A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
january 25, 2011
The Lake County Board of County Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, January 25, 2011, 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: Jennifer Hill, Chairman; Leslie Campione, Vice Chairman; Jimmy Conner; Sean Parks; and Welton G. Cadwell. Others present were: Darren Gray, County Manager; Sanford A. “Sandy” Minkoff, County Attorney; Wendy Taylor, Executive Office Manager, County Manager’s Office; and Courtney Vincent, Deputy Clerk.
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE
Rabbi Chaim Solomon from Traditional Congregation of Mount Dora gave the Invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
weather update
Commr. Hill announced that Mr. Tom Carpenter, Emergency Management Operations Manager, would give an update of a weather event that might be coming towards Lake County.
Mr. Carpenter reported that they had gotten an update from Melbourne Weather Center yesterday morning that there was a severe weather cell that was headed toward Florida and that the County was expected to be receiving severe weather about mid-afternoon to early evening. He explained that it was still too far out to have more specific information, but they were anticipating a 10:00 a.m. conference call that morning to learn more information. He assured the Board that in the meantime, they have been doing their part to complete their systems checks and making sure they were ready. He also mentioned that the NOAA weather radios were the best tool to let people know that severe weather was coming, especially for night events.
agenda update
Mr. Darren Gray, County Manager, requested to pull Tab 3 to get more information regarding that item.
COUNTY MANAGER’S CONSENT AGENDA
Commr. Campione related that she had met with Mr. Jim Stivender, Public Works Director, to learn more details regarding Tab 6 since she had been receiving many calls from people in her district who use that road frequently, and although she was initially skeptical, she has found that one of the big benefits of having four lanes on SR 44 (formerly CR 44B) was that it would create larger gap times between north bound and south bound traffic, making it easier to pull out onto the road from the neighborhood. Also, she pointed out that other benefits of this project is that they will be getting sidewalks on both sides of SR 44 from SR 44 to US Hwy 441, landscaped medians, and stormwater ponds that will address the issues of runoff in the area. She added that this was a Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) project, and they were giving them as much input as they could.
On a motion by Commr. Parks, seconded by Commr. Cadwell and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved the County Manager’s Consent Agenda, Tabs 1 through 8, pulling Tab 3 as follows:
County Manager
Request for approval to apply for a Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program FY 2011 Competitive Category 2 Grant.
Request for approval to allow the Lake County Clerk of Circuit Court to participate in Lake County’s health insurance plan, as well as other insurances that are part of the employee benefits program.
Economic Development and Community Services
Request for approval of the renewal quote from HRH/Hunt Insurance Group, Inc. to provide catastrophic/hospital inmate medical insurance from February 1, 2011 through October 1, 2011 and authorize the County Manager to sign all related implementation documentation. Fiscal impact is $18,400.00.
Facilities Development and Management
Request for approval of award of RFP 10-0822 for Full Elevator Maintenance and Repair Services to Skyline Elevators, Groveland, Florida. Fiscal Impact $29,880.00.
Public Works
Request for approval of Resolution 2011-9 to FDOT supporting the design, acquisition, and construction of roadway improvements to State Road 44 in the Eustis/Mt. Dora area. No fiscal impact.
Request for approval and signature on Resolution 2011-10 authorizing the posting of "NO PARKING ON RIGHT OF WAY" signs on Lakeshore Drive (3960) in the Mount Dora area. Section 25, Township 19, Range 26, Commissioner District 4.
Request for approval and signature of Resolution 2011-11 authorizing the posting of speed limit signs on the following roads in Green Swamp South: Establish 40 MPH speed limit and post “40 MPH SPEED LIMIT” signs for Oil Well Rd (0222), Establish a resolution to legitimize the posted speed limit of 40 MPH on Laws Rd (0528), Establish a resolution to legitimize the posted speed limit of 45 MPH on Lake Erie Rd (0613), Establish a resolution to legitimize and increase the posted speed limit from 35 MPH to 40 MPH on Florida Boys Ranch Rd (0729). No Fiscal Impact.
public hearing
vacation petition 1157 – john arnold/arnold groves
Mr. Stivender informed the Board that although Vacation Petition 1157 was postponed from two months ago, the Petitioner has asked for another 60 day postponement. He reported that after the initial hearing, they had used some of the petitioner’s funds to get some appraisals as well as some ideas of the sales in the area. He also pointed out that there were legal access issues to the property in question, and he did not think the two properties touched each other. He explained that the adjacent property owner and the petitioner did not agree on the value of that land, and they could not resolve that part of it. He noted that his staff has done some due diligence on this to try to resolve this themselves, but they were at an impasse and therefore recommended denial at this time to allow the petitioner to have more time to work this out.
Mr. Chris Roe, an attorney with Akerman Senterfitt, who was hired by the applicant about 30 days ago, informed the Board that there were claims being asserted as to an easement interest in the property as well as a separate claim being asserted as to ownership interest in the fee for one of the parcels owned by his client, and he requested a 60- to 90-day continuance in order to sort out those issues.
Mr. Paul Ondis, an adjacent property owner, stated that his property would be landlocked if they closed this road, and he asked why this case was postponed 60 days ago.
Commr. Cadwell responded that he was not convinced that Mr. Ondis was contiguous to the property and that he currently had access to it, and he noted that he has not seen anything that has changed his mind about that.
Mr. Ondis replied that he believed what was stated then was that if the Arnolds did not work out a right of way, they would deny the applicant.
Commr. Campione stated she did not think that was the case, because the big question was whether this road even touches his property, and if it did not, then vacating it would not deny him access. She added that if the property is contiguous, then she believed that an agreement would be appropriate if in fact the applicant wanted to pursue vacation.
Commr. Parks suggested that he would need to come up with an agreement to get an easement.
Mr. Ondis indicated that he believed the County indicated they were not going to close the road, and he was fine with that option.
Commr. Campione suggested that after the postponement period the applicant present to the Board evidence to show that this road is not contiguous to Mr. Ondis’ property after their legal counsel does the research and the title work.
Commr. Parks stated that he agreed with that.
There being no one else who wished to address the Board regarding the postponement, the Chairman closed the public hearing.
Commr. Cadwell stated he would support the motion, but philosophically he was reluctant to force the applicant to spend money to prove that another person’s property does not touch his.
Commr. Campione pointed out that the applicant is asking the Board to vacate a public road, so the burden would be on him to show that they were not doing something that is contrary to Florida law by denying legal access to someone.
On a motion by Commr. Parks, seconded by Commr. Campione and carried unanimously, the Board approved a continuance for 90 days of Vacation Petition No. 1157, John R. Arnold/Arnold Groves, to vacate a portion of right of way lying between North Boggy Marsh Rd. and South Boggy Marsh Rd. in the Green Swamp area, with the condition that they would not grant another continuance unless the applicant showed the Board that they were making good-faith efforts in working towards the factual questions that the Board needed to have answered, including where this road lies in relation to the Ondis property.
public hearings: rezoning
Mr. Brian Sheahan, Planning and Community Design Director, Growth Management Department, informed the Board that there were no changes to the agenda, and the hearing has been properly noticed.
rezoning consent agenda
The Chairman opened the public hearing regarding the Consent Agenda.
There being no one who wished to address the Board regarding any of those cases, the Chairman closed the public hearing.
Commr. Hill clarified that FDOT was providing sidewalks down Hwy 50 regarding Tab 2 of the rezoning consent agenda.
On a motion by Commr. Campione, seconded by Commr. Parks and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved the Rezoning Consent Agenda as follows:
Tab 2. Ordinance No. 2011-6
Rezoning Case No. PH#01-11-2
Clermont Motor Sales, LLC
Toyota of Clermont
Jay Doucette, P.E.
Request to amend Ordinance #2005-61 by removing the frontage road requirement and to replace it with a new ordinance, containing conditions.
Tab 3. Ordinance No. 2011-7
Rezoning Case No. PH#02-11-4
W. Wit and K. & R. Garman
Project Orianne, Ltd
Lake County Planning & Community Design
Request for clarification of the use of the property as a captive breeding and research/conservation facility for amphibians and reptiles.
Tab 4. Ordinance No. 2011-8
Rezoning Case No. CUP#11/1/1-5
Onsi Derias & Gehan Mekhiel
Village Orchid Farm
Myong Sun An
Request for a Conditional Use Permit in the Ranchette (RA) Zoning District to allow an Orchid Farm and Nursery Facility.
Tab 7. Ordinance No. 2011-9
CUP Revocation:
CUP#665-1 – Robert Payne
rezoning regular agenda
ph#31-10-4 – easter seals society/camp challenge/timothy green
Mr. Rick Hartenstein, Senior Planner, stated that the applicant for Case PH#31-10-4 was Timothy Green with the Green Consulting Group, and the owners were the Florida Easter Seals Society. He noted that the property was located in the Mt. Plymouth area near Camp Challenge, and the future land use was the Mt. Plymouth-Sorrento Receiving Area, with CFD zoning and a Conditional Use Permit (CUP). He reported that the applicant was requesting to amend the existing CFD zoning to add the use of a private club for flying remote control airplanes and primitive tent camping to be used during special events. He added that they were proposing to clarify their language regarding the existing school on the property to read “child care and charter school pre-K through grade 12,” and the site is currently approved for a private school. He noted that the staff report and analysis provided a lot of detail which covered the issues that the County has as far as what they feel are inconsistencies with the Comp Plan, and the concerns with the public lands comments regarding fire have been addressed with the revised site plan. He noted that staff recommended denial for the RC flying club and approval for the rest of the requested uses, and this would be combined under one ordinance with revocation of the CUP. He reported that the Zoning Board recommended approval for everything that was requested.
Mr. Tim Green, President of Green Consulting Group representing Florida Easter Seals and the Sports Flyers Club, related that they rebutted the staff report’s recommendation of denial of the air field before the Zoning Board and that this field has already been operating on the site for about five years. He informed the Board that the only Lake County code that addresses flying fields is for airports, stating that no structures could be located within 800 feet of the end of the runway. He showed exhibits illustrating where they were, where they want to be, and how this airport would relate to other airports in the area, as well as the original plan showing the entire site of the Easter Seals property. He noted that they have reversed the field based on recommendations from staff, as well as addressed all other concerns, such as those regarding flying over SR 46 and limiting the weight of the planes to 30 pounds and under. He noted that there were no new structures expected on the adjacent properties, since those were owned by Lake County and the State of Florida.
The Chairman opened the public hearing and asked if anyone who opposes the request would like to speak.
Mr. Scott Taylor, a resident of Sorrento who lives across the street from Camp Challenge, stated that he has made both safety-related and liability-related arguments against this request, and he opined that there was a big difference between this airport and the Eustis airport, where planes take off to another place and land. He mentioned that although he supports the work Camp Challenge does and knows they need the revenue, he had concerns about injuries. He presented an insurance report from AMA from March of 2008 which stated that around 45 liability claims annually are reported to the AMA for both injury and property damage, and in 1999 they paid out approximately $5.2 million to settle injury claims. He explained that he brought this up to point out that there are dangers with the model planes, and he was concerned that there was a potential for them to be a danger for the children at Camp Challenge, since the planes have previously flown beyond the accepted zones, including on his property. He commented that he supports the staff’s well-thought out decision to deny that portion of the request for Camp Challenge and had no problems with the rest of the request. He also pointed out that Camp Challenge Road is a county road, and the planes fly over County property.
Ms. Helen McCormick, a resident of Sorrento who lives to the south and west of the property, stated that she has only been hearing the planes for three years, and she could see the planes from her home. She opined that the officers of the club fly the largest planes and consistently fly out of the boundaries allowed. She commented that if the Board grants permission for them to fly the planes on the site, they are condoning and assuming the risk and liability, and they would be relying on people who have been habitually flying outside the restricted area for self-reporting. She related that this hobby has become more popular, with the size of the planes increasing dramatically, and fatalities have happened from people being hit by the planes, including innocent spectators. She also opined that it was very common for a remote-control airplane to lose control and fall from the sky, unlike real airplanes, and the club was asking for a right to impose danger on everyone in the area. She pointed out that the road leads to a camp for handicapped children and that there were 3,000 residents who live immediately adjacent to those fields, and those planes have a range of 4,000 feet. She asked the Board to respectfully decline their request and encourage them to seek out a more suitable flying field, since this was the worst location that they could possibly find.
Mr. Clark Morris, a resident of Mount Plymouth, related that Camp Challenge has been under a lot of financial stress, including having to lay off their director, and the rental of their field would help Camp Challenge and their community. He stated that he has observed safe flying and a fun environment for families, although there is always danger with many different types of fun activities such as motocross motorcycles and bicycling, and he pointed out that those that come for recreational activities spend money in local restaurants and grocery stores. He commented that the club was an asset to the community, especially since the Mt. Plymouth Golf Course has been shut down and there were no parks. He opined that it would have a good economic impact for the area.
Mr. Green addressed the figure of 45 injuries per year quoted in the injury report from AMA by pointing out that that was out of 31 million flights per year, and most of those injuries were propeller injuries to hands and fingers. He pointed out that Camp Challenge liked having that activity on their site, and the club gives seminars to the campers as part of their lease agreement. He specified that the total number of members is 67. He noted that the club had no restrictions before, but the club was stepping forward with this ordinance, which would give Code Enforcement the ability to tell them where and when to fly. He also pointed out that this was an AMA-sanctioned field.
Commr. Campione asked about liability insurance.
Mr. Green responded that the club is sanctioned under AMA and carries their insurance for all injuries and accidents for their members.
Mr. Ray Stern, treasurer of the club, specified that he believed the limits of the insurance was $5 million, but the club has never even come close to making a claim of insurance during the seven years he has been involved in it.
Commr. Campione asked if they have any precautionary measures in the case of a fire.
Mr. Stern stated that they absolutely had precautions, including fire extinguishers on every single flight stand, and one of their members is a fire fighter who oversees their extinguishers to keep them in good working order.
Commr. Campione pointed out that the members would just have to accept a situation where they would not be given permission by the homeowner to retrieve a plane which landed on private property.
Mr. Stern stated that he recognized that risk and that they would not break the law by trespassing onto someone’s property, although they would like to retrieve the plane in a peaceful and legal manner.
There being no one else who wished to address the Board, the Chairman closed the public hearing.
Commr. Campione asked staff if they received any letters or e-mails in opposition on this issue in addition to the people who spoke.
Mr. Hartenstein responded that the only opposition that they have had to this request was from the McCormicks and the Taylors.
Commr. Cadwell stated that he could empathize with the opposition since the Umatilla field was about 500 yards from his house, and he clarified that Umatilla Airport was currently primarily a practice take-off and landing zone for Sanford flights, which results in a lot of flights over his house. He commented that he understood their concerns, but taking into consideration the overall good this was doing for Camp Challenge and the fact that the County was running out of places for this type of activity, he was in support of the rezoning request.
Commr. Conner stated that some legitimate concerns have been raised, and he hoped that they could find a happy medium. He suggested that if they grant this, the area where the planes are flying has to be clearly defined and adhered to, which would be extremely critical as far as safety was concerned, and their staff would have to make a commitment to strictly enforce the flying zone area. He also thought the club could set some sort of boundaries that would make it easier for them to be able to stay within the area. He summarized that his compromise would minimize the risk for a real serious safety issue, minimize the impact to the area, and accommodate the needs of Camp Challenge.
Commr. Cadwell asked staff whether the minimum height of ten feet for visible markers specified under Section 1 B(2) of the ordinance regarding specific conditions was standard.
Mr. Hartenstein responded that they had no standard as far as height, but they felt that they should have at least ten feet as a sight reference, and they also put conditions in that section that they should be spaced approximately 200 feet apart marking the whole boundary of the flight area to give them something to reference to be able to stay within the boundaries.
Commr. Cadwell commented that the ten-foot markers might not be seen in a wooded area, and he asked Mr. Green if he knew what the standard for the height of the markers were.
Mr. Green responded that there was no standard for height, most fields were not marked in that manner, and this was above and beyond what AMA would recommend.
Commr. Parks suggested that they have every operator check off on a checklist that they visually inspected and knew where the limits are, so that it was documentable.
Mr. Green noted that they have field rules that the AMA reviews.
Commr. Conner stated that he agreed with Commr. Parks, and he emphasized that a critical component to getting his vote is an agreement to stay within a designated fly zone.
Commr. Campione suggested that the club increase the height of the pole markers in areas where the flags were not visible, especially since it would be in their best interest not to violate the fly area.
Mr. Green responded that they could certainly make those taller.
Commr. Parks recommended that it be about 15 or 20 feet, with a possible larger flag so that it could clearly be seen.
Commr. Hill opined that she thought the ordinance was well written and seemed to address all of the issues that were raised with the attachment of Exhibit A that would go with the ordinance. She asked if the ordinance addressed the weight of the planes.
Mr. Hartenstein answered that the second page of the ordinance stated that model planes operating from the site shall be less than 30 pounds.
Commr. Campione commented that the staff did a good job drafting an ordinance that would address specific parameters and conditions that take care of the particular LDR and Comp Plan provisions that were raised, and she felt that this proposed use was consistent with those provisions. She also was glad to hear about the insurance coverage that the club provided. She asked to what extent the club could indemnify the County or include that as one of the conditions in the event that there was a situation resulting in property damage.
Mr. Minkoff responded that they certainly could require that, although he thought that putting a minimum insurance requirement would be a better alternative, because the club is probably a not-for-profit with very few assets.
Commr. Campione recommended that they include the requirement that they have that coverage in place.
Mr. Gregg Welstead, Conservation and Compliance Director, requested that the Board require that the perpendicular boundary markers would be clearly visible, since the area is heavily treed.
Mr. Hartenstein suggested that instead of having an overfly zone over the trees, make the inside edge the fence boundary, which would also eliminate flying over Camp Challenge Road.
Mr. Stern inquired whether they would be allowed to fly to the east over the state-owned property, because the tree line would be an ideal barrier for judging the airplane distance and a natural reference, and he commented that a pole would probably cause more accidents than eliminate them. He also mentioned that they had 283 petitions in support of their club, including approximately 80 percent of the residents that live closer than the McCormicks to the field.
Commr. Hill asked if they could grant permission to fly over state land.
Mr. Minkoff responded that they were only giving permission for them to use the property they own, and he did not think they had the ability to regulate where they actually fly the planes independently other than tying that to their land use.
On a motion by Commr. Campione, seconded by Commr. Parks and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved Ordinance No. 2011-10 and the request in Tab 6, Rezoning Case No. PH#31-10-4, from The Florida Easter Seal Society, Inc., Easter Seals Society/Camp Challenge, and Timothy W. Green – Green Consulting Group, Inc. to amend Ordinance #2000-47 and CUP#484-4 to add the uses of a Private Club for model aircraft and Primitive Camping for special events, subject to conditions set forth in the ordinance as well as the requirement that they have $1 million in coverage for insurance in place and a requirement that their internal protocol requires each operator to be familiar with the fly zone and all of the parameters of this ordinance. Ordinance #2000-47 and CUP #484-4 will be superseded and replaced by the proposed ordinance.
On a motion by Commr. Campione, seconded by Commr. Parks and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved an additional amendment of the ordinance moving the overfly zone that was on the west side to the east side, adding the 250-foot safety zone to the east of that, and adding the condition that they could not fly over SR 46 or the Wekiva Parkway.
public hearing
vacation petition 1160 – clermont area
Mr. Stivender explained that Petition 1160 was to vacate an ingress and egress easement in Section 26, Township 22S, Range 26E in the Clermont area, which was tied to a Toyota dealership that they had recently approved a rezoning for, and this would eliminate and vacate the tract land which was now unnecessary as part of that rezoning. He recommended approval to vacate.
The Chairman opened the public hearing.
There being no one who wished to address the Board regarding this vacation, the Chairman closed the public hearing.
On a motion by Commr. Parks, seconded by Commr. Cadwell and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved Vacation Petition No. 1160 and approval and execution of Resolution No. 2011-12. Request to vacate an ingress/egress easement, located in Section 26, Township 22S, Range 26E in the Clermont area.
COUNTY MANAGER’S DEPARTMENTAL BUSINESS
amendment to proportionate fair share agreement
Mr. Stivender explained that this is a proportionate fair share agreement for Toyota of Clermont which was tied to the previously-mentioned rezoning and vacation, and he recommended approval.
On a motion by Commr. Parks, seconded by Commr. Cadwell and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved the Second Amendment to the Proportionate Fair Share Agreement between Lake County and Clermont Motor Sales, LLC (Toyota of Clermont). No fiscal impact.
REPORTS – COUNTY MANAGER
brief report on progress
Mr. Gray related that he has been going around to County Departments to meet and talk with employees, and he was putting a team together. He noted that they were currently in the interview process for hiring a budget director, and they already have hired an employee services manager. He stated that they would be bringing the reorganization back to the Board next month as well as put their economic development plan together. He mentioned that in the next 100 days, he would like to bring back to the Board his vision and goals for this organization, which he could incorporate into the Board’s ideas which would be discussed during the retreat. He stated that he would like to have the next fire meeting with the cities on March 15 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., and he related that the cities were currently putting together their information.
REPORTS – COMMISSIONER HILL – chairman and DISTRICT 1
date for retreat at cooper memorial library
Commr. Hill mentioned that they have looked at everyone’s calendar, and Friday, February 25 is the first open day they had for the retreat to set their goals, which would be at Cooper Memorial Library at 9:00 a.m.
reports – commissioner parks - district 2
east central florida regional planning council meeting
Commr. Parks stated that he went to the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council meeting last week, and he wanted to relay to the Board that a report entitled After Growth Management: A Proposed New Planning Framework for Florida was given to those in attendance for them to read, review, and provide thoughts and comments so that they could vote whether to endorse the plan or not at the next meeting.
Commr. Cadwell explained that in the past they would give that to the County’s planning staff first for them to look at and provide their comments, and afterwards the Commissioners could look at it individually and then discuss it.
impact fee committee
Commr. Parks reported that he attended his first meeting with the Impact Fee Committee, and the new committee approved a motion to request the chance to hear the Duncan Report, which was the consultant’s report on impact fees. He opined that he believed there was no harm in their wanting to be educated on the process, since they are a new Board.
Commr. Cadwell commented that he was not particularly opposed to it, but he noted that the Board has indicated that they were going to talk about some other funding options during their goal-setting and transportation meetings, which would change what that committee would need to be looking at. He added while some of those options were in the plan, the committee would be wasting their time looking at the options the County would not be implementing, since they would have to go through the process again, and the Board needed to make a decision funding-wise on transportation and how that affects impact fees.
Commr. Parks stated that he agreed with that and that he had encouraged them to read the 2008 Alternative Funding report that was put out, and the Board could clarify those ideas at the transportation workshop in April to be able to give direction.
west orange economic and job summit
Commr. Parks reported receiving an invitation from Mayor Teresa Jacobs and Commr. Scott Boyd of Orange County to attend the West Orange Economic and Job Summit on February 5, 2011. He stated that he would attend the summit and report back to the Board.
Enterprise zone legislation
Commr. Parks thanked Representative Larry Metz for explaining the enterprise zone legislation and related that they worked together to craft some language. He reported that one criteria in particular that he believed they were going to add in was for enterprise zone areas to be possibly delineated by high foreclosure, which might somewhat address their foreclosure concerns that Lake County is experiencing and getting that into the legislation as a way to define an enterprise zone. He mentioned that Rep. Metz also encouraged the County to take advantage of his repealers, which were bills that put in strike-through language to rules or regulations that could be onerous to business.
funding for design work for citrus tower blvd.
Commr. Parks reported that there might be some funding available from FDOT to fund the possible right-hand turn lane on Citrus Tower Blvd. onto US Highway 50, provided that the County do some design work for that, and he asked for follow up on that.
reports – commissioner conner – district 3
early learning coalition ribbon cutting ceremony
Commr. Conner reported that he attended the Early Learning Coalition of Lake County’s ribbon cutting ceremony for the grand opening of its new offices in Leesburg.
REPORTS – COMMISSIONER campione – vice chairman and DISTRICT 4
discussion with rep. metz regarding repealers
Commr. Campione mentioned that she also talked to Representative Metz regarding the repealers, and she encouraged their Planning and Zoning staff to discuss with their County Attorney the possibility of taking advantage of that opportunity to have any particular provisions in Florida Statutes stricken that would be detrimental to the County in helping their businesses and property owners. She emphasized that the window of opportunity was short to do that, and she thought they needed to get that together in the next week and get those to him. She mentioned that she also had a discussion with Rep. Metz regarding the use of infrastructure that was being underutilized due to a significant downturn in the economy as a qualifying criteria for an enterprise zone. She suggested that they use the trip to Tallahassee during Lake County Days as an opportunity to lobby other representatives about that legislation, which could be particularly helpful in the south end of the County, such as in Mascotte and Groveland.
west orange/429 corridor job summit
Commr. Campione asked that the County Attorney look into whether they could notice the 429/West Orange Job Summit Meeting that Commr. Parks previously spoke about, so she could attend that meeting as well. She encouraged the other Commissioners to attend, since this was regarding property immediately adjacent to their county line, and there may be room for some partnering ideas that come up.
Metro Orlando economic development commission meeting
Commr. Campione mentioned that she attended the Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission (EDC) meeting, and she noticed that there was an emphasis on identifying targets and measuring progress. She used the opportunity to speak to some people there about what she believed their expectations were, and she thought they should include in their discussion at the retreat next Tuesday their vision for economic development and how they can utilize that existing resource of the Metro-Orlando EDC to get them where they need to go.
City of mount dora’s approval of freight rail project
Commr. Campione reported that the City of Mount Dora approved participation in the continuous-weld freight rail project, with one of the conditions being that the two railroads involved would agree to rail bank the railway line east of Mount Dora that goes to the Camp Challenge area, so that the City of Mount Dora could utilize that for their trail system. She opined that was one step closer to making all of that come together, and she stated that they needed help from their County Attorney’s office and County Manager’s office as they go forward with the negotiations with the two railroads. She opined that the trail system that would go east of Mount Dora and eventually connect to the West Orange Trail and the Seminole County Trail is critical to economic development in District 4.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to be brought to the attention of the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 10:30 a.m.
___________________________
JENNIFER HILL, chairman
ATTEST:
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NEIL KELLY, CLERK