A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

October 20, 2015

The Lake County Board of County Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, October 20, 2015 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:  Jimmy Conner, Chairman; Sean Parks, Vice Chairman; Timothy I. Sullivan; Leslie Campione; and Welton G. Cadwell.  Others present were:  David Heath, County Manager; Melanie Marsh, Deputy County Attorney; Wendy Taylor, Executive Office Manager; Neil Kelly, Clerk of Court; Barbara F. Lehman, Chief Deputy Clerk, County Finance; and Victoria Bartley, Deputy Clerk.

INVOCATION and pledge

Mr. Mark Gatea, Youth Pastor at Adventure Christian Church, gave the Invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Agenda update

Mr. David Heath, County Manager, stated that Tab 7 needed to be pulled from the consent agenda so that the Central Florida Pediatric Therapy Foundation grant for the Children’s Services Council could be considered with a separate vote, as Comr. Parks had a conflict. He reported that Commr. Conner had asked for Tab 13 to be pulled for discussion.

MINUTE APPROVAL

On a motion by Commr. Sullivan, seconded by Commr. Parks, and carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the Minutes of September 15, 2015 (Regular Meeting) as presented.

citizen question and comment

Mr. Kurt Lathrop, resident from Umatilla, asked the Board to consider the possibility of forming a Citizen’s Action Committee to allow external stakeholders to review the strengths and weaknesses within the Fire District.

Commr. Parks related that he had been planning to bring forward this suggestion as well. He asserted that this would be a topic of discussion for the Board’s workshop.

Mr. Vance Jochim, financial blogger, commented that Lake County had recently gone through a lawsuit settlement, but had not had any public discussion on the subject. He asked that the Board organize a public hearing to address the matter, so that residents will be aware of how much was spent.

CLERK OF COURTS’ CONSENT AGENDA

On a motion by Commr. Parks, seconded by Commr. Sullivan, and carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the Clerk of Courts’ Consent Agenda, Items 1 through 9, 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.

Notice of Public Meeting for County Greens

Request to acknowledge receipt of a Notice of Public Meeting for County Greens in accordance with Chapter 189 Florida Statutes. The Board of Super visors of the Country Greens Community Development District will hold bi-monthly meetings for Fiscal Year 2016 on the fourth Monday at 5:30 p.m. at the Sorrento Christian Center, 3441 County Road 437, Sorrento, Florida, as follows:

October 26, 2015

December 21, 2015 (third Monday)

February 22, 2016

April 25, 2016

June 27, 2016

August 22, 2016

Notice of Annual Meeting Schedule for Founders Ridge

Request to acknowledge receipt of a Notice of Annual Meeting Schedule for Founders Ridge, Community Development District for Fiscal year 2016, in accordance with Chapter 189.417 Florida Statutes, for purposes of disclosure and information only.

As required by Chapter 190 Florida Statutes, notice is being given that the Board of Supervisors of the Founders Ridge Community Development District does not meet on a regular basis but will separately publish notice of meetings at least seven (7) days prior to each Board meeting to include the date, time, and location of said meetings.

Copy of Resolution 2015-35 from the City of Clermont

Copy of Resolution 2015-35 from the City of Clermont adopted on September 24, 2015, opposing the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission’s action to permit bear hunting.

Pine Island Community development District’s Annual Meeting Schedule

Request to acknowledge receipt of Pine Island Community development District’s Annual Meeting Schedule for Fiscal Year 2016 pursuant to Chapter 189.417, Florida Statutes for purposes of disclosure and information only.

The Board of Supervisors of the Pine Island Community Development District will hold their regularly scheduled public meetings for Fiscal Year 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at the Bella Collina Clubhouse, 16350 Vetta Drive, Montverde, Florida 34756 on the second Thursday as follows:

October 8, 2015

November 12, 2015

December 10, 2015

January 14, 2016

February 11, 2016

March 10, 2016

April 14, 2016

May 12, 2016

June 9, 2016

July 14, 2016

August 11, 2016

September 8, 2016

Notice of Annual Meeting Schedule for Central Lake Community Development District

Request to acknowledge receipt of a Notice of Annual Meeting Schedule for Central Lake Community Development District for Fiscal Year 2016, in accordance with Chapter 189.417 Florida Statutes, for purposes of disclosure and information only.

As required by Chapter 190 Florida Statutes, notice is being given that the Board of Supervisors of the Central Lake Community Development District does not meet on a regular basis but will separately publish notice of meetings at least seven (7) days prior to each Board meeting to include the date, time, and location of said meetings.

Property placed on the Lands Available List

Property placed on the Lands Available List. Lake County has until December 23, 2015 to purchase property from Lands Available List before it is available to the public.

Copy of Letter from the City of Clermont

Copy of letter dated September 23, 2015 from the City of Clermont serving as official notification that the Clermont Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) and the Clermont City Council will consider a Resolution and Ordinance to modify the CRA Redevelopment Plan in accordance with Section 163.361, including a schedule for those entities to discuss this plan and a proposed new boundary map.

Copy of Ordinance from the City of Fruitland Park

Copy of Ordinance 2015-014 from the City of Fruitland Park providing for a Comprehensive Plan Amendment amending the Future Land Use Designation from Single Family Medium Density to Mixed Community for approximately .5 acres of property generally located west of Rose Avenue and south of CR 466A, along with transmittal letter of same dated September 14, 2015.

Copy of Notice of Annexation and Ordinance from the City of Mount Dora

Copy of Notice of Annexation and Ordinance No. 2015-16 from the City of Mount Dora annexing property generally located on the east side of Wardell Street and north of the CSX Railroad, comprising .68 acre more or less, said property being contiguous to the City of Mount Dora, pursuant to Section 171.044(6), Florida Statutes.

COUNTY MANAGER’S 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 County Manager’s Consent Agenda, Tabs 3 through 24, pulling Tabs 7 and 13 for separate consideration, as follows:

Proclamation

Request approval and execution of Proclamation No. 2015-113 proclaiming November 15-21, 2015 as National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week in Lake County, Florida, per Commissioner Cadwell.

Community Services

Request for approval and signature on the Intergovernmental Coordination and Review and Public Transportation Coordination Joint Participation Agreement between the Florida Department of Transportation; the Lake-Sumter Metropolitan Planning Organization; the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council; the Lake County Community Transportation Coordinator and the Sumter County Community Transportation Coordinator as required under the authority of Title 23 United States Code Section 134 and Title 49 United States Code Section 5303, as a condition to the receipt of federal capital or operating assistance. There is no fiscal impact.

Request for approval of the Transportation Agreements between the Lake County Board of County Commissioners and Beacon College, Joan Brower, Building Blocks Ministries, Great Expectations of Lake County, Kinsman Transportation, Cheryl L. Williams d/b/a Life Care Services, Love Thy Neighbor and Sunrise ARC for the provision of transportation service for the Agency for Persons with Disabilities clients and self-pay clients. There is no fiscal impact.

Request for approval of the Agreement between Mid Florida Community Services, Inc. and the Lake County Board of County Commissioners for transportation services to the four meal sites operated in Lake County. The fiscal impact is $229,257 (County Portion: $105,852 / Mid Florida Portion: $123,405) (Expense).

County Attorney

Request approval to make tax deed applications on County held tax certificates for properties on the Property Appraiser’s roll for years 2011 through 2013. At this time, the fiscal impact is FY16 $6,475.

Request approval of Interlocal Agreement Between Lake County and the Lake County Health Department for Commercial Lease Space and Lease Agreement Between Lake County and Etheredge Limited Partnership for the Health Department's Dental Clinic located at 3261 Highway 27/441, in Fruitland Park.  The fiscal impact for FY16 is $41,341.10 (Lease Payments for December 2015 through September 2016).

Request approval and execution of the Resolution Declaring County-Owned Property Surplus, and associated Deed transferring title to the City of Clermont of property located at 849 West Avenue, Clermont, Florida.  There is no fiscal impact.  Commission District 2.

Request approval to cancel the Mortgage executed by Thomas F. and Kawaiala Mullen on August 27, 2007 and recorded at O.R. Book 3502, Page 0783, upon receipt of the $500.00 payment. Fiscal Impact: The original loan amount was $10,000; recovery will be $500.00. Commission District 4.

Request approval for the County Attorney to execute the Stipulated Final Judgment in Court Case No. 2015-CA-000220, Lake County vs. Swanson, et al. (Parcel Number: FP38) for right-of-way needed for the CR 466A Road Project. The total settlement and fiscal impact is $186,899.00 ($101,999.00 plus $84,900.00, which was previously deposited into the Court Registry).

County Manager

Request approval of the 2016 Board of County Commissioner meeting schedule as follows: January 5 and 19, February 2 and 16, March 1 and 15, April 5 and 19, May 3 and 17, June 7 and 21, July 12 and 26, August 9 and 23, September 13 and 27, October 11 and 25, November 8 and 22, December 6 and 20. 

Facilities Development and Management

Request approval to award contracts 16-0404 for on-call painting services to Deacon International, Inc. (Gainesville, FL), Elite Custom Painting & Pressure Washing, LLC (St. Cloud, FL), and McDines Painting of Brevard, Inc. (Satellite Beach, FL) and authorize the Procurement Office to execute all supporting documentation. The fiscal impact is estimated at $100,000 (Expenditure).

Human Resources

Request approval of the 2016 calendar year schedule of holidays for Lake County BOCC employees.  There is no fiscal impact.

Public Resources

Request approval and grant signature authority to the County Manager and County Attorney to execute sales agreements between Lake County and several adjacent and interested property owners of Parcels A, B, C and D of the Mount Plymouth Lakes Reserve.  Staff is also requesting approval and signature authority for the County Manager and County Attorney to execute additional sales agreements, beyond the original $25,000 cap.  Fiscal Impact will range from $300 to $3,920.40 (Revenue) per transaction with the total fiscal impact indeterminable at this time.  Commission District 4.

Request approval and signature of Facilities Modification Agreement Between Lake County, Florida and Lake Agricultural and Youth Fair Association, Inc. for the demolition and removal of the arena and associated amenities to improve functionality of the Fairgrounds. The Fair Association will be responsible for demolition and removal of the structures, all associated permits and costs, subject to review and acceptance by County Facilities. There is no fiscal impact.  Commission District 4.

Request approval of the transfer and donation of Northeast Lake County Scrub Preserve to Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund of the State of Florida and authorization for the Chairman to execute any documents necessary to facilitate the transfer.  The fiscal impact will consist of minimal closing costs.  Commission District 5.

Public Works

Request award of contract 15-0037 to MDM Services, Inc. (Lakeland) for the Phase II Construction of Remediation System at the Astatula Fuel Facility.  This contract will be funded by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), Petroleum Restoration Program, as stated in their Letter of Commitment dated May 22, 2015 and the Settlement Transition Agreement up to the amount of $500,000 (copy of both attached).  Fiscal impact for the immediate project is $401,353 (Expenditure-100 percent Grant Funded).  Commission District 4.

Request approval and signature of Resolution to Advertise Public Hearing to vacate right of way (Florida Food Products, Inc.).   There is no fiscal impact.  Commission District 4.

Request approval and signature of Resolution to Advertise Public Hearing to vacate right of way and cease maintenance on a portion of Yale Circle (#7043) (Sevorg Trading Company, Wayne Farrar, Dale John).  There is no fiscal impact.  Commission District 5.

Request approval to accept an amended Department of Environmental Protection Small Quantity Generator (SQG) Program Grant for 2016; approval and signature of Unanticipated Revenue Resolution (URR); approve Budget Update Amendment (BUA) to reflect adjusted budget and authorize the County Manager to sign all grant documents.  These funds will be used to offset the cost of performing state mandated inspections of Lake County businesses using small quantities of hazardous wastes to identify issues and report to the DEP annually as required by Florida Statute.  The fiscal impact is $14,091.11 (Revenue/Expenditure – 100 percent Grant Funded).  Commission District - Countywide.

Request approval to award purchase contract for one (1) utility tractor and implements under Request for Quotation (RFQ) Q2016-00014 to Fields Equipment Co. Inc. (Minneola) in the amount of $32,180.00 for the Road Operations Division of Public Works, and authorize execution of all procurement documentation by the Procurement Office.  The fiscal impact is $32,180.00 (Expenditure).

Children's Services Council Grant Requests

Commr. Cadwell thanked the Board for working to add additional dollars to the fund during the budget process.

On a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Parks and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved the annual grant funding for 10 organizations, minus the Central Florida Pediatric Therapy Foundation grant, who have submitted applications for Fiscal Year 2015-2016 County funds through the Children's Services Council Grant Request for Proposal (RFP) process; authorization for signatures on subsequent agreements; and authorization to encumber and expend funds. The fiscal impact is $175,761 (Expense).

Commr. Parks explained that he needed to declare a conflict of interest, as he served in an advisory capacity on the Pediatric Therapy Association.

On a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Campione and carried unanimously by a vote of 4-0, with Commr. Parks abstaining, the Board approved the Central Florida Pediatric Therapy Foundation grant who have submitted an application for Fiscal Year 2015-2016 County funds through the Children's Services Council Grant Request for Proposal (RFP) process; authorization for signatures on subsequent agreements; and authorization to encumber and expend funds.

Contract for STATE lobbyist services

Commr. Conner explained that the bid had had two applicants, one of which was a firm that was active in the Metro Orlando EDC that the Board is familiar with.  He opined that hiring people who have a presence in Lake County, rather than a firm from Tallahassee who would not be as familiar with the County, would be in the best interest of the Board.

Commr. Campione commented that it is always preferable to award contracts to local organizations, but they must keep in mind who would be best for the job.  

Commr. Parks clarified that the chosen lobbyist would handle the Wellness Way and Lake Tech projects for this cycle.

Commr. Sullivan mentioned that staff had reviewed the bids thoroughly before offering their recommendation. He pointed out that the contract was only for one year, so they have the option to re-bid for the next cycle.  He voiced his support for moving forward with the recommended action.

Commr. Conner opined that they would likely be more important as clients to a firm that they are already familiar with, rather than one who they do not already have a relationship with.

Commr. Parks stated that lobbying for Lake Tech should be one of their top priorities.  He clarified that there seemed to be a consensus around the Board to deny the original recommendation and to award the contract to the other applicant, GrayRobinson.

Commr. Cadwell asserted that they would not normally go against the staff’s recommendation, but this was a personal issue for the Board members that they are very familiar with.

On a motion by Commr. Parks, seconded by Commr. Cadwell and carried by a vote of   4-1, with Commr. Sullivan dissenting, the Board denied the request to award term and supply contract 16-0203 to Capitol Insight / Peebles & Smith (Tallahassee) for lobbyist services to be provided on an as-required basis and awarded the contract to GrayRobinson (Orlando) for lobbyist services to be provided on an as-required basis. The estimated annual fiscal impact is not-to-exceed $50,000 (expenditure).

VACATION PETITION RESOLUTION

Mr. Jim Stivender, Public Works Director, reported that the request was to vacate two platted drainage and utility easements in Lake Saunders Acres.  He related that there had been no letters of objection or support.  He stated that staff recommended approval to vacate.

Commr. Cadwell clarified that the proposed resolution did not affect the Lake Saunders boat ramp.

The Chairman opened the public hearing.

There being no one who wished to address the Board, the Chairman closed the public hearing.

On a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Parks and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved the signature of Resolution No. 2015-118 for a Public Hearing on Vacation Petition No. 1219 (John & Susan Stratton) to vacate platted drainage & utility easements.  There is no fiscal impact.  

REZONING CONSENT AGENDA

Mr. Chris Schmidt, Manager of Planning and Community Design, Economic Growth Department, submitted the advertisements for that day’s rezoning public hearings on the overhead monitor.  He noted that Consent Agenda Item 1 had been approved unanimously by the Planning and Zoning Board and the staff recommendation was for the Board to approve those items.

The Chairman opened the public hearing regarding the Rezoning Consent Agenda.

There being no one who wished to address the Board regarding this rezoning case, the Chairman closed the public hearing.

On a motion by Commr. Sullivan, seconded by Commr. Parks, and carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the Rezoning Consent Agenda Item 1, as follows:

Tab 1. Ordinance No. 2015-39

Rezoning Case # RZ-15-19-2

Universal Auto Body/Magnolia Enterprise LLC

Request to establish a Planned Commercial (CP) zoning district to allow vehicular sales and Community Commercial (C-2) uses.

Long Range Transportation Plan presentation

Mr. T.J. Fish, Lake Sumter MPO, gave a presentation regarding the new Long Range Transportation Plan, Transportation 2040.  He explained that the purpose of the Long Range Transportation Plan is to identify major transportation investment needs in the Lake Sumter MPO planning area throughout the next 20 years; satisfy the federal mandate that all urban areas have a transportation plan that discusses the level of investment that could occur based on reasonably available funding; and to coordinate the plans of cities, towns, counties, and FDOT in developing major transportation facilities and services.  He reported that the plan addresses the region’s future transportation system for all modes and is comprised of two parts, needs and cost feasibility.  He mentioned that projects planned between 2015 and 2020 are already in the five-year Transportation Improvement Program.  He related that the plan is a significant policy document for the region and is updated every five years with a 20-year planning horizon.  He explained that distinct from the Needs Plan, the Cost Feasible Plan identifies those projects that likely could be funded between 2021 and 2040 given available revenues.  He noted that the Cost Feasible Plan includes local, state, federal, and private funded projects.  He relayed that the projected transportation revenues are based on a methodology approved by the Federal Highway Administration and the Florida Department of Transportation. 

Mr. Fish asserted that all dollar amounts are expressed in year of expenditure (future) dollars, plan improvements will be inflated to year of expenditure dollars, and the plan will balance available dollars with transportation needs/priorities.  He displayed on the monitor a graph of the project cost estimates.  He explained that the project in the outer years will cost more to implement and there is a 70 percent increase for combined costs, so if the project cost in 2015 is $6.5 million, it would be $11.0 million in 2040.  He disclosed that they had multiple funding sources, which included State Sources such as the State Strategic Intermodal System (SIS), Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise, and the Central Florida Expressway Authority; Federal/State Sources like Federal Transit Administration Funds; and Local Sources like Impact Fees, Sales Tax, and Fuel Tax, though they did not have control over all of them.  He displayed on the monitor a chart of the projected revenues by planning period in millions of the year of expenditure dollars.  He gave an overview of the policy direction for the cost feasible plan.  He reported that the MPO will adopt the State Strategic Intermodal System (SIS) plan which includes Florida’s Turnpike, interstate highways, certain major roadways, major airports, ports, and railroads and will also adopt the Central Florida Expressway projects in Lake County. 

Mr. Fish displayed on the monitor a list of future needs for the SIS, Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise, Lake County roads, and bicycle and pedestrian projects.  He related that Bicycle and Pedestrian project programs included the Sidewalk Program, Complete Streets, Regional Trail Program, and the Safe School Access Emphasis Program.  He displayed on the monitor a timeline for the Lake Sumter Transit Development plan.  He expounded on the list of future needs and cost feasible projects for state roads.  He displayed several maps on the monitor, highlighting the locations of the future needs projects and long range projects and improvements.  He reiterated that the plan was estimated out in five year increments and attempts to balance the needs of the roads with that of the bicycle and pedestrian projects.

Commr. Cadwell inquired if the realignment of US-437 had been discussed by the CRA.

Commr. Campione asserted that there was a general assumption that the project would go forward, as their maps show the realignment.

Mr. Stivender commented that they would be moving forward with the Project Development and Environmental Study in 2016, which will incorporate the CRA’s plan and the trail issues.

Commr. Campione reported that one of the things that the CRA had specifically examined was the issue of providing larger sidewalks along SR-46 as an alternative to being on the trail, incorporating it as a part of the trail, or as a trail head as a way to get over to East Lake Park.  She specified that there have been exhaustive discussions on how to make the area as user-friendly as possible and while also getting the funding that would be available by incorporating it into the Wekiva Parkway plan.  She stated that she hoped the Department of Transportation could be convinced to help accomplish the CRA’s Streetscape project before SR-46 is transferred to the County’s management.  

Mr. Fish related that the projects mentioned by Commr. Campione would have a lot of emphasis in the coming years.  He disclosed that they had been speaking to the DOT about the possibility of taking on the Streetscapes project before the transfer.

Commr. Cadwell clarified that while this was not currently a legislative priority, it should be considered to be at the same level of importance as Wellness Way.

Commr. Campione mentioned that they wanted this street to be user-friendly so it can become a downtown district for Sorrento.  She noted that this would be a huge accomplishment if they can incorporate it into their lobbyist initiatives.

Commr. Parks clarified that they were aggressively pursuing as many grant opportunities as they could.

Mr. Fish advised that the DOT has made the Complete Streets program one of their priorities this year and that they have had great participation from both the municipalities and Lake County.  He relayed that the funding that has been provided to the MPO this year has been enough to put together all the packages that define what these ideas are, so they can be turned into legitimate projects.  He stated that they are able to help both Lake County and the municipalities to find Complete Streets projects so that they can be funded.

Commr. Parks pointed out that while the Complete Street projects are important for bicycle and pedestrian safety, they are also an important economic development component.

Mr. Fish specified that everything the MPO does has an economic development focus.

Recess and reassembly

The Board reconvened at 10:13 a.m.

Economic Development and Tourism's Quarterly Update

Mr. Robert Chandler, Director of Economic Growth, presented the Economic Development and Tourism's Quarterly Update.  He displayed a series of graphs of Lake County’s economic indicators, which demonstrated that the unemployment rate was down by 1.3 percent, jobs were up by 4.1 percent, tax receipts were up by 4.3 percent, labor force growth was down by -0.01 percent, wages were up by 2.2 percent, and gross sales were up by 6.8 percent.  He pointed out that the unemployment rate had dropped below the historic average for the first time since the recession.  He displayed on the monitor several charts depicting their business attraction statistics.  He explained that they had lost 2 project bids in the last 4 quarters and won 0, but currently have 8 bids out that Lake County had a medium probability of winning and 9 with a low probability.  He outlined the progress on the Wellness Way Sector Plan, which had been transmitted to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) on November 18, 2014 and was adopted by the BCC on July 21, 2015.  He noted that the DEO had found the Sector Plan to be “not in compliance” on September 18, 2015 and that County staff and the DEO had agreed to a 90 day abeyance, where the plan will be considered again in January 2016. 

Mr. Chandler reported that they had relocated the Northeast Business Opportunity Center (BOC) to Century Plaza, 17521 U.S. Highway 441 in Mount Dora.  He relayed that the incubator program had been temporarily discontinued until a better model could be determined. He declared that the Business Opportunity Centers continue to serve as an entrepreneurial hub and that Lake Sumter State College now manages the entire BOC program.  He remarked that the goals for LSSC were to develop and coordinate an integrated system of diverse support services available to businesses, like Career Source Central Florida, and to utilize/mobilize LSSC infrastructure, talent, and resources to develop unique and innovative programs to support local businesses. He recounted the 2015 YTD statistics for the BOCs, which included 417 distinct clients, 717 consulting sessions, 1,296 hours of consulting, and 26 distinct training events with 570 distinct attendees.  He noted that other BOC statistics for 2015 included 31 jobs created, 4 jobs retained, 16 new businesses started, and $759,000 of loan amounts received.  He reported that Lake County had sponsored a “Manufacturing Day” with Lake County schools, where students toured some of the local manufacturing businesses.  He commented that the first meeting of the Workforce Task Force had been held in July and the second meeting was held in October.  He announced that the groundbreaking for Coreslab had been held on October 13, which is a 75 acre site that will generate 55 to 100 jobs and $8,000,000 in capital investment.  He noted that CaptiveAire at Ford Park had added 36,000 square feet and 15 jobs.  He specified that they were continuing with a series of workshops with the Four Corners residents and business owners to discuss the needs and challenges of the area. 

Mr. Chandler displayed on the monitor the tourism metrics of TDT revenue, room night demand, average daily rate, and hotel occupancy for Lake County over the past few years through 2015.  He gave an overview of Tourism’s marketing and advertising efforts in their niche segments, such as the VisitFlorida banner ads.  He specified that another niche segment was Bass Fishing and that they had secured the Major League Fishing TV show, which will be filmed from October 12 through October 17 and will air in the spring of 2016, with 7 two-hour episodes that will be rerun 3 times each.  He remarked that this was the highest rated fishing show on TV today and would be aired on the Outdoor Channel, World Fishing Network (WFN), and NBC Outdoors.  He reported that they had run a 2-page advertisement in AAA Living Magazine, which had been a co-op with Mission Inn and Downtown Mount Dora Partners.  He commented that they had had a Destination Spotlight on Sunday, July 12^th in the Orlando Sentinel, which included a 2 page editorial and OS website.  He related that they had also run a full page ad in Charity Magazine for four issues. 

Mr. Chandler explained that they had launched their daytrip program for FY 2014 – 2015 and that they had generated 137 event sponsorships with 104 room nights and 33 day trips for a total of $607,731 in grants with $478,950 in room nights and $128,781 in day trips.  He disclosed that the Wings and Wildflowers Festival had over 5,000 attendees with 92 events, 41 trip leaders/experts, and 35 sponsors, along with significant media exposure.  He relayed that Hickory Point Beach had hosted the ROX Beach Volleyball Championship, which accommodated 134 athletes and 335 total visitors for approximately 500 room nights and a $200,000+ economic impact.  He remarked that Hickory Point Beach had also hosted the North, Central America, and Caribbean Volleyball Confederation (NORCECA) event, which represented over 16 countries.  He noted that the event had generated 250 room nights with 120 total people for a $150,000 economic impact, but was mostly a means to legitimize Hickory Point as a destination spot in the volleyball world.  He pointed out that they had submitted a bid for the 2016-2017 NCAA Beach Volleyball National Championship, but unfortunately were not selected.  He summarized some of the activities planned for the next quarter, which included a professional advertising agency procurement, new locker room facility at Hickory Point, Welcome Center planning, FLW recruitment, and trade show/expo scheduling.

Mr. Chandler summarized the proposed revisions to the TDC Capital Projects Funding Policy, beginning with the local match requirement.  He explained that there are currently no restrictions regarding the calculation of land value towards the applicant’s local match, so staff has proposed that land value can count towards up to only 25 percent of the total project cost or 50 percent of the total applicant match, regardless of the total value of the land, as appraised.  He submitted the staff recommendations for the Capital Reserve Parameters.  He recounted that there are currently no minimum or maximum reserve requirements, and they are proposing to set a maximum capital reserve amount of $3,000,000 and to continue annual transfers of up to $500,000 towards capital reserve until maximum is achieved.  He noted that there would be no dedicated reserve contributions once capital reserve reaches $3,000,000 and that any money not transferred to the reserves would be utilized for marketing, advertising, or promotions.  He stated that given the changes being requested to the Capital Funding Policy, staff is requesting that this year’s Fall Cycle be postponed until February 2016.  He specified that staff recommends that moving forward, the Spring Cycle begin in February and the Fall Cycle begin in August and that staff has received and is reviewing an application from the City of Clermont for the 2015 Fall Cycle.

Mr. Chandler relayed that during the 2014/2015 FY, Lake County entered into a $15,000 endorsement contract with Timothy Frederick, where the scope of his work included promoting Lake County as a bass fishing destination, providing exposure for Lake’s www.lakebigbass.com brand, a wrap boat with Lake County designed graphics, and wearing a Lake County designed jersey.  He noted that during the 2015 season, Mr. Frederick met all of his contractually required goals and qualified for the 2016 FLW Tour.  He explained that the move to the FLW tour will substantially increase Lake County’s exposure, but also requires significantly higher entry fees, and so the new endorsement contract would increase to $35,000, if approved. He specified that all of the requested actions received unanimous consensus from the TDC for approval.  He concluded by requesting approval for revisions to the TDC Capital Projects Funding Policy, to postpone the 2015 Capital Projects Fall Application Cycle until February 2016, and for an extension and increase of the endorsement contract with professional angler, Timothy Frederick, for promotion of Lake County as a bass fishing destination. 

Commr. Cadwell opined that the numbers were a clear indication of the range of promotions that they have been able to produce.  He clarified that they would only be seeking placement services from the ad agency and that their department would still handle the creative output.  He remarked the TDC feels that the changes in the capital funding cycle will ensure that they are funding real projects that produce real results. He commented that the staff and current TDC members have a clear and effective vision for the department.

Commr. Parks inquired if the capital reserve maximum suggested in the policy changes might limit them in terms of funding projects that might require more capital than the maximum reserve amount.

Commr. Cadwell pointed out that the reserve maximum is meant to serve as a guideline so that the fund does not just continue to grow unrestricted without being spent.  He commented that this would enable them to acknowledge the importance of the promotional side of their activities.  He stated that if there is a worthwhile project, there are ways for the TDC to fund it.

Commr. Campione suggested putting aside a certain designated amount for specific purposes rather than setting a capital reserve maximum. She gave the example of existing park facilities as one of the purposes, such as East Lake Park, as the maintenance of parks will attract both tourists and economic development.

Commr. Conner advised Commr. Campione to speak with the County Attorney’s office to determine what legal channels would be needed to accomplish such a thing.  He specified that the current demand far exceeds what they can supply at East Lake Park and that they needed this fiscal year to invest significant dollars in upgrades for that park.  

Commr. Cadwell remarked that they must be able to identify what the capital they want to allocate is related to in regards to room nights. 

Commr. Campione suggested that they could name the categories so that it is clear what kind of capital projects the TDC is interested in pursuing.

Commr. Conner pointed out that sand volleyball is the fastest growing NCAA sport and suggested that staff look into setting up a meeting with the NCAA, so that they can be aware of what they are looking for in terms of tournament locations and tailor their facility to fit that criteria.

Commr. Cadwell replied that they have essentially accomplished that through their bid process and already have a list of facility improvements that they will be working on.  

On a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Parks, and carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the revisions to the TDC Capital Projects Funding Policy, to postpone the 2015 Capital Projects Fall Application Cycle until February 2016, and for an extension and increase of the endorsement contract with professional angler, Timothy Frederick, for promotion of Lake County as a bass fishing destination.

Commr. Campione requested that staff include a report on building permits in the next economic analysis with their values and that it be broken down into the northwest, northeast, and south.  She also asked for a current report on building permits.

Commr. Parks inquired if a slide could be included in the next quarterly report that would correlate the building permits and impact fees.

Commr. Cadwell asked that staff include which industries the annual job growth was coming from in the next report.

Commr. Parks asserted that the Wellness Way Sector Plan had received letters of approval from every agency, with all issues addressed, and that the DEO had unexpectedly filed to challenge during the last week of the process.

Sales Surtax Oversight Advisory Committee appointment

On a motion by Commr. Sullivan, seconded by Commr. Parks, and carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the appointment of Mr. Gary Cooney to the Sales Surtax Oversight Advisory Committee to complete an unexpired term of Barbara Lehman ending January 1, 2017.

Right of Way Committee appointments

On a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Parks, and carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the appointment of Ms. Kristy Mullane, Chief Deputy Clerk, to the Central Florida Expressway Audit/Finance Committee and appointment of Mr. Sandy Minkoff to the Right of Way Committee as an unpaid volunteer, with Ms. Melanie Marsh to continue as an alternate to the Right of Way Committee.

reports – commissioner sullivan – district 1

early voting

Commr. Sullivan reported that he had been receiving positive feedback for the One Cent Sales Tax election circuit and that early voting had begun.

reports – commissioner parks – vice-chairman and district 2

Great Floridian Triathlon

Commr. Parks relayed that he would be helping to kick-off the Great Floridian Triathlon.

REPORTS – COMMISsIONER campione – DISTRICT 4

lobbyist tour locations

Commr. Campione inquired if there was a way to show the lobbyists the locations where they are seeking funds. She suggested having an advertised meeting in Chambers where they would give an overview of the locations and then having a single commissioner accompany the lobbyists on the tour.

Mr. Heath suggested that one or two commissioners escort the lobbyists to their corresponding district, rather than organizing a joint meeting. Staff was given direction to look into the logistics of this suggestion.

The Board voiced their approval of the suggestion and directed staff to begin work on the process.

proposed ordinance amendment

Commr. Campione received support from the Board for her to present the Affordable Housing Advisory Board with the concept of an ordinance change that would allow the Board to grant waivers for affordable housing institutions to prepay their impact fees in certain situations. She specified that nothing would move forward until the proposed change was brought before the Board at a later meeting and it was approved.

reports – commissioner cadwell – district 5

events attended

Commr. Cadwell related that the Children’s Services Council meeting would be held at the Emergency Operations Center the next day. He relayed that there had been a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Altoona Community Center. He commented that he had attended the Lake County League of Cities’ luncheon in Commr. Sullivan’s place and that he had attended the Farm Bureau’s annual dinner the previous night.

REPORTS – COMMISSIONER conner – CHAIRMAN AND DISTRICT 3

coreslab bid and sales tax

Commr. Conner thanked staff for their continuing work on the Coreslab bid.  He thanked Commrs. Sullivan and Campione for their work on the One Cent Sales Tax.

barbara lehman retirement

Commr. Conner wished Ms. Barbara Lehman, Chief Deputy Clerk, a happy retirement and commended her for her years of service.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to be brought to the attention of the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 11:30 a.m.

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jimmy conner, chairman

ATTEST:

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NEIL KELLY, CLERK