A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
OCTOBER 15, 2002
The Lake County Board of County Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, October 15, 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; Catherine C. Hanson; and Jennifer Hill. Commissioner Stivender was not present. Others present were: William (Bill) A. Neron, County Manager; Sanford (Sandy) A. Minkoff, County Attorney; Wendy Taylor, Administrative Supervisor, Board of County Commissioner’s Office; Barbara Lehman, Chief Deputy Clerk, County Finance; and Judy Whaley, Deputy Clerk.
Commr. Cadwell gave the Invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
AGENDA UPDATE
Mr. Bill Neron, County Manager, stated that he would like to add Addendum No. 1, which includes County Manager’s Consent Agenda I. A., discussion items under County Manager’s Departmental Business II. A., and Reports III. A.
MINUTES
On a motion by Commr. Hanson, seconded by Commr. Hill and carried unanimously, by a 4-0 vote, the Board approved the Minutes of September 10, 2002, Regular Meeting, as presented.
CLERK OF COURTS’ CONSENT AGENDA
On a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Hanson and carried unanimously, by a 4-0 vote, the Board approved the Clerk of Courts’ Consent Agenda, Items 1 through 12, for the following requests:
List of Warrants
Acknowledged receipt 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
Approved Contractor Bonds, New and Cancellations as follows:
New
26-03 James Sheddan
297-03 Dean Humphrey d.b.a. Baird Home Corporation
402-03 Robert D. Boone d.b.a. Boone Sign Erection and Service, Inc.
801-03 James L. Stinson d.b.a. Stinson Electric, Inc.
1420-03 Paul C. Thomas
1490-03 Ed Lynum d.b.a. Ed Lynum Builders
1886-03 James R. Garner d.b.a. Garner Construction
4913-03 John T. Green, Jr. d.b.a. Greens Energy Services, Inc.
4917-03 Richard Horn d.b.a. R & R Electrical Allstar
5253-03 Ron Troutman
5488-03 Donald T. Smith d.b.a. Smith Aluminum, Inc.
5658-03 Brian K. Miller d.b.a. Professional Electrical Services, Inc.
5754-03 Waldrop Enterprises, Inc. d.b.a. AAA Signs
5811-03 William G. Redmond d.b.a. First Class Electric Service, Inc.
5821-03 Stephen Pirolli d.b.a. Sparky Electrical Services
5901-03 Bob Cardinal (Plumbing)
5975-04 William Wintersdorf d.b.a. Lake Lawn & Landscape
6015-03 Ariel Caballero d.b.a. Vila & Son Landscaping Corp.
6016-03 Michael Marable d.b.a. J.A.M. Construction (Residential Building)
6017-03 Jeffrey Bennet d.b.a. Bennet Irrigation
Cancellations
1674-02 Robert C. Kohn d.b.a. Kohn Construction & Electric, Inc.
5776-02 Alvin Bessinger (General Contractor)
5901-02 Bob Cardinal (Plumbing Contractor)
6002-02 Thomas D. Kelley (Swimming Pool Contractor)
Payment of Unclaimed Funds
Approved payment of $1,667.19 in unclaimed funds to the Bayshore Fire Protection & Rescue Service District’s Retirement Plan.
Transfer Unclaimed Excess Proceeds for Tax Deeds
Approved transfer of funds from the Clerk’s Account to the Board of County Commissioners’ Account of unclaimed excess proceeds due landowners on applications for tax deeds totaling $14,323.46.
Florida Public Service Commission
Acknowledged receipt of Notice of Need Determination Hearing and Prehearing Conference on Proposed Electrical Power Plant from the Florida Public Service Commission to Florida Power Corporation, Department of Community Affairs, Department of Environmental Protection, Electric and Gas Utilities, and All Interested Persons, in reference to Docket No. 020953-EI: Petition to Determine Need for Hines Unit 3, in Polk County, by Florida Power Corporation, issued September 18, 2002.
Acknowledged receipt of Notice that the Florida Public Service Commission will hold a public hearing on the above docket on Wednesday, December 4, 2002, at 9:30 a.m. in Commission Hearing Room 148, Betty Easley Conference Center, 4075 Esplanade Way, Tallahassee, Florida. All persons who wish to be heard are urged to be present at the beginning of the hearing. December 5, 2002, has also been reserved for this hearing.
City of Groveland Annexation Ordinances
Acknowledged receipt of Annexation Ordinances from the City of Groveland, as follows: Ordinance No. 2002-05-05, Ordinance No. 2002-05-07, Ordinance No. 2002-05-08, Ordinance No. 2002-05-10, Ordinance No. 2002-05-12, Ordinance No. 2002-05-13, Ordinance No. 2002-08-34, Ordinance No. 2002-08-37. Passed and ordained in regular session of the City Council of the City of Groveland on May 6, 2002 through August 19, 2002.
Florida Public Service Commission - Conference Agenda
Acknowledged receipt of notice from the Florida Public Service Commission, Commission Conference Agenda, October 1, 2002, 9:30 a.m. Location: Room 148, Betty Easley Conference Center. Date Issued: September 20, 2002. Docket No. 99054-WU - Application for amendment of Certificate No. 106-W to add and delete territory in Lake County by Florida Water Services Corporation.
Engagement Letters for Calculation of Arbitrage Rebate
Approved and authorized signature on engagement letters for calculation of arbitrage rebate on the following debt: $10,000,000 Solid Waste Draw Number 7, $6,500,000 ($1,000,000 outstanding) Solid Waste Draw Number 8, $69,615,000 Resource Recovery Bonds, $4,400,000 Sales Tax Revenue Bonds (Pari-Mutuel Revenues Replacement Program).
City of Eustis Ordinance No. 02-64 and Ordinance No. 02-67
Acknowledged receipt of Ordinance No. 02-64, annexing a .72 +/- acre parcel on the south side of Bates Avenue, east of County Road 44; subject to the Lake County Land Use Map designation of “R-1 Rural Residential,” pursuant to F.S. 171.062; providing for limitations and certain conditions; amending the Future Land Use Map, pursuant to F.S. 163.3187; providing for redefinition of the land boundaries of the City of Eustis; providing for filing of this Ordinance; providing for severability; providing for an effective date; and providing for publication, by posting according to the law. Passed, ordained, and approved by the City Commission of the City of Eustis, Florida, the 19th day of September 2002.
Acknowledged receipt of Ordinance No. 02-67, annexing a 1.79 +/- acre parcel, located at 1216 Mt. Homer Road, on the south side of Mt. Homer Road, east of David Walker Drive, and west of Dillard Road; subject to the Lake County Land Use Map designation of “CP - Planned Commercial,” pursuant to F.S. 171.062; providing for limitations and certain conditions; amending the Future Land Use Map, pursuant to F.S. 163.3187; providing for redefinition of the land boundaries of the City of Eustis; providing for filing of this Ordinance; providing for severability; providing for an effective date; and providing for publication, by posting according to the law. Passed, ordained, and approved by the City Commission of the City of Eustis, Florida, the 19th day of September 2002.
Country Club of Mount Dora Community Development District
Acknowledged receipt of public meeting schedule for Fiscal Year 2003, and a District map, from the Country Club of Mount Dora Community Development District.
City of Eustis Ordinance No. 02-66
Acknowledged receipt of Ordinance #02-66, a Small Scale Comprehensive Plan Amendment - 2002CPA06, and all related documents, pursuant to 163.3184 F.S., from the City of Eustis. Passed, ordained and approved in regular session of the City Commission of the City of Eustis, Florida, the 19th day of September 2002.
Village Center Community Development District
Acknowledged receipt of a copy of the Schedule of Meetings for the Village Center Community Development District for the Fiscal Year 2002-2003.
COUNTY MANAGER’S CONSENT AGENDA
On a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Hanson and carried unanimously, by a 4-0 vote, the Board approved the County Manager’s Consent Agenda, Tabs 3 through 25, and Addendum No. 1, County Manager’s Consent Agenda I. A. for the following:
Budget and Administrative Services - Budget
Check Request (Direct Pay) from the Public Works Department, Special Services Division, Recreation, for grant disbursement to South Lake Recreation in the amount of $42,174.33 for the Middle School Summer Assistance Program. The request exceeds the County Manager’s approval limit of $25,000.00.
Budget and Administrative Services - Procurement Services
Request for approval and authorization for the Procurement Services Director to award the contracts and issue the appropriate contract documents for all capital equipment approved in the FY 2002/2003 budget, provided the total award amount for each item is less than 10 percent above the approved estimated budgeted amount, and appropriately budgeted funds are available; and award and renew all annual term and supply contracts; each action shall be in accordance with Procurement Policies and Procedures.
Community Services
Request for agreement between Lake County and LifeStream Behavioral Center to provide local cash match for the Provision of Mental Health Services in the amount of $450,000.00.
Request for agreement with We Care of Lake County for delivery of Coordinated, Comprehensive Primary & Specialty Healthcare for Medically Indigent Residents in the amount of $75,032.00.
Request for a minor amendment to the Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2002 One Year Action Plan for the Community Development Block Grant and to direct the Department of Community Services to transmit the amendment to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Request for approval and signature on the Florida Library Literacy Grant Year 4 and signature on related Resolution 2002-176 for unanticipated revenues in the amount of $25,000.00.
Request for approval and signature of Amendment to extend closing date to Purchase Agreement for a two-acre parcel at Cagan’s Crossing in the amount of $100,000.00 and approval for Cagan’s Crossing to place a sign on the library parcel, at its own expense, to read “Future Site of Citrus Ridge County Library.”
Request for approval and authorization for the Chairman to sign Contract between Lake County and the State Department of Health for operation of Lake County Health Department during contract term 10/01/02 through 09/30/03.
Economic Development and Tourism
Request for approval to declare surplus, advertise for sale as required, and sell to the highest and best bidder two parcels totaling ten acres on Sampy Road in Groveland (Alternate Key 1007933).
Growth Management
Request for approval of Resolution 2002-172 to impose a special assessment ($1,200.00) for the cost the County has spent in abating the excessive vegetation on Lots 7, 8 and 9, Royal View Estates, First Addition, according to the plat thereof recorded in Plat Book 36, Page 42.
Request for approval of Resolution 2002-173 to impose a special assessment ($800.00) for the cost the County has spent in abating the excessive vegetation on Lots 11 - 12, Block 27 of Sylvan Shores subdivision, recorded in Plat Book 9, Page 50.
Public Safety
Request for approval of Real Estate Purchase and Sales Agreement for the purchase of a 5.2-acre parcel from Dr. Middleton of approximate dimensions of 300 feet fronting on Shirley Shores Road by 750 feet deep for a fire station. The purchase price is $45,000.00 and approval of budget transfer of $50,000.00 for the purchase of the property and related costs.
Request for approval of the donation of a 1978 F-350 custom Ford Mini-pumper, 2 wheel drive/manual transmission Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) F37SNBK5077, County Property Number 10842, a surplus vehicle, to the Sunlake Volunteer Fire Department and approval authorizing Resolution 2002-175.
Public Works
Request for approval of amendment to Agreement between Lake County and Southern Eagle Squadron extending the Agreement until November 30, 2002.
Request for approval and authorization to advertise for bids for Lake Kathryn Community Development Block Grant Phase II Paving Project No. 2003-03 at an estimated cost of $430,622.00 - Commission District 4. Funding will be through the Community Development Block Grant. Approval and authorization to include with the above project SA-99, West Lakeside Drive, Forest Hills Subdivision, at an estimated cost of $82,080.00, CTT Funds - Commission District 4. West Lakeside Drive was approved to advertise by the Board of County Commissioners on 11/16/01.
Request for approval and authorization to purchase right of way from Jeffrey P. Wieland, as Trustee in conjunction with the SR 19/Lane Park Cutoff Signalization Project in the amount of $1,000.00.
Request for approval and authorization to execute a purchase Agreement for right of way between Lake County and Daryl Carter, on behalf of Chester Fosgate Company, Inc. for right of way in conjunction with the North Hancock Road/South Lake Trail Project in the Clermont area in the amount of $24,800.00.
Request for approval and authorization to execute change order #3 to the Huffstetler Drive Phase II Construction Project No. 2002-11 in the amount of $3,100.00 for the installation of the irrigation sprinkler system at the Hunter Building parking lot and approval of the budget transfer of $3,100.00 from Infrastructure Sales Tax - Special Reserve to Infrastructure Sales Tax - Improvements Other Than Buildings.
Request for approval and authorization to execute change order #5 to the CR-448 Extension Project No. 2001-10 in the amount of $18,410.00 for miscellaneous project modifications and excavating the canal bottom at the Lake Idamere Park.
Request for approval and authorization to accept the final plat for Spring Valley Phase IV; a Letter of Credit for Performance in the amount of $420,743.79; and execution of a Developer’s Agreement for Construction of Improvements between Lake County and The Siena Home Corporation. Subdivision consists of 74 lots - Commission District 2.
Request for approval and authorization to accept the final plat for Sunrise Lakes, all areas dedicated to the public as shown on the Sunrise Lakes plat; a Developer’s Agreement for Construction of Improvements between Lake County, Global Associates International Group, Inc., American Heritage Homes USA, Inc. and DRP Company of Alabama, Inc., A Florida Corporation; and two Letters of Credit for Performance in the amount of $5,467.00 and $21,499.50.
Request for approval of renewal of Lease Agreement for the Lady Lake office space occupied by the Lake County Property Appraiser.
Request for approval of Resolution 2002-174 to advertise Vacation Petition No. 992 by Jim Stivender, Jr., Director of Public Works to vacate an easement located in Section 8, Township 22 South, Range 26 East in the Plat of Howey Subdivision “A” in the Minneola area - Commission District 2.
ADDENDUM NO. 1
COUNTY MANAGER’S CONSENT AGENDA
Public Works
Request for County Manager to sign Road Closure Document(s) in connection with Requests for Temporary Closing/Special Use of State Road(s) for the Florida Department of Transportation pursuant to Florida Administrative Code Chapter 14.
PRESENTATIONS
YOUTH RECREATION ASSISTANCE AND MIDDLE SCHOOL ASSISTANCE
GRANT MONIES
Mr. Robert “Bob” Stephens, Parks & Recreation Director, presented checks for the annual Youth Recreation Assistance and Middle School Assistance Grant Monies to the following recipients:
• Boys & Girls Club of Lake/Sumter
• City of Clermont
• City of Eustis
• City of Mount Dora
• City of Tavares
• First Baptist Church of Leesburg
• Golden Triangle YMCA
• Lake County School Board
• It’s A Better World Day Care
• Lake/Sumter Community College
• Lake Soccer League
• South Lake YMCA
• Stuckey’s Kids
• South Lake Recreation
• South Lake Dixie Youth
PROCLAMATION FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH
Commr. Hanson read Proclamation 2002-134, which was approved on September 17, 2002, into the record. She introduced Ms. Ruth Harvey Gilligan of The Haven of Lake and Sumter Counties and presented her with the proclamation proclaiming the month of October 2002 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Ms. Gilligan accepted the proclamation on behalf of The Haven and the thousands of victims who are served on an annual basis, and thanked the Board for their on going support.
PROCLAMATION FOR BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
Commr. Hill introduced Ms. Mary Pieper, a volunteer with the American Cancer Society, who announced that a Cattle Barons Ball will be held October 26, 2002, at the Savannah Center in Lady Lake. The Ball is a major American Cancer Society fund-raising event.
Commr. Hill read Proclamation 2002-168, which was approved on October 1, 2002, into the record. She presented Ms. Pieper with the proclamation proclaiming the month of October 2002 as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
BENEFITS OF PARKS, RECREATION & GREEN SPACES BY
DR. JOHN L. CROMPTON, TEXAS A & M UNIVERSITY
Dr. John L. Crompton, Distinguished Professor of Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences, Texas A & M University, gave a presentation on the “Benefits of Parks, Recreation & Green Spaces,” and discussed the linkages between natural resources and economic development in Lake County. He stated that people tend to think of recreation and parks in terms of quality of life but fail to think about them in terms of economic development.
Dr. Crompton’s presentation focused on attracting tourists, businesses and retirees and the impact they have on real estate values. He stated that 35% of the County is made up of wetlands and lakes with an extraordinary resource base. He stated Lake County’s challenge is to preserve those resources, use them for tourism purposes, and drive the tourism engine.
Basically, investments of residents’ taxes, according to Dr. Crompton, are used to subsidize development of recreation programs or facilities, some of which attract out of town visitors. Dr. Crompton gave an example of a softball tournament in College Station, Texas. The city received $4,600 in entry fees, the tournament cost $14,000, and the City lost $9,400. However, the players spent $287,000 and the residents received $164,000 in economic impact. At the cost of $2 million to construct the softball complex, it would only take two years for the residents to recoup their investment because the city hosts six or seven tournaments per year.
Dr. Crompton remarked that the State of Texas will be $10 billion in the red when the Texas legislature meets in January 2003, and their first temptation will be to slash parks’ budgets. He stated that parks provide for quality of life, but often are way down the line of priorities. He added that a series of economic impact studies has been undertaken on Texas parks and, in many small communities, the parks generate jobs and drive the economy.
He stated that sports tournaments are the most efficient economic generator in the parks and recreation area, and the return on the investment is relatively rapid. He commented that Lake County is missing major opportunities from a tourism point of view because the County does not have those kinds of investments in place.
Dr. Crompton discussed business relocation and a study of 150 decision makers who have moved businesses to Colorado in the last five years. Hundreds of times, he has asked decision makers where they would like to live and why. The answer, by 80% of the people, is that their dream place will have something to do with parks, recreation, and ambiance. Large businesses have other priorities and their mandate is to maximize the return they get on their investment, but small business owners, many times, will trade off maximum return for quality of life issues. Small businessmen, typically who have ten employees or less, place recreation and parks at the top. That is important because, according to reports from Washington, D.C., the major economic growth train in this country is small businesses. He stated that the City of Austin, Texas, acted ten years too late in building parks and is now desperately trying to catch up. He pointed out that Dell Computers, located in Austin, is actively trying to recruit employees from Microsoft in Seattle, Washington, but cannot because the quality of life in Seattle is far superior to the quality of life in Austin. He continued by quoting from an editorial in the Des Moines Daily Register that “the State of Iowa fixated on improving the business climate, thinking that if businesses could bring jobs to Iowa, everything else would fall into place....in almost every measure of economic gain, Iowa is near the bottom among the 50 states.... Iowa bet on the wrong strategy and lost.”
Dr. Crompton commented about retirement migration, a new, clean-growth industry in America. These GRAMPIES, “Growing number of Retired Active Monied People In Excellent physical and emotional Shape,” are being actively recruited by more than 100 local governments because many retirees have substantial private pensions. One hundred of these retired households, with a $40,000 annual pension, would bring a new $4 million annual payroll to the area. These positive taxpayers do not have children in school and have lots of pluses. He added that retirees look for two things, good climate and recreational amenities, and Lake County has both. He emphasized that Lake County’s mission should be to hold on to the retirees.
Dr. Crompton addressed the role of parks on property values. He pointed out that lot values around golf courses and parks increase quantitatively and people will pay premiums for those lots. He concluded that when a government invests in parks, it does not cost, because money comes back in increased property values and taxes. He addressed the idea that building houses on that same acreage, rather than creating a park, would increase the property base. He gave examples of a graph which, according to 70 different fiscal impact analyses from communities around the United States, showed dollars in revenue versus the cost of services. For commercial industries, for every dollar in revenue, the cost of services is 29 cents; for open areas, for every dollar in revenue, the cost of services is 37 cents; and for houses, for every dollar in revenue, the cost of services is $1.15. Typically, when you build houses, you lose money because the cost of servicing those houses, especially the cost of schools, far exceeds revenue. He referenced Naperville, Illinois, where that city devoted 205 acres of open space rather than 125 acres of open space in an undeveloped section of the city. The key factor, by increasing open space, was that the City reduced the potential school population from 1,820 to 1,104, or 716 fewer students, which meant one less school to build and operate. He stated that the result was a cost savings substantially greater than the development-related revenues that would have been generated on the other 80 acres. He urged the Board to keep parks in the context of economic development generators.
Dr. Crompton stated that he flew over Lake County and was amazed at all the development and commented that, clearly, this growth will create a huge demand for additional amenities, and if the County is not charging impact fees, the existing residents will subsidize the new growth. He added that will mean substantial tax increases in the future. He mentioned that he is working with Draper City, Utah, which has established an impact fee of $3,300 per home for recreation and parks, because that city has come to realize either existing residents will pay for the servicing of recreation and parks or the new residents will pay with impact fees. He urged the Board to give urgent thought, while growth is in place, to considering impact fees as a mechanism for financing recreation and parks.
Dr. Crompton asked the Board to consider close liaison with schools, stating that he is appalled at the lack of relationship between cities and counties and schools across the nation. He explained that, typically, a school building is in use about one-half of the year, about one-third of the day, or about 20% of the time, and schools are largely recreation centers, considering shops, gymnasiums, sports facilities, etc. He commented that cities and counties should participate with schools and put in extra amenities upon construction, thereby resulting in massive savings if school use and community use were combined. He added that with community use during non school hours, the property could be utilized about 60% of the time. He remarked that it is absurd to build schools separately from recreation centers. He maintained that taxpayers are paying for both and communities should insist on putting these together.
Finally, Dr. Crompton asked the Board to consider investing in after-school programs and evaluate the impact of such programs on youth deviant behavior. He stated that programs do not automatically result in good kids, but if programs are structured appropriately, they can have a major impact on youth development. He urged the Board to consider this type of investment.
Commr. Pool stated that he is impressed with Dr. Crompton’s suggestions, he supports impact fees for recreation, and considers recreation impact fees as vitally important. He clarified that retirees are an asset to a community.
Commr. Hanson stated that Lake County’s parks have been gradually increasing since 1990, and added that impact fees must be determined by current amenities.
Dr. Crompton confirmed that Supreme Court case rulings insist that impact fees must only extend existing levels of service and cannot be used to expand on the level of service. He remarked that the existing level of service in Lake County is quite high, despite the lack of aquatic facilities and ball fields. He stated that the Lake County Water Authority does have 6,600 acres, which are local county amenities, and the value of this incredible amount of land can be the basis for a substantial impact fee. He confirmed that only local amenities, not state owned lands, can be used to determine the impact fee for local services.
Mr. Bill Neron, County Manager, stated that Dr. Crompton reinforces that Lake County, by actions of the Board and staff, is headed in the right direction. The Master Plan that will be undertaken soon in conjunction with all the cities and the school board, hopefully, will allow acquisitions for schools on a joint basis.
Commr. Pool thanked Mr. Richard Dunkel, a resident of Mount Dora, for his efforts in bringing Dr. Crompton to Lake County.
Commr. Hill stated that she will be taking Dr. Crompton’s ideas and thoughts to the Impact Fee Evaluation and Review Committee.
GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS BASEMAP CREATION UPDATE
AND PREVIEW OF INTERNET SITE
Mr. Bill Neron, County Manager, stated that about a year ago the Board increased funding to accelerate the Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and he is very pleased with staff’s progress, and especially the work by Kitty Cooper and Sarah LaMarche. He stressed that this important asset, which he considers administrative infrastructure, will help the County make wise decisions.
Ms. Sarah LaMarche, Director of Budget and Administrative Services, stated that the addressing project was completed about August 2001, and the parcel base was added gradually. She commended the talented staff members who have worked tirelessly and professionally, and who treated the project like a business. She thanked the Property Appraiser’s office for their stellar cooperation.
Ms. Kitty Cooper, Director of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), thanked the staff, including employees from the Public Works Department, the City of Eustis, the City of Leesburg, and the City of Lady Lake. She stated that this is a countywide GIS effort, and brings a huge economic development and real estate tool that will allow viewers to see Lake County in exquisite color photography. She announced that internet availability will be in phases, with 15 townships in the southern part of Lake County available today, October 15, 2002, six townships in the eastern part of the County will be on line by spring 2003 and the balance of the County will be on line by the end of summer 2003. She explained that, with the aerial photography, a viewer can see details such as power poles and automobiles. She stated that information from the Property Appraiser’s office will be updated, on a monthly basis, and will include subdivision, addressing structures, and streets. Geocoding will be available to the 911 systems and addressing data will be used by the Sheriff’s office.
Ms. Lori Davis, Data Warehouse Administrator, demonstrated the new GIS website, beginning with the tutorial page and database dictionary or metadata layers.
Ms. Cooper stated that 30 to 40 metadata layers will be added within the next six months. She explained that some color photography is available, as well as black and white aerial photography which was taken in 1998. Street addresses, alternate key numbers for each parcel, and street names are available. She stated that environmental assessment, wetlands, soils, parks, shelters, schools, evacuation routes and other information will be added to the website in the coming months. Ms. Cooper stated that the County hopes to eventually update aerial photography annually at a cost of less than $10,000 per year. She stated that viewers will be able to see subdivisions that have been added in growth areas like the Highway 27/Turnpike area.
Mr. Bill Neron, County Manager, pointed out that the Planning and Zoning Commission and County Commissioners will have almost real-time data available, and the web site will be a very useful tool for the Economic Development Director when working with businesses.
Ms. Cooper stated that there is a disclaimer, and the site is for graphic representation of what is on the site. The GIS does not claim to be a surveying company and has only created, with the best information possible, the parcel information.
CITIZEN QUESTION AND COMMENT PERIOD
It was noted that no one wished to present questions or comments to the Board.
COUNTY MANAGER’S DEPARTMENTAL BUSINESS
APPOINTMENT TO THE LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD
Mr. Bill Neron, County Manager, explained that on October 1, 2002, two individuals were appointed to the vacant unincorporated at-large position on the Library Advisory Board, but there was only one vacant position.
On a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Hill and carried unanimously, by a 4-0 vote, the Board appointed Ms. Barbara Newman to the vacant unincorporated at-large position on the Lake County Library Advisory Board.
At 10:20, it was noted that Commr. Cadwell temporarily left the meeting.
REPORTS - COUNTY ATTORNEY
APPROVAL TO ADVERTISE ORDINANCE
Mr. Sandy Minkoff, County Attorney, requested approval to advertise a proposed ordinance which would set forth various ways to dispose of surplus real property, and adds a provision that would allow the County to list property for sale with a real estate agent as opposed to using strictly auction sales with Board approval. He stated that the proposed ordinance would allow sales through competitive bids, through private sale when the value of the property is $15,000 or less and is sold to an adjacent property owner, as an exchange or giving the property to another government or a charity, or using a licensed real estate broker. The ordinance would also include the procedure whereby an individual can request that property be made surplus, as well as the County Manager or the Board designating property as surplus, and allows the Board to choose which method would be used when the property is disposed of. He mentioned that State Representative Carey Baker worked on the real estate broker portion of the proposed ordinance and requested that Rep. Baker be invited to the public hearing on the ordinance.
Commr. Hanson stated that a citizen approached her regarding donating property to Habitat for Humanity, and whether or not the cost of rezoning to residential could be waived.
Mr. Minkoff clarified that the County could request the rezoning, but the only time a fee is waived is when the County does not have to do review or analysis. He stated that, in the past, the Board has chosen not to waive fees on rezoning cases with municipalities, charities and churches.
Mr. Bill Neron, County Manager, stated that Mr. Gregg Welstead, Deputy County Manager, could work with the County Attorney on an appropriate method for rezoning the property mentioned by Commr. Hanson.
On a motion by Commr. Hanson, seconded by Commr. Hill and carried unanimously, by a 3-0 vote, the Board approved the request to advertise the proposed ordinance entitled disposition of surplus real property.
Commr. Cadwell was not present for the vote.
At 10:25, it was noted that Commr. Cadwell returned to the meeting.
ADDENDUM NO. 1
COUNTY MANAGER’S DEPARTMENTAL BUSINESS
PUBLIC WORKS - CLERK’S PUBLIC RECORDS CENTER
Mr. Jim Stivender, Director of Public Works, asked for direction from the Board regarding a request for additional funding for items for the Clerk of Courts Public Records Center (old First Union Bank Building). He stated that, while funding for the project has basically been depleted, there are new requests regarding a fire suppression system, a UPS (uninterruptible power supply) system and renovation for a covered, outdoor area for employees. He explained that last year during design work it was determined the Clerk’s recording department would only be in the building two to three years and installing a full fire suppression system was not economically feasible. However, concern about the safety of stored records has prompted a recommendation to install a dry fire suppression system. Concerning the covered area for employees, he explained the drive-through teller area has been kept in place and has been painted, and the Clerk has requested that bars and curbing be removed and paver stones and tables be installed for use by employees. The UPS is a backup for the computer system in case of a power failure.
Commr. Hill stated that she would like to separate the three items, approving the fire suppression system at $34,000, and the UPS at $13,750, for a total of $47,750. She recommended delaying renovation of the covered area and noted the existing nearby park.
Under discussion, Commr. Cadwell inquired if delaying work on the covered outdoor area would increase the cost. Mr. Stivender clarified that delay would not increase the cost.
Commr. Pool mentioned a new fire suppression technology, a portable FM200 non-refillable tank system that might cost between $2,000 and $5,000, and requested that Mr. Stivender research that system with the possibility of saving several thousand dollars.
On a motion by Commr. Hill, seconded by Commr. Cadwell and carried unanimously, by a 4-0 vote, the Board approved estimated funding in an amount not to exceed $53,000 for an appropriate fire suppression system, a UPS system and 10% contingency, for the Clerk of Courts Public Records Center (old First Union Bank Building).
REPORTS - COUNTY MANAGER
RESOLUTION SUPPORTING LAKE COUNTY FAIR ASSOCIATION’S REQUEST
FOR STATE FUNDING
Mr. Bill Neron, County Manager, stated that the Lake County Fair Association has requested a resolution from the County in support of the Association’s request for state funding from the fiscal year 2002/2003 Florida Department of Agriculture’s supplemental budget.
A motion was made by Commr. Hanson and seconded by Commr. Cadwell in support of the resolution.
Under discussion, Mr. Neron stated that the County has budgeted three-quarters of a million dollars for improvements to be made at the fairgrounds in 2003. Mr. Jim Stivender, Director of Public Works, stated that improvements will include painting, landscaping enhancements and other renovations to the exterior of the buildings.
Commr. Pool called for a vote on the motion which carried unanimously, by a 4-0 vote, to approve Resolution 2002-170 in support of the Lake County Fair Association Livestock Show Improvement Project and its application for state funding from the fiscal year 2002/2003 Florida Department of Agriculture’s supplemental budget.
REPORTS - COMMISSIONER POOL - CHAIRMAN AND DISTRICT #2
2002 STATE OF THE COUNTY
Commr. Pool announced the 2002 State of the County will be held Thursday, October 17, 2002, at 6:00 p.m. in the rotunda area of the Administration Building.
CRESCENT CANAL VEGETATION REMOVAL
Commr. Pool thanked the residents along the Crescent Canal who invited him to a “weed pulling party” after he secured permits for cleaning vegetation from the canal.
PROCLAMATION FOR EPILEPSY AWARENESS MONTH
On a motion by Commr. Hanson, seconded by Commr. Cadwell and carried unanimously, by a 4-0 vote, the Board approved Proclamation 2002-171 proclaiming the month of November 2002 as Epilepsy Awareness Month in Lake County.
There being no further business to be brought to the attention of the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 10:40 a.m.
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ROBERT A. POOL, CHAIRMAN
ATTEST:
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JAMES C. WATKINS, CLERK