A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

MARCH 15, 2005

The Lake County Board of County Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, March 15, 2005, at 9:00 a.m., in the Board of County Commissioners’ Meeting Room, Lake County Administration Building, Tavares, Florida. Commissioners present at the meeting were: Jennifer Hill, Chairman; Catherine C. Hanson, Vice Chairman; Welton G. Cadwell; Debbie Stivender; and Robert A. Pool. Others present were: Sanford A. “Sandy” Minkoff, County Attorney; William “Bill” Neron, County Manager; Linda Green, Executive Associate, Board of County Commissioners’ Office; Wendy Taylor, Executive Office Manager, Board of County Commissioners’ Office; Barbara Lehman, Chief Deputy Clerk, County Finance; and Judy Whaley, Deputy Clerk.

INVOCATION AND PLEDGE

Chaplain Bob Whitworth of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office gave the Invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance.

INTRODUCTIONS

Commr. Hill recognized Lake County Sheriff Chris Daniels; City of Clermont Council Member Ray Goodgame; and Ms. Nancy Fullerton, Board of Trustees, Lake County Water Authority, who were in the audience.

AGENDA UPDATE

Mr. Bill Neron, County Manager, stated that Addendum No. 1 includes one item under the County Manager’s Departmental Business and report items by the County Manager and Commissioner Cadwell. He stated that addendum items 2 and 3 under the County Manager’s reports are scheduled for March 29, 2005. Mr. Neron will add a verbal report on the administrative fee for school impact fees under his reports.

MINUTE APPROVAL

On a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Pool and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved the Minutes of February 8, 2005 (Regular Meeting) as presented.

CLERK OF COURTS’ CONSENT AGENDA

On a motion by Commr. Pool, seconded by Commr. Hanson and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved the Clerk of Courts’ Consent Agenda, Items 1 through 6, as follows:

Contractor Bonds – New:

 

Approval of new Contractor Bonds as follows:

 

6354-05           Justin Lefebure d.b.a. Heads Up Sprinkler, Inc.

6355-05           William Jones d.b.a. Central FL Sod & Landscaping, Inc.

6356-05           N.E. Construction, Ltd.

6357-05           Christopher L. Warren d.b.a. Florida Green

 

Ordinances – City of Groveland

 

Acknowledge receipt of annexation Ordinances 2005-01-01, 2005-02-04 and 2005-02-05 from the City of Groveland, Florida.

 

Southwest Florida Water Management District

 

Acknowledge receipt of the Southwest Florida Water Management District Agenda for the Governing Board Meeting February 22-23, 2005; and Minutes of the Meeting for the Governing Board, Southwest Florida Water Management District, Brooksville, Florida, December 14, 2004.

 

Ordinances – Town of Lady Lake

 

Acknowledge receipt from the Town of Lady Lake, Florida, the following Ordinances: 2004-19 (redesignating zoning classification); 2004-20 (pertaining to comprehensive planning); 2004-21 (expanding boundaries of the Village Center Community Development District).

 

Public Service Commission

 

Acknowledge receipt of the following: Before the Public Service Commission, in re:  Joint application for approval of transfer of majority organizational control of Chateau Communities, Inc., grandparent of Del Tura Phase I, LLC d/b/a/ Del Tura Utilities, holder of Certificate No. 298-S in Lee County; CWS Communities LP d/b/a Palm Valley Utilities, holder of Certificates Nos. 277-W and 223-S in Seminole County; and CWS Communities LP, holder of Certificate No. 518-W in Lake County, to Hometown America, L.L.C. – Order Approving Transfer of Majority Organizational Control and Notice of Proposed Agency Action Establishing Rate Base at the Time of Transfer; and Notice of Further Proceedings or Judicial Review with instructions to those affected who may wish to file a petition for a formal proceeding, before March 10, 2005.

 

Village Center Community Development District

 

Acknowledge receipt of the 2004 Audited Financial Report for the Village Center Community Development District, pursuant to Florida Statutes 218.32.

 

COUNTY MANAGER’S CONSENT AGENDA

Commr. Hill requested that Tabs 14 and 15 be pulled for discussion and Commr. Stivender requested  that Tab 16 be pulled for discussion.

On a motion by Commr. Hanson, seconded by Commr. Pool and carried unanimously, by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved the County Manager’s Consent Agenda, Tabs 3 through 20, pulling Tabs 14, 15 and 16 for discussion, for the following requests:

Budget

 

Approval of Budget transfer – County Transportation Trust Fund, Department of Public Works, Road Operations Division, in the amount of $30,000.00 is requested. Transfer $30,000.00 from Roads to Road Materials and Supplies. Additional funds are needed in Road Materials and Supplies. Earlier in the budget year funds were needed to cover the cost of rental equipment ($55,000.00), which was transferred from Road Materials and Supplies. Funds available in Roads.

 

Approval of Budget transfer – General Fund, Department of Community Services, County Public Health Unit Division, in the amount of $42,000.00 is requested. Transfer $42,000.00 ($22,000.00 from Reserve for Operations and $20,000.00 from Utility Services) to Rentals and Leases. An additional $42,000.00 is needed for Lake County Health Department lease space through the end of the fiscal year. The Board of County Commissioners previously approved the lease. Funds are available in Reserve for Operations (balance remaining will be $6,244.00) and Utility Services.

 

Approval and signature of Interlocal Agreement with the City of Umatilla relating to the collection of Lake County impact fees by the city.

 

Community Services

 

Approval and signature of Proclamation 2005-28 declaring the week of March 28 through April 3, 2005, as Community Development Week in Lake County.

 

Approval of offer of employment for Julie B. England, Extension Agent I, who has successfully completed the County's pre-employment screening process.

 

Environmental Services

 

Approval of Sheriff's Work Farm donation of trees to Lake County March of Dimes Fundraiser.

 

Growth Management

 

Approval of Interlocal Agreement with the City of Umatilla dealing with provisions of Permitting, Building/Fire Inspection, Plan Review Services and Contractor Licensing and Regulation.

 

Approval and execution of a Satisfaction and Release of Fine for property owned by Dee Dee Langley, CEB Number 2002020082.

 

Procurement Services

 

Approval to award the contract for Re-roofing and Overhang Construction for the Hunter Building to THL Enterprises, Inc., in accordance with Bid Number 05-028 for $44,620.00 and the Sheriff's Administration Building Bid Number 05-029 to THL Enterprises, Inc. for $192,800.00; and approval of Capital Substitution Transfer in the amount of $112,470.00 for Sheriff's Administration Building Re-roof Project.

 

Approval that the Board declare the items on the attached lists surplus to County needs and authorize disposal as described; authorize the removal of all of the items on the attached lists from the County's official fixed asset inventory system records; and authorize the Procurement Services Director to sign the vehicle titles.

 

Public Works

 

Approval of the funding proposal from the Lake County School Board for the Summer Middle School Grant in the amount of up to $99,928.00.

 

Approval and authorization to advertise for bids for the Number 1040 Lakeshore Drive Widening & Resurfacing Project Number 2005-06 at an estimated cost of $975,966.00. Through a Local Agency Program Agreement (FDOT FPN 413312-1-58-01), the Florida Department of Transportation will fund $582,040.00 for construction of 5-foot wide paved shoulders on Lakeshore Drive from CR 561 to the Lake Susan Bridge and Renewal Sales Tax Capital Projects Fund will fund the remaining $393,926.00 to resurface the roadway – Commission District 2.

 

Approval and authorization to advertise for bids for the Upper Palatlakaha Stormwater Retro-Fit Project Number 2005-09 at an estimated cost of $249,644.00 from the Stormwater Management Fund – Commissioner District 2.

 

Approval of Agreement between Lake County Board of County Commissioners, City of Clermont, and J&W Clermont, LLC regarding Legends Way, a new two lane collector road between Citrus Tower Boulevard and North Hancock Road.

 

Approval to enter into a Revenue Agreement (Contract Number S1456XA) with the St. Johns River Water Management District to help fund and develop a regional Master Stormwater Management Plan in the Wekiva Study Area.

 

Approval and authorization to release three Performance Bonds for Construction of Improvements in the total amount of $671,332.10 that were posted for Heathrow Country Estate Homes Phase One.

 

COUNTY MANAGER’S CONSENT AGENDA – PULLED FOR DISCUSSION

PUBLIC WORKS – MAINTENANCE MAP FOR CR 439 AND CR 44A

Commr. Hill asked if anyone in the audience would like to comment on Tab 14 which is a request from Public Works for approval and acceptance of a Maintenance Map for CR 439 (Number 7483) and CR 44A (Number 6286). No one wished to comment.

On a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Stivender and carried unanimously, by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved the request from Public Works for approval and acceptance of a Maintenance Map for CR 439 (Number 7483) and CR 44A (Number 6286).

PUBLIC WORKS

MAINTENANCE MAP FOR WOODLEA ROAD AND LANE PARK ROAD

Commr. Hill called for audience comments on Tab 15 which is a request from Public Works for approval and acceptance of a Maintenance Map for Woodlea Road (Number 3840) and Lane Park Road (3637). No one wished to comment.

Commr. Stivender asked how wide the maintenance is and if it allows for the sidewalk that has been discussed for years.

Mr. Jim Stivender, Jr., Public Works Director, stated that it varies in width. He stated that none of the homes or infrastructure for the houses will be affected. He stated that it probably does not allow for the sidewalk because easements have to be obtained.

Commr. Stivender requested that this item be rescheduled because the City of Tavares needs to be involved.

On a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Pool and carried unanimously, by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved to reschedule Tab 15, a request from Public Works for approval and acceptance of a Maintenance Map for Woodlea Road (Number 3840) and Lane Park Road (3637).

PUBLIC WORKS – RIGHT OF WAY – SOUTH DEWEY ROBBINS ROAD

Commr. Stivender stated that her request to pull Tab 16 (a request from Public Works for approval and execution of a Purchase Agreement with P H Freeman & Sons, Inc., Richard H. Freeman, President, for right-of-way; and authorization for the Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners to sign any and all documents necessary for closing, in conjunction with the South Dewey Robbins Road Paving Project located in the Howey-in-the-Hills area) was for the purpose of letting residents on South Dewey Robbins know the project is happening.

On a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Pool and carried unanimously, by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved the request from Public Works to execute a Purchase Agreement with P H Freeman & Sons, Inc., Richard H. Freeman, President, for right-of-way; and authorization for the Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners to sign any and all documents necessary for closing, in conjunction with the South Dewey Robbins Road Paving Project located in the Howey-in-the-Hills area.

PRESENTATION – ORLANDO-ORANGE COUNTY EXPRESSWAY AUTHORITY

Commr. Hill stated that, before the presentation on the Orlando-Orange County Expressway Authority (OOCEA) begins, Rep. Randy Johnson, R-Winter Garden, will make some brief remarks from Tallahassee via telephone.

Rep. Johnson stated that the purpose of his telephone call is to encourage support by the Board of the expansion of East-West Expressway from the western beltway to US Highway 27 (US Hwy 27). He stated that, over the past seven years that he has been in the Legislature, he has worked very closely with the Board as a team. He expressed his appreciation to the Board for its vision and terrific foresight on behalf of the constituents of Lake County. He stated that there are wonderful rewards from the joint efforts on State Road 50 (SR 50) and noted Commr. Pool’s great leadership in presenting the proposal to study the expansion of that road, together with Orange County, in a regional approach. With everyone’s efforts, about $250 million dollars has been installed in the rehabilitation of SR 50 from US Hwy 27 (in Lake County) to Pine Hills Road (in Orange County) and further east. He stated that the regional approach always ends up being the right thing to do. While being proud of SR 50 again, he stated that it will be obsolete the day the ribbon is cut if we do not figure out how to get those who want to move quickly between Clermont and Orlando onto a fast road. Rep. Johnson expressed his support of the expansion project and stated that he is ready for tasking by the Board with respect to how the State can be supportive, both financially and with respect to planning. He stated that it would be his hope that the Board, in assisting the OOCEA, would support moving ahead with this concept and finalize this study. He stated that he will dedicate the next 14 or 18 months, before leaving the legislature, to getting this project started. He pledged his support on this project and on a long list of other needs that Lake County has.

Commr. Pool asked if the Legislature might be bringing back the county incentive grant programs so that more dollars for transportation can be seen.

Rep. Johnson explained that the county incentive grant funds were taken away a couple of years ago. Since there is not enough money for all of the roads the thought was that the major roads should be taken care of first. That is an issue for small counties, like Lake County, with high growth. As Chairman of the Growth Management Committee in the Florida House of Representatives, Rep. Johnson stated that he has recommended that the county incentive grant program be reinstated and that it would be tied to good growth practices. Counties that show the Legislature that they are able to grow smart would be able to tap into that money, as well as extra student station money, for good growth projects for schools that would actually allow building in advance of a student coming. He remarked that there is currently one template for the whole State of Florida and it does not work very well for Lake County and other high growth counties. He stated that there would also be a pot of money for good growth projects for water treatment plants, distribution and package plants so that the Legislature could begin to support counties in a positive way with some of the $60 billion that is spent each year. These pots of money would be offered for education, for roads, and for water and for good development projects that make sense. The caveat to that is that a county would have a plan, would know where it is going in the next ten to twenty years, and its proposal would express that vision. He opined that Lake County is very, very prepared to take on that ownership. As well, the Legislature would move much of the decision-making process away from the Department of Community Affairs down to counties and cities that have proven that they have the ability to manage their own affairs and grow smart. He stated that part of his proposal will be for revamping Growth Management to a kind of concurrency with cash attached to it to encourage growth in a smart way.

Commr. Hill gave a brief history of the Orlando-Orange County Expressway Authority (OOCEA) which began in 1963 as a small toll road agency. It now includes 92 miles of expressway. All toll revenues stay in Central Florida, allowing for maintenance, improvements and expansion at no expense to city, county or state budgets. OOCEA is embarking on the largest system improvement program since its inception, totaling just over $1.2 billion.

Mr. Allan Keen stated that he was appointed by Governor Jeb Bush four years ago as Chairman of OOCEA and was just reappointed. He stated that the OOCEA is not here today with any proposal but is here for an update presentation. He stated that OOCEA just finished a $1/2 billion bond issue about a month ago and was given a credit rating upgrade. He compared the Orange County five-year work plan for roads of $180 million to OOCEA’s five-year work plan of $1.22 billion. He stated that OOCEA is carrying the lion’s share of the surface transportation needs. He explained that OOCEA was at the stage of considering the expansion of State Road 429 (SR 429) northwest to the edge of Mount Dora when it was asked by a group of environmental leaders to suspend that action. He stated that OOCEA went through the process over two and one half years, through both Wekiva commissions, and came up with something that works for everyone. He stated that will be a major part of OOCEA’s future.

Mr. Mike Snyder, Executive Director, OOCEA, gave a PowerPoint presentation entitled “OOCEA Briefing to Lake County Commission”. (A printed copy of the presentation is included in the backup material.) The presentation included the following:

 

Mr. Snyder opined that Seminole County is open to looking at all options in Seminole County. FDOT and OOCEA believe that we have to look at connecting directly to I-4 and the GreeneWay with a limited access facility to make it a true beltway on the northern end and be able to go east/west across I-4 without a lot of diversion up to SR 46.

Commr. Hanson expressed that it will be critical to have trails run through the Lake and Orange County section into Seminole County.

Mr. Snyder stated that the trails will be looked at and OOCEA will expect a lot of input from the County. He remarked that it is agreed that a lot of the Wekiva Parkway will have to be elevated for animal crossings and there may be dual opportunities to continue a trail through those areas.

Commr. Cadwell remarked that, although the owners of the Seminole Woods/Seminole Swamp do not want to sell or develop their property, they will not own the property forever.

Mr. Keen commented that OOCEA’s approach is different from the State’s land acquisition people. OOCEA’s approach has been more peaceful and practical and in trying to find a dialogue.

Commr. Pool recognized Mr. Snyder’s recognition of and support of the SR 50 corridor project while he was the Secretary for District 5. He stated that, as we grow in Central Florida, it is important to encourage partnerships.

Mr. Keen stated that OOCEA has a five-year plan as well as a twenty-five year plan. During April workshops, OOCEA will be looking at its long-term strategic plan where it does put roads and future roads, even conceptual ones. He stated that he would be happy to invite Lake County to one of those workshops.

In response to Commr. Hill’s inquiry regarding public safety vehicles, Mr. Snyder stated that OOCEA follows Florida Statute that allows toll-free passage when they are in an official act.

Regarding SR 429, Mr. Snyder stated that it is well above expectations and is hitting numbers that were not expected for the first ten years of operation. It is not, however, paying its way because a new facility takes some time to ramp up.

Commr. Stivender introduced Mr. T.J. Fish, Executive Director of the Lake-Sumter Metropolitan Planning Organization (LSMPO), and asked Mr. Snyder and Mr. Keen for their help in working with the LSMPO on transportation issues.

Commr. Hanson asked if the segment through Lake County into Seminole County will still remain non-toll.

Mr. Snyder confirmed that is correct and is a commitment that was made during the hearings. He stated that it still looks to be that way. He stated that absolute numbers have not been done but the numbers of traffic that have been seen running through Seminole County would, from OOCEA’s perspective, make it difficult to be a toll road out there. He confirmed that the idea is to have one integral road, serving the dual purpose, in coordinating with SR 46.

Mr. Snyder presented a packet of information on the Orlando-Orange County Expressway Authority which explains who they are and what they have done. (A packet is included in the backup material.)

PUBLIC HEARING

SPECIAL ASSESSMENT - FOREST DRIVE, LAUREL COURT, HILLCREST DRIVE

Mr. Jim Stivender, Jr., Public Works Director, presented Special Assessment Project Number 94 (Forest Drive "Part", Laurel Court, and Hillcrest Drive "Part") and the request for a resolution adopting a special assessment roll for the paving, grading, curbing and drainage of Forest Drive “Part”, Laurel Court and Hillcrest Drive “Part” in unincorporated Lake County. He stated that there is some opposition associated with the cost of the assessment. The bid prices appear to be in line but would mean some lots would be assessed up to $49,000 and staff sees that as being extremely excessive. He explained that staff took the linear footage from the wetlands in the Wekiva area and absorbed that on the County side. After averaging the entire assessment, a number of $8,530.86 was determined to be the average top-end that would be recommended to the Board. Currently, the County’s portion is $531,000 and the property owners’ share is $510,000. Absorbing the wetlands, the County’s portion is increased by $40,000, and taking the reduced top-end assessment, the County would absorb $714,780 and the property owners’ share would be $325,387. Also, the County would absorb the cost associated with the front footage associated with a parcel which is owned by the State. He stated that staff feels this is a more reasonable solution that could allow the special assessment to go forward. Mr. Stivender confirmed that the Board had a similar situation in Astatula where the County absorbed some of the assessments. He stated that the Board would be paying approximately 70% of the costs.

In response to Commr. Stivender’s inquiry regarding setting precedence, Commr. Cadwell stated that the Board, by practice in the past, has handled these issues on a case by case basis.

Commr. Hanson stated that staff has done an outstanding job working with the property owners for several years. She noted that this is a citizen initiative and she appreciates the innovative solutions.

Mr. Stivender recognized the hard work by Ms. Barbara Schamel and Ms. Lori Conway of the Public Works Department.

Commr. Hill opened the public hearing portion of the meeting and called for public comment.

Mr. Jim Hunt stated that he initiated the paving project seven years ago and that prices have skyrocketed in that time. He noted that most of his neighbors are against paying the price for the road. He stated that this is a worthwhile project and he hopes it can go, someday, around to Swift Road where school buses could stop. Mr. Hunt remarked that speeding is a problem and some pick-up trucks travel at 60 miles per hour on the dirt road now. He reiterated that he is in favor of the road but, if the neighbors say no, he has no choice but to go along with them. He expressed appreciation for the upgrades such as surveys and power poles.

Commr. Hanson explained that permitting and environmental concerns slowed this project down a great deal.

Mr. Stanley Rolinski, Laurel Court, asked if other materials have been considered such as asphalt mixed with a high percentage of rock.

Mr. Stivender stated that a big challenge is grading work and stormwater. He stated that the surface itself is not a large part of the total project cost. He stated that an asphalt road might last 25 years while rock would last only half that time.

Mr. Rolinski stated that taxes will go up once the value goes up. He stated that he and his neighbors on Laurel Court submitted a petition objecting to the current price. His assessment would be $6,423.75 and could be paid over seven years plus interest.

Commr. Pool opined that homes along a paved road are worth more and pointed out that there is an annual cap on the amount an assessment can be increased.

Commr. Hanson explained that the interest rate is prime plus 1.5%. She stated that the Board has to consider that this is a road that does not connect, at this point, to anything else and that makes it a little more difficult for the County to absorb more of the costs. She pointed out that this is an opportunity, with the County absorbing 70% of the costs, but it is a community choice to move forward or not. She stated that the Board needs to know what the majority of the community truly wants.

Mr. Rolinski asked if the Board has considered obtaining grants to reduce the cost even more.

Commr. Hanson stated that CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) federal dollars would be allowed for someone who qualifies on the federal poverty level.

Mr. Lyle Copenhaver, Forest Drive, stated that he and his wife are against paving the road primarily because of increased fees, the endangerment to wildlife, and high speeds on the dirt roads. He stated that there would be no place to ride a horse. He stated that, although maintenance was needed a few years ago, the current state of the road is that it is passable and usable. He asked if the assessment can be postponed until property is sold.

Commr. Hanson stated that the road was improved based on the assumption that paving would be done.

Mr. Copenhaver asked if there is any per capita basis that could be used for a special taxing or special maintenance on the road. He reiterated that he is against paving the road.

Commr. Cadwell stated that experience shows there is less trouble with high speeds after paving because there would not be any fishtailing in the dirt.

Commr. Hanson commented that a properly paved road is less of a negative impact on the environment than a clay road is because of runoff.

Mr. Herman Giegerich, Forest Drive, stated that his property assessment would be $49,782.92. He is retired and works part time. He stated that he cannot even pay $8,900 and that is why he signed the petition against the road. He stated that he has lived there 25 years and he likes it like it is.

Mr. Fran Benson, Lot 21, Forest Drive, stated that he wanted to be part of a previous blacktopping project which included Lake Drive and Overlook Drive but his portion was cancelled. He asked if the blacktop could come up to Lot 22, next to Mr. Giegerich, which would mean half of it would be done. Wetlands and large properties would not be included. He asked if at least the first half of the road could be done which should bring down the price.

In indicating where Mr. Benson lives, Mr. Stivender referred to a colored map of the area which shows the owners who favor the paving project. (A copy of the map is included in the backup material.)

Ms. Sandra Caraway, Lot 44, stated that she does not mind the roads being paved because the neighbors want them paved. She stated that she does not live on the property but paving will increase the value. She stated that she is on a fixed income and she cannot hand over $8,600 plus 6.5% interest on an unpaid bill. She stated that the interest rate should be lowered tremendously.

Commr. Hill clarified that Ms. Caraway would be paying almost $1,300 per year, including interest, for seven years or about $102 per month for seven years.

Discussion occurred regarding the amount of interest that could be charged.

Ms. Barbara Schamel, Contract Specialist, Public Works Department, stated that the pavement assistance program under the Community Services Department is no longer available but a combined total of $100,000 has been set aside for the Hilltop and Forest Drive assessment projects.

Mr. Robert Thacker, Lot 45, Forest Drive, stated that he cannot pay for it because he just draws Social Security. Seven years ago he was working and could have paid for it but he cannot pay for it now.

Mr. William Godwin, Lot 43, stated that he owns a corner lot at Laurel Court and Forest Drive and his assessment is almost $15,000. He stated that he originally signed a petition to get maintenance on the road. He stated that he is not comfortable with paying the cost. He stated that it was a dirt road when he moved in and it has good and bad days. He stated that, ultimately, he lives on a dirt road in the sticks. He stated, for the record, that he would like it to stay the way it is.

Commr. Hanson asked if he wants it without any maintenance on the road.

Mr. Godwin stated that there are sandy spots which stay relatively compact but, toward the water, the area stays compacted when the weather is wet. During dry spells, however, those areas turn into sand pits. He stated that people who own cars moved there knowing it is a dirt road. He stated that the Sheriff’s Office used to grade the road and it was a great deal because cars could get in and out and the Sheriff had access to the community in case of emergencies. He reiterated that he is not for paving it.

Mr. Dale Burke, Lot 10, Forest Drive, stated that he was assessed more than $18,000 so he is in favor of the cap of $8,530. He expressed concerns for the safety of the residents because people drive 40 to 50 miles per hour now and there is no police presence. He stated that they cannot run radar there because it is a private road and people do what they want to do. If the road is paved, he hopes there will be some protection and radar. He stated that he would love to see the road paved but he has concerns about the people with financial burdens. He stated that he would like to be kept informed and know what will happen and when it will happen.

Ms. Terry Tucker, Lot 39, stated that she lives on the very tip of Laurel Court. She stated that she agrees it is a lot of money but her portion is not that much and she would love to see the road paved. She stated that wear and tear on vehicles should be considered. She gets ruts when the garbage trucks back down Laurel Court and pull out. She stated that she could not even get into her driveway. She understands the financial burden but she just bought a $30,000 truck. She is aware that she bought property on a dirt road. She remarked that a Toyota 4-Runner flipped over sideways because someone else was coming around on the wrong side of the road. She stated that there are safety issues and four-wheelers are spinning circles every night which cause ruts.

Mr. Hunt readdressed the Board by stating that he has lived out there 23 years and that he graded the road with a tractor whenever he could. He stated that the four-wheelers would come right behind them doing doughnuts in the road. He expressed his concern for the people who cannot pay. He mentioned the clay that was put down in 1999 but that effort was followed by rain. He stated that the roads were great after the Sheriff’s Office graded them in 1998 but now water from Seminole Woods flows right into the area. He stated that the 70% participation by the County is absolutely more than he could have imagined and he hopes that will sway some of the owners. He stated that he does not know how many are in favor of the project and suggested that he would take the list around to property owners.

Mr. Stivender stated that the contractor is ready to go whenever he is given direction by the County.

Mr. Sandy Minkoff, County Attorney, confirmed that this assessment, if not paid, could be an item that could cause foreclosure on a property.

Mr. Hunt informed the Board that Mr. Eisnor, who could not attend today’s meeting, is in favor of paving. He stated that Ms. Vickie Roepke, who owns the property where the road ends, would donate $10,000 to help defray some of the costs for some of the people who do not have the money.

Commr. Hanson suggested that this issue be postponed until the first meeting in April. She stated that everyone needs to realize that, unless this Board makes a different decision, the road will not be maintained by the County because it is not in the County maintenance system.

Mr. Hunt agreed that it will not be maintained by the County and that the Sheriff’s Office will not be grading the road. He stated that he will not grade the road anymore.

Commr. Hanson asked if any funds might be available from the St. Johns River Water Management District because of the stormwater issues and because the property is in the Wekiva area.

Mr. Stivender suggested placing this item on the Board’s April 19, 2005, agenda. He confirmed that the Board wants to do the rolls based on the assessment numbers that were presented today.

Members of the audience stated that notice by certified letter is not a good idea because many people work.

A motion was made by Commr. Hanson and seconded by Commr. Pool to postpone action on Special Assessment Project Number 94 (Forest Drive "Part", Laurel Court, and Hillcrest Drive "Part") and the request for a resolution adopting a special assessment roll for the paving, grading, curbing and drainage of Forest Drive “Part”, Laurel Court and Hillcrest Drive “Part” in unincorporated Lake County until the Board’s April 19, 2005, meeting.

Under discussion, Commr. Pool asked if there are any other opportunities for stormwater initiatives. He pointed out that residents pay toward a stormwater fund.

Mr. Stivender will research the options and ideas that were presented today.

Commr. Cadwell stressed the need to move quickly to use the grant money that has been set aside.

Mr. Stivender will bring back a new list based on the petition as well as a color map.

Mr. Hunt asked if the assessment is a tax write-off.

Members of the Board indicated that it would not be and that Mr. Hunt should talk to an accountant.

Mr. Stivender stated that the prime interest rate is 5.25% and the rolls are 6.5%.

Mr. Minkoff explained that the Lake County Code is written that the Board can set the interest rate at whatever it wants, not to exceed the prime rate plus 2%. He reminded the Board that this is an interfund loan so it should be treated at a reasonable rate of interest because funds other than road funds are being used to pay for it.

Commr. Hanson amended her motion to postpone to include that the interest rate will be prime plus 1%.

Commr. Pool amended his second to the motion.

Commr. Hill called for a vote on the motion which carried unanimously, by a vote of 5-0.

RECOGNITION – PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

Jim Stivender, Jr., Public Works Director, recognized staff from the Right-of-Way section, Maintenance section and office personnel in the Public Works Department for compiling books of photographs of all the roads in Lake County for backup for FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency). He stated that this was a huge effort and Public Works is working with the County Attorney in an effort to get the maximum reimbursement from FEMA for damages that occurred in Lake County during the 2004 hurricane season.

Mr. Neron stated that an indirect blessing of this hard work and red tape is that the County now has one of the best inventories ever of its maintained and non-maintained roads.

CITIZEN QUESTION AND COMMENT PERIOD

Nancy Madden

Ms. Nancy Madden stated that the Board voted for the closing of Vista Del Lago at Lake Louisa Road almost one year ago because a traffic light was needed at US Highway 27 (US Hwy 27) and Lake Louisa Road. She stated that she was opposed to the closing. She stated that the year is up and the Vistas Homeowner’s Association (Vistas) has refused to take any action to gate the community. She stated that Mr. Stivender and Commr. Pool attended a meeting last fall and offered the community road improvements including stop signs, some shrubbery and some roundabouts. They said the traffic on Lake Louisa Road had considerably cut down and that they would like to open the road again when construction on the turn lanes is started. She stated that, again, the Vistas board refused to do anything about it after repeated requests. She stated that members of the Vistas board told her that they had no intentions of ever having that road reopened. She stated that the Vistas board now says they want to vacate the land and put in a gate and they need more time. She stated that the amount of traffic in front of her house has increased three to five times. She stated that the Vistas wants to block off one of the entrances but the end they want to gate will continue to cause increased traffic problems and danger in front of her house. She stated that she is not asking that the road be opened the way it was but she does not want to wait another six or seven months until the Vistas can get the land vacated. She stated that the petition to vacate the land only came after she submitted her plan for road improvements. She stated that her name was taken off that petition because she and her husband would not sign it. She stated that she wants to show someone her plans and what problems putting a gate at that end of the subdivision would cause.

Mr. Stivender stated that a request for a road vacation has been submitted and a public hearing will be held, probably within two months. He explained that the lane improvements have been done at Lake Louisa Road and the signal should go in within a couple of months. The issue was to have been readdressed when the signal goes in but it will now be done sooner.

Ms. Madden reiterated her comments and her request to open the road now.

Mr. Stivender confirmed that he has a copy of Ms. Madden’s road designs and that he and Commr. Pool proposed some options but the homeowner’s association chose to go with the road vacation.

Commr. Pool stated that there needs to be a public hearing. He stated that a large majority of the homeowner’s association asked to keep the road closed. He agreed with Ms. Madden that the homeowner’s association did not look seriously at her plan. He explained that both sides need to be heard from in a public forum and then a decision needs to be made.

Ms. Madden again expressed her concerns regarding the delays.

Mr. Stivender confirmed that, at the public hearing, staff will be looking at Ms. Madden’s plans, will give a history of the issue and will make a recommendation on the public purpose of the road.

Mr. Minkoff stated that there will be a lot of legal issues involved. Even if the County vacates the road, the other lot owners have the right to go across it. The County cannot take away the private rights so, for the homeowner’s association to actually gate it, the only way to do it is to utilize a statute to make these private streets. If the County vacates the road, the County will remove the barricade. The homeowner’s association may not have the legal ability to block the road at that point in time. He advised that, if the road is vacated, the County would be out of the picture. He suggested that Ms. Madden might want to talk to her own attorney because of the issues that will arise.

Travis Whigham

Mr. Travis Whigham, President, Forest Hills Association, addressed the Board to publicly thank Mr. Paul Haskins, Supervisor of Warehouse/Grounds, Lake County Schools, for donations to the Forest Hills Association. Mr. Whigham also spoke about the lack of, and the need for, law enforcement on the County’s dirt roads. He stated that, if the roads are private, the people tearing up the roads should be fined at least $200 for a first offense and $500 thereafter to go towards the community for repairs. He stated that these back roads are important to the people who live on them and emergency vehicles need to be able to travel on them. He asked the Board to consider getting the Sheriff’s Department to go down all these back roads where these problems persist.

RECESS AND REASSEMBLY

At 11:05 a.m., Commr. Hill announced that the Board would take a 15 minute break.

PUBLIC HEARING

ORDINANCE – INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

Mr. Sandy Minkoff, County Attorney, placed the following proposed ordinance on the floor for its first and final reading, by title only, and noted that it will be Ordinance 2005-20 if approved by the Board:

AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF LAKE COUNTY, FLORIDA; AMENDING CHAPTER 2, DIVISION 4 OF THE LAKE COUNTY CODE REGARDING THE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY; AMENDING SECTION 2-90.4, LAKE COUNTY CODE, ENTITLED MEMBERSHIP; AMENDING SECTION 2-90.6, LAKE COUNTY CODE, ENTITLED PROCEDURES; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR INCLUSION IN THE LAKE COUNTY CODE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

 

Mr. Minkoff noted that the main change, as requested by the Board, is that this adds an additional non-voting member to the Industrial Development Authority (IDA) from Lake Technical Center. Additionally, a couple of procedural changes will comply with the statute regarding the terms and the quorum.

Commr. Cadwell pointed out that Lake Technical Center is now a charter school and works closely with the IDA on its issues. He stated that the IDA wants to have the non-voting member to be there as support.

Commr. Hill opened the public hearing and called for public comment. There being no comment, the public hearing portion of the meeting was closed.

On a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Hanson and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved Ordinance 2005-20, as read by title only.

PRESENTATION – FINANCIAL CONDITION OF THE SOLID WASTE FUND

Part One

Mr. Jeff Cooper, Lake County’s Special Projects Administrator, stated that a couple of months ago Commr. Cadwell requested a final accounting of the negotiations and new contract with Covanta. He presented the “Full Financial Report – Covanta Litigation and Settlement dated March 15, 2005”, to the Board which summarizes all of the information concerning the finances with regard to the Covanta negotiations over the last four years. (A copy of the report is included in the backup material.) There are four parts of the report:

              I.      Annual Savings. This does not include any escalation over the course of the next nine years which is the balance of the contract. Covanta charges are $620,000; insurance is $37,000; pass throughs are $75,000; taxes are $239,000; bond refinancing is $1,202,000 and the ash disposal bonus fee is $1,198,000. The total anticipated annual savings are $3,371,000, with savings through June 30, 2014, of $30,339,000. Mr. Cooper explained that this really means that he would have had to budget $11,500,000 this coming year but now only has to budget $8,250,000.

           II.      Withholding. Includes invoiced and withheld, invoiced and not withheld, and potential full penalties. The total potential liability was about $19.5 million.

         III.      Settlement. Of the $11.7 million that was withheld from Covanta, the County had to pay back $7.9 million. Legal and accounting fees were $2.6 million and refinancing costs were $222,418. The total settlement cost was $10.8 million and withheld monies were $11.7 million, leaving a positive net balance of $916,122.

        IV.      Enterprise Fund Accounting. The beginning contingency balance in the 420 Fund was $12.2 million; settlement transfers were $7 million; future settlement costs, $1.7 million. The contingency balance (12/31/04) was $3.45 million. He is returning to the contingency balance excess legal costs that were budgeted in the amount of $286,000 and excess service fees of $519,500. The Adjusted 420 solid waste contingency balance will be $4,264,222 and these are unencumbered funds.

 

Regarding the ash disposal bonus fee, Mr. Cooper explained that Mr. F. Browne Gregg, a third party, had a separate agreement with Covanta and under that agreement he was allowed to request the ash. He requested the ash and, according to Covanta, they were suggesting that the County would have to pay the $1,198,000. However, that was part of the litigation and was settled so the County never had to actually litigate whether or not it was owed. It did have to be budgeted and there was the potential that, if the County lost, the money would have to be paid. The ash disposal bonus fee goes back into the mid-year adjustments, not the solid waste fund.

Regarding the settlement net balance of $916,122, Mr. Cooper explained that these savings were accumulated over a period of time because the legal fees were paid as we went along. Each year, part of the $1.3 million will include some of those legal fee savings. It gets apportioned over the last four years.

Mr. Cooper presented the “Lake County Solid Waste System Waste to Energy Report for the Month Ending February 28, 2005.” (A copy of the report is included in the backup material.) This report reflects compliance with the new agreement with Covanta. Page 1 shows the full year guarantee and target in terms of waste that goes to the incinerator. Because the new agreement began December 15, 2004, the report shows a partial year which runs through September 30, 2005. The report shows that the County has sent enough waste to the incinerator to meet all the guarantees and comply with the contract. The guarantee is 163,000 tons per year and the target is 171,000 tons because the County controls the entire incinerator. The 163,000 tons is the average amount of tonnage that is expected to be able to be processed. For tonnage over 163,000, the County charges the $40 tipping fee and the money is used to help offset the costs in the solid waste fund. Also, as part of the contract, Covanta has the opportunity to bring in 8,000 tons and their fee gets escalated to $40.85 per ton. Mr. Cooper explained that the additional waste service fee over 163,000 tons is only $22.00 per ton. So, for every ton over 163,000 tons, the County makes a net of $18.00 per ton. This gives maximum through-put in the facility and gives maximum amounts of energy that is produced and sold to Progress Energy. Under the terms of the new agreement, the electric energy covers the cost of the bond payments

Page 2 is the cumulative waste-to-energy tonnage. The cumulative guarantee for February 2005 was 33,940 tons, the target was 35,605 tons and the actual was 35,431 tons. Mr. Cooper stated that this report will be presented to the Board each month.

Commr. Hanson asked everyone to remember that the Covanta issue was only a portion of our total solid waste expenditures and operation.

Mr. Cooper confirmed that, from the actual expenditures, not including contingency, Covanta is about 1/3 of the expenditures.

Part Two

Ms. Blanche Hardy, Lake County’s Environmental Services Director, gave a PowerPoint presentation on The Lake County “Solid Waste Stream”. (A printed copy of the presentation is included in the backup material.) The presentation included the following:

 

Commr. Pool commented that, at one point in the past, there were fears that landfilling would not be available and that it would be illegal at some point. That is not the case today. If the tipping fees at other facilities stay constant and there is capacity at other landfills, the Board has a decision as to whether to expand our plant or utilize others.

Commr. Cadwell stated that he would envision that we would have a two or three-prong approach to solid waste so we are not in a position where we do not have any options. We would still permit our landfill, maybe only one cell at a time, and look and see if the market is there to take part of it, continuing with Covanta at least to the end of the contract. He stated that he would be hard pressed today to say he would want to invest more money in Covanta and expand the plant.

Commr. Hanson opined that incineration does work and does reduce the waste stream. Landfills are not cheap even though the tipping fees are fairly low now. She stated that it was always assumed that we would enhance recycling efforts as the volume grew. She remarked that we have not taken a real progressive approach toward recycling in the last few years and there are a lot of opportunities that can be explored.

Ms. Hardy confirmed that recycling is profitable.

Regarding recycling, Mr. Goen explained that we charge SP Recycling a scale fee and we get so much per ton in their agreement.

Commr. Cadwell stated that there is a charge in the solid waste assessment for recycling and, if recycling is profitable, we need to look at the fund in an effort to reduce the charge to the citizens.

Mr. Neron explained that there is a revenue stream but there are other costs associated with recycling.

Commr. Hanson remarked that we do not work hard at collecting recyclables in the business community in the unincorporated areas and there may be opportunities for revenue there. If the volume of waste is reduced, dollars have been saved.

Commr. Hill asked where the debt service in the Fund 421 ends. If $2.5 million were to be spent in the next few years to get the landfill to where it should be, and if the line of credit were to be paid down, could some of these funds be built up in order to open a landfill in 2008 or 2009 rather than going into debt.

Ms. Hardy continued the PowerPoint presentation with the following points:

 

Commr. Cadwell asked, if we decide to take that portion and basically mine that portion of the landfill, do we have assurances that we will not run into any problem with contamination in that portion of that landfill.

Ms. Hardy stated that it has been tested and cored to see what the quality is. We went to the State twice with this issue because staff did not want to talk to the Board about it unless FDEP was completely on board. FDEP thinks it is a wonderful idea because that material is not lined. We will transport it directly into the lined landfill which takes it completely away from being a problem in the future.

 

Ms. Hardy stated that a combination of choices can be provided. She stated that Marion County has asked if Lake County might be interested in brokering waste, adding ours to theirs to get a better deal.

Mr. Sandy Minkoff, County Attorney, stated that an ordinance, on the Board’s April 5, 2005, agenda, will create a completely new solid waste committee.

Regarding municipalities, Ms. Hardy explained that the cities can use the white ware disposal and household hazardous waste disposable. A large volume comes from the cities but is co-funded by the unincorporated area. Because the cities are taxed, the County has to allow that.

On the other hand, Mr. Neron stated that the ad valorem millage that is levied is a major funding source.

Commr. Hanson asked if the cities, or individuals within the cities, can cherry-pick the services they use.

Ms. Hardy stated that a lot of cities have two days each year that large items, such as a couch, can be placed at the curb. Otherwise, an extra pickup fee would potentially be charged. A citizen could, however, bring it to the landfill for free.

Commr. Hanson remarked that her concern is that our charges are based on all of the services. So, if just one or two services are chosen, that may leave the County with more expensive services. She suggested that this issue could be looked at.

Part Three

Ms. Cindy Hall, Assistant County Manager, presented a two-page report, “Environmental Services Budget Analysis, Fund 420, and Proposed Capital, Construction and Closure.” (A copy of the report is included with the backup material.) Revenues that come into the Fund 420 fund the operations of the Solid Waste program and all of the proposed capital, construction and closure. Some of the capital and repair projects have been held up because of the Covanta litigation. Those items are heavily loaded in the years 2006-2008. Reserves of $4,264,222 are the starting point, with some mid-year changes and an amended 2005 budget. The budget for 2006 will be the first normal budget. In revenues, rates have been held constant throughout the proposed years 2006 through 2009, and some growth has been allowed for. Under expenditures, everything that is known at this time is shown on Page 2. Ms. Hall commented that the reserves line looks pretty healthy. She explained that every dollar of tipping fee equals almost $200,000, either going up or going down. Revenue per 1/10 mill equals about $1 million.

Regarding the new cell, Ms. Hall explained that reserves have been built into the Approved 2005 column on Page 2 for construction of a new cell. The Closure Fund 422 shows reserves for construction of a new cell of just over $3 million and the New Construction Fund 423 shows reserves for construction of new cell A of just over $2.1 million. Those monies are not enough but other reserves have been built into the years 2006 and 2007. It will be possible to pay cash to have that cell completed.

Ms. Hall confirmed that, today, $3.5 million is in Fund 422, $2.2 million is in Fund 423 and $1.295 million is in Fund 421.

Commr. Pool wondered if citizens would be asking the Board to take a look at reducing some of the ad valorem, since we see pluses in the reserve side.

Mr. Neron remarked that discussions along those lines will take place during the budget process and will be policy decisions. He stated that there are different effects of reducing the tipping fee or reducing the ad valorem.

Commr. Cadwell stated that the solid waste committee should be reformed as quickly as possible. He asked staff to do an analysis now on what effect, on the fund, a reduction of .05 mills would have. He asked for an analysis on the recycling, including what the citizens pay as revenue on the collection. He opined that the tipping fee is competitive. He remarked that, if the Board is saying it is saving $30 million on Covanta, some of that money should be returned to the folks that are paying it. He stated that we need to move forward with the permitting portion of planning for a new cell at the landfill. That is another bargaining tool. He opined that we do not want to abandon the landfill and just not do anything there.

Mr. Neron confirmed that the Board is directing staff to redo the Environmental Services Budget Analysis showing what revenues would be if the ad valorem millage rate is reduced by .05.

COUNTY MANAGER’S DEPARTMENTAL BUSINESS

GROWTH MANAGEMENT – COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

Mr. Gregg Welstead, Deputy County Manager/Growth Management Director, stated that the Local Planning Agency (LPA) met January 20, 2005, to discuss the inclusion of optional elements into Lake County’s Comprehensive Plan schedule for this year. The LPA recommended that all of the potential optional elements (Education, Public Safety, Economic, Cultural and Recreation/Open Space) be in the schedule for this year. He explained that it would be extremely difficult, if not impossible, to make sure that everything is accomplished by December 2005. He stated that staff proposes keeping on schedule for completion of the required elements by December 2005 and to commit to completing the optional elements within six months after that date.

Commr. Cadwell stated that the optional elements are important, but there is an important commitment to the Department of Community Affairs to complete the required elements by December. He opined that the optional elements are ten times more complicated than the required elements.

Commr. Pool stated that the request for an additional six to nine months is reasonable.

Mr. Welstead stated that staff will keep the required elements on schedule and will bring back an additional schedule for the completion of the remaining optional items.

Commr. Hanson agreed with waiting but commented that the Economic element is done and much of the work on the Cultural element has been done. The Education element will take a lot of time. She agreed that the commitment to complete the required elements is critical.

Commr. Cadwell suggested informing DCA that we are committed to do, or at least have the discussion on, the optional elements.

Commr. Hill remarked that the Superintendent of Schools is putting a blue-ribbon committee together and the Board might look at their recommendations.

Commr. Hanson stated that the committee really should write it anyway. She stated that the Board may want to encourage them to look at other comprehensive plans that include the Education element.

Mr. Welstead mentioned that, during the LPA discussions, there was some discussion of a potential Health element but staff is unsure what that would be at this time.

Commr. Hanson opined that the Health element should be added because the County is looking at healthy communities. Actually, much of that is being worked on now through the grant that the County received.

Mr. Welstead stated that he and Ms. Amye King, Planning Manager, Comprehensive Planning, had a six-hour meeting over two days with DCA on the comprehensive plan and the Wekiva issues. He stated that DCA is absolutely thrilled with the way Lake County is headed and gave some good suggestions on how to continue and keep them in the loop.

A motion was made by Commr. Cadwell and seconded by Commr. Stivender for Board approval to accept the Lake County Local Planning Agency’s recommendation that several optional elements be looked at and incorporated into the Lake County Comprehensive Plan, but the optional elements will be completed during the second cycle of 2006 or at a time staff is ready to do it; not holding up the first phase of the required elements.

Ms. Dorothy Vedder, Chairman of the Lake County Cultural Affairs Council (Council), submitted a “Progress Report of Council Activities and Plans.” (A copy of the report is included in the backup material.) She reminded the Board that, on November 16, 2004, she presented documentation about the status, research and updated revisions that Council members had made regarding procedures and projected plans for 2005. Because the Council is under the Board, it is important to keep the Board continually apprised of what is going on. The progress report is a summary of how the Council has worked toward those projected plans for this year.

Commr. Hill called for a vote on the motion which carried unanimously, by a vote of 5-0.

PUBLIC WORKS – KEENE ROAD AND COUNTY LINE ROAD

Mr. Jim Stivender, Jr., Public Works Director, presented the request from Public Works to advertise for bids for the #8165 Keene Road, Phase I & II, and #8161 County Line Road, Clay-to-Pave Project No. 2005-07, at a total estimated cost of $1,336,500 to be funded from the Renewal Sales Tax Capital Projects Fund, Commission District 5.

Mr. Stivender submitted a list titled “Road, Sidewalk & Resurfacing Projects for 2005, 2006 and 2007.” (A copy of the project list is included with the backup material.) The list shows cash flow, over the next two years, which is not directed at budgeted items or encumbered funds. Dwights Road and Keene Road are identified on the list. He informed the Board that, by the end of 2006, a decision will be necessary regarding borrowing. He pointed out that road surfacing and sidewalk projects roll over every year.

Regarding the Keene Road and County Line Road projects, Mr. Stivender stated that these are clay roads that have been in the works for ten years. Today’s request authorizes both Phase I and Phase II.

Commr. Cadwell stated that this road, even though it is clay, is heavily traveled. He asked the Board for their support of the project.

Commr. Stivender, in referring to the project list, asked if the priority of a project, once it is on the list, can be moved up if right of way and everything else is in place.

Mr. Stivender confirmed that projects can be moved up. He stated that the Right of Way staff went through every active project last week and some decisions were made on several of the projects.

On a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Pool and carried unanimously, by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved the request to advertise for bids for the #8165 Keene Road, Phase I & II, and #8161 County Line Road, Clay-to-Pave Project No. 2005-07, at a total estimated cost of $1,336,500 to be funded from the Renewal Sales Tax Capital Projects Fund, Commission District 5.

PUBLIC WORKS – DWIGHTS ROAD

Mr. Jim Stivender, Jr., Public Works Director, presented the request from Public Works for approval and authorization to advertise for bids for the #0539, Dwights Road, Clay-to-Pave Project Number 2005-08, at an estimated cost of $837,000.00 to be funded from the Renewal Sales Tax Capital Projects Fund, Commission District 2. He stated that this project, south of Lake Louisa, has been in the works for a very long time. A section of the road, along Lake Louisa State Park, is not being paved at this time but will be brought back to the Board at a later date. The Park intended to give the County some property but they wanted a lot of amenities for that donation and the County is not in a position to fund that. Mr. Stivender stated that this paving project will allow at least two alternate accesses.

On a motion by Commr. Pool, seconded by Commr. Stivender and carried unanimously, by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved the request from Public Works for authorization to advertise for bids for the #0539, Dwights Road, Clay-to-Pave Project Number 2005-08, at an estimated cost of $837,000.00 to be funded from the Renewal Sales Tax Capital Projects Fund, Commission District 2.

Ms. Nancy H. Fullerton, a resident on Lake Nellie in Clermont, stated that she wanted to speak regarding water quality issue questions and the Lake Nellie part of the design. Regarding the culverts on Dwights Road, stormwater money is paying for a good deal of that work. She expressed concerns regarding the stormwater retention design and that water should be kept from running off the road into the wetlands and into Little Creek. The Dwights Road culverts empty into Little Creek, as do the Lake Nellie ones at the entrance to Lake Louisa State Park. She asked, if not paving Lake Nellie Road now, what the schedule would be. She stated that the neighbors on Dwights Road and Lake Nellie Road have concerns about the design of the road. She pointed out that this is horse country and she is very concerned about maintaining a right of way along both Dwights Road and Lake Nellie Road. She stated that she was assured that there would be no bike paths. She remarked that they want to be sure they are heard in terms of approving this bid. She reiterated that the concerns are the stormwater plans, the fact of getting it paved, the Lake Nellie part over the culverts on Little Creek in front of the Park, and that the design of the road does remain equestrian friendly.

Mr. Stivender assured the Board that Ms. Fullerton’s concerns are taken care of. The clay is currently 25 to 30 feet wide and the pavement will be 20 feet wide. The shoulders are already taken care in swales and grassed areas. Retention is taken care of before it goes into both culvert locations. Discussion on the contract is continuing on the culvert in front of the park entrance. He confirmed that access by the Lake Nellie route will be forthcoming soon.

PUBLIC WORKS – FINAL DRAFT - PARKS & RECREATION MASTER PLAN

Mr. Jim Stivender, Jr., Public Works Director, introduced the March 2005 final draft of the Lake County Parks & Recreation Master Plan.

Commr. Hanson stated that we have the proposed conceptual trail from Mount Dora into Seminole County but there may be a potential connection from Apopka into Lake County.

Ms. Laura Minns, of HHI (Herbert-Halback, Inc.), stated that this is a flexible document and she will talk with Mr. Mike Woods, Public Works, to make sure that connection is in the plan. Some additional trails have been added to the existing priorities, based on suggestions by the Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee last year.

Regarding Level of Service, Commr. Hill asked if the four acres per thousand is just for parks, recreation and boat ramps or if it includes environmental lands.

Ms. Minns confirmed that it is for park and recreation but does not preclude the fact that there will be a crossover of environmental lands and recreation lands.

Mr. Bill Neron, County Manager, added that, if the Board adopts the plan, this is a good basic start to the Recreation/Open Space optional element in the Lake County Comprehensive Plan.

Mr. Ray Goodgame, Clermont City Council Member, stated that Clermont has a very, very serious park and recreation condition. The City has about 21 parks. About 80% of the use of the two major parks is by County children. He stated that Clermont needs to buy more land for parks because of the influx of the County children in this area. He remarked that the City residents are carrying the burden for these parks and that is not correct. He stated that the City of Clermont needs funding from the County. Unless it is addressed, the City will have to do something that might not be very popular with the County children. He stated that the City has had to cut the number of games and is using every field it has right now. He reiterated that the City looks to the County to help with this situation.

Commr. Cadwell stated that, from a parks and recreation perspective, this has been an issue for the fourteen years he has been on the Board. He explained that, in the last ten years, the City of Clermont has gotten almost twice what any other city has gotten from the County. He stated that the County took a portion of its money from the extra penny sales tax and gave it back to the cities for parks. Regarding the fund that pays per head, it was reduced because cities did not apply for it. He stated that, regarding recreation, the County is not where it wants to be, but Clermont has not been shortchanged compared to the other cities.

Commr. Pool mentioned the large tract of land in north Lake County and stated that the Board’s goal is to continue this process to facilitate and build these parks. He stated that the County has stepped up to the plate and contributed many more dollars in the past.

Commr. Cadwell offered to provide the breakdown to Mr. Goodgame of what the County has given.

Commr. Hanson stated that the County also helps fund the after-school program.

Commr. Cadwell stated that HHI really did a good job with the community meeting process they set up and in helping with the design.

Commr. Stivender remarked that the only section regarding funding indicated that a dedicated funding source has to be found or taxes have to be raised. She asked, if we are raising the Level of Service from 2.5 to 4 acres, where do we go from here and how will the document be implemented.

Mr. Neron explained that will have to be done as part of the financial feasibility of the master plan. He stated that an updated financial report on various funding sources for a lot of projects, including some short-term recreation projects, will be presented to the Board, probably at the April 19, 2005, meeting. He pointed out that Lake County is moving from a rural county to an urbanized county and, as more active recreational facilities are built, they will have to be maintained. He stated that funding will have to come out of General Fund revenues.

Commr. Cadwell stated that Lake County is just scratching the surface of what it can do economically and what can be done through the sports commission.

Commr. Pool stated that the Board did allocate $1.5 million for a complex in south Lake County at the national training center that will be utilized by a variety of groups. He stated that was a commitment by the Tourist Development Council with dollars from the bed tax.

On a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Hanson and carried unanimously, by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved to accept the March 2005 final draft of the Lake County Parks & Recreation Master Plan.

PUBLIC WORKS – FLOOD-PRONE PROPERTY, LAKE MACK AREA

Mr. Jim Stivender, Jr., Public Works Director, presented the request for approval to pursue acquisition of flood-prone property in the Lake Mack area. There was substantial flooding there in 2002, 2003 and 2004. A lot of repairs were made to those non-County maintained roads with help from the fire departments and the Sheriff’s Office. He explained that Lake Mack itself is a landlocked basin with water flowing into it. The subdivisions are flat with depressions and low spots. One option, other than the installation of retention ponds, is to actually buy property and demolish houses.

Commr. Cadwell stated that, even if the County wanted to put in infrastructure, lift stations would be required because this area is a bowl. He opined that buying properties is probably the only thing that will work.

Mr. Stivender stated that there is an A-frame house with a pool on the property under consideration. The house is vacant and the owner has indicated an asking price of $105,000. He stated that appraisals have not been done because staff wanted Board approval before moving forward. He confirmed that staff would work closely with the County Attorney’s office on the proper procedures.

Commr. Cadwell stated that the County Attorney’s office should be intrinsically involved.

Mr. Stivender further explained the area, mostly mobile homes, as being in a depression that will fill with about two feet of water with no place for it to go. The land is a piney flatland area and taking trees out would defeat the purpose. He stated that plans include acquiring the property, removing the structures, septic tank and pool, and putting it back to a natural environmental state.

Commr. Hill asked, if it fits the criteria, could funds from the environmental lands acquisition money be used.

Commr. Cadwell suggested using money in the stormwater funds for this project.

On a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Pool and carried unanimously, by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved to pursue acquisition of flood-prone property in the Lake Mack area of Lake County, legally described as Lake Mack Park Unit 2 Lots 10, 21-24 BLK 6 PB 12 PG 17 ORB 1254 PG 374.

COUNTY MANAGER’S DEPARTMENTAL BUSINESS (CONTINUED)

ADDENDUM NO. 1- PROCUREMENT SERVICES – LADDER FIRE TRUCKS

Mr. Ken Hayslette, Procurement Services Director, presented the request for approval and authorization for the Procurement Services Director, with concurrence from the Public Safety Director, to negotiate the sale of two ladder fire trucks to any public or private agency and sign the vehicle titles and bills of sale.

Mr. Bill Neron, County Manager, explained that the County had gone out for bid for the sale of these trucks but no bids were received. This is the second effort to get the value out of these vehicles.

On a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Hanson and carried unanimously, by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved the request for authorization for the Procurement Services Director, with concurrence from the Public Safety Director, to negotiate the sale of two ladder fire trucks to any public or private agency and sign the vehicle titles and bills of sale.

REPORTS – COUNTY MANAGER

ADDENDUM NO. 1 – FLORIDA WORLD WAR II MEMORIAL

Mr. Bill Neron, County Manager, explained that last year the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs approached the County about designing a plaque for a portion of the Florida World War II Memorial. At that time, no request for funds was made because the memorial was to have been built through fundraising. However, a letter (in the backup material) from Mr. Warren McPherson, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs, indicates that approximately $200,000 is needed to complete the project. Mr. Neron pointed out that the County’s General Fund Reserve for Operations account has a balance of $6,244. He stated that this is a discretionary item and he is looking for direction from the Board.

Commr. Hill remarked that there are close to 35,000 veterans of all wars in Lake County. Approximately 4,000 are World War II veterans and contributing $1.25 each would equate to $5,000.

On a motion by Commr. Hanson, seconded by Commr. Pool and carried unanimously, by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved to contribute $5,000 for the Florida World War II Memorial.

SCHOOL IMPACT FEES – ADMINISTRATIVE COLLECTION COSTS

Mr. Neron stated that he sent a memo to the Board yesterday regarding school impact fees. He stated that, currently, the County has been in error in overcharging the administrative fee on the School Board impact fee funds and staff is not sure of the extent of the dollar amount for the past. He stated that staff is holding about $12.5 or $13 million from the prepaid school impact fees (January and February 2005) and wants to cut the check on that to the School Board with an administrative fee of 3%. He requested Board approval for that and stated that he will bring back a report as to the extent of the past overcharges and a proposal on how to solve that situation. He further explained that, apparently, it goes back to 1996 and he wants to bring back a plan to rectify it. He stated that staff has been talking about ways to minimize the impact on the general fund.

On a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Hanson and carried unanimously, by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved to add the collection of school impact fees to the agenda.

On a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Hanson and carried unanimously, by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved the request from the County Manager that the current impact fee collections be sent to the schools at 3% for administrative costs.

REPORTS – COUNTY ATTORNEY

SUMMER LAW CLERK

Mr. Sandy Minkoff, County Attorney, presented a request to hire a second year law student to work this summer in the County Attorney’s Office. He explained that Ms. Melanie Marsh, Assistant County Attorney, just returned to work and an offer has been made to fill a current vacancy. He noted that this would not have a budget impact because currently budgeted funds can be used.

On a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Pool and carried unanimously, by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved the County Attorney’s request to hire a summer law clerk.

OUTSIDE, ON-CALL CONSULTANTS AND COUNSEL

Mr. Minkoff explained the joint request from the County Attorney and the Public Works Department for approval and authorization of an RFP (Request for Proposal) to obtain Outside Appraiser, Outside Right-of-Way Consultant and Outside Eminent Domain Legal Counsel to be used on an on-call basis for large and/or complex right-of-way acquisition projects and to serve as a resource for the Right-of-Way Acquisition Team. He stated that projects are getting more complex and larger and, additionally, eminent domain is getting involved more and more. The Order of Taking hearing was held on the Shetland Trail project last week and right-of-way has been acquired. While the payment has not been determined, the project is out for bid and ready for construction. Two eminent domain attorneys are on the opposite side for each of the parcel owners who are opposing the County in the case. Mr. Minkoff opined that there is not enough work now in any of the three areas (appraisers, right-of-way and eminent domain) to hire full-time employees.

Mr. Minkoff further explained that the County does not have an appraiser who can look at multiple appraisals from an expert point of view to say which one is better than the other. Additionally, on small projects where an opinion of value would work, the County would not want to spend $3,000 or $4,000 for an appraisal. The outside right-of-way consultant would be used for larger right-of-way projects such as the County Road 470 and County Road 466 projects where perhaps 50 or 60 parcels will be involved. He explained that the Public Works’ Right-of-Way Department really does not have the staff to handle the acquisition of complicated parcels such as those with shopping centers. The RFP would get a firm under contract who could be worked with regularly on large complicated projects. Regarding eminent domain issues, such as against one of the shopping centers on County Road 470, the County Attorney’s Office does not have the expertise to deal with outside counsel.

On a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Pool and carried unanimously, by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved the request of the County Attorney for authorization of an RFP (Request for Proposal) to obtain Outside Appraiser, Outside Right-of-Way Consultant and Outside Eminent Domain Legal Counsel to be used on an on-call basis for large and/or complex right-of-way acquisition projects and to serve as a resource for the Right-of-Way Acquisition Team.

APPROVAL TO ADVERTISE ORDINANCE

On a motion by Commr. Hanson, seconded by Commr. Pool and carried unanimously, by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved the request from the County Attorney for approval to advertise an ordinance amending Chapter 9, Lake County Code, creating the Public Safety Coordinating Council.

MOUNT PLYMOUTH-SORRENTO COMMUNITY PARK

Mr. Minkoff reported that staff has been working with the Mt. Plymouth-Sorrento Planning Advisory Committee in an effort to find a site for a community park. Negotiations are under way on an 85-acre parcel which is, coincidentally, in the same area as is shown on Page 45 of the final draft of the Parks & Recreation Master Plan (see County Manager’s Departmental Business portion of the minutes). The School Board, as well as Public Works, has been involved in an effort to straighten County Road 437 so it can come through. The School Board right-of-way, the library, the community center and a small community park are being coordinated. Staff is looking for grants, will do some appraisals and will bring a report back to the Board. He stated that the property is very expensive and it is not known if the County can afford the property once a price is determined but there is a willing seller.

AMERICAN INNS OF COURT

The County Attorney reported that the Lake County judiciary has formed the Lake County, Florida, American Inn of Court, part of the national organization (American Inns of Court) aimed at developing professionalism, particularly among younger lawyers. Almost all of Lake County’s judges are participating. It involves monthly meetings and is a mentoring type process. Mr. Minkoff stated that he is strongly encouraging the lawyers who work for him to attend the dinner meetings and he asked the Board to be able to pay those costs out of the County Attorney’s budget. He will personally pay his own costs to attend the meetings.

It was the consensus of the Board to allow the payment of the cost of attending Inn of Court dinner meetings from the County Attorney’s budget.

REPORTS – COUNTY MANAGER

JUDICIAL CENTER COMPLEX AND SOUTH TAVARES COMPLEX

Ms. Cindy Hall, Assistant County Attorney, presented the request for authorization for staff to proceed in drafting appropriate requests for proposals and qualifications for the Judicial Center expansion, parking projects in downtown Tavares, and a new government complex in south Tavares. She distributed a sheet of Anticipated Requests for Qualification (RFQ) (a copy is included with the backup material) and stated that staff would like to move forward quickly with the recommendations of the space study based on the Board’s direction on March 1, 2005. Ms. Hall explained the five RFQs, some concurrent and some of a phase-two type, as follows:

1.      The first RFQ is for an architectural firm that would conduct initial programming of the Judicial Center expansion, including the energy plant and the parking garage. Once a programming is done, that would come back to the Board and, if approved, the architectural firm would begin design of the expansion and the energy plant. It is envisioned that a different RFQ would be necessary for the design of a parking garage because it is a different type of structure.

2.      Concurrent with the programming phase of the Judicial Center expansion would be a construction manager RFQ in order to have that firm on board by the time the design for the Judicial Center begins.

3.      An engineering firm to prepare a master site plan for the south Tavares complex.

4.      Concurrent with Item 3 would be an architectural firm to program and design the Sheriff/EOC building at the south Tavares complex.

5.      Subsequent to a master site plan for the south Tavares area, another RFQ would go out for another architectural firm to design the remainder of the building or buildings.

 

Ms. Hall stated that the selection process has not been determined, however, the intent would be to include users of these buildings to give input on the evaluation. Staff would come back to the Board for final selection of the firms. A total financial plan will be designed and will be brought back to the Board at a later date, however, it is envisioned that the initial RFQs would be cash funded from money in the infrastructure sales tax and that the remaining construction and, perhaps, design would be a debt issuance. She requested authorization to move forward with the RFQs.

Commr. Cadwell suggested that the Tax Collector and Property Appraiser should decide amongst themselves so that one of them is part of the process, even from the point of engineering, on Items 3, 4 and 5.

Mr. Bill Neron, County Manager, confirmed that not having a director in the Facilities Development and Management Department will not let this process be slowed down. He stated that he has reviewed approximately 55 applications and a selection panel will be formed to conduct interviews.

Commr. Cadwell suggested looking at bonding to reimburse the planning money that will be spent up front before design.

Commr. Hill stated that she would like to see a chart with a timeframe and a timeline that would list construction and finance, similar to a road construction project. She stated that this is a major decision and staff is asking to bring in five consultants at one time. She expressed that the level to do that has not been reached. She asked who will select the evaluation committee and who will be on the committee.

Mr. Neron explained that there is a process for that, usually under the purchasing procedures. Because of the complexity and the diversity of users for these projects, he assured the Board that users of the buildings, such as the Sheriff or his representative, would be included as part of the selection recommendation team. He will bring back a selection committee for each. Everyone will be informed and involved in the process.

Commr. Hill reiterated that she would like to see a parallel chart to see when and where we go and how we proceed and when do we bring in one consultant or another. She stated that her other concern is that some legislative decisions will, possibly, be made this year which may affect the construction costs greatly. She noted that the jail is not included in any of these discussions. She stated that juvenile detention is coming forward and Florida Attorney General Charlie Crist has a bill that may have major effects on the jail population. She asked if jail capacity and space should be considered when looking at the Judicial Center because more judges will mean more people being incarcerated.

Commr. Stivender stated that Pod E was originally on the to-do list. She stated that the jail is over capacity right now.

Commr. Hill stated that the Sheriff has expressed concerns but that those concerns are not immediate. She stated that, if a detention center is built, there will be construction costs.

Commr. Cadwell stated that he hopes we do not build a juvenile detention center or get in that business. He stated that every sheriff in the world wants to be in it but we do not need to be housing youth.

Commr. Hanson remarked that the purpose, originally, of the creation of the Public Safety Coordinating Council was to look at populations that are in jail that, perhaps, should not be in jail but should be in other types of treatment.

Ms. Hall explained that the space study consultant will be coming back with the final square footage based on the Board’s March 1, 2005, decisions as well as a timeline of the need of how things will roll.

Commr. Hill asked what will be built first. She stated that a lot of these things may be budgeted and that we do not have to go out and bond the full amount immediately.

Ms. Hall stated that we will start with the programming and those costs would actually be fairly small, affordable costs for which some funding is available. The space study contains the square footage and the needs by working closely with the different departments and different participants. She stated that she would envision that the firm which is selected to do the programming would work with that space study and use that as a base or benchmark to come up with their study which would then be more site planning. She explained that it is part of the programming process that the firm would then come up with cost, size and all the elements mentioned by Commr. Hill. She stated that staff, by talking with the consultants, can put together a timeline for the Board.

Commr. Hill reiterated that she would like to see a chart where things are parallel which would show where we are going, which would show a plan and would show that procedure is being followed. She stated that the Board members get questions from the community about what will be done first and how much it will cost.

Ms. Hall stated that the cost estimates are part of the master space study that the consultants are putting together on all of the square footage and that information can be provided in a more simplified version.

Commr. Hill stated that the Board had discussed the Freddie Belton area at Sinclair and Main Streets in looking at a parking garage. She suggested that, if agreeable to the Board, the County Attorney could meet with the Tavares City Attorney and Mr. Belton to work out some future aspects to that building and so that it will be included in the mix for discussion.

Ms. Hall confirmed that the parking garage mentioned in Item 1 is in the Judicial Center area. The parking garage would be envisioned as being part of the initial programming to find the placement and size with a separate architect to design it.

Commr. Stivender commented that putting a parking garage next to the Judicial Center might not be the best place. She confirmed that Mr. Jim Stivender, Jr., Public Works Director, has met with Mr. Belton.

Commr. Hill stated that she met with Mr. Belton who showed her a hand drawn sketch. She stated that he has some wonderful ideas and she reiterated her suggestion that he meet with the County Attorney and with the Tavares City Attorney.

By consensus, the Board directed that the County Attorney, and maybe Tavares’ City Attorney, meet with Mr. Freddie Belton regarding the aspect of a parking garage in the block of Sinclair and Main Streets and whether or not that is in the mix of the parking discussions.

Commr. Stivender read the following statement from Ms. Hall’s RFQ sheet, “Construction of buildings are likely to require the issuance of bonds from the state-shared half cent sales tax,” and asked if that fund has been going down every year with the County receiving less and less. She asked if it is used for operations of the County.

Ms. Hall stated that sales tax is growing. Last year’s increase in sales tax receipts was $1.6 million. Over a ten year period, even including the recession in the year 2001, the smallest increase was $475,000 in revenue. She explained that Article V made some changes to the distribution of the sales tax but those changes took place a couple of years ago. If other things are done with the sales tax, it is not likely those things would impact the ½ cent sales tax that is shared with the counties.

On a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Pool and carried unanimously, by a vote of 5-0, the Board directed staff to move forward with the Judicial Center and South Tavares Complex recommendations made today in regards to the first step, not the funding; combining items 3, 4 and 5 as one project but moving forward simultaneously with items 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5; and with recommendations, and notification to the Board, of how the evaluation committees will be set up.

Ms. Hall stated that staff intends to come back to the Board with a plan on those.

Commr. Cadwell clarified with the County Manager that the Constitutional Officers are to be involved and that the process will move forward even without the hiring of a director for the Facilities Development and Management Department.

COMMISSIONERS

At 1:40 p.m., Commr. Stivender left the meeting.

REPORTS – COMMISSIONER CADWELL – DISTRICT #5

OPPOSITION TO ABOLISHING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANTS

Commr. Cadwell stated that President George Bush’s Strengthening America’s Communities Initiative calls for several departments, including Housing and Urban Development, to be done away with or combined and put under the Department of Commerce. Under the initiative, there will be no dollars for Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) which will cost Lake County a little more than $1 million and will cost the State of Florida over $31 million. He presented a resolution asking Lake County’s legislative delegation to support reestablishing the funding for CDBG and oppose combining the Department of Housing and Urban Development into the Department of Commerce.

On a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Hanson and carried unanimously, by a vote of 4-0, the Board approved Resolution 2005-29 calling on the Congress to preserve the Community Development Block Grant Program within the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

REPORTS – COMMISSIONER POOL – DISTRICT #2

MARCHING KNIGHTS BAND OF EAST RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL

Commr. Pool congratulated the Marching Knights Band of East Ridge High School for placing 10th out of 74 schools in the Florida Marching Bands State Championship AAAA competition in Orlando, Florida. The Marching Knights Band of East Ridge High School may now claim to be “2004 Florida State Marching Band Championship Finalist.” Commr. Pool commended eleventh-grader Michael Sayers as one of only sixteen students in the United States who was chosen for the Honor Bands of America.

“PIG ON THE POND”

Commr. Pool thanked County Manager Bill Neron, Sheriff Chris Daniels and everyone who participated in making Clermont’s annual “Pig on the Pond” a successful event.

Approximately 22,000 people attended the weekend event. He also thanked the Clermont Police Department, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and the EMTs who volunteered their time.

REPORTS – COMMISSIONER CADWELL – DISTRICT #5 (CONTINUED)

UMATILLA HIGH SCHOOL

Commr. Cadwell announced that Umatilla High School held an open house at the renovated school on March 13, 2005. He stated that it is now a beautiful campus with a two-story high school. He stated that the residents are excited about it and he expressed appreciation to the Lake County School Board.

REPORTS – COMMISSIONER HANSON – DISTRICT #4

MT. PLYMOUTH-SORRENTO PLANNING ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Commr. Hanson reported that the Mt. Plymouth-Sorrento Planning Advisory Committee held an exciting meeting last week. She stated that she has requested that Ms. Quinnette Durkin, Property Manager, County Attorney’s Office, look at the rail that is currently being taken up in Sorrento since it would fit in with the master plan for the trail system. Ms. Durkin will bring a report back to the Board.

REPORTS – COMMISSIONER HILL – DISTRICT #1 AND CHAIRMAN

PRELIMINARY BOND HEARINGS

Commr. Hill reported that the County Manager, in conjunction with Ms. Barbara Lehman, Chief Deputy Clerk, County Finance, has held some preliminary bond hearings and staff has put together a booklet on the proposals. Two more hearings are scheduled.

JOINT MEETING WITH SCHOOL BOARD

Commr. Hill confirmed that a joint meeting between the Board and the Lake County School Board is scheduled for Monday, April 11, 2005, at 1:00 p.m.

MARCH OF DIMES FUNDRAISERS

Regarding March of Dimes fundraisers, Commr. Hill announced that the Growth Management Department is organizing “Be a Biker” day on March 18, 2005, in Wooten Park, Tavares. The event, which will include a BBQ lunch prepared by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, is an opportunity to have a photograph taken on one of several Harley motorcycles. The Community Services Department will have a rummage sale on March 26, 2005, from 8:00 a.m. to noon at the Lake County Agricultural Extension Center, State Road 19, Tavares, Florida.

RESIGNATION OF RODGER AMON

Commr. Hill announced the resignation of Mr. Rodger Amon, Administrator, Lake County Health Department, who plans to move back to Kentucky.

REPORTS – COMMISSIONER POOL – DISTRICT #2 (CONTINUED)

COMMUNITY TRANSPORTATION MEETING – MINNEOLA AREA

Commr. Pool announced that a meeting, initiated by the Public Works Department, will be held tonight at 6:00 p.m. at Minneola City Hall for public participation on transportation issues in the Minneola area.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to be brought to the attention of the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 1:50 p.m.

 

__________________________

JENNIFER HILL, CHAIRMAN

 

 

ATTEST:

 

__________________________

JAMES C. WATKINS, CLERK