A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

TOWNHALL MEETING - SORRENTO

SEPTEMBER 23, 1998

The Lake County Board of County Commissioners met in special session on Wednesday, September 23, 1998, at 7:00 p.m., at the East Lake County Chamber of Commerce, Sorrento, Florida. Commissioners present at the meeting were: G. Richard Swartz, Jr., Chairman; Welton G. Cadwell, Vice Chairman; William "Bill" H. Good; and Catherine C. Hanson. Others present were: Sanford (Sandy) Minkoff, County Attorney; Alvin B. Jackson, Deputy County Manager; Sarah LaMarche, Budget Director, Office of Budget; Jim Stivender, Jr., Senior Director, Department of Public Works; Donald Griffey, Director of Engineering, Department of Public Works; Fred Schneider, Engineer, Department of Public Works; Donald Post, Senior Director, Solid Waste Management Services; Kathleen Thomas, Director of Solid Waste Operations; Fletcher Smith, Senior Director, Department of Community Services; Sue Michaelsen, Executive Secretary, BCC Office; Jodi Hanson, Executive Secretary, BCC Office; and Marlene S. Foran, Deputy Clerk.

Mr. Tommy Hight, President Elect, East Lake County Chamber of Commerce, welcomed those present to the Townhall Meeting.

Ms. Minnie Boller gave the invocation and Mr. Hight led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Commr. Hanson, (District 4 Commissioner) opened the meeting by introducing Commr. Good (District 2); Commr. Swartz (District 3); Commr. Cadwell (District 5), and County staff who were present in the audience. She expressed her appreciation to Ms. Sue Michaelsen and Ms. Jodi Hanson for their assistance in scheduling the Townhall Meeting and for their assistance to the public.

It was noted that, in addition to the department heads and staff members, there were approximately 32 individuals from the local community present.

PRESENTATION ON COUNTY ROADS

Mr. Jim Stivender, Jr., Senior Director, Department of Public Works, provided an update on the county roads in the East Lake County area and introduced staff that were present. He stated that the restripping program would be enhanced this year in many areas of East Lake County including County Road 46A. He briefly discussed Florida Department of Transportation road projects and County road projects and noted that a side walk project has been scheduled along S.R. 46 and C.R. 435 to the East Lake County Chamber of Commerce facility. At this time, the Board members and Mr. Stivender responded to questions presented by those present in the audience regarding the increased traffic on S.R. 46, dirt roads in East Lake County, a special assessment program for Hilltop Road, Community Development Grants, and road conditions on C.R. 437.

Commr. Hanson introduced Mr. Fred Brummer, State House of Representatives, District 38, and Mr. Bob Pool, City of Clermont, who were present in the audience.

PRESENTATION ON FIRE RESCUE ASSESSMENT PROGRAM

Mr. Alvin B. Jackson, Deputy County Manager, provided a brief overview of Fire Rescue Services and the new fire assessment. He stated that the Board has approved a foundation plan which will provide two (2) staff persons in existing paid fire stations, and provide for 27 new firefighters to meet those goals. He stated that the fire plan includes a commitment to recruit and keep good volunteer firefighters, to spend more time servicing the volunteer firefighters, and to establish a volunteer coordinator position. He stated that the fire assessment was $82 per year for residential and increasing to approximately $100 per year in the next five years. Discussion occurred regarding the fire rescue response time for East Lake County.

At this time, the Board members and Mr. Jackson responded to questions presented by those present in the audience pertaining to Fire Rescue Services.

DISCUSSION ON SOLID WASTE TRASH COLLECTION

Mr. Donald Post, Senior Director, Department of Solid Waste Management Services, addressed questions pertaining to mandatory trash collection and explained that $50,000 was saved in postage this year by not mailing the self haul disposal cards to the citizens for self hauling. He briefly explained that self haul disposal permit applications could be filled out at the nearest transfer station, the application would be processed and the applicant could pick up the self haul card on their next visit to the transfer station. In response to a question regarding the neighborhood cleanup held in the Mt. Plymouth area, Mr. Post stated that over 4,000 pounds of trash had been collected and over 47 volunteers were involved in the cleanup. Commr. Hanson interjected that there was no charge for trash collection associated with the neighborhood cleanup program. Mr. Post explained that there was no charge for disposal of recyclable white goods or metal at the Lake County landfill.

At this time, the Board members and Mr. Post responded to questions presented by those present in the audience pertaining to solid waste issues.

Commr. Swartz noted that the State of the County has been scheduled on October 22, 1998 at 5:30 p.m. at the Historic Courthouse in Tavares.

State Representative Fred Brummer stated that it was an honor and privilege to be present at the meeting this evening and noted that he was the newly elected representative for District 38. There being no further business to be brought to the attention of the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.



__________________________________ G. RICHARD SWARTZ, JR.,CHAIRMAN



ATTEST:







_________________________________

JAMES C. WATKINS, CLERK



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