The Lake County Board of County Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, June 18, 2002, 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: Robert A. Pool, Chairman; Welton G. Cadwell, Vice Chairman; Jennifer Hill; Catherine C. Hanson; and Debbie Stivender. Others present were: Sanford A. (Sandy) Minkoff, County Attorney; William "Bill" Neron, County Manager; Wendy Taylor, Executive Office Manager, Board of County Commissioner's Office; and Sandra Carter, Deputy Clerk.
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE
Commr. Cadwell gave the Invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
AGENDA UPDATE
Commr. Hill informed the Board that she would like to place on the Agenda, under her Reports, a revisit and discussion regarding the Family Crisis Center.
On a motion by Commr. Hill, seconded by Commr. Hanson and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved to place said item on the Agenda.
Commr. Stivender stated that she would like to place on the Agenda, under her Reports,
approval of Resolution No. 2002-95, honoring the Lake County Lakers of the Lake Basketball Association, who won the 2002 12-under AAU State Championship, which was presented at the Board Meeting of June 4, 2002.
On a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Hanson and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved to place said item on the Agenda.
Mr. Bill Neron, County Manager, informed the Board that Tab 13, a request from Human Resources for approval and authorization to pay on-call back pay to Mr. Robert Sustarsic, Maintenance Crew Leader, in the amount of $27,474.71, was being pulled from the Agenda. He noted that there was also an Addendum No. 1, with several items for approval, and an Addendum No. 2, with a presentation by the Trust for Public Lands.
MINUTES
On a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Hanson and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the Minutes of May 21, 2002 (Regular Meeting), as presented.
Regarding the Minutes of May 28, 2002, the following changes were requested:
On Page 15, Line 15, change the vote from 5-0 to 4-0 and on Line 27, delete the name Stivender.
On a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Hanson and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the Minutes of May 28, 2002 (Regular Meeting), as corrected.
CLERK OF COURTS' CONSENT AGENDA
On a motion by Commr. Hanson, seconded by Commr. Stivender and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the following requests:
Accounts Allowed
Request for approval of 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
Request for approval of Contractor Bonds, New and Rider, as follows:
New
5939-02 Robert W. Riley, Jr. (Residential Class C)
5940-03 New Patt, Inc./Stoney Newman (Lawn Maintenance and Irrigation)
5941-03 New Patt, Inc./David Patterson (Lawn Maintenance and Irrigation)
5942-02 Bradley P. Brown d/b/a Pool Works, Inc.
5945-02 Yards Etc. and Landscaping, Inc.
5946-02 Joseph W. Wise, III d/b/a Jungle Joe's Nursery
5947-02 Harold L. Goshe, Sr. (General)
5948-02 Gregory J. Servello d/b/a Servello and Son, Inc.
5949-02 Mid Florida Lawn Care (Lawn Maintenance and Irrigation)
Rider
5903-02 The Principal's name has been changed to read: Eden Lawn Care, Inc.
Ordinances/Municipalities
Request to acknowledge receipt of Ordinance No. 2002-01-314, from the City of Mascotte, amending Section 19-78: Use and structures regulations, of the Code of the City of Mascotte, Florida; providing for zoning districts and zoning map; directing the City Clerk to provide certified copies of this Ordinance, after approval, to the Clerk of the Circuit Court, the Lake County Manager, and the Secretary of the State of Florida; providing for severability; providing for an effective date. Passed and ordained the 12th day of January, 2002, by the City Council of the City of Mascotte, Florida.
Courts-Judges/Clerk
Request to approve Release of Fines, as follows:
Release of Fine, fully releasing and discharging Dolly R. Grant from Order of Fine, in the amount of $4,650.00, dated March 4, 1999, and recorded in OR Book 1694, Pages 1284 through 1285, of the Public Records of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Lake County, Florida, on March 8, 1999; and the Order of Fine, in the amount of $3,766.00, dated July 2, 1999, and recorded in OR Book 1731, Pages 1191 through 1192 of the Public Records of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Lake County, Florida, on July 7, 1999.
Release of Fine, fully releasing and discharging Nawal J. Nesheiwat from Order of Fine, in the amount of $1,650.00, dated June 22, 2000, and recorded in OR Book 1834, Pages 2134 through 2135 of the Public Records of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Lake County, Florida, on June 26, 2000; and the Second Order of Fine, in the amount of $5,250.00, dated October 4, 2000, and recorded in OR Book 1867, Pages 2160 through 2161 of the Public Records of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Lake County, Florida, on October 5, 2000.
Audits/Reports
Request to acknowledge receipt of Audited Financial Statements and Supplemental Information for the Greater Orlando Area Legal Services, Inc., as of December 31, 2001.
Budgets
Request to acknowledge receipt of copy of the Deer Island Community Development District's Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2003, in accordance with Chapter 190.008(2)(b) of the Florida Statutes, for purposes of disclosure and information only.
COUNTY MANAGER'S CONSENT AGENDA
On a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Hanson and carried unanimously,
by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the following requests:
Budget and Administrative Services - Budget/Budgets/Budget Transfers
Request from Budget and Administrative Services - Budget for approval of the following:
Budget transfer from Rentals and Leases to Public Works, Machinery and Equipment, in the amount of $26,875.00. Funds are needed to purchase Global Positioning System (GPS) equipment. The existing budget allows for the leasing of GPS equipment. It is more cost effective to purchase the equipment with today's prices. The GPS system is in use by most of the land surveying profession. It allows fast and accurate location of section/property corners, topo, etc. This will be the first system the Public Works Department has purchased, which has survey level accuracy.
Budget transfer from Custodial: Contractual Services, in the amount of $16,350.00, to Public Works, Energy Management: Overtime - $10,850.00; Custodial: Overtime - $3,000.00; Rentals and Leases - $500.00; Repair and Maintenance - $1,500.00; and Office Supplies - $500.00. The amount of $10,850.00 will pay for on-call services in Energy Management Services for the remainder of the year. The remaining $5,500.00 will pay for Custodial Services needs, including overtime, rentals and leases, repairs, and office supplies. The transfer comes form the Contractual Services line in the Custodial Services budget, since expenses for cleaning services are not as high as anticipated.
Budget transfer from Contractual Services to Personal Services, in the amount of $29,200.00. The amount is requested to pay cumulative on-call wages to a building maintenance staff worker, for the period of March,1999, through March, 2002. The transfer comes from the Contractual Services line in the Custodial Services budget, since expenses for cleaning services are not as high as anticipated. [Budget Office Note: After the "on-call" issue recently came to light, the Budget Office and the Human Resources Office began working on a plan to identify the County's needs and submit a plan to the County Manager.]
Budget transfer from (Non-Departmental) Books, Publications and Dues, in the amount of $11,500.00, to County Manager, Travel and Per Diem - $7,000.00; Office Supplies - $3,000.00; and Other Current Charges and Obligations - $1,500.00. Funding was not provided in the County Manager's budget for workshop facilitators, nor to pay travel costs for moving for the County Manager and Deputy County Manager.
Check Request (Direct Pay) from the Sheriff's Office, for payment of Law Enforcement Trust Fund costs. The request exceeds the County Manager's approval limit of $25,000.00. Total payment is $28,838.59.
Budget and Administrative Services - Procurement Services/Bids/Accounts Allowed
Contracts, Leases and Agreements
Request from Budget and Administrative Services - Procurement Services for approval and authorization for Procurement Services to waive bid requirements and standardize on emergency extrication equipment manufactured by AMKUS and procure the AMKUS emergency extraction equipment from Leeco, Inc., Damascus, Arkansas.
Request from Budget and Administrative Services - Procurement Services for approval and authorization to purchase a telephone/network transfer switch from Verizon Select Services, Inc., for $66,829.06, to provide telephone and data service for the Clerk's Record Center, for the Department of Public Works, Capital Projects Division.
Request from Budget and Administrative Services - Procurement Services for approval and authorization of the purchase of CourtView2000 module software implementation from Maximus Justice Solutions, at a cost of $44,960.00, and the yearly support cost of $3,780.00.
Request from Budget and Administrative Services - Procurement Services for approval and authorization to award Bid No. 02-059, encumber funds, and authorize a contract, subject to the County Attorney's approval, to Dimensional Contracting, Inc., in the amount of $28,450.00, for the construction of a utility extension for the Welcome Center.
Community Services/Accounts Allowed/Assessments/Fire and Rescue/Solid Waste
Request from Community Services for approval of the delinquent Solid Waste/Fire and Rescue Assessment Hardship Assistance Application for Ms. Mary P. Mac, in the amount of $499.04.
Community Services/Accounts Allowed/Grants
Request from Community Services for approval to submit an electronic application for the Local Law Enforcement Block Grant Program for Federal FY 2002-2004, in the amount of $190,274.00; designate Robbie Hollenbeck as the Program Contact person designated by the Board, to serve as the day-to-day contact on program related matters, including the completion of this application, accepting the grant award, reporting, and other activities related to this grant (this Program Contact person has the ability to bind the jurisdiction to all terms and conditions related to this grant); and authorize the Chairman to sign related documents (as may be required). The cash match of $21,142.00 shall be provided by the local recipient(s) of the grant funds.
Economic Development and Tourism/Accounts Allowed
Contracts, Leases and Agreements
Request from Economic Development and Tourism for approval of request and Agreement for the award of Jobs Growth Investment Trust Funds to Trident Florida Trading Co., LLC, in the amount of $60,000.00.
Economic Development and Tourism/Accounts Allowed
Contracts, Leases and Agreements
Request from Economic Development and Tourism for approval of request and Agreement for the award of Jobs Growth Investment Trust Funds to Horizon Manufacturing, LLC, in the amount of $87,500.00, for the creation of thirty-five (35) positions, paying at least 110 % of the Average Annual Hourly Wage for Lake County, or at least $12.78 per hour.
Growth Management/Building Department/Subdivisions
Request from Growth Management for approval of request to accept a Developers Agreement for Weston Hills, Phase III, and to pull six building permits, prior to the acceptance of the final plat.
Public Safety/Contracts, Leases and Agreements/Municipalities/Fire and Rescue
Request from Public Safety for approval of Interlocal Agreement between Lake County and the City of Umatilla for the provision of reciprocal first response fire and rescue within the area indicated on Attachment A (map attached to this request).
Public Works/Accounts Allowed/Subdivisions
Request from Public Works for approval and authorization to release a Letter of Credit, for Maintenance, in the amount of $19,261.00, that was posted for Arrowtree II subdivision. Subdivision consists of 14 lots - Commission District 2.
Public Works/Accounts Allowed/Subdivisions
Request from Public Works for approval and authorization to release a Letter of Credit, for Maintenance, in the amount of $14,287.30, that was posted for Siena Ridge Phase II subdivision. Subdivision consists of 32 lots - Commission District 2.
Public Works/Accounts Allowed/Bonds/Subdivisions
Request from Public Works for approval and authorization to release a Maintenance Bond, in the amount of $30,750.00, that was posted for Greater Pines Phase 7 subdivision. Subdivision consists of 53 lots - Commission District 2.
Public Works/Accounts Allowed/Grants/State Agencies
Request from Public Works for approval and acceptance of a Stormwater Cost-Share Grant from the St. Johns River Water Management District, in an amount not to exceed $50,000.00, to aid the County in completing a drainage system inventory and characterization in the Lake Louisa, Minnehaha, and Minneola basins.
Public Works/Deeds/Rights-of-Way, Roads and Easements/Subdivisions
Request from Public Works for approval and authorization to accept the final plat for Lakes of Lu-Emma subdivision; all areas dedicated to the public, as shown on the Lakes of Lu-Emma plat; and a Conservation Easement Deed from Hunt Family II, Ltd. Subdivision consists of 13 lots - Commission District 2.
Public Works/Contracts, Leases and Agreements/Roads-County and State
Request from Public Works for approval and execution of a Developer's Agreement for a water retention area, in conjunction with the Huffstetler Drive - Phase II Project (Leg "B").
Public Works/Bids/Accounts Allowed/Road Projects
Request from Public Works for approval and authorization to advertise for bids for Culvert Replacement Project No. 2002-16, at an estimated cost of $265,000.00, from the Stormwater Management Fund - Commissioner Districts 2 and 4.
Public Works/Accounts Allowed/Contracts, Leases and Agreements
Request from Public Works for approval and authorization for the Chairman to sign Real Estate Purchase and Sales Agreement to purchase land at Pine Forest Park, in the amount of $25,000.00.
Public Works/Resolutions/Signs/Roads - County and State/Municipalities
Request from Public Works for approval of Resolution No.2002-87, authorizing the posting of speed limit signs on the following roads, in the Emeralda Island area:
North Emeralda Island Road (8031)
South Em-En-El Grove Road (7837)
Emeralda Island Road (7528)
Public Works/Resolutions/Signs/Roads-County and State/Municipalities
Request from Public Works for approval of Resolution No. 2002-88, authorizing the posting of speed limit signs on the following roads, in the Villages, Lady Lake area:
Nell Way (7901B) Cindy Drive (7901D)
Vermont Avenue (7901F) Kim Lane (8002)
Owen Drive (7901A) Maple Lane (7902C)
Aloha Way (7901) Elm Lane (7902B)
Lester Drive (7901C) So. Tarrson Blvd.(7802A)
Debra Drive (7901E)
Public Works/Accounts Allowed/Road Projects/Roads-County and State
Request from Public Works for approval and authorization to execute Change Order No. 3, in the amount of $25,445.40, to CR-437 (North) Widening and Resurfacing Project No. 2001-18, for intersection improvements at Wekiva River Road (4298) and SR-46.
Public Works/Resolutions/Signs/Roads - County and State
Request from Public Works for approval of Resolution No. 2002-89, authorizing the posting of "No Trucks" and "Local Delivery Only" signs at the following locations:
Lake Eustis Drive (4851), north of US 441, at Eustis City line
Lakeshore Drive (5154), west of SR 19, at Tavares City line
Public Works/Accounts Allowed/Contracts, Leases and Agreements/Bonds/Resolutions
Request from Public Works for approval and authorization to release a Letter of Credit, for Performance, in the amount of $376,317.70; accept a Maintenance Bond, in the amount of $22,141.00; execute a Developer's Agreement, for Maintenance of Improvements, between Lake County and The Greater Construction Corporation; and execute Resolution No. 2002-90, accepting Ruby Red Boulevard "Part"(CR 01591) into the County Road Maintenance System - all relating to the Greater Groves Commercial Park. Park consists of five lots - Commission District 2.
Public Works/Resolutions
Request from Public Works for approval for the Chairman and Commissioners to declare and sign Proclamation No. 2002-91, designating July as Recreation and Parks Month.
Public Works/Accounts Allowed/Education
Request from Public Works for approval to provide funding assistance to the Lake County School Board Summer Enrichment Program of up to $22,641.00.
Solid Waste Management/Accounts Allowed/Grants
Request from Solid Waste Management for approval and authorization for the Chairman to sign Waste Tire Grant Application request, in the amount of $106,846.00, and execute the subsequent application and any and all reimbursements requested, as needed, throughout FY 2002/2003.
ADDENDUM NO. 1
COUNTY MANAGER'S CONSENT AGENDA (CONT'D.)
Budget and Administrative Services - Budget/Contracts, Leases and Agreements
Assessments/Municipalities/Impact Fees
Request from Budget and Administrative Services - Budget for approval of the Interlocal Agreement between Lake County and the Town of Lady Lake, relating to the collection of Lake County Impact Fees and Interim Fire/Rescue Assessment Fees.
Public Works/Deeds/Rights-of-Way, Roads and Easements/Subdivisions
Request from Public Works for approval and authorization to accept the final plat for Bay Lake Estates subdivision; all areas dedicated to the public, as shown on the Bay Lake Estates plat; and a Conservation Easement Deed from Marshall B. Partin. Subdivision consists of seven lots - Commission District 2.
PUBLIC HEARING
REVISIONS TO LCC-45: LAKE COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM INTERNET ACCESS POLICY AND DISCLAIMER
Ms. Wendy Breeden, Library Services, addressed the Board stating that Library Services was bringing this policy before the Board, because of a federal law - "The Children's Internet Protection Act of 2000", which is requiring public libraries to have Internet policies and to bring them before a public hearing. She stated that they were bringing it before the Board in order to continue receiving e-rate, which is a discount of over 50% that Library Services receives on its
telecommunications costs. She stated that they have had the policy in place since 1998, but they do have a few revisions, although there are not very many that are substantive. She stated that one of the things that they would now like to allow is access to games, chat rooms, etc., which they previously did not want children to participate in, but, within the guidelines of their policy, they feel it is important for them to be able to do it. She stated that they use Websense site blocking software on their computers, to try to keep pornography and things that are harmful to minors out of the libraries, however, noted that patrons can ask to view sites that are blocked, if they wish to, and staff will accommodate them with it. She requested approval of the policy.
The Chairman opened the public hearing.
No one was present in opposition to the request.
There being no one present who wished to address the Board, the Chairman closed the public hearing.
On a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Stivender and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved a request from Community Services for approval of revisions to LCC-45: Lake County Library System Internet Access Policy and Disclaimer.
CITIZEN QUESTION AND COMMENT PERIOD
Mr. Robert Kizer, a professional engineer, addressed the Board stating that he serves as a volunteer on committees involved with the Lake County Water Authority and on the Harris Chain of Lakes Restoration Council. He discussed a concern he has over the dredging of canals in the County, noting that there are many people who are opposed to it. He stated that it is becoming a contest, involving personalities and emotions. He stated that he is concerned about the quality and quantity of Lake County's water, as well as the inequities between services rendered and taxes assessed and collected. He stated that people who live on lakes, waterfronts, and canals are routinely appraised at higher property values than people who do not live on them; therefore, it appears that people who live on canals are paying their dues, which should have a bearing on their property assessments.
Mr. Roy Hunter, President, Northeast Lake Chamber of Commerce, addressed the Board and invited them to attend a Summer Celebration, scheduled to be held at the Spring Creek Elementary School in Paisley, on Saturday, July 6, 2002, at 1:30 p.m. He noted that the Brian Laurie Orchestra from Paisley, Scotland would be performing.
Mr. Skip Goerner, Chairman of the Harris Chain of Lakes Restoration Council, addressed the Board and requested that the Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners write a letter to the Lake County Water Authority asking them to support the SWIM Program, the dredging of the canals in the County, and the water fluctuation of the lakes, and that they feel the Water Authority needs to move forward and fund the project for the entire Harris Chain of Lakes. He requested that the issue be placed on the Agenda for action this date, due to the fact that the Water Authority would be meeting Wednesday, June 19th, and he would like for them to have the letter that he was requesting from the Board, asking that they move forward and fund the project.
On a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Hanson and carried, by a 4-1 vote, the Board approved to place said item on the Agenda.
Commr. Cadwell voted "No".
It was noted that the issue would be discussed further later in the meeting and action would be taken at that time.
PRESENTATION
COUNTY ROAD 44 CORRIDOR TRANSPORTATION STUDY
Mr. Ken Black, Transportation Engineers and Planners Incorporated (TEI), addressed the Board stating that he was present to give them an update on the CR 44 Corridor Transportation Study (CTS). He stated that this would be the second time that his firm has updated the Board regarding the matter. At this time, he gave a slide presentation, noting that the study extends from US 441 to CR 44B, including portions of Leesburg, ending up in the Eustis area. He discussed the issue of data collection; existing and future conditions assessments; public involvement; and alternative development and what they all entail, at which time he noted that two public workshops were held - one on April 10, 2002, in Leesburg, and the other one on April 11, 2002, in Eustis. He stated that they received a lot of good input from said meetings. He stated that they have two websites and have had 613 hits to it so far.
Mr. Black stated that the public comments were categorized into four different areas - Safety, which he noted is a great concern to the public, who identified locations and conditions that they were most concerned about; Short Term Improvements, being intersection improvements; Long Term Improvements, being a suggestion to four-lane the entire corridor from US 441 to SR 19, provide an alternative east/west corridor east of the CR 44/CR 44A intersection, and extend the four laning east of SR 19, only if an alternative east/west corridor is developed; and Additional Concerns, being right-of-way impacts with there being four lanes, noise, if the roadway is upgraded to four lanes, wildlife impacts, future population and employment growth, and a desire for a connected pedestrian network. Some other enhancements that the public would like to see are streetscaping, roadway lighting, medians, turn bays (left turn and right turn), shoulders, drainage, wildlife corridors, improved sight distance, neighborhood traffic calming, noise abatement, access management, roadway signing, and sidewalk connections. He stated that they are in the midst of their identification of proposed strategies and alternatives and are looking at the next public workshop to occur in early August.
Mr. Black stated that the next step is to start developing short term improvement alternatives and try to get them into the hands of county staff very quickly, so that they can start programming them and see some improvements along the corridor. He stated that those improvements have been presented to the public and have been thoroughly reviewed by county staff, as well as staff from the City of Eustis and the City of Leesburg. He stated that the information that will be presented at the next public workshop will be a summary of all the data collection, preliminary final short term improvements, and a summary of existing and future travel conditions along the corridor. He stated that they will start compiling all of the alternatives for long term improvements together and start packaging them in improvement scenarios and prioritizations He stated that they have identified long term improvements and now want to start boiling them down to specific recommendations and priorities along the corridor, which they will start showing to the public at the next workshop. He then answered questions from the Board regarding the matter.
The Board thanked Mr. Black for his presentation, at which time it was noted that no action was required regarding the presentation.
ADDENDUM NO. 2
PRESENTATION
ASSISTANCE THAT TRUST FOR PUBLIC LANDS CAN PROVIDE LAKE COUNTY CONCERNING A PARK AND CONSERVATION LAND ACQUISITION PROGRAM
Mr. Doug Hattaway, Trust for Public Lands, addressed the Board to discuss ways that the Trust for Public Lands can provide assistance to Lake County concerning a Park and Conservation Land Acquisition Program that the County is considering. He stated that he was asked, because of the package of services that the Trust for Public Lands provides local communities in conserving and protecting lands for people, to submit a proposal to the Board, for their consideration, to do what they call greenprinting, which is what he would be discussing this date. He referred to a packet of information that he had provided to the Board, containing brochures, pamphlets, booklets and publications from the Trust for Public Lands, in particular, an Executive Summary regarding Local Greenprinting for Growth, which he noted uses land conservation to guide growth and preserve the character of communities. He stated that the Trust for Public Lands is a non-profit organization that has been in business since 1972, which protects land for people. He stated that they are the only such organization that works in urban areas.
Mr. Hattaway discussed, in detail, what greenprinting is, noting that it is an effort to enhance and maintain the quality of life of a community and to help the community identify the character of the community and the importance of maintaining it. He stated that it is a growth management tool that can be used and integrated with development to make sure that, as a community develops, it captures important resources and does not just get leftovers. He stated that greenprinting is making a concerted effort of identifying the resources, setting up the program, getting the money in place, and getting the job done. He stated that the Trust for Public Lands takes care of the real estate transactions, working with private land owners in getting the land off the market and working with public organizations in getting the public money secured and then conveying title into public ownership. He stated that, because of their private non-profit status, they are able to work more quickly than local governments, in many situations, and are able to work more flexibly with land owners. He stated that it helps to work with local communities that already have funding in place and have already decided which properties they would like to see preserved. He stated that it is important to link natural resources, such as greenways, and to strategically locate parks in neighborhoods where people can actually use them, but, it is more than that. He stated that it is an attraction for new development. He stated that, if the County is able to strategically identify land that would have been developed for urban sprawl and it has a natural resource and is something that is important to protect for the community and is identified, it is a growth management tool. He stated that there are three steps to greenprinting, which are (1) defining a plan; (2) identifying properties that need protection; and (3) prioritizing them, making sure that the plan holds the community's interest and that the County has the support of its citizens, and that it has political support and the support of civic organizations. He stated that it also involves getting the money and not just applying for State or Federal grants and hoping they are received, but to determine what financial strategies are out there to dedicate to local funding that can be used to leverage the money. He stated that the County has clearly recognized a need for creating a program for land acquisition in the County and should be commended for its recent creation of the Environmental Land Management and Acquisition Study Committee, noting that it was a great step in the right direction.
Mr. Hattaway stated that what is important in defining the plan is communicating the value of open space and its physical and economic benefits to the County. He stated that the County needs to figure out what lands are out there and then match what is out there with the community's desire to protect it. He stated that the Trust for Public Land's proposal would be to work with that and establish maps and then work with the communities in establishing priorities and identifying lands. He stated that their proposal would establish the recommendations for public financing; determine what is important to the community and what their priorities are; identify lands that are available; and then help the County acquire the lands and convey them into public ownership.
Commr. Stivender questioned whether the one cent sales tax that the County recently passed could be used to pay for the study.
Mr. Sandy Minkoff, County Attorney, stated that he would recommend not using sales tax money to fund general studies.
Mr. Neron informed the Board that the cost of the proposal, as presented, is a little more than anticipated, however, noted that 50% of the cost is GIS mapping and he feels that a lot of it can be done in-house. He stated that the County could also delay some of the public opinion surveys. He stated that there are parts of the proposal that could be done fairly soon and he sees the Trust for Public Lands and their expertise working with the Environmental Lands Management and Acquisition Study Committee, as well as the County's current staff, to come up with an overall program, which he feels would be a good use of funds. He stated that staff would like to have the opportunity to continue working with Mr. Hattaway on the actual costs and, within the next 30 days, bring back to the Board a cost proposal and where the County would try to find the funds to do it.
Commr. Cadwell questioned whether bringing in the Trust for Public Lands early on in the Environmental Lands Management and Acquisition Study Committees process takes away one of the charges that the Board gave them, which is to establish whether there is a need for that type of program in Lake County.
Mr. Neron stated that the County knows it needs to acquire open space and recreational lands in the future and this proposal is part of where the County needs to go with that effort, rather than doing it piecemeal, whenever a parcel of property becomes available. He stated that the County could have the proposal drafted and on the shelf and, once the committee gets active, run it by them, to see what their recommendation would be.
Commr. Hanson stated that the Board cannot determine whether there is a need, until they know what the possibilities are, through the plan. She stated that the County and the cities are working much harder with developments, as they come on line; however, she feels it is going to be important that the County have linear parks, corridors that connect, and greenways. She stated that, if the Board feels the plan is a good thing for the County, it is important that they have professionals on board to help develop it.
Commr. Hill stated that she agreed with Commr. Cadwell, in that the County may be leaping over the committee, with what they are asking the Trust for Public Lands to do. She stated that the Board is being asked to make the determination and she feels that the committee should be making it.
Commr. Cadwell stated that he was in favor of the program, however, noted that, when the Board set up the Environmental Lands Management and Acquisition Study Committee, they stated they would get a wide range of people in the County, business and otherwise, to get together and endorse the program early on, and, if there was a need for the program, there would be a wide range of people looking into it. He stated that now the Board is telling them that they are going to do it and then have them work with the Trust for Public Lands, to determine the best way to do it.
Commr. Stivender questioned whether the County would be duplicating work, noting that she was under the impression that an RFP for countywide facilities was being sent out, which includes parks and lands.
Mr. Neron interjected that the County does have an RFP, which is ready to go out, however, noted that it is more site specific for county facilities, buildings, fire stations, libraries, community centers, etc. He stated that it could include park land; however, he feels that this type of approach is more that of conservation resources, with some active recreation as a secondary mode aspect. He stated that, while there is some convergence between the two studies, he feels they are different enough that they are not overstepping each other's boundaries and the County is not duplicating them.
Commr. Pool stated that the need is there and he feels the Environmental Lands Management and Acquisition Study Committee is going to come up with that conclusion, but to push the Trust for Public Lands into that direction is a bit premature. He stated that there are many opportunities in the County and it is very exciting to see the issue brought to the forefront. Mr. Hattaway stated that he was asked to submit a proposal to the County, however, noted that the Trust for Public Lands does not need to be under contract with the County to work with staff. He stated that they want to help in any way they can, even if it means no contract at all. He stated that it is really how they work best, as an independent private organization, not under contract with any governmental entity, noting that it allows them to increase their successes.
Commr. Pool stated that the Board looks forward to the relationship between the County and the Trust for Public Lands and to building upon it and that he feels, when the Committee gets together and gets focused on what the needs are, they will be communicating with Mr. Hattaway.
The Board thanked Mr. Hattaway for his presentation.
RECESS AND REASSEMBLY
At 10:25 a.m., the Chairman announced that the Board would recess for 10 minutes.
CITIZEN QUESTION AND COMMENT PERIOD (CONT'D.)
Mr. E. G. Berol, a resident of Fruitland Park, addressed the Board stating that he was submitting a letter to Mr. Bill Neron, County Manager, requesting that he be allowed to examine the records that the County has on Ogden Martin, which show, to date, how much the County has paid the law firms of Gray, Harris and Robinson and Brown and Wood, who are assisting the County in negotiations with Ogden Martin; as well as any expenses that have been billed, but not paid; and any and all collateral expenses earmarked for said item, such as expenses incurred by the County Attorney's Office and expenses incurred by Commr. Cadwell and others, who traveled to Ogden Martin's home office, regarding said matter. He stated that he had the right to do so, pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, and threatened to start legal proceedings against the County, if he did not receive a response to his request within seven calendar days of the date of his letter (June 18, 2002). He then distributed a copy of his letter to Mr. Neron, County Manager; Commr. Hill; and Commr. Hanson.
Mr. Neron stated that the request was recently received by his office and was being referred to the County Attorney's Office, who will, in conjunction with the Clerk's Office, prepare the information that Mr. Berol requested, noting that it was a legitimate request under the Public Records Law and would be handled appropriately.
COUNTY MANAGER'S DEPARTMENTAL BUSINESS
ACCOUNTS ALLOWED/COMMUNITY SERVICES/GRANTS/RESOLUTIONS
Mr. Ken Harley, Public Transportation Manager, Community Services, addressed the Board and explained this request, stating that each year the Board provides funding for the Florida Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged Program and this year the amount is $431,183.00. He stated that the County is required to provide a 10% match of that amount, which comes to $47,909.00.
On a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Cadwell and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved a request from Community Services for approval for the Department of Community Services staff to submit an application for the Florida Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged Trip and Equipment Grant, for Fiscal Year 2002/2003, in the amount of $47,909.00 (local match); and approval of Authorizing Resolution No. 2002-92 (attached Exhibit C).
ACCOUNTS ALLOWED/COMMUNITY SERVICES/GRANTS
Mr. Ken Harley, Public Transportation Manager, Community Services, addressed the Board and explained this request, stating that it was an annual grant that the Florida Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged gets from the Lake County Transportation Disadvantaged Local Coordinating Board. He noted that there is no match on this request.
On a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Hanson and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved a request from Community Services for approval for the Department of Community Services staff to submit an application for the Florida Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged Planning Grant, for Fiscal Year 2002/2003, in the amount of $20,374.00 (no local match required);and approval of Authorizing Resolution No. 2002-93 (attached Exhibit C).
COMMUNITY SERVICES/SECTION 8 HOUSING
Mr. Bill Neron, County Manager, informed the Board that this request required the Resident Member of the Public Housing Authority (PHA) Governing Board, Ms. Mary "Mickey" Mahoney, to sit with them on the dais when a decision is made regarding it.
At this time, Ms. Mahoney joined the Commissioners on the dais for the discussion and vote.
Ms. Cheryl Thomas, Housing and Community Development Division, Community Services, addressed the Board stating that it needed to be noted in the Minutes that Ms. Mahoney had joined the Board of County Commissioners on the dais. She stated that Ms. Mahoney is the Resident Member of the Public Housing Authority Governing Board, so any actions related to the HUD funded Section 8 Rental Assistance Program would require Ms. Mahoney to join the Board, making it a six member Board. She stated that the request before the Board this date was the Administrative Plan, which has been amended to incorporate HUD required changes, some of which are policy changes, with the majority being changes in terminology and language. She stated that any time they amend the plan, they are required to bring it before the Governing Board, to obtain approval of said amendment.
On a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Hanson and carried unanimously, by a 6-0 vote, the Board approved a request from Community Services for approval and adoption of the HUD required revisions to the Administrative Plan for the Lake County Section 8 Rental Assistance Program.
CITIZEN QUESTION AND COMMENT PERIOD (CONT'D.)
Commr. Cadwell informed the Board that he had asked that the issue that Mr. Skip Goerner, Chairman of the Harris Chain of Lakes Restoration Council, brought to the Board's attention earlier in the meeting, with regard to a request that the Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners write a letter to the Lake County Water Authority asking them to support the SWIM Program, the dredging of the County's canals, and the water fluctuation of the lakes and that they feel the Water Authority needs to move forward and fund the project for the entire Harris Chain of Lakes, be postponed until the end of the meeting, however, noted that he had some questions answered during the meeting and was now ready to address the matter, if the Board wished to do so.
On a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Hill and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board authorized the Chairman to write a letter to the Lake County Water Authority informing them that the Board of County Commissioners supports the SWIM Program, the dredging of the canals in the County, and the water fluctuation of the lakes and that they feel the Water Authority needs to move forward and fund the project for the entire Harris Chain of Lakes.
GROWTH MANAGEMENT/ORDINANCES
Ms. Sharon Farrell, Senior Director, Growth Management, addressed the Board and requested approval to advertise the Ordinance authorizing staff to upgrade to Level III Enforcement, through the Storage Tanks contract with the Department of Environmental Protection. She stated that the County inspects a little over 380 sites a year, which consists of approximately 900 tanks, and, when there are violations, the County packages up the case and sends it to the State. She stated, however, that there is usually no immediate action, or no action at all; therefore, staff would like to take it to the County's Code Enforcement Board, by using the State guidelines for fines and penalties, and be able to wrap up the violations in Lake County.
On a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Hanson and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved a request from Growth Management for approval to advertise the Ordinance adopting Level III Enforcement, Chapter 62-671, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.), and the Environmental Litigation Reform Act (ELRA) Penalty Guidelines, relating to Storage Tanks Enforcement.
PUBLIC WORKS/RAILS TO TRAILS
Mr. Jim Stivender, Jr., Senior Director, Public Works, addressed the Board and explained this request, stating that it was a request to apply to the State for grants, with regard to the abandonment of rails, to be used for trails.
On a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Hanson and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved a request from Public Works for approval and endorsement of the Lake County Transportation Enhancement Project Applications for trails, in conjunction with the Lake Apopka Loop, rail abandonment west of Leesburg, and the south side of Fruitland Park.
ACCOUNTS ALLOWED/CONTRACTS, LEASES AND AGREEMENTS
PUBLIC WORKS/STATE AGENCIES
Mr. Jim Stivender, Jr., Senior Director, Public Works, addressed the Board and explained this request, stating that they approved the County's 2020 Long-Range Transportation Plan in 1999 and he was present this date asking that they approve the 2025 Long-Range Transportation Plan, in the amount of $100,000.00. He stated that the State is working with the County to have a 50/50 match, with $100,000.00 coming from the County and $100,000.00 coming from the State. He requested approval to continue with the process and move forward with the 2025 study for the whole county.
On a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Stivender and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved a request from Public Works for approval of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Joint Participation Agreement (JPA) for the 2025 Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP), in the amount of $100,000.00.
ACCOUNTS ALLOWED/CONTRACTS, LEASES AND AGREEMENTS
PUBLIC WORKS/RESOLUTIONS/STATE AGENCIES
Mr. Jim Stivender, Jr., Senior Director, Public Works, addressed the Board stating that this request and the following request, a request for approval of the Resolution endorsing the Lake, Sumter and Marion County Future Transportation Study, go hand-in-hand. He stated that, for the past two years, staff has been holding meetings with Marion County, the Marion County Metropolitan Planning Organization, Lady Lake, Leesburg, Fruitland Park, Wildwood, Belleview, Sumter County, The Villages, FDOT, and the Turnpike Authority, with most of the meetings occurring in Lady Lake. He stated that staff has put together an area for local transportation needs, making sure to identify matching projects in each area, since the County crosses so many borders. He stated that this request is for approval to put $50,000.00 in the kitty, to do a $350,000.00 study, which includes the areas consisting of Lake, Sumter, and south Marion County, at which time he reviewed a map on display, pointing out said areas. He stated that staff has approached the Town of Lady Lake, as well as Fruitland Park and the City of Leesburg, and has letters of recommendation from each of them supporting the agreement. He requested that the Board accept the $50,000.00 from FDOT, with the understanding that, if the project does not go forward, because of problems associated with it, the County would return said money to FDOT.
On a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Hill and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved a request from Public Works for approval of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Joint Participation Agreement (JPA) for the Lake, Sumter, and Marion County Future Transportation Study (LSMFT), in the amount of $50,000.00; and a request for approval of Resolution No. 2002-94,endorsing the Lake, Sumter, and Marion County Future Transportation Study (LSMFT).
ADDENDUM NO. 1
COUNTY MANAGER'S DEPARTMENTAL BUSINESS (CONT'D.)
ACCOUNTS ALLOWED/LIBRARIES/PUBLIC WORKS
Mr. Jim Stivender, Jr., Senior Director, Public Works, addressed the Board and explained this request, stating that the proposed project was budgeted at $150,000.00, which covered the cost to gut the facility that was purchased and renovate it, internally, by county staff, and externally, by a contractor. He noted that the parking lot issue is not included in this Resolution. He stated that the $5,225.00 is in relation to a set of plans that the County used, when bidding on this job, which has not yet gone before the Board. He stated that the understanding was there, but it was not formally taken before the Board, so the $5,225.00 is to pay for the plans that the County bid out on this job. He stated that the low bidder is Southern Building Services, Inc., and staff is recommending approval for moving forward with them, at $105,069.00, plus other services from the architect, to do the inside of the building only. He stated that the building has already been gutted, for the most part, and some services have been installed by county staff, but, at this time, they would like to move forward with the contractor, to get it done, so that the County can have the internal side of the building up and running, for a grand opening to be held sometime in September of this year. He stated that it will allow staff to put books and furniture in the building, but the County does not yet have a set of plans for the site. He noted that the parking lot permits and the St. Johns River Water Management District permits are not in place yet. He stated that staff would like to get this part done and not have to wait on the parking lot. He stated that, hopefully, between now and the completion of the construction, the County will be bidding the job out, so there will be another part of this request coming back to the Board at a later date. He stated that staff hopes the combined efforts of the parking area, the external part of the building, and the internal part, will be able to stay under $200,000.00.
Commr. Cadwell questioned whether today's action would speed the project up and was informed that it would.
Commr. Pool stated that the Board has received many letters of concern from members of the Library Board in Groveland, who have been very patient during the process.
Mr. Bill Neron, County Manager, informed the Board that this was a future trend for the County, noting that the County is going to try to get its in-house crews out of the construction business and have them focus on preventive maintenance and maintenance programs of existing buildings and use outside contractors on construction projects. He stated that using in-house crews on construction projects eats up a lot of time and the County does not have the expertise at the levels that are needed; therefore, he feels it will speed up the projects and get them done in a much more effective and efficient manner.
On a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Cadwell and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved a request from Public Works for approval and authorization to execute Change Order No. 1, in the amount of $5,22500, to Rispoli-Sosa Architecture, Inc., for additional engineering services required for the design of the Groveland Library; to award Groveland Library Renovation/Remodeling Bid No. 02-108 to Southern Building Services, Inc., in the amount of $105,069.00; and to encumber and expend $110,294.00 from the Infrastructure Sales Tax Fund. Contract subject to County Attorney's review and approval.
REPORTS
COUNTY ATTORNEY
ORDINANCES/ASSESSMENTS
Mr. Sandy Minkoff, County Attorney, explained this request, stating that the Board requested that this Ordinance be drafted. He stated that it was copied from the Orange County Ordinance and, with approval today, staff will advertise it for a public hearing.
Commr. Pool stated that a "Blue Belt" was created for those people who own high recharge areas in the County, in order to give them a break in their taxes, if they do not develop said property, which takes pressure off of those people who have land that is in high demand for development, leaving them off the development rolls for a period of at least five years. He stated that, if they do so, they will get a 30% reduction in their taxes, which is a win/win situation, because the land stays as it is and the people get a tax break, because they get a chance to leave the land in its natural state and do not have the pressure of paying higher taxes on it. He stated that he feels it is something positive that the County is doing.
Commr. Hanson stated that she had brought it before the Board approximately one and a half years ago, but did not get anywhere with it, therefore, was glad that the Chairman was bringing it back before the Board at this time.
On a motion by Commr. Hanson, seconded by Commr. Cadwell and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved a request from the County Attorney for approval to advertise the Ordinance creating Article XIV, Chapter 13, entitled High Water Recharge Tax Assessment Program.
The County Attorney informed the Board that he would like to thank Mr. Frank Royce, Chief Deputy, Property Appraiser's Office, who worked with his staff in developing the proposed Ordinance.
REPORTS
COUNTY ATTORNEY
CONTRACTS, LEASES AND AGREEMENTS/MUNICIPALITIES
Mr. Sandy Minkoff, County Attorney, informed the Board that his office had received a letter from Mr. Scott Gerken, Minneola City Attorney, requesting that the Board approve this request. He stated that it is the same thing that the Board has done for other municipalities, which is to allow a city to annex enclaves of less than 10 acres that are surrounded by a city into the city.
On a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Hanson and carried unanimously, by a 4-1 vote, the Board approved a request from the County Attorney for approval of an Interlocal Agreement with the City of Minneola, relating to the annexation of enclaves.
Commr. Hill voted "No".
REPORTS
COUNTY MANAGER/COUNTY ATTORNEY
ASSESSMENTS/FIRE RESCUE
Mr. Sandy Minkoff, County Attorney, informed the Board that the Legislature, during the last session, passed a Bill that requires RV parks to be assessed as commercial property, rather than as residential. He noted that the County has previously assessed them as residential property and actually counted the spaces that were occupied. He stated that, in order to accommodate the Florida Statutes, because hotels and motels, which were required to be assessed the same, had previously been done on a square foot basis, staff is recommending that hotels, motels, and RV parks be changed to a per unit basis, which would be a room for a hotel or motel, or a space for an RV park. He stated that the rate will be $64.45, if the assessment does not change, however, noted that, should the assessment change, once the Board approves the Assessment Resolution, that rate would increase proportionately. He stated that it was his understanding that, in next year's budget, there will be funds to restudy the entire assessment program for fire.
Mr. Bill Neron, County Manager, interjected that he was working with Ms. Sarah LaMarche, Senior Director, Budget and Administrative Services, regarding the matter, and would be bringing a recommendation back to the Board at a later date.
Commr. Cadwell questioned whether Mr. Minkoff felt the spirit of the new legislation was being followed, under this assessment.
Mr. Minkoff stated that he felt it was, however, noted that there are risks involved. He stated that litigation might ensue, but, he felt this was the best way the County could accommodate the new statute.
On a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Stivender and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved a request from the County Attorney for approval to adopt staff's recommendation regarding the Fire Rescue Assessment method/formula that Lake County will use to assess RV parks and hotels and motels for FY 2003 (effective October 1, 2002), in the amount of $64.45.
REPORTS
COUNTY MANAGER
COMMISSIONERS/MEETINGS
Mr. Bill Neron, County Manager, informed the Board that a presentation by the Metropolitan Planning Organization was scheduled for July 9, 2002, however, noted that said presentation is being rescheduled for a later date, therefore, suggested that the Board hold their regular Board Meeting scheduled for that date and then go into the Budget Worksession immediately afterward.
It was the consensus of the Board to do so.
REPORTS
COUNTY MANAGER
MEETINGS
Mr. Bill Neron, County Manager, informed the Board that they have asked staff to do whatever needs to be done to make the Board Meetings more accessible to the general public; therefore, staff has checked into some new technology, where, based on a cost of approximately $1,000.00 per month, the Board Meetings can be played live over the Internet. He stated that people will be able to go onto the County's web site and watch the meetings live. He stated that, not knowing how popular this will be, the first initial proposal would be to allow 100 people at any time to watch the meetings. He stated that the cost would go up as the County added more slots. He stated that the County would also be able to record how many people are watching at any given time and how long they are watching. He suggested that the County do it on a three month trial basis and recommended that the Board authorize staff to move forward with said program, publicize it, and see how popular it will be, and then come back to the Board at a later date, to see if it is something that they might be interested in doing on a permanent basis.
Commr. Cadwell stated that he felt the Board should approve the request and try it for three months, to see if the interest is there, and, if it is not, the County would be out $3,000.00, as opposed to $12,000.00.
It was noted that said item was not on the Agenda, for discussion.
On a motion by Commr. Hanson, seconded by Commr. Cadwell and carried, by a 4-1 vote, the Board approved to place said item on the Agenda.
Commr. Hill voted "No".
A motion was made by Commr. Hanson and seconded by Commr. Cadwell to approve the request, which was denied, by a 3-2 vote, due to the costs involved, and the fact that the Board Meetings are currently broadcast over some local channels.
Commrs. Stivender, Hill, and Pool voted "No".
REPORTS
COMMISSIONER HILL - DISTRICT 1
ACCOUNTS ALLOWED/PUBLIC HEALTH
Commr. Hill informed the Board that she would like to place on the Agenda a discussion regarding a request for funding, in the amount of $20,000.00, from the Family Crisis Center. She stated that she recognized the fact that the Board is not here to judge the program, noting that she was sure that all the commissioners recognize that rape is a violent crime and they are trying to do everything possible to prevent rapes, however, noted that the Citizens' Commission for Children has looked at the issues of rape and teen pregnancy as something that they would like to champion this year. She stated that the only problem she has with the issue is the way that it has played out. She stated that she feels the Board must demonstrate that there are rules and regulations and procedures in place that must be followed. She stated that the Family Crisis Center came before the Board at a previous meeting requesting said funds, however, noted that they had not been before the Citizens' Commission for Children. She stated that the Board was trying to find funding to help them, because they wanted to get the facility up and running, thus their reason for looking at the Sheriff's budget, to see if drug seizure money could be used, however, noted that the Sheriff has indicated that it cannot be used for said purpose. She stated that the request did not go through the proper channels and she feels that the Citizens' Commission for Children would have liked to review it and make a recommendation to the Board, because this is one of the things that they have identified that they would like to look into this year.
Commr. Hanson stated that she believes there is a need in the community for such a facility and that she disagreed with Commr. Hill, in that she does not feel this request needs to go before the Citizens' Commission for Children, although it might need to go through the Community Services grant process. She stated that there is a facility in the County for children that are sexually abused, but, there is not one for adult women, noting that their option is with the hospitals, however, the problem with that is that the rape victims do not often receive the proper attention within the time frame that makes the evidence that can be obtained valuable in court. She stated that it is not necessarily the hospital's focus to get that information as quickly as possible, because it means that their doctors and nurses will have to be tied up in court at a later date. She stated that the Board received a letter from the Sheriff indicating that less than 5% of all sexual batteries are ever reported and she feels that, if there is better information and evidence available for prosecution, perhaps more victims would come forward and report their sexual batteries and there would be a greater number of prosecutions, thus, a reduction in the number of sexual batteries. She stated that she feels there is a need for more collaboration with the three agencies that would be involved, being The Haven, the Childrens' Advocacy Center, and the Family Crisis Center, and that there needs to be every opportunity for collaboration and leveraging of any funding that the County may give. She stated that she feels staff needs to sit down with all three of the groups that she alluded to and determine what areas might be available for collaboration.
Commr. Cadwell stated that his concern about the matter is that the County has the Community Services grant process and this request was not taken through that process. He stated that all the Commissioners have had people approach them appealing for money and they have pretty much stuck to the policy that people have to go through the process that is in place.
Mr. Bill Neron, County Manager, informed the Board that this request came up at a previous Board Meeting and the Board approved the request, however, directed that representatives of the Family Crisis Center contact the Sheriff for possible funding and, if funding was not available through the Sheriff's Office, to come back to the County and they would put the request back on the Agenda. He stated that Mr. Lunderstadt, representing the Family Crisis Center, was just making a presentation to the Board at said meeting, informing them about the program, when the Board made an offer to assist the Center with some one-time funding for some capital equipment, with the understanding that they would check with the Sheriff, to see if he could participate, and, when he was informed by the Sheriff that he could not participate, he put the request back on the Agenda for the Board's consideration. He stated, however, that it was on the Consent Agenda and the Board approved it at that time.
Commr. Stivender stated that she knows the funding is needed and that it is something that needs to be done, it is just that they did not follow the normal procedure, which is something that she has tried to make people do, if the Board is authorizing the spending of money.
Mr. Carl Lunderstadt, representing the Family Crisis Center, addressed the Board stating that his recollection of the meeting that Mr. Neron alluded to was exactly as he stated, in that the Board directed him to talk with the Sheriff regarding the issue of funding, however, noted that his further recollection of the issue was that, if funding was not available through the Sheriff's Office, to come back to the Board and they would try to fund it out of the County's General Fund. He stated that his understanding of the request was that it was approved on the Consent Agenda and then held up, because of the procedural issue. He stated that what everyone needs to understand is that they have met with other agencies and discussed ways in which they could collaborate and do things together and not have any redundancy in services. He stated that most of the surrounding counties have adult rape crisis centers that are funded with public funding. He stated that the issue he brought to the Board's attention at the Board Meeting alluded to earlier was that the Family Crisis Center needed cash to get the agency open, noting that it was very critical that it get underway. He stated that local law enforcement agencies are frustrated and desperate to see the request approved, because they are unable to procure prosecutions. He stated that there are 286 sexual predators living in Lake County and it is not getting any better, because there is nothing being done about it. He stated that their target date is to be open by August 1, 2002.
Mr. Lunderstadt stated that, for this request to go back through another committee and possibly have the dollar amount reduced from $20,000 to $5,000 would hurt the agency significantly, from a cash standpoint and from a timing standpoint. He asked the Board to take a strong look at the request and grant the $20,000 that they previously approved. He stated that he felt this was something the County should have as their responsibility, noting that it is something that most counties have that are paid for by the counties, or significantly funded by the counties. He stated that it is a much needed service that is not being performed by anyone and the ones that are suffering are the families and victims that are being affected by it.
Ms. Kathy Cherry, a rape examination nurse, addressed the Board stating that the Family Crisis Center will provide an acute sexual assault exam. She stated that the Center will enhance the services of other agencies, such as The Haven, who provide sexual assault crisis intervention, but do not provide medical exams. She stated that she felt this was something that people were confused about and it was very important that they understand that. She stated that the Family Crisis Center will utilize the counseling services of The Haven, which she noted are not currently being utilized and accessed appropriately. She stated that a victim of rape was going to share with the Board what happened to her over the previous weekend.
Ms. Courtney Townsend, a resident of Lake County, addressed the Board stating that she was gang raped in Tallahassee over the previous weekend and that she had been going through a lot since then. She stated that she did not report the rape to the police in Tallahassee, nor did she go to the hospital there, because she wanted to come home and get the support she needed from her family and friends and the people that she loves and trusts. She reviewed, in detail, her experience with one of the County's local hospitals, which was a negative one. She stated that her exam was not handled properly and now the people who committed the rape might get away with it. She stated that her rape exam kit is her only evidence and it may be inadmissable, due to the improper handling. She stated that many victims of rape do not report it, because they feel they do not have the support they need from society.
Mr. Charles Townsend, a local businessman and father of the rape victim, Courtney Townsend, addressed the Board stating that he had two daughters raped over the previous weekend. He stated that, while Courtney was in the hospital supposedly receiving professional care, another one of his daughters was being raped in Jacksonville. He stated that the difference between the handling of the two cases is mind boggling. He stated that he was a former law enforcement officer from West Palm Beach, Florida, and has handled rape cases in the past, as well as testified at rape trials, noting that there were already procedures in place in West Palm Beach at that time, which was over 20 years ago. He questioned how long the Board was going to let this happen in Lake County, noting that it was up to them to make the decision to make something happen.
Commr. Cadwell stated that he felt it would be prudent for staff, or the Chairman, to set a 60 day time frame to facilitate a meeting with all the providers, be it law enforcement, medical, social services, etc., including the State Attorney's Office, to find out where the loop holes are and whether the County is dismissing any of its responsibilities.
Commr. Hill stated that she agreed with Commr. Cadwell, noting that she feels a lot of balls are being dropped and there are a lot of vacant areas that need to be looked into.
Commr. Cadwell stated that he did not feel any person in their right mind, after the appeals today, would question the procedure, with regard to the money, at which time he made a motion to release the $20,000 that had been approved for the Family Crisis Center at a previous meeting, which was seconded by Commr. Stivender.
Under discussion, Commr. Hill questioned where the money was going to come from.
Mr. Neron stated that the money was approved to come from the Reserve - Contingency account
Commr. Cadwell stated that he would like to include in the motion that staff be directed to facilitate a meeting with law enforcement, medical, social services, the State Attorney's Office, and the Public Defender's Office, with regard to the matter.
Commr. Hanson stated that she felt it was the right thing to do.
Commr. Pool thanked Mr. Townsend and his daughter, Courtney, for coming before the Board with her story, in an attempt to help other victims, noting that it was a very sad story and the Board's thoughts and prayers were with them. He then called for a vote on the motion, which was carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote.
REPORTS
COMMISSIONER STIVENDER - DISTRICT 3
RESOLUTIONS
On a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Hanson and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved Resolution No. 2002-78, honoring the Lake County Lakers of the Lake Basketball Association, who won the 2002 Twelve and Under AAU State championship, which was presented to them at the Board Meeting of June 4, 2002.
REPORTS
COMMISSIONER HANSON - DISTRICT 4
COMMISSIONERS/MEETINGS
Commr. Hanson informed the Board that the Boggy Creek Gang Camp is holding a legislative function on Tuesday, August 6, 2002, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., which will include a tour of the camp and lunch with the campers, therefore, requested that the Board schedule the August 6th Board Meeting for another day, if the Board members were interested in attending said function.
Mr. Neron suggested cancelling the August 6th Board Meeting at this time, noting that he will get back with the Board at a later date, if there is a need to reschedule the meeting. REPORTS
COMMISSIONER HANSON - DISTRICT 4
ORDINANCES/MUNICIPALITIES
Commr. Hanson informed the Board that the City of Eustis had brought to her attention the issue of special event tent sales, such as automobile sales, and the fact that very few permits, if any, are required for said events. She stated that they had provided her with a copy of an Ordinance that they had recently passed, dealing with said events. She stated that the concern is that there is competition between the tent sales and other automobile dealerships who pay property taxes, have employees, etc. She question what benefit such sales had to the County.
It was noted that the County Attorney, as well as the Growth Management Department, would review the Ordinance from the City of Eustis and bring a recommendation back to the Board at a later date.
REPORTS
COMMISSIONER POOL - DISTRICT 2
RESOLUTIONS
On a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Hanson and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved Resolution No. 2002-96, in support of the State of Florida Department of Agriculture's efforts to eradicate the citrus canker threat throughout the State of Florida.
REPORTS
COMMISSIONER POOL - DISTRICT 2
RESOLUTIONS
On a motion by Commr. Hanson, seconded by Commr. Cadwell and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved Resolution No. 2002-97, in support of the repeal of the amendment to Article X, Section 19, of the Constitution of the State of Florida, approved on November 7, 2000, for the financing, design, construction, and operation of a high speed rail by the State of Florida.
REPORTS
COMMISSIONER POOL - DISTRICT 2
MISCELLANEOUS
On a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Hanson and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved a request for support of the 16th National Trails Symposium being held November 10-13, 2002, at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort, in the amount of $5,000.00.
There being no further business to be brought to the attention of the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 12:15 p.m.
________________________________ ROBERT A. POOL, CHAIRMAN
ATTEST:
________________________________
JAMES C. WATKINS, CLERK
sec/6-18-2002/6-27-2002/boardmin