A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
AUGUST 2, 2011
The Lake County Board of County Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, August 2, 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; and Welton G. Cadwell. Commr. Sean Parks was not present. Others present were: Darren Gray, County Manager; Sanford A. “Sandy” Minkoff, County Attorney; Wendy Taylor, Executive Office Manager, County Manager’s Office; Neil Kelly, Clerk of Court; Barbara F. Lehman, Chief Deputy Clerk, County Finance; and Susan Boyajan, Deputy Clerk.
INVOCATION and pledge
Commr. Cadwell gave the Invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
TROPICAL STORM UPDATE
Mr. Tom Carpenter, Emergency Management Operations Manager, gave a tropical storm update regarding Tropical Storm Emily, which he noted was named yesterday, specifying that it was about 200 miles southeast of Puerto Rico. He noted that the current track showed it going over land over the Dominican Republic, which he pointed out was a mountainous area that could reduce the strength of the storm, and he commented that even though it was a large storm, it was fairly disorganized. He mentioned that he would hopefully have more information about what the storm would do after talking to the National Weather Service that morning, and he reported that there were currently no watches or warnings issued for the State of Florida.
Agenda update
Mr. Sandy Minkoff, County Attorney, stated that he would like to move Tab 11 from his consent agenda to the regular business agenda.
Mr. Darren Gray, County Manager, requested to pull Tab 10 and to place that under presentations so that Mr. Jim Stivender, Public Works Director, could present that to the Board.
employee awards
Ms. Susan Irby, Employee Services Director, presented the following awards, commenting briefly on the employee’s service to the County:
five years
Roland Breeden, Senior Maintenance Specialist
Facilities Development & Management
Tim Bridgeman, Traffic Signal Technician
Public Works/Road Operations/Signs, Signals & Striping
Thomas Carpenter, Emergency Management Operations Manager
Public Safety/Emergency Management Operations
Bill Goodman, Maintenance Specialist (not present)
Facilities Development & Management
Dwayne Henry, Landscape Architect/Parks Project Coordinator
Public Resources/Parks & Trails
Bonnie Loomis, Animal Control Officer
Conservation & Compliance/Animal Services
John Wright, Senior Maintenance Specialist
Facilities Development & Management
TEN YEARS
Susanne Clemens, Office Associate II
Conservation & Compliance/Probation Services
Jimmy Kirby, Code Enforcement Officer
Conservation & Compliance/Code Enforcement Services
FIFTEEN YEARS
Charlene Smith, Assistant Library Services Director
Public Resources/Library Services
TWENTY FIVE YEARS
Mr. Stivender presented the following award as well as the Employee of the Quarter award, commenting on the service of each of the employees:
Frank Franklin, Equipment Operator III
Public Works/Road Operations/Special Projects
EMPLOYEE OF THE QUARTER
Alan Kirkland, Engineer IV
Public Works/Engineering
MINUTE APPROVAL
On a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Conner, and carried unanimously by a 4-0 vote, the Board approved the Minutes of June 7, 2011 (Regular Meeting), June 14, 2011 (Special Meeting), and July 5, 2011 (Regular Meeting) as presented.
CITIZEN QUESTION AND COMMENT PERIOD
There was no one who wished to comment to the Board.
CLERK OF COURTS’ CONSENT AGENDA
On a motion by Commr. Conner, seconded by Commr. Campione and carried unanimously by a 4-0 vote, the Board approved the Clerk of Courts’ Consent Agenda, Items 1 through 3, as follows:
List of Warrants
Request to acknowledge receipt of list of warrants paid prior to this meeting, pursuant to Chapter 136.06 (1) of the Florida Statutes, which shall be incorporated into the Minutes as attached Exhibit A and filed in the Board Support Division of the Clerk’s Office.
Covanta Lake’s Solid Waste Operations Monitoring Annual Report
Request to acknowledge receipt of copy of Covanta Lake’s Solid Waste Operations Monitoring Annual Report for FY 2010 (October 1, 2009 through September 30, 2010).
Resolution from the City of Fruitland Park
Request to acknowledge receipt of proposed Resolution 2011-017 from the City of Fruitland Park in support of keeping the Fruitland Park Post Office open, and a cover letter stating the date for approval of the proposed resolution was July 14, 2011 at the regular City Commission meeting and also requesting support from the Lake County Board of County Commissioners to keep the Post Office open.
COUNTY MANAGER’S CONSENT AGENDA
On a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Conner and carried unanimously by a vote of 4-0, the Board approved the County Manager’s Consent Agenda, Tabs 3 through 9, as follows:
County Manager
Request for approval to fill one (1) vacant Chief Maintenance Supervisor position within the Facilities Development and Management Department, Maintenance Division. (Fiscal impact is $48,139).
Facilities Development and Management
Request for approval of the award of On-Call contracts as noted in the background summary and authorize the procurement office to complete all associated contractual documentation. There is no immediate or direct fiscal impact.
Fiscal and Administrative Services
Request for approval to (1) declare the items on the attached list(s) surplus to County needs, (2) authorize the removal of all of the items on the attached lists 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 of award of ITB 11-0818 for Light, Medium & Heavy Equipment Replacement Parts to various firms (noted below) within budgeted funds for annual fleet maintenance and authorize the Procurement Office to complete all associated contract documentation. (Expenditure) Fiscal Impact $100,000.00 estimated.
Growth Management
Request for approval to accept sponsorships for the Green Team's 4th Annual Green Fair to be held on Saturday, November 5, 2011 at Wooton Park, Tavares, FL. There is no fiscal impact.
Public Works
Request for authorization to release cash funds posted as maintenance surety in the amount of $7,467.87 for Citrus Grove Road Improvements – Founder’s Ridge. Citrus Grove Road is in Commission District 2. There is no fiscal impact.
Request for approval of LAP Supplemental Agreement and Supporting Resolution No. 2011-102 between Lake County and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) for utilization of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's E-Verify System for intersection improvements at Mt. Homer Road and David Walker Drive, and add language pursuant to Governor Rick Scott's Executive Order 11-116. No fiscal impact; Commission Districts 3 & 4.
county attorney
appointment of members to value adjustment board
Mr. Minkoff explained that the Board was required to appoint two Commission members, one of them to serve as Chair, and one citizen member who owned property in Lake County to the Value Adjustment Board (VAB).
On a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Campione and carried unanimously by a vote of 4-0, the Board nominated Commr. Conner and Commr. Parks as Board members, and Mr. Will Walker as the citizen member to the Value Adjustment Board and authorized the Chairman to write a letter to the School Board asking them to appoint their members to the VAB.
presentations
purchase agreement for csx property for trail project
Mr. Gray explained that although he originally had this item regarding the purchase agreement with CSX Real Property for abandoned railroad property for Phase 3 of the South Lake Trail on his consent agenda, he decided to ask Mr. Stivender to give the Board an update on it, since it was such a huge project in South Lake, and they have been negotiating with CSX for some property for the trail.
Mr. Stivender illustrated on a map on the overhead monitor the location of the proposed trail in relation to the Cities of Groveland and Clermont, South Lake High School, and Hwy 565. He explained that they were requesting approval today for the pieces of property that were shown in pink on the map, which would give the County about two-thirds of the right-of-way for the project between the school and Clermont. He added that this project was in three phases to the school, to downtown Groveland, and west to the Van Fleet Trail on the Sumter County line. He stated that they had $1 million set aside for the property purchases for right-of-way of which $700,000 had been spent on this purchase and have gotten $2 million from the state for construction purposes, but they have asked the state for additional funds and hope to also receive donations. He recommended approval to purchase those lands and continue with the project.
Commr. Cadwell asked about donation of property for this project.
Mr. Minkoff stated that he believed they had deals of donations worked out with some homeowners’ associations and some subdivisions, and he pointed out that CSX was donating a significant part of needed property, even though they were purchasing some of it from CSX.
Mr. Stivender assured the Board that they would be presenting a map with all of the details of all of the right of way after they updated it this week.
Commr. Campione clarified that PLAAC had spent a lot of time reviewing this project.
Mr. Stivender mentioned that they have 90 percent of the design planning done and have worked out all of the alignments with the cities.
On a motion by Commr. Conner, seconded by Commr. Cadwell and carried unanimously by a vote of 4-0, the Board moved to approve and execute a purchase agreement with CSX Real Property, Inc. for several pieces of abandoned railroad property, in conjunction with the South Lake Trail – Phase 3 Project in the Groveland area, and gave authorization for the Chairman to sign any and all documents necessary for closing. Fiscal impact is $482,141.00.
lake county enterprise zone
Ms. Amye King, Growth Management Director, related that this presentation would give the Board an overview of legislation that would enable the County to have an enterprise zone and would provide a staff recommendation of a specific enterprise zone. She listed the benefits of an enterprise zone as jobs tax credits, business equipment and materials refund, property tax credit, property tax exemption for child care facilities, sales tax exemption on electrical energy, and community contribution tax credits. She explained that Florida Statutes describes an enterprise zone as one that does not exceed 10 square miles, has a poverty rate for at least 50 percent of the census geographic block group of less than 30 percent, and has an unemployment rate less than the state’s average; and she noted that it may include municipal property. She stated that after they went through their data, which was based on the best available information from the American Community Survey from 2005-2008, they found that there were three areas in Lake County that qualified and could be named as enterprise zones since they do all fall under the ten-square mile limit, which were within the city limits of Leesburg, Eustis, and Mascotte. She specified that the area in Eustis fell north and south of CR 44, where there was some vacant land and some underutilized commercial facilities that were available for reuse in this area and great redevelopment opportunity, and she noted that it meets or exceeds all of the reasons to have a designation as an enterprise zone. She illustrated the proposed enterprise zone area in Leesburg, pointing out that there was a small connection between the two sections shown along CR 48, and she noted that it also had some vacant and underutilized commercial and industrial facilities, had growth potential, was close to I-75 and the Turnpike, and had future land use which allows for a lot of redevelopment potential. She added that this would hopefully help to create more jobs for those impoverished and underutilized areas. The last area that she presented was south of SR 50 in Mascotte, which she noted had plenty of vehicular access to support a number of different uses, a lot of vacant land, and a lot of development potential; and she also mentioned that it meets or exceeds the requirements for an enterprise zone.
Ms. King requested that the Board direct staff to prepare a resolution; appoint an enterprise zone development agency, which is called a Board of Commissioners under Statutes, of 8 to 13 members; and to work with the cities to develop a strategic plan for those three areas. She explained that each local government would take the proposed area and strategic plan to their respective zoning board to make sure that it is consistent with their Comprehensive Plan, and all three would have 60 days to respond back to their elective bodies and the Board. The next steps would be that the strategic plan is submitted for adoption at a public hearing pursuant to Florida Statutes, and she emphasized that these plans have to be submitted to the Department of Economic Opportunity in Tallahassee by December 31, 2011. She requested that the Board authorize her staff to meet with the cities, prepare a resolution, work with the cities on sister resolutions that would mirror what they would like the Board to consider, and begin preparation of a strategic plan to bring forward to the Board.
Commr. Hill read a letter from Representative Larry Metz indicating that he was pleased with staff’s idea to divide the enterprise zone among three regions of the county, which he thought would allow the County greater flexibility, and that enterprise zone legislation has been a key priority for him. He also pointed out in the letter that every member of the Lake County Legislative Delegation supported the economic development bill which contained the enterprise zone amendment, and he named several other legislators who had a key role in advancing that legislation.
Commr. Cadwell asked if any of the areas they were considering were part of the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency).
Ms. King responded that part of the City of Eustis is also a CRA.
Commr. Campione opined that the people who will comprise those boards would be critical to formulating the type of plan that could actually work to attract businesses, such as business leaders and people that have experience in those types of things.
Ms. King related that her contacts in Tallahassee who were with the Department of Economic Opportunity were very excited that Lake County has moved forward to the point that they have actually been able to have identified those areas and have found areas that qualified.
Commr. Cadwell commented that since all of the areas are within city limits, they would have to rely on the city to figure out who should serve on those boards to make it work.
Mr. Gray responded that they have been working with the cities, and he assured the Board that they will continue to work with them and that this was a positive issue for everyone.
On a motion by Commr. Conner, seconded by Commr. Campione and carried unanimously by a vote of 4-0, the Board moved to direct staff to (1) develop a resolution designating an area as a proposed Enterprise Zone to be adopted by the BCC and (2) create an Enterprise Zone Development Agency within the resolution.
update regarding eecbg activities
Ms. King reported that they reviewed the request that Commr. Conner brought forward and thought it was a good opportunity to partner with the City of Leesburg on the gas water heaters. She related that they were adjusting the rebate program so that they offer a rebate of 25 percent of the total cost up to $500 for a gas water heater that was Energy Star certified. She stated that although they would not be changing the advertising because of the expense involved, they would be adjusting the website, addressing that issue at this meeting, and will let people who call or e-mail know about this change. She added that they are trying hard to partner with all of their local vendors of the appliances so that they could inform customers this rebate is available for this appliance as well.
Ms. Lori Barnes, Sustainability Planner, explained that the purpose of this presentation was to provide the Board with a quarterly update of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) activities, and she noted that they have included an update of their Go Green Get Green program in this presentation. She recapped that they brought forward in June the marketing program for Go Green Get Green and have done a lot of work since then to develop advertising and press releases in media outlets such as Lake Magazine and the Lake Sentinel, work on finalizing application documents, develop program standards, and develop the website. She related that they have scheduled public meetings and have invited over 200 local contractors and some residents from subdivisions in their target markets. She illustrated the website page and noted that they have received a good deal of positive feedback about the user-friendliness of the website, including a sidebar that gives updates on the funding availability. She reported that they have received 458 applications so far in the first four weeks of the program and have broken the $100,000 mark, and the data they have collected from contractors indicates that local contractors have created jobs based on this program. She went on to report that Lake Sumter Community College has been offering training to the local contractors, including an EPA lead certification in May and weatherization training, and LakeTech has been working on getting an instructor trained, developing the curriculum for their programs, and was planning to offer two solar programs in the fall. She stated that Public Works has been busy with their consultant signalizing traffic signals throughout the county, and she specified that in May they worked on signals shown on the overhead map in the Golden Triangle area as well as signals on US 27 in South Lake and Leesburg in July. She mentioned that the final phase of the synchronization program of SR 19 in Eustis still needed to be scheduled due to some construction in the area, but they planned to have that done sometime in the summer.
Ms. Barnes related that the construction plans that were done as part of the Renewable Energy Technologies, which is the solar pilot program at the Horticultural Learning Center, are 80 percent complete, and they were planning to move forward with a local contractor to complete that work. She also showed some photographs which depicted some of the work that was done as part of the Energy Performance Benchmarking retrofit pilot program, commenting that they were looking forward to sharing the energy cost savings resulting from those improvements with the public and the Board. She reported that one of their consultants has been collecting data from their municipal waste and was working on a recycling study which was expected to be completed soon; another consultant working on a landfill gas-feasibility study has just finalized their data collection, but has quite a bit more of the analysis and recommendation to complete, so their draft report will be due in October. She reported that they were 25 percent complete with their expenditures on the EECBG funding and still had a balance of over $2 million as of June 30. She related that the final reporting for Quarter 2 of 2011 indicated 4.9 jobs were created, and they were hopeful that a much higher number would be reported next quarter due to the influence of the Go Green Get Green program. She stated that they would be bringing to the Board next quarter a budget realignment to adjust some actual costs of the grant program as well as approval to move forward with the solar pilot program, although it is a continuing services contract for construction management, since it was over $25,000, and a contract and award for the quality assurance program associated with Go Green Get Green. She informed the Board that staff has been working on recommendations regarding the energy efficiency upgrades to the County facilities, and they would be bringing some information and options forward to the Board regarding that.
Commr. Conner inquired about whether they were thinking of including gas ranges.
Mr. Gray responded that they were still looking at including those.
Ms. King added that they have been approached by contractors who requested information about rebates for other categories of things such as windows and solar panels, and they were reviewing each on a case-by-case basis while keeping in mind the spirit and intent of the program.
Commr. Cadwell commented that he would be comfortable with approving the hot water heaters today and give the County Manager authority to add additional gas appliances as staff provides information to him, and there was consensus from the Board to do that.
Mr. Gray recapped that originally his decision was to not open up the rebate program to County employees until October 1, but to first get the program out to residents of Lake County, and he mentioned that he was also putting information about the program in the TRIM notices.
public hearing
local planning agency ordinance
Mr. Sandy Minkoff, County Attorney, placed the proposed ordinance on the floor for final reading by title only, as follows:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF LAKE COUNTY, FLORIDA; AMENDING SECTION 13.04.00 OF CHAPTER XIII OF THE LAKE COUNTY LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS, ENTITLED “LAKE COUNTY ZONING BOARD; PROVIDING FOR INCLUSION IN THE CODE; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR FILING WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Mr. Minkoff explained that this ordinance clarifies that the Zoning Board would act as the Local Planning Agency (LPA) and changes the quorum requirements to be a majority of the total voting members.
The Chairman opened the public hearing.
Mr. Lowry Brown commented that he had been in favor of disbanding the LPA last year and transferring the function, since he believed the LPA had gotten out of hand and lacked balance and perspective, even though they were well-meaning and dedicated, and the LPA had basically finished their job with the Comprehensive Plan until it became effective. He opined that although the County had an excellent planning staff who would be drafting the Land Development Regulations (LDR’s), he believed that they needed the LPA to review those to the greatest extent possible to make sure that the benefits of those regulations justify the cost to the County to administer and for businesses to comply with them. He also opined that the Comp Plan was intended to be under constant review and was never intended to be a static document, and he believed they needed a planning agency to do that. He added that the FLUM (Future Land Use Map) also needs to be constantly reviewed and adjusted, because of the effects of the economy on development, and he pointed out that planning has been reduced at the state level and has been given more emphasis at the County level, which creates more of a need for the County to be doing its own planning. He commented that although keeping the LPA combined with the Zoning Board is a good interim solution until the Board could devise a balanced LPA, planning is too important to be left as a secondary function of any committee. He suggested that if they decide to pass this ordinance, the Board do so with the full understanding that this is only a temporary measure and that a balanced LPA would be devised.
Commr. Hill noted that the only change they were making was the change to the quorum requirements and not the question of having two separate boards.
There being no one else who wished to address the Board, the Chairman closed the public hearing.
Commr. Campione asked how much time they had to get the LDR’s completed now that the Comp Plan was adopted.
Mr. Minkoff responded that he believed the goal in the statute was 12 months from the effective date, and he noted that it would be effective in about 20 to 30 days.
Commr. Campione commented that they would have to take into consideration the fact that they needed to meet that specific deadline and that the Zoning Board, whose members had good backgrounds in those areas, did not presently have many cases to hear. However, she noted that if things changed in the future which would result in the Zoning Board becoming a lot busier, the Board would have to revisit that issue again.
On a motion by Commr. Conner, seconded by Commr. Cadwell and carried unanimously by a vote of 4-0, the Board approved the adoption of Ordinance No. 2011-48 assigning duties of the Local Planning Agency to the Lake County Zoning Board and changing quorum to majority of voting members, with the understanding that they will have a discussion about the process in the near future.
COUNTY MANAGER’S DEPARTMENTAL BUSINESS
facilities development and management
award of contract for janitorial services at county facilities
Mr. Kristian Swenson, Facilities Development and Management Director, informed the Board that the County’s current janitorial contract was expiring at the end of the month, and staff has developed an RFP, keeping in mind the exposure to the public and the appearance of the buildings while focusing on qualifications, experience, cost, and references. He stated that they developed a scope that they thought should provide realistic cleaning with an increased focus on public areas, which would be cleaned nightly, and a decreased focus on private areas, which would be cleaned weekly, and this system was expected to result in a cost savings for the County while maintaining the buildings in an adequate manner. He came up with a consistent schedule based upon building type and function, and he noted that despite these reductions in the scope of services, the contractor should be responsible for making sure that no obvious cleaning such as muddy shoe spots is overlooked, and they thought it would be wise to also have a spring cleaning feature in the scope of services twice a year which would cover services such as steam cleaning carpets, dusting, and polishing chrome in order to maintain the buildings. He reported that they received 13 responses from their RFP, and they were recommending the award to a local company located in Umatilla, which was ABC Clean-All, because they believed that company was the best value in both cost and excellent work references. He pointed out that their proposal has a savings to the County of approximately $100,000 per year, $30,000 of which is with the employees taking their trash to a common receptacle. He related that they were currently meeting with the various building user groups to go through the finer details to make sure the needs are met and making sure there was a seamless transition from one company to the next. He recommended approval of the award.
Commr. Hill pointed out that they went through a lot of scrutiny as far as security and safety.
Mr. Swenson added that they changed their process to require each employee to have an ID badge of the contractor with their photograph on it that would be issued after scrutiny from his staff as well as a background check.
Commr. Hill added that they would look to see how they could facilitate that as much as possible with the employees, and she wanted to make sure the Clerk was assured that all of those items regarding the Judicial Center would be taken care of.
Mr. Neil Kelly, Clerk of Court, responded that he had gotten his questions answered by staff and was satisfied with the measures that were taken.
On a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Conner and carried unanimously by a vote of 4-0, the Board approved the award of contract 11-0216 to ABC Clean-All in the estimated annual amount of $434,689.92 for janitorial services at various County facilities and to authorize the procurement office to execute all related contractual documentation.
other business
appointment to library advisory board
On a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Conner and carried unanimously by a vote of 4-0, the Board approved the appointment of Mr. William Stokes as the Town of Lady Lake's designated representative to the Lake County Library Advisory Board to complete an unexpired term vacated by Mr. Joe Quinn ending 2/28/2012.
appointment to affordable housing advisory committee
On a motion by Commr. Campione, seconded by Commr. Cadwell and carried unanimously by a vote of 4-0, the Board approved the appointment of Mr. Richard Gonzalez as a member who actively serves on the Local Planning Agency (recommended by the Zoning Board) to the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee, to complete unexpired term ending 11/30/12 and to serve a consecutive two-year term ending 11/30/14, as well as supporting Resolution No. 2011-103.
reports – county manager
redistricting maps
Mr. Darren Gray, County Manager, reminded the Board that they had a workshop and presentation regarding public transportation scheduled for next Tuesday, August 9, and they would be discussing the redistricting maps then as well. He informed the Board that he would need to get them in by Thursday in order to make copies of those redistricting maps to get out to the Commissioners, and he would be putting the redistricting maps on the website and in the rotunda area of the Administration Building in order to get them out to the public. He added that he was also working on placing those maps in the libraries and the Tax Collector’s office so that they would be strategically placed throughout the county so citizens would have an opportunity to look at them, and he would make sure that the Commissioner get any comments that were made from the public regarding those redistricting maps.
Commr. Conner asked if they were going to as a Commission pick a certain number of maps or whether they would be discussing all of them at next Tuesday’s meeting.
Commr. Cadwell responded that they would probably consider four or five of them.
Mr. Gray also clarified that they would be taking public comment and possibly making a final decision on the redistricting maps on August 30.
REPORTS – COMMISSIONER HILL – DISTRICT 1
letter of support regarding grants for safety programs
Commr. Hill related that a lobbyist in Washington was asking for a letter of support to be sent to the Congressional Delegation regarding grants for law enforcement safety programs such as the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) and the COPS grant.
There was consensus for Commr. Hill to send that letter.
hospitals to cover cost of medicaid invoices
Commr. Hill mentioned that she met with the hospital taxing district, which was agreeable and indicated that they wanted to continue to work with the Board, and she had one letter from Central Florida Health Alliance reiterating their agreement that the hospitals will cover the cost of the Medicaid invoices for this year. She stated that the hospital taxing district also indicated that they would like for the Board to meet with them again to discuss what would happen next year after the settlement of the lawsuit and they receive the Governor’s task force recommendation. She pointed out that the legislature might decide to do away with the taxing district next year.
letter to fdot for orange blossom rail
Commr. Hill reported that she had a request to send another letter back to FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation) for the Orange Blossom Rail project, and she has already sent that letter, since it was time-sensitive.
REPORTS – COMMISSIONER campione – vice chairman and DISTRICT 4
lake may property opening
Commr. Campione mentioned that she went to the Lake May property and walked the trail there. She opined that the staff did an excellent job of marking the trails and that the property was beautiful.
anti-tethering of pets legislation
Commr. Campione related that she met with someone yesterday regarding anti-tethering regulations, as well as with Ms. Marjorie Boyd, Animal Services Director, and she discussed an ordinance with the County Attorney’s Office regarding this issue that was adopted by Marion County. She recommended that the Board explore this issue and to have staff look at different options that they could possibly institute in Lake County to better regulate that kind of activity, such as looking at the weight and length of the chain and whether the animal was able to get into shade, water, and shelter, which could possibly give their Animal Services staff the ability to take care of situations before they result in animal cruelty or death.
Commr. Cadwell stated that he would be meeting with residents regarding that issue this week and would be ready to discuss it further at next Tuesday’s BCC meeting.
Commr. Campione asked that the County Attorney’s Office provide the Board with copies of the Marion County ordinance, which she believed took a moderate and reasonable approach to this concern.
cra meeting at sorrento elementary school
Commr. Campione related that there was a meeting at Sorrento Elementary School on August 29 about the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency), and she would be there with staff to look at different options and purposes for that.
reduction of funding requested by tax collector
Commr. Campione expressed how impressed she was with the 7.25 percent reduction of funding requested by the Tax Collector.
joint agenda and resolution for meeting with school board
Commr. Campione asked that the Chairman or County Manager work with the School Superintendent on a joint agenda document for the joint meeting with the School Board and that all of the Commissioners look at the joint resolution for that meeting. She added that the President of the National Center for Simulation, Technology and Training would be speaking and giving a presentation at that meeting about the economic opportunities in the Metro-Orlando area associated with that industry and some of the educational programs that they can provide to the County’s schools through their center.
Mr. Gray reported that they have tentatively scheduled that joint meeting with the School Board meeting for August 30 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Lake Minneola High School.
REPORTS – COMMISsIONER CADWELL – DISTRICT 5
nacO EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
Commr. Cadwell mentioned that NACo (National Association of Counties) has started a new and unique County Works initiative, which was free to the school system and the users and which contained interactive activities to teach students about government. He elaborated that the curriculum was set by the state guidelines of each individual state and that it had lesson plans for teachers to be able to teach it at any level from grades 6 through 12. He wanted to make sure that the Board agreed before he contacted the Superintendent of Schools to let her know about this program. He opined that a lot of adults and children were not aware of what government does on a local, state or federal level.
Commr. Campione opined that it was a great idea that she was in favor of, and she commented that it would encourage people to get involved in local government.
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:
________________________________
NEIL KELLY, CLERK