The Lake County Board of County Commissioners met in special session on Thursday, July 18, 1996, at 9:00 a.m., in the Board of County Commissioner's Meeting Room, Lake County Administration Building, Tavares, Florida. Commissioners present at the meeting were: Welton G. Cadwell, Chairman; William "Bill" H. Good, Vice Chairman (Commr. Good was not present due to illness); Catherine C. Hanson; Rhonda H. Gerber, and G. Richard Swartz, Jr. Others present were: Bruce Duncan, Assistant County Attorney (Afternoon Session Only); Sue B. Whittle, County Manager; Ava Kronz, BCC Office Manager; Barbara F. Lehman, Chief Deputy Clerk; and Marlene S. Foran, Deputy Clerk.
It was noted that the following individuals were in attendance from County Finance to provide statistical information and to answer questions during the Budget Workshop: Sarah R. LaMarche, Budget Director; Tracy L. Zeller, Senior Budget Analyst; Kevin M. McDonald, Senior Budget Analyst; and Julia A. Wilson, Budget Assistant.
BUDGET WORKSHOP
Mr. Alvin Jackson, Assistant County Manager, appeared before the Board to discuss the tentative budgets for Fiscal Year 1996/97 for the Office of Purchasing, Office of Tourism, Office of Agriculture Education Services, Office of Human Resources, and Office of Communications Systems. He noted that the department heads and staff members were present to address questions presented by the Board.
Office of Purchasing
Mr. Jackson presented a brief overview of the tentative budget for the Office of Purchasing, in the amount of $317,690.00, and noted that said budget includes software enhancements, which were a continuation of a program started in the current fiscal year.
Mr. Jackson presented a brief overview of the tentative budget for the Reprographic Center, in the amount of $141,981.00. He stated that the budget includes the addition of a part-time clerical assistant to assist with the billing and other needs that exist in operations.
Office of Tourism
Mr. Jackson presented a brief overview of the tentative budget for the Office of Tourism, in the amount of $1,380,612.00, and explained that operating expenses have decreased from the 1996 amended budget by $126,000.00 as a result of decreases in contractual services and promotional activities. He stated that revenues were expected to increase by five (5%) percent.
Commr. Hanson noted that T. Keith Hall, Tax Collector, was currently collecting the tourist tax locally, which would provide additional funding.
Mr. Dave Warren, Director of Tourism, appeared before the Board to discuss funding, in the amount of $5,000.00, for Lake Soccer League and noted that the Spanish Soccer League was using the soccer field as a practice field and was generating room nights at the Mission Inn.
Office of Agricultural Education Service
Mr. Jackson presented a brief overview of the tentative budget for the Office of Agricultural Education Service, in the amount of $662,832.00, or a 4.5% increase, which was comprised of Cooperative Extension Service, Lake Soil and Water Conservation, and Horticultural Learning Center.
Office of Human Resources
Mr. Jackson presented a brief overview of the tentative budget for the Office of Human Resources, in the amount of $6,235,743.00, which was comprised of Personnel, Labor & Employee Relations, Risk Management, Property & Casualty, and Employee Group Benefits. He discussed the tentative budget for Personnel, and explained that personal services includes the position of a training and development coordinator. He discussed the tentative budget for Labor and Employee Relations and explained that personal services
includes funding for employee training and education. He discussed the tentative budget for Risk Management and explained that $3,600.00 per employee per year has been allocated, and the funding for Worker's Compensation has been reduced by fifty (50%). He stated that the same level of funding has been maintained for liability as in Fiscal Year 1995/96.
Ms. Sue Whittle, County Manager, stated that the Performance Measures, that have been included in the budget for Fiscal Year 1996/97, assure accountability for County operations. She suggested that the Board review the Performance Measures throughout the budget process. In response to a question presented by Commr. Swartz, Ms. Whittle explained that the training and development coordinator would work with Department Directors to identify the needs for employee training and development opportunities, and assure that County employees have had adequate training in their job responsibilities and trained in the skills of tomorrow.
Office of Communications Systems
Mr. Jackson requested that Communications Systems be changed to the Office of Communications Systems, which was comprised of E-9-1-1, Other Information Services, and Telecommunications. Mr. Jackson presented a brief overview of the tentative budget for the Office of Communications, in the amount of $1,226,158.00.
Commr. Hanson brought up for discussion the need for a part- time staff person to address the needs of the Cultural Affairs Committee and suggested that funds from license tags, and a grant from the Tourist Development Council, in the amount of $5,000.00, would assist in funding a part-time employee. It was the decision of the Board to address this issue at mid-year budget review.
Commr. Cadwell stated that the League of Cities has requested that Mr. Mike Stearman, Mr. Bruce Thorburn and himself meet with Sprint in regard to the County's service level.
Mr. Bruce Thorburn, Information Services Director, appeared before the Board and stated that Sprint was currently on a Public
Service Commission approved scheduled for installing new technology. He informed the Board that notification has been given that MCI-Metro, an alternate license exchange carrier, would be moving into Lake County and that MCI-Metro has been put on notice that there were County requirements for E-9-1-1 access. He stated that all alternate license exchange carriers would fiscally impact the E-9-1-1 system in Lake County.
Office of Agricultural Education Service (Continued)
Ms. Diana Reed, President of the Friends of the Lake County Horticultural Learning Center, appeared before the Board to discuss the Horticultural Learning Center and distributed a handout titled "Discovery Gardens". At this time, she introduced Mr. Lloyd Singleton, Development Associate, and Mr. Charles Fedunak, Manager, Horticultural Learning Center, and noted that Mr. Perry Jacobs, Garden Manager, was not present. Ms. Reed expressed appreciation to the Board for their support and interest in the Horticultural Learning Center and presented photographs on the monitor of the Horticultural Learning Center. She stated that the Vegetable Gardens, Fruit Orchard, Berry Patches, Grape Arbor and Vineyard, Home Compost Demonstration, Turf Varieties Display, Maintenance Area and Commercial Plant Evaluation Gardens would be complete by October 1, 1996. She further discussed presentations and contacts that have been made, public service, public awareness, support from local business and industry, and noted that the Children's Gardens, Xeriscape Exhibit, and Wetlands Area would be completed during the next fiscal year.
Ms. Dee Dee Dilger, Commercial Horticultural Agent, Lake County Extension Office, appeared before the Board and stated that she has received enthusiasm and support for the Horticultural Learning Center and that the community, nursery growers, and the watermelon nurseries were very supportive of the Learning Center.
Mr. Lloyd Singleton, Development Associate, Horticultural Learning Center, appeared before the Board and explained that all of the plants for the gardens would be donated materials.
Commr. Hanson requested that the actual value of the donation of produce to the community food bank be listed in the report.
RECESS & REASSEMBLY
At 10:05 a.m., the Chairman announced that the Board would recess for five minutes and reconvene at 10:10 a.m.
DEPARTMENT OF GROWTH MANAGEMENT
Ms. Sharon Farrell, Senior Director, Department of Growth Management, appeared before the Board to present a brief overview of the tentative budget for the Department of Growth Management, in the amount of $3,410,116.00, for Fiscal Year 1996/97, which was comprised of East Central Florida Planning Council, Director's Office, Long Range Planning Services, Current Planning Services, Storage Tank Grant, Environmental Quality Services, Code Enforcement, Building Services-Main Office, Building Services-South Lake, and Pollution Recovery Fund. Ms. Farrell explained that there would be a fee increase in subdivisions. She noted a decrease in General Fund Funding in the amount of 10.99%. She discussed a request to upgrade and reclassify a Secretary I position to Customer Service Representative, and briefly discussed the summary of personnel changes. She stated that Code Enforcement Services was requesting a new position titled Code Enforcement Office in the Enhanced Budget for Fiscal Year 1996/97.
Ms. Whittle noted that the request for an additional Code Enforcement Officer was a recommended Enhanced Budget request.
Commr. Swartz requested that staff review the issue of Conditional Use Permits (CUPs) granted to mobile homes, identify those from other Conditional Use Permits (CUPs), and put those on a separate fee schedule that would not be required every year. Ms. Farrell interjected that staff was currently in the process of identifying those CUPs.
At this time, Ms. Farrell distributed "Justifications For Building Services Divisions Personnel Requests" and "Customer Service June 1996" to the Board, and discussion occurred in regard to the personnel requests for a Deputy Building Official, Building Inspector, and Clerical/Data Entry Operator for the Tavares Office, and a Plans Examiner and Building Inspector for the South Lake Annex.
Mr. Jack Bragg, Building Official, appeared before the Board to discuss the number of inspections for 1996 and to address the personnel requests for the Building Services Division. He noted that currently there were nine (9) inspectors on staff who work overtime daily and occasionally on Saturday. He stated that discussion has occurred with the Central Florida Building Association, and a number of counties, in regard to producing a video, to be made available to the public, in regard to various inspections such as electrical, foundations, and framing.
Commr. Swartz requested that staff provide the Board with an analysis of revenues and overtime versus the number of positions that were filled, total number of building permits issued on a month by month basis, and total number of inspections on a month by month basis.
COUNTY MANAGER
Ms. Sue Whittle, County Manager, presented a brief overview of the tentative budget for the County Manager, in the amount of $298,141.00, for Fiscal Year 1996/97, and noted a 3.4% increase over last year. She explained that contractual services were estimated to decrease in 1997 primarily due to a one time expense incurred in 1996 for a joint economic development study with Orange County.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Ms. Ava Kronz, BCC Office Manager, presented a brief overview of the tentative budget for the Board of County Commissioners, in the amount of $367,114.00, for Fiscal Year 1996/97, and noted that
there would be a change in personal services due to final notice from the state on mandated costs for County Commissioners' salaries.
Administrative Support
Ms. Kronz presented a brief overview of the tentative budget for Administrative Support, in the amount of $252,965.00, for Fiscal Year 1996/97.
EDC Coordinator
Ms. Kronz presented a brief overview of the tentative budget for the EDC Coordinator, in the amount of $364,130.00, for Fiscal Year 1996/97.
RECESS & REASSEMBLY
At 11:30 a.m., the Chairman announced that the Board would recess for lunch and reconvene at 1:30 p.m.
FACILITIES & CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
Mr. Mike Anderson, Senior Director, Facilities and Capital Improvements, appeared before the Board to present a brief overview of the tentative budget for Facilitates and Capital Improvements, in the amount of $25,515,639.00, for Fiscal Year 1996/97, which was comprised of Fairgrounds, Energy Management Services, Building Maintenance, Jail Building Maintenance, Custodial Services, Capital Improvements, Renovation Crew, Sales Tax Capital Projects Fund, Central Industrial Park, County Sales Tax Revenue, and Sales Tax Debt Service. He noted that the summary of personnel changes indicates a transfer of six (6) positions in Building Maintenance Services to Jail Maintenance.
Fairgrounds
Mr. Anderson stated that the 3-Year Pro Forma for the Fairgrounds includes continuation of repairs scheduled for the Fairgrounds, which was a carry-over from last year. Discussion occurred in regard to the continuation of repairs; at which time Commr. Swartz requested that staff identify and address the stormwater problems around the livestock areas and shows.
Energy Management Services
Mr. Anderson presented a brief overview of the tentative budget for Energy Management Services, in the amount of $1,120,189.00, for Fiscal Year 1996/97, and noted an increase in utility services, in the amount of $25,065,00. He explained that the increase was due to an increase in prisoner population in Pod D and, as the population increases, the utility costs would move toward the number under the Enhanced Budget.
Building Maintenance
Mr. Anderson directed the Board's attention to the 3-Year Pro Forma for Building Maintenance and discussion occurred in regard to the need for a new roof for Building G. Mr. Anderson stated that he would make a cost comparison of a truss and shingled roof and a flat roof.
Jail Building Maintenance
Mr. Anderson discussed the tentative budget for Jail Building Maintenance, in the amount of $368,416.00, for Fiscal Year 1996/97, and noted a capital outlay, in the amount of $58,000.00, for reseal and caulk of the exterior of the Jail. He stated that the Jail, the Sheriff's Administration Building, and the Historic Courthouse would require resealing every four (4) years due to the climate and type of construction.
Commr. Swartz suggested that a reserve fund be put in place for capital expenses so funds are available for resealing when needed.
Capital Improvements
Mr. Anderson discussed the tentative budget for Capital Improvements, in the amount of $272,079.00, for Fiscal Year 1996/97, and noted a 8.9% decrease in operating expenses and capital outlay from the 1996 amended budget.
RECESS & REASSEMBLY
At 2:25 p.m., the Chairman announced that the Board would recess for five minutes, and reconvene at 2:30 p.m.
OFFICE OF THE SHERIFF
George E. Knupp, Jr., Sheriff, appeared before the Board to present the tentative budget for the Office of the Sheriff, in the amount of $22,756,644.00, an 8.21% increase over the 1996 amended budget or 5.74% minus Workers' Compensation. It was noted that a report titled "Lake County Sheriff's Office Staff Study Manpower Projection 2005", and a revised budget titled "Lake County Sheriff's Office Fiscal Year 1996/97 Budget" had been distributed to the Board prior to the start of the presentation. The following individuals were present from the Sheriff's Office: Linda K. Carter, Finance Director; David Hall, Chief Deputy; Lt. Tom Mysinger, and Major Gary Borders. Sheriff Knupp stated that the Lake County Sheriff's Office completed an in-depth study to project manpower needs from October 1995 through the year 2005 in preparation for the 1995/96 budget year. He explained that in preparation for the 1996/97 budget year, the Sheriff's Office updated the original study to reflect the changes in the budgeted manpower as well as the changes in population.
Lt. Tom Mysinger, Sheriff's Office, appeared before the Board and stated that a minimum of seven (7) additional deputies would be needed for the next budget year in order to maintain the same percentage as in the current year. He directed the Board's attention to a graph titled Population and Sworn Personnel Ratio of Selected Counties (figure 10), and explained that the average sworn law enforcement officer per 1,000 population in Lake County was 1.45 and that the average for surrounding counties was 1.68 per 1,000 population. At this time, the Board requested that comparable numbers for the Counties of Sumter and Polk be added to the graph.
Sheriff Knupp stated that they were requesting two (2) marine officers, two (2) Special Investigation Drug officers, one (1) civilian Process Server, and two (2) DARE officers, which were previously funded by the Law Enforcement Trust Fund.
Sheriff Knupp stated that revenues generated by the Jail through June 1996 were $561,813.00 and that an additional $276,000.00 would be generated for the remainder of the fiscal year. He stated that they were in the process of negotiating a contract with Osceola County to house twenty (20) juveniles at an estimated rate of $800.00 per day. He noted that inmates would be charged a $1.00 per day for meals in the near future due to recent legislation.
At this time, Ms. Linda Carter, Finance Director, distributed a list of changes to the original proposed budget for Fiscal Year 1996/97 and briefly discussed adjustments for Law Enforcement, Corrections, and Bailiff. She noted a total of changes in the amount of $58,862.00.
Sheriff Knupp stated that the Citizens Advisory Board to the Sheriff would be presenting before the Board of County Commissioners at the final hearing a project to purchase an underwater device, in the amount of $11,000.00, that would allow divers to communicate with the boat.
Discussion occurred in regard to funding the marine officers; at which time Mr. David Hall, Chief Deputy, stated that Volusia County has a surcharge on traffic tickets to fund their entire marine budget.
Commr. Hanson requested that the Sheriff provide the Board with the number of arrests per 1000 population in the unincorporated areas in surrounding counties.
There being no further business to be brought to the attention of the Board, the meeting adjourned at 11:10 a.m.
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WELTON G. CADWELL, CHAIRMAN
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JAMES C. WATKINS, CLERK
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