A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
August 24, 2010
The Lake County Board of County Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, August 24, 2010 at 9:00 a.m., in the Board of County Commissioners’ Meeting Room, Lake County Administration Building, Tavares, Florida. Commissioners present at the meeting were: Welton G. Cadwell, Chairman; Elaine Renick, Vice Chairman; Jennifer Hill; Jimmy Conner; and Linda Stewart. Others present were: Sanford A. “Sandy” Minkoff, Interim County Manager; Melanie Marsh, Acting County Attorney; Wendy Taylor, Executive Office Manager, County Manager’s Office; and Courtney Vincent, Deputy Clerk.
INVOCATION and pledge
Commr. Cadwell gave the Invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
COUNTY MANAGER’S CONSENT AGENDA
On a motion by Commr. Hill, seconded by Commr. Conner and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved the County Manager’s Consent Agenda, Tabs 1 through 7 as follows:
County Manager
Request from County Manager for authorization to fill one (1) vacant Horticulture Learning Center Garden Manager position in the Agricultural Services Division. The total fiscal impact of filling the vacant Horticulture Learning Center Garden Manager position is $46,016.
Request from County Manager for approval to allow the Tax Collector’s Office to join the County’s health insurance plan, as well as other insurances that are part of the employee benefits program.
Fiscal and Administrative Services
Request from Fiscal and Administrative Services to increase the transfer to the Tax Collector by $40,050, resulting in total budgeted commission payments to the Lake County Tax Collector of $4,795,480. Fiscal impact - $40,050.
Growth Management
Request from Growth Management for approval to accept sponsorships, not soliciting companies under contract with the county with the exception of utilities, for the Green Team’s 3rd Annual Green Fair to be held on Saturday, November 13, 2010 at Wooton Park, Tavares, FL. (No Fiscal Impact)
Public Resources
Request from Public Resources for approval and signature of OCLC System Application Direct and OCLC User Agreement in order to directly access OCLC services. Fiscal impact is $36,000 budgeted for this purpose.
Public Safety
Request from Public Safety to approve Amendment to 2003 Agreement between Lake County, The Town of Lady Lake and Village Center Community Development District Relating to Provision of Fire Services.
Public Works
Request from Public Works for authorization to award #5876 Estes Road Drainage Project No. 2010-21, Bid No. 10-0045, to Art Walker Construction, Inc. in the amount of $113,298.00, and encumber and expend funds in the amount of $113,298.00 from the Transportation Trust Fund. Commission District 4. Fiscal Impact is $113,298.00.
COUNTY ATTORNEY’S CONSENT AGENDA
On a motion by Commr. Hill, seconded by Commr. Conner, and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved the County Attorney’s Consent Agenda, Tab 8 as follows:
County Attorney
Request from County Attorney for approval of Workers Compensation Claim settlement in the amount of $70,000 for Kathy Hodge. Fiscal impact is $70,000.
rezoning agenda
Mr. Brian Sheahan, Chief Planner, Planning and Community Design, informed the Board the public hearing was advertised in accordance with the law and Land Development Regulations (LDRs), citing individual notices were placed for the Rezoning Case No. PH#6-10-5 (Harbor Hills) and CUP# 09/7/3-3 (Zafarali Slaughter House), with a third announcement used for the remainder of the agenda items.
cup # 09/7/3-3 peter ali zafarali/liyyahaat altaf zafarali, peer’s meAt/slaughterhouse
Mr. Sheahan announced a change to the agenda regarding Tab 6, saying he had received two requests for a 60 day continuance.
Commr. Cadwell opened a public hearing regarding the issue of the continuance.
Commr. Conner asked if the people requesting the extension are opposed to the approval of the CUP.
Mr. Sheahan responded yes, noting that one request was from an attorney for a property owner adjacent to the applicant’s property and the other was from the Royal Highlands Property Association.
Commr. Conner asked if the reason for the requested continuance was because, based on the judges orders, they believed they required additional time to assemble the legal criteria the judge said would be needed to deny the request.
Mr. Sheahan clarified that it was his understanding both requesters need additional time to hire proper consultants to evaluate the impacts of the application on their properties.
Commr. Cadwell asked if the applicant or applicants were present.
Mr. Richard Geller, an attorney with Fishback Dominick LLP in Winter Park, addressed the Board representing Mr. Zafarali, stating an objection to the continuance on the basis of the Board’s denial of a continuance to the applicant, Mr. Zafarali, when requested at the original hearing for this case on July 28, 2009. He stated it was the opinion of Mr. Zafarali the Board should treat both sides of the case equally and not grant a continuance to one when the other had been denied.
Commr. Cadwell asked Ms. Melanie Marsh, Acting County Attorney, if the court order had any stipulations regarding postponement.
Ms. Marsh stated that there was no time frame provided for the re-hearing.
Commr. Cadwell asked if anyone would like to speak in favor of the continuance.
Ms. Janet Porter, a resident of Royal Highlands, addressed the Board in support of the continuance, saying it would also give Mr. Zafarali the benefit of the additional 60 days.
Commr. Cadwell said he hoped both parties would try to get together during the 60 days and not just work on their case for or against the application. He then asked if there was anyone else who wished to speak in favor of the continuance.
Ms. Stephanie Adams, an attorney with DLA Piper LLP in Tampa, Florida, addressed the Board representing Mr. Leland Stahelin, who owns 350 acres directly north of the property in question. She said Mr. Stahelin was a man in his mid-eighties who was on vacation and had only just found out there was a hearing. Ms. Adam’s firm was retained late in the afternoon on Friday, August 20, 2010, and they are requesting additional time in order to ascertain facts and obtain necessary witnesses to substantiate all the objections Mr. Stahelin has towards the application.
Mr. Robert Fitzpatrick, President and Chairman of the Board of Royal Highlands Property Owners Association, addressed the Board on behalf of the homeowners of Royal Highlands in support of the request for continuation. He said they needed additional time because the homeowners were not notified of the application for CUP, and since finding out, they have been trying to accumulate adequate representation for the homeowners. He mentioned having a petition signed by 1,488 residents of both Royal Highlands and Woodlands of Groveland, and then restated their desire for the continuance.
Mr. David Gay, owner of Grass Roots Airpark in Groveland, addressed the Board, stating his airpark is within half a mile south of the slaughterhouse property, and he only recently learned about the application for CUP. He said it was suggested to him to acquire legal counsel, which he had been unable to obtain within the limited time frame, and he had concerns about the safety of aircraft due to bird population increase should the CUP be granted. He stated he was in favor of the continuance.
Mr. Geller readdressed the Board, citing the law of case doctrine and explaining that after a Commission’s decision is overturned by the court, the hearing reverts to how it originally stood before a decision was made, and unless there is a change in circumstances, additional evidence and testimony should not be taken. He specified that on that basis, it was not necessary to have the continuance, but if the Board was so inclined then he would ask they not grant a continuance past 30 days. He mentioned that the Zafarali’s have been working with this matter for a year, and the case was hoped to have been on the July agenda, but due to sheer inadvertence it was postponed until this point.
Commr. Cadwell asked for clarification on Mr. Geller’s previous comment about not having a hearing at all.
Mr. Geller responded by saying that under the law of case doctrine, after the public testimony has been taken, there should be no further testimony or evidence given, except if there is a change in circumstances.
The Chairman closed the public hearing and reserved comment for the Board.
Commr. Conner noted that the case was in his district and asked Ms. Melanie Marsh, Acting County Attorney, if the Commission has the latitude to postpone the hearing for 60 days based on the facts of the case.
Ms. Marsh responded the Board did have the authority to postpone the hearing.
On a motion by Commr. Conner, seconded by Commr. Hill, and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved a 60 day continuance on CUP#09/7/3-3, to be addressed at the October 26, 2010 Zoning Meeting.
rezoning consent agenda
The Chairman opened the public hearing for Tab 3 on the Consent Agenda.
There being no one present who wished to address the Board, the Chairman closed the public hearing and reserved comment for the Board.
On a motion by Commr. Hill, seconded by Commr. Stewart, and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved the Rezoning Consent Agenda as follows:
Tab 3 – Ordinance No. 2010-42
Rezoning Case No. PH#24-10-1
Steve and Jacquelyn Donahue/Katy Courtney
Request to amend Planned Commercial (CP) Ordinance #2005-43 & #2009-3 to combine them into one (1) Ordinance that allows auto repair, consumer services/repair, personal care services, professional office, general retail, self-service storage, truck yard, vehicle sales, day care center, medical service, warehouse, and a caretaker’s residence.
rezoning regular agenda
Commr. Hill confirmed that Rezoning Case No. PH#11-09-2 Eagles Landing at Ocoee, Inc/Rohland A. June/Lake Apopka Sound Planned Unit Development was continued until the October 6, 2010 Zoning Meeting.
rezoning case no. ph#22-10-3 lake county water authority/ron hart, water resource program manager
Mr. Steve Greene, Chief Planner, Planning and Community Design Growth Management Department, presented Rezoning Case No. PH#22-10-3 to the Board, stating that it was a rezoning request for property commonly known as Hickory Point Park on State Road 19. He said the applicant seeks to amend the existing ordinances to add new uses to the property, and explained currently the 70-acre property is zoned as Community Facility District (CFD) for recreational uses such as picnicking, fishing, sports field, etc. He stated the request is to add uses for storage and an office building, because the Lake County Water Authority seeks to construct a storage and office facility on the property because the property they currently inhabit at another location is undersized and does not provide adequate space for their needs due to the increased activity of their operation. He reported the Zoning Board recommended approval with a unanimous vote of 5-0, with conditions that the office building not exceed 6,000 square feet and the storage building not exceed 10,000 square feet. He noted the conditions had been added to the ordinance under section 1A, 2, and 3. There was one letter of opposition from a property owner who was against the application, but the applicant has spoken with the property owner regarding that issue.
The Chairman opened the public hearing.
Mr. Ron Hart of the Lake County Water Authority (LCWA) addressed the Board requesting two minor changes to the ordinance on behalf of the LCWA. He stated that the ordinance placed a limit on the office space of 6,000 square feet, and the LCWA was requesting the limit be increased because there was the possibility that they would like to add a meeting room to the facility, which would exceed the allowable square footage. He added that they have had discussions with the Sheriff’s office in the past about possibly housing their marine unit in the same office, which could involve a possible expansion. He mentioned that currently the marine unit was housed on that site, but their facility is a storage unit on the site and not an office building.
Commr. Cadwell asked how much square footage the LCWA was requesting.
Mr. Hart replied that they were requesting 10,000 square feet for the office and to increase the allowable storage space to 15,000 square feet because they store their boats and equipment as well as the marine patrol’s boats and equipment. He noted that the current storage facility on the property was designed at just under 10,000 square feet, and if they were to increase the width of the building from 50 to 60 feet it would cause them to exceed the 10,000 square feet limit.
Commr. Cadwell suggested they request the Sheriff’s office help them build it.
Mr. Hart commented that they were trying to work something out cooperatively with the Sheriff’s Office, and they have had discussions in the past about a joint project with some of the funding coming from the Sheriff’s Office.
Commr. Conner asked if spending money towards buildings was part of the mission of the LCWA.
Mr. Hart replied that the Water Authority’s mission as stated by the legislature has five general purposes that deal with water quality and water quality restoration, but part of accomplishing that means they need adequate office space for personnel. He said the existing place the LCWA has on Lake Avenue in Tavares is a warehouse and was not designed to hold office space, noting that when there is heavy rain the bottom floor of the building floods in areas. He stressed that they need actual office space to house the personnel.
Commr. Conner asked if they had looked at the financial feasibility of leasing as opposed to building.
Mr. Hart replied that they had not looked into leasing.
Commr. Cadwell clarified that the Board’s purpose at this meeting was only to decide if the property in question is suitable for the rezoning.
Commr. Conner asked the Board if the types of buildings requested are suitable to a recreational site. He also asked if they really wanted to start turning that property away from a recreational property by putting buildings on it, adding that if the buildings are allowed on that property, they need to pay careful consideration to the size of the buildings that are allowed out of concern for further additional buildings being constructed at the recreational site.
Commr. Cadwell asked Mr. Hart if LCWA Board meetings are currently being held in the County Administration Building.
Mr. Hart responded that yes, they are.
Commr. Cadwell asked Mr. Greene where the decision for the 6,000 square foot limit had originated, and if it had been a staff recommendation.
Mr. Greene replied the number had been a recommendation by staff that was presented to the Zoning Board. He showed the Board the location of where the new office building and storage facility would be located on an overhead projection.
Commr. Cadwell asked if they would have to add parking space or if there was adequate space already provided.
Mr. Hart responded that there would be added parking. He added that they placed the location of the building on State Road 19 in an area that is not being used by any of the recreational facilities, so it does not have an impact on the current use of the agency.
Commr. Cadwell asked if they were going to charge themselves to get in.
Mr. Hart replied that it was free to get in as long as they enter during normal daylight hours.
Commr. Renick clarified that the discussion was about Water Authority property and not County property.
Commr. Cadwell said the topic of building office space and storage on the Hickory Point property had been talked about for years, and he thought it sounded like a good idea because it allowed the Water Authority to be more visible to the public.
Mr. Hart commented that it would make the Water Authority more accessible to the public.
Commr. Conner said that the more buildings they allow there, the less space they will have for recreational areas, and that will mean less recreational area for expansion in the future.
Commr. Stewart said that the Water Authority has chosen a good location, because they could not put recreational facilities at the edge of State Road 19.
Mr. Vance Jochim, a Tavares resident who writes a blog about fiscal issues in Lake County (fiscalrangers.com), addressed the Board, saying he had been informed the funding that had been used to purchase the Hickory Point property had the stipulation that it be used for recreational purposes. He asked if allowing the rezoning for the construction of the proposed buildings is a proper use of the property.
Mr. Hart replied that the entirety of the funds used to purchase the property came from the LCWA with no contributing funds from the County or any other government agency. He said the Water Authority had voted on this project, and he believed the vote had been unanimous.
There being no further individuals who wished to address the Board, the Chairman closed the public hearing.
On a motion by Commr. Conner, seconded by Commr. Stewart and carried unanimously, by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved the Zoning Board’s recommendation allowing no more than 6,000 square feet for office space and 10,000 square feet for the storage facility for Rezoning Case No. PH#22-10-3.
rezoning case no. ph#19-10-4 w. wit and k. & r. garman/greg beliveau and fred antonio/project orianne, ltd.
Mr. Steve Green, Chief Planner, Planning and Community Design Growth Management Department, presented Rezoning Case No. PH#19-10-4 to the Board, which was a rezoning request for Project Orianne, Ltd, mentioning that the property owners were Wendy Wit and Karen and Richard Garman, and the applicants are Greg Beliveau and Fred Antonio. He stated the proposed request was to rezone 25 acres of property from Agriculture (A) to Community Facility District (CFD) located near the Wekiva/A-1-20 land use area for the purpose of allowing captive breeding and conservation of the endangered species, the eastern indigo snake, which is indigenous to Florida. He noted the researchers and the facility are associated with the University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine; however no public funds will be associated with the use of the facility at this time. He commented that staff found the request consistent with all applicable provisions of the Comprehensive Plan and LDRs. He then discussed the proposed design for the facility, mentioning the majority of the activity would be confined to the eastern portion of the property which is separated from the western portion by wetlands, noting the parcel is surrounded by other Agricultural properties, and commenting that the proposal would not greatly alter the character of the community. He noted the applicants were not looking for any exemptions to the Wekiva River Protection Act. He mentioned receiving one letter of opposition. He said staff recommends approval.
Commr. Hill disclosed she had previously spoken with Mr. Greg Beliveau and one of the owners regarding this case.
Mr. Beliveau, who represents the applicant, clarified that they are associated with the University of Florida, three other universities, and also associated with several agencies, both State and Federal across the Southeast. He noted the woman who wrote the letter in opposition was not present, saying that in her letter her argument against was that she did not like more snakes. He clarified the snakes would not be released on the property or locally but at separate release sites.
There being no further individuals who wished to address the Board; the Chairman closed the public hearing and reserved comment for the Board.
Commr. Hill commented that she had visited the website for Project Orianne, Ltd., adding that the species of snake was a good species that needed to be brought back, and noted that it would be a good economic development tool for the future.
Commr. Renick asked Mr. Beliveau if there was any way to add detail to the Ordinance to limit the types of species allowed, expressing concern over the current wording. She said her concern was that if the ordinance was passed as it currently is written, it would allow for any type of animal in the captive breeding and research facility, not just the eastern indigo snake.
Mr. Beliveau responded that they would like to keep the facility open to small reptiles other than indigo snakes, adding that the applicant does not want to be limited to native species of Florida, citing an example of the research they are doing with the Florida panther which involves the Texas cougar.
Commr. Renick noted the Ordinance specified the research and conservation efforts were for amphibian and reptile conservation.
Mr. Fred Antonio, Director of the Orianne Center for Indigo Conservation, addressed the Board, expressing that he would not like language to constrict what species they can work with, clarifying that they are strictly focused on reptiles and amphibians.
Commr. Cadwell expressed concern over the possibility of a non-native invasive species getting loose and causing a problem with the local ecology.
Commr. Renick expressed concern over leaving the wording of the Ordinance unclear, noting the problem would come if Mr. Antonio’s facility ever left. She stated the land would still be zoned CFD, which would affect a new owner.
Ms. Melanie Marsh, Acting County Attorney, commented that a change in ownership would not bring them back before the Board, stating they could clarify section A-1 to limit what species can be brought into the facility.
Discussion ensued regarding the wording of the Ordinance, the types of animals that would be permitted at the facility, and precautions that would be used to ensure the animals did not escape.
Commr. Cadwell stated he was comfortable moving forward with the wording in the Ordinance remaining as it is.
Commr. Stewart noted she had received a small donation from Mr. Antonio for her campaign with absolutely no discussion of this issue at all.
Ms. Marsh explained there was an exemption for campaign contributions, so Commr. Stewart could still vote on this case.
The Chairman closed the public hearing and reserved comment for the Board.
On a motion by Commr. Stewart, seconded by Commr. Hill and carried unanimously, by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved Rezoning Case No. PH#19-10-4.
rezoning case no. ph#6-10-5 harbor hills development lp
Commr. Cadwell disclosed that he was contacted previously by Michael Rich, President of the Harbor Hills Homeowners Association.
Mr. Rick Hartenstein, Senior Planner, Planning and Community Design, Growth Management Division, addressed the Board, stating the Harbor Hills PUD amendment had originally been brought before the Board on April 27, 2010; on July 27, 2010 the case was re-heard after an independent engineering study had been completed, and then postponed 30 days to incorporate intersection construction work into the Capital Work Program for the County. He noted this amendment would rescind and replace three previously approved PUD Ordinances for this development by combining the approved uses for the property, taking out obsolete and completed development requirements, and correcting scrivener’s errors in the legal description for the PUD. He reported the staff finds that the proposed rezoning request is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Regulations and recommends approval. He added that the Zoning Board also recommended approval, but deferred to the Board.
Commr. Renick remarked that the intersection work which had been agreed to be added to the County Work Plan was not included with the information presented to the Board for the meeting.
Mr. Hartenstein noted it was his understanding the intersection work was to be a separate five year capital improvement plan and not included in the Ordinance.
Commr. Renick expressed concern that there was no reference to what the Board had previously voted on in the Ordinance.
Mr. Jim Stivender, Director of Public Works, clarified that since the County has taken over the responsibility to make the improvements to the intersection, it was decided to keep that separate from the previous improvements already made by the developer.
The Chairman opened the public hearing.
Mr. Rich addressed the Board, stated that the Homeowners Association welcomes and appreciates anything the County can do to improve the welfare and safety of their homes. He remarked that they gave the County $202,000 in 1994 to fix the area, noting that compounded at four percent interest rate, that money today would be worth about $350,000. He explained the selected intersection design does not take into consideration the already existing median strip with four brick stanchions, which cost about $8,000 each and provide lighting for the community, or the sign at the entry wall. He stressed that if the plan selected for the intersection were to be used, it would remove about $70,000 worth of capital improvements from the median and that the Homeowners’ Association does not have money to replace them. He expressed he cannot ask the homeowners of Harbor Hills to pay the $70,000 for the landscaping, the entry walls, and the lighting to be replaced. He asked if the County spends $71,000 on this project, if the Homeowners’ Association would receive a refund from the $202,000 they gave in 1994.
Mr. Fred Schneider, Director of Engineering, Public Works, expressed it was his understanding that while the median would be impacted by the new design, the County would be paying for the re-landscaping.
Commr. Cadwell commented that he thought the plan would still work for what they were trying to accomplish in regards to safety, and they did not want to place further burden on Harbor Hills to restore the intersection to similar to how it looks now once the changes have been completed.
Mr. Rich explained there are two-inch irrigation lines and two controller valves running through the median strip, which they estimate at $15,000 to move. He stressed this would not be a $71,000 fix. He opined it would cost an extra $70,000 to complete the project, and said they did not want the burden to fall on the Homeowners’ Association should the lights and sign be removed and the irrigation moved.
Mr. Stivender mentioned that the whole intent of what they are doing was to get the developer off the hook for making the turning lanes that were required in the original PUD.
Commr. Cadwell stated they would make sure to sort out these issues and make sure they are a part of the contract for right of way with Harbor Hills.
Mr. Ralph Udick, a property owner at Harbor Hills, addressed the Board in favor of the rezoning request, stating it was his understanding that all of the necessary improvements were the responsibility of either the developer or the County and not the Homeowners’ Association, as per the agreement in 1994.
Mr. George Fetrow, a resident of Lady Lake who lives on Sullen Road near the Harbor Hills Country Club, addressed the Board in opposition to the rezoning request. He stated there are no traffic problems, that there had not been any accidents, and it was a rural road. He noted that since the problem pertained to cars speeding over the hill, a cost effective solution would be to install a stop sign at the top of the hill. He expressed he did not understand why so much money was going to be spent on this issue when, if the problem was with people speeding over the hill, they could just put a stop sign at the top. He stressed there was no need to spend a great amount of money to fix what, in his opinion, was more a problem about bushes hiding the sign marking the entrance into Harbor Hills.
Mr. Ira Flagg, a resident of Lady Lake who lives on Sullen Road near the Harbor Hills Country Club, stated that the selected design for the intersection would make it impossible for tractor trailers to get out of the intersection, based on his two years experience driving tractor trailers. He suggested a possible solution would be to keep construction off the sign, adding that he realizes something needs to be done regarding the intersection.
The Chairman closed the public hearing and reserved comment for the Board.
Commr. Cadwell asked Mr. Stivender if the concerns of the developer and the Homeowners’ Association regarding returning the intersection to how it is supposed to look would be addressed by the right of way.
Mr. Stivender responded that they would be performing field surveys to gather information, design the intersection project in-house, and then meet with the property owners and developer to deliver the results of the survey and discuss the finished design plan for the intersection.
Commr. Renick commented she was confused because originally the people of Harbor Hills understood the design for the intersection might be different than what they currently have, but now they were stressing the importance of having the intersection look exactly the same as what they have now.
Commr. Cadwell clarified the residents were looking to maintain a similar appearance, but not an identical look.
Commr. Stewart asked how much responsibility the developer should have in this, adding that she did not think the cost should come back on the residents.
Mr. Stivender answered that he looks at it as a partnership between the developer and the County.
Commr. Stewart asked if the developer was willing to be partners.
Commr. Renick commented that it did not sound that way.
Commr. Cadwell noted that the County had previously had the developer use the money to fix other road projects in the area, but now they needed him to go back and fix the intersection problem.
Mr. Stivender mentioned the Board had authorized public funds, not private, to be spent to fix the intersection, so they would design something accordingly; the less intrusive the improvements are, the lower the cost will be, and they will do their best to make the design safe and effective. He stated he has no intention of charging anyone else for the improvements.
On a motion by Commr. Stewart, seconded by Commr. Renick and carried unanimously, by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved Rezoning Case No. PH#6-10-5.
recess and reassembly
The Chairman announced at 10:13 a.m. that there would be a ten-minute recess.
presentation of preliminary engineering study for bible camp road
Mr. Fred Schneider, Director of Engineering, Public Works, addressed the Board regarding the preliminary engineering study for Bible Camp Road, stating it was a road in Lake County in the City of Groveland. He noted the Board has an agreement with the City of Groveland to provide design services, and the City hired Griffey Engineering. He introduced Mr. Don Griffey, a representative of Griffey Engineering, and Jim Shira, Project Manager for B&H Consultants and Acting Project Manager for the City. He mentioned once the project is completed, the road will be turned over to the City of Groveland for maintenance.
Mr. Griffey presented the Preliminary Engineering Report, noting the entire report was available in a PDF file on their website, www.biblecamproad.com. He stated the project is in the City of Groveland, on a connecter road between CR565 (Villa City Road) and SR19. He reported it was in Commr. Conner’s district, District 3, and that it was an impact fee road project. He mentioned the project started in March of 2010, explaining that the work was split into two phases; Phase One was Public Involvement and Roadway Design Analysis and Phase Two was Final Design and Permitting. He added they are at the conclusion of the first phase currently. He stated the Preliminary Engineering Report was presented to the City of Groveland’s Council on August 2, 2010, and they voted unanimously to approve it. He further described Phase One, briefly mentioning the data collection efforts and adding that they had two community meetings to solicit input from the community, remarking that the project was very well supported, and reporting that they had had three separate meetings before the City Council, which has been very involved in the project as well. He stated their goal is to complete the design plans within the next couple months, so they can then go through permitting and begin construction. He presented a PowerPoint slide show with images of the section of Bible Camp Road in its current condition, including an aerial view, and detailed images of the proposed changes to the road, including further aerial pictures showing the outlined changes. He noted that they would not be changing the 35 MPH speed limit of the road and they would be widening the curves away from the trees while keeping the existing edge of pavement on the inside of the turn. He reported that at the intersection of Bible Camp Road and SR19 there have been a rash of accidents over the last five years with one of them resulting in a fatality and noting most of the accidents could have been avoided with a left-turn lane, and noted that the DOT as identified the need for a left-turn lane. He stated the City of Groveland is in the process of finalizing a Joint Purpose Agreement where the DOT will fund the construction of the left-turn lanes, adding that for the Bible Camp Road project the DOT had already identified funds to pay for the new lane. He explained what the City Council preferred for the design they are proposing is a 30 foot design section, 12 foot lanes and three foot paved shoulders, saying the design works very well for rural conditions and provides accommodations for cyclist and pedestrians, adding that there would be room on the curves for the new measurements. He mentioned that while he did not have any slides on it, that they have identified some areas where they need some right of way, particularly in the curve, pointing out that the northern curve is on private property, so they will have to work with some property owners to gain some additional right of way. He said they are recommending providing new sidewalk at the corner of Villa City Road and Bible Camp Road. He stressed they would not be doing any construction along Duke Cemetery. He clarified they would have to obtain additional land for an off-site retention pond because with the wider lanes and narrow right of ways prevented them from keeping the project to roadside swales, adding that it was part of the agreement the County has with the City. He concluded by saying once the Board approved the Preliminary Engineering Study, they would move into the detail design phase.
On a motion by Commr. Conner, seconded by Commr. Stewart and carried unanimously, by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved the Preliminary Engineering Study for Bible Camp Road.
REPORTS – COUNTY ATTORNEY
closed session reminder
Melanie Marsh, Acting County Attorney, reported that there was a Closed Session scheduled for September 7, 2010.
REPORTS – COUNTY MANAGER
parking garage update
Mr. Sandy Minkoff, Interim County Manager, reported on the shuttle cart for the parking garage, stating the battery-powered cart is not adequate, and the vendor has agreed to replace it with a gas-powered cart. He noted that the reason the battery-powered cart is insufficient is because the battery does not last all day due to the amount of use of the cart. He commented that he thought that overall the carts are working well, and the people using the carts are appreciative of them. He remarked that on the issue of jaywalking, they had debated putting up guards along the street to prevent people from jaywalking, but the presence of driveways along the sidewalk prevents it.
REPORTS – COMMISSIONER HILL – DISTRICT 1
parking garage signage
Commr. Hill reported the County is looking into making the signage outside the parking garage uniform, as discussed in the Stakeholder’s Meeting on Friday, August 20, 2010.
visit to restor telecom
Commr. Hill reported she visited Restor Telecom, saying that they were looking for employees at all levels.
reports – commissioner conner – district 3
objectives for county manager
Commr. Conner suggested in the future the Board establish specific performance objectives for the County Manager to accomplish.
REPORTS – COMMISsIONER CADWELL – CHAIRMAN AND DISTRICT 5
state of the county meeting
Commr. Cadwell reported that he and Mr. Minkoff had met with the League of Cities and the Chamber Alliance in regards to making changes to the State of the County meeting, which is planned for January. He commented that other Counties use their State of the County meetings as a fundraiser, and that Seminole County sells tickets for their meeting, which sell out every year. He mentioned they were thinking of doing a video with the League of Cities to highlight some of the cities in the County, adding that the new Chairman could decide the content. He explained the reason for moving the State of the County meeting to January was to allow the new Chairman to get settled. He noted the Chamber Alliance would be responsible for obtaining sponsors, while the Board would coordinate the content of the message of the meeting, adding that everything else for the meeting would be provided through Chamber or League funds.
Commr. Conner commented that they needed to be careful that people did not think they needed to pay to attend the meeting.
Commr. Cadwell replied that they were thinking of doing a breakfast, where anyone could come to the meeting, but you would have to pay if you wanted to eat.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to be brought to the attention of the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 10:52 a.m.
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welton g. cadwell, chairman
ATTEST:
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NEIL KELLY, CLERK