A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

LAKESIDE INN - MOUNT DORA

JANUARY 28, 1992

The Lake County Board of County Commissioners met in special session on Tuesday, January 28, 1992, at 1:00 p.m., at the Lakeside Inn in Mount Dora, Florida. Commissioners present at the meeting were: Michael J. Bakich, Chairman; C. W. "Chick" Gregg; Richard Swartz; Catherine Hanson; and Don Bailey. Others present were: Annette Star Lustgarten, County Attorney; Pete Wahl, the new County Manager; Mike Anderson, Interim County Manager and Marlene Foran, Deputy Clerk.

Mr. Mike Anderson, Interim County Manager, opened the meeting by reviewing information provided for the Boards' review, which included a notebook; listed proposed topics to be discussed in establishing Board goals for 1992; a brief appraisal and status of the goals for 1991; and a complete Annual Budget FY 1991-92 and Summary. The following are proposed topics to be discussed in establishing Board goals for 1992:

- Discussion of Total Quality Management Program

- Discussion of the solid waste landfill and whether

to continue the purchase and permitting of Site K.

- Establishment of a list of issues to bring before

the Legislature.

- Establishment of a zero budget increase for FY 1992-93.

- Establishment of a program for economic/industrial

growth.

- Establishment of an awards program for employees

furnishing cost saving suggestions.

- Establishment of a volunteer program for both citizens

and employees.

- Establishment of a government affairs and community

relations person; improve image of governing body

through public education and relations.

- Solid waste plan after March 10.

- Decision on the library system.

- Comprehensive Plan (Resolution)

- Land Development Regulations

- Vehicle Policy

- Renegotiation of Ogden Contract

- Goal of Fire/Rescue Study Committee

Solid Waste Landfill-Site K

Commr. Gregg brought up for discussion the solid waste landfill and whether to continue the purchase and permitting of Site K.

Commr. Swartz suggested that the Board continue down a dual path, looking at Site K as they become more involved in landfill mining, the incinerator and other needs, and making a final commitment only after sufficient data is made available. He suggested that the Board direct staff to prepare an analysis of what needs to be done, in order to keep the option of continuing the purchase and permitting of Site K open to the Board.

Total Quality Management Program

Commr. Gregg brought up for discussion a Total Quality Management Program, at which time Mr. Wahl stated that critical issues involved with such a program are: 1) the Board and staff must cooperate fully; and 2) the tremendous front end expenditure of management staff time.

Commr. Swartz suggested that, in this budget year, the Board take a step further than in previous years and look at the Total Quality Management Program, prioritizing budget items toward the middle of this year.

Commr. Hanson concurred with Commr. Swartz and further commented that, regardless, they are going to have to address the budget, and determine if they are going to remain as they were last year, holding the millage rate, or if they are going with the concept of a zero budget increase. She stated that the Palm Beach Study started with a resolution establishing a zero base budget.

Commr. Gregg stated that the operation of the Criminal Justice Facility will result in a major increase in operating costs, at which time discussion occurred regarding budget increases next year, and the need to prioritize the budget.

Commr. Bailey suggested that the Board commit to holding the millage rate, but questioned whether the numbers are available to go to roll back figure at this time.

Commr. Swartz stated that the commitment to hold the millage rate will require a commitment, not only by Board of County Commissioners, but by every Constitutional Officer, and the Board must meet with the Constitutional Officers to assure their support.

Commr. Bakich suggested that the Board look at the possibilities of trying to dovetail the Total Quality Management Concept and the Palm Beach Study, at which time Commr. Bailey suggested that a workshop be scheduled to address these issues, with Mr. Wahl responding that he will be available for a budget workshop as early as March 1, 1992.

Commr. Swartz recommended that staff be given direction to shut down all capital purchases until the Board has had adequate time to review this year's budget, with Commr. Gregg stating that, if things are left the way they are now, the Board is looking at a 3% - 5% increase in expenditures by just adding what is due to come on line, which indicates a need for a 3% - 5% cut from existing programs.

Commr. Gregg stated that a major issue is the leasing of bed space for the new Jail Facility, with Mr. Anderson presenting a report on the status of leasing said bed space in the new Jail.

Commr. Bakich brought up for discussion the feasibility of preparing a Request for Proposal (RFP) for consulting services for the purpose of giving the Board direction on prioritizing and where cuts should be made in the budget, at which time Commr. Bailey responded that he does not support spending money for a consultant and feels it is necessary for the Board and the Constitutional Officers to decide where to make necessary cuts.

Mr. Wahl stated that he would like thirty (30) days to review the budget after his arrival, and feels that the Board can reach a point, in this year's budget process, where they understand the programs and the impacts of cuts and increases to the budget.

On a motion by Commr. Swartz, seconded by Commr. Bailey and carried unanimously, the Board moved to implement a freeze on capital expenditures, to be implemented immediately, with the same review policy that is being used on vacant employee positions, and directed staff to make an evaluation on what would be considered an appropriate dollar amount for expenditures to be brought before the Board for their consideration.

List of Issues To Bring Before the Legislature

Commr. Hanson stated that, if the Board is going to participate in Lake County Days, in Tallahassee, there is a need for the establishment of a list of issues to be presented before the legislature.

Establishment of a Program for Economic/Industrial Growth

Commr. Hanson stated that she feels the Board should do more with economic/industrial growth in Lake County, at which time, discussion occurred regarding the issues of economic/industrial growth.

It was the decision of the Board to schedule a Ground Breaking Ceremony for the Industrial Development Park located at Highways 19/27 and the Turnpike.

Establishment of an Awards Program

Commr. Hanson presented a follow-up on the establishment of an awards program for employees furnishing cost saving suggestions, at which time discussion occurred on the establishment of such a program.

Mr. Wahl commented that an Employee Innovation Program can be implemented relatively inexpensively, and works very well, with the decision of the Board to postpone this program until such a time that Mr. Wahl is on staff.

Establishment of a Volunteer Program

Commr. Bailey brought up for discussion the establishment of a volunteer program for both citizens and employees, and the cost impact of such a program, at which time Commr. Hanson stated that a volunteer program is one way to extend the services of programs to which the Board is considering making budget cuts.

Establishment of a Government Affairs &

Community Relations Person

Commr. Bailey stated that he receives numerous phone calls from local schools requesting information on the Lake County Commission and suggested that the Board address the issues of preparing a brochure or pamphlet, which would include information

about local government for the purpose of improving the image of the governing body through public education and relations.

Mr. Wahl stated that the problem with a brochure or pamphlet is that the material becomes outdated very quickly.

Commr. Hanson stated that this is also an issue that she has an interest in pursuing and suggested that a positive approach be used in educating the public on the facts and issues that are going on within the County, such as the referendum to be placed on the ballot.

Solid Waste Plan

Discussion occurred regarding the solid waste plan, at which time it was noted by the Board that this issue is a carry-over from the 1991 Goals; therefore, there was no need for further discussion at this time.

Decision on the Library System

Commr. Swartz stated that a number of libraries are choosing to come back into the County Library System and brought up for discussion the Library System and the cost impact of the system. Commr. Gregg stated that, if the Board chooses to continue in the library program, it must be dispersed fairly throughout the County, and it is not fair to allow two or three cities into the program and not allow others who wish to join.

Comprehensive Plan (Resolution)/LDRs

Commr. Bakich stated that he would like to see the Board reach some conclusions during the year to resolve the issues involved with the Comprehensive Plan. He then informed the Board of a meeting he attended with the Department of Community Affairs (DCA), stating that it is very important to continue meeting with them and keeping them informed on important issues in Lake County. He stated that their major area of concern is the Green Swamp and the fear that the Green Swamp is being overdeveloped.

Commr. Bailey commented that the residents of Lake County are receiving misinformation regarding the Green Swamp, at which time discussion occurred regarding the designation of 10 units and 6

units per acre on the Future Land Use Map. Commr. Swartz stated that a simple way to dispel the perception that the Board plans to allow 10 units and 6 units per acre in the Green Swamp, is to remove those designations from the map.

Commr. Bailey addressed language in the Comprehensive Plan regarding the Land Development Regulations (LDRs), stating that staff has either omitted or has changed language approved by the Board regarding fencing of wetlands in the Comprehensive Plan, and have replaced said language with language suggested by DCA. He stressed the importance that the Board be aware of this issue, and other areas where language, other than what has been approved by the Board, may have been inserted.

RECESS & REASSEMBLY

At 2:30 p.m., the Chairman, Commr. Bakich, announced that the Board would recess and reconvene at 2:35 p.m.

County Vehicle Policy

Commr. Bakich stated that he has been working toward the establishment of a County Vehicle Policy for approximately two years.

Commr. Swartz stated that he feels that Mr. Wahl should review areas of concern regarding the use of County vehicles and, after his review, prepare a Vehicle Policy. He stated that he is troubled by the use of a number of County vehicles and would like the most abusive misuse dealt with as soon as possible.

At this time, Mr. Wahl described the Vehicle Policy that was initiated in Brevard County a few years ago, stating that they found the bulk of the mileage was being used for driving to and from work and not work related.

It was the consensus of the Board that Mr. Wahl establish an interim Vehicle Policy immediately, followed by a more comprehensive review of all areas involved with such a policy.

Commr. Bakich stated that another matter of importance is the preparation of a County Policy Manual to aid staff, and the general public, in understanding and interpreting County policies.

Commr. Bakich addressed the issue of local and state regulations, which are costing businesses and the citizens of the County more and more money. He stated that the Board should keep in mind that every new regulation, on the local level, has a fiscal impact. Commr. Hanson concurred with Commr. Bakich, stating that keeping businesses thriving is as important as bringing new businesses into the area.

Renegotiation of Ogden Contract

Ms. Annette Star Lustgarten, County Attorney, informed the Board that a negotiating session has been scheduled for February 7, 1992, with Ogden Martin Systems of Lake County, and they have been informed of the Board's March deadline. She stated that the County's attorneys are providing a list of items to be discussed, which will be made available to the Board for their review.

Fire/Rescue Study Committee

Commr. Swartz informed the Board of discussions, by the Fire/Rescue Study Committee, on the ambulance contract; the issue of dispatching fire and ambulance through Waterman; the issue of using tax monies out of the Northlake Ambulance District to, inpart, fund "first responder" out of the Fire and Rescue System; and the fact that the County does not receive any money from the Southlake Hospital District for that purpose. He stated that Southlake Hospital District contracts with Waterman for provision of dispatching for ambulance service, but not for fire, and the committee views this as an inequity and an issue which should be addressed.

Commr. Bakich questioned whether this indicates a need to change the scope and size of the Fire/Rescue Study Committee. Commr. Swartz stated that those on the committee feel that, through a great deal of study and research, they have a great starting point, and it would be wise to reappoint those who wish to continue to serve on said committee.

Discussion occurred regarding appointments to the Fire/Rescue Study Committee and the pros and cons of appointing a liaison Commissioner to the committee.

Commr. Swartz suggested that Mr. Anderson contact Mr. T. J. Townsend, Vice Chairman of the Fire/Rescue Study Committee, Ms. Kathy McDonald, Interim Health & General Services Director, and those who served on the committee, for suggestions on the makeup of said committee.

CHILDREN'S SERVICES COUNCIL

Commr. Hanson informed the Board that a draft has been prepared on the Children's Services Council, and will be presented to the Board in March. She stated that the draft has been completely prepared by volunteers, and the recommendation will probably be for the creation of the Children's Services Council. She further commented that her concern is, as more and more services are cut back at the County level, how the Board can coordinate services that are available, such as the schools, churches, and private providers, to get better utilization and become more efficient cost wise.

Commr. Gregg expressed his concern that the State is cutting programs that the County cannot afford to be without on the local level, resulting in the County finding it necessary to pick up more and more responsibility without the State sharing the expense.

Commr. Swartz stated that, during the budget process last year, the Board had questions dealing with allocation of overhead, recreation and Transportation Trust Fund money, and it was his understanding that the direction of the Board was to look at a more comprehensive review of the administrative allocations, making sure these allocations were based on some rationale. He stated that the Board needs to be aware of this issue during the current budget process. At this time, discussion occurred regarding the appropriate use of Transportation Trust Funds.





Scheduling Board of County Commission Meetings

Commr. Bailey expressed his concern that the short time period that the Board is given for review of agenda items, that are to be presented at the Board Meetings, is not adequate time to properly review said items.

Mr. Pete Wahl stated that, in Brevard County, the Board receives the agenda package ten (10) days prior to the Board meeting, and their Board meetings are scheduled on the first and third Tuesdays of each month, with zoning scheduled on the fourth Monday night of each month. Commr. Hanson commented that she would like to have an occasional evening Board meeting. Mr. Wahl further stated that the Board, in Brevard County, follows very strict procedures and time frames regarding submitting of an agenda item, or pulling an agenda item, once it has been submitted.

Commr. Swartz stated that, if the Board meetings were held on the first and third Tuesdays of each month, with zoning on the second Tuesday, staff would have adequate time to present the agenda items ten (10) days in advance of the meeting.

Discussion occurred regarding a previous procedure where staff submitted a brief written summary of the agenda item before the Board; at which time Mr. Anderson stated that it would be easy to resurrect said procedure.

Goals for 1992

The Board reviewed the list of issues discussed, and prioritized the following issues as the top goals for the 1992 year:

1. Taxes/Cost of Government



a. Palm Beach Study

b. Hold Millage Rate

c. Prioritization of Department Programs



2. Comprehensive Economic/Completion Development Program



3. Contract for Excess Jail Space



4. Land Acquisition Bond Referendum



5. Resolution of Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Regulations (LDRs)



6. Vehicle Policy/Policy Manual



7. Total Quality Management Concept



8. Establish Volunteer Program



9. Development of Local Children's Services Council



There being no further business to be brought to the attention of the Board, the meeting adjourned at 3:35 p.m.



________________________________

MICHAEL J. BAKICH, CHAIRMAN



ATTEST:







_______________________________

JAMES C. WATKINS, CLERK



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