A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD
OF
SEPTEMBER 16, 2008
The Lake County Board of
INVOCATION
Pastor John Bahram, First United Methodist Church of Tavares, gave the Invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
AGENDA UPDATE
Ms. Cindy Hall,
MINUTE APPROVAL
Regarding the Minutes of August
26, 2008, Commr. Renick requested the following changes:
On the last line on Page 9, she
would like to omit the language “without city approval” stating that the issue
was that cities thought they could do it and that changed the meaning.
In the second full paragraph on
Page 10, third line, the language should be changed from “domestic self supply,”
to “irrigation wells within city limits” to clarify their discussion.
Commr. Renick had a question
regarding the top line of the last page of the Minutes as she did not remember
Commr. Stewart saying that they should come up with a plan for rezoning of property
for greater densities, but maybe it was just how it was worded.
Commr.
Stewart stated that she thought what was meant was that there was not a plan to
rezone, but a plan that they should consider the water in rezoning
property for greater densities.
On a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Stewart and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the Minutes of August 26, 2008 (Regular Meeting), as corrected; and September 2, 2008 (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.
Annexation
Notification from City of
Annexation Notification with copy of Ordinance 2008-15 from the City of Tavares, amending the boundaries of the City of Tavares by annexing approximately 6.82 acres located on the west side of David Walker Drive, south of Dora Avenue and rezoning the property from Lake County R-6 (Urban Residential) to City of Tavares PD (Planned Development).
Annexation
Notification from City of
Copies of annexation Ordinance No.’s
2008-01-02, 2008-04-12, 2008-05-16, and 2008-07-23 from the City of
Financial
Audit Report for Greater Lakes/Sawgrass Bay Community Development District
Annual Financial Audit Report for the Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2007 for the Greater Lakes/Sawgrass Bay Community Development District, pursuant to Section 11.45 and Section 189.418, Florida Statutes.
Notice
Before the Public Service Commission
Notice Before the Florida Public Service Commission: Notice of Commission Service Hearing to Aqua Utilities Florida, Inc., Office of Public Counsel, Office of Attorney General, and All Other Interested Persons, Docket No. 080121-WS – Application for Increase in Water and Wastewater Rates in Alachua, Brevard, Desoto, Highlands, Lake, Lee, Marion, Orange, Palm, Beach, Pasco, Polk, Putnam, Seminole, Sumter, Volusia, and Washington Counties by Aqua Utilities Florida, Inc. – Issued August 27, 2008.
Hearing to be held on Friday,
September 26, 2008, at 4:00 p.m., at the
On a motion by Commr. Stivender,
seconded by Commr. Stewart and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board
approved the County Manager’s Consent Agenda, Tabs 3 through 25, pulling Tabs
22, 24, and 25 as follows:
Budget
Request to approve Budget Change Requests and Unanticipated Revenue Resolutions:
Budget transfer – Section 8 Fund, Department of Community Services, Housing Services Division. Transfer $265,857 from Reserve for Operations and $40,000 from Regular Salaries to Housing Assistance Payments. Rental Assistance payments for Section 8 were budgeted at $2,122,786. These payments have exceeded the budget by $591,677. Funds in the amount of $305,857 are available in Personnel Services and Reserve for Operations. The remaining $285,820 is projected to be received from State Revenues for Rental Assistance Programs. This amount is being appropriated on a separate resolution. After this transfer, the balance in the Reserve for Operations account will be $0.
Resolution No. 2008-136 to amend the Section 8 Fund in order to receive unanticipated revenue for Fiscal Year 2007-08 in the amount of $285,820 deposited into County Programs Revenue and provide appropriations for Housing Assistance Payments. Unanticipated revenue will be received into the Section 8 Fund from Rental Assistance Fees.
Resolution No. 2008-137 to amend the
General Fund and County Fire Rescue Fund in order to receive unanticipated
revenue for Fiscal Year 2007-08 in the amount of $840,783 deposited into Urban
Area Security and provide appropriations for Machinery and Equipment - $807,441
(General Fund), Operating Supplies - $5,886 (County Fire Rescue Fund) and
Machinery and Equipment - $27,456 (County Fire Rescue Fund). On December 5, 2006, the Board of County
Commissioners approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOA) with the Orlando
Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) for participation in their approved
funding. Pursuant to the MOA,
Request for approval of Budget Amendment and Change Order for Purchase Order for Department of Juvenile Justice.
Community
Services
For your information – Administrative Purchase Orders to process payments under the SHIP/Affordable Housing Program.
Request for approval and signature of the FY2008-2009 State Aid to Libraries Grant Application and Agreement.
Request for approval of the transportation Standard Coordinator Contract with Creative Concepts Learning Facility, Inc.
Request for approval of Agreements
which reflect the funding option which allocates 50% of the reimbursements and
the full cost of automation; execution of the Agreements pending execution by
affected parties and subject to
Employee
Services
Request for approval of Addendum to the Policies and Practices Employee Manual (dated September 7, 1999) formalizing the County’s practice of immediately suspending employees without pay in severe circumstances.
Request for approval to observe December 26, 2008, and January 2, 2009, as holidays with updates to the 2008 and 2009 BCC Holiday Schedule.
Procurement
Request for approval to (1) declare the items on the submitted list(s) surplus to County needs, (2) authorize the removal of all of the items on the submitted list(s) from the County’s official fixed asset inventory system records, and (3) authorize the Procurement Services Director or designee to sign vehicle titles.
Request for approval to award RFP 08-0021 to Nodarse & Associates, Inc. for construction & repair of Monitoring Wells and Professional Geologic and Hydrogeologic Services.
Request for approval to award RFP 08-0034 to Alverez Construction Group, Inc. to provide driveway improvements at Fire Station #21. Commission District 5.
Request for approval to award ITB 08-0030, Cold in Place Recycling Pavement Restoration for CR 466A to E.J. Breneman, L.P. in the amount of $726,523.20. Commission District 1.
Request for approval to award ITB 08-0029, Rehabilitation of Storm Water Pipes using the Cured in Place Pipe Method (CIPP) to Insituform Technologies, Inc. in the amount of $134,235.00. Commission District 1 and 5.
Public Safety
Request for approval to renew an
agreement with Lake Sumter Emergency Medical Services, Inc. in which
Request for Retroactive approval of the Lake County Department of Public Safety, Emergency Management Division to submit grant application information to the State for grant funds in the amount of $1,000,000 through the FY 2008 FEMA EOC Grant Program to Construct an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and to authorize the Chairman to execute any required grant documents.
Request for approval and execution
of Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) agreements (7) between the State of
Public Works
Request for approval and signature of Resolution No. 2008-139 to Advertise Public Hearing for Vacation Petition No. 1139 - Ted & Gail Ostrander, to vacate the entire Plat of Forest at Silver Lake, recorded in Plat Book 62, Page 34, located in Sections 9,10 & 16, Township 19 S, Range 25 E, in the Leesburg area. Commission District 1.
Request for authorization to award
Request for authorization to release a performance bond in the amount of $1,992,716.00, accept a maintenance bond in the amount of $155,593.50, execute a Developer's Agreement for Maintenance of Improvements Between Lake County and M/I Homes of Lake County, LLC and execute Resolution No. 2008-140 accepting the following roads into the County Road Maintenance System: Sweet Leaf Lane (County Road No. 5835A), Burlwood Drive (County Road No. 5835B), Muirwood Drive (County Road No. 5835C), Bronze Leaf Court (County Road No. 5835D), and Winter Oak Lane (County Road No. 5835E). Bentwood consists of 91 lots and is located in Section 2, Township 19 South, Range 25 East. Commission District 1.
Request for approval to advertise for bids for the CR-44 Widening and Resurfacing Project No. 2009-03 at a total estimated cost of $5,466,517.00 ($5,112,517 from the Road Impact Fee Benefit District 2 Fund and $354,000 from the General Fund). Commission Districts 1, 4, and 5.
On a motion by Commr. Stivender,
seconded by Commr. Stewart and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board
approved the County Attorney’s Consent Agenda, Tabs 26 and 27, as follows:
Request for approval of Lease
Agreement with
Request for approval of a Settlement
Agreement in special master case of Graham,
Public
Works
Vacation
Petition No. 1137
Commr. Hill stated that they received a letter of opposition from Bright House Networks and asked if there should be any changes or discussions prior to advertising the Public Hearing for Vacation Petition No. 1137.
Mr. Stivender responded by stating that it was their intention to work through the old and new alignment issues with Bright House Networks between now and vacation.
On a motion by Commr. Hill, seconded by Commr. Stewart and carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote the Board approved the execution of Resolution No. 2008-141, to advertise the Public Hearing for Vacation Petition No. 1137, Hartle Road Re-Alignment Project in Clermont.
Public
Right of Way Deeds in Conjunction with Roadway and/or Stormwater Projects
Commr. Renick referred to Tab 24, the Order of Taking on Exhibit “A”, RW Deeds and asked if that was referring to CR 466 in District 5. She stated that she was taken aback by the price and commented that if people were making it this difficult to acquire the right of way for the road she wondered how many more Orders of Taking the County could afford at that rate. She questioned whether it was vital for the County go through with the road due to the expense.
Mr.
Sandy Minkoff explained that they a report would be given today reflecting that
the dollar figures there were not the final figures, but rather the initial
deposit. He commented that for some of
the property owners the amount was still contested. He went on to say that they have
contributions from the State and The Villages of almost $10 million on this
particular project. He explained that
the right of way acquisition would be $7 or $8 million for the entire
corridor. He mentioned that they were
seeing this throughout the entire County, and were having eminent domain issues
with Publix at the shopping center on
Mr. Stivender commented that several of these projects were very important to the cities and the County stopped because they had to change their policies.
Mr. Minkoff stated that they were working with the municipalities and with Growth Management and that whenever possible they go through a development review to obtain right of way. He stated, however, that the particular property on CR 466 was valued at $1 million an acre; therefore, it was very hard to obtain contributions when that much value was involved.
Mr. Stivender mentioned that the property does not look that expensive at the present time, but because it has been approved, rezoned, and the potential for growth on that corridor is there, the price is high.
Mr.
Minkoff stated that when appraisers look at these properties, even those in the
County, they review the City’s Comprehensive Plan to see what would likely be
approved. He explained that the City had
called for the entire CR 466 corridor to be commercial from
Commr. Cadwell asked Mr. Minkoff to provide information in his report explaining the source of the funding.
Mr. Stivender commented that one thing they did with these reports was to identify what acreage in the entire County was donated. He explained that in this report they had almost twelve acres donated at an estimated cost of approximately $600,000. He commented that this presented a good side and bad side, and because of that they continually work with multiple areas of right of way acquisition, noting that in certain cases and certain road segments, this was the way it was being done.
On a motion by Commr. Renick, seconded by Commr. Stewart and carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved and accepted the submitted list of public right of way deeds that had been secured in conjunction with the roadway and/or stormwater projects.
Environmental
Land Acquisition Bond Funds
Commr. Hill commented that Tab 25 was to approve reimbursement of funds from the Environmental Land Acquisition Bond Funds to the Renewal Sales Tax Capital Projects Fund for the County’s portion of the Ferndale Preserve acquisition. She stated that she would like to reallocate this reimbursement to fill the Sheriff’s vehicle request which had been reduced due to the budget reallocation.
Commr. Cadwell stated that this is the last year of a pledge they had made to the Sheriff to increase their vehicle inventory. He commented that he had talked to the Sheriff’s Department and they indicated this was the last year that they had planned on the request. However, he stated that two years ago they had committed to fill the request one more time.
Commr. Stivender wanted to know how this would affect the Ferndale Preserve because the allocation would not go back into Parks & Recreation as previously done, but would fulfill the Sheriff’s vehicle request.
Commr. Hill moved to approved to reallocate the funds into the Sheriff’s Vehicle Fund.
Commr. Cadwell stated that they were committing the amount of $500,000 to the Sheriff.
Ms.
Cindy Hall,
Commr. Cadwell explained that the Sheriff’s vehicles fell into the sales tax capital projects category. He commented that they fronted them this money and were paying it back into the sales tax fund from which they normally purchase vehicles – same account, different projects.
The Chairman asked for a second to the motion. Commr. Renick seconded the motion which was carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote, whereby the Board approved the reimbursement of $603,025.00 from the Environmental Land Acquisition Bond Funds to the Renewal Sales Tax Capital Projects Fund for the County’s portion of the Ferndale Preserve acquisition, budgeting $600,000 from the Sales Tax Fund to the Vehicle Purchase Fund for the Sheriff’s Office.
PRESENTATION
LAKE
COUNTY TRAILS MASTER PLAN
Mr. Jim Stivender, Public Works Director, stated that the Board had accepted the Lake County Trails Master Plan a couple of months ago and that Mr. David Graber, Consultant from Inwood Consulting Engineers, was here to provide updates to the Plan.
Mr.
David Graber addressed the Board stating that they had previously presented The
Trails Master Plan to the Board and because of public comments at that time
they had made some revisions and proceeded to present an update of the
modifications that had been made to the Plan.
He stated that the two major additional alternatives to trails were for
the Gardenia and Lake Wekiva Trails. He
commented that the modifications for the Gardenia Trail were put into the
Revised Master Plan because the PD&E study for this trail was further along
than when they originally prepared the Master Plan. He stated that they took updates from that
PD&E study and incorporated them back into their report and added one
alternative which had not been selected as a preferred alternative, but it was
their lead candidate. He commented that
they wanted to make sure this alternative was in the Master Plan in order to
incorporate it into Graphical Information Services (GIS). He explained that there were some ideas
discussed at the last presentation for Lake Wekiva Trail which were to use the
railroad grade through Rock Springs Run as an alternative to cross the
Commr. Stewart commented that she noticed one of the alternatives on the Lake Wekiva Trail was that the trail went straight to the river and would require building a new bridge.
Mr. Graber stated that was correct and that it was an extremely sensitive area. He commented that it would just be one alternative that would be looked at during a PD&E study to evaluate a bridge, talk to the stakeholders, and make sure that there was a consensus on alignment.
Commr. Stivender stated that as the liaison to this committee she wanted thank the staff, Mr. Graber, and all the cities and other entities that took part in this process. She commented that it took a long time, but that everyone was able to provide their input and it went very well.
On a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Stewart and carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the Lake County Trails Master Plan.
REPORTS
–
LEASING
COUNTY-OWNED PROPERTY BY WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMPANIES
Mr. Sandy Minkoff,
Commr.
Cadwell stated that in the
Mr.
Minkoff stated that
Commr. Stewart commented that she had no problem with co-location but had a concern about the neighbors surrounding other County-owned property who may object to a tower on that property.
Mr. Minkoff stated that they would be required to follow all zoning rules and to obtain the applicable permits to meet the spacing requirements for other towers, so the County would be just like any other owner if that were the case. He commented further this was a Board policy decision that they did not necessarily want to make.
Commr. Cadwell mentioned that he initially thought they should not consider County- owned property, but there could be a situation where it would make sense for us and for them.
Mr. Minkoff stated that the County receives approximately $950 per month on the Paisley lease and that some of the leases in more urban areas go as high as $2,000 - $3,000 per month. He explained that towers were handled in different ways. For example, in some cases where a tower is built the government owns the tower, the contractor puts it up, gets the right to stay on it, but gives the County the tower to sell the co-location; other times it would be a straight lease of the ground - there were different ways the arrangements could be structured. He commented that he thought the Department was interested in leasing with a caveat making certain that the radio system was operating correctly before adding other people to the County towers.
Commr. Cadwell asked if through the discussions on this issue, Mr. Minkoff had clear direction on how to proceed.
Mr. Minkoff responded affirmatively and stated that he would move forward working with Procurement to hire a consultant to assist with structuring the leases and bring them to the Board on a case-by-case basis.
REPORTS
-
FIRE
STATION ON EAST SR 50 – FIRST RESPONSE
Ms. Cindy Hall,
Commr. Cadwell requested a report within the next 30 days covering a period of one year which would represent an estimate of costs of getting a station up, running, and manned on SR 50; the number and type of calls received in that area, such as house calls and roadway calls, as well as how many roadway calls were vehicle accidents; and whether the accidents were on City or County roadways.
Ms. Hall asked Mr. Jerry Smith, Director of Emergency Management, to report on the County’s eligibility for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster assistance.
Mr. Smith stated that Ms. Hall was
referring to a Memorandum of Understanding with FEMA to open a
Commr. Cadwell stated that they assumed most of the citizens needing help were in the northeast part of the County and wondered if it would be better to locate the disaster center further north.
Mr. Smith agreed that most of them were in that part of the County but those people had already registered. He stated, however, it was their goal to get the people in the Astor area to register since mold and mildew could occur from the water in their yards that may have seeped into their homes. He mentioned that they were working with the Transportation Disadvantaged Program (TDP) so that once they do open the center the TDP number would be advertised as they have offered to transport anyone in need. He stated that they were working with Public Works to get public assistance funding and commented that the fairgrounds staff had bent over backwards to get this up and running.
Mr. Minkoff explained that the
On a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Stewart and carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the placement of this item on the Agenda.
Commr. Stivender made a motion which
was seconded by Commr. Hill to approve the use of the Lake County Fairgrounds
by FEMA for a
Under discussion, Mr. Smith informed the Board that because the river in the Astor area was at about 3 feet 1 inch high that they may not be able to open river traffic until after the weekend. He commented that the Parks & Recreation Department had been great in helping them close down the boat ramps.
The Chairman asked for a vote on the motion which carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote.
REPORTS – COMMISSIONER STIVENDER
– DISTRICT 3
Commr. Stivender explained that Tab 30 was a request to proclaim October 5 through October 11, 2008, as Colonial Heritage Week by the National Society of Colonial Dames whose membership is comprised of descendants of this Country’s earliest land owners and public office holders. She mentioned that the Society preserves historical sites and colonial records, offers scholarships for students of American history and to Native Americans to study nursing. The State and National Society of the Colonial Dames were getting the public interested in our past and current history.
On a motion by Commr. Stivender,
seconded by Commr. Hill, and carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote, the Board
approved Proclamation No. 2008-142, proclaiming October 5th through
October 11th, 2008, as Colonial Heritage Week.
REPORTS
– COMMISSIONER STEWART – DISTRICT 4
Commissioner
Stewart encouraged everyone to sign up for the Second Annual New Vision
Walk for
REPORTS – COMMISSIONER CADWELL –
DISTRICT 5
Commr. Cadwell stated that he had
scheduled a discussion of the
CITIZEN QUESTION AND COMMENT
PERIOD
No one present wished to address the Board.
RECESS
AND REASSEMBLY
At
9:45 a.m. the Chairman announced that the Board would recess for approximately
ten minutes.
RECONVENED
– WORKSHOP SESSION
The
Chairman reconvened the meeting at 10:00 a.m. at which time he stated that they
would go into the Workshop Session.
Commr.
Cadwell stated that when they had the presentation for the Landscape Ordinance
by staff it was clear that additional information was needed, together with
professional assistance, in determining what would be best in the long-range
for the Ordinance. He commented that
they had requested several individuals in the landscape business to make
presentations today. He noted that this
was not a public hearing but the Board was interested in the information they
could provide. He stated that another
workshop would be scheduled to provide staff with direction after they digest
the information presented.
LANDSCAPE
ORDINANCE
Mr. Brian Sheehan, Director of Planning and Community Development, stated that staff provided the Board with an update on the direction that was given at the last workshop. He commented that after the Proposed Landscape Ordinance Memorandum was distributed an error was discovered on page 2, Item 4. The sentence “Bahiagrass, Zoysiagrass, or other drought tolerant turf shall be used” was inadvertently shown as stricken, and since they did not have direction from the Board to strike it, that sentence will remain in the Ordinance. He explained that presentations related to the Landscape Ordinance would be made by those in the Sod Industry as follows: Mr. David Dymond, General Manager of H and H Sod Co, Inc., representing Florida Sod Growers; Mr. Keith Truenow representing Lake Gem Farms, Inc., a local sod grower; Mr. Jim Spratt, Director of Government Affairs representing the Florida Nursery Growers & Landscape Association (FNGLA); and Dr. Richard Tyson, Ph.D., Extension Agent IV, Seminole County, representing Florida Cooperative Extensive Service.
Mr.
Keith Truenow of Lake Gem Farms, Inc., and Director of The Florida Sod and
Garden Association, addressed the Board and shared their views on Turf grass
and water conservation. He mentioned
that the following individuals were in the audience on behalf of Turf grass and
water conservation: Mr. Billy
Butterfield from FNGLA; Mr. Jimmy Granger from Lake Gem Farms, Inc.; Mr. Tommy
Gardner from Lake Gem Farms, Inc.; Mr. Ted Geltz from Atlantic Blue; Mr. Joshua
Craft from Florida Farm Bureau; Mr. Ralph White, Turf Grass Consultant; Mr. Rodney
Weekly from R & W Sod Farms; and Mr. Hank Scott from Scott Farms. He stated they would be discussing what they
considered the root of the problem facing Turf grass applications under two
basic categories – “species” which includes several varieties of Turf grass,
and “users” which include planners, caretakers and Best Management Practices
(BMP). He then offered a slide
presentation showing examples of Turf grass commonly used throughout
Mr. Truenow presented slides provided
by The Lawn Institute covering the benefits of Turf grass. He commented that under environmental
benefits, Turf grasses were relatively inexpensive, durable groundcovers
protecting nonrenewable soil resources from water and wind erosion; and also
helps reduce runoff losses from the vegetative portion of a developed watershed
to almost nothing. He went on to say that it was a great water
filter, recharges groundwater aquifer, serves to prevent disease, helps with
the decomposition of organic pollutants and provides a means for soil
restoration improving the soil by adding organic matter. He stated that another often overlooked
benefit of Turf grass was a decrease in noxious pests, allergy-related pollens
and human disease exposure and also minimizes allergy-related pollens that can
cause human discomfort and potentially serious health concerns to susceptible
individuals, as well as playing a role in serving as a fire barrier. He mentioned that in addition to creating
a sense of pride; the community also benefits economically, noting that Turf
grass, trees and shrubs have been shown to add from 6 to 12 percent to the base
value of a home according to a study conducted by Bridget Behe, Professor of
Horticulture at
Mr. Truenow stated that at a time when our environmental issues such as
global warming and greenhouse gases continually grab the headlines, fertilizers
or even Turf grasses, will have an impact on our environment and our lives. He stated that getting the message out on all
the benefits Turf grass has to offer would benefit everyone. He explained that by implementing BMP’s,
information techniques and technologies would basically reduce the amount of
water used daily.
Mr.
David Dymond, Turf grass producer from
Mr.
Jim Spratt, Director of Government Affairs for the Florida Nursery Growers and
Landscape Association (FNGLA), thanked the Board for giving all those from the
sod industry an opportunity to speak today.
Before getting into the specific Ordinance he shared some the following
facts: that in the State of Florida in
2005, The Nursery Landscape and Sod Industry was a $15.2 billion industry and
provided over 293,000 jobs; and that specifically in Lake County, landscape,
retail and wholesale growers brought in $458 million in total sales and
provided approximately 9,900 jobs which puts Lake County in the top 15 nursery
and landscape producing counties in the State.
He stated that they realize in
Mr.
Timothee Sallin, with Cherry Lake Tree Farm in Groveland stated that when there
was less sod on a project there was an opportunity for more trees, but spoke in
favor of the sod industry. He commented
that these issues need to be addressed taking advantage of all the information,
research, and technology provided by the universities and the industry on the subject. He stated that there were many environmental
and economic benefits of trees such as the fact that they capture storm water
and reduce erosion from 7-22 percent after a storm; improve air quality by
removing sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, ozone and approximately 60 percent of
particulates in the atmosphere. They
also sequester carbon anywhere from 22 – 48 pounds per tree per year depending
on the variety; provide cooling benefits by approximately 25 degrees Fahrenheit;
absorb about 90 percent of solar radiation; one acre of forest would remove 2.5
tons of carbon per year from the atmosphere; and that in Washington, D.C., a 46
percent tree canopy removed 949 million cubic feet of water volume. He stated that he understood that the goal
was water conservation and felt that changing the varieties of sod at a surface
level seemed to address the problem. He
commented that water conservation regarding sod would occur at the maintenance
and irrigation level. He referred to
what had been said regarding the BMP's starting with irrigation, irrigation
design, irrigation installation and maintenance, the smart controllers, the
evaportranspiration clocks, and soil moisture sensors. He stated that this new technology was not
available 5-10 years ago and now has
been tested, researched, proven and documented and saves 40-42 percent of
water. He explained that in order to
solve the lawn maintenance problems they were talking about educating the
homeowners and themselves, stating that there were several good programs
available. He mentioned that
Florida-Friendly Landscapes, Florida Water Star and the Water Management
Districts were coming out with an FNGLA Certification Program. He drew attention to the fact that they were
asking their landscape architects, irrigation installers, and pest applicators
to be certified and licensed, but were not asking that the people who are
installing and maintaining landscapes be certified, and those were the people
who had the most impact. He stated that
the County could enforce or recommend that they were all FNGLA certified
because those programs had a long track record in the State of
Mr.
Richard Tyson from the Florida Department of Extension Service spoke about Turf
grass. He commented that he was shocked
when he heard that Lake and
Commr.
Cadwell wondered if the ET Controller was new technology and stated that
research of other counties had been done where they had tried this several
years ago and it failed because it lacked technology.
Mr.
Dymond responded by explaining that the ET Controller was a relatively new and
pricey technology and had been used on the West Coast for the past ten
years. He stated that since that time
the technology had been perfected and the computerized components had gone down
in price.
A
discussion ensued regarding the price of using ET Controllers for simple lots
as well as complex areas with the price varying from $150 to thousands of
dollars. It was stated that installing
rain sensors which cost much less would be a good idea for people in existing
homes, but were not as efficient as ET Controllers.
Mr.
Dymond referred to a study in
Commr.
Cadwell asked for recommendations on handling soil that was not ready for sod.
Commr.
Renick stated that she had spoken with Mr. Dymond about this and there had been
a lot of talk about
Mr.
Dymond stated that it would be great if soil could be amended, especially sandy
soils like those in
Commr.
Renick mentioned that if it was important to someone to have
Commr.
Stewart stated that the goal was not to ban anything, it was to conserve water
and that they would do whatever was needed to do so.
Commr.
Renick commented that she, Ms. Hall, and Mr. Sheahan had discussed this and
felt the need to bring the Irrigation Ordinance forward at the same time since
they all play into each other.
Commr.
Stewart mentioned that she thought there was very little disagreement about
what had been said today and that everything was a part of the picture for
water conservation and that education was a key component.
Commr.
Renick expressed her appreciation to Mr. Charles Fedunak, Lake County Extension
Agent, who gave her a better understanding regarding the pros and cons of
switching from
Commr.
Cadwell requested that Ms. Hall schedule another Workshop in October so they
could give staff line for line direction on the Ordinance itself. He also asked that a draft of the Irrigation
Ordinance be given to them ahead of time so they could discuss all the
Ordinances on the same day.
FERTILIZER
ORDINANCE
Ms.
Amye King, Growth Management Director, on behalf of the Green Team, addressed
the Board stating that the Green Team was partnered with the Lake County Water
Authority to bring before the Board a discussion about fertilizers. She stated that they would like the Board to
consider the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS)
Model Ordinance which has not yet been prepared for
Mr.
Perry addressed the Board stating that he was participating in this discussion
because they were concerned about the affect of nutrient enrichment in the
County’s lakes. He stated that they have
had an experience over the past several years with a nutrient enrichment
problem in the lakes. He commented that
the lakes had been over fertilized and the same nutrients which turn grass
green fuel algae in the lakes and cause them to go green. He explained that when the algae
concentration in the lake is increased, the light going down to the bottom is
lost and prevents growth of vegetation and plants in the lake systems causing
an imbalance. He stated that the topic
being discussed today with fertilizer was to limit, or minimize, the amount of
fertilizer being added to lake systems from urban areas. He explained that they had asked the Soil
Conservation Service if
A
discussion ensued among several Commissioners and Mr. Perry regarding Total
Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) regarding phosphorus and other nitrates in
Ms.
King stated that they were extremely concerned about unattended consequences
and were exploring ways to address the fertilizer phosphorus issue without
having consequences on the worm farms or composting household solid waste to
create a fertilizer for flowers. She
explained that those fertilizers generally would not cause the runoff or
loading problems thought of when talking about the adopted TMDL’s. She commented that licensing of commercial
applicators is another part of the Model FDACS Ordinance. She stated that Ms. Erica Santella, Region
Technical Manager, TruGreen Limited Partnership, with a Bachelor’s and Master’s
Degree in Agronomy, as well as the Co-Chair of the DEP (Department of
Environmental Protection) had an interesting prospective from the private side
that she would present to the Board.
Ms.
Santella, referred to Best Management Practices (BMP) described earlier in the
presentation and distributed a copy of the booklet. She addressed the Board stating that the BMP
booklet was developed for TMDL issues.
She stated that she was here representing the Florida Professional
Applicators Alliance who not only support the Green Industry by its managing
practices, but support the FDCAS Model Ordinance as written and the
Certification Program as a key element.
She mentioned water conservation had been discussed earlier and in this
case the discussion was not about fertilizer, but about nutrients and water
quality, noting that to focus only on fertilizer was somewhat misplaced. She commented that the manual talks about
clippings and leaf debris on impervious surfaces that get into the waterway
essentially becoming fertilizer pellets.
She reported that
It
was a consensus of the Board for Ms. King to continue working with the Water
Authority and the private sector to put together an Ordinance tailored for
Commissioner Cadwell asked Ms. Hall to schedule a workshop in October to discuss the Landscape, Irrigation and Fertilizer Ordinances in order to direct staff line per line on the final Ordinances. He also asked that a draft of the Irrigation Ordinance be provided prior to the workshop in order to discuss all items the same day.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to be brought to the attention of the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 11:30 a.m.
____________________________________
WELTON
G. CADWELL, CHAIRMAN
ATTEST:
__________________________
NEIL KELLY, CLERK