The Lake County Board of County Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, July 13, 1999, 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; Catherine C. Hanson, Vice Chairman; Rhonda H. Gerber; Robert A. Pool; and G. Richard Swartz, Jr. Others present were: Sue Whittle, County Manager; Sanford A. Minkoff, County Attorney; Wendy Taylor, Administrative Supervisor, Board of County Commissioner's Office; 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 the Board had one published Addendum to today's agenda.
MINUTES
On a motion by Commr. Gerber, seconded by Commr. Hanson and carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the Minutes of May 25, 1999, Regular Meeting, as presented.
Discussion occurred regarding the Minutes of June 18, 1999, Board Retreat, with Commr. Swartz making the following change:
Page 9, Line 5 - with regard to the Federal prisoners in the County Jail -
Change to reflect the following: at some point, the County might want to reconsider those beds.
On a motion by Commr. Swartz, seconded by Commr. Pool and carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the Minutes of June 18, 1999, Board Retreat, as amended.
On a motion by Commr. Hanson, seconded by Commr. Pool and carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the Minutes of June 22, 1999, Regular Meeting, as presented. 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 the following requests:
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.
Accounts Allowed/Courts-Judges
Request to approve and authorize appropriate signatures on the following:
Satisfaction and Release of Fine for Betty Ster, in the amount of $500.00, dated May 24, 1999, and recorded in Official Records Book 1719, pages 1019 and 1020.
Satisfaction and Release of Fine for Faye and Danny Goble, in the amount of $250.00, dated May 24, 1999, and recorded in Official Records Book 1719, pages 1017 and 1018.
Satisfaction of Judgment, State of Florida vs. Dawn Bush, Case No. 97-873-MM-A-01-AC, in the amount of $285.00.
Satisfaction of Judgment, State of Florida vs. Lawrence Robert Campbell, Case No. 84-8578TT00160, in the amount of $250.00.
Release of Fine, Bobby Russell, Jr. and Toni L. Russell, arising from the Order of Fine in the amount of $7,500.00, Official Records Book 1651 Pages 1087 and 1088.
Bonds - Contractor
Request to approve Contractor Bonds, as follows:
New and Continuation
5363-99 David Palmer
Cancellation
5316-99 Anthonius McKay/Crummers Roofing Enterprises, Inc.
Accounts Allowed/County Property
Request to approve list of items to be deleted from Fixed Assets for the month of July, 1999, in the amount of $7,668.00
COUNTY MANAGER'S CONSENT AGENDA
On a motion by Commr. Gerber, seconded by Commr. Hanson and carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the following requests:
Accounts Allowed/Grants/Libraries
Request for approval to submit the Orlando Sentinel Family Fund Literacy Grant application to establish an ongoing volunteer literacy program in each of the Lake County Library System Member Libraries. The grant, in the amount of $16,600.00 will be used to pay consultant fees and to purchase books and materials.
Accounts Allowed/Economic Development
Request for approval of one-year extension of option to buy 20 acres in the Christopher C. Ford Industrial Park to Maritec Industries, Inc. in the amount of $10,000.00.
Accounts Allowed/Contracts, Leases & Agreements
Request for approval for the Chairman to execute a second amendment to the Maintenance Agreement with Sylvan Shores Association, Inc. relating to Sylvan Shores Park. The County is to pay half the cost to maintain the park (the County now pays $1,350.00 per year).
Contracts, Leases & Agreements/Fairgrounds
Request for approval and execution of the Lease Agreement between Lake County and the Lake Agriculture and Youth Fair Association, Inc. for next year's fair for the period of March 25, 2000 through April 28, 2000.
Accounts Allowed/Industrial Park
Request for approval to reimburse Robert Ackerbloom for Phase II Utility Extensions for utility services on Independence Drive, in the Christopher C. Ford Industrial Park, provided for by Belleview Construction, in the amount of $24,820.00.
Assessments/Resolutions
Request for approval of authorization and execution of a Resolution which initiates the annual process for updating the Assessment Roll and directs the re-imposition of Fire Rescue Assessments for the Fiscal Year beginning October 1, 1999.
Accounts Allowed/Contracts, Leases & Agreements/Landfills/Solid Waste
Request for approval of authorization to award RFP #99-002, encumber funds and authorize a contract to USL City Environmental Services of Florida, Inc., to provide hazardous waste management services to the County in the amount of $150,000.00. Funding will be from the Landfill Enterprise Fund, Solid Waste Disposal Operations, Contractual Services.
Risk Management
Request for approval to authorize the Chairman to execute IRS Form 5500 and Schedule F - Annual Return/Report of Employee Benefit Plan.
Accounts Allowed/Risk Management
Request for approval of a Workers' Compensation Settlement, in the amount of $5,000.00 and authorization for the Chairman to execute the appropriate documents.
Accounts Allowed/Risk Management
Request for approval of a Workers' Compensation Settlement, in the amount of $67,084.12 plus guideline attorney's fees and authorization for the Chairman to execute the appropriate documents.
Accounts Allowed/Subdivisions
Request for approval of authorization to release a letter of credit for performance in the amount of $386,000.00 that was posted for Harbor Hills Phase 3 subdivision. Subdivision is located in Commissioner District 5.
Public Works/Resolutions
Request for approval of a Resolution authorizing the posting of speed limit signs on the following roads:
Hibiscus Road (4-9079)
Jasmine Road (4-9079A)
Rose Road (4-9079B)
Magnolia Road (4-9079C)
Carnation Road (4-9079D)
Gardenia Road (4-9079E)
Camellia Road (4-9079F)
Azalea Road (4-9079G)
Poinsettia Road (4-9079H)
Forest Road No. 573 (5-9075)
Accounts Allowed/Committees/County Policy/Public Works
Request for approval to advertise for General Transportation Planning and Engineering Service Consultant Projects, in the amount of $75,000.00 for FY 1999/2000. This includes approval of the selection and negotiation committee, approval of the recommended procedure, and waiving of portions of sections II.K; III.D.3.c; and III.E.1. of Section 4 (Policy #LCC-19) of the Lake County Purchasing Manual. The referenced sections mandate the members of the selection and negotiation committees.
Roads-County & State/Public Works
Request for approval to advertise a public hearing on August 17, 1999 for adoption of the 2000-2004 Road Impact Fee Capital Improvements Program.
ADDENDUM NO. 1
COUNTY MANAGER'S CONSENT AGENDA
Road Vacations - Permission to Advertise
Request for approval to advertise Vacation Petition No. 905 by Nancy Eshelman to vacate right of way, Dora Manor Subdivision, Sec. 25, Twp. 19S, Rge. 26E, Mt. Dora area - Commissioner District 3.
Road Vacations - Permission to Advertise
Request for approval to advertise Vacation Petition No. 905 by Nancy Eshelman to vacate right of way, Dora Manor Subdivision, Sec. 25, Twp. 19S, Rge. 26E, Mt. Dora area - Commissioner District 3.
COUNTY MANAGER'S DEPARTMENTAL BUSINESS
ACCOUNTS ALLOWED/CONTRACTS, LEASES & AGREEMENTS
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT/INDUSTRIAL PARK
Mr. Bruce Duncan, Economic Development Director, addressed the Board to discuss the request for approval of the Real Estate Purchase and Sales Agreement between Lake County and Hi-Tech America Development, for the purchase of approximately 30 acres, at $35,000 an acre, for a total of $1,050,000.00, at the Christopher C. Ford Industrial Park. Mr. Duncan stated that Mr. Ken Franklin and Mr. Jack Lavender, who are involved with the company, were present today for the discussion. He explained that this is a Canadian company, and this will be their first United States facility, and the first of 12 that they anticipate building throughout the United States of America. Mr. Duncan stated that it is a high tech manufacturing facility, which meets two of the County's primary objectives, as far as economic development is concerned. The company manufactures lightweight concrete homes, and the facility will create about 53 jobs. Mr. Duncan stated that the Industrial Development Authority (IDA) had the opportunity to see the types of homes they manufacture. The homes can be constructed on the site within three to five days after they are manufactured by the company, and there is no wood used in the construction of the home. He noted that they are 30 percent cheaper than a conventional home that is built on site. Mr. Duncan stated that there is no real estate commission on this agreement, and it will be a net sale to the County. At this time, the Board watched a video, which explained that the manufacturing of the product would involve no wood, it would be environmentally friendly, and it would be recyclable. Mr. Duncan showed a picture of the facility that will be built at the Park noting that it will be constructed out of the product it manufactures.
Mr. Ken Franklin addressed the Board and stated that the system is very environmentally friendly, and all of the products are completely recyclable. Mr. Franklin explained that the process used even recycles the dust, so it can be rebatched with concrete and reproduced. He presented two video tapes and handout material to the Commissioners for their review.
On a motion by Commr. Pool, seconded by Commr. Hanson and carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved a request for approval of the Real Estate Purchase and Sales Agreement between Lake County and Hi-Tech America Development, for the purchase of approximately 30 acres, at $35,000 an acre, for a total of $1,050,000.00, at the Christopher C. Ford Industrial Park.
Mr. Duncan explained that they hoped to close by the end of the year, and even though there is a closing drop dead date no later than April, 2000, they anticipate closing before then.
CONTRACTS, LEASES & AGREEMENTS/GROWTH MANAGEMENT
Mr. Sandy Minkoff, County Attorney, presented the request for approval of the Settlement Agreement between The Greater Construction Corporation and Lake County as the result of a Special Master Hearing held June 21, 1999. Mr. Minkoff explained that all of the property owners were notified in this subdivision, approximately 800 of them, and a Special Master Hearing was held. He stated that two residents came to the hearing who agreed to the settlement.
Commr. Gerber declared a conflict of interest, because her husband's business does work with The Greater Construction Corporation.
On a motion by Commr. Pool, seconded by Commr. Hanson and carried by a 4-0 vote, the Board approved the request for approval of a Settlement Agreement between The Greater Construction Corporation and Lake County, as stated above.
Commr. Gerber abstained from voting on the issue.
MUNICIPALITIES/ROADS-COUNTY & STATE/PUBLIC WORKS
CONTRACTS, LEASES & AGREEMENTS
Mr. Tony Otte, City Manager, addressed the Board to discuss the request from the City of Leesburg for assistance on the road work involving County Road 44, which is known as Main Street in downtown Leesburg. Mr. Otte stated that this section of County road is subject to an Interlocal Agreement dated February 8, 1989, which provides joint maintenance responsibilities, which he quoted as follows: "The County will be responsible for capital improvements to Main Street such as road resurfacing, replacement of traffic signals and intersection improvements and surface maintenance as deemed necessary by the County. The City will be responsible for routine maintenance of Main Street to include traffic signal maintenance, signing, striping, utility permitting, driveway permitting, and maintenance of the right-of-way. The cost and/or work involved and any change in the existing parking configuration along Main Street will be the responsibility of the City." He stated that meetings have been held with the County Public Works staff since 1996 that encouraged the City to go forward with the project, and to look for the County to participate. Mr. Otte stated that, at a meeting held on November 3, 1998, County staff said that the County would be able to participate in this project and pay for 50% of the base concrete for the curb and gutter and sidewalk and pay for the overlay of the road in its entirety, as well as consider lights, if there is a need. In a letter to City staff dated April 6, 1999, Mr. Jim Stivender, Senior Director, Public Works, said the County would pay for half of the costs of three eight-phase cabinets for traffic signals, but on May 7, 1999, the City received a letter from Mr. Stivender that states that, while they agree that the County should fund certain items in this project, and noting that there are no County gas tax revenues available to assist in funding the project, and without a competitive bid, even if a funding source is found, they will not be able to pay for any of the project, even though a City Attorney said that all statutory requirements for competitive bidding have been met. Mr. Otte stated that, within the last two weeks, after the City had assurances from County staff that two dump trucks would be provided to help them with demolition removal, that was rescinded. The value of the work being done that has been identified through joint staff meetings, as the County's responsibility, is $447,459. He stated that, if funding is tight, the City suggests working out a payment over two or more years, an idea that was suggested by County staff at the first meeting in 1996, when $100,000 for each of two years was offered. In addition, they would offer for the Board's consideration a request to amend the existing Interlocal Agreement and have the City take on more responsibility, and in fact, the complete maintenance of this section of Main Street.
Mr. Richard Coates, Public Works Director, City of Leesburg, presented a brief overview of the project, in terms of its location and the work to be done, and stated that many of the improvements that will be made are needed now. Mr. Coates showed some slides which depicted the seriousness of the problems that they are trying to overcome with improvements to the sidewalks and drains. Mr. Coates distributed a cost breakdown to the Board for consideration and noted that the project was broken down into three categories, County responsibility, City responsibility, and assessments by property owners on Main Street, with costs being determined after many meetings with the County, which he reviewed with the Board at this time. He stated that Mr. Stivender had indicated to him that typically, when they do joint projects, the County does not pay for general conditions, mobilization, and demobilization, so the City bears the entire cost for those particular items.
Commr. Hanson questioned the figure of $116,063, which was reflected on the original sheet of costs received by the Board dated May, 1999.
Mr. Coates explained that the City, in its discussions, anticipated getting some additional resources to offset the portion that the County would not be able to come up with for the project, so it was a note that the City may have to supplement the County's source.
Commr. Pool addressed the figure being shown for sidewalks and questioned whether this amount included decorative sidewalks. He stated that, while the County's responsibility may be 50%, it should be for the basic sidewalk and not the decorative sidewalk. He felt that the additional amount for decorative sidewalks should be excluded in its entirety.
Commr. Hanson questioned how much of this project could be related to storm water and whether the City has thought of requesting funds from the Water Authority and being a partner in the storm water aspect of the project.
Mr. Coates explained that the City has not considered a partnership with the Water Authority, because it does not see storm water as a major problem.
Mr. Otte stated that the City has an extensive storm water master plan, and its first priority is Carver Heights, which experienced flooding during December, 1997. The City just received a $2 million grant to retrofit storm water there, and to put in retention ponds to keep water from going into Lake Griffin. The area being discussed now by Fountain Lake is in the Whispering Pines Basin, and there is a future plan to purchase some property and put in a retention area near Fountain Lake.
Mr. Coates clarified that the City is not improving the pipeline beyond Main Street.
Mr. Chet Blackmon, Leesburg City Commissioner, Mayor Pro tem, addressed the Board and stated that he was presented with the City's budget last night, and it is over $100 million. He supported pulling the financing for the City's portion of the downtown project from the Utility Fund, because the money spent for this area is probably the City's strongest economic tool. Since 1994, the City has had almost $8 million in private reinvestment spent in this ten block area. In this ten block area, the City can document over 270 new jobs since 1994, with most of these jobs being self-employed small businesses, and the money spent for the project will increase revenue in the future. He clarified that the $1,363,462 is actually being borrowed from the Utility Fund, which will be repaid from the Redevelopment Agency as the money comes in, and the program is already generating about $160,000 a year.
Mr. Tom Welch, owner of Florida Porch, 706 West Main Street, Leesburg, read a letter he composed and sent to the Board over the weekend, which addressed the renovation and revitalization of the downtown historic section of the City. Mr. Welch stated that the County's commitment to financial involvement is critical, because the quality completion of current and proposed improvements depends on it. He stated that Metro-Orlando is projected to remain the fastest growing metropolitan area in the United States over the next ten years. He explained that, if downtown is moving forward, the rest of the city and outlying areas are generally progressing in the right direction, and this is one primary reason Lake County's investment along Main Street in Historic Downtown Leesburg should be considered a high priority opportunity. His letter pointed out that Leesburg is part of the County's cultural and architectural heritage, and efforts are underway to declare the eligible section of downtown located along Main Street as the City's first historic district. He noted that economic revitalization will continue, new businesses will attract community support, and the crime rate will drop. Mr. Welch asked the Board to consider this request a high priority and approval by creative means, if necessary.
Ms. Sanna Henderson stated that she has spent most of her life in Leesburg, and she was a City Commissioner for 15 years. Ms. Henderson presented some history about the City of Leesburg and Main Street and noted that Leesburg is oldest city (1857) in Lake County. She stated that this is a plan that will revitalize downtown, and there are so many people in the community pulling towards the same goal. She is the President of the Historic Preservation Board, and they are working toward making the Main Street area the first historic district. Ms. Henderson noted that the County has been successful with historic projects like the courthouse, and with the revitalization of downtown Leesburg, its heritage can be preserved. She asked that the Board support this project.
Mr. Arthur Middleton, Pastor of the Mount Cavalry Baptist Church, Leesburg, stated that he is the Chairman of the Board for the Community Development Cooperation of Leesburg and Vicinity, and he was here to speak on unity in the community. After seeing the condition of the City and its residents, Mr. Middleton has tried to come up with a way to rectify some of the conditions, and he realized he could not do it alone. Mr. Middleton asked the City to become a partner with the Community Development Cooperation, which it did. They have started a Unity Supper Club at the Community Building in Leesburg where people can get to know each other. He believes that this project will be one of the greatest accomplishments of the City, and he was asking for the Board's support, and the City of Leesburg's support, to renovate and redevelop Main Street, because he feels it will trickle down to the other parts of the community.
Mr. Harlow Middleton stated that he was asked to come to the meeting and give a success story. Mr. Middleton stated that he moved to Mount Dora in September, 1970, and at that time, there were 17 empty store buildings downtown. He stated that, over the years, and he was a part of it in the 1980s, a Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) was developed, which was crucial to dealing with the infrastructure needs of the downtown and Highland Street areas. He further stated that Highland Street is a very good example of a partnership between the County, the City of Mount Dora, and the CRA, and this whole area has been revitalized and is part of a real success story. Mr. Middleton stated that this area in Leesburg has major economic development implications. Itt is an area that is tax producing and an area where jobs have been created, and it has unified that area of town with downtown. Mr. Middleton recommended that, if the Board wants to put its dollars where it will get it back, this is the kind of thing that Leesburg is talking about.
Mr. Wendy Husebo stated that he has lived in the Leesburg area for five decades. Mr. Husebo stated that the focal point of the revitalization of downtown Leesburg will be the town square, which will have visual impacts. He stated that the revitalization project is going to happen now, because of people like the Board who have vision and resources and can make it happen. He further stated that newness attracts, and it will attract people and business, which adds up to an improved economy where everyone will benefit. He hopes the Board will find a way, and the resources, to help them financially.
Mr. Otte addressed the issue of bonding and stated that the City just went to market on a $28 million bond, and anything less than $2 million is not feasible for a bond.
Commr. Cadwell stated that he did not know what the intention of the Board was right now, but it was his opinion that, since the Board was starting its budget workshop this afternoon, he did not think the Board could make a firm decision for the City of Leesburg, until the request was weighed against the other needs that were going to be brought forward to the Board.
Commr. Hanson asked Mr. Stivender to get the figures and go back and determine if he agrees with what the normal costs would be to the County for such a project.
Commr. Pool commended the City of Leesburg on its presentation. He stated that he thought is was common practice that the County turn over the maintenance of roads that are through a city.
Mr. Stivender explained that the State of Florida functionally classified this road through town as a collector and asked for it be the responsibility of the County, and to transfer it to the City, it would have to be in its entirety and be 100 percent within the City limits, which it is not. In terms of impact fees, Mr. Stivender noted that it would actually reduce capacity rather than enhance it.
Commr. Gerber stated that there has been a pretty good effort putting this together, and for the Board's information, a lot of this stems from the fact that there has been a reliance for the past four years during conversations that the City has had with the County, but to do this, the County is going to have to find some money. She feels that this will be the project that will turn the downtown around, and she will work to try and find a way to get the money for the City of Leesburg.
Commr. Hanson asked Mr. Stivender, while working with Mr. Otte, to look at the storm water opportunities.
Mr. Stivender stated that storm water was one of the issues from the beginning and the resurfacing of the road, the curb work, and signals. He stated that one key issue is that, in November, 1998, the City had proposed a set of plans to the County, and the County started breaking down that set of plans, and this was after the budget was adopted this year. He stated that the County is now right in the process of looking at the budget, and it can look and see where this can fit in. Mr. Stivender noted that he will be presenting the five year capital improvements for roads on August 17, 1999.
Commr. Hanson suggested that Mr. Otte talk to the Water Authority to see if there is a possibility of some funding for storm water.
Commr. Swartz stated that the project being proposed by Leesburg is a good project, and he feels it would be worth the expense, if it can be redeveloped and become a downtown and a community. He listened to the chronology of the County meetings with the City, and over that period of time, the gas tax revenues have become totally inadequate to even maintain the existing road network that the County has today. The Board has looked at increasing the gas tax, and increasing it to the five cents that the legislature allows counties to do, which would provide an additional $1.2 million or less to the cities, and it would result in $2.5 million in additional revenue for the County every year. Commr. Swartz stated that the Board has failed to adopt the additional five cent gas tax, and as a result, in this year's budget, the County is spending zero dollars on resurfacing in Lake County. He stated that the Board will look during its budget process to see whether it can identify some monies to help with the project that it tends to have some responsibility to help with. He stated that the Board needs to realize that the roads in the County are one of the most important things that the County has and it needs to address that issue, but unfortunately it cannot address it again this year, because July 1 was the last opportunity that the County had to enact the additional five cents for next year. He would encourage Leesburg to go to the League of Cities and try to bring some sense to that decision that opposed the additional five cent gas tax, because even without the County's participation, it would be bringing in enough money for the City to do it by itself. He also encouraged the City to work with County staff, and if the County needs to functionally reclassify Main Street, it needs to do this and turn it over to the City of Leesburg, because it even more so becomes a local street than a County collector. Commr. Swartz encouraged the City to help the County, over the course of the next year, to increase the gas tax, and then it will have the revenue, not only for this project, but to maintain and expand the road projects it has in Lake County.
REPORTS - COUNTY ATTORNEY
SUBDIVISIONS
Mr. Sandy Minkoff, County Attorney, presented the request for approval of a Release of Lien as to Lot 21, Block "C" Pine Lakes Subdivision between Marshall and Betty Gaard.
Commr. Hanson stated that she has another piece of property under contract, but it is dependent on getting all of these liens released before it can sell, and she questioned whether she would have a conflict.
Mr. Minkoff stated that Commr. Hanson would not have a conflict on this particular piece, but she would on the other piece when it comes through to the Board.
On a motion by Commr. Hanson, seconded by Commr. Pool and carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the request, as stated above.
CITIZEN QUESTION AND COMMENT PERIOD
It was noted that no one present wished to address the Board with questions, comments or concerns.
RECESS & REASSEMBLY
At 10:25 a.m., the Chairman announced that the Board would recess for 15 minutes.
REPORTS - COMMISSIONER POOL - DISTRICT #2
BONDS/WATER AUTHORITY
Commr. Pool stated that he would like to address an idea that he has put forth regarding storm water and how best the County can handle storm water. He stated that his concept is to take proceeds that the Water Authority generates today, which is about $2.3 million a year, and to bond this money, which would equate to $23 million over a ten year period, and to address the need for storm water, and to be able to manage the storm water, in a very short time. He stated that the Water Authority is geared up and has the responsibility and the ability to levy this fee, if it can get the legislature's approval to allow them to be able to bond this money over a lengthy period of time, in order to address storm water in a very short period of time.
Commr. Hanson stated that she appreciates Commr. Pool's idea, because it has been about two years ago that she presented the very same idea to the Water Authority and got no where. She stated that the Water Authority is geared up and has the ability to deal with the storm water, and to raise the millage to one mill, and bonding it out would raise significant dollars. There is no point in the County creating a whole new staff force to deal with storm water when the Water Authority can deal with it, and it can partner with the Public Works Department.
Commr. Pool presented the Board members with a copy of the Water Authority's charter, which he stated truly speaks to the fact that they are responsible and have the ability to tax to get the job done, and with a bond, with the Board's approval, and with the legislature's approval, the County can get this job done, and it can see storm water brought to the forefront, and it can see storm water retention facilities built in a matter of one year that will protect the lakes for future generations. He explained that the Water Authority has the ability to bond, not to exceed one year and $35,000, but if it can bond it out over a ten year window of opportunity, that would equate to $23 million, and if they see fit, a portion could go to some land purchases. He stated that the Water Authority has the ability, and the responsibility, to build these retention areas and pick where they need to go and let them decide, and together, the County and Water Authority can work this out. It is a good plan, and it would not increase taxes. Commr. Pool stated that he will research this idea further, and the key is that he would like to have the Board to say it is a pretty good plan, or a good idea, and if the legislature would agree to allow the bond, then the Board will need to go to the Water Authority requesting their permission to request the bond. He wants this to be a win-win situation and a partnership.
Commr. Cadwell stated that, if the Board goes to the legislature and increases the power of the Water Authority to tax, and those being non-elected officials, then he would have a philosophical problem, and being appointed by the Governor, he would assume that they would have some power within their own Board to do and not do some of these things, and this Board needs to make sure that this would be something that they are interested in doing.
Commr. Gerber stated that one option would be to have the elected Board come under the County Commissioners, and they are leaning toward staying independent and having the elected Board, which she feels is fine.
Mr. Sandy Minkoff, County Attorney, pointed out that, with this proposal, it would take a countywide referendum, because ad valorem taxes cannot be pledged without a referendum, so even if the legislature changed the Act, it would still take a referendum to do any bonding. He clarified that the Constitution provides that any local government, including the County, cannot borrow for more than 12 months using ad valorem monies for a pledge, unless you have a referendum, and that would apply to the County or to them.
Commr. Cadwell asked that Commr. Pool meet with Mr. Minkoff, and Mr. Minkoff to give the Board something in writing on the legal aspects of how that would work.
Commr. Pool stated that he wanted the Chairman, or a member of the Board, to go to the Water Authority with at least this idea in mind. He stated that he met with the Save Our Lakes Committee in Clermont, and he has contacted several members of the Water Authority about this issue, and he would like to present this plan as an idea of partnershipping, and as an opportunity to work together to resolve once and for all storm water problems throughout the County. He believes that the people in Lake County would support a referendum, not to increase taxes, but giving them the ability to bond to build the storm water retention facilities that are needed today.
Commr. Cadwell suggested that it was Commr. Pool's idea, and he should go and talk to the Water Authority about it, and in the mean time, Mr. Minkoff can draw up the legal aspects of how that would work and the limitations of the Board.
Commr. Gerber stated that she would include the Legislative Delegation, because if they are going to move forward with the elected situation, then they can put whatever they want in the Special Act, but Commr. Pool should remember that the Water Authority is an independent Board.
Commr. Pool stated that he would like to at least get the Water Authority to agree that the Board needs the ability to bond, because without the ability to bond, the County cannot do anything about storm water.
Commr. Cadwell stated that the policy making Board of the Water Authority needs to have a presentation by Commr. Pool about his idea, to see if there is any interest there.
Mr. Minkoff explained that the charter that was presented to the Board is the original charter, and it is not up-to-date, because it has been amended several times. Commr. Gerber has asked his office to do some research regarding the Special Act issue, and as part of that, he will be giving a memorandum to each Board member, and an updated complete charter.
Commr. Swartz stated that Lake County government has the ability, with all of the revenue sources it may choose to take, to step forward and deal, to the extent that the majority of this Board wants to, with storm water any day it wants to, and it does not have to try and spend the Water Authority's money, as being suggested by some of the Commissioners, because they are not elected. He explained that this Board is elected, and it is supposed to provide a certain amount of leadership. Commr. Swartz stated that he will be coming forward with a proposal that he feels takes the responsibilities that they have as County Commissioners and puts them forward on this issue. He stated that one of the reasons he has been advocating the gas tax as strongly as he has is that, if the Board took the five cents that the new gas tax would bring in and used it for some of the existing road requirements, it would free up some of the existing gas tax that the County currently has that could legitimately be used to pay for storm water improvements. He noted that it is primarily the roads that are contributing to the storm water issue. He stated that the Water Authority has a tremendous land acquisition program this would put in peril, and they have bought over 6,000 acres in the last few years. They are providing storm water grants to cities now, and they are doing more than the County is doing. Commr. Swartz stated that this Board has the ability to step forward on storm water issues anytime, and he is going to put a proposal on the table during the budget session that will allow this Board to decide whether it is serious about dealing with storm water, or it simply wants to take another agency's money and try and spend it. He does not support Commr. Pool going to the Water Authority with this idea, because he feels it is irresponsible, and it says, to not only the Water Authority, but to the citizens of Lake County, that it wants to do something with storm water, but it does not have the courage to step forward and either pass a gas tax that would provide money that it can use for storm water, or pass a portion of a millage that could provide for storm water. The Water Authority has already shown that it is working with the Board, because they have been spending, for the last couple of years, $300,000 a year on grants mostly to cities, but he thinks it is open to others. Commr. Swartz stated that he supports, if this Board is serious about dealing with storm water, stepping up to the table and imposing whatever additional fees, if it thinks additional fees are necessary, and appropriating the funds that it believes, on a yearly basis, it can appropriately spend. He does not support going to the Water Authority and would not want to be a part of it.
Commr. Cadwell stated that this Board has tried to work together, and it has brought together ideas before that it may have disagreed on, and if anyone read this charter, he would say that part of the Water Authority's job is the control of the drainage and those types of things and the water quality. If a Commissioner brings an idea forward, he feels that the Board should talk about it and decide what to do as a Board. Commr. Cadwell stated that, as far as the Water Authority's money, it is no different than the Board's money, and it is not their money, it is the taxpayers' money, and he feels that elected officials are the best ones to decide how to spend the taxpayers' money, in regards to that issue.
Commr. Pool clarified that he does not want to spend any of the Water Authority's money, and he would like for them to have the opportunity to say which basins are important to them. He wants them to do what the Governor has given them the responsibility to do and that is to manage the County's drainage, storm water and floods. If the Board goes to the Water Authority asking them for this opportunity to agree to bond, it gives them much needed dollars today to build the storm water retention facilities today, or within a year. He stated that the Board would be helping them spend their money wisely, and they will spend it, they will choose when and where, and they will determine how much is spent on each basin. Commr. Pool stated that the Board needs to address this problem, and he feels this is a good idea, and it can only be implemented with the legislature, the Water Authority, and the approval of the people, and he would like to put it forward.
REPORTS - COMMISSIONER HANSON - DISTRICT #4
ZONING
Commr. Hanson informed the Board that she and Commr. Pool were at the groundbreaking for the Turning Point Ranch, and she hopes it is going to be a good partnership for the neighborhood in the area.
RECESS & REASSEMBLY
At 11:15 a.m., the Chairman announced that the Board would recess for ten minutes.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
BUDGET WORKSHOP - BIENNIAL BUDGET OVERVIEW
Ms. Sue Whittle, County Manager, stated that staff was submitting its first Biennial Budget for Fiscal Years 2000 and 2001. Ms. Whittle stated that staff feels that the Biennial Budget will bring a lot of assistance to the County in not having to spend as much time every year on the budget, and it will strengthen the sound, long-range planning. She explained that a County budget can be divided into three basic areas - administrative services, mandates, and community investment. Ms. Whittle stated that this will continue the County's tradition of minimizing the fiscal impact of County administrative functions, so it can fund State and Federal mandated programs and enhance the quality services provided to its citizens; continue to build an economically balanced, sustainable community, and support the amenities and opportunities that define the special character of Lake County. Ms. Whittle reviewed the Ongoing Tenets, as listed on Page 1 of the budget book provided to the Board and stated that the Fiscal Recommendations presented in the two-year budget include the following:
Note: If the budget is adopted as presented, projections call for a $5.033 millage rate for FY 2001.
Ms. Whittle stated that, if the Board looked historically at Lake County's millage over this decade, this year's millage would be less countywide than the millage that was established in 1992.
Ms. Whittle presented the following Budget Highlights:
Ms. Whittle stated that, on the revenue side of the budget, the County lost a good bit of Revenue Sharing with the decision of the legislature on the intangible tax. It was supposed to be partially offset by the reduction in the retirement rates, and there were substantial reductions across the Board in retirement rates. The net effect to the General Fund was a loss of $430,000. She stated that the revenues were strong from the State, with the Half-Cent Revenue Sharing increasing 7.8% over the prior year (approximately $500,000). The assessed taxable value of all properties increased 9.2% over the final roll from FY 1999, which will produce an additional $2.8 million at the current millage. She noted that there were minor increases in revenue that brought in about $400,000 from other sources. Ms. Whittle explained that staff will be bringing forth a policy recommendation to ensure that the County will always have sufficient cash to pay the bills for the first couple of months before it begins to collect the taxes, and this will establish economic stabilization reserve at 5% of expenditures, which would be money that cannot be appropriated.
Ms. Whittle stated that the base line budget, under Capital Maintenance, adds three positions for preventive maintenance. She stated that, in Community Investment, staff is looking at the development of Lake Idamere, Phase 1, and hopefully next year the completion of the South Lake Rails/Trails, and staff was looking at some additional funding in Mosquito and Aquatic Weed Control. In the Geographic Information Systems Division, staff is working on the parcel based maps and have included $200,000 to help that process to be completed faster, and some money was added for technology upgrades for securities and efficiencies. She noted that these were the things that are included at the base line budget.
Ms. Whittle addressed the Competitive Compensation and Benefits Package and stated that the salary study should be completed by October 1, 2000. This year the process that will go in will be the pay for performance, which will mean that salary increases will be done by merit only, and there will not be an automatic cost of living for the Board of Commissioners on October 1. The budgets were calculated using the same method as prior years with salary increases of 4.4% in 2000 and 4.5% in 2001. Ms. Whittle stated that, in Personnel, 21 positions were added in the base line budget, which she reviewed with the Board, as noted on Page 6.
Ms. Whittle stated that the Capital Outlay for the FY 2000 is $28.4 million, which is a 21% decrease over FY 1999, with the main reason being the paving of the roads. It was noted that major capital expenditures are slated using Road Impact Fees ($14 million) and Infrastructure Sales Tax ($6.5 million). The Infrastructure Sales Tax capital projects scheduled for completion or near-completion in FY 2000 include the following:
Ms. Whittle stated that two fire stations are expected to be completed in FY 2000, one facility at South Lake and one at Bay Lake/Clermont area.
Ms. Whittle stated that three key assumptions have driven the detailed development of this recommended budget: future funding and cost containment, prioritization of capital and service needs, and streamlining/efficiency measures, which she reviewed in detail from the information provided on Pages 7 and 8. She was recommending $607,214 in enhancements in the General Fund; an additional $488,603 in the Fire and Rescue Services Fund (six firefighter/EMT's and three District Chiefs); an additional $282,000 in the County Transportation Trust Fund; and an additional $37,302 in the Solid Waste Management Services Fund.
Ms. Whittle stated that, in order to streamline and be more efficient in the County operations, staff has included countywide bench marking and included a number of cost savings, for example, the telephone services where renegotiated contracts in that office saved the County $54,000. She also noted that the volunteers, in the time they donated to the County, saved the County over $100,000, and they brought the citizen's perspective into the County's operations.
Ms. Whittle noted that, in 1990, the Christopher C. Ford Industrial Park was a vision. Today, 17 parcels are either under contract or have been sold totaling $5.6 million. Current and projected buildings add another $60 million to the County's tax base, and 702 jobs have been created at an average hourly wage of $11.08. She stated that the Horticultural Learning Center is now three years old and has achieved critical acclaim from the public and the press. They expect it to attract over 5,000 visitors annually, and approximately 10,000 citizens are expected to participate in continuing and new programs at the Center.
Ms. Whittle stated that the County could not have accomplished the goals indicated without the participation of its citizens, the Constitutional Officers, the Board, volunteers and the County staff, and she extended a special thanks to all of them, and to the Budget Staff, Sarah R. LaMarche, C.P.A., Senior Director; Tracy L. Zeller, C.G.F.O., Budget Manager; Julia A. Wilson, Budget Coordinator; and Linda J. Lorentz, Budget Assistant.
Ms. Sara LaMarche, Senior Director, Department of Fiscal and Administrative Services, explained the format of the budget book to the Commissioners and noted that Page 9, which reflects the Major Revenue Sources - General Fund, shows that ad valorem taxes are increasing. She stated that, on Page 10, the information provided shows what has been happening to the State Revenue Sharing and what the projections are for the following years, and it shows the Excess Fees, which are anticipated to be low this year and not much better in the next couple of years. Ms. LaMarche noted that Page 13 contains the Fiscal Policy Statement - General Fund Reserves and involves the recommended fiscal policies for the budget, as well as a fund balance analysis and proposed fund balance reconfiguration. As the Board continues throughout the first section of the budget book, staff has provided as much detail in this section as it has ever had in any other budget. She noted that Page 16 reflects a list of Requested Enhancements for FY 2000 and FY 2001 noting that it has been stressed that the dollars and positions are being budgeted for two years. She further noted that Page 25 reflects a Summary by Fund. Ms. LaMarche stated that Pages 28 through 30 provided Revenues by Source, Expenditures by Department, and Reserves and Contingencies. She stated that a Summary and History of Authorized Full-Time Positions could be found on the following pages.
PRESENTATION: SOLID WASTE BIENNIAL BUDGET
Mr. Don Post, Senior Director, Solid Waste, appeared before the Board to present an overview of the budget for the Department of Solid Waste Management Services. Mr. Post informed the Board that there have been a couple more buyouts in the solid waste industry, so there has been continued consolidation within the solid waste industry. He stated that, at the Fiscal Retreat in 1996, staff brought to the Board information that there was going to be some type of increase in outlying years due to the debt service on the bond issue for the Ogden Martin plant. In addition, there are additional costs for the nitros oxides (DeNOx) retrofit for the Ogden Martin plant, and those projected costs are included in this budget presentation. Mr. Post noted the following figures for Fund 420, which reflects the dollar increases for the Ogden Martin contract:
Mr. Post stated that the Discussion Topics would be the $20.57 increase in tipping fees over a two year period to meet the fixed cost increase of the contract, and that would be $1.2 million in the FY 2000, and $2 million in FY 2001, for a total of $3.2 million. He stated that staff realizes that there is going to be a litter problem associated with the increased costs, so as alternate means to try and get away from paying for garbage disposal, staff is looking at an enhanced recycling program. In the future, staff may have to discuss with the Board some type of universal collection method, because if the County's rates do increase, Lake County will become number one in the State for tipping fees, and that will probably lead to additional seepage of garbage out of Lake County. Mr. Post stated that the Board has approved to do a generation study of the commercial businesses, and based on that information, when it comes back to the Board, if the Board desires to do additional implementation of a commercial billing program, the estimated cost would be $177,739, which includes the first year capital and a new position. This is actually reflected in the enhanced budget, but the actual details will be presented when staff brings back the study on the commercial generation. He stated that their Benchmark is Pinellas County, which has a tipping fee of $37.50 a ton. They have a waste-to-energy plant, and even though Pinellas County is a larger County with more citizens to help pay for it, Lake County is trying to meet the same level of service, and even though it does not look like Lake County will be able to get it at the same cost per ton, it is striving to use it as its Benchmark.
Mr. Post stated that staff originally developed the budget without putting the increases in for the Ogden Martin bill, because they needed to look at the revenue that the County felt would be generated in the future years based on normal flow of the system and on the growth of the County. In the preparation of the budget, staff looked at how much more revenue would be coming in from collection, disposal and tipping fees, to try to start that number out as high as possible to what the County was actually going to generate, so that it could lower or minimize the amount of impact that it would be paying for the Ogden Martin facility. The Amended Budget for FY 98/99 was $13,654,505. They are anticipating that the County will bring in $502,000 more than the amended budget based on growth, so staff is looking at starting the amended budget at the beginning of the new fiscal year at $14,146,000. Staff was estimating $463,094 for FY 1999/2000, outside of fees for Ogden Martin increase, in a combination of collection, disposal and tipping fees. At this point, staff added the additional funding that they perceived would be needed to pay for the Ogden Martin bill. Starting October 1, 2000, the County will need to have the money already set aside for the additional principal payments that will start during that time frame. While the billing will not come in until October 1, 2000, staff is proposing to start collecting money this upcoming fiscal year, so that the money will actually be set aside. This amount of money will be $1,095,000, so this was added between the tipping fees and the disposal fees to get a requested budget for FY 1999/2000 of $15,704,509. In estimating the budget revenues for FY 2000/2001, staff lowered its expectations for the amount of growth in the solid waste stream, based on what staff felt may be a factor of additional seepage out of the solid waste system. So staff estimated additional revenues in the amount of $283,868, and they added the second year tipping fee increase of $2,024,328, which provides a requested budget for FY 2000/2001 of $17,892,361. Mr. Post reviewed the Non-Operating Expenditures/Reserves and stated that the total revenue for the requested budget for FY 1999/2000 is $20,930,568, and the requested budget for FY 2000/2001 is $23,435,302, which includes the additional costs for the Ogden Martin facility.
Commr. Swartz questioned whether staff was confident that the collection projections being used are conservative enough and whether the projections are going to be on target.
Mr. Post stated that staff was not completely confident on the second year based on the additional costs, but staff feels that the County will still have the cities' participation for the first year. He explained that the County's revenue stream has been increasing approximately $600,000 a year. Mr. Post reviewed the Operating Expenditures and noted that the department's operating budget was decreased by over $570,000 to help make up for the increase in the Ogden Martin operating costs. He continued to discuss the Operating Expenditures noting that the Request Budget for FY 99/00 is $13,074,706, and the Requested Budget for FY 00/01 is $15,741,175. He reviewed the Non-Operating Expenditures/Reserves noting that there were separate sheets on Funds 421, 422 and 423 and noted that the Requested Budget for FY 99/00 is $7,855,862 and the Requested Budget for FY 00/01 is $7,694,127.
Commr. Swartz requested a spreadsheet or some accounting of Fund 423, Solid Waste Long Term Capital Projects, since its conception, because he thought the first year there was about $400,000 that was supposed to be going into it. He stated that, if the County keeps increasing the fund by $276,011, there will not be enough money for what it needs to do. He further stated that, if the County maintains this schedule, it will reach a point where it will have to have those new landfills, or other infrastructure, for the solid waste system. The intent was to pay down what it had to borrow, so it would not have to borrow again. Commr. Swartz felt that the County needs to reevaluate this and see where it will be on the schedule, and if it is not on that schedule, the Board needs to either make a decision to try and find revenue to get it on target, or recognize that the result will be that it will have to borrow money at some point again in the future.
Mr. Post discussed the Enhancements for the department and presented additional detailed information on the items listed Pages 7 through 9, Budget Detail.
Commr. Swartz stated that he was very disappointed that Malcolm Pirnie did not catch some of the irregularities that may have existed in the testing and the review of the testing for mercury emissions. He thought that, when the County brought on Malcolm Pirnie, mainly because they do not work for the incinerator industry, they work for the government side of the equation, that it was going to be a very good choice for the County, but he still does not understand why the mercury emission controls, that were put on the system that the taxpayers are paying for in Lake County, did not stop those mercury emissions. Before the County goes forward with any future contract with Malcolm Pirnie, he wants to make sure that they are going to know what is going on at the Ogden Martin Facility and relay it to staff.
Mr. Post explained that staff has received a tentative response from Malcolm Pirnie where Ogden Martin failed to share some information, and he will be presenting a formal report to the Board.
Mr. Sandy Minkoff, County Attorney, explained that the County Attorney's Office has begun checking the Department of Environmental Protection files (DEP), and it will continue to do so on a fairly regular basis, because some of this information could have been picked up by looking at those files as well, and this process will be added to their contract.
Commr. Cadwell explained that the item regarding the mercury emissions and Ogden Martin will be coming to the Board as an agenda item sometime within the next three weeks.
Mr. Post discussed the leachate plans for the next couple of years, and he reviewed the Invoice Total for the Ogden martin WTE Facility. He explained that the bill will actually go up to $10,823,491 for FY 2002-2003. Between 1996 and this fiscal year, staff has been absorbing the increase cost for the facility in its budget, based on what it is doing in the budget and the growth that has taken place in the County. The County has now gotten to the point where it can no longer absorb these additional dollar growths, because of the bond payments. He stated that in FY 1999 to 2000, they are looking at an increase of $1,095,000, which has been estimated into their budget process, and for FY 2000 to 2001, they have estimated $2,024,328. Mr. Post reviewed the Available Contingency, and stated that staff was proposing a tipping fee of $7.22 for FY 1999-00, in order to meet the $1,095,000, and a tipping fee of $13.35 for FY 2000-01 to meet the $2,024,328. He stated that he feels the County, in the following years, should be able to stay within any increases in the operational budget portion of Ogden Martin based on growth, because the bond will actually level off, and there will be no more increases in the bond payments. He noted that there has been approximately a three percent increase in the O & M in the Ogden Martin's contract each year, but the County should be able to grow its revenue stream enough to pay for it.
Mr. Minkoff explained that, if there are other changes in law, and modifications are required to be made to the plant, this could change all of the numbers, and the burden would be on the County.
Mr. Post explained that this cost is predicated on an estimate that was originally received from Ogden Martin of approximately $2.5 million for the Clean Air Act retrofit for the nitros oxide gases at the plant. Currently working with local staff and with Ogden Martin headquarters, they may be able to get the cost down to less than $2 million. Mr. Post explained that the engineering is being done by a firm that was hired by Ogden Martin, but the County is going through a bidding process for the actual work. The County is working with Malcolm Pirnie and it should be able to save about $600,000 from the original bid by working with Ogden Martin and going through a bidding process. He noted that these costs should be able to reduce the $13.35 tipping fee. Mr. Post noted that information had been provided on the history of the tipping fees, as well as pie charts that show the expenditure breakdown. The budget information also included the Ogden Martin-WTE Billing Summary from 1991 to 1998, as well as the waste stream in Lake County, and Mr. Post noted that, if the tipping fees goes up, that same growth will no longer be there. So, if the fee is raised to $20.57, the County will probably see a significant decrease in the amount of tons to the Ogden Martin plant.
Mr. Post stated that staff was requesting consideration from the Board, during the budget process, for staff to do an advertisement for the rate increase.
The Board discussed when it should take action on the request made by Mr. Post, with it being noted that some of the members wanted to wait on the report that is being developed from the discussions being held with Ogden Martin. It was further noted that the report may not be final until after the deadline indicated by Mr. Post, which was August 1, 1999.
Commr. Cadwell noted that discussion would continue tomorrow on the request made by Mr. Post regarding the advertisement for an increase in tipping fees.
RECESS & REASSEMBLY
At 1:05 p.m., the Chairman announced that the Board would recess until 2:15 p.m.
PRESENTATION: PUBLIC WORKS BIENNIAL BUDGET
Mr. Jim Stivender, Senior Director, Public Works, stated that this year the department will be concentrating their efforts on taking care of the County's clay roads and expanding the safety of the roads. Another highlight involves going on a more aggressive campaign to take an intersection anywhere in rural Lake County and remove all of the signs and start all over again. Mr. Stivender noted that there is about a $3.5 million cut in the budget He addressed the Rails to Trails budget amount and noted that, of the $416,400, about $250,000 is non-reimbursable by the State. He continued to discuss the line items in the General Fund noting the reasons for the estimated costs. Mr. Stivender discussed the Fund Summary, Expenditures - By Program, and Expenditures - By Major Object and stated that, in regards to Fleet Maintenance, there will be a transfer from CTT funds, and he will be turning over a report to Ms. Whittle from Fleet Maintenance where they have indicated that can reduce the amount, in the next year, to $100,000.
Ms. Whittle pointed out that, in Personal Services, there was a .18% increase, which is a result of the reduction in the State Retirement System's rates.
Mr. Stivender continued his discussion by addressing Revenues - By Source, and noted that, under the Local Mitigation Strategy, it was a one time amount of $140,500, which was split with the cities. He noted that the gas taxes were very slow growing funds, but they are steady growers. He pointed out the Charges for Services, Storm Water Review and Subdivision Review, and noted that the County has hired DMG who are specialists in fees, and they will start tomorrow reviewing their fees to see if they are charging the right fees for development review and inspection, so the numbers may be changed, as determined by their study.
Mr. Stivender addressed the Performance Measures listed on Page 5 for the Department of Public Works and noted that the department would like to reduce customer complaints regarding clay roads by five percent each year and reduce accidents/crashes on County and State Road System (annual basis). He highlighted several items listed under Enhancements noting that $100,000 had been listed for repair and maintenance for traffic signals.
Ms. Whittle explained that there were three enhancements for the Transportation Trust Fund, which she had reported to the Board earlier, which totaled $282,000. The traffic signal rebuilding program was included, as well as the purchase of the clay and the backhoes.
Mr. Stivender continued to discuss the Enhancements for the department and noted that program discussions would be held August 17, 1999 with the Board. He noted that, on Page 7, Budget Detail, staff had lowered the number for Countywide resurfacing to about $530,000 and increased the Countywide restriping to about $150,000, and the increased Road Improvements by another $100,000. He further noted that the $50,000 for the Lake County/Orange County Transportation Study is an impact fee reimbursable, which is about $120,000. Mr. Stivender stated that the $57,500 was deferred to FY 2001 for the Leesburg Airport.
Mr. Stivender discussed the Special Assessments (Fund 112) and stated that the $700,000 was taken out at mid-year from the County Share (Forest Hills Subdivision) and Property owner Share (Forest Hills Subdivision), and it is being budgeted back in, because the design will be completed this coming year, and the County will be ready to construct.
Commr. Swartz stated that, under Grants and Aids, he thought the Board had talked about the $40,000 for Senior Services at one of the Board Retreats. He stated that this should not be in Mr. Stivender's budget anymore, and he did not see how the Board could continue to fund this out of gas tax funds given the nature of the gas tax situation.
Commr. Cadwell directed Mr. Stivender to bring to the Board information on this line item, so it will be clear on the matter.
Mr. Stivender continued his discussion of the Budget Detail in the areas of Road Impact Fees (Fund 115) and Mosquito Management State 1 Funds (Fund 116) and Mosquito Management Local Funds (Fund 116), Aquatic Plant Management (Fund 118), and Fleet Maintenance (Fund 540).
Mr. Stivender informed the Board that District 5 is generating $2.5 million in annual revenue, with District 3 being in second place with $1.5 million. The Golden Triangle area generates less than $500,000 a year, so there has been a tremendous drop in revenue, even though the biggest list of projects comes from that area. He stated that the actual expenditures in 1998 for impact fees was a little over $3 million, and the expenditures for 1999 are expected to be about $8.7 million at the close of the year. He stated that the County has a road under contract (North Hancock Road) that it is trying to get it ready, so that they can access the college site prior to the classes opening on August 20, 1999. They will be finishing the First Street project, which is primed to the elementary school from Highway 27, and the traffic signal at Highway 27 and Highway 441 has been warranted. There will also be a signal at the location of intersection of S.R.50 and North Hancock and South Hancock Roads. He will be meeting with Mr. Herman Kicklighter to discuss some of the issues that were discussed at the School Board meeting on Monday night, so their program coincides with the County's program.
Mr. Stivender stated that he had copies of information for the Board pertaining to the clay to pave program, but District 2 was left out, because they had asked them to reassess that district, because there were so many changes, and they wanted them to look at it one more time before it was sent out.
Mr. Stivender noted that the $447,000 being requested by the City of Leesburg was not in his budget.
Mr. Tony Otte, City Manager, City of Leesburg, stated that he would like to get a copy of the budget, so he can review it and ask questions.
Mr. Stivender informed the Board that the County has a new Bicycle Coordinator, and he will bring him around and introduce him to everyone.
Ms. Whittle noted that the budget workshop would start at 9:30 a.m. beginning with the Supervisor of Elections and the Sheriff and Capital Improvements.
There being no further business to be brought to the attention of the Board, the meeting adjourned at 3 p.m.
WELTON G. CADWELL, CHAIRMAN
ATTEST:
JAMES C. WATKINS, CLERK
TMR/BOARDMIN/7-13-99/7-19-99