The Lake County Board of County Commissioners met in special session on Tuesday, April 30, at 9:00 a.m., LA-NO-CHE Scout Reservation, Paisley, Florida. Commissioners present at the meeting were: Welton G. Cadwell, Chairman; William "Bill" H. Good, Vice Chairman; G. Richard Swartz; and Rhonda H. Gerber (departed meeting at 12:30 p.m.). Catherine C. Hanson was not present due to another commitment. Others present were: Sandy A. Minkoff, County Attorney; Sue B. Whittle, County Manager; Alvin Jackson, Assistant County Manager; Ava Kronz, BCC Office Manager; Sharon Farrell, Senior Director, Department of Planning & Development Services; Mike Anderson, Senior Director, Facilities & Capital Improvements; Jim Stivender, Jr., Senior Director, Public Services; Fletcher Smith, Director of Community Services; Craig Haun, Senior Director, Fire & Emergency Services; Donald Post, Director, Solid Waste Management Services; Sarah LaMarche, Budget Director; Jerry Harris, Vice President, Resources for Central Florida Council; Wayne Brock, Scout Chief Executive Officer; Kick Kirkendall, Camp Ranger; and Marlene S. Foran, Deputy Clerk.
Mr. Jerry Harris, Vice President, Resources for Central Florida Council, presented welcoming remarks and briefly discussed the scouting program at the LA-NO-CHE Scout Reservation.
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN
It was noted that a packet of information had been distributed prior to the start of the meeting on the Capital Improvement Program, the Magic Report, and the Board of County Commissioners' Goals for Fiscal Year 1996/97.
Ms. Sue Whittle, County Manager, presented the discussion on the proposed Capital Improvement Program for Fiscal Years 1996 - 2000, and stated that discussions this date would provide staff with the guidance to move forward with the Lake County Capital Improvement Program.
Mr. Mike Anderson, Senior Director, Facilities and Capital Improvements, explained that the Capital Improvement Program was comprised of Transportation Improvement, and Facilities Improvement and Equipment Acquisition. He stated that the threshold needed for a project to be considered for inclusion in the Capital Improvement Program was an estimated cost per asset equal to or greater than $25,000.00, with a life expectancy of five (5) years or greater. He explained that the proposed projects were analyzed, and the Department Directors prioritized their projects into Category A+ (Critical), Category A (Very Important, needed as soon as possible), or Category B (Very Important, could be deferred to a later date). Mr. Anderson noted that the packet of information contained a report on the Expenditure Requests By Year, Proposed Funding Sources, and Narrative By Project. He explained that the Expenditure Request By Year was a complete listing of the projects by department and provided the total costs, the priority, and the fiscal year in which the project expenditures were anticipated.
At this time, Commr. Cadwell clarified that the purpose of the review of the proposed Capital Improvement Program this date was to review the capital projects, prioritized said projects, and provide the County Manager with the guidance to move forward quickly with the Capital Improvement Program. Ms. Whittle interjected that a budget workshop on the Capital Improvement Program had been scheduled on May 7, 1996.
Community Services
Mr. Fletcher Smith, Director of Community Services, presented the capital projects for Community Services and provided a brief narrative of each project, discussed the Expenditures Request by Year, the priority of each capital project, and the proposed funding sources for each project, as follows:
Client Caseload Data Base System - Cost: $50,000.00
New Morgue - 5th Judicial - Cost: $997,600.00
New County Public Health Clinic - Cost: $3,336,972
Branch Library - South Lake County - Cost: $2,650,000
Branch Library - South Leesburg - Cost: $2,025,000
Library Network System - Cost: $125,000
Library Services/Records Center - Cost: $750,000
Bookmobile - Cost: $125,000
CD ROM Network - Cost: $108,363
Discussion occurred in regard to the Client Caseload Data Base System; at which time, Commr. Swartz requested that staff prepare a proposal that would indicate that, over a specific period of time, this project could be funded through attrition of employees or increased revenue from the caseload work.
Commr. Gerber stated, for the record, that she would not support an increase in parolee fees.
Extensive discussion occurred in regard to the need for a new morgue, problems associated with the current building, and negotiations with Marion County. Mr. Sandy Minkoff, County Attorney, suggested that some of the proposed facilities listed under capital projects could be leased from a private developer as opposed to purchased, which would spread the costs over a period of time.
Commr. Swartz suggested that staff look at all of the options in regard to the need for a new morgue, which would include obtaining a firm proposal from Marion County, a lease proposal on a new building, or construction of a new building.
Discussion occurred in regard to the new County Public Health Clinic; at which time, Mr. Smith stated that staff was moving forward with a Request for Proposal for construction of the South Lake Administrative Annex. He stated that Dr. John Pellosie, Director, County Health Department, has indicated that he would like a central clinic site located in Tavares that would serve the majority of Lake County with the exception of South Lake County. He explained that discussions have occurred with Florida Hospital Waterman in regard to locating an office and clinic site on the Florida Hospital Waterman campus.
Mr. Mike Anderson, Senior Director, Facilities and Capital Improvements, clarified that Florida Hospital Waterman has made an offer to the County to provide land on the Florida Hospital Waterman Campus; however, they were not interested in developing and leasing to the County. He noted that there were restrictive covenants on the use of the land which the County would have to meet.
Commr. Cadwell requested that staff continue talks with Florida Hospital Waterman to address other options that may be offered.
It was the decision of the Board to add a Category C (requires further review), and a Category /0 (review in relation to budget). It was also the direction of the Board to prioritized the New County Public Health Clinic to a Category C, and change the Library Network System, Library Services/Records Center, Bookmobile, and CD ROM Network to Category A/0.
RECESS AND REASSEMBLY
At 10:25 a.m., the Chairman announced that the Board would recess for ten minutes, and reconvene at 10:35 a.m.
Facilities and Capital Improvements
Mr. Mike Anderson, Senior Director, Facilities and Capital Improvements, presented the capital projects for Facilities and Capital Improvements and provided a brief narrative of each project, discussed the Expenditures Request by Year, the priority of each capital project, and the proposed funding sources for each project, as follows:
Jail - Relative Humidity Control - Cost: $260,000
Renovations - Historic Courthouse - Cost: $3,630,400
Renovations - County Administration Building -
Cost: $1,626,926
Central Energy Plant - Cost: $440,000
General Building Renovations -
Courtroom 8 - Cost: $312,000
Pollution Lab - Cost: $25,000
Pod B & D Modification - Cost: $330,000
Public Services Building - Cost: $250,000
ADA Modifications - Cost: $125,000
General Renovations - Cost: $50,000
Fairgrounds Maintenance - Cost: $100,000
ADA Compliance Renovations - Cost: $364,162
Sheriff's Renovations - Cost: $990,650
Expo Center/Fairgrounds - Cost: $5,000,000
Parking Garage - Cost: $2,300,000
Industrial Park Utilities - Phase II - Cost: $4,086,014
Land/Facilities Purchases - Cost: $250,000
GIS Development Program - Cost: $1,250,000
Discussion occurred in regard to the relative humidity control at the new jail; at which time, Mr. Anderson stated that, by ASHRE standards, relative humidity above the sixty (60%) percent limit may promote mold, mildew, and indoor air quality problems.
Commr. Swartz directed staff to contact Hellmuth, Obata, & Kassabaum (HOK) in regard to the design of the jail, and HOK's obligation to fix the relative humidity problem because of the original engineering.
Discussion occurred in regard to General Building Renovations; at which time, Mr. Anderson stated that the six items listed under General Building Renovations have been approved by the Board and were presently in process. He requested that those items be moved from Fiscal Year 1996/97 to Fiscal Year 1997/98. It was the decision of the Board to list the items under General Building Renovations as a Category A or A+.
Discussion occurred in regard to the Expo Center/Fairgrounds, and it was the decision of the Board to list Expo Center/Fairgrounds as a Category C.
Discussion occurred in regard to the Parking Garage, and it was the decision of the Board to change Parking Garage to Parking Improvements, and to list Parking Improvements as a Category A.
Mr. Anderson briefly discussed Industrial Park Utilities - Phase II, and it was the decision of the Board to list Industrial Park Utilities - Phase II as a Category B.
Discussion occurred in regard to Land/Facilities Purchases; at which time, the Board suggested that staff enter into negotiations with the Stegall family indicating that, when the time comes for the Stegall property to be sold, the County was interested in purchasing the property. It was the decision of the Board to list Land/Facilities Purchases as a Category C.
Ms. Whittle stated that the Geographic Information System (GIS) Program would begin a comprehensive, integrated GIS System for use by County staff, Constitutional Officers, County agencies, cities, Lake County School Board, and citizens. It was the decision of the Board to list the GIS Development Program as a Category C.
Agricultural Center
Mr. Mike Anderson, Senior Director, Facilities and Capital Improvements, presented the capital projects for the Agricultural Center and provided a narrative of each project, briefly discussed the Expenditures Request by Year, the priority of each capital project, and the proposed funding sources for each project, as follows:
Classroom Modification - Cost: $50,000
Miscellaneous Interior Improvements - Cost: $25,000
Front Building Improvements - Cost: $25,000
Exterior Building Cleaning and Painting - Cost: $50,000
Networking with County Offices - Cost: $25,000
At this time, it was the decision of the Board to list the above noted projects as a Category A.
Fire and Emergency Services
Mr. Craig Haun, Senior Director, Fire and Emergency Services, presented the capital projects for Fire and Emergency Services and provided a narrative of each project, briefly discussed the Expenditures Request by Year, the priority of each capital project, and the proposed funding sources for each project, as follows:
Dog Runs - Cost: $45,355
Pump Truck - Cost: $360,000
Hydraulic Hoist - Cost: $32,000
County Radio System - Cost: $5,000,000
Ladder Truck - Cost: $420,000
Equipment Response Vehicle - Cost: $150,000
Minneola Fire Station - Cost: $425,000
Suburban Custom Pumper - Cost: $426,000
Fire Station/Maintenance Garage - Cost: $350,000
New South Lake Fire Station - Cost: $425,000
25 KW Mobile Generators - Cost: $162,000
Chief Haun discussed the County Radio System and explained that the County Radio System would be a part of a number of County operations, such as Fire Rescue, Public Services, Animal Control, and Sheriff's Department, and was listed under Fire and Emergency Services because he was requested to look into this project. He stated that the $5,000,000 was a start-up cost and that the major issue was that the hardware being used at this time was very antiquated. He stated that the money had been distributed over a three year period to begin the process of developing a system, and to begin the installation of the hardware devices in the field. Chief Haun stated that staff has met with the cities and private industry to discuss the concept and look at radio use countywide. He stated that the City of Leesburg and the City of Eustis currently have adequate radio systems and were not interested in the countywide concept.
At this time, it was the decision of the Board to list the County Radio System as a Category A/C.
Discussion occurred in regard to the Ladder Truck; at which time, Chief Haun noted that this request should be moved from Fiscal Year 1996/97 to Fiscal Year 1997/98.
Discussion occurred in regard to the Equipment Response Vehicle; at which time, Chief Haun explained that it was a federal requirement to have a Response Team, and the Equipment Response Vehicle was for transporting equipment.
Discussion occurred in regard to a new Minneola Fire Station; at which time, Ms. Whittle stated that little discussion has occurred in regard to the issue of the sale of surplus fire stations as a funding source. Chief Haun interjected that there were four surplus fire stations that were presently being used for storage.
Commr. Swartz expressed concern with a year to year contract with the City of Minneola and suggested that staff explore other options to determine the best alternative for a fire station. Chief Haun interjected that staff could begin discussion with the City of Clermont in regard to the City's future plans and their interest in constructing a joint fire station.
Discussion occurred in regard to the New South Lake Fire Station, at which time, Chief Haun stated that this station would be funded from impact fees from the Summer Bay Development, and that the operating expense includes personnel and operation of the station. It was the decision of the Board to list the new South Lake Fire Station as a Category B/O.
Information Services
Mr. Mike Anderson, Senior Director, Facilities and Capital Improvements, presented one capital project for Information Services and explained that the Fiber Optic Cabling Connection project provides for connectivity between the GIS system presently under development by the Water Authority. It was the decision of the Board to list the Fiber Optic Cabling Connection project as a Category C.
RECESS & REASSEMBLY
At 12:05 p.m., the Chairman announced that the Board would recess for lunch.
Public Services
Mr. Jim Stivender, Senior Director, Public Services, presented the capital projects for Public Services and provided a narrative of each project, briefly discussed the Expenditures Request by Year, the priority of each capital project, and the proposed funding sources for each project, as follows:
Road Construction and Improvements Using Road Impact Fee Dollars - Cost: $15,084,741
Road Construction and Improvements Using Gas Tax Dollars - Cost: Cost: $7,500,000
Sidewalks - Cost: $500,000
Office Addition - Cost: $840,000
Leesburg Airport - Cost: $136,250
Equipment Purchases - Cost: $2,481,200
Vehicle Maintenance Annex - Cost: $60,000
Astatula Fuel Facility Improvements - Cost: $75,000
Mosquito Control Office - Cost: $100,000
Mr. Stivender noted that the total amount for Road Construction and Improvements Using Road Impact Fees was based on the old impact fee amount, and that a new number would be generated for the new impact fees.
Public Services/Parks
Mr. Jim Stivender, Senior Director, Public Services, presented the capital projects for Public Services - Parks and provided a narrative of each project, briefly discussed the Expenditures Request by Year, the priority of each capital project, and the proposed funding sources for each project, as follows:
Annual Grants - Cost: $600,000
Recreational Grants - Cost: $150,000
Lake Idamere Park Improvements - Cost: $50,000
Palatlakaha River Park Improvements - Cost: $100,000
John's Lake Parking Lot Improvements - Cost: $100,000
Palatlakaha Creek Boat Ramp and Parking Lot - Cost: $30,000
South Lake Rail to Trails - Cost: $1,700,000
Summerall Park Boat Ramp - Cost: $50,000
Boating Development Grants with Cities - Cost: $300,000
Mr. Stivender stated that discussion has occurred in regard to the expansion of the road program and reviewing the whole issue of roads to provide a bigger picture of transportation in Lake County. He stated that this program would be brought back to the Board at a later date.
Solid Waste
Mr. Donald Post, Director, Solid Waste Management Services, presented the capital projects for Solid Waste and provided a narrative of each project, briefly discussed the Expenditures Request by Year, the priority of each capital project, and the proposed funding sources for each project, as follows:
Transfer Stations - Cost: $267,200
Licensing Assessment - Cost: $150,000
Astatula Phase I Landfill Closure - Cost: $310,736
Lady Lake Landfill Closure - Cost: $1,958,962
Intermediate Storage and Transfer Facility - Cost: $1,114,068
Groundwater monitoring - Cost: $100,000
Astatula Transfer Station - Cost: $398,964
New Scale House - Cost: $129,000
Umatilla Closure - Cost: $26,274
Leachate Treatment and Disposal System - Cost: $919,411
Proposed Drop-off Facility - Cost: $141,790
Astatula Ash Monofill Closure - Cost: $619,212
Mr. Post requested that the Transfer Trailer, Dump Truck, and 950 Loader 15143 be deleted under Capital Projects. He discussed Transfer Stations and requested that said projects be classified as a Category C and stated that those projects would be presented for discussion during the budget process.
Mr. Post discussed the Astatula Landfill Closure and explained that correspondence had been received from the Environmental Protection Agency which promulgated the interpretation of Title Five of the Clean Air Act. He explained that Title Five of the Clean Air Act, now based on the total number of acres in Astatula I, may require a forced air venting and flaring system. He stated that the other landfills in the County were exempt from reporting requirements under the new EPA Title Five. He stated that, if the County was required to go to a forced air ventilation system, an additional $275,000.00 may be required for the system.
Commr. Swartz suggested that, if the interpretation is made that the Clean Air Act applies to landfills of medium size, the County should revisit the charges to Ogden Martin Systems of Lake for disposing of ash in the landfill.
Central Park
Mr. Mike Anderson, Senior Director, Facilities and Capital Improvements, stated that the one capital project requested under Central Park was for a permanent entrance monument for the Central Industrial Park, in the amount of $25,000.00.
Tourist Development
Mr. Mike Anderson, Senior Director, Facilities and Capital Improvements, stated that the one capital project requested under Tourist Development was for an Electronic Marquee for the Central Park, in the amount of $50,000.00.
CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS
Sheriff's Office
Commr. Cadwell stated that the Constitutional Officers have expressed concern with long range planning and have stated that they should not plan past the term they were currently serving. He stated that the Sheriff's Office did not agree with the total amounts that have been given by County staff to the capital projects listed under the Sheriff's Office.
Commr. Cadwell presented the capital projects for the Constitutional Officers and a brief discussion occurred on the Expenditures Request by Year, the priority of each capital project, and the proposed funding sources for each project, as follows:
Sheriff's Office
South Lake Annex Station - Cost: $720,000
Vehicle Maintenance Shop and Aircraft Hanger - Cost: $313,198
Aircraft Hanger - Cost: $535,790
Work Camp - Daily - Cost: $25,000
Pod E - 256 bed - Cost: $5,120,000
Hurricane Shutters - Cost: $30,000
Clerk of Courts
Computers - Cost: $120,000
VAX Upgrade - Cost: $100,000
Records Center Upgrade - Cost: $50,000
Family Law/Jury Management - Cost: $25,000
Board Finance Software - Cost: $200,000
Judicial
South Lake Facility Courtroom - Cost: $83,650
Entrance Canopy - Cost: $25,000
Property Appraiser
South Lake Annex Office - Cost: 0
Public Defender
None Reported
Supervisor of Elections
None Reported
State Attorney
Computer Equipment - Cost: $25,000
Tax Collector
None Reported
At this time, it was the decision of the Board to direct the Chairman to request that the Constitutional Officers prioritized the capital projects under their departments.
DIVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
Ms. Sue Whittle, County Manager, presented the Department of Planning and Development Follow Up Report of the "Magic" Team Review. She stated that Ms. Sharon Farrell, Senior Director, Department of Planning and Development, has been working with the report and would respond to the areas of concern at this time.
Ms. Sharon Farrell, Senior Director, Department of Planning and Development, directed the Board's attention to the Follow Up Report of the "Magic" Team Review, and briefly discussed each area of concern and her response to each concern, as listed in the report.
Discussion occurred in regard to the Code Compliance Division; at which time, Commr. Swartz requested that staff make a presentation to the Board on the pros and cons of issuing citations by Code Compliance.
Discussion occurred in regard to the transfer of the Affordable Housing Program to the Department of Community Services. Mr. Fletcher Smith, Director of Community Services, stated that the Board would be addressing, on May 7, 1996, a request to authorize the creation of a position of Community Development Support Specialist, which would be a position that would reconcile the budget account for Affordable Housing on a daily and weekly basis, and assist in qualifying the applicants at the end of the month when awarding the funds to individuals who were seeking assistance with their housing. He explained that this would be funded out of the Administrative Cost for the program, and they would anticipate, by the end of Fiscal Year 1996/97, those costs would be shared by Section 8 Housing.
Ms. Farrell requested direction from the Board in regard to Environmental Management and what Lake County wants to offer as far as continuing programs for the environment.
It was noted that issues pertaining to Environmental Management would take place when all Board members were present to discuss their philosophical issues.
Commr. Swartz stated that it was important that the public be informed of the changes that were being made and that the County was attempting to streamline the review and approval process to make things easier for the citizens of Lake County.
RECESS & REASSEMBLY
At 2:30 p.m., the Chairman announced that the Board would recess for ten minutes, and reconvene at 2:40 p.m.
FISCAL YEAR 1996/97 GOALS
Ms. Sue Whittle, County Manager, stated that staff has taken the goals established at the last retreat and developed an action plan on how to fit next year's work plan into the goals of the Board. She stated that staff would like the goals to be a part of the budget process this year, and that staff was concentrating on a back to basics initiative. She suggested that additional work needs to be done on the goals statements, and the County's mission and vision statements.
Ms. Whittle briefly discussed the Boards' goal to "Preserve and Enhance For Future Generations the Qualities of the Environment and Natural Settings We Inherit and Enjoy". She expressed concern that staff was having difficulty accomplishing the Boards' goals as they were written, and requested direction from the Board to change the goals into more action oriented statements.
Ms. Whittle stated that staff would like direction to address long term strategic planning for Lake County and explained that the process would begin with a team to define the process and bring back a recommendation to the Board. She stated that a steering committee would be appointed after the process has been identified, and during the first quarter of next year an actual strategic planning process would begin to develop long term visionary plans for the County.
At this time, the Board directed Ms. Whittle to move forward with Long Range Planning for Lake County.
Ms. Whittle briefly discussed the Pride Initiative, which was comprised of PRIDE, SUCCESS, and CELEBRATE.
There being no further business to be brought to the attention of the Board, the meeting adjourned at 3:00 p.m.
___________________________
WELTON G. CADWELL, CHAIRMAN
ATTEST:
__________________________
JAMES C. WATKINS, CLERK
msf/4-30-96/5-1-96/boardmin