A
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF
SEPTEMBER
18, 2007
The
Lake County Board of
INVOCATION
AND PLEDGE
Reverend
William Tyson, Union Congregational Church, City of
AGENDA
UPDATE
No
changes or deletions were noted.
MINUTE
APPROVAL
On a motion by Commr. Stivender,
seconded by Commr. Hill and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board
approved the Minutes of
August 7, 2007 (Regular Meeting), as presented.
CLERK OF COURTS’ CONSENT AGENDA
On
a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Hill and carried unanimously,
by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the following requests:
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.
Resolution and Ordinances from City of
Request
to acknowledge receipt of Resolution and Ordinances from the City of
Resolution No. 2007-27 (Vacating
Portion of
Ordinance No. 2007-18 (Amending
Existing PFD Zoning)
Ordinance No. 2007-19 (Amending
Map 2010)
Ordinance No. 2007-21 (Rezoning
Property from PFD to CD)
Ordinance No. 2007-22 (Amending
Map 2010)
Passed and Ordained by the City
Council of the City of
Ordinances from Town of
Request
to acknowledge receipt of Ordinances from the Town of Lady Lake, as follows:
Ordinance No. 2007-19 (Annexing
property into the Town of Lady Lake)
Ordinance No. 2007-20 (Amending Lady
Lake Comprehensive Plan)
Ordinance No. 2007-21 (Redesignating
Zoning Classification)
Passed, Ordained, and Approved in
Regular Session of the Town Commission of the Town of Lady Lake, Florida, the 2nd
day of August, 2007.
Resolution Identifying Fiscal Year
2007/2008 Meeting Schedule for Lakes/Sawgrass Bay
Community Development District
Request to acknowledge receipt of certified copy of Resolution 2007-07, identifying the Fiscal Year 2007/2008 Meeting Schedule for the Greater Lakes/Sawgrass Bay Community Development District, pursuant to Chapter 190, Florida Statutes.
Annexation Ordinances from City
of
Request
to acknowledge receipt of Annexation Ordinances from the City of Fruitland
Park, annexing property into the City of Fruitland Park, in compliance with
F.S. 171.044(3), as follows:
Ordinance No. 2007-018
Ordinance No. 2007-020
Ordinance No. 2007-022
Passed and Ordained the 23rd
day of August, 2007, by the City Commission of the City of Fruitland Park,
Florida.
Resignation Letter from Bruce Duncan
for
District
Request
to acknowledge receipt of letter from the Village Center Community Development
District, stating that, in December of 2006, Mr. Bruce Duncan resigned from the
Village Center CDD and that the Board of Supervisors approved designating Mr.
Archie Lowry as District Counsel.
Commr. Hill asked that Tab 12, a
request from Tourism for approval to continue the promotion of Lake County
events and activities through FY 2007/08 with the companies listed in the
request and to release purchase Orders pertaining to same, be pulled, for
discussion.
On a motion by Commr. Stivender,
seconded by Commr. Renick and carried unanimously, by a 4-0 vote, the Board
approved the following requests:
Budget
Request for
approval of the following Resolution:
Unanticipated Revenue Resolution No.
2007-140, amending the Public
Transportation Fund, in order to receive unanticipated revenue for Fiscal Year
2006/2007, in the amount of $300,000, deposited into the Federal Transit
Administration Grant; and to provide appropriations for transportation
services.
Community Services
Request for approval and signature on
the FY 2007/2008 State Aid to Libraries Grant Application and Agreement.
Economic Growth and Redevelopment
Request for approval of the revised
Third Amendment to the Declaration of Restrictive Covenants for Lake County
Central Park (
Procurement
Request for approval of recommendation
that the Board (1) declare items on submitted lists surplus to County needs;
(2) authorize the removal of said items from the County’s official fixed asset
inventory system records; and (3) authorize the Procurement Services Director
to sign vehicle titles.
Public
Works
Request
for approval of LAP Agreement and supporting Resolution No. 2007–141, between
Request
for approval of LAP Agreement and supporting Resolution No. 2007-142, between
Request
for Chairman to execute Satisfaction of Assessment Liens for ten (10) road
assessments, as follows:
Assessment
No. Name
688013 Raymond Moon
702075 Bruce and
June Lawrence
702060 Thomas Lloyd
Smith
702041 Denise
Fogarty
702040
702027 Mary Jane
Reynolds
704001 Paul A. and
Alice K. Howard, Sr.
694211 Tina L. and
Gary Dezarn Harris
694090 Ronald G.
and/or Diane M. Epling
694082 Donald Les Heaton
Request
for approval of Resolution No. 2007-143,
recognizing observance of “Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day”, on October
10, 2007.
Request
for approval to accept list of public right of way deeds that have been
secured, in conjunction with roadway and/or stormwater projects - Commission
Districts 2 and 5.
Mr. Sandy Minkoff,
On a motion by Commr. Stivender,
seconded by Commr. Hill and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board
approved the following requests, with the change noted by the
Request
for approval of list of outside counsel and authorization to use same, as
needed, for County purposes.
Request
for approval of Amendment to Lease Agreement with Strong Brothers, LLC, for
lease space for Tax Collector's Office, in Leesburg.
Request
for approval of Agreement between
PRESENTATION
PRESENTATION
FROM TAVARES HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS SHOWING
SUPPORT
OF POLLUTION PREVENTION
Ms.
Sharon Tatum, Public Education Specialist, Department of Environmental
Services, addressed the Board stating that September 17-23, 2007, is Pollution
Prevention Week, and, in an effort to provide countywide awareness to the
citizens of Lake County, through a nationwide effort with the Environmental
Protection Agency, a “Lets Lasso Pollution” Expo is scheduled to be held on
Saturday, September 22, 2007, at the Tractor Supply store in Eustis.
Ms.
Delrita Guzman, a counselor at Tavares High School, addressed the Board and
introduced students who were present from Tavares High School, representing
Lake-Sumter Community College’s Upward Bound Program, as well as various youth
outreach programs, which are both federally and state funded, designed to
assist first generation college bound students prepare for that transition
process in their lives from high school to college. She stated that the students have been
working with Ms. Tatum in recognizing Pollution Prevention Week and how
important it is in the community and have taken an oath and made a commitment
to prevent pollution and to help educate their peers in ways of preventing
pollution, at which time each student gave a brief statement about what they
are doing to promote the prevention of pollution within their communities. She distributed, for the Board’s perusal,
brochures explaining the various programs.
The
Board was then presented with a copy of a Proclamation proclaiming the week of
September 18, 2007, as Lake County Pollution Prevention Week, on behalf of the
citizens of
PROCUREMENT
Mr.
Barnett Schwartzman, Procurement Services Director, addressed the Board
regarding a request for authorization to execute a Motorola Communications
System Agreement, for the implementation of a fully inoperable countywide
emergency 800 mHz radio network; and approval of an associated Interlocal
Agreement with all county Public Safety entities, for final signature by the
Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners.
He stated that the Procurement process has been accomplished, in strict
accordance with Board direction that was provided last January, with approval
of funding in the full contract value being approved by the Board last
month. He stated that the Agenda item
describes several courses of action that have a potential to reduce the project
costs, to be borne by the County, which includes insurance claim activity; the
possible use of the reseller market, for certain system items; and grant
funding. He noted that Tab 22, under the
Mr.
Gary Kaiser, Public Safety Director, addressed the Board stating that the
expression “boots on the ground” is one that they have all come to know too
well, which is used to identify the people that are out in the trenches every
day doing the job, whether it be the military, Fire Rescue, EMS, police, the
Sheriff’s Department, etc. He stated
that the Board had before them this date a request for approval of a system
that will affect those people in the trenches every second of every day – 24/7,
for many years to come, as well as the public.
He stated that the Board, the
Sheriff
Gary Borders addressed the Board and thanked them for considering the purchase
of the radio system, noting that he feels the County has some of the finest law
enforcement officers in
Mt.
Dora Police Chief Randy Scoggins addressed the Board stating that, having been
the Police Chief in
Police
Chief Mark Isom, City of Fruitland Park, addressed the Board stating that he
was in charge of getting all the Police Departments coordinated for the Lady
Lake and Lake Mack areas, after the Ground Hog Day Tornado that hit Lake County,
and reminded them of the difficult time he had communicating with the
Sheriff. He thanked the Board for their
support of this request, which will allow all the officers in the County to be
able to talk to each other, during those times where there is an emergency in
the County.
Fire
Chief Dennis Sargent, City of
On
a motion by Commr. Hill, seconded by Commr. Stewart and carried unanimously, by
a 5-0 vote, the Board approved a request from Procurement for authorization to
execute a Motorola Communications System Agreement (800 mHz) and related
Interlocal Agreement, for final signature by the Chairman of the Board of
County Commissioners.
TOURISM
PROMOTION
OF LAKE
2007/08
Commr.
Hill asked that this request be pulled from the
Mr.
Greg Mihalic, Tourism and Business Relations Director, addressed the Board
regarding a request for approval of those advertising and promotional items
that are above $25,000. He stated that
some of them are under contract, where there is a certain amount that is
provided to them throughout the year, and other ones are as needed. He noted that the requests before the Board
this date are for those items where they spend more than $25,000 during the
year.
Commr.
Hill discussed some concerns she had about this request, at which time she
noted that she would like to have a little feedback, as to the success of the
advertising, due to the large amount of money that is being spent on it.
Mr.
Mihalic informed her of the various advertisements and commercials that will
run during the upcoming year for the various events that will be occurring
around
Commr.
Stivender suggested that a workshop be held with the Tourist Development
Council (TDC), so that the Board members will know where all the tourism
dollars are going.
On
a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Renick and carried unanimously,
by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved a request from Tourism and Business Relations
to continue the promotion of Lake County events and activities through FY
2007/08 with the following companies, and to release Purchase Orders, in
amounts not to exceed those listed: WRDQ TV 27 - $27,000; Clear Channel TV -
$75,000; Orlando Sentinel - $50,000; PCE & Associates - $75,000; Video
Techniques - $25,000; Kyle Promotions - $30,000; Radio Disney - $80,000; and
Miles Media -$35,000.
BUDGET
Ms.
Joann Drury, Budget Office, addressed the Board stating that the request before
them was for the purpose of adopting the Fiscal Year 2007 Fee Schedules for a
variety of the County’s services. She
stated that, with the exception of Growth Management, the fees were
incorporated into the Fiscal Year 2008 Budget that the Board would be
considering at the final public hearing for the budget scheduled for later this
evening. She stated that the most
significant changes occurred in Growth Management and Public Works, noting that
both of those areas had independent fee studies conducted by a consultant
during this fiscal year and the results of those studies were being
incorporated into the fees being proposed this date. She stated that other fees were being
adjusted, where appropriate, to account for an increased cost in delivering
services, such as for personnel, materials, and postage, and, in Tourism and
Business Relations, the Fairgrounds fees were being decreased in the off-season,
to encourage business.
Ms.
Jean Kaminski, Executive Director of the Homebuilders Association of Lake
County, addressed the Board asking that they vote against the fee
increases. She stated that there are a
number of questions, with regard to them, and, with layoffs and all the things
that are going on in the County, she does not feel any increase is justified at
this time. She stated that Building
Services is the only department that contains an automatic escalator and asked
that it be taken out of the fee schedule, noting that, if a fee needs to be
increased, staff should tell the applicant at that time and not have it be an
automatic increase. She asked that the
Board vote against the Fee Schedule Resolution, as it relates to the Growth Management
and Building Services Departments, in particular.
Mr.
Dale Greiner, Building Services Director, addressed the Board, in response to a
question as to the last time that the Building Services fees were adjusted,
noting that they were last adjusted for Fiscal Year 1999/2000, and the County
did not put an escalator in the schedule for increased labor costs at that
time, so they have not touched said costs in seven years, thus, the reason they
are asking for it this date.
Commr.
Stewart interjected that she understands these are really hard times for
builders and citizens and questioned what would happen if the Board postponed
an increase in the fees for a while.
Mr.
Greiner responded that the Building Department will have over $1 million in
start-up costs at the end of this year for next year, but they cannot start a
year out with no money, so, if his department does not have a fee schedule that
creates a reserve, then they will not have money for the next year and will
have to make necessary adjustments in their personnel and expenses, in order to
meet the demand, which will drop their level of service, and that is the
biggest issue.
Commr.
Stewart stated that it was her understanding that the Building Services
Department is just about at rock bottom, with regard to the number of employees
that they have, and they are all being utilized very efficiently.
Commr.
Stivender stated that she concurred with Ms. Kaminski, noting that she did not
see how the County could use an escalator and automatically increase the
Building Department’s fees every year.
She stated that, if the Board was going to scrutinize the Tourism and
Business Relations Department, they might as well scrutinize the increasing of
building fees. She noted that they did
not do it with the Solid Waste Department either.
Commr.
Renick questioned a concern she had about the Fee Schedule, with regard to the
Tourism and Business Relations Department.
Mr.
Greg Mihalic, Tourism and Business Relations Director, addressed the Board
stating that the special events have to cover the County’s costs involved with
said events and that is why the level is what it is. He stated that they looked at making meeting
rooms available at no costs, but, until the Fairgrounds are renovated, the
County does not have the capacity to do that.
He stated that they try to make it a break even operation and that is
why the fees are what they are.
Commr.
Renick stated that she feels the County is getting a little too consultant
happy, noting that she feels staff could have told the Board what they needed,
in terms of fees. She stated that the
County has paid close to $25,000 for consultants to review the fees and she
feels that is money that could have been saved.
Commr.
Stewart concurred, noting that she feels the County has qualified people that
should be able to do that and she feels the County should look at the studies
that are done more closely.
Commr.
Stivender requested that the fees involving the Growth Management Department be
separated from the rest of the fees, so that she could vote on them separately.
On
a motion by Commr. Renick, seconded by Commr. Stewart and carried, by a 4-1
vote, the Board approved the fees for the Growth Management Department, as
presented.
Commr.
Stivender voted “No”.
On
a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Hill and carried unanimously,
by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved Resolution No. 2007-144, adopting the Fee Schedule for Fiscal Year 2008, as presented.
COMMUNITY
SERVICES
PHASE
II
Mr.
Fletcher Smith, Community Services Director, addressed the Board stating that
the request before them was for approval to submit Phase II of the Healthy Kids
Medical Insurance Program. He stated
that, currently, the County is operating Phase I, which they received in August
of this year. He stated that Phase II
would be a continuation of the activities that were initiated in Phase I,
noting that they will be hiring as part-time employees two community health
workers (volunteers) and will be doing out-reach programs in various areas of
the County, to contact families that do not have the opportunity to file
applications on line, for enrolling their children in the Kid Care Health
Insurance Program. He stated that this
is crucial for a lot of the low income families in the County to try to obtain
some health insurance.
On
a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Hill and carried unanimously,
by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved a request from Community Services for
approval of the Florida Healthy Kids Corporation Call for Grant Proposals,
Phase II. If funded, Phase II will
provide an opportunity for the County to extend the Community Health Worker Program
KidCare Outreach Project that was funded in Phase I.
GROWTH
MANAGEMENT
PURCHASE
AND SALES AGREEMENT BETWEEN
CARDINAL
HOME BUILDERS, INC.
Mr.
David Hansen, Public Lands Manager, addressed the Board stating that this
request was for approval of a Purchase and Sales Agreement between
On
a motion by Commr. Renick, seconded by Commr. Hill and carried unanimously, by
a 5-0 vote, the Board approved a request from Growth Management for approval of
a Purchase and Sales Agreement between
PROCUREMENT
AWARD
OF CONTRACT TO PPI CONSTRUCTION FOR CONSTRUCTION
MANAGEMENT
SERVICES FOR DOWNTOWN TAVARES EXPANSION
PROJECT
Mr.
Jim Bannon, Facilities Development and Management Director, addressed the Board
stating that, following the acquisition of the County’s former Construction
Manager, Centex Construction, by the parent company of the County’s architects,
HLM/Heery, a conflict of interest arose between the Architect and the
Construction Manager, with each reporting to the same parent company, Balfour
Beatty, and, as a consequence of that, the Board terminated the contract with
Centex Construction on May 15, 2007, and instructed the Facilities Development
and Management Department and the Procurement Department to initiate a Request
for Qualifications (RFQ) for a new Construction Manager. He stated that proposals (five) were received
from the following companies: PPI
Construction, Stanska, Turner Construction, James A. Cummings, and Peter R.
Brown Construction; PPI Construction, Stanska, and Turner Construction were
short listed for interviews; and presentations were held with the three
firms. The Selection Committee, comprised
of himself; Mr. James C. Watkins, Clerk, represented by Mr. Neil Kelly; Judge
Don Briggs; Sheriff Gary Borders; and Mr. Frank Royce, Property Appraiser’s
Office, ranked PPI Construction number one and negotiations were held with them
over the last couple of months. He
stated that it was the Selection Committee’s recommendation to award the
contract for Construction Management (CM) Services, in relation to the Judicial
Center Expansion and Refurbishment, Parking Garage, Central Energy Plant, and
Constitutional Officers’ Building to PPI Construction. He stated that the contract covers the terms
and conditions from pre-construction services through to construction and
project completion; however, Board approval at this time only covers
pre-construction services and a fiscal impact of $380,000. He stated that an amendment to this contract
will be brought to the Board for final approval of the contract sum guaranteed
maximum price at a later date.
On
a motion by Commr. Hill, seconded by Commr. Renick and carried unanimously, by
a 5-0 vote, the Board approved a request from Procurement for approval of a
recommendation by the Selection Committee to award the contract for
Construction Management (CM) Services, in relation to the Judicial Center
Expansion and Refurbishment, Parking Garage, Central Energy Plant, and
Constitutional Officers’ Building project to PPI Construction.
PUBLIC
SAFETY
PARTICIPATION
IN PUBLIC SAFETY INTEROPERABLE COMMUNICATIONS
GRANT
PROGRAM
Mr.
Greg Holcomb, Manager, Public Safety Department, addressed the Board stating
that this request was for approval to participate in the Public Safety
Interoperable Communications (PSIC) Grant Program, for funding communications
interoperability equipment consistent with the Countywide Radio System Project
that was approved by the Board earlier this date.
The
County has the opportunity to participate in the PSIC Grant Program, of which
$42,888,266 is being awarded to the State of Florida, with 80% of it being
required to be passed down to the locals. It is anticipated that 10 projects will be
submitted by the State. On average, this
is about $3.4 million per project. There
is a 20% match requirement, which can be in-kind services and funds. There is a good possibility that the County’s
current system’s funding could be augmented with a portion of the project. Potential PSIC matching funds would be shared
between all participating counties in the region.
On
a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Hill and carried unanimously,
by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved a request from Public Safety for approval to
participate in the Public Safety Interoperable Communications (PSIC) Grant
Program, for the funding of communications interoperability equipment,
consistent with the County-wide Radio System Project, as presented.
PUBLIC
WORKS
ANNEXATION
OF
UMATILLA
Mr.
Jim Stivender, Jr., Public Works Director, addressed the Board stating that a
request was made by the City of
Commr.
Renick questioned why the City of Umatilla would want this park to be annexed
into their city limits; whether approval of the request would somehow fuel more
growth in that area; whether the County would, by approving the request, be
opening up a huge rural area; and whether the Board would be responsible for
making the City contiguous to county property.
Commr.
Cadwell stated that it would be contiguous to an area that is already developed
– what was once known as Saltsdale, but is now know as East Umatilla, which has
very poor water quality. He stated that
he would think those residents would want to be annexed into the City, because
(1) their water quality is bad, and (2) the old landfill is located across the
street, which has always created a concern about the quality of their well
water. He stated that, if the Board
would like, he would approach the City Council about the matter and request
that they waive an Ordinance requirement of the City that, once a resident
becomes contiguous, they have to annex into the City.
On
a motion by Commr. Renick, seconded by Commr. Stewart and carried unanimously,
by a 5-0 vote, the Board denied a request from Public Works for approval of the
annexation of North Lake Community Park into the City of Umatilla; approval and
signature of the Chairman on the Covenant to Annex; and approval to authorize
the County’s Property Manager to execute an owner's affidavit, once the Board
approves the Covenant to Annex - Commission District 5; and directed the
Chairman to approach the City of Umatilla and request that they waive their
ordinance requirement that, once a resident becomes contiguous, they have to
annex into the City.
FOREST
HILLS/LAKE MACK FLOOD BUY OUT PROGRAM
Mr.
Jim Stivender, Jr., Public Works Director, addressed the Board stating that
this request pertained to a purchase agreement that the County has with some
property owners that are located in the flood prone area, involving a five acre
tract owned by Jeremy D. and Gina M. Hancock that the County is purchasing for
$235,000. He noted that it is one of the
largest tracts involved with the Flood Buy Out Program, thus far.
On
a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Hill and carried unanimously,
by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved a request from Public Works for approval to
execute a purchase agreement with Jeremy D. and Gina M. Hancock; 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.
Mr.
Stivender informed the Board that this request pertained to a purchase
agreement that the County has with Diane H. Kerns and Deborah H. West, for a
very small parcel that is located entirely in the Flood Prone area that the
County is purchasing for $70,000.
On
a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Hill and carried unanimously,
by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved a request from Public Works for approval to
execute a purchase agreement with Diane H. Kerns and Deborah H. West; 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.
PROPOSED
PLACEMENT OF
Mr.
Jim Stivender, Jr., Public Works Director, explained that this request was
approved at the Board Meeting held on August 21, 2007; however, due to the fact
that all the people involved with the request were not properly notified by his
office about that previous public hearing, which he apologized for, the request
was back before the Board this date for approval. He displayed a map of the property in
question, noting that the City of
Mr.
Charles Harrell, one of the four residents that live on
Commr.
Renick stated that, in looking at the map, it is easy to see the problem that
was created when the densities in the area were increased and the subdivision
was built, noting that she did not feel anybody thought about the residents
cutting across the rural properties. She
stated that it was intended for the residents of the subdivision to use
Mr.
Harrell readdressed the Board, stating that, should they approve to barricade
C. W. Harrell Road, the four residents that live on the road would like for it
to be gated, so that they can lock it, enabling them to control use of the
road. He stated that, should there be an
accident, they would be willing to have the road utilized as an alternate route
for the residents of the subdivision, at that time, but they want to be able to
control use of the road. He stated that
they are not asking that the road be blocked permanently.
Mr.
Stivender interjected that the barricade would be a temporary long-term fix.
Commr.
Hill noted that she was not opposed to the barricade, however, reminded the Board
about the case involving Vista Del Lago, a very similar case which the County
has had problems with in the past.
On a motion by Commr. Renick, seconded by Commr. Stivender and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved a request from Public Works for approval to place a temporary barricade on C. W. Harrell Road, located north of Sunburst Lane, in the Clermont area - Commission District 2.
REPORTS –
RESOLUTION
CREATING
FUNDING
TASK FORCE
Mr.
Sandy Minkoff, County Attorney, informed the Board that he attempted to take
the discussion that occurred at the public hearing that was held on impact fees
and put together the task force that is before the Board this date, for
approval.
Commr.
Renick asked that someone explain to her why the County’s Impact Fee Committee
has been charged with looking at alternative funding and why the County is
starting over from scratch and not utilizing members of the Impact Fee
Committee to do the duties of the proposed task force.
Commr.
Cadwell stated that that same scenario went through his mind, before he brought
the request forward. He stated that the
Impact Fee Committee has done a good job, but their answer is always to raise
the impact fees, and he feels the County needs to involve different people and
have a fresh look at it.
Commr.
Renick questioned whether the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) was
going, or would be willing, to bring forward a study about alternative funding,
and was informed by Commr. Hill that she felt they would be willing to do so,
but that they had not done so up to this point in time.
Commr.
Stewart stated that she has the same concerns that Commr. Renick has and does
not understand why the County is going to start from scratch, noting that it is
not like this is a new situation.
On
a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Hill and carried unanimously,
by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved a request from the
AGREEMENT
TO EXCHANGE PROPERTY WITH K&M PROPERTIES OF
Mr.
Sandy Minkoff,
On
a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Hill and carried unanimously,
by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved a request from the
Mr. Minkoff stated that K&M
Properties is planning on a closing within a couple of weeks on the property in
question, noting that they have completed site plan approval and have permits
to begin construction on the parcel and would like to begin site work on the
property, in advance of the closing. He
stated that staff is not opposed to them doing that and would recommend
approval of the request.
On a motion by Commr. Stivender,
seconded by Commr. Hill and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board
approved to allow K&M Properties of Florida, Inc. to begin site work on the
property in question, in advance of the closing, as requested.
It
was noted that the
SALES
ORDER AMENDMENT WITH ELECTIONS SYSTEMS AND SOFTWARE
FOR
PURCHASE OF VOTING SYSTEM
Mr.
Sandy Minkoff,
On
a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Hill and carried unanimously,
by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved a request from the
REPORTS
– COMMISSIONER STIVENDER – DISTRICT 3
FAMILY
DAY PROCLAMATION
On
a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Hill and carried unanimously,
by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved Proclamation No. 2007-146, proclaiming Monday, September 24,
2007, as Family Day - A Day to Eat Dinner with your Children.
REPORTS
– COMMISSIONER RENICK – DISTRICT 2
DISCUSSION
CONCERNING NEED FOR PARKS IN
Commr.
Renick brought up for discussion the issue of the lack of parks in the south
Lake County area, at which time Mr. Wayne Varga, President of the South Lake Little
League, addressed the Board stating that he was present asking for parks to be
constructed in the south Lake County area, noting that, at this time, there are
no such facilities in south Lake County for the children in that area to
utilize, unless they utilize a city facility.
He expressed a concern he has about the lack of parks in the south
The
Chairman interjected that he felt the Board was committed to doing something
about the matter and doing it now, as stated at the previous Budget Hearing.
Commr.
Renick stated that she just wanted the Board to be aware of the situation that
south
Ms.
Sherrie Berkland, Vice President of the South Lake Little League, addressed the
Board stating that she was glad to hear that the Board is going to continue to
approve the grant money for the children in the south
Ms.
Mary Parillo, a resident of the Four Corners area, addressed the Board stating
that she has three children who play Little League Softball in the south
REPORTS
– COMMISSIONER STEWART – DISTRICT 4
DISCUSSION
REGARDING “VISION HOUSE”
Commr.
Stewart informed the Board that she recently visited the “Vision House” in
Montverde, one of three in the
REPORTS
– COMMISSIONER CADWELL – CHAIRMAN AND DISTRICT 5
A
brief discussion occurred regarding the
CITIZEN
QUESTION AND COMMENT PERIOD
Ms.
Linda Steamer, a resident of
It
was noted that the County would look into the matter.
REPORTS
– COMMISSIONER CADWELL – CHAIRMAN AND DISTRICT 5
Commr.
Cadwell stated that the Lake County Water Authority has received a new opinion
from the Attorney General, regarding the soccer fields at Hickory Point, in
that they can no longer spend money maintaining those fields, as they have
done, because that is not part of the Water Authority’s mission. He stated that the County has a lot of money
invested in those fields, so it cannot just let them go, and questioned whether
the Board would be interested in the County swapping some land with the Water
Authority for Hickory Point, or having the Water Authority give the County
Hickory Point, noting that it could then become a county park and would
alleviate some space problems for the City of Tavares. He noted that there is enough room at Hickory
Point for some additional ball fields to be constructed, as well.
It
was the consensus of the Board that the Chairman discuss the matter with the
Water Authority, on behalf of the Board.
RECESS
AND REASSEMBLY
At
10:00 a.m., the Chairman announced that the Board would recess until 5:05 p.m.,
for the final Public Hearing regarding the Fiscal Year 2008 Budget.
FINAL
PUBLIC HEARING - FISCAL YEAR 2008 BUDGET
The
Chairman opened the meeting.
Ms.
Cindy Hall, County Manager, stated that this Public Hearing is for the purpose
of amending and adopting the County’s final budget, by Resolution; re-computing
the proposed millage rates, if necessary, and publicly announcing the percent
by which the recomputed millage rates differ from the rolled-back rates; and
adopting the final millage rates by Resolution. She stated that the Board would
also adopt the final budget for Fiscal Year 2008, by fund. She then read into the record the re-computed
proposed millage rates and announced the percent by which they differ from the
rolled-back rates, as follows:
At
this time, the Chairman opened the public hearing.
Mr.
Ron Palakey, Coordinator of the Scrub Brush Restoration Project at
Mr.
George Wolf, one of the individuals that volunteers at PEAR Park, addressed the
Board and displayed a master plan for the park, which he reviewed with the
Board, noting some concerns he has about it, and submitted, for the record, a
letter containing some comments about the park, particularly the entrance to
the park. He stated that the County has
in the works plans for a nice entrance to the park, off of U.S. 27, which
involves the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), and that he believed
it was one of the items in the budget and hoped that the Board would not back
off on it. He stated that he feels
Mr.
Peter Muller, Coordinator of the Meadows Restoration Project at
Ms.
Deborah Anderson, along with her husband, Mark, residents of Clermont,
addressed the Board, stating that they were present representing the United
States Tennis Association (USTA). She
stated that they have been actively involved in tennis, specifically with the
USTA, for 35 years and one of their goals is to grow tennis in Lake County,
and, in order to do that, one of the ways for it to come about is by
establishing leagues, but, in order to have leagues, there must be
facilities. She stated that, just to
play in an adult league, there has to be a minimum of five courts and, for
seniors, three courts. She stated that,
in most of the parks in Lake County, there are only two courts and they have
found that, when there are only two courts, vandalism is often higher, as well
as the fact that they are underutilized.
She stated that they feel, if they were able to run leagues, tennis
would grow in the
Ms.
Marilyn Bainter, a resident of Mt. Dora and member of the Golden Triangle
Republican Women’s Network, addressed the Board and read into the record a
statement indicating various concerns that she has with the County’s proposed
budget, noting that, at the previous budget hearing she presented some county
programs that she feels could be cut from the budget, without much loss to the
taxpayers - programs that the Board, as well as staff, had recommended be cut –
most of them being special interest projects.
She stated that quality of life seems to be the magic words today and
quality of life to her means keeping taxes low enough, so each person can do
for themselves the things they think makes their life worthwhile.
Mr.
Harry Barley, Executive Director of MetroPlan Orlando, addressed the Board and
thanked them for partnering with MetroPlan on some of the large scale regional
projects that have been undertaken and gave a very special thank you to those
Board members who serve on the Lake-Sumter Metropolitan Planning Organization
(MPO), for their commitment to working together to help tackle some of the
regional transportation challenges that are becoming more daunting with each
passing day. He discussed an MPO Meeting
that was held approximately two years ago, where they discussed bringing about
a transit system that would eventually serve Lake County – both within the
County and that would connect Lake County with Sumter County and eventually
with the Orlando area, noting that he had suggested at that time that maybe the
time was right to start talking about what some of the perspective services
might be. He stated that the Board
authorized them to work with county staff and they came back with a list of
perspective projects and he was proud to see that two of those projects have
been implemented – the extension of the
LYNX 55 route, on U.S.192 in Osceola County, extending to the Four Corners area
and serving Lake County; and the second project being the start up of the
County’s LakeXpress service. He stated
that the towns and cities that he serves are under the same budget pressures
that Lake County is under – that times are tough and there are a lot of
competing priorities, but wanted to commend the Board on the commitment that it
has made to starting a transit service in the County and to starting a transit
service that connects Lake County with the Orlando metro area. He asked the Board to do its best, through
this budget process, to preserve that commitment, noting that it is important
for
Ms. Evelyn Logas, a member of the Golden Triangle Republican
Women’s Network, addressed the Board stating that she had addressed the Board
at the previous budget meeting, regarding a concern she had about the County
spending $500,000 for various memberships for the County and some of its staff,
as well as another $300,000 that she was told was used to help develop
businesses and bring employment into the County, etc. She read into the record a recent article
from the
Ms. Terri Gotz, President of the Lake Soil and Water Conservation District (LSWCD) addressed the Board and distributed a copy of a memorandum that was sent to Mr. Fletcher Smith, Community Services Director, from Mr. Brad Russ, District Resource Coordinator, regarding Lake Soil and Water Conservation District Activities, being (1) Conservation Education; (2) Conservation Program Assistance; (3) Water Conservation; and (4) Conservation Technical Assistance, which she elaborated on, noting that the LSWCD has helped bring more than $211,000 into the County, in the form of pest management, fencing, and irrigation conversions. She stated that one of the things they are probably most proud of is the Mobile Irrigation Lab, which they have worked for years to arrange for, noting that they have two staff members who go out and make evaluations of irrigation systems and make recommendations, with the potential water savings being unbelievable, and their Lake Soil Survey Book contains soil maps and information for the residents of the County. She stated that well water resources have always been extremely important, but have become more so, as both quality and quantity dwindle. She stated that they appreciate the County’s financial support in the past and hope it will continue.
Ms. Nadine Foley, Board Supervisor, Lake Soil and Water
Conservation District, addressed the Board stating that they appreciate the
investment that the County has made in the staff that is at the Lake Soil and
Water Conservation District, noting that they are three hard working people,
however, noted that they also receive support from the Natural Resource
Conservation Service, with the U. S. Department of Agriculture, which provides
for everything else associated with having a staff on hand. She stated that, for the small investment
that the County makes, it gets five vigorous volunteers, noting that all the
members of the Board of Supervisors are volunteers and are a hard working lot. She stated that they have links to the rest
of the community, as well. She noted
that she has been involved with
Ms. Linda Ballard, a resident of south
Mr. Jon Cherry, Director of the LifeStream Behavioral Center,
addressed the Board stating that they should be commended for the outstanding
job that they and county staff have done in substantially reducing the millage
rate, and, therefore, the tax burden on the vast majority of the residents in
Lake County, noting that the County was so far behind in providing essential
services to its residents, when he moved to the County seven years ago. He stated that, while keeping the County’s ad
valorem tax rates among the lowest of the 67 counties in the State, they
gradually began to increase the capacity of law enforcement, the upgrading of
its road system, and the overall ability of the County to provide a minimum of
essential services to all of its 287,000 residents, and, in addition, they have
had to deal with the State requiring the County to pay for services which had
always been the State’s responsibility in the past. He stated that they have had to pay huge cost
increases for gasoline, insurance, road construction, and other materials, much
less the tremendous growth in population that the County has been experiencing
and the natural disasters that the County has had to cope with over the last
couple of years. He stated that, while
many areas of the budget are not adequate to meet current needs of the County,
he thanked the Board for having made hard decisions in a deliberate and
considerate manner. He stated that, when
all is said and done, they delivered a record tax decrease in ad valorem taxes
for the citizens of
There being no further individuals who wished to address the Board, the Chairman closed the public hearing portion of the meeting.
On a motion by Commr. Renick, seconded by Commr. Hill and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved Final Fiscal Year 2008 millage rates and adopted Resolution No 2007-147, for the Lake County Countywide and Voter Approved Debt Service Final Millage levy, as presented.
On a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Hill and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved Resolution No. 2007-148, for the Lake County Municipal Service Taxing Unit for Ambulance and Emergency Medical Services MSTU levy, as presented.
On a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Hill and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved Resolution No. 2007-149, for the Stormwater Management, Parks, and Roads MSTU levy, as presented.
Ms. Cindy Hall, County Manager, informed the Board that staff had provided to them a number of housekeeping type amendments and that, if they had any questions regarding them, staff would like to entertain them, but, if not, staff would be building them into the final budget numbers and that, just prior to the meeting, she was given five additional housekeeping items by the Budget Office, as follows, which she noted would be built into the final numbers, as well:
(1) Revenue, in the amount of $629,475, for a grant that the County will be receiving from the State, to help with the purchase of the voting equipment for the Supervisor of Elections’ Office that the Board approved this date.
(2) Some line item changes that do not affect the bottom line, but ones that she wanted to mention to the Board, so that they are in the record.
(3) A change, in the amount of $50,000, for Court Administration, for leased space for the Law Library - it will just be a line item change.
(4) A change, in the amount of $16,500, regarding the elimination of a vehicle associated with the reduction of a position in Environmental Services.
(5) A reduction of $6,000 in Information Outreach, having to do with the Citizens’ Newsletter.
(6) A reduction of $1,000 in operating costs associated with eliminating the Mobile Health Clinic Bus, for repairs.
(7) Some changes in Reserves, having to do with the Visa Account.
Ms. Hall noted that she had distributed to the Board some memorandums pertaining to some additional items and asked that the Board give staff direction, as to whether or not said items should be included in the budget.
Discussion occurred regarding the items alluded to by Ms. Hall, at which time Commr. Stivender stated that, in approving said changes, she wanted to make sure that the County did not end up combining some of the programs that are under Community Services, such as Childrens’ Services, Elder Affairs, etc. With regard to the two positions being proposed for Animal Services, it was noted that $100,000 would need to be transferred from the General Fund Reserves to the Animal Services account, to accommodate those positions.
Commr. Renick briefly discussed the issue of the lack of a county park in south Lake County, at which time she suggested ways that she felt the County could come up with money to construct a park in that area of the County, one being to utilize funds that have been set aside for upgrading the Fairgrounds and another being that there is always a budget adjustment during the year and she feels that any unanticipated revenue that comes up when that adjustment is made should be designated for a park in south Lake County.
Commr. Cadwell stated that he did not want all unanticipated revenue to go toward that project, but that he did not have a problem with approximately $2 to $3 million going toward it. He stated that, with regard to the Fairgrounds, it is a complicated issue, noting that the County has looked at various options regarding it over the years and finally made a commitment that it is going to be what it is and is going to try to fix up the building that currently exists at the Fairgrounds. He stated that he is hesitant about digging into the money that has been allocated for the Fairgrounds, however, noted that it may be available for use, if the Board decides to go in a different direction than what is currently planned for the Fairgrounds.
Commr. Hill stated that she would
like to look at the issue in a more comprehensive way, rather than pulling
funds from various areas. She stated
that she had looked at the park impact fees for
Commr. Cadwell stated that the Board needed to make sure that whatever they did this date would not affect the bottom line and that they needed to make sure that the Board was committed to moving forward with a park in south Lake County and that they might need to do it in a separate motion and have it not be a part of the budget – to say that the Board is going to commit to a certain amount of money being set aside for a park in south Lake County and then decide exactly how to do it over the next month or so.
A motion was made by Commr. Renick
and seconded by Commr. Stewart to have $1 million dollars from this budget
designated for the development of a regional park in south
Under discussion, Commr. Hill stated that she had a problem with pulling funds from other resources, without the Board taking a comprehensive look at the issue.
Mr. Sandy Minkoff, County Attorney, interjected that the County has to stay in balance, so, if they increase the budget by $1 million in one area, it has to find $1 million someplace else, so the Board would have to include the decreases alluded to earlier, or some other decreases.
Commr. Cadwell stated that he felt
comfortable with the four decreases suggested by the
Ms. Hall,
Commr. Stivender stated that she was
for constructing a regional park in south
Mr. Jim Bannon, Facilities Development and Management Director, readdressed the Board stating that staff had identified a need for insulating the pavilion building at the Fairgrounds and upgrading the HVAC system and believed that $1.5 million would be sufficient to do that, which would allow that property to be used for other events.
It was noted that the amount to be allocated for the Fairgrounds would be $1.25 million, rather than $1.5 million.
Commr. Stewart noted a concern she had about the Animal Control budget and the fact that one of the improvements that was going to be made to the Animal Shelter was that they were going to separate the animals coming into the shelter from the other animals, so that, if any of them had parvo, they would not have to destroy every animal in the shelter, to keep it from spreading. She stated that she would not want any money being taken from that fund to interfere with that improvement.
Mr. Gary Kaiser, Public Safety Director, addressed the Board, in response to Commr. Stewart’s concern, noting that staff feels the $1.25 million would still enable the County to do needed improvements to the Animal Shelter.
The Chairman called for a vote on the motion, which was carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote.
Discussion occurred regarding the County’s Flood Buy Out Program; funding for Trout Lake; funding for the Lake Soil and Water Conservation District; the Lake County Sports Commission; the Mid-Florida Economic Development Commission; the Elder Affairs Symposium; and the various publications and memberships for county staff, at which time Ms. Hall, County Manager, stated that the information staff gains from those publications and memberships is very valuable to the citizens of the County, because it keeps them on top of their fields.
Commr. Cadwell stated that, when the County holds the department workshops that have been scheduled, they need to have a discussion with each department and have them present to the Board how they feel about continuing the publications and memberships for their departments.
Commr. Stivender reminded the Board
about the money that is going towards the joint softball complex in south
Ms. Hall clarified the fact that the
$50,000 the County had earmarked for the
Commr. Stewart discussed concerns she had about the need for a water truck, so that the plants being planted at PEAR Park do not have to continue to be watered by hand; requested funding for Trout Lake and the Lake Soil and Water Conservation District, noting that they are a tremendous asset to the children and residents of Lake County; the Economic Development Commission, noting that she feels, if Orange County is paying less, Lake County should pay less; the Elder Affairs Symposium, noting that it is hugely important to the senior citizens in the County, which is a place where they can go to obtain needed information that they may not know how to obtain otherwise; the issue of auditors, noting that she hopes the County will reduce the number of auditing requests, so that it can cut down on the number of auditors and that money can be used in a different area; and the Community Building in Sorrento and the fact that the money for said building has been put into the warehouse, which is going to save Lake County citizens money in the long run.
RECESS AND REASSEMBLY
At 6:20 p.m., the Chairman announced that the Board would recess for 15 minutes, to allow the Budget Office staff to recalculate the final figures for the budget.
FINAL PUBLIC HEARING - FISCAL
YEAR 2008 BUDGET (CONT’D.)
The Chairman reconvened the meeting.
On a motion by Commr. Renick, seconded
by Commr. Hill and carried, by a 4-1 vote, the Board approved Resolution No.
2007-150, adopting the final Fiscal Year 2008 Budget for
Commr. Stivender voted “No”.
The Chairman thanked Ms. Hall,
ADJOURNMENT
There
being no further business to be brought to the attention of the Board, the
meeting was adjourned at 6:50 p.m.
____________________________________
WELTON
G. CADWELL, CHAIRMAN
ATTEST:
__________________________
JAMES C. WATKINS,
CLERK