A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

FEBRUARY 20, 2007

The Lake County Board of County Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, February 20, 2007, at 10:00 a.m., in the Board of County Commissioners’ Meeting Room, Lake County Administration Building, Tavares, Florida.  Commissioners present at the meeting were: Welton G. Cadwell, Chairman; Jennifer Hill, Vice Chairman; Elaine Renick; Debbie Stivender; and Linda Stewart.  Others present were Sanford A. “Sandy” Minkoff, County Attorney; Cindy Hall, County Manager; Wendy Taylor, Executive Office Manager, County Manager’s Office; Barbara Lehman, Chief Deputy Clerk, County Finance; and Susan Boyajan, Deputy Clerk.

INVOCATION AND PLEDGE

Ms. Karen Burris, from Morrison United Methodist Church, in Leesburg, gave the Invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance.

AGENDA UPDATE

Ms. Cindy Hall, County Manager, pulled the first item on Tab 4, which was the Budget transfer for $16,320 from Reserve for Operations to Buildings for architectural and engineering services for a lab addition to the Environmental Services Building in Astatula, to get a little more information about that project before bringing it back to the Board at a later date.

Ms. Hall also added Addendum No. 1 on her Consent Agenda, which had to do with applying for a grant which had a deadline of February 22, since time was of the essence.  She also commented that a Resolution needed to be attached to this addendum, which she handed out to the Board.  She explained that another item that had been handed out prior to the meeting had to do with the Neighborhood Lakes agenda item, with the difference of $15,000 in closing costs on the Purchase Agreement.

MINUTES

On a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Renick and carried unanimously, by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved the Minutes of January 23, 2007 (Regular Meeting), as presented.

On a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Renick and carried unanimously, by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved the Minutes of January 26, 2007 (Special Meeting – Board Retreat), as presented.

CLERK OF COURTS’ CONSENT AGENDA

Commr. Renick stated that she wanted to Pull Item 5 and have it brought back with the City’s name that was annexing the property, which was omitted.

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

List of Warrants

            Request to acknowledge receipt of list of 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.

            Unclaimed Excess Proceeds for Tax Deeds

            Request to acknowledge receipt of unclaimed excess proceeds for tax deeds totaling $7,456.95

            Satisfaction and Release of Claim

            Request to acknowledge receipt of Satisfaction and Release of Claim, in regards to the Estate of John E. Cole, Jr., File No. 2006-CP-1195

            City of Eustis Annual Report for FY October 1, 2006 – September 30, 2006

            Request to acknowledge receipt of City of Eustis Annual Report for Fiscal Year October 1, 2005 through September 30, 2006

            Annexation Ordinance from City of Fruitland Park

            Request to acknowledge receipt of Annexation Ordinances from the City of Fruitland Park, adopted on January 25, 2007, as follows: Ordinance No. 2007-001, annexing approximately 3.9 acres located at 35326 Micro Race Track Road. Ordinance No. 2007-003, annexing approximately 94 acres located north of Spring Lake Road and south of Lake Ella Road.

            Notice Before the Florida Public Service Commission   Request to acknowledge receipt of: Notice Before the Florida Public Service Commission– In re: Application for increase in water and wastewater rates in Lake County, by Utilities, Inc. of Pennbrooke.Notice of Proposed Agency Action and Order Approving an Increase in Wastewater rates.

            COUNTY MANAGER’S CONSENT AGENDA

            Commr. Hill requested that Tab 5 be pulled for discussion, and Commr. Renick requested to pull Tab 9 for a quick question.

            On a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Renick and carried unanimously, by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved the County Manager’s Consent Agenda, Tabs 3 through 21, excluding the first Budget Item under Tab 4, plus Addendum No. 1, and pulling Tabs 5 and 9, as follows:

            Budget

            Request for approval of very low-income and low-income impact fee waivers as refunds to lenders on behalf of qualified individuals.

            Request for approval of the following Budget Change Requests: Budget Transfer – Library Impact Fee Trust Fund, Department of Community Services, Library Services Division. Transfer $500,000 from Special Reserve to Buildings. A transfer of funds from the Library Impact Fee Special Reserve account is needed for the approved Library Impact Fee applications submitted on the July 11, 2006 BCC meeting date. A budget transfer was completed for Fiscal Year 2006. At that time, however, the Fiscal Year 2007 budget inadvertently omitted the $500,000.  Therefore, funds should be transferred to the Buildings account for the Cagan Crossings Library Project (approved by the Board on July 11, 2006) in the amount of $500,000.  Funds are available in Special Reserve.  After the posting of this transfer, there will be $1,823,034 remaining in Special Reserve.

Budget transfer - County Fire Control Fund, Department of Public Safety, Fire Rescue Division. Transfer $95,380 from Repair and Maintenance to Buildings. Fire Rescue needs to purchase a 27' x 40' modular building to be used as living quarters for Fire Station #90 (Ferndale).  This building was not budgeted in the Fiscal Year 2007 budget, but funds are available in the Repair and Maintenance account.  Apron repair was budgeted in Repair and Maintenance to repair driveways at various stations.  Budgeted funds were significantly less than estimates that have been received, so the project will be completed using a less expensive repair method or budgeted again in future years.

            Procurement

            Request for approval and execution of a contract with T.Y. Lin International for engineering services for Radio Road, Kurt Street and Cherry Lake, Jalarmy & East Apshawa Road. Commission Districts 2, 3 and 5.

            Request for approval to award ITB# 07-0816 for the Repair of Four (4) Summit Walking Floor Trailers to CMD Trailer Sales in Jacksonville, Fl for the amount of $54,750.96.

            Public Safety

            Request for approval to enter into an Automatic Aid Agreement with the City of Tavares to provide fire protection and rescue services.

            Public Works

            Request for approval and authorization for Chairman to execute satisfaction of liens for the attached nineteen (19) road assessments.

            Request for approval and signature of Resolution No. 2007-21 to Advertise Public Hearing for Vacation Petition 1086, request to vacate rights of way, in the Plat(s) of Silver Lake Estates, located in Sections 9 & 10 - Leesburg area. Commission District 1.

            Request for approval and signature of Resolution No 2007-22 to Advertise Public Hearing for Vacation Petition 1106, request to vacate a portion of North Shore Drive and Lake Griffin Drive and a canal in the Treasure Island/Leesburg area. Commission District 1.

            Request for approval and signature of Resolution No. 2007-23 to Advertise Public Hearing for Vacation Petition 1107, request to vacate deeded right of way, lying within Flowing Waters Preserve in the Grand Island Area. Commission District 1.

            Request for approval of agreement with Tuscany Village Venture, L.L.C. regarding improvements to the South Clermont Connector (Hammock Ridge Road) currently under construction and approval to execute change order #1 to the South Clermont Connector project with DeWitt Excavating, Inc. in a credit amount of $-118,519.67. Commission District 2.

            Request for authorization to release a letter of credit for maintenance in the amount of $52,860 posted for Grand Island Estates. Grand Island Estates consists of 47 lots and is located in Section 32, Township 18 South, Range 26 East. Commission District 4.

            Request for approval to accept the attached public right of way deeds that have been secured in conjunction with roadway projects. Commission Districts 2 and 3.

            Request for approval and execution of a purchase agreement with Joseph R. Orfe, and authorization for the Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners to sign any and all documents necessary for closing, for property within the Forest Hills/Lake Mack Flood Buy Out Program. Commission District 5.

            Request for authorization to accept the final plat for Windsor Green Phase I and all areas dedicated to the public as shown on the Windsor Green Phase I plat. Windsor Green Phase I contains 19 lots and is located in Section 10, Township 19 South, Range 24 East. Commission District 1.

            Request for authorization to accept the final plat for Village Hills and all areas dedicated to the public as shown on the Village Hills plat. Village Hills consists of 17 lots and is located in Section 31, Township 18 South, Range 24 East. Commission District 1.

            Request for authorization to release a letter of credit for performance in the amount of $506,291.50, accept a maintenance bond in the amount of $232,933.00, execute a Developer's Agreement for Maintenance of Improvements Between Lake County and MI Homes of Lake County, LLC, and execute Resolution No. 2007-24, accepting the following roads into the County Road Maintenance System: Yale Bluff Drive (County Road No. 4667); Scenic Bluff Drive (County Road No. 4667A); Lake Yale View Loop (County Road No. 4667B); Scenic Ridge Drive (County Road No. 4667C); Scenic Pine Ridge (County Road No. 4667D); and Lake Overlook Drive (County Road No. 4667E) . Windy Ridge at Lake Yale consists of 175 lots and is located in Section 29, Township 18 South, Range 26 East. Commission District 4.

            Request to award Sleepy Hollow Road Realignment Project No. 2006-12, to WRS Infrastructure & Environment, Inc. in the amount of $988,303.00 and to encumber and expend funds in the amount of $988,303.00 from the Road Impact Fee Fund, Benefit District 3. Commission District 1. Agreement subject to review and approval by County Attorney’s Office.

            ADDENDUM NO. 1

            COUNTY MANAGER’S CONSENT AGENDA (CON’D)

            Public Safety

            Request for approval for County Manager to (1) apply for grant funds in the amount of $290,000; and (2) approve minor grant modifications, through the Emergency Management Preparedness and Assistance (EMPA) Competitive Grant Program and approval of Resolution No. 2007-25.

            Commr. Hill stated that she pulled Tab 5 because she wanted to have the money issue resolved before she voted to approve the contract with St. Johns River Water Management District.  She commented that she understood that the Board was to bring that issue back at the Workshop in March.  Ms. Cindy Hall, County Manager, stated that she had planned to bring forward options for funding at the March 27 Work Session, but that this item is the Purchase Agreement and does not require that the Sellers know where the money is coming from, and the two issues could be handled separately.  Commr. Hill stated that she would feel more comfortable to vote to approve this if she knew that the funds were coming from the Land Acquisition Bond Funds rather than general funds.

            Mr. David Hanson, Public Lands Manager, commented that the request to possibly fund half of this from general funds came from the Public Land Acquisition Advisory Council (PLAAC).  He explained that they were concerned that $5 million dollars was a large sum and were exploring any other possible funds available to alleviate having to fund the entire amount.

            Commr. Renick opined that she thought it was appropriate to fund this through the Land Acquisition Bond Funds.  She related that PLAAC’s fear was that such a large chunk would be taken out of their funds, that they could run out of money to fund other pieces of land that were deemed important.  She also noted that if that situation arose, PLAAC could come back to the Board requesting general funds, so she did not see a problem with going forward with this purchase at this time with PLAAC money.

            On a motion by Commr. Hill, seconded by Commr. Stivender and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved Tab 5, which was a request from Growth Management for approval of the Purchase Agreement between Lake County and the St. Johns River Water Management District and authorization for the Chairman to execute the necessary closing documents, with the addition of $15,000.00 for the closing costs, and with the specification that the funding would come from Land Acquisition Funds.

            Commr. Renick commented that the contract for this purchase agreement spelled out that the land management of this piece of land would be taken care of by the Department of Environmental Protection, with Lake County having a say in it, which would be a substantial cost savings to the County.

            Commr. Stewart opined that the property might be able to be used for gopher tortoise relocation.

            Commr. Renick inquired regarding Tab 9, whether the change order would be paying for resurfacing already done or for further resurfacing.

            Mr. Jim Stivender, Jr., Public Works Director, responded that it was a change order for resurfacing that had already been done a year ago.  He explained that the County had a disagreement with the contractor and refused to pay the bill, and that the contractor had been uncommunicative with the County.

            Commr. Renick asked if the County had any plans for further resurfacing beyond what had already been done.

            Mr. Stivender responded that they were planning to advance the section closest to the Orange County line near Lovers Lane (or Drive) on the east end.

            On a motion by Commr. Renick, seconded by Commr. Stivender and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved Tab 9, the request from Public Works for approval to execute change order No. 1 to the Countywide Resurfacing Project No. 2005-10 in the amount of $68,324.39 for additional work relating to the project, and approval to encumber and expend funds in the amount of $68,324.39 from the Renewal Sales Tax Capital Project Fund.

            COUNTY ATTORNEY’S CONSENT AGENDA

            On a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Hill and carried unanimously, by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved the County Attorney’s Consent Agenda, Tabs 22-24, as follows:

            Request for approval of Bond Counsel Agreement between Lake County and Nabors, Giblin & Nickerson, P.A.

            Request for approval of Federal Equitable Sharing Agreement for Lake County Sheriff's Department.

            Request for authorization to make application for tax deed by county on one parcel.

            PRESENTATION

            UPDATE ON GROUNDHOG DAY TORNADO RELIEF EFFORT

            Mr. Jerry Smith, Director of Emergency Management, addressed the Board to update them on the Groundhog Day Tornado relief effort over the last two weeks, and passed out a report entitled “Milestone Documentation.”  He noted that it was Day 18 of the functioning of the Emergency Operations Center, and that they were currently at Level 2, meaning they were operating during the hours of 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. and that they were not fully staffed, but that the Citizens Information Line was being answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  He reported that the total number of deaths were up to 21 and that over 500 structures were damaged or destroyed, with an estimated damage cost of $25 million, with 47 businesses impacted.

            Commr. Cadwell asked the County Manager if the small businesses were getting assistance from Ms. Dottie Keedy, Director, Economic Growth and Redevelopment.

            Ms. Cindy Hall, County Manager, responded that she thinks they had been in contact with the FEMA small business loan program.

            Commr. Cadwell asked that Ms. Keedy work with Mr. Smith on that to make sure the County was offering any assistance that it could.

            Mr. Smith went on to report that there were 546 individuals that have registered with FEMA, and he urged everyone who had property damage to at least register with FEMA so that they would be able to file for assistance in the future if necessary.  He noted that they had been successful in obtaining 26 FEMA trailers placed within the County, and that Lake was the first County to get those.  He recognized Mr. Craig McCarty, Housing Coordinator from the Florida Division of Emergency Management, for his diligence in making sure the citizens were getting what they needed and had contributed to the County’s success pertaining to housing.

            He stated that over $76,000.00 had been provided for rental assistance, $350,000.00 for repairs, and close to $600,000.00 for replacement, as well as almost $1.5 million for Small Business Administration loans.  He opined that the cooperation from the entire Board staff had been phenomenal, and that every department under the Board was contributing to the effort in some way. 

            He related that there has been headway in the Lake Mack Community Relief Effort and needs have been assessed.  He recognized that the First Assembly of God in Eustis was sponsoring the feeding station there and the effort of the Groundhog Day Heroes.  They are still trying to get the large amount of donations organized that have been left at the Community Center.  He introduced Ms. Brittany Melo, the liaison from the Base Camp to the EOC to make sure the residents’ needs were met.  He stated that so far the Base Camp workers had provided 1100 community man hours towards the cleanup effort and that the Base Camp currently had 104 residents.  He commented that there had been an excellent partnership with the State and Federal partners to meet the needs of the disaster victims.  He reported that Lake and Sumter Emergency Recovery (LASER) had their first meeting and they are working on hiring case workers and establishing a  presence to work on meeting a lot of the unmet needs, and that they were still working with FEMA to get a specific list of individuals that needed that assistance.

            He related that in the unincorporated Lady Lake area, that the County had collected 59,500 cubic yards of debris so far and that in Lake Mack they had collected 40,300 cubic yards.  He specified that 78 percent of that was vegetative and 22 percent was construction and demolition related.   He stated that since Volusia County qualified for individual assistance during the Christmas Day Tornado, that brought with it a Small Business Administration declaration, and that because Lake is a contiguous county to Volusia, that will allow businesses that had damage to file for SBA loans.  He mentioned that that should be good news for the veterinary clinic on US Hwy 441 that had severe damage to their roof.

            He concluded that the major objective was to not lose focus on providing relief for the County’s citizens as they downscale and minimize the staff at the Emergency Operations Center.  He reported that the morale of the staff was great and that they were all dedicated and working very hard to meet the needs of the disaster victims.

            Commr. Stivender commented that Mr. Smith was running a phenomenal operation.  She stated that she had attended some of the meetings and that Senator Baker, Senator Nelson, and Ms. Nancy Koepke had complimented him.

            COUNTY MANAGER’S DEPARTMENTAL BUSINESS

            PRESENTATION - ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES

            IBINI TERA

            Ms. Sharon Tatum, Public Education Specialist with the Department of Environmental Services, introduced Ms. Maryann Utegg, Lake County Watershed Action Volunteer Coordinator with the St. Johns Water Management District, to explain about Ibini Tera and how the County could support this effort.

            Ms. Utegg explained that Ibini Tera was a term developed by Mr. Everett Kelly, one of the founders of the program, which was an amalgamation of words and phrasing which meant “water without silt,” or “clean water.”  She related that the Ibini Tera cleanup was countywide, but was originally a St. Johns River celebration which was traditionally held in March, and over time it developed into our own localized cleanup.  She stated that partners from the Daily Commercial, the Lake County Water Authority, Progress Energy, and the City of Leesburg joined together to make sure that the cleanup continued beyond the funding that the district provided more than ten years ago.  She explained that over the past six years, they have had a committee of about 30 people from the public and private sector who helped to coordinate anywhere from 11 to 16 different sites around the County, ranging from the Clermont area to Astor and the St. Johns River.  She commented that over the past six years they have pulled out of the lakes in our area nearly 100 tons of trash, and that each year they have anywhere from 100 to 500 participants throughout the county.  She also commented that she appreciated the assistance from staff from Lake County Environmental Services, Lake Griffin State Park, the Water Authority, City of Clermont and City of Leesburg, as well as people from boating and fishing clubs.

            She reported that this year they were working at 13 different sites, 11 of which were located on the Ibini Tera maps which have been published in the Daily Commercial.  She commented that the participants will all gather at Hickory Point Park after the event for lunch, awards, displays, entertainment, and tee shirt giveaways.  She opined that because of the low lake levels, they expected to gather more trash and that they would be focusing a good portion of their efforts on the northwest shore of Lake Griffin.  She concluded by expressing appreciation of the Board’s support and stating that she would be seeing some of them at the cleanup.

            On a motion by Commr. Hill, seconded by Commr. Stewart and carried unanimously, by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved the request from Environmental Services for approval and presentation of Resolution No. 2007-26 in support of Ibini Tera.

            GROWTH MANAGEMENT

            PURCHASE AND SALES AGREEMENT WITH ROBINSONS

            Mr. David Hanson, Public Lands Manager, addressed the Board to explain the Purchase and Sales Agreement between Lake County and Nancy C. and John J. Robinson.  He specified that this was a 20 acre piece of property consisting of two parcels comprised of the north shore of Helena Run from US Hwy 27 to Lake Harris.  He stated that it was mostly forested wetlands and that there were some uplands associated with US Hwy 27.  He opined that the County had come to a very equitable agreement with the property owner, and he asked for permission to execute this purchase agreement and to go ahead with closing.

            Mr. Sandy Minkoff, County Attorney, clarified that the County already had an agreement, but that one of the contingencies was that the Board approve it, and that they are actually not asking for approval to sign, but approval to go forward with closing.

            On a motion by Commr. Hill, seconded by Commr. Stivender and carried unanimously, by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved Tab 26, a request from Growth Management for approval of the Purchase and Sales Agreement between Lake County and Nancy and John Robinson and authorization for the Chairman to execute the necessary closing documents.

            PUBLIC HEARING

            STIPULATED SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT  - DEPT. OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS

            Commr. Cadwell stated that he had been contacted by at least two of the other parties involved requesting a 30-day extension, and that he recommended that the Board extend all of them 30 days and handle them all at once.  He commented that he checked with Sandy Minkoff, County Attorney, and was told that there was no concern regarding this extension.

            The Chairman opened the public hearing.

            There being no one who wished to address the Board, the Chairman closed the public hearing.

            On a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Hill and carried unanimously, by a vote of 5-0, the Board moved to postpone the Stipulated Settlement Agreement, Department of Community Affairs v. Lake County and all the other settlement agreements for 30 days.

            OTHER BUSINESS

            APPOINTMENT TO ZONING BOARD

            On a motion by Commr. Renick, seconded by Commr. Stewart and carried unanimously, by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved the appointment of Mr. Mark Wells to the vacant at-large representative seat on the Zoning Board to serve a four-year term ending January 31, 2011.

            APPOINTMENT TO BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT

            On a motion by Commr. Renick, seconded by Commr. Stivender and carried unanimously, by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved the appointment of Mr. Steven Berk to the vacant District 2 seat on the Board of Adjustment to serve a four-year term to end on January 31, 2011.

            APPOINTMENTS TO LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD

            On a motion by Commr. Renick, seconded by Commr. Stivender and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved the appointment of Mr. Stan Melnick to the District 2 vacant position on the Library Advisory Board.

            On a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Stewart and carried unanimously, by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved the appointment of Mr. John J. O’Connell to the District 3 vacant position on the Library Advisory Board.

            On a motion by Commr. Stewart, seconded by Commr. Renick and carried unanimously, by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved the reappointment of Ms. Betty Ann Christian to the District 4 vacant position on the Library Advisory Board.

            APPOINTMENTS TO INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

            Commr. Cadwell stated that the School Board, Lake-Sumter Community College, and the League of Cities had made their recommendations for their seats on the Industrial Development Authority, which were Mr. Scott Strong for the School Board, Dr. Charles Mojock for the College, and Mr. Keith Mullins from the League of Cities.

            Commr. Stivender commented that the four current members are all seeking reappointment for the other vacancies.

            Commr. Stewart stated that she had one individual that she would like the Board to consider.  She opined that Mr. Scott Taylor was a highly successful business owner in Lake County who has been very involved with Lake County and had its best interest at heart.  She also commented that Mr. Taylor was a big believer in the value of commercial and business development and growth in Lake County.

            Commr. Cadwell stated that the members of the Industrial Development Board that were seeking reappointment were committed and most had served for a long period of time, and that he believed that they attended regularly.

            Commr. Stivender commented that these appointments were not made by District, but depended on the business of the appointee.

            Commr. Stewart commented that if the members requesting reappointment had been doing a good job and had attended all the meetings, then she did not want to rock the boat, and that perhaps she would bring Mr. Taylor up at a later date.

            Commr. Cadwell commented that during the Economic Summit, the Board could look at all the committees’ roles, and that this committee may change its function and formation in the future.  He suggested that they reappoint the individuals who had been on that committee and later look to see if the committee could be expanded or contracted in the future, and possibly find a place for Mr. Taylor to serve.

            On a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Renick and carried unanimously, by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved the reappointments of Mr. Rick Joyce, Mr. Greg Nelson, Ms. Margo Odom, and Mr. Glenn Tyre, as well as the reappointments of Mr. Scott Strong (representing the Lake County School Board), Dr. Charles Mojock (representing Lake-Sumter Community College), and Mr. Keith Mullins (representing the League of Cities) to upcoming vacant positions on the Industrial Development Authority to serve four-year terms beginning March 10, 2007.

            REPORTS - COUNTY ATTORNEY

            BURT/LAUX PROPERTY IN LADY LAKE

            Mr. Sandy Minkoff, County Attorney, reported that the owner of the 60-acre Burt/Laux property in Lady Lake that was discussed at the last Board meeting on February 6 and that was rescheduled had requested that the Board bring that back in March to give her more time to work with the residents.  He stated that he wanted to make sure that was okay with Board members before he did that, but that the Board did not need to make a motion on this issue.

            Commr. Cadwell commented that they had their initial meeting, and that they had actually gone backwards with their negotiations from where they had been.  He also stated that they would notify all those individuals.

            REPORTS - COUNTY MANAGER

            BOARD MEETING SCHEDULE CHANGES

            Ms. Cindy Hall, County Manager, reminded the Board that they had some schedule changes of the Board Meetings coming up in March.  She specified that the March 6 meeting was cancelled by the Board; and that March 14 was the joint meeting with Montverde, Clermont, and Minneola at 6:30 p.m.  Also, she stated that on March 27, she was proposing to make that a fairly long day and adding on a Work Session after the Board Meeting on that day.

            DEBRIS PICKUP SCHEDULE

            Ms. Hall stated that the debris haulers had requested that Sunday, February 25, be the final day in the unincorporated area of Lady Lake for people to bring their debris out to the public right of way, and then to conclude the hauling the week after that, which would be the beginning of March.  She stipulated that that excluded the Lady Lake Mobile Home Park, because they were still working on volunteer cleanup in that area.

            She also stated that they were still working with the volunteers in the Lake Mack area to continue the cleanup effort there, so the debris hauling deadline would not include that area.

REPORTS – COMMIISSIONER HILL – DISTRICT 1

            DISCUSSION OF PORTIONS OF COMP PLAN

            Commr. Hill suggested that the Board start discussing the portions of the Comp Plan that had already been approved by the Local Planning Agency (LPA), so that the document would not seem as monumental a task to undertake all at one time upon completion, if it was alright with Growth Management and with the Board.

            Ms. Cindy Hall, County Manager, replied that that would be her suggestion, and that all the elements of the Comp Plan had been transmitted by the LPA with the exception of the Future Land Use Map and the Future Land Use Element.  She opined that it might be a wise idea for the Board to start discussing those elements that had been transmitted, as long as they did not have a relationship to the Land Use Map or Element.  She stated that Growth Management agreed that there were a number of elements that could be discussed.  She commented that she could start preparing information to bring to the Board and scheduling some workshops regarding that.

            Commr. Renick commented that it was hard for a lot of people to understand what the Comp Plan was, but that she thought of it as a huge book and that the elements were like chapters.  She noted that some chapters were less controversial than others and could be discussed in isolation, but that the elements that affect each other would have to be discussed together.  She also related that they would not be discussing any elements that the LPA had not already signed off on.

            Ms. Hall stated that she would get together with the Growth Management staff, and she would bring to the Board the process that they would recommend going through, which would initially include workshops, and she would look into how the County was supposed to hold the public hearings and the public input into that.  She stated that she would take about a week to come up with a process to offer to the Board.

            REPORTS – COMMISSIONER RENICK – DISTRICT 2

            VILLAGES CONSUMPTIVE USE PERMIT INCREASE REQUEST

            Commr. Renick stated that on the Friday before the Water Alliance was supposed to meet, she was contacted about the Villages Consumptive Use Permit and the increases they were requesting.  She stated that in the past, the Water Alliance felt very strongly about pursuing those issues with administrative hearings, but because there was not any time to discuss it with the Board, they had to make a decision about whether to file for an administrative hearing.  She reported that the Water Alliance unanimously voted to hold the administrative hearing, with the other option being to ask for an extension so that the consultant with the Water Alliance would have time to review that Consumptive Use Permit.  She reported that afterwards the counsel for the Villages did agree to a month’s extension of time to allow them to get the information that they needed.

            REPORTS – COMMISSIONER STIVENDER – DISTRICT 3

            CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTE INVITATION FOR WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

            Commr. Stivender stated that all four of the women Commissioners got an invitation to go over to the Correctional Institute in Coleman next month for Women’s History Month.

            REPORTS – COMMISIONER STEWART – DISTRICT 4

            SUSTAINABLE GROWTH SYMPOSIUM

            Commr. Stewart stated that on Friday, February 16, she attended the Sustainable Growth Symposium.  She quoted a statement from a group called the Union of Concerned Scientists of its view of the state of the world that was signed by over 1700 scientists worldwide, including 104 Nobel Laureates, in 1992, which read, “Human beings in the natural world are on a collision course.  Human activities inflict harsh and often irreversible damage on the environment and on critical resources.  If not checked, many of our current practices will put at serious risk the future that we wish for human society and the plant and animal kingdoms and may so alter the living world that it would be unable to sustain life in the manner that we know.  Fundamental changes are urgent if we are to avoid the collision our present course will bring about.  We, the undersigned, hereby warn all humanity of what lies ahead.  A great change of our stewardship of the earth and the life on it is required if vast human misery is to be avoided and our global home on this planet is not to be irretrievably mutilated.”  Commr. Stewart opined that even though this statement sounded harsh, with the water situation and rapid growth in Florida, everyone must begin to act now to live and build green and to preserve our rural and water recharge areas for our future.  She noted that other counties in the state had already made some important steps to do this, and that Sarasota, Hillsborough, and Marion Counties had already put Ordinances and incentives in place to promote these conservation efforts.  She asked if the Board would be interested in looking at the information she received from those counties on the plans they put in place and the possibility of pursuing some similar plans to reverse the trend the County had been in lately.

            Commr. Renick stated that the Water Alliance just approved a motion to come up with conservation measures and a landscaping Ordinance for the whole County at the meeting before the one that dealt with the Villages Consumptive Use Permit.

            Commr. Stewart stated that this issue involved not just landscaping, but also green building and that it was an immense job, but that we could start taking small steps in the right direction.

            Ms. Cindy Hall, County Manager, commented that she would be glad to look at that information and put together some ideas and come back to the Board.

            Commr. Cadwell related that the County had done some research regarding green building.

            Commr. Stewart commented that they had minimum standards in place for government buildings that the County was building, and she was glad they did that, but she thought they would need to take some bigger steps in the future.

            SLOW DOWN AND STOP FOR SCHOOL BUSES

            Commr. Stewart mentioned that she was contacted by Mr. Joe McDonald from Sorrento to voice his concerns that a lot of drivers are in such a hurry that they are not slowing down or stopping for school buses that are loading or unloading school children.  She wanted to make a public statement that everyone should look out for our children, and that drivers should slow down and not try to beat a school bus when they see the yellow warning lights coming on.  She opined that taking a little more time was much better than injuring one of the school children.

            REPORTS - COMMISSIONER CADWELL – CHAIRMAN AND DISTRICT 5

            RULE REGARDING LOCAL RADIO SYSTEM USE

            Commr. Cadwell mentioned an e-mail that he received regarding a rule that the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) is looking into in regard to wireless that would affect local government’s radio system use.  He stated that this issue was not on the County’s regular legislative agenda, but that they needed a letter of support against the ruling and in support of some language that US Senator John McCain was working on that would protect the County’s ability to handle their radio system.  He also commented that it came through the National Association of Counties.

            On a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Stewart and carried unanimously, by a vote of 5-0, the Board moved to put this item on the Agenda.

            On a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Stewart and carried unanimously, by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved sending a letter of support against the FCC ruling regarding local wireless radio system use and in support of Senator McCain’s changes in the language of the ruling.

            ­BOB MCKEE APPOINTED TO BUDGET AND TAXATION REFORM

            COMMISSION

            Commr. Cadwell reported that Governor Charlie Crist had appointed Mr. Bob McKee, Lake County Tax Collector, to the Budget and Taxation Reform Commission.  He opined that that was great for Lake County and Florida.  He noted that this Commission will meet for up to three years and that it was in the Constitution that they could put things directly on the ballot for Constitutional Amendments.  He opined that Mr. McKee would bring a light to that Committee on what they go through in local government, and that he was very excited about the appointment.

            CITIZEN QUESTION AND COMMENT PERIOD

            Mr. Roy Hunter, Northeast Lake Chamber of Commerce, addressed the Board to announce that Commr. Cadwell would be the guest speaker next Tuesday night, February 27, at 6:30 p.m. at Spring Creek Elementary School, with an update on the Lake Mack disaster relief.  He inquired whether Mr. Jerry Smith, Emergency Management Director, or some other official involved with this effort could accompany Commr. Cadwell to this event.  He also asked if Mr. Smith could get the word out to people in Lake Mack about this update.

            Commr. Cadwell stated that he would try to get Mr. Gary Kaiser, Public Safety Director, to come with him to that.

            Mr. Hunter also asked the public for donations of any discarded cell phones at the drop off points at Paisley Library on County Road 42 in Paisley and Walgreen’s at State Road 19 and CR 44A in Eustis, where they would be rejuvenated with 911 service only and given out to those that need them for free.  He also stated that those in need of one of the phones could get one at either the Paisley library or the Boy Scout Camp La-No-Che in Paisley.

            Ms. Marilyn Bainter, who lived on North County Road 44A in Eustis, addressed the Board to bring to their attention what she perceived as a dangerous intersection near her home at the extension of Estes Road (County Road 44A North) and County Road 44A running west and east.  She mentioned that she had written to the Commissioners about this situation, which was acerbated by small palm trees that had grown out into the right of way, blocking drivers’ visibility of oncoming traffic.  She suggested that the installation of a stop light would be the ideal solution, but that the County should at least trim the palm trees to improve visibility and install a stop sign.  She related that she knew of five fatalities at that intersection so far in the last 20 years.  She commented that she would appreciate it if the Board gave this situation some thought.

            Commr. Cadwell commented that he had received a couple of other letters besides Ms. Bainter’s letter regarding that intersection after the last fatality there, and that they were looking at that again.  He directed Mr. Jim Stivender, Jr., Public Works Director, to clean the brush up.  He also opined that the County should work with the property owners to realign that intersection to straighten it out.  He assured Ms. Bainter that in the meantime they were going to do some temporary things to improve the situation, with the long-range goal of fixing that intersection.

            ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to be brought to the attention of the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 11:27 a.m.

 

 

 

                                                                        ____________________________________

                                                                        WELTON G. CADWELL, CHAIRMAN

 

ATTEST:

 

 

 

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JAMES C. WATKINS, CLERK