A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

January 10, 2017

The Lake County Board of County Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, January 10, 2017 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:  Timothy I. Sullivan, Chairman; Leslie Campione, Vice Chairman; Sean Parks; Wendy Breeden; and Josh Blake.  Others present were:  David Heath, County Manager; Melanie Marsh, County Attorney; Wendy Taylor, Executive Office Manager, County Manager’s Office; Neil Kelly, Clerk of Court; and Angela Harrold, Deputy Clerk.

INVOCATION and pledge

Mr. David Hopkins, Executive Director of the Benton House of Clermont, gave the Invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance.

Agenda update

Mr. David Heath, County Manager, requested that the Board approve Tab 2, the presentation of Proclamation 2017-1 to the Human Trafficking Taskforce, prior to the employee awards and present the proclamation following the employee awards.  He recommended that Tab 8 be pulled off of the consent agenda and be heard during the regular agenda following Tab 28.

Minutes approval

On a motion by Commr. Parks, seconded by Commr. Breeden, and carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the Minutes of December 6, 2016 (Regular Meeting) and December 8, 2016 (Special Meeting) as presented.

employee awards

Mr. Robert Anderson, Human Resources Director, recognized employees who have reached significant milestones in their careers with Lake County, as follows:

EMPLOYEE AWARDS

 

FIVE YEARS

Eric Hutson, Firefighter/EMT (not present)

Public Safety/Fire Rescue Division

  

TEN YEARS

Rusty Gentry, Assistant Area Maintenance Supervisor

Public Works/Road Operations Division/Maintenance Area I (Leesburg)

 

Gregory Holcomb, Public Safety Communications Technologies Division Manager

Public Safety/Communications Technologies Division

 

Paul Long, Senior Graphic Designer

Communications

  

FIFTEEN YEARS

Sharon McParland, Office Associate III

Public Resources/Fairgrounds

 

Ronald Moore, Branch Supervisor

Public Resources/Library Services Division/Paisley Library

 

            Sherry Scheller, Library Assistant I

Public Resources/Library Services Division/Paisley Library

 

TWENTY YEARS

Catherine Catasus, Laboratory Supervisor

Public Works/ Environmental Services Division/Laboratory & Hydrogeology

 

Cheri Greer, Library Technician (not present)

Public Resources/Library Services Division

 

RETIREMENT

14 Years:  Leonard Francis, Roads Maintenance Operator

                  Public Works/Road Operations Division/Maintenance Area III (Umatilla)

 

Mr. Jim Stivender, Director of Public Works, stated that Mr. Francis worked for Lake County for 14 years and was a leader in many crews but he specifically took pride in being part of the asphalt crew. He commented that he was reliable and wished him the best of luck.

 

25 Years:   Bruce Talbott, Firefighter/EMT
                               Public Safety/Fire Rescue Division

 

Chief John Jollif, Director of Public Safety, noted that Mr. Talbot began working for LCFR (Lake County Fire and Rescue) on October 18, 1991 working to maintain the Public Safety fleet and during the last several years worked as a Firefighter/EMT. He commented that he had been an outstanding employee and great ambassador for Public Safety and Lake County.  He stated that Mr. Talbot demonstrated his concern for the protection of life and property each day of his service and had truly been an asset to Lake County.  He wished him the best of luck in his retirement.

human trafficking taskforce

On a motion by Commr. Campione, seconded by Commr. Parks and carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved Proclamation 2017-1

Commr. Sullivan presented Proclamation 2017-1 proclaiming January 2017 as Human Trafficking Awareness month to the Lake County Human Trafficking Taskforce.

CITIZEN QUESTION AND COMMENT PERIOD

Mr. Vance Jochim, a resident of Tavares who writes a blog about local governmental issues, stated that he believed when the Inspector General completes an audit of a Lake County department that it should be placed on the agenda for the Board to discuss.  He opined that the current process does not adequately disclose the findings, and it should be open to the public to see and comment on.

 

Mr. Zane Beard, representing Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater of the Florida Department of Financial Services, stated that he was available to discuss consumer insurance issues.  He offered telephone numbers for residents who are in need of insurance assistance and stated that they offer Operation Safe Workshops.  He stated that there is a Stop Adult Financial Exploitation Workshop given on behalf of CFO Atwater’s On Guard for Seniors Initiatives. He noted another was called Be Smart Scam Workshops, and they are open to seniors, their family and caregivers to help inform, empower and protect Florida seniors from financial scams and frauds.

Commr. Sullivan stated that it would be good for the public to have that information available on the Lake County website so they could access it.

CLERK OF COURTS’ CONSENT AGENDA

On a motion by Commr. Parks, seconded by Commr. Blake and carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the Clerk of Courts’ Consent Agenda, Items 1 through 6, 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.

Ordinance; City of Eustis

Request to acknowledge receipt of Ordinance No. 16-28 from the City of Eustis voluntarily annexing approximately .87 acres of real property located at 3001 East CR 44, along with a transmittal letter dated December 2, 2016 stating that the ordinance had been approved by the Eustis City Commission on December 1, 2016.

Ordinances; City of Minneola

Request to acknowledge receipt of the City of Minneola Ordinance 2016-30 a Large Scale Comprehensive Plan Amendment, textually amending the City’s Comprehensive Plan to create Policy 1-2.11.4 entitled “Johnson Mixed Use Development,” amending the land use designation from “Urban Low Density” on the Lake County Comprehensive Plan to “Johnson Mixed Use Residential Development” on the Future Land Use Map of the City of Minneola’s Comprehensive Plan, for approximately 23 acres of property generally located at 20524 County Road 455.

Request to acknowledge receipt of the City of Minneola Ordinance 2016-33 a Large Scale Comprehensive Plan Amendment, amending the land use designation from “Rural Transitional” on the Lake County Comprehensive Plan to “Multi-Family High Density” on the Future Land Use Map of the City of Minneola’s Comprehensive Plan, for approximately 20.20 acres of property generally located south of the Turnpike and east of Triple E Road.

St. Johns River Water Management District’s 2017 Meeting Schedule

Request to acknowledge receipt of the announcement of the 2017 meeting schedule for the St. Johns River Water Management District’s Governing Board.

Inspector General Report BCC-150

Request to acknowledge receipt of the Inspector General Report BCC-150 Review of the Judicial Center Expansion.

COUNTY MANAGER’S CONSENT AGENDA

On a motion by Commr. Campione, seconded by Commr. Breeden and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved the County Manager’s Consent Agenda, Tabs 4 through 27, pulling Tab 8, as follows:

Community Services

Request for approval of an Amendment to the Extension of the Agreement between the Lake County Sheriff, Armor Correctional Health Services, Inc., and the Lake County Board of County Commissioners for the management and administration of inmate medical care. The Amendment to the Extension shall commence on January 1, 2017 and terminate on September 30, 2017. The purpose of this Amendment is to extend the original Agreement through the end of the County's fiscal year. Request authorization for the Board Chairman to sign the Amendment and any subsequent documents relating to this Agreement. The fiscal impact is $1,661,536 (Expense).

Request for approval to apply to the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) under the Section 5310 Capital Grant Program to purchase paratransit vehicles for use under the Transportation Disadvantaged program (Lake County Connection for FY 2017-2018). Request approval of the supporting Resolution 2017-2, acceptance, and implementation of the grant award, and the procurement of the vehicles under the State's bid list through the Transit Research Inspection Procurement Services (TRIPS) program. The fiscal impact is $345,675 (Expense - County Portion: $34,567.50 / Grant Funding: $311,107.50).

Request for approval to submit the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Section 5311 grant application to fund the Transportation Disadvantaged Program in the FY 2017-2018 budget. Request approval of the supporting Resolution 2017-3 and the acceptance and implementation of the grant award. The fiscal impact is $934,710 (Expense - County Portion: $467,355 / Grant Funded: $467,355).

County Attorney

Request for approval of a Stipulated Settlement Agreement in Lake County vs. Clinton E. and Cindy B. Dobbs (County Court Case No. 2014-CC-001342) and authorization for County Attorney to execute the Stipulated Settlement Agreement.  The fiscal impact is $6,922.52 (Revenue).

Economic Growth

Request for approval of the Reinstatement of the Expired Impact Fee Prepayment Certificate for Atwater Apartments pursuant to Section 22-11(5), Lake County Code.

Request for approval to purchase two (2) 4x4 SUVs under Request for Quotation (RFQ) Q2017-00044 to Reed Nissan Clermont (Clermont, FL) for the Building Services Division, and authorize execution of all procurement supporting documentation by the Procurement Office. The total fiscal impact is $37,576.00 (Expenditure).

Fiscal and Administrative Services

Request for approval for the Chairman to sign the Federally Funded Public Assistance State Agreement with the State of Florida for Hurricane Matthew. There is no fiscal impact.

Information Technology

Request for approval to purchase various Dell Products under Florida State Contract from DELL distributor CDWG (Chicago) for Munis support pursuant to request from the Clerk of Courts.  The fiscal impact is $119,340.

Public Resources

Request for approval and execution of an agreement with the University of Florida regarding the appointment of an Interim Lake County Extension Director in the Public Resources Department effective January 16, 2017 and approval of the University of Florida's recommendation that Sumter County Extension Agent Lloyd Singleton serve as the Interim Director. The fiscal impact is up to $2,528.24 in FY 2017 (Expenditure).

Public Works

Request for approval to establish a blanket purchase order (BPO) with Mid Florida Materials (Zellwood, FL) for the disposal of class 3 waste which includes furniture, construction and demolition debris, and vegetation from the Central Facility located in Tavares, and authorize Procurement Services to execute all supporting documentation. The annual fiscal impact is estimated to be $86,400 (Expenditure).

Request for approval to award purchase contract for one (1) 30,000 lb. GVWR dual rear wheel crew cab truck with hydraulic dumping flatbed under Request for Quotation (RFQ) Q2017-00021 to Hub City Ford, Inc. (Crestview, FL) for the Road Operations Division of Public Works, and authorize execution of all procurement supporting documentation by the Procurement Office. The total fiscal impact is $83,996.00 (Expenditure).

Request for approval to award purchase contract for one (1) 64,000 lb. GVWR 4x6 tandem axle water tanker truck under Request for Quotation (RFQ) Q2017-00022 to Orlando Freightliner (Apopka, FL) for the Road Operations Division of Public Works, and authorize execution of all procurement supporting documentation by the Procurement Office. The total fiscal impact is $150,971.00 (Expenditure).

Request for approval to award a purchase contract for four (4) agricultural flex wing mower decks under Request for Quotation (RFQ) Q2017-00023 to Fields Equipment Company, Inc. (Minneola, FL) for the Road Operations Division of Public Works, and authorize execution of all procurement supporting documentation by the Procurement Office. The total fiscal impact is $51,960.00 (Expenditure).

Request for approval to award a purchase contract for three (3) 4x4 enclosed cab agricultural tractors with PTO under Request for Quotation (RFQ) Q2017-00025 to Fields Equipment Company, Inc. (Minneola, FL) for the Road Operations Division of Public Works, and authorize execution of all procurement supporting documentation by the Procurement Office. The total fiscal impact is $143,400.00 (Expenditure).

Request for approval to award term and supply agreement for emergency debris removal services on an as-needed basis under Invitation to Bid (ITB) 16-0632 to Ceres Environmental Services, Inc. (Sarasota, FL). The annual fiscal impact is indefinite in nature at this time.

Request for approval to release a maintenance bond in the amount of $4,545.90 that was posted for the right-of-way utilization permits #6935, 6936, 6937 & 6938 for the City of Umatilla water main project in Silver Beach Heights.  The project is located in Umatilla off SR 19 in Commission District 5.  There is no fiscal impact.

Request for approval to execute an Interlocal Agreement between Lake County and the City of Fruitland Park for Poinsettia Avenue Infrastructure Improvements at a fiscal impact of $41,155.24 to be expended from the Renewal Sales Tax Capital Projects – Public Works Fund.  Commission District 5

Request for approval to advertise for bids for the Johns Lake Road Widening and Resurfacing and Sidewalk Project at an estimated cost of $1,322,905 to be expended from the Renewal Sales Tax Capital Projects – Public Works Fund.  Also, request approval to execute an Interlocal Agreement between Lake County and the City of Clermont for Johns Lake Road Infrastructure Agreement at a fiscal impact of $160,000 to be expended from the County Transportation Trust Fund – Road Repair/Maintenance. The total fiscal impact is $1,482,905.  Commission District 2

Request for approval to accept the final plat for Conners Ridge and all areas dedicated to the public as shown on the Conners Ridge plat, execute a Developer's Agreement for Maintenance of Improvements Between Lake County and Patrick Schell, accept a cashier’s check in the amount of $3,028.78 for maintenance of improvements, and execute a Resolution 2017-6 accepting the following road into the County Road Maintenance System:  Green Hill Lane (County Road No. 7577).  Conners Ridge consists of 4 lots and is located East of Umatilla off Saltsdale Road in Section 17, Township 18 South, Range 27 East.  There is no fiscal impact.  Commission District 5

Request for authorization to release a performance bond in the amount of $475,062.50 that was posted to guarantee the completion of the infrastructure for Victoria Estates, execute a Developer's Agreement for Maintenance of Improvements Between Lake County and Victoria Estates at Clermont, LLC, accept a maintenance bond in the amount of $82,992.80 for maintenance of improvements, execute a Developer’s Agreement for Construction and Maintenance of Sidewalk Improvements Between Lake County and Victoria Estates at Clermont, LLC, accept a performance bond in the amount of $44,198.00 for sidewalk construction, accept a maintenance bond in the amount of $4,018.00 for maintenance of sidewalk, and execute Resolution 2017-4 accepting the following road into the County Road Maintenance System:  Camelot Loop (County Road No. 1462).   Victoria Estates consists of 21 lots and is located east of Clermont off CR-455, South of County Road 50, in Section 23, Township 22 South, Range 26 East.  There is no fiscal impact.  Commission District 2

Request for approval to accept a performance bond in the amount of $135,850.00 associated with Right of Way Utilization Permit #7397 for the extension of utilities within the right of way of Sawgrass Bay Boulevard.  Sawgrass Bay Boulevard is located off US 27 in the Four Corners area in Section 14, Township 24 South, Range 26 East.  There is no fiscal impact.  Commission District 1

Request for approval to accept the final plat for Greater Lakes Phase 3 and all areas dedicated to the public as shown on the Greater Lakes Phase 3 plat, execute a Developer's Agreement for Maintenance of Improvements Between Lake County and Home Dynamics Sawgrass, LLC, accept a letter of credit for maintenance in the amount of $160,681.99 for maintenance of improvements, execute a Developer’s Agreement for Construction and Maintenance of Sidewalk Improvements Between Lake County and Home Dynamics Sawgrass, LLC, accept a letter of credit for performance in the amount of $65,102.40 for sidewalk construction, accept a check in the amount of $5,918.40 for maintenance of sidewalk, and execute Resolution 2017-5 accepting the following road into the County Road Maintenance System:  Morning Dew Way (County Road No. 0359B).   Greater Lakes Phase 3 consists of 126 lots and is located in the Four Corners area off Superior Boulevard, in Section 11, Township 24 South, Range 26 East.  There is no fiscal impact.  Commission District 1

Request for approval to advertise for bids for the Log House Road (#0835) Intersection with CR 561 and CR 565B and Sidewalk project at an estimated cost of $750,000.00 from the Renewal Sales Tax Capital Projects – Roads fund.  The fiscal impact is $750,000.00 (Expenditure). Commission District 1

Request for approval for Chairman’s signature on an agreement with the City of Mt. Dora for the Engineering Design of Segment 1 of the Wekiva Trail within the City limits, with the Lake County Department of Public Works taking the lead on the project. Funding will be provided by FDOT through a separate Local Agency Program (LAP) agreement.  There is no fiscal impact.  Commission District 4

public hearing – Ordinance 2017-01

Ms. Melanie Marsh, County Attorney, placed the proposed ordinance on the floor for reading by title only as follows:

            an ordinance of the board of county commissioner of lake COUNTY, florida; amending section 22-8, lake county code, entitled payment and use of impact fees; establishing a process for the use of impact fee deferral agreements; amending section 22-11, lake county code, entitled prepayment of impact fees; providing for the reinstatement of expired prepayment certificates; providing for severability; providing for inclusion in the code; providing for filing with the department of state; and providing for an effective date.

The Chairman opened the public hearing.

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

Commr. Campione asked about adding language regarding the number of times the request for a deferral could be made within a 12 month period. She stated that her concern was that the ordinance would continue to come back before the Board because an applicant missed it by one day.

Mr. Heath recalled a previous situation where there was an applicant who had to keep returning because of expired prepayment certificates for paid impact fees and his goal was not to have that repeated. He clarified that if the amount is under $25,000 the County Manager can sign for approval but if it is over that amount the Board would need to approve the extension.

Commr. Campione pointed out that if it did need to go before the Board, the Commission could consider the facts of the situation and decide if it was equitable to approve it or not.

On a motion by Commr. Breeden, seconded by Commr. Parks and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved Ordinance 2017-01 amending Section 22-8, Lake County Code, entitled Payment and Use of Impact Fees and Section 22-11, Lake County Code, entitled Prepayment of Impact Fees.  The fiscal impact is unable to be determined at this time.

expired impact fee prepayment certificate

Commr. Sullivan read that the requested action was for the reinstatement of the Expired Impact Fee Prepayment Certificate for Atwater Apartments pursuant to Section 22-11(5), of the Lake County Code.

On a motion by Commr. Breeden, seconded by Commr. Parks and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved the request for the reinstatement of the Expired Impact Fee Prepayment Certificate for Atwater Apartments pursuant to Section 22-11(5), of the Lake County Code.

departmental business

appointments to the value adjustment board for fy 2016

Ms. Marsh requested the approval of a County Commissioner to a vacant seat on the Value Adjustment Board (VAB) for the current tax year of FY 2016.

Commr. Campione commented that the VAB Board was a good board to serve on for a first time commissioner to get a good sense of the complete VAB process. She opined that the current Property Appraiser’s Office does a good job working with constituents beforehand to resolve the assessment disputes. She suggested studying the notebook well prior to attending any meetings.

On a motion by Commr. Parks, seconded by Commr. Campione and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved Commissioner Josh Blake to the Value Adjustment Board for the remainder of the 2016 tax year. There is no fiscal impact.

budget kickoff – 2017 economic forecast and presentation

ECONOMIC outlook and economic and tourism update

Mr. Heath explained that this presentation would start the Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 budget cycle and he noted that starting with an economic forecast by Mr. Chandler was important because he had up to date information from economic experts on the current climate of the national, state and local economy. He added that Mr. Koontz would then provide information on the FY 2017 millages and revenues.

Mr. Robert Chandler, Director of Economic Growth, stated that he had a two part presentation giving the 2017 Economic Outlook and the Fourth Quarter Economic Development and Tourism Update, which would cover activities through the fourth quarter of 2016. He noted that the purpose was to give an overview and he reviewed the outline. He pointed out that 95 percent of the data shown in the presentation was gathered from other sources such as Wells Fargo, national advisors, Sean Snaith and other economists, and projection and forecasting services that the department utilizes. He reported that nationally the economy is 7.5 years into the current recovery, noting that the average recovery since World War II was just less than 5 years, making the current recovery about 50 percent longer.  He pointed out that there was significant momentum moving into 2017 with consumer spending remaining strong in 2016, a healthy increase in job growth, a strengthened housing market with a strong focus on multi-family apartments, home inventories managed more closely and energy prices stabilized toward the end of 2016. He relayed that all six month forecasting models placed the recession probability at less than 10 percent.  He reported that the projections for 2017 and 2018 have remained largely unchanged as a result of the election because since then the projections had been less about actual growth rates and more about the volatility. He stated that there should still be a continuation of solid growth driven by improvements in consumer spending based on job, wage and income growth, as well as effects from improved home values and strengthened financial markets. He noted that some potential risks to monitor in 2017 that could dampen some of the growth prospects were the impacts of interest rate increases on the housing market, increased property price indices for apartments and office properties, credit adjustments in China, a drop in business spending on machinery and equipment, and increased healthcare spending.

Mr. Chandler stated that Gross Domestic Product (GDP) probability of distribution was greater than it otherwise would have been due to the election outcome but the actual average was still the same.  He opined that the combination of potential tax cuts and reduced regulation would lead to increased consumer and business spending and added that consumer spending would be one of the largest contributors to GDP growth in 2017, which was a positive sign. He commented that GDP growth had averaged roughly 2 percent since the recession. He stated that 2016 ended with a slow down to 1.5 percent due to the impact of the energy slump but it was expected to rise back up to 2.2 percent in 2017 and remain flat through 2018. He reported that inflation trends represented a reversal of the current risk concerns with the risk no longer about deflation but whether the economy was prepared for rising inflation because it would negatively impact household income growth in 2017. He reported that the continued tightening of the labor market would be the greatest source of inflationary pressure, with labor costs expected to increase over 2.5 percent in 2017.  He remarked that policies currently proposed by the new administration could influence increased inflation pressures such as greater deficit spending, tariffs on imported goods and faster credit expansion, and if the Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act is cut back. He reported that markets had high expectations for stronger economic growth due to the elections and the fiscal policy was expected to shift to a more normalized approach and as a result the Federal Reserve was expected to raise the federal funds target rate twice in 2017. He commented that 10-year interest rate outlooks had been low; however, the range of possible outcomes would now be much wider due to the election.

Mr. Chandler stated that business fixed investment was expected to improve modestly and after failing in five of the past six quarters equipment spending was expected to pick up in 2017.  He noted that increased equipment spending would bolster productivity and offset rising wage and benefit costs.  He commented that lowered corporate tax rates and a reduction of regulation would also drive investments to new plants and equipment. He said that crude oil prices ended 2016 at roughly double the 12 month low and energy prices had stabilized as the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) meetings resulted in agreements to scale back production enough to support higher prices. He noted that energy prices were expected to experience moderate increases through 2018, but crude oil inventories would remain historically high, which could disrupt the market.  He commented that if prices held at their current levels, the energy sector would benefit and because the industry had become more efficient the break-even prices for oil production had fallen considerably.  He stated that consumer spending drove the economy in 2016.  He noted that higher costs for out-of-pocket health care would continue to hurt discretionary spending; however, wage, income and wealth gains would continue to boost retail spending gains in 2017. He mentioned that retail spending was expected to increase an additional 4 percent in both 2017 and 2018.

Mr. Chandler stated that Florida growth rates had returned or exceeded historical levels continuing to show progress and were also continuing to surpass those for the national economy. He commented that payrolls had finally recovered in May 2016 to their pre-recession highs and that a faster pace of payroll job creation had sparked Florida’s labor market leading to labor force growth of just below 2 percent annually.  He reported that the pace of decline in unemployment would be impacted by healthy labor force growth trends and that unemployment rates would see a moderate drop in 2017.  He mentioned that job growth would be strongest in construction, professional and business services, trade, transportation and utilities, education and health services, and leisure and hospitality. He reported that Florida housing started flat in 2013 and 2014; however, in 2016, the housing market had experienced a recovery driven by increased demand and a shrinking number of foreclosures. He stated that real personal income growth was expected to grow through 2018 and retail sales were expected to grow as a result of a strong labor market, lower gas prices and rising home values. He reported that the Orlando Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), which includes Lake, Orange, Osceola and Seminole Counties, would show varying strengths and weaknesses in 2017. He stated that the MSA population growth was expected to rank second in the State of Florida at 2.1 percent and employment growth was projected be the highest in the state at 3 percent annually. He noted that personal income growth would be the second highest of all MSAs at 6.3 percent and that no sectors were expected to experience a decline.  He reported that Lake County was poised for significant gains in 2017 and pointed out that employment, job and wage gains reached 10-year highs in 2016. He remarked that the annual wage increases were the highest in the MSA with job gains coming in second to Osceola County.  He noted that residential permit activity continued to experience significant growth with an average annual increase of over 40 percent during the previous 4 years and that the population growth in the MSA continued to push more development to Lake County. He reviewed the state, regional and local comparative forecast and gave a forecast summary noting that in 2017 the employment rate would be increasing 2.7 percent, unemployment rates would be decreasing 4.6 percent, housing starts would be increasing 15 percent, annual wages would be increasing 3.9 percent and taxable values would be increasing 6.8 percent.

Mr. Chandler then reviewed the business attraction and recruitment load noting that in 2016 there were 29 leads for projects; two of which were won, three were lost, three are still considered hot, nine were warm and twelve leads went cold. He pointed out that 19 of the leads came in directly to the Economic Development Department and the other 10 were gathered from Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission (EDC) and/or Enterprise Florida (EFI.) He reported that Samsung leased the majority of an older building for a distribution center creating 60 jobs and Lady Lake Outpatient Orthopedic Center would open in February 2017 creating 80 jobs. He stated that the Wellness Way Strategic Advisory Services RFP and interlocal agreement with the City of Clermont would be finalized and a potential strategic advisory services partnership for Wolf Branch Innovation District would be worked on with the City of Mount Dora.  He commented that the Economic Development website upgrades were underway and the Economic Development Grant program would be finalized. He mentioned that the Orlando EDC merger with the Central Florida Partnership would be tracked for potential impacts to Lake County.  He noted that there would be retention and compensation improvements finalized for critical Building Services staff. He reviewed business retention and expansion noting that South Lake Hospital’s Leesburg expansion was breaking ground, South Lake Business Opportunity Center (BOC) had moved to Minneola City Hall, and staff was working with the City of Clermont on a partnership to bring more entrepreneurial support services to Lake County.  He added that the Workforce Task Force met and was working collaboratively to expand free career planning tools for parents and students and Economic Development and Tourism staff helped to organize an “Hour to Code” event to introduce students to software coding during the National Computer Science Week, where 40 students participated. He noted that the Economic Development Coordinators handled 324 total calls into the department and attended 688 community outreach events and site visits in total.

Mr. Chandler reported that Tourism Development Tax (TDT) revenue was trending 7 percent up, which was largely due to increases in room rates.  He reviewed that the Lake County Water Authority (LCWA) was reviewing a draft of the revised lease for the Hickory Point Beach Fieldhouse and the architect was finalizing building design. He pointed out that both the LCWA lease and the USA Volleyball agreement would be brought back in front of the Board for approval. He stated that the Lake County Disc Golf Trail was underway and the staff anticipated delivery of the partnership agreements by the end of January, with the hope of having construction started in spring/summer of 2017 and the completion of the courses done by spring/summer 2018. He relayed that for the Canoe/Kayak Competition there needed to be a canoe/kayak specific course installed, so the staff was working with the City of Clermont to purchase the necessary course infrastructure to conduct the championship in August 2017. He stated that the Informational Kiosk Request for Proposal (RFP) was being finalized and showed images of the LakeBigBass.com endorsement of Tim Fredericks, which helped secure large bass tournaments because it highlighted Lake County’s commitment to the sport. He reviewed that the Wings and Wildflowers Festival had high participation rates in classes and tours; however, daily attendance was flat compared to 2015.  He commented that staff was researching attendance trends and marketing exposure from the 2016 event to determine the best strategy for marketing birding in Lake County and what role the festival should play in that. He mentioned that bird watching efforts should continue to be a focus for Lake County’s marketing efforts and should be strengthened. He added that staff would be bringing back an analysis and recommended strategy to the Board. He reviewed the upcoming events taking place in 2017 and noted that the events take place all over the county and bring a positive impact.

Commr. Breeden clarified that there would be beach volleyball events taking place.

Commr. Parks opined that there were good reasons to be cautiously optimistic and he appreciated the continued evaluation. He commented that the previous week the Grand Valley rowing team from Michigan spent a week in Clermont training and enjoyed the county as a whole. He added that it had been a goal to have winter training for rowing and now it would be possible to host winter training for canoe and kayaking as well.

Mr. Chandler stated that there had been interest from rowing teams located in other countries after the Canoe/Kayak Championship had been scheduled.    

Commr. Sullivan stated that it was important to note that the GDP had an average growth rate over the last three years of 1.9 percent whereas the traditional average was approximately 3 percent, which meant that to get back to the traditional average it needed to grow 33 percent.  He opined that Lake County is lucky to have individuals working every day to improve the local economy.   

Commr. Campione wondered if the fencing at Hickory Point Beach could be replaced with something more comparable to the prototype used by the Lake County Parks and Trails Department.

millages and revenue outlook budget workshop

Mr. Steve Koontz, Assistant County Manager, presented an overview of the millages and the revenue outlook for FY 2018 to the Board. He reported that the five millages overseen by the Board were the Lake County Countywide Millage General Fund, the Lake County Ambulance Municipal Service Taxing Unit (MSTU), the Lake County Stormwater, Roads and Parks MSTU, the Lake County Fire Rescue MSTU and the Lake County Public Lands Voted Debt.  He presented a chart for the General Fund, Lake County Ambulance MSTU and Public Lands Voted Debt representing five years of actual revenue from 2012 through 2016 and the budgeted revenue for 2017. He pointed out that the FY 2017 General Fund Millage was reduced from 5.3051 to 5.1180 and the countywide property values increased by 5.83 percent, which was split evenly between new constructions and existing property. He reported that the Office of Economic and Demographic Research (EDR) projected that the FY 2018 countywide values for Lake County would increase 6.8 percent; however, a conservative number of a 5.5 percent increase would be used for budget planning purposes. He relayed that the Stormwater and Parks MSTU as well as the Lake County Fire MSTU were the two unincorporated MSTUs and the trend for these had been a slow increase. He stated that the FY 2017 Stormwater and Parks MSTU Taxable Values increased by 3.64 percent and the FY 2017 Fire MSTU Taxable Values increased by 3.66 percent, which led staff to use a 3.50 percent increase in MSTUs for budget planning purposes.

Mr. Koontz stated that the FY 2016 Sales Tax Revenues exceeded budget projections and had grown at an average of 6 percent since FY 2012. He noted that a 4 percent growth rate would be used for State Revenue Sharing and State Sales Tax budget planning purposes and a more conservative 3 percent would be used for Infrastructure Sales Tax budget planning purposes. He reported that the Solid Waste and Fire Assessment Revenues had been stable with little volatility and modest growth and a 0.5 percent growth rate would be used for budget planning purposes. He noted that the main driver of the increase in impact fee revenue was the increase to the fees in the southern areas of the county in FY 2014 and the transportation impact fees that had been reinstated during that time. He stated that because of those two things the impact fees had gone up significantly; however, there was still a conservative budget for FY 2017 based on economic activity. He reported that the FY 2016 Impact Fee Revenues for roads were higher than budgeted and the FY 2017 revenues were expected to exceed budget. He added that the FY 2018 budget would be based on analysis of the most recent development activity. He noted that Gas Tax Revenues had been stable with moderate growth and revenues and for FY 2018 had been expected to be flat with a 2 percent growth. He pointed out that lower gas prices did not have a direct impact on the revenues. He stated that Building Services had experienced significant growth in revenues due to increased development activities. He reported that the FY 2017 revenue budget was conservative due to the volatile nature of the development activity and a 5 percent increase in revenues would be used for FY 2018 budget planning purposes.

Mr. Koontz stated that budget challenges in FY 2018 would be addressed at budget workshops but pointed out that some of those specific challenges would be funding of Fire Rescue operations due to modest growth in revenues and a declining fund balance; Animal Services would require a full year of funding; Solid Waste/Countywide Services needed continued funding of countywide services from the General Fund and because the assessment could be impacted by any increase in contract costs; and Constitutional Officer Requests, which come through on June 1, 2017 and the Tax Collector’s Office request, which comes in on August 1, 2017. He reviewed the General Fund noting that the main items the Board had control over were the 23 percent for County Departments and the 18 percent for Non Departmental, Transfers and Reserves. He stated that the mandated costs within the Board controlled percentage were Debt Service, Medicaid payments, Community Redevelopment Agencies (CRA), Medical Examiner, a Board policy of 7 to 12 percent in reserves, Inmate Medical, Juvenile Justice, Judicial Support which are Article V expenses, and Fire Assessments.

Mr. Koontz reported that the FY 2018 Budget Strategy was to address the Board priorities from the retreat, have County General Fund Departments maintain a status quo operating budget, look for cost reductions and efficiencies, justify changes to status quo budgeting where needed, address compensation later in the budget process, address capital needs where feasible, and review the departments that utilize alternative funding to address the levels of service versus available funding. He reviewed what the budget workshop template would look like and listed the tentative budget workshops noting that June 20, 2017, would be the Budget Summary and July 25, 2017, would be the adoption of the Proposed Property Tax (TRIM) Rates.

Commr. Sullivan stated that the process had been fine-tuned over the previous four years as the Board tried to determine where the increases and decreases were and to further determine ways to tweak the budget.  He noted that the County was working off of a status quo budget and opined that it was a challenge each year.

Commr. Parks clarified that the workshops would take place through June 20, 2017, and would take place during board meetings. He stated that he wanted to be sure the public knew they were invited to participate.

Mr. Heath responded that the workshops would start in April 2017 and press releases by the Communications Department would be sent out announcing the specific workshops that would be held at each meeting so the public would have the opportunity to attend or watch online.

Commr. Campione noted that a lot of the items talked about could be addressed at the Board Retreat.

Commr. Sullivan reiterated that the workshops are open to the public for transparency. He opined that the commissioners should be ready to work hard at the workshops because programs do not exist without proper funding and there would be a lot of items to discuss.

other business

appointment to sales surtax oversight advisory committee

On a motion by Commr. Parks, seconded by Commr. Campione and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved the appointment of The Honorable Carey Baker, Lake County Property Appraiser, to the Sales Surtax Oversight Advisory Committee to serve a four-year term ending January 1, 2021.

On a motion by Commr. Parks, seconded by Commr. Campione and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved the appointment of Mr. Gary Cooney, Lake County Chief Deputy Clerk, to the Sales Surtax Oversight Advisory Committee to serve a four-year term ending January 1, 2021.

APPOINTMENT TO Lake emergency medical services board

On a motion by Commr. Breeden, seconded by Commr. Parks and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved the appointment of Ms. Brenda Brasher Mayor Pro-Term from the City of Mascotte to Lake Emergency Medical Service Board of Directors, to complete an unexpired two-year term ending February 1, 2018.

reports – county manager

board retreat agenda items

Mr. Heath reminded the Board to turn in by the afternoon their list of talking points for the Board Retreat taking place on Tuesday, January 17, 2017. He noted that he would be prioritizing the issues from easiest to difficult.

animal services department manager

Mr. Heath reported that Ms. Suzanna Springsteen Marks had been hired as the manager of the new Animal Services department. He encouraged the Board to attend the Animal Services public meeting taking place on January 23, 2017, at the Lake County Agricultural Center located at 1951 Woodlea Rd, Tavares, FL 32778.  He reminded them that there would be a discussion about Animal Services also taking place the next day at the regularly scheduled BCC Meeting on January 24, 2017.

Commr. Campione encouraged the Board to attend the meeting to hear from the volunteer and rescue groups and that it would give them additional information for the Animal Services Presentation that would take place during the regular BCC Meeting on Tuesday, January 24, 2017.

Commr. Sullivan stated that it was also an opportunity to work with the volunteers who take a large workload off of the county by volunteering their time.

Commr. Campione pointed out that the volunteers tie into the financial feasibility of a no-kill shelter and without the help of the rescue groups it makes it difficult to find homes for the animals. 

safer grant firefighters

Mr. Heath updated the Board that there had been 19 firefighters who were hired through the funding of the SAFER (Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response) Grant that completed orientation.

reports – commissioner parks –district 2

sullivan road update

Commr. Parks asked for a Sullivan Road update as he had been receiving queries from residents on the status. He asked if there would be a community follow-up meeting to inform everyone.

Mr. Stivender replied that a rezoning case in the City of Clermont had been scheduled on January 17, 2017, and staff was hoping to work with Clermont prior to that date. He pointed out that staff had pulled the history on the road barricades concerning that case and that it would be available.

orlando police department

Commr. Parks extended thoughts and prayers to the officers of the Orlando Police Department and the family of Master Sergeant Debra Clayton who was killed on duty Monday morning, January 9, 2017. He thanked the Lake County Sheriff that was on duty during the BCC meeting.

REPORTS – COMMISSIONER breeden –DISTRICT 3

Martin luther king jr. parade

Commr. Breeden noted that she was looking forward to being in the Martin Luther King Jr. Parade in Leesburg on Saturday, January 14, 2017.

reports – commissioner blake – district 5

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. PARADE

Commr. Blake noted that he would also be in the Martin Luther King Jr. Parade in Leesburg.

orientation tours and Lake ems meeting

Commr. Blake reported that he had continued to take various tours and in the previous week had toured fire stations, which he would like to keep touring regularly so he could visit all of the Lake County Fire and Rescue Stations. He relayed that he also met with Lake Emergency Medical Services (EMS).

REPORTS – COMMISSIONER sullivan – chairman - DISTRICT 1

orlando police department

Commr. Sullivan extended his thoughts and prayers to the family of Master Sergeant Debra Clayton and the Orlando Police Department as well.

florida association of counties summit

Commr. Sullivan stated that at the Florida Association of Counties would be holding a medical marijuana summit in Osceola County on February 4, 2017, and he encouraged the other Board members to attend. He asked them to please let staff know if they intended to be there.

commissioner parks

Commr. Sullivan honored Commissioner Parks for his service as the Chairman for the Board during 2016.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to be brought to the attention of the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 10:40 a.m.

 

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timothy i. sullivan, chairman

 

 

ATTEST:

 

 

 

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NEIL KELLY, CLERK