A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

JANUARY 5, 1999

            The Lake County Board of County Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, January 5, 1999 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: Welton G. Cadwell, Chairman; Catherine C. Hanson, Vice Chairman; Rhonda H. Gerber; G. Richard Swartz, Jr.; and Robert A. Pool. Others present were: Sandy A. Minkoff, County Attorney; Sue B. Whittle, County Manager; Wendy Taylor, BCC Administrative Supervisor; Barbara Lehman, Chief Deputy Clerk, County Finance; and Toni M. Riggs, Deputy Clerk.

            Commr. Cadwell gave the Invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance.

            AGENDA UPDATE

            Ms. Sue Whittle, County Manager, noted that she had two changes to be made to the consent agenda.

            Commr. Cadwell requested that Tab 22, under the County Manager’s Departmental Business, the request from the “Friends of the Wall”, be addressed after the employee awards.

            Ms. Whittle requested that Tab 23, the request for approval of repeal of Resolution 1994-66 relating to recognition of nonresidential farm buildings on farms, be withdrawn.

            MINUTES

            On a motion by Commr. Hanson, seconded by Commr. Pool and carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the Minutes of December 1, 1998, Regular Meeting, as presented.

            Discussion occurred regarding the Minutes of December 4, 1998, Board Advance, with Commr. Swartz requesting an amendment, as follows:

            Page 11, Line 10 - “He believes that the public perceives that there is no crisis again”

            On a motion by Commr. Swartz, seconded by Commr. Hanson and carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the Minutes of December 4, 1998, Board Advance, as amended.

            CLERK OF COURTS’ CONSENT AGENDA

            On a motion by Commr. Hanson, seconded by Commr. Pool and carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved Tabs 1 through 11, Clerk of Courts’ Consent Agenda, as follows:

            Accounts Allowed

            List of warrants paid prior to this meeting, pursuant to Chapter 136 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.

 

 


            Bonds - Contractor

 

            Contractor Bonds, as follows:

 

            Stipulations:

 

            5253-99          Ron Troutman - Bond Number is Amended to 98-BA-0099-2

            5580-99          Donald G. Meyer and Leon Michaux DG Meyer Inc. -

                                    Bond Number is Amended to 98-BR-2651-3

 

            New:

 

            5253-99          Ron Troutman (General)

            5667-99          William R. Simms/William R. Sims Roofing, Inc. (Roofing)

 

            Accounts Allowed

 

            Request to approve list of items to be deleted from Fixed Assets for the month of January, 1999, in the amount of $10,730.29.

 

            Meetings/State Agencies/SJRWMD

 

            Request to acknowledge receipt of the tentative 1999 schedule for meetings of the Governing Board of the St. Johns River Water Management District, pursuant to Florida Statute 189.417. These dates are subject to change at the Board’s direction.

 

            Accounts Allowed/Courts-Judges

 

            Monthly Distribution of Revenue Traffic/Criminal Cases, Month Ending November 30, 1998.

 

            Disbursements made to the Board:     $131,208.33

            Same period last year:                        $129,295.21

 

            Municipalities/Ordinances

 

            Request to acknowledge receipt of the following copies of Ordinances from The Town of Lady Lake:

 

            Ordinance 97-13

            Ordinance 97-14

            Ordinance 98-01

            Ordinance 98-02

            Ordinance 98-03

            Ordinance 98-04

            Ordinance 98-07

            Ordinance 98-08

            Ordinance 98-09

            Ordinance 98-10

            Ordinance 98-11

            Ordinance 98-12

            Ordinance 98-13

            Ordinance 98-14

 

            Utilities

 

            Received Notice of Application for a Transfer of Majority Organizational Control, Legal Notice - Notice is hereby given on December 1, 1998, pursuant to Section 367.071, Florida Statutes, of the application for transfer of majority organizational control of J. Swiderski Utilities, Inc. to AquaSource Utilities, Inc. providing water and sewer utility service to the attached described territory in Lake County.

 

            Any objection to the said application must be made in writing and filed within thirty (30) days from this date to the Director, Division of Records and Reporting, Florida Public Service Commission, 2540 Shumard Oaks Boulevard, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0850.

 

 


            Accounts Allowed/Courts-Judges

 

            Request to approve and signature authorization on the Satisfaction and Release of Fine, Daniel H. and Nancy F. Morris, in the amount of $75.00 - OR Book 1661, Pages 1398 and 1399.

 

            Municipalities/Ordinances

 

            Request to acknowledge receipt of the following: City of Eustis Ordinance No. 98-36 - An Ordinance of the City of Eustis, Florida; Initiated by Kenneth W. & Julie A. Carpenter, to Consider Assignment of a Land Use Designation to Property Annexing into the Corporate Limits of the City of Eustis (Ordinance #98-35) Being .328 Acres of Land at 2430 South Bay Street on the Northwest Corner of South Bay Street (SR 19) and W. Seminole Road, Subject to Lake County Land Use Map Designation of “Urban” (Up to 7 Dwelling Units Per Acre); Pursuant to Florida Statute 171.062; With a Land Use Designation, to Be Assigned Following Completion of Small Scale Comprehensive Plan Amendment Process, of “GC-General Commercial”; Providing for Limitations and Certain Conditions; Amending the Future Land Use Map Pursuant to Florida Statute 163.3187; Providing for Redefinition of the Land Boundaries of the City of Eustis; Providing for Filing of this Ordinance; Providing for Severability; Providing for an Effective Date; and Providing for Publication by Posting According to the Law.

 

            Municipalities/Ordinances

 

            Request to acknowledge receipt of the following:

 

            City of Fruitland Park Ordinance No. 98-005 providing for the annexation of property generally located at the intersection of U.S. Highway 441 and Picciola Cutoff; and generally known as the Winn-Dixie property; providing for C-2 (General Commercial) zoning of the property; and providing for a Commercial Comprehensive Plan Land Use Designation for the property. Passed and ordained by the City Commission of the City of Fruitland Park, Florida on December 10, 1998.

 

            City of Fruitland Park Ordinance No. 98-007 providing for the annexation of property generally located at the intersection of U.S. Highway 441 and Grizzard Street, and generally known as the Lake County Service Corporation property; providing for C-2 (General Commercial) zoning of the property; and providing for a Commercial Comprehensive Plan Land Use designation for the property. Passed and ordained by the City Commission of the City of Fruitland Park, Florida on December 10, 1998.

 

            Accounts Allowed/Deeds

 

            Request to acknowledge receipt of the unclaimed excess proceeds for tax deeds totaling $79,420.93.

 

            COUNTY MANAGER’S CONSENT AGENDA

            Ms. Sue Whittle, County Manager, referred to Tab 13, the request for approval and execution of Change Order No. 3 to Countywide Resurfacing Project No. 1-98, Bid No. 98-078, for resurfacing various areas throughout the County, and stated that the correct amount would be $100,566.50.

            Commr. Hanson clarified that, under Tab 3, no dollars have been transferred from the Citizens’ Commission for Children to the After School Program.

            On a motion by Commr. Gerber, seconded by Commr. Hanson and carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the following requests on the County Manager’s Consent Agenda:

            Committees/Community Services

            Request for approval to submit the advertisement for the Citizens’ Commission for Children’s Requests for Proposals (RFP). Fiscal Impact: $185,291.00.

 

            Accounts Allowed/Contracts, Leases & Agreements/Municipalities/Grants

 

            Request for approval for the Chairman to execute agreements with the City of Clermont and the City of Eustis who are recipients of the FY 98/99 Parks and Recreation Capital Improvement Grant Program Project. The City of Clermont is to receive $15,000 and the City of Eustis is to receive $15,000.

 

            Accounts Allowed/Budgets/Courts-Judges

 

            Request for approval to modify the Five (5) Year Capital Improvement Program and Fund 301 for the Fiscal Year 1998/99 budget to expand the scope of services related to the build out of Courtroom 8 to include the possible creation of two additional Judicial suites, in the amount of $260,000.

 

            Accounts Allowed/Public Works/Facilities & Capital Improvements

 

            Request for approval to execute a change order to Doug Ross Construction and Odell and Associates for an increase in the scope of services for the renovation/addition of the Public Works building and on the Tavares Campus. This action will increase the project cost by $130,807.14 for a new total project cost of $1,931,976.00.

 

            Accounts Allowed/Contracts, Leases & Agreements

            Fiscal and Administrative Services

 

            Request for approval of transfer of funds in the amount of $130,808 from Buildings, Sales Tax Capital Projects Fund, Department of Facilities and Capital Improvements to Public Works Project in anticipation of completion of the Public Works Addition/Renovation Project to begin the contract close-out phase.

 

            Accounts Allowed/State Agencies/Courts-Judges/Resolutions

 

            Request for approval of Resolution 1999-1, to receive unanticipated revenue in the amount of $46,084 from funds allotted to Lake County by the State of Florida, Justice Administration Commission for funding Attorney Fees in Child Dependency Cases.

 

            Accounts Allowed/Courts-Judges

 

            Request for approval of a Direct Pay Check Request to the Clerk of Courts for November Court Fees which exceeds the County Manager’s approval limit of $25,000. Total payment is for $27,633.

 

            Contracts, Leases & Agreements/Growth Management/Subdivisions

 

            Request for approval to accept and execute a Developer’s Agreement between Lake County and Swiss Fairways, Inc., for the issuance of three (3) building permits on Lots 39, 40, and 42, in the Swiss Fairways Phase II Subdivision prior to the acceptance and recordation of the final plat - Commissioner District 2.

 

            Personnel

 

            Request for approval and execution of Certificates for employees with one and three years of service.

 

            Accounts Allowed/Assessments/Road Projects

 

            Request for approval and authorization for Chairman to execute satisfaction of liens for seven road assessments, as follows:

 

            654493 Lawrence & Ara Gunion                   $2,239.54

            661481 Richard Emerson                               $2,568.78

            686007 Reginald Austwick                            $1,930.33

            687011 Lou Ann Hyatt                                   $1,985.08

            692018 Steven & Katherine Rucker               $3,562.78

692020 Melroy & Janice Syverson$4,218.73

692021 Ronnie Weatherman$2,563.51

 

 


            Accounts Allowed/Contracts, Leases & Agreements/Subdivisions

 

            Request for approval and authorization to accept the final plat for Shangri-La Shores Phase 1 Subdivision, execute a Developer’s Agreement between Lake County and Shangri-La By The Lake, Inc. for Construction of Improvements, accept a letter of credit for performance in the amount of $224,400, and execute an Agreement between Lake County and Shangri-La By The Lake, Inc. relating to the Construction of Affordable Housing to Meet the Urban Residential Density Point System - subdivision consists of 35 lots - Commissioner District 5.

 

            Accounts Allowed/Contracts, Leases & Agreements/Bonds/Roads-County & State

            Subdivisions

 

            Request for authorization to accept the final plat for Hills of Lake Louisa Phase Three Subdivision, execute a Developer’s Agreement Between Lake County and Hills of Lake Louisa Development for Maintenance of Improvements, accept a maintenance bond in the amount of $6,832.92, and execute Resolution 1999-2 accepting Lighthouse Court (County Road Number 2-0639), Grand Bay Boulevard “Part” (County Road Number 2-0639A), and Water Ridge Lane “Part” (County Road Number 2-0639H) into the County Road maintenance system - subdivision consists of 39 lots - Commissioner District 2.

 

            Bids/Road Projects

 

            Request for approval and execution of Change Order No. 3 to Countywide Resurfacing Project No. 1-98, Bid No. 98-078, for resurfacing various areas throughout the County in the amount of $100,566.50 - Commissioner Districts 1, 2, 3 & 4.

 

            Accounts Allowed/Bonds/Subdivisions

 

            Request for approval and authorization to release a performance bond in the amount of $1,392,966 for Weston Hills Phase 1 Subdivision.

 

            Accounts Allowed/Contracts, Leases & Agreements/Bonds/Roads-County & State

            Subdivisions

 

            Request for approval and authorization to accept the final plat for Lake Louisa Highlands Phase 1 Subdivision, execute a Developer’s Agreement between Lake County and ADM3 Partners, Ltd. for Maintenance of Improvements, accept a maintenance bond in the amount of $39,653 and execute Resolution 1999-3 accepting Via Roma Circle “Part” (County Road Number 2-0847A), Via Milano Court (County Road Number 2-0847B), and Via Como Court “Part” (County Road Number 2-0847C) into the County road maintenance system - subdivision consists of 59 lots - Commissioner District 2.

 

            Accounts Allowed/Contracts, Leases & Agreements/Subdivisions

 

            Request for authorization to accept final plat for Swiss Fairways Phase Two Subdivision, execute a Developer’s Agreement Between Lake County and Pierre & Denise Grimm for Construction of Improvements, and accept a letter of credit for performance in the amount of $55,825 - subdivision consists of 21 lots - Commissioner District 2.

 

            Roads-County & State/Resolutions

 

            Request for approval to authorize and execute Resolution 1999-4 accepting Red Head Road (County Road Number 4-9080D), Black Duck Road (County Road Number 4-9080E), Pintail Road (County Road Number 4-9080F), Green Wing Road (County Road Number 4-9080G), and Blue Wing Road (County Road Number 4-9080H) into the County Road Maintenance System.

 

            Contracts, Leases & Agreements/Road Projects/Bids

 

            Request for approval and execution of agreement with Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc., the top ranked respondent to RFP 98-094, Engineering Design Services for Road Projects. Of the 10 road projects requested for design within the RFP, the selection committee recommends award of the below noted six (6) projects to Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. The remaining four (4) projects are being negotiated with the second highest ranking respondent (Boyer-Singleton & Associates, Inc.).

 

 


1. Dewey Robbins Rd./S. Dewey Robbins Rd.

$106,098.00

2. Marion County Road

$90,312.00

3. C.R. 452 (Lakeshore Drive)

$134,282.00

4. C.R. 25

$110,863.00

5. Tavares-Eustis Eastern Collector

$149,761.00

6. C.R. 44/Sleepy Hollow Rd./Echo Dr.

$123,850.00

 

            Funding will be from Road Impact Fees, Public Works, Benefit Districts.

 

            Accounts Allowed/Contracts, Leases & Agreements/Road Projects/Water Authority

 

            Request for approval to authorize and execute change orders to the Digital Orthophotography contract with Aerial Data Reduction Associates, Inc. (ADR), to provide digital orthophotography services to the County as the top ranked respondent to RFP 98-007. The original contract amount was $313,015.00 for base project tasks of which the Lake County Water Authority assumed $28,986.00 of the cost. To date three (3) change orders for additional base project task options totaling $8,934.70 have been administratively approved. Change Order 4 (digitizing the remainder of the county road project centerlines in the amount of $31,833.60) and Change Order 5 (compile 3,235 land parcels from digital orthos and County ownership maps in the amount of $13,570.00) require Board approval.

 

Funding for the change orders will be from the General Fund, Computer Services, Contractual Services and Public Works, Engineering, Contractual Services.

 

            PRESENTATIONS

            Mr. Bruce Duncan, Economic Development Director, informed the Board that the Christopher C. Ford Industrial Park was recognized by the Orlando Business Section as the hottest industrial site in the entire Central Florida area.

            Mr. Duncan stated that he was here today to award Mr. Carl Lunderstadt with the Outstanding Industry Leadership Award for 1998. He noted that Mr. Lunderstadt has a history of involvement in the world of business, and he has assumed many community leadership posts upon arriving in Lake County including a four year stint on the Lake County Industrial Development Authority (IDA). He has served as Chairman of the IDA for the last two years. Mr. Duncan stated that it is because of his leadership roll and the County’s efforts towards economic development that he is being honored today.

            At this time, Commr. Cadwell presented Mr. Lunderstadt with the award.

            Mr. Lunderstadt extended his thanks to the Board and staff, and Mr. Bruce Redus, Secretary to the IDA, and Mr. Duncan, for their efforts in the area of economic development. He also took the opportunity to introduce his wife and to thank her for all of her support.

            PERSONAL APPEARANCES

            EMPLOYEE AWARDS        

            Ms. Lourdes Ramos, Personnel Manager, presented information regarding the following employees who were being honored for their years of service:

            Presentation of Plaques to Employees with five Years of Service

 

            Linda Maston, Secretary III, Growth Management/Water Resource Management

 

            Mike Carter, Planner III, Growth Management/Planning and Development/Current

 

George Hewlett, Environmental Technician, Growth Management/Water Resource Management

 

            Presentation of Plaques to Employees with Ten Years of Service

 

            Charles Mohr, Leachate Systems, Solid Waste/WFMO

 

            Margaret Griffin, Field Office Technician, Solid Waste/MIS Scales

 

            Joan Pell, Buyer, Fiscal and Administrative Services/Purchasing

 

            Presentation of Plaques to Employees with Fifteen Years of Service

 

            Linda Meeker, Senior Probation Officer, Community Services/Probation (not present)

 

Michael Powers, District Resource Coordinator, Agricultural Education Services/Soil and Water Conservation

 

            Clarence Gillard, Sign/Striping Technician II, Public Works/Signs Signals and Striping

 

            Presentation of Plaque to Employee with Thirty Years of Service

 

Patricia T. Abel, Administrative Assistant, Capital Improvements Administration, Facilities and Capital Improvements (not present)

 

            Presentation of Plaque and Bond to EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR 1998

 

William D. Nicodem, Maintenance Shop Supervisor, Special Services/Fleet Maintenance, Public Works

 

            COUNTY MANAGER’S DEPARTMENTAL BUSINESS

            ACCOUNTS ALLOWED/COMMUNITY SERVICES

            Mr. Fletcher Smith, Senior Director of Community Services, was present to discuss the request for approval of a donation of $2,500.00 to the “Friends of the Wall”.

            On a motion by Commr. Swartz, seconded by Commr. Hanson and carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the request for approval of a donation of $2,500.00 to the “Friends of the Wall” to help defray the expense of displaying the Vietnam Memorial (The Traveling Wall), March 24-30, 1999, in Lake County.

            Mr. Rick Trefethen, Co-Chairman, “Friends of the Wall” Committee, addressed the Board and extended his appreciation for the partnership they had with the Board in 1995, and the one they will be having in 1999. He extended a personal invitation to the Board to visit Lady Lake when the wall is ready for display.

            PRESENTATION

            PUBLIC WORKS/ROADS-COUNTY & STATE

            Mr. Jim Stivender, Senior Director of Public Works, addressed the Board and noted that Mr. William E. Oliver, P.E., Tindale, Oliver and Associates, Inc., was present to review the Lake County 2020 Long-Range Transportation Plan and the 2020 Transportation Needs Plan. Mr. Stivender stated that Tindale, Oliver and Associates were before the Board last year to discuss the transit needs, and now they will be discussing the plans, as noted. It was also noted that Mr. Noble Olasimbo, Engineer, Public Works, was present for the discussion.

            Commr. Cadwell noted that this portion of the meeting would be delayed a few minutes, to allow the engineer time to set up his equipment.

            COMMITTEES/APPOINTMENTS-RESIGNATIONS

            On a motion by Commr. Hanson, seconded by Commr. Swartz and carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the appointment of Ms. Barbara Wilson Smith to the Lake County Citizens’ Commission for Children.

            It was noted that this item would be placed back on the agenda at another time, in order to fill the vacancies in District 2.

            INFORMATIONAL

            The following vested rights determination has been issued.

 

            Vested Rights Determination Regarding Parcel 6 of Lot Approval (LA#91-126)

 

Lake County will not deny the owner(s) of Parcel 6 of LA#91-126, acting in good faith, the right to develop the parcel as a residential lot in accordance with the (R-3) Zoning District. For the purpose of this Vested Rights Determination, acting in good faith shall mean that:

 

1.This Vested Rights Determination is recorded in the Public Records of Lake County, Florida, within three (3) months from the date of this Vested Rights Determination;

 

2.A building permit for a primary structure (single family residence) is issued in association with Parcel 6 of LA#91-126, within three years from the date of this Vested Rights Determination, and said building permit does not expire before a Certificate of Occupancy can be issued.

 

Vested Rights Determination for Lot 4 of Large Lot Waiver #77-85 for Land Located in Section 7, Township 23 South and Range 26 East

 

Lake County will not deny the owner(s) of Parcel 4 of LA 77-85, acting in good faith, the right to develop the parcel as a residential lot in accordance with the rules and regulations of Lake County. For the purpose of this Vested Rights determination, acting in good faith shall mean that:

 

            1.         This Vested Rights Determination is recorded in the Public Records of Lake County, Florida, within three (3) months from the date of this Vested rights Determination;

 

            2.         A building permit for a primary structure (single family residence) is issued in association with parcel 4 of LA 77-85, within three years from the date of this Vested Rights Determination, and said building permit does not expire before a Certificate of Occupancy can be issued.

 

 


            REPORTS - COMMISSIONER GERBER - DISTRICT #1

            RESOLUTIONS

            On a motion by Commr. Gerber, seconded by Commr. Hanson and carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved Resolution 1999-5 supporting the repeal of the preemption language in the Florida Clean Air Act (FS 386.209).

            ADDENDUM NO. 1

            COUNTY MANAGER’S DEPARTMENTAL BUSINESS

            ACCOUNTS ALLOWED/AFFORDABLE HOUSING

            Ms. Sue Whittle, County Manager, explained the request from Mr. Jerry E. Turner to waive impact fees. Ms. Whittle stated that the Department of Community Services investigated the application and has confirmed that Mr. Turner does qualify for a 75 percent reduction in impact fees. Staff was recommending approval of the request.

            On a motion by Commr. Hanson, seconded by Commr. Gerber and carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the waiver of impact fees, in the amount of $580.50, for Jerry E. Turner. Pursuant to Chapter 15.00.03, the Board of County Commissioners may waive the impact fees required by Chapter XV provided the project will provide affordable housing for families.

            REPORTS - COMMISSIONER CADWELL - CHAIRMAN & DISTRICT #4

            CONTRACTS, LEASES & AGREEMENTS/SOLID WASTE

            Commr. Cadwell informed the Board that staff has had contact with Ogden Martin, and the County Negotiating Team will be meeting with them before the end of the month. The Team will be then report back to the Board.

            COMMITTEES/COMMISSIONERS

            Commr. Cadwell presented the Liaison Appointments/Memberships for 1999 to the Board members and noted that there were two committees where discussion had occurred regarding whether or not they needed to continue to have a liaison, and those were Fire/Rescue Advisory Board and the Countywide Solid Waste Study Committee.

            Mr. Sandy Minkoff, County Attorney, explained that Fire/Rescue is addressed in the Lake County Code, and the Solid Waste Study Committee will sunset in June, 1999.

            Commr. Gerber stated that the Solid Waste Study Committee has been meeting monthly, and the members feel that it should be continued and, if it sunsets in June, they will talk about it at that time. She stated that she would like to continue to serve on this committee.

            Commr. Swartz suggested that Commr. Cadwell come back with a recommendation on the Fire/Rescue Advisory Board and not appoint anyone at this time.

            Discussion occurred regarding the Parks and Recreation Committee, with Commr. Swartz explaining that this was a type of sub-committee to the Parks and Recreation Committee, and their recommendations go through this committee, so whoever is the liaison to one should be liaison to the other.

            Discussion occurred regarding the Animal Control Committee with it being noted that there has not been a specific liaison to this committee for several years.

            Mr. Minkoff noted that, in regards to the proposed Animal Control Ordinance, staff will not be recommending that a permanent Animal Control Advisory Board be set up, even though it was in the original draft of the ordinance, but this item can be discussed next week at the workshop.

            On a motion by Commr. Swartz, seconded by Commr. Pool and carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the Liaison Appointments/Memberships for 1999, with Commr. Gerber continuing to serve on the Solid Waste Study Committee, and with Commr. Cadwell coming back with a recommendation on the other issues.

            Commr. Hanson stated that she would lean toward retaining as many committees as the Board can rather than eliminating any of them, because it is important to let the public help deal with some of the issues as much as possible.

            CITIZEN QUESTION AND COMMENT PERIOD

            It was noted that no one wished to address the Board with questions, comments or concerns.

            RECESS & REASSEMBLY

            At 9:40 a.m., the Chairman announced that the Board would recess until 10 a.m.

            PRESENTATION

            ACCOUNTS ALLOWED/CHECKS/GROWTH MANAGEMENT

            Ms. Sharon Farrell, Senior Director, Growth Management, stated that, back in October, 1998, the Department of Growth Management facilitated an electrical seminar, with all of the fees to be donated to Habitat for Humanity of Lake County. Ms. Farrell stated that this was the first time the County partnered with the Florida Association of Electrical Contractors (FAEC) and the International Association of Electrical Inspectors (IAEI) to review the Code changes and pending changes. She stated that staff was able to find a nationally recognized electrical trainer, Mr. Mike Holt who donated his time and presented the seminar. Ms. Farrell stated that this was all done under Mr. Dale Greiner, Building Services Director, and it was coordinated by Mr. Jay Dagner, Chief Electrical Inspector. She stated Ms. Marge McNinch, Coordinator of Habitat for Humanity of Lake County was here today, and she had with her Mr. George Pierce, the Construction Coordinator in Lake County. Ms. Farrell noted that, with 92 people in attendance, the amount raised was $7,100.

            Commr. Cadwell presented a check to Ms. McNinch of Habitat for Humanity, in the amount of $7,100 representing the proceeds of the First Annual Electrical Seminar (FAES) hosted by the Lake County Department of Growth Management, Building Services Division, and sponsored by the Florida Association of Electrical Contractors and the International Association of Electrical Inspectors (IAEI).

            Ms. McNinch addressed the Board and recognized those individuals who were instrumental in organizing the seminar, as follows: Mr. Mike Holt, Mr. Dale Greiner, Mr. Jay Dagner, and Ms. Sharon Farrell. She stated that Habitat for Humanity is starting its tenth year, and it is going to build ten houses this year, and they will be looking towards the Board for leadership, and for continued performance on the part of the Board to support them. She introduced Mr. George Pierce, the Building Coordinator for Habitat for Humanity.

            Mr. Pierce extended his appreciation to the Board for helping to make the seminar happen with Habitat, and to Mr. Mike Holt and all of those individuals who assisted in the seminar.

            Mr. Holt stated that he is a national speaker, but the credit goes to Mr. Greiner for pursuing the opportunity for continuing education. He thought it would be nice if this could go on from electrical to include plumbing, mechanical, structural, etc., and he was encouraging Lake County to require continuing education for the electricians like so many of the other counties do.

            Mr. Greiner addressed the Board and stated that the seminar benefitted everybody involved, and staff was continuing to work to have such a seminar on an annual basis, and to include the other fields as it can.

PRESENTATION

            PUBLIC WORKS/ROADS-COUNTY & STATE (CONTINUED)

            Mr. William E. Oliver, P.E., Tindale, Oliver and Associates, Inc., addressed the Board and stated that he had appeared before the Board several times to report on the progress of the Lake County 2020 Long-Range Transportation Plan study. Mr. Oliver stated that they have completed some of the initial planning work for Lake County using the year 2020 horizon, and they have done a needs assessment, which identifies what would be a transportation network, if there were no constraints on funding, that would serve the community at the levels that it would desire to have one day. Once this is done, reality sets in and the current financial revenue situation is evaluated, and the transportation planners go through a process of scaling back the needs network to a cost feasible transportation plan network. Mr. Oliver stated that he was here today to update the Board on the study; to present to the Board the work of the committees that have been assisting them; and to solicit some direction from the Board as they proceed towards defining a cost feasible transportation plan.

            Mr. Oliver provided the Board with detailed information, which included maps for clarification, on the following issues:

            Project Schedule

 

                      January 1998 - April 1998

                                    Facility Inventory and Data Collection

                      May 1998 - July 1998

                                    Develop Planning and Analysis Tools

                                    Define Goals and Objectives

                                    Estimate Growth

                      August 1998 - December 1998

                                    Assess Needs

                      January 1999 - April 1999

                                    Develop Cost-Feasible Plan

                      May 1999 - June 1999

                                    Publicize and Adopt Plan

 

            Growth Projection

 

                      Population Growth from 176,300 in 1995 to 297,300 in 2020

                      Growth Projected in Lady Lake and Southeast

                      New Corridors Can Open New Areas to Growth

 

            Growth by Sub-Area

 

                      Population Projection by Planning Area

 

            Committee Involvement

 

                      Citizens Commissioner (12 members)

                      Technical Committee (12 members)

                      Regular Monthly Meetings

 

            Initial Test

 

                      Increase in Travel from 424,900 VMT in 1995 to 773,800 VMT in 2020

                      Most Significant Congestion:

                                    US 27/441 in Leesburg

                                    US 441 in Golden Triangle

                                    US 27/SR50 near Clermont

                      Lakes Limit Network Options

 

            Alternative “20B” Network - Level of Service

                        (Map)

 

            “Beef Up” Existing Corridors

 

                      No New Corridors

                      Two Overpasses Needed

                      61 Miles of Lane Addition

                      Linkage to Orlando Area

                      Cost of $244 million

                      Systemwide Saturation of 107%

                      Significant Community Impacts

 

            Alternative “20B” Network - Number of Lanes and Road Improvements

                        (Map)

 

            Alternative “20B” Network - Level of Service

                        (Map)

 

            Develop Northern Beltway

 

                      Bridge Across Lake Griffin

                      196 Miles of Lane Addition

                      Linkages to Orlando Area

                      Cost of $577.2 million

                      Systemwide Saturation of 87.5%

 

            Needs Plan Network - Number of Lanes and Road Improvements

                        (Map)

 

            Needs Plan Network - Level of Service

                        (Map)

 

            Public Transportation

 

                      Expand Fleet

                      Increase Fixed-Route Service

                      Pursue Federal Funding

                      Local Matching Cost of $9.3 Million

 

            Sidewalks

 

                      Provide Sidewalks on Both Sides of all Major Roads in Urban Area

                                    Add Sidewalks With Road Improvements

                                    Build Additional Sidewalks

                      Need 889 Miles, $20.45 Million

 

            Sidewalk Needs

                        (Map)

 

            Bicycle Facilities

 

                      Make Bike Provisions on all Major Roads in County

                                    Add Bike Facilities With Road Improvements

                                    Build Additional On-Road Bike Facilities

                                    Build Off-Road Bike Trails

                      Need 459 Miles, $61.18 Million

 

            Bicycle Facilities Needs

                        (Map)

 

            Capital Needs Summary

 

                      Costs

                                    Roads                                      $577.2M

                                    Public Transportation

                                    (Local share)                           $9.3M

                                    Sidewalks                                $20.5M

                                    Bike Facilities                         $61.2M

 

                                                Total:                          $668.2M

 

                      Available Revenues                            $203.0M

                                    From Current Sources

                                    Funds for Admin.

                                        Maintenance, and

                                        Operations set aside

 

            Potential Revenue Sources

 

                      Share of Additional Revenues Must Be Allocated to Maintenance

                      Revenues Estimated for 2003 - 2020 Horizon

                      Potential Revenues

                                    1 Cent Gasoline Tax Yields

                                        $17.9M, less municipal share

                                    1 Mill Ad Valorem Tax Yields

                                        $112.4M

                                    1% Sales Tax Yields $298M

 

 

            Mr. Oliver explained that they take into consideration what percent of the travel in the County is on the state system versus the non-state system. In Lake County, about 70% of travel occurs on the state road system. He explained that usually they recommend that communities like Pinellas build County facilities that are parallel to the state road system that can serve to alleviate congestion on the state road system. He stated that, because of the lakes that exist in Lake County, there are relatively few corridors, and the County does not have the luxury of building parallel facilities. Mr. Oliver stated that he was not ready to recommend that Lake County spend money on the state road system, but it is an issue that they will watch as they develop the cost feasible plan.

            Mr. Oliver reviewed the following options and noted that they were seeking direction from the Board on these particular issues:

             Options for Cost-Feasible Plan

                      Increase Revenues

                      Modify LOS Standards

                                    Change Road LOS to “D”

                                    Set goal to have 25% of sidewalks by 2020

                      Modify Growth Patterns and Trends

 

            Key Issues

 

                      Proceed with Cost-Feasible Plan under current revenue projections or consider additional revenues?

                      Continue with Lake Griffin Bridge concept which opens Silver Lake area to development, or defer bridge until after 2020?

                      Modify LOS Standards?

 

            System Performance in Other Communities

 

                      Pinellas County                      85%

                      Pasco County                          74%

                      Charlotte County                    58%

                      Volusia County                       75%

                      Martin County                        68%

 

            Mr. Oliver stated that, because Lake County does not have $577 million to spend, in reality the staging of the cost feasible plan will probably focus on going ahead and widening US 441 to six lanes throughout the community and getting the longest time frame out of that before it goes back and struggles again with the decision of overpasses in downtown Leesburg versus a new corridor to the north side of Lake County.

            Commr. Swartz stated that a cost feasible plan cannot be created under the best scenario that does not make the traffic worse.

            Mr. Oliver stated that, if the County adopts a cost feasible plan that does not maintain the performance standard, then it will be in a situation where it will need to relax the standard, or it will need to deny land development proposals in that area, which then will encourage some degree of sprawl.

            Commr. Gerber felt that Lake County should be working with Sumter County on the north-south bypass, because that corridor needs to be in Sumter County, and she also believed that, from US 441, there should be a cutoff from CR 448 out to SR19.

            Mr. Stivender stated that the County has a meeting this month with the Orlando Metroplan to discuss the issues brought forth by Commr. Gerber. He stated that they are dealing with a huge range of issues, which include paving a clay road in rural Lake County to a regional transportation network that crosses Lake County from the north side of Orlando to I-75. He noted that all of the transportation issues are being incorporated into the plan.

            Commr. Swartz stated that lowering the level of service, in his opinion, is an unacceptable alternative, and lowering the level of service would be a disservice to the citizens of Lake County, as well as to the development community, and this would be an irresponsible course of action.

            Commr. Hanson stated that she did not have a problem with leaving the level of service at “C”, but regardless of the level of service established by the County, there is still going to be congestion and gridlock.

            Commr. Swartz stated that, on a number of roads, the County needs to be increasing and improving the level of service. He thinks that the County should take those roads that today are operating at level of service “B” that may have been lowered to “C”, and if they can operate at “B”, then take them back to “B”. Then the County needs to change the development patterns that have created much of the road problem. He stated that the trip lengths in Lake County like everywhere in Florida have increased, which is what, in part, is contributing to the problem. He further stated that the Board needs to look very seriously at changing the development patterns, and the Board has that opportunity in the Evaluation and Appraisal Report (EAR) process, because if it does not change the development patterns, or it takes the approach of lowering the level of service, the only thing that will happen is that it will get worse faster. Commr. Swartz stated that the only possible and responsible thing to do to keep the road system from continuing its inevitable decline is to improve the level of service on those roads where it has not yet deteriorated, and certainly not lower the level of service where it has deteriorated, and make a committed effort to change the County’s development patterns, with a goal of reducing trip lengths. If the Board does not do this, by everything that has been shown today, it is clearly going to get worse in spite of spending over $200 million.

            Commr. Hanson stated that Lake County is a bedroom community to Orlando, and she does not see this changing significantly. She stated that the County has made significant efforts toward developing industry and jobs here locally, and the number of people coming to Lake County is going to continue to increase, and they are going to drive to Orlando to work. She stated that their trips are not going to be shortened, and the opportunities for shortening their trips would be with mass transit. She did not feel the County should change the level of service to “B” and should leave it at the “C” level.

            Commr. Swartz reminded the Board of its discussion on the 200 unit development on Lakeshore Drive in the vicinity of Lake Ridge Club and stated that the action to deny had to do with transportation and traffic problems. He stated that this was an area where right now the level of service is “C”, and if the County leaves it at “C”, there is going to continue to be developments on a road that cannot handle any more development. He stated that raising the level of service at least says that the County is going to find better transportation ways. Commr. Swartz explained that the County would not be shortening the distance to Orlando, but it would be shortening the trip lengths that people make every day from their houses, because there really are no good places to put those additional roads, even if the County had the money.

            Commr. Pool discussed the management of growth by using the Sorrento area as an example and stated that, if the County still allows some growth and commercial development in Lake County in strategic urban areas, people will take the shorter trips to the shopping areas, and they will not make the 25 and 40 mile round trips to shop.

            Commr. Cadwell questioned whether staff could show the Board the roads where, if the level of service was brought back up to “B”, and maybe this could be done by just using the major corridors, there would be a moratorium, in regards to any type of new construction.

            Mr. Stivender stated that staff would talk to the engineers about getting this type of information together for the Board.

            Commr. Gerber stated that she would like to see the Origin and Destination Study before the Board starts talking about the bridge.

            Commr. Swartz addressed the ad valorem tax and stated that the gas tax, even if the Board decided to increase it, will not really help this situation. Those gas tax funds are not included as revenue, and it would only help the County with the maintenance of the existing road network. He stated that impact fees, which are a part of that revenue source, is an area that could continue to be looked at and to ensure that it is accurately reflecting the cost of building the road miles. In regards to the sales tax, the Board can wish that the sales tax would pass for roads, but he felt it would be hard to sell to the public when you ask for one penny of sales tax, and over the next twenty years, the County will spend it, and the traffic will be worse. In regards to the ad valorem tax, when the County starts spending that on the fire service, and with a mill and a half, or two mills, it will be jumping up to the seven mills, there is not going to be a lot of room even if the Board wanted to spend it, and still it would be a hard sell to say to the public that the County is going to raise ad valorem taxes by two or three mills to pay for a road system that will be worse. He stated that the fire system was one of the tip offs to the Board that development patterns in Lake County, over at least the last twenty years, are what have created the crisis in the fire system, which the County has taken a step toward trying to improve. What the Board sees in front of them today is the result of bad development patterns over the last twenty years, and if it maintains the same type of development patterns that are in the current Comprehensive Plan, it will only contribute to the numbers that were shown before. Commr. Swartz stated that the Board needs to address the level of service issues and changing development patterns to reduce trip lengths for those trips that are essentially local trips.

            Commr. Hanson stated that, in regards to the fire issue, it has not all been because of growth. There has also been an increase in the level of service, because of the demand that the citizens have made for fire and emergency services.

            Mr. Mike Szunyog, Department of Transportation (DOT) explained that the Department of Transportation can control the level of service, but they do not issue the permits.

            Commr. Gerber questioned whether this presentation, or something similar, could be made to the Impact Fee Committee in February.

            Mr. Oliver stated that they will proceed to develop the cost feasible plan under the assumption of current revenues, and they will get information back to the Board relative to the level of service “B”.

            Commr. Swartz was suggesting that staff go back and look primarily at those County roads that were downgraded from “A”, and some “B”s, to “C”, and determine whether they can maintain those higher levels of service.

            Mr. Oliver stated that they would be back in two to three months with the requested information.

            Commr. Swartz stated that the analysis of the level of service and the road capacity will help the Board, as it looks at the Comprehensive Plan.

            MEETINGS

            Commr. Cadwell noted that there would be a Board workshop on January 12, 1999, at 9 a.m., in the Training Room, to discuss Animal Control and Adult Entertainment. He also noted that the Board will be taking a tour of the County on January 14, 1999, and will be meeting at 8:30 a.m., and returning at approximately 3:30 p.m.

            Ms. Sue Whittle, County Manager, stated that Mr. Mike Anderson, Senior Director of Facilities and Capital Improvements, had requested that the Board include the Palatlakaha Park in its tour.

            There being no further business to be brought to the attention of the Board, the meeting adjourned at 11:33 a.m.

 

                                                                                                                                                         

                                                                        WELTON G. CADWELL, CHAIRMAN

 

ATTEST:

 

 

 

                                                                    

JAMES C. WATKINS, CLERK

 

TMR/BOARDMIN/1-5-99/1-8-99