements with the Boys and Girls Club of Lake and Sumter Counties, Inc.; Christian Care Center; Haven of Lake and Sumter Counties, Inc.; and Take Stock in Children Foundation, contingent on County Attorney approval; and to transfer unused funds as indicated.  Fiscal impact:  $19,000.00

 

            Waste Management/Reimbursement/Property Damage

 

            Request from Employee Services for approval and acceptance of Waste Management's offer to reimburse Lake County for property damage caused by a Waste Management vehicle at a Lake County facility; and execution of appropriate document approving and authorizing settlement of County's claim for property damage.

 

            Refund/Masterpiece Homes

 

            Request from Growth Management for approval to refund $35,775.00 to Masterpiece Homes due to duplicate payment of capacity fee which was incorrectly applied to the Division of Water Resources.

 

            Contract/AON Consulting, Inc.

 

            Request from Procurement Services for approval and execution of the Contract with AON Consulting, Inc. for various employee benefits consultant services in the annual amount of $54,000.00.

 

            First Amendment/Change Order/Fire Station/Lake Jem

 

            Request from Procurement Services for approval and execute the First Amendment to complete a Change Order to increase the cost of the project in the amount of $11,560.00 for modifications in the design of the prototype fire station at Lake Jem, RSQ Number 05-056, Architectural Design for Fire Stations.

 

            Modification to Contract/MAN Telecommunication/Fire Rescue Facilities

 

            Request from Procurement Services for approval of a modification to contract number 05PLBN6BUQDB with Sprint which currently provides for MAN telecommunication capacity at Fire Rescue facilities, to add this service at an additional facility, and to grant authority to staff to implement future similar supplemental requirements within a $12,660.00 limit.

 

            Procurement Procedure

           

            Request from Procurement Services for approval of a change in Procurement procedure to formalize a requirement for BCC retroactive approval of actions in excess of $25,000.00 which are awarded using informal procurement procedures in response to an emergency or urgency requirement.

 

            Resolution Dissolving Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee

 

            Request from Public Works for approval and signature on the Resolution 2006-23 dissolving the Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee.

 

            Ordinance – Request to Advertise - Final Plat Requirements

 

            Request from Public Works for approval to advertise Ordinance amending Section 14.07.07, Lake County Code, Appendix E, Land Development Regulations, entitled Final Plat Requirements.

 

            Maintenance Bond/Silver Creek PUD

 

            Request from Public Works for approval and authorization to release a Maintenance Bond in the amount of $50,000.00 posted for Silver Creek Phase I. Silver Creek PUD consists of 116 lots – Commission District 2.

 

            Maintenance Bond/Windscape Phase III

 

            Request from Public Works for approval and authorization to release a Maintenance Bond in the amount of $24,613.57 posted for Windscape Phase III. Windscape Phase III consists of 50 lots – Commission District 2.

 

            Final Plat/Bella Ladera

 

            Request from Public Works for approval and authorization to accept the final plat for Bella Ladera and all areas dedicated to the public as shown on the Bella Ladera plat. Bella Ladera consists of seven lots – Commission District 3.

 

            Resolution/Signs/Leesburg Area

 

            Request from Public Works for approval and signature on Resolution 2006-24 authoring the posting of a "STOP" sign on Thomas Avenue (5108) and CR 25A (5507) at their intersection with Urick Street (5407) in the Leesburg area.

 

            Maintenance Bond/Spring Valley Roper Boulevard Improvements

 

            Request from Public Works for approval and authorization to release a Maintenance Bond in the amount of $12,205.20 posted for Spring Valley Roper Boulevard Improvements.

 

            Maintenance Bond/Spring Valley Phase I

 

            Request from Public Works for approval and authorization to release a Maintenance Bond in the amount of $48,683.00 posted for Spring Valley Phase I. Spring Valley Phase I consists of 70 lots – Commission District 2.

 

            Maintenance Bond/Spring Valley Phase V

 

            Request from Public Works for approval and authorization to release a Maintenance Bond in the amount of $27, 627.95 posted for Spring Valley Phase V. Spring Valley Phase V consists of 55 lots – Commission District 2.

 

            Maintenance Bond/Spring Valley Phase II

 

            Request from Public Works for approval and authorization to release a Maintenance Bond in the amount of $32,144.16 posted for Spring Valley Phase II. Spring Valley Phase II consists of 47 lots – Commission District 2.

 

            Maintenance Bond/Spring Valley Phase III

 

            Request from Public Works for approval and authorization to release a Maintenance Bond in the amount of $25,135.80 posted for Spring Valley Phase III. Spring Valley Phase III consists of 34 lots – Commission District 2.

 

            Maintenance Bond/Spring Valley Phase IV

 

            Request from Public works for approval and authorization to release a Maintenance Bond in the amount of $30,368.60 posted for Spring Valley Phase IV. Spring Valley Phase IV consists of 74 lots – Commission District 2.

 

            Maintenance Bond/Spring Valley Phase VI

 

            Request from Public Works for approval and authorization to release a Maintenance Bond in the amount of $17,343.00 posted for Spring Valley Phase VI. Spring Valley Phase VI consists of 56 lots – Commission District 2.

 

            Letter of Credit/Verde Ridge Units I and II

 

            Request from Public Works for approval and authorization to release a Letter of Credit for Performance in the amount of $6,886,597.32 posted for Verde Ridge Unit I; and request authorization to release a Letter of Credit for Performance in the amount of $9,694,672.14 posted for Verde Ridge Unit 2. Verde Ridge Units I and II consist of 212 and 190 lots respectively – Commission District 2.

 

            Repairs/Astor Park

 

            Request from Public Works for approval for funding and the transfer of funds from General Fund Reserve for Operations for repairs at Astor Park to replace the electrical panel and feed which was struck by lightning, the removal of the existing dugouts and concrete slabs and their replacement with designed dugouts, and the installation of a scoreboard which has already been purchased.  Fiscal impact:  $50,000.00

 

            FIRE STATION - PAISLEY/LAKE KATHRYN AREA

            Commr. Cadwell stated that he had asked that Tab 12, the request for approval to secure property in the Paisley/Lake Kathryn area for the construction of a new fire station and approach the Department of Forestry to determine if it has a suitable site that it would be willing to negotiate, be pulled from the agenda today, because there are still some site questions that have not been answered yet, and he had asked staff if they would hold up on that until they could get all of those answered.

            Commr. Hanson questioned whether the Board has a date in mind to postpone this item to and Commr. Cadwell suggested that the item be placed on the agenda for the second meeting in March (March 14, 2006), because he will not be here the first week in March.

PRESENTATION: FAST-TRACK ORLANDO METRO VA MEDICAL CENTER BY COLONEL DENNIS FREYTES (U.S. ARMY RETIRED), NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR UNIFORMED SERVICES

 

            Colonel Dennis Freytes stated that he is retired Army, he served in the Special Forces Infantry in Airborne, and he is here on behalf of the National Association for Uniformed Services (NAUS).  He stated that NAUS has a membership of 200,000; about 10,000 to 20,000 in Florida.  He is the Regional Vice President for Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, and he also served on the Army Retiree Council that covers and represents the 40,000 Army retirees in the State of Florida.  He has served on the Governor’s Transition Team and the President’s Transition Advisory Committee for Veterans Affairs, and he has been very involved with veterans.  He stated that he is here today to ask the Board for their help in getting the long over due and long ago promise for the Orlando Metro VA Medical Center expedited and constructed by 2008.  He noted that VA Secretary Nicholson has promised to make the construction of the Central Florida VA Medical Center a top priority, which will serve about 400,000 veterans in the whole Central Florida area.  The Medical Center will cost about $350 million; the hospital cost is $150 million; it will have about one million square feet and would include outpatient services, a nursing home, a domiciliary living assistant facility; it will be staffed with about 1,910 people; and it will boost the Central Florida economy.  Since 1983, the Veterans Administration (VA) decided that the Central Florida’s large veteran population required a hospital.  Currently the VA expects the hospital to open in five years, after 2011, but a more reasonable goal is to place the Orlando Metro VA Medical Center on a fast-track and get funding appropriated this year and have it open by 2008.  If the total funds are not available, the hospital can be constructed first; the VA Medical Center later.  Colonel Freytes stated that he talked to several senators last week in Washington D.C., and they are all supporting the promise, but the money has not yet been appropriated.  He reviewed the VA Hospital chronology of events, as noted in the backup, and asked the Board to help the veterans get this expedited by issuing a resolution or letter of support.

            Commr. Pool extended his thanks to Colonel Freytes for his position and his support and enthusiasm noting that he is obviously on the right track talking to senators and congressmen, and he certainly felt that the Board could issue a letter of support.

            Commr. Pool made a motion, which was seconded by Commr. Hill, for the Board to issue or write a letter supporting Colonel Freytes’ stance on the VA Hospital issue, as noted.

            Under discussion, Commr. Cadwell wanted to know if the Veterans Service Office has looked at this request, and Commr. Hill noted that they did a couple of weeks ago, and she would respectfully request that John Mica and Tom Feeney, House Representatives, be added to the list that was presented, since Colonel Freytes noted that he has spoken to them.

            Commr. Hanson called for a vote on the motion for the Chairman to write a letter and send it on behalf of the Commission, which was carried by a 4-0 vote.

            PRESENTATION: STEP UP, FLORIDA DAY IN LAKE COUNTY

            Mr. Fletcher Smith, Director of Community Services, addressed the Board and explained that, beginning last year, the health departments statewide had an event called Step Up Florida.

            Ms. Pam Stenke, Director of the Lake County Health Department, addressed the Board and explained that Step Up has gone through all of the counties in Florida, to promote a healthier lifestyle and healthy living to combat obesity.  Today the flag has come from Polk County to Lake County this morning on the Van Fleet State Trail and activities will be starting at 11 a.m. at the National Training Center.  Dr. Dot Richardson will be greeting the crowd and talking about being active, and ten agencies in Lake County have been participating in this event to help promote healthy living.  They are encouraging Lake County citizens to walk the trails and be active.

            Mr. Smith read into the record the Step Up Florida Proclamation.

            Commr. Hanson stated that, along with that, there is also a commitment to look at designing communities that lend themselves to a healthy lifestyle.

            On a motion by Commr. Hill, seconded by Commr. Pool and carried unanimously by a 4-0 vote, the Board approved Step Up, Florida Day Proclamation 2006-25 in Lake County on February 21, 2006.

            Commr. Hill noted that last year the event was held in the City of Eustis, and it was very well attended.

PRESENTATION: RESOLUTION OFFICIALLY DECLARING THE WEEK OF FERUARY 19-25, 2006 AS NATIONAL ENGINEERS WEEK IN LAKE COUNTY

 

            Mr. Jim Stivender, Director of Public Works, addressed the Board and stated that the County has recognized National Engineers Week since 1996.  He explained that National Engineers Week was founded in 1951 by the National Society of Professional Engineers.  Mr. Stivender explained that staff goes out into the community and teaches eighth graders about engineers and how they affect the everyday lives of everyone.  They want to make sure that the students who are interested in the math and science skills are ready to start ninth grade.  This has been a very successful program and, because of the FCAT schedule this year, staff will be scheduling their visits in March.

            Commr. Cadwell made a motion, which was seconded by Commr. Hill, to approve Resolution 2006-26 officially declaring the week of February 19 through 25, 2006 as National Engineers Week in Lake County.

            Under discussion, Commr. Hanson stated that the Board certainly recognizes the importance of science in the education system, and they certainly need to improve it, and they appreciate staff’s efforts in the community with the students.

            Commr. Hanson called for a vote on the motion, which was carried unanimously by a 4-0 vote.

PRESENTATION: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN “PLANNING HORIZON 2025”

 

            Ms. Carol Stricklin, Director of Growth Management, addressed the Board to give an update of the progress in preparing “Planning Horizon 2025” and noted that, in their packet, there is a copy of the Executive Summary.   Ms. Stricklin explained that she will talk about some of the issues that have emerged in the process of preparing this Comprehensive Plan, and the schedule for completion of the Plan.  She stated that the Lake County Comprehensive Plan was adopted in 1993, so the data analysis is somewhat dated and the Growth Management legislation has changed significantly since that time.  In 1999-2000, an Evaluation and Appraisal Report (EAR) was prepared where they evaluated how the 1993 Comprehensive Plan was working and what needed to be changed in the update.  The substantial rewrite that the County is undertaking is really based upon that evaluation.  In 2005, significant changes were made to Florida’s Growth Management legislation, so it really offers them an opportune time to undertake this rewrite.  The major theme of that legislation is “pay as you grow” and a philosophy has been written into that legislation that these Comprehensive Plans really need to figure out how to match facilities and services with the demands created by growth and development, and they do that through capital improvements programming, stronger concurrency requirements, and provisions for proportionate share mitigation, or the ability for developers to pay for needed facilities at the time the development occurs.  Ms. Stricklin also wanted to mention the Wekiva legislation that was passed which expands to the Wekiva Study Area certain protections that have to be included within the Comprehensive Plan.

            Ms. Stricklin stated that staff has undertaken this major rewrite of the Comprehensive Plan based upon an aggressive program of public involvement, because this is really a community based plan that reflects the values and desires of the Lake County citizens and how they see their community. She explained that there are three specific goals of the Comprehensive Plan, as follows: to guide growth and development; to protect their natural resources; and ensuring the provision of infrastructure and services at the time it is needed.  She noted the list of points that are identified as The Vision for the Comprehensive Plan, which she read very briefly noting that this would be for the next 20 years.

            Ms. Stricklin explained that updating the data analysis, inventorying the changes in land use, changes in the environment, changes in population, was a major effort and this work has been completed.  The Comprehensive Plan consists of a set of Goals, Objectives and Policies, as well as a Future Land Use and Future Traffic Circulation Map; these are complete in a draft form and the Local Planning Agency (LPA) is very near to completing its review of that set of Goals, Objectives and Policies.  Following that, staff will be undertaking the preparation of the Future Land Use Map.  As the LPA has been working through these issues, there are some very significant policy discussions that have been occurring.  There are several issues that center on balancing land use issues with protection of the environment as development occurs.  They have had some very detailed discussions about how open space may be utilized; how they can encourage conservation subdivisions in green design; how they calculate density.  There has been a lot of discussion about the Wekiva area, and they are looking at how the policies that address development in the Wekiva Protection Area might be expanded within the Wekiva Study Area.

            Ms. Stricklin explained that currently the Future Land Use Map has very generalized categories, and it shows areas as urban, urban expansion, suburban, and rural, and the densities that can be achieved within those urban, urban expansion, and suburban areas are based upon the formula called timeliness, but it does not really provide certainty to the citizens or the development community about exactly what can occur within those areas.  The draft Future Land Use Element replaces that timeliness system with more specific future land use categories that include a rural series of land uses that recognize rural densities, as Ms. Stricklin explained in more detail, and as shown in the backup, and it includes points such as clustering, the creation of a Historic Village Overlay, new intensity districts for office, commercial and industrial and high intensity development districts along the turnpike interchanges; the removal of the suburban, urban expansion and urban categories including timeliness to be replaced with new districts allowing densities from one unit to five acres, to high density of 12 units to the acre; new categories such as recreation, public/quasi public, and conservation.  Ms. Stricklin stated that the next major task is the Future Land Use Map, which will be undertaken by the LPA.  Staff has done intensive inventories of existing land uses and done the base mapping, and they have also collected input from two primary sources, the landowners, and the land uses outside of the incorporated areas of the municipalities, and these two primary sources of information have been mapped and will be made available to the LPA as they begin their discussions about the Future Land Use Map.  She explained that one of the primary requirements of the Growth Management legislation is that they designate the right amount of land to accommodate future development, which she explained in more detail.  Staff anticipates that this work will occur through the rest of this month and be discussed by the LPA in March.

            Ms. Stricklin stated that staff has tentatively identified a schedule for completing the Comprehensive Plan update and taking it through the adoption process, which begins with transmittal public hearings.  Staff has tentatively scheduled a transmittal public hearing by the LPA in the April timeframe, and they will transmit it to the Board for their review prior to sending it to the Florida Department of Community Affairs (DCA); they anticipate that they will receive that in May; they anticipate a work session prior to holding that public hearing.  The transmittal public hearing is not an approval of the Comprehensive Plan but a preliminary approval and sends it to DCA for their review.  It will come back in about two months for those final public hearings and adoption, which staff anticipates will occur in mid-summer.  Once the Comprehensive Plan is complete, then staff will begin to prepare the implementing Land Development Regulations (LDRs) rewriting their ordinances that govern land use and development and that is required by Statute to be adopted within a year of this major Comprehensive Plan update.  Staff will be working through 2006 and 2007 to bring the regulations in line with the new future land uses.  There are several optional Elements that Ms. Stricklin stated have been identified for future adoption; Public Safety, Cultural, Library and others.  They are also required by Statute to do the EAR again by August 2008.  The next LPA meetings for discussion of these items will be February 24, 2006; March 16, 2006; and March 23, 2006.  All of these materials are available on the County’s Planning Horizon 2025 website.  Anything that is produced by staff, their consultants, or presentations that are made to the LPA by outside parties are placed on that website for review.

            Commr. Cadwell pointed out that this Board had said that when this process started they were going to let that citizen group do their job, and this Board was going to stay out of that process until they had a chance to do that, and he wanted to know if that has been the case.

            Ms. Stricklin stated that this has been very much the case and that staff has worked primarily with the LPA, and they are ready to bring the Board a recommendation within the next couple of months.

            Commr. Hanson stated that she would like to recognize Nadine Foley and Keith Schue who both serve on the LPA, and she appreciates them being here and for all of their hard work.

            Commr. Hanson stated that she sees the clustering and the traditional neighborhood designs being used and anticipates that they will be looking at methods to encourage that use because, even though they allow them today, they do not really happen.  She wanted to know if staff would be looking at methods to encourage that use or that design.

            Ms. Stricklin acknowledged that staff would be looking at methods and, in the rural areas where they are looking at a density of one to one, staff is looking at that primarily as occurring with a clustering concept, but they are also looking at incentives in the LDR that might be provided to allow clustering.

            Commr. Hanson felt that this is going to be extremely important as they move forward and look at the challenges with their transportation and getting folks from their homes to jobs, particularly since energy costs continue to increase, so this is going to be important when they are looking at 20 to 25 years out, or even ten years out.  She is glad to see them looking at culture as an option along with heritage. She does know that the LPA had a presentation last week on community development and it was very good, and it may be helpful for this Board to get that same presentation at some point.  It was noted that the presentation was given by Glatting Jackson.

            Commr. Hill wanted to know, under the Summary of Policy Points, if these are things that staff is including in the document or are these things to be discussed to be included. Ms. Stricklin noted that these are things that are already incorporated into the document.

            Commr. Hill referred to The Vision, as outlined in the backup, and stated that the word “provide” is being used for a school system that unites the community and provides quality education; she thinks that the meaning of “provide” reflects that the County will financially be responsible for providing a school system, and she questioned whether there was another word that they could possibly use.  She would rather say that they can “promote” inter-governmental coordination with the school system, or they can “advocate” for the school system, or “collaborate” with the school system, something that says they are going to work with them, but they are not “providing” that system.  She felt that this would help make it less confusing for people who will think that they have some type of responsibility for the school system, and she does not want the school system to think that they are trying to take over either.

            Commr. Hanson stated that Commr. Hill raises a good point but she thinks that perhaps in all of these, when they look at it from a vision standpoint, they would want to look at those items not as a verb, but as a noun, this is the way they want it to be in the vision and then come back and figure out how they are going to do that but she understands, at the very least, that they would need to change that verb but staff can work through all of them.

            Commr. Pool addressed the issue of rural settlements such as Bay Lake, Yalaha, Okahumpka, and stated that now that they have The Plantation, the high end of the County, he wanted to know if that would be considered as rural settlement.

            Ms. Stricklin stated that this would not be considered rural settlement; they are specifically referring to the distinctive communities, as opposed to the more suburban development patterns; the historic villages.

            Commr. Pool stated that they can then say there are many areas in the County that have urbanized and are an intricate part of their community, so they do not want to forget them, because close to one-half of the population lives in the County.  They need to continue to try and balance as they go forward and determine how they can provide for that one-half that wants to come into Lake County, and the other half that wants to go to these urban areas, and to provide those housing types and products that people want in Lake County.

            Ms. Stricklin explained that they would recognize those areas as part of that urban residential land use area beginning at two and half units per acre.

            Commr. Hill wanted to know if the categories, as listed, are uniform with the cities and, if these are uniform throughout the County, she wanted to know if they will adopt our categories.

            Ms. Stricklin explained that each of the cities would maintain their own series of land use designations.  They have taken into account the requests of the cities and tried to reconcile the categories that they use but these will be uniform for the unincorporated area.

            Commr. Hill stated that she knows that staff is eliminating suburban urban because the cities had a different definition for those.

PUBLIC HEARING: PROPOSED USES OF FISCAL YEAR 2006-2007 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) FUNDS

 

            Ms. Liz Eginton, Director of Housing and Community Development, addressed the Board to discuss the proposed uses of the Fiscal Year 2006-2007 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds.  Ms. Eginton explained that today’s hearing is the start of the FY 2006-07 CDBG Funding cycle in preparation of the 2006-07 One Year Action Plan.  The intent of the hearing is to provide opportunities for public comment on community needs, program performance, and on proposed uses of funds for the coming year.  Today they will take a brief look at what has been accomplished to date; present a preliminary budget concept for FY 2006-07; obtain public reaction to the concept budget and other ideas as to what CDBG funds should be used for next year; and request that the Board approve the concept budget.  At this time, Ms. Eginton reviewed some of the accomplishments that happened during the first four months of this fiscal year, as follows:

  • Roadway Paving – BCC approval to bid next phase of Lake Kathryn received on 2/7.
  • Urban County Partners - Tavares’ Main Street beautification project is well along and close to being put out for bid; Montverde’s sidewalks are nearly finished; Astatula’s sidewalks are now complete; Lady Lake is almost ready to put their sidewalks out to bid.

 

  • Public Service Activities – 195 people had received 1,549 prescriptions at the Health Department; 738 frozen weekend meals were delivered to 19 homebound seniors by Mid-Florida Community Services

 

  • Community Enhancement Area Program – Yalaha was selected as the first CEA; applications for the second round were submitted on February 17.

 

  • Housing Rehabilitation – to date one roof has been repaired

 

            Ms. Eginton stated that staff would like to build on this year’s successes by continuing with the activities that they are currently doing noting that their FY 2006-07 entitlement is estimated to be $968,033; a 9.1% reduction from this year.  They correspondingly reduced their CEA, Public Service, Urban County partner, Housing and Administration allotments and are requesting that the Board approve the concept budget, which will allow them to proceed with preparation of the FY 2006-07 Action Plan.  Staff is suggesting that the Board open the hearing for comments from the public.

            Commr. Hanson pointed out that the 9.1% reduction was from the federal funds. Ms. Eginton noted that staff lobbied very hard to maintain level funding and this was an across the board reduction.

            Commr. Cadwell reported that this whole Block Grant Program is going to be under attack again in Washington D.C. and they really need to stay on top of this issue. Ms. Eginton had heard about a 25% reduction being proposed and staff is trying to lobby to at least maintain level funding if not increase it.  It was noted that the Board’s lobbyists have been made aware of this in Washington D.C. and are working on it, and staff is also working on it.

            Commr. Hanson explained that, as brought up in the past, there is a need for sidewalks in the Sorrento area but, because the area is not incorporated, they really do not have any money that advocates particularly for projects.  She wanted to know if the Community Enhancement Area (CEA) Program is still tied to income levels.

            Ms. Eginton explained that it is the same in all areas; it has to be an area with at least 51% low and moderate income.

            Commr. Hanson stated that, between Mr. Jim Stivender, Director of Public Works, and the transportation department, that road needs a sidewalk, because a person was killed there a couple of weeks ago on CR 46 and, even though this was not the first time, they need to try and find a solution to the problem.

            Ms. Eginton noted that staff was surprised that only one community has made application for the CEA Program, because they had expected to have at least three because they had three that attended their bidders conference.  Staff is working very hard at publicizing the Program and has included it on their website.

            Commr. Hanson opened the public meeting and called for public comment.

            Mr. D. J. Mauro addressed the Board and stated that there are a number of people that walk along Lakeshore Drive in Mount Dora, and there should be some kind of pavement so people can either ride their bike or walk along there without using the roadway.  Also the speed limit is 35 miles per hour, and it should be reduced because it is very dangerous.

            Commr. Hanson noted that this may not fit under this program, but Mr. Stivender can take that under consideration.

            Mr. Travis Whigham addressed the Board and stated that last year he applied for the $15,000 grant for his community, and this year it was $25,000.  He was not able to get the information together to reapply for the grant because of unplanned circumstances and not having the timeframe to do that but, if the previous application can be brought into this year’s process, it would be greatly appreciated because they still have the same number of people interested in getting these things done in their neighborhood.

            Ms. Eginton explained that the format has changed; they consolidated the application process with the Human Services grants and the Citizens Commission for Children grants.

            Mr. Whigham stated that they need a lot of things in their neighborhood, but anything that can be done and has been done is greatly appreciated.

            Ms. Eginton recalled that Lake Mack was designated an emerging community enhancement area last year, and they are giving them $1,500 to do some improvements there.

            Mr. Whigham explained that the residents are trying to prioritize their needs and will be having a special meeting to make some decisions on where to apply that funding.

            Commr. Hanson called for further public comment.  There being none, the public hearing portion of the meeting was closed.

            On a motion by Commr. Pool, seconded by Commr. Cadwell and carried unanimously by a 4-0 vote, the Board approve the proposed uses of Fiscal Year 2006-2007 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds, as presented.

            RECESS & REASSEMBLY

            At 10:02 a.m., Commr. Hanson announced that the Board would take a ten minute recess.

            OTHER BUSINESS

            APPOINTMENTS/AFFORDABLE HOUSING ADVISORY COMMITTEE

            Commr. Cadwell addressed the request for an appointment of an individual to the vacant "resident who is a concerned citizen for affordable housing" position on the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee and noted that he was not ready to make that appointment.

            Commr. Hanson noted that this item would be postponed.

            APPOINTMENTS/LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD

            On a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Pool and carried unanimously by a 4-0 vote, the Board approved the appointment of the following individuals to upcoming vacant positions on the Lake County Library Advisory Board: Reappointments – Dorothy Keedy, Member; Beth Sindler, Alternate Member; and Karen Howard, Member.

            ADDENDUM NO. 1

            REPORTS – COUNTY ATTORNEY

            TAX DEED SALES

            Mr. Sandy Minkoff, County Attorney, discussed the request for staff to attend and bid on selected properties at tax deed sales, as well as other judicial sales, or to otherwise acquire property that is involved in such sales.  Mr. Minkoff explained that, while he was gone last month, a tax deed sale came up where the Lake Dalhousie boat ramp is located and his office, along with Mr. Jim Stivender, Director of Public Works, who provided the funds, went to bid at the sale and, even though they did not get the property, there are some issues that have resulted from that sale, and staff is trying to deal with them.  He explained that, when he asked his staff who authorized them to bid at the sale, it raised this question.  Staff is watching tax deed sales and sometimes foreclosures particularly when they are adjacent to County owned property, or it is a piece of property that they have, and this specific agenda item came up because it is close to a small County park, and the property is being advertised for sale at the beginning of March.  Staff would like to get authority from the Board, when these sales come up on short notice and they cannot come back to the Board, to have the ability to go bid at the extent that there are budgeted funds, and the County Manager or the department director has authorized them to do that.  Mr. Minkoff noted that typically they are going to be small purchases and will not involve a lot of funds, but staff will try and bring them to the Board in advance.

            Commr. Hanson stated that she does not have a problem with that but she appreciates the issue coming forward so they can tighten up the process and give Mr. Minkoff that authority.

            Commr. Hill wanted to know how staff would decide the use of the property.

            Mr. Minkoff explained that the department director would make that decision.  If it was a park they could make bigger or a site that they need for a future fire station or library, it would depend on the site itself.  Sometimes it is conservation land where they may want to acquire it for the conservation area.  In terms of funding, Mr. Minkoff noted that these are typically going to be small, maybe $25,000 to $30,000, and staff will always have County Manager approval.

            On a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Pool and carried unanimously by a 4-0 vote, the Board approved the request from the County Attorney for approval and authorization to attend and bid on selected properties at tax deed sales, as well as other judicial sales, or to otherwise acquire property that is involved in such sales.

            REPORTS – COUNTY MANAGER

            COUNTY POLICY/NAMING OF FACILITIES/PLACEMENT OF MEMORIALS

            Ms. Cindy Hall, County Manager, explained that the Board discussed at the Board Retreat the policy regarding the naming of County facilities and placement of memorials, to provide guidelines and procedures of naming sites and facilities and gives them consistency on how they deal with that issue.

            Commr. Hanson noted that she did have a discussion with an individual about the naming of the Law Library, and she told the individual that she would have to wait and that the County did have a policy coming forward.  She is sure that they will have more of these types of requests.

            On a motion by Commr. Hill, seconded by Commr. Cadwell and carried unanimously by a 4-0 vote, the Board approved the County policy regarding the naming of county facilities and placement of memorials, as presented.

            WATER ALLIANCE

            Mr. Gregg Welstead, Deputy County Manager, stated that two weeks ago staff brought to the Board’s attention the fact that Orange County was applying for a Consumptive Use Permit that expanded their use over the next 20 years.  The Water Alliance and Commr. Hanson, as the Board’s representative, met the following evening to discuss the Water Alliance’s involvement in that issue.  Basically the Water Alliance wanted to get involved and asked the County to intervene on their behalf.  There has been discussion with their attorney who is looking at it and he has indicated that there may be an alternative to filing an administrative appeal and that would be to apply for mediation.  Staff has had indications from Seminole County and the South Florida Water Management District that they have concerns with this permit as well.  Staff would request, with Board approval, that they file for either mediation, or an administrative hearing, with it being noted that the deadline is this Thursday and that, with mediation, they lose no rights to file for an administrative hearing.

            Mr. Sandy Minkoff, County Attorney, stated that their goal would be to mediate it first to generally oppose the permit and attempt to work out, as they did with Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC), provisions that are acceptable to them.  If they cannot do that or if people refuse to participate in mediation, then to file the petition to oppose the permit and try to do it through litigation.

            Commr. Cadwell questioned whether OUC has an opinion on this matter.  Mr. Welstead felt that they do only because it was their attorney who brought it to their attention.

            Mr. Minkoff explained that OUC, if the Board will recall, signed an agreement with Orange County to settle their dispute, so he is not sure that they are going to actively be involved in challenging this.

            Commr. Pool made a motion, which was seconded by Commr. Cadwell, to approve to allow mediation in this matter, as noted.

            Under discussion, Commr. Hanson wanted to know if they have the other provisions of their permit that lists out what they would be opposed to at this time.

            Mr. Minkoff stated that staff has asked Doug Manson with Carey, O’Malley, Whitaker & Manson, Tampa, Florida, to really get into the details of the permit, and he assumes that Ms. Blanche Hardy, Director of Environmental Services, is doing it from her technical side, so they can understand the issues.

            Commr. Hill asked who was involved in this issue, and Mr. Minkoff explained that typically the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) is the permitting agency, so they would be involved; the applicant would be involved; and anyone who is opposed the permit.

            Commr. Hanson called for a vote on the motion, which was carried unanimously by a 4-0 vote.

            JOINT MEETINGS/CITY OF EUSTIS

            Ms. Cindy Hall, County Manager, stated that the Joint Meeting with the City of Eustis is scheduled for Thursday, and staff has composed a letter for the Board that identifies their main concerns.  She asked Amye King, Deputy Director of Growth Management, to give the Board an update on this matter, so they will know ahead of time going into the meeting.

            Ms. King addressed the Board and stated that, on February 23, 2006, at 6:30 p.m., the City of Eustis has asked to have a joint meeting with the Board.  The meeting will be held in the Library Community Room.  The Mayor, Johnnie Hale, has sent a letter dated January 27, 2006 that outlines the key issues of concern for the City.  One is that she, on behalf of her board, would like to ensure compatible requirements in the form of open space recreation, setback requirements, and lot size reductions, etc. and all land development regulation issues.  She has also asked that there be stronger consideration by County staff of City recommendations and asked for basically similar guidelines within their joint planning area (JPA).  Staff would like to recommend to the Board that staff prepare a JPA agreement that addresses the Mayor’s concerns so that they have a working document on Thursday night, and they can go through the document with the City Council and negotiate issues they would like to address within their JPA.  With the Board’s permission, staff will prepare that document and have it for them tomorrow.

            Commr. Hanson stated that this would be helpful and hopefully the outcome from this meeting will help them deal with issues that are similar in other JPAs within the County.

            Ms. King explained that this is the same approach that staff has taken with the two adopted JPAs; staff has one pending with the Town of Lady Lake; and one with the Town of Montverde.  Staff would like to take a similar approach of inter-governmental cooperation with all of the municipalities.

            Ms. King stated that the last item that the Mayor asked to be considered is a possible land trade of the fairgrounds with some City owned property.  This issue is going to be addressed separately from the Growth Management Department, and Mr. Jim Bannon, Director of Facilities Development and Management, has already worked with Ms. Hall to begin coordinating discussions on that item.

            Commr. Hanson reported that, the week before last, she was at the myregion.org board meeting, and one of the issues they were discussing was the lack of coordination of planning between the seven counties that are in the Central Florida area, and the myregion.org area, and it was obvious to her that they also do not coordinate very well between the cities and the County on a regular basis.  She understands that there has been a planning forum in the past, but she is not sure how active it is and what the discussions are but she has talked to the County Manager about the possibility of creating a planning council that would be led by the County and bringing in planning officials from the different cities, so that they can have more conversation and more consistency between the County and the cities, and among the cities.  She knows that Ms. Hall is looking at it, and she thinks it would enhance their inter-governmental relationship a great deal.

            REPORTS – COMMISSIONER POOL – DISTRICT #2

            LEADERSHIP LAKE COUNTY

            Commr. Pool wanted to congratulate Leadership Lake County on their golf tournament the other day, the Diamond Players, and to say that it was a very successful event.

            WEST ORANGE/SOUTH LAKE TRANSPORTATION TASK FORCE

            Commr. Pool reported that they had a very successful West Orange/South Lake Transportation Task Force Meeting; it was well attended by all the cities; and they are really trying to show the concerns and focus of the SR 50 corridor/Hartwood Marsh/CR 535; and he appreciates the Board’s support.

            CITY OF MINNEOLA/ANNEXATION/LOWNDES PROPERTY

            Commr. Cadwell asked staff if the County was having any dialogue with Minneola in regards to a joint planning area (JPA), because he thought they were doing a visioning process.

            Mr. Gregg Welstead, Deputy County Manager, stated that Commr. Cadwell was correct in that Minneola has been doing a visioning session. Next Tuesday night, February 28, 2006, they are having a Council meeting where they are proposing to adopt their vision for the area.  He will be attending that meeting to ask them to please transmit that to the County as quickly as possible, so the County can incorporate that into their future land use.

            Commr. Cadwell stated that he understands that the School Board is trying to annex the Lowndes property.  It was a bad site when it came before this Board for a school, and it would be a bad site if it is inside the City of Minneola and, since the majority of the Board felt that way, he believes they need to let Minneola know that they feel this way.  He stated that, in all the time that he has been here, there has only been a couple of times that the Board ever opposed any annexations, and he believes that to sit silent is not what they should do on that site.

            Mr. Welstead stated that this afternoon there is a Planners Forum in Minneola at City Hall to talk about proportionate share.  He met with Bruce Behrens, City Manager of Minneola, and a few other folks last week to discuss Founders Ridge, and he is going to take some of the information that they provided in regard to the school zoning to Mr. Behrens this afternoon so he is aware of it.

            Commr. Pool interjected that, if Mr. Welstead is going to attend this meeting, obviously the Hills of Minneola area is still in the County, and he thinks that certain municipalities have at least looked that way.  The potential is still there for an interchange on the turnpike at that location, Hancock Road north up to the Turkey Farms area, and potential for discussion about diversification and an ideal location for a Class A office park.  Commr. Pool stated that this is something that he wants to bring forward that at least Minneola may want to consider and, even if they would like to try and annex that acreage, they might want to mutually talk about an opportunity for this Class A office park at this location.  He wanted to at least put that on the table for comments and conversation, because it is currently in the County.

            Commr. Hanson stated that she agrees with any options other than residential and certainly that is one of their goals for the County, and Jim Stivender, Director of Public Works, informed the Board that staff showed Hills of Minneola as an employment center in their workshop.

            Commr. Pool stated that he is not opposed to some commercial or retail in that area but a Class A office park like the Maitland Center would really present a nice location for good job opportunities, clean industry, and clean jobs.

            Commr. Cadwell stated that he knows it takes a four-fifths vote by the Board, and there are only four Commissioners here today, but he would like to make a motion to place on the agenda a position on the annexation of the Lowndes property into Minneola.

            Commr. Hill seconded the motion.

            Under discussion, Commr. Pool stated that he was one of the Commissioners that supported the school site, and he still believes it is probably going to be a viable site at some point in the future and whether it is two years premature, or five years premature, he thinks the school site is important.  If this is something that the Board wants to talk about, he will be more than happy to listen, but he would prefer for it to not be on the agenda only because he thinks there may be a time to discuss this and maybe they need to go ahead and make it an agenda item, but maybe not today.

            Mr. Minkoff stated that there is an intervening property owner that has to be annexed first but they have not actually applied yet; he believes it is Dale Ladd; so there is one property that has to be annexed before the Lowndes property becomes contiguous.  He reminded the Board that the annexation and the use are different issues.

            Commr. Cadwell understood that there has been no other idea other than they are going to annex it to build for that school, so he worries about this Board sitting silent.  He noted that his motion is to place this item on the agenda, and it requires a four-fifths vote.

            Commr. Hanson called for a vote on the motion, which failed with a 3-1 vote.

            Commr. Pool voted “no”.

            On a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Pool and carried unanimously by a 4-0 vote, the Board approved to direct staff to monitor that situation with the City of Minneola in regard to the Lowndes property and bring back information to the Board in a timely manner, so that the Board can act on it.

            REPORTS – COMMISSIONER HANSON

            LAKE COUNTY DAYS/TALLAHSASSEE

            Commr. Hanson reported that they had a very successful Lake County Days in Tallahassee, and she believed that it was very well planned and executed.  She wanted to thank Wendy Taylor, Executive Office Manager, County Manager’s Office, for all of her work, as well as others, and hopefully they helped Commr. Cadwell’s efforts with the Association of Counties.  She also noted that the Sheriff did a very good job with the luncheon, and they wanted to thank the Legislative Delegation because they are trying very hard to figure out how Lake County can get a share of those billions of dollars that are excess in their budget.

            UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA/CONTRIBUTIONS/MEDICAL SCHOOL

            Commr. Hanson addressed the request from the University of Central Florida (UCF) asking that Lake County consider a contribution to the proposed UCF Medical School.

            Commr. Hill stated that, when UCF came to the Board last year, they sent a letter of support, and they were looking at a vote from the Florida Board of Governors and for contributions.   She discussed this item with Ms. Cindy Hall, County Manager, and, as far as the County’s contribution, she would like staff to find out the level of giving maybe with the hospitals in the area.

            Ms. Hall informed the Board that Mr. Fletcher Smith, Director of Community Services, has talked to the hospitals and has some information to give the Board.

            Mr. Smith addressed the Board and stated that he has talked with Ken Mattison, President, Florida Hospital Waterman, and the Adventist Hospital system is making a substantial contribution to that project.  He spoke to a staff person from Leesburg Regional Medical Center (LRMC) and that individual had not seen or heard of any kind of request from UCF for a contribution; he has talked to a staff person at South Lake Hospital and they have discussed this item but not made a decision; and he has not yet talked to Jon Cherry, CEO, LifeStream Behavioral Center.

            Ms. Hall stated that she does not know whether other counties are participating, but she thinks Orange County is offering a match.

            Commr. Hanson stated that it certainly has regional impact, and it would be great to hear from others.

            Commr. Hill asked that staff look at it and see what the level of giving is not only in Lake County but in surrounding counties, to give the Board a recommendation as to what they would find appropriate for Lake County.  She noted that she does support it, and she thinks they will greatly benefit from a Medical School even in Lake County.

            Commr. Cadwell noted that it was his understanding that UCF will be meeting with the Florida Board of Governors on March 23, 2006.

            CITIZEN QUESTION AND COMMENT PERIOD

            Fire Stations/Paisley/Lake Kathryn

            Mr. Roy Hunter, Northeast Lake Chamber of Commerce, addressed the Board stated that he will hold his presentation regarding the Paisley/Lake Kathryn fire station until the second meeting in March, since the item has been postponed until such time (Tab 12).  Mr. Hunter stated that Commr. Cadwell had a discussion with him during the recess, and he would like to make a few comments on that discussion.  Commr. Cadwell wanted him to reassure the people that he would meet with him before that meeting in March, along with Amye King, Deputy Director of Growth Management, to discuss this item.  He noted that only the forest land was on the agenda, and Commr. Cadwell reassured him that the agenda item will also show the present Paisley site, and it will still be considered in the discussion.

            Mr. Hunter wanted to thank the County for getting CR 439 black-topped, and he personally appreciates the fact that there is going to be a signal at CR 439 and CR 44A, and there are others in Northeast Lake who also appreciate it.  He also wanted to thank the 40 people that were here today in support of Tab 12 noting that most of them left after the Board pulled the item from the agenda.  Mr. Hunter wanted to remind everyone of their Chamber meeting Thursday night at 6:30 p.m. at Spring Creek School, and he wanted to recognize Mr. Fred Hunter, who has with him Mr. Ernest Palmer, noting that they are the people that sold the land that is being considered for the fire station site; and Mr. Keith Schue is also here today.  Mr. Hunter stated that he would like to have all three fire stations open in this area, because all were donated to Lake County with a verbal understanding that they would have fire protection and the stations would be active in Paisley, Lake Mack, and Shockley Heights.  He also wanted to recognize Ms. Paisley MacAfee from Deer Haven.

            Immigration Issues

            Mr. D. J. Mauro addressed the Board and explained that he gave the Board members a video about a month ago that addressed immigration issues, and he hoped that they and their staff had an opportunity to watch it.  Mr. Mauro read Article IV, Section 4 of the Constitution, which guarantees them a Republican form of government and noted that there are approximately 35 million illegal aliens in this country; on CNN, Lou Dobbs quoted a figure of $20 million when he discussed the issue; a part of this video taping was shown to the Board at this time.  Mr. Mauro explained that this is a very serious issue and will affect future generations.  Information shows that, in 1970, there were approximately 203 million people in the country; the last census showed 298 million; the illegals were not counted because they cannot be found but there are about 35 million.  He has information from 1964-65 showing that the country used to take in 250,000 legal immigrants a year; this was changed to 900,000; 85% of that 900,000 are from third world countries; only 15% from Europe.  Mr. Mauro stressed the need for them to take this issue seriously.

            Fire Stations/Lake Kathryn/Wekiva Greenway District

            Mr. Fred Hunter addressed the Board and stated that he has a house on CR 42 west of Lake Kathryn, and he came to speak against the motion to move the fire station, if it is moved into that part of Section 16 that lies south of CR 42.  He explained that this property was sold by him and Mr. Ernest Palmer to the State for the Wekiva Greenway District.  It was his clear understanding that this was to remain under the Conservation and Recreation Lands (CARL).  He would suggest that they go directly to the Forest Service and let them know that it is not their job to locate a fire station in that section, and they will be violating an agreement, even though it is not in writing, that they had when it was purchased under threat of condemnation.  It was sold to them for less than the appraised value because they wanted it to be part of that Greenway.  He would like to talk to his Commissioner and anyone else and strongly object to them taking part of the Greenway for a fire station.  He has plenty of other places he can show them that would be better for a fire station site.  He agrees with Mr. Roy Hunter that it should be in Paisley, even though that station could stand to be upgraded, but he does not want it in Section 16.

            Commr. Hanson stated that the Board appreciated Mr. Hunter’s comments, and they look forward to seeing him at the meeting that addresses this issue.

            Fire and Rescue/Road Issues/Lake Mack Area

            Mr. Travis Whigham, Lake Mack, addressed the Board and explained how a fire occurred on Second Street in the Forest Hills/Lake Mack area last week noting that it took Lake County Fire and Rescue between 25 to 30 minutes to react to the incident, because they appeared to be lost and unable to find the place; in this particular case, it was fatal.  He explained that, if County Fire and Rescue and the Sheriff’s Department had been able to communicate with each other, the response time would have been much better.  The County needs to find ways to get the fire trucks to these areas, and that would include roads, which he has been working on for a long time, and they need a communication system with updated technology for these trucks so that the Fire and Rescue people can get to these homes.  Once these road projects are complete in this area, it will allow Fire and Rescue to be that much closer to the residents.

            Commr. Hanson stated that the Board members all recognize that there is a need for a station in that area.

            Fire Station/Paisley/Lake Kathryn

            Mr. Keith Schue addressed the Board and stated that he is speaking on behalf of the Nature Conservancy, as the Ocala/Wekiva Conservation Project Coordinator, and he would like to express concerns regarding the location of a fire station within Section 16, which is a portion of Lake County that is in public ownership.  It is part of the Wekiva-Ocala Greenway Project that will be used to establish important linkage between the Wekiva system and the Ocala National Forest.  Mr. Schue noted that he will present the Board with a copy of the Wekiva-Ocala Greenway project system, as it has been identified by the State.  He stated that Lake County has been truly a leader in protection of the Wekiva; protection of that portion of the County that represents the Wekiva-Ocala corridor.  Clearly through actions taken by this Commission on behalf of Lake County for protecting the Wekiva through the Wekiva Coordinating Committee and legislative process, the County has a commitment to protecting this resource.  He stated that locating or utilizing public conservation land on Section 16 for some other purpose beyond conservation is not consistent with that and he would recommend that the County direct its efforts toward identifying a different location.  His understanding is that the area right in the center of Section 16 has been considered, but there are private lands located 2,500 feet to the east or 2,500 feet to the west of that area.  He would encourage the County to look toward another location beyond their public conservation lands for the location of such a facility.

            ADJOURNMENT

            There being no further business to be brought to the attention of the Board, the meeting adjourned at 11:05 a.m.

 

 

__________________________________

CATHERINE C. HANSON, CHAIRMAN

 

ATTEST:

 

 

 

 

__________________________

JAMES C. WATKINS, CLERK