A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

AUGUST 16, 2005

The Lake County Board of County Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, August 16, 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; Debbie Stivender; Welton G. Cadwell; and Robert A. Pool.  Others present were: Sanford A. “Sandy” Minkoff, County Attorney; Cindy Hall, County Manager; Wendy Taylor, Executive Office Manager, Board of County Commissioners’ Office; Barbara Lehman, Chief Deputy Clerk, County Finance; and Sandra Carter, Deputy Clerk.

INVOCATION AND PLEDGE

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

RECOGNITION

Commr. Hill recognized Councilman Ray Goodgame, from the Clermont City Council, who was present in the audience.

AGENDA UPDATE

Ms. Cindy Hall, County Manager, informed the Board that her office had received a request that the presentation to review Lake County's Health Care Profiles, Summary of the WellFlorida Council's Activities; a Report on Direct Care Services Provided to County Residents; and Updated Information on Health Care Legislation, by Jeff Feller, Resource Development Director, WellFlorida Council (formerly North Central Florida Health Planning Council), be rescheduled for the Board Meeting of September 6, 2005.  She stated that, with regard to the County Manager’s Consent Agenda, she would be pulling, for further review by the County’s new Facilities Management and Development Director, Mr. Jim Bannon, Tab 11, a request from Facilities Management and Development for approval and authorization on the first Amendment to the Lease Agreement with C&P Properties, in the amount of $18,794.07, for the Cooper Memorial Library relocation, and associated budget transfer; and Tab 18, a request from Procurement Services for approval to award the contract for repair of the Recycling Metal Building, located at Environmental Services, to Southern Building Services, Inc., in accordance with Bid No.05-061, in the amount of $44,122.00, and associated budget transfer, until a later date; and that she had sent the Board a memo on August 12, 2005, requesting approval for Tab 17, a request from Procurement Services for approval to award the contract for Architectural/Engineering Design for Various Government Facilities (South Tavares Complex) to Starmer Ranaldi Planning and Architecture, Inc., to be moved from the County Manager’s Consent Agenda to the County Manager’s Departmental Business, to be combined and discussed with Item I.A.1. on Addendum No. 1, a request from Procurement Services for approval to award the contract for Site Design Services, for the site in south Tavares, to Professional Engineering Consultants, Inc. (PEC).

Commr. Hill stated that she received a request from the Lake County School Board, regarding their zoning application, which needed to be placed on the Agenda.  She stated that she would address the matter under her Reports.

On a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Pool and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved to place said item on the Agenda.

Commr. Pool stated that he would like to comment on Tab 24, under the County Manager’s Consent Agenda, a request from Public Works for approval and authorization to award South Lake Trail/Lake Minneola Trail Phase II Project No. 2005-05, Bid No. 05-101, to J. Malever Construction, Inc., noting that a wonderful ribbon cutting ceremony was held recently regarding the South Lake Trail/Lake Minneola Trail and that this request was for approval to award the contract for that project.  He stated that he wanted to thank staff and all those involved for their great effort, noting that it is going to be a wonderful asset to the community and that he feels Lake County will benefit from the trail, economically, as well as for the health conscious community.  He stated that it has been a long time coming and he appreciated all that has happened regarding it.  He thanked Commrs. Hill and Cadwell for attending the ribbon cutting ceremony, noting that he appreciated their attendance.

MINUTES

Regarding the Minutes of July 19, 2005, Commr. Hanson requested the following change:

On Page 1, Line 24, change St. Johns River Water Management District Alliance to St. Johns River Alliance.

On a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Hanson and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the Minutes of July 19, 2005, as corrected.

CLERK OF COURTS’ CONSENT AGENDA

On a motion by Commr. Pool, seconded by Commr. Stivender and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the following requests:

Bonds – Contractor

Request for approval of Contractor Bonds – New and Riders, as follows:

New

 

            4244-05           William E. Sands, Jr. d/b/a W. E. Sands Construction, Inc.

            6398-05           Joseph M. Kelly d/b/a Schwartz Electric, Inc.

            6400-05           Frances B. Harle d/b/a Irrigation Specialties Company

            4951-06           Paul Guimond d/b/a Paul E. Guimond Electrical

 

            Riders

 

            5842-05           Principal’s name has changed from William N. Shaffer d/b/a Shaffer Electrical Contracting, Inc. to William N. Shaffer d/b/a

                                    Shaffer Electrical Contracting & Altaquip, LLC d/b/a Altaquip

 

            6401-05           Principal’s name has changed from Russell J. Cline d/b/a Osceola Sod & Landscaping Services to L-N-E Outdoor Services, Inc.     


            Proof of Publication of Unclaimed Moneys

 

            Request to acknowledge receipt of proof of publication of unclaimed moneys and payment to the Board for those moneys advertised, less claims and publication costs.

 

            Application for Transfer of Majority Organization Control

 

            Request to acknowledge receipt of Notice of Application for a Transfer of Majority Organization Control Legal Notice.  Notice is hereby given, on July 26, 2005, pursuant to Section 367.071, Florida Statutes, of the application for transfer of majority organizational control of Utilities, Inc. to Hydro Star, LLC.  This application is not a request to change the rates of any of the listed subsidiaries, wholly owned subsidiaries of Utilities, Inc., which are certificated by the Florida Public Service Commission and their counties of operation.  Included in Lake County, Florida, are:  Lake Utility Services, Inc. and Utilities, Inc. of Pennbrooke.

 

            Annexation Ordinances from City of Tavares

 

            Request to acknowledge receipt of annexation ordinances, passed and ordained the 6th day of July, 2005, by the City Council of the City of Tavares, Florida, as follows:

 

Ordinance No. 2005-25 – Amending the boundaries of the City of Tavares, by annexing approximately 6.89 acres east of the intersection of CR 448 and CR 561.

 

Ordinance No. 2005-27 – Amending the boundaries of the City of Tavares, by annexing approximately 1.43 acres at the northeast corner of the intersection of SR 19 and Lane Park Cutoff Road.

 

Ordinance No. 2005-29 – Amending the boundaries of the City of Tavares, by annexing approximately 1.05 acres on the north side of Dead River Road, west of the intersection of Dead River Road and SR 19.

 

Southwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board Meeting Agenda

 

Request to acknowledge receipt of Southwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board Meeting Agenda for July 26-27, 2005, to be held at 2379 Broad Street, Brooksville, Florida; and Minutes of the Governing Board Meeting, which was held May 24, 2005, in Brooksville, Florida.

 

Notice from Florida Public Service Commission

 

Request to acknowledge receipt of Notice from the Florida Public Service Commission - Docket No. 041272-EI, Order No. PSC-05-0748-FOF-EI, Issued: July 14, 2005.  In re: Petition for approval of storm cost recovery clause for recovery of extraordinary expenditures related to Hurricanes Charley, Frances, Jeanne, and Ivan, by Progress Energy Florida, Inc., by order of the Florida Public Service Commission, the 14th day of July, 2005.

 

Tentative Budget Submission for Southwest Florida Water Management District

 

            Request to acknowledge receipt of Tentative Budget Submission for the Southwest Florida Water Management District for Fiscal Year 2005/2006, pursuant to Chapter 373.536, Florida Statutes.    

 

            Tentative Budget Submission for St. Johns River Water Management District

 

            Request to acknowledge receipt of Tentative Budget Submission for the St. Johns River Water Management District for Fiscal Year 2005/2006, pursuant to Chapter 373.536, Florida Statutes.

COUNTY MANAGER’S CONSENT AGENDA

Commr. Cadwell recognized representatives from the Economic Development Commission of Mid-Florida, Inc. (EDC), who were present in the audience, and questioned whether they wanted to address the Board regarding a request they had on the County Manager’s Consent Agenda.  He stated that the County really appreciates its partnership with the EDC.

Mr. Michael L. Bobroff, Executive Vice President, EDC, informed the Board that the EDC appreciates its partnership with the County, as well, noting that they have gone to a multi-year contract with all the jurisdictions and Lake County is the very first one to approve and sign it.  He stated that they look forward to a great year.

On a motion by Commr. Hanson, seconded by Commr. Stivender and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the following requests:

Budget

 

Request for approval of the following:

 

Budget Transfer – Employee Group Benefits Fund, Office of Employee Services, Risk and Benefits Management Division. Transfer          $1,550,000.00 from Special Reserve to Insurance Payment account. Medical and pharmacy claims have exceeded the budget for the year in Fund           530 – Employee Group Benefits. The original budget was $4,500,000.00     for the year. Recent months indicate that expenditures may exceed             $6,000,000.00 in Fiscal Year 2005, due to the high number of claims and the high dollar amounts associated with some of the claims. Funding of approximately $500,000.00 is expected to be received from the reinsurance carrier associated with some of these claims; however, these funds may not be received before the end of the fiscal year.  Funds available in Special Reserve, leaving a balance after this transfer of $673,019.00.       This balance will increase, if the reinsurance funds are received before the end of the fiscal year.

 

Budget Transfer – General Fund, Department of Public Works, Parks and Recreation Division. Transfer $36,043.00 from Professional Services to      Repair and Maintenance.  Additional funding is required for engineering design work for the Boundless Playground Project at Lake Idamere    Park. This additional work is civil engineering, which cannot be provided by the in-kind engineering services that have been provided up to this             point in the project.

 

Check Request (Direct Pay) from the Sheriff's Office, for reimbursement for computer laptops and adapters. The request exceeds the County         Manager's approval limit of $25,000.00. Total payment is for $85,989.35.

 

            Signature authorization for the County Manager to sign the monthly invoices from the Department of Juvenile Justice, for the County and State     Juvenile Detention Cost Share Project; and approval of payment of August, 2005, invoice, in the amount of $70,922.13.

 

Community Services

 

Request for approval of Proclamation No. 2005-120, declaring September, 2005, to be Teen Court Month, to be celebrated in conjunction with National Youth Court Month.

 

Request for approval and signature authorization to amend the State Housing Initiative Partnership (SHIP) Local Housing Assistance Plan, effective Fiscal Year 2005-2006.

 

Request for approval of Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice & Fair Housing Action Plan; and to authorize the Chairman to sign the required certification relating to the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.

 

            Economic Development and Tourism

           

            Request for approval of an Agreement between Lake County and the Economic Development Commission of Mid-Florida, Inc., to service the Industrial Development Authority for Fiscal Years 2006-2010.

 

            Employee Services

 

            Request for approval of an offer to settle Rita Homonai's claim for property damage, subject to the County Attorney's review and approval, in the amount of $563.32.

 

            Request for approval to accept and sign the Mid-Contract Amendment for WebTPA to replace Employers Mutual, Inc., for Third Party Administrator (TPA) services, in the RMTS policy for excess insurance coverage of the health insurance program.

 

            Growth Management

 

            Request for approval and execution of a Satisfaction and Release of Fine, for property owned by Robert and Betty McMullen, CEB Case No. 33-98.

 

            Request for approval and execution of a Satisfaction and Release of Fine, for property owned by Patricia Butler, CEB Case No.75-96.

 

            Procurement Services

 

            Request for approval to award the contract for Architectural/Engineering Services for On Call Roofing Projects to Stafford Consulting Engineers, in accordance with RSQ No.05-047.

 

            Request for approval and execution of Supplemental Agreement No. 4 to the Contract with HNTB, for Phase II of the Picciola Bridge Engineering, RFP 02-129, in the amount of $297,977.28.

 

            Request for approval and execution of the contract with Kimley-Horn and Associates, RSQ 05-071, for the engineering design services for CR 25A, CR 466A, CR 466 Segments A & B, and Lake Ella Road, in the amount of $2,283,937.09.

 

            Public Works

 

            Request for approval and authorization to release a Maintenance Bond, in the amount of $4,980.00, posted for Sunset Landing. Sunset Landing consists of 18 lots – Commission District 3.

 

            Request for approval and authorization to release a Letter of Credit for Performance, in the amount of $34,933.62; accept a Letter of Credit for Maintenance, in the amount of $23,451.70; execute a Developer's Agreement for Maintenance of Improvements between Lake County and Charlie Johnson Builders, Inc.; and execute Resolution No. 2005-121, accepting the following roads into the County Road Maintenance System: Fairvista Drive (County Road No. 4156) and Fairview Oaks Boulevard (County Road No. 4157), all related to Grand Oak Estates. Grand Oak Estates consists of 40 lots – Commission District 3.

 

            Request for approval of an amendment to the Agreement between Lake County and Reynolds, Smith, and Hills, to provide additional design/study services, concerning the request for a noise wall along Britt Road, at the location adjacent to the Country Club of Mount Dora.

 

            Request for approval to accept public right of way deeds that have been secured, in conjunction with roadway and/or stormwater projects, as follows:

 

            Drainage Easement Deeds

 

            Bosserman, Charles E., Jr. (Ind./Tr.)

            South Clermont Connector

            Road Project

 

            Bosserman, Charles E., Jr. (Ind./Tr.)

            South Clermont Connector

            Road Project

 

            Statutory Quitclaim Deed

 

            Schoolhouse Finance, LLC

            Hartwood Marsh Road

            Site Plan

 

            Statutory Warranty Deeds

 

            Bosier, Altamese

            CR 466

            Road Project

 

            Clay, Darrell Wayne

            O/Brien Road

            Site Plan

 

            Tri County Baptist Church, Inc.

            Rolling Acres Road

            Site Plan

 

            Litson, Dwight D. and Margaret G.

            S. Dewey Robbins

            Clay to Pave

 

            Temporary Non-Exclusive Easement Deed

 

            Bosserman, Charles E., Jr. (Ind./Tr.)

            South Clermont Connector

            Road Project

 

            Warranty Deeds

 

            The Cove of Lady Lake Partners, Ltd.

            Edwards Road

            Road Project

 

            Southeastern Development Lands

            Edwards Road

            Road Project

 

            Request for approval and authorization to release a Letter of Credit for Performance, in the amount of $409,586.21, in relation to Park Hill; accept a Letter of Credit for Maintenance, in the amount of $147,964.00; execute a Developer's Agreement for Maintenance of Improvements between Lake County and Long Farms North, Inc.; and execute Resolution No. 2005-122, accepting the following roads into the County Road Maintenance System: Park Hills Avenue (County Road No. 4423A), Green Pard Way (County Road No. 4424), and Parkdale Drive (County Road No. 4523B). Park Hill consists of 120 lots – Commission District 1.

 

            Request for approval and authorization to award South Lake Trail/Lake Minneola Trail Phase II Project No. 2005-05, Bid No. 05-101, to J. Malever Construction, Inc., in the amount of $2,182,890.00; and encumber $250,000.00 from the Renewal Sales Tax Capital Projects – Roads (Sidewalks) Fund. After October 1, 2005, request approval to encumber $1,613,217.00 from the Transportation Trust Fund – LAP projects, and $319,673.00 from the Renewal Sales Tax Capital Projects – Roads (Sidewalks) Fund - Commission District 2.

 

            Request for approval and execution of Resolution No. 2005-123, to initiate eminent domain proceedings; and authorization to proceed with the pre-suit negotiation offer, for right of way from Viola Buford, in conjunction with the Sleepy Hollow Realignment Project, located in Section 20, Township 19 South, Range 25 East – Commission District 2.

 

            Request for approval and signature on Resolution No. 2005-124, to advertise Public Hearing for Vacation Petition No. 1057, by R. E. Oswalt, to vacate a right of way and cease maintenance on a portion of Jack Underwood Road (County Road No. 1630), in the Plat of Groveland Farms, located in Section 15, Township 22 South, Range 25 East, in the Groveland area – Commission District 2.

 

            Request for approval and authorization to award CR 48 Paved Shoulders (LAP) and Widening and Resurfacing Project No. 2005-14, Bid No. 05-122, to Art Walker Construction, Inc., in the amount of $3,213,880.00; encumber $840,000.00 from the Transportation Trust Fund (LAP) projects; and after October 1, 2005, encumber $2,373,880.00 from the Renewal Sales Tax Capital Projects – Roads Fund - Commission District 3.

            PUBLIC HEARING

            OFF-SITE SIGNS ORDINANCE

            Mr. Sandy Minkoff, County Attorney, placed the proposed Ordinance on the floor, for its final hearing, by title only, as follows:

            AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF LAKE COUNTY, FLORIDA; AMENDING CHAPTER II, LAKE COUNTY CODE, APPENDIX E, LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS, ENTITLED DEFINITIONS; REMOVING THE REFERENCE TO LARGE POLE SIGNS FROM THE DEFINITION; AMENDING SECTION 11.01.03(15) LAKE COUNTY CODE, APPENDIX E, LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS, REMOVING THE REFERENCE TO BILLBOARDS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR INCLUSION IN THE CODE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

            The Chairman opened the public hearing.

            No one was present in opposition to the request.

            There being no one present who wished to address the Board, the Chairman closed the public hearing.

            On a motion by Commr. Hanson, seconded by Commr. Pool and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved Ordinance No. 2005-66, Amending Definitions and Section 11.01.03, concerning Off-Site Signs (Final Hearing), as presented.

            PUBLIC HEARING

            RENEWAL OF CERTIFICATE OF PUBLIC CONVENIENCE AND NECESSITY

            FOR THE VILLAGES PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT

            Mr. Sandy Minkoff, County Attorney, informed the Board that this request pertained to the renewal of the Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (COPCN) for The Villages Public Safety Department.  He stated that, due to the fact that they provide non-transport services in the unincorporated area of the County, the Statutes require that a public hearing be held.  He noted that the Town of Lady Lake had been notified of said hearing.

            The Chairman opened the public hearing.

            No one was present in opposition to the request.

            There being no one present who wished to address the Board, the Chairman closed the public hearing.

            On a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Pool and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved a request from The Villages Public Safety Department for approval of the renewal of their Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (COPCN), through September 30, 2007.

            PUBLIC HEARING

            2006-2010 ROAD IMPACT FEE TRANSPORTATION CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM; 2006-2010 TRANSPORTATION TRUST FUND

            TRANSPORTATION CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM; AND 2006-2010 RENEWAL SALES TAX CAPITAL PROJECTS – ROADS

            TRANSPORTATION CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM

 

            Mr. Jim Stivender, Jr., Public Works Director, addressed the Board and discussed the various transportation construction projects that the County has scheduled for Fiscal Years 2006-2010, at which time he reviewed, in detail, a packet of information that had been provided to the Board indicating the following:

            The proposed five-year Road Impact Fee Transportation Construction Program has been developed by county staff, with input from the municipalities.  The projects have been prioritized, according to projected revenue; however, the project list exceeds available funding in all benefit districts; The proposed five-year Transportation Trust Fund Construction Program has been developed by county staff and includes road construction projects, special assessments, and Local Agency Program and County Incentive Grant projects that are programmed for funding by the Florida Department of Transportation.  The projects are funded, based on current revenue projections; and The proposed five-year Renewal Sales Tax Capital Projects – Roads Construction Program has been developed by county staff and includes road construction projects and countywide resurfacing.  The projects are funded, based on current revenue projections.

            Mr. Stivender stated that Mr. Fred Schneider, Engineering Director, Public Works Department, has been challenged during the past year, due to being short staffed, however, noted that he has three new employees, so his department is now fully staffed.  He stated that a lot of the projects that are currently under consultant services will be managed by said staff, so they are looking forward to a busy year and getting those projects moving forward.  He stated that the Transportation Construction Program has grown by leaps and bounds and asked that the Board bear with his department concerning the construction projects, noting that a lot of big ones that are currently under design will start taking shape during the next year.  He stated that a lot of work was done behind the scenes by his staff, to make this all come together, and he wanted to recognize them for all their hard work.

            The Chairman opened the public hearing.

            Mr. Ray Goodgame, City Councilman, Clermont City Council, addressed the Board and discussed the need for right turn lanes onto SR 50 from Hancock Road going southbound and northbound, noting that that road is where development is going to be taking place and the City needs right turn lanes at that intersection.  He stated that there are currently two straight lanes and a left turn lane, but everyone wants to turn right onto SR 50, to go into Orlando, and there is not a lane for it.  He stated that he feels the same could be said for the northbound lane, where it comes onto SR 50, noting that they need a right turn lane there, as well, instead of two lanes going straight ahead.

            Commr. Pool interjected that he agreed with Mr. Goodgame 100%, at which time he noted that he had called staff and asked them to look at that intersection.  He stated that there was no doubt that what Mr. Goodgame was suggesting has to happen, because traffic bottlenecks there.  He agreed that the two straight lanes do not benefit the City as much as a right turn lane would and feels that the County needs to take a good look at it.

            Mr. Goodgame stated that he feels four-laning Hancock Road from Hartwood Marsh Road north to SR 50 should be put on a priority list; that the County should start looking at acquiring right of way from SR 50 to Johns Lake Road, before construction gets going in that section of the City; that there is a desperate need for traffic lights on Hancock Road; on Hooks Road, where the high school lets out; on Johns Lake Road; and on Hartwood Marsh Road.  He stated that Mr. Stivender indicated he would be putting out for bid the South Lake Connector project, at which time he noted that he feels Mr. Stivender cannot do it fast enough.  He stated that, if the money is there, he would hope the County could get started on it this year.

            Mr. Travis Whigham, President of the Forest Hills Association and a member of the Forest Hills Chamber of Commerce, addressed the Board stating that his community still needs a way to get fire rescue and police protection into the community, noting that all the roads going to and from their community, in both directions, are in very bad shape and have been for years.  He stated that they are probably the worst roads in Lake County.  He stated that there is no drainage whatsoever on Lake Mack Drive, the main road coming into Lake Mack, and when it rains, water sets on the road in various places, causing a dangerous situation.  He stated that, if they could get some drainage on the road, it might prevent a few accidents.

            Mr. Stivender stated that some of the roads that Mr. Whigham alluded to are high on the County’s list for resurfacing so, if they are not resurfaced this year, they will be next year.

Mr. Roy Hunter, representing the Northeast Lake Chamber of Commerce, addressed the Board stating that he agreed with Mr. Whigham completely, noting that the Forest Hills and Lake Mack areas really need help, as it pertains to fire protection and other emergency services.  He stated that he was happy about the resurfacing of CR 439 and will be very, very happy when it is completed.  He stated that he hopes a traffic signal is still in the works for the intersection of CR 44A and CR 439, noting that it is a very dangerous intersection, especially in the mornings, when the sun is shining in your face.  He stated that it would be nice to see aprons, bicycle paths, or shoulders on CR 42, all the way to Clear Lake, noting that, when the bike fest is held in Mt. Dora each year, in October, dozens and dozens of bicyclists utilize that roadway.  He suggested having logos encouraging the bicyclists to use the bicycle paths, or aprons, for their own safety, as well as the safety of the motorists.

There being no further individuals who wished to address the Board, the Chairman closed the public hearing.

On a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Pool and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the 2006-2010 Road Impact Fee Transportation Construction Program; the 2006-2010 Transportation Trust Fund Transportation Construction Program; and the 2006-2010 Renewal Sales Tax Capital Projects – Roads Transportation Construction Program, as presented.

PRESENTATION

NEW FUNDING POLICY BY FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Ms. Lennon Moore and Mr. David Marsh, with the Florida Department of Transportation, representing District 5, addressed the Board and gave the following slide presentation regarding the Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT) Transportation Regional Incentive Program (TRIP):

Why Emphasize Regional Planning?

§         Growth of Urbanized Area Boundaries Across County Lines

§         Emerging Regional Economies

ü      1-in-5 Floridians commute to work in a different county than the one in which they live

ü      Businesses have become increasingly regional in their growth strategies

§         Transportation Systems Must be Able to Respond

 

Transportation Regional Incentive Program Overview

§         Program Purpose

ü      Provide an incentive for regional planning

ü      Leverage investments in regionally-significant transportation facilities (roads and public transportation)

ü      Link investments to growth management objectives

§         50/50 Match Program

ü      Up to 50% of non-federal share of project costs for public transportation projects

ü      Non-cash match available for in-kind contributions

ü      For eligible rural areas, the “waiver or reduction of match” provisions of current law will be available

 

Transportation Regional Incentive Program Eligible Partners

§         All MPOs, counties, and multi-county transportation authorities are eligible to participate, if they form…


§         “Regional Transportation Areas”

ü      Two or more contiguous MPOs

ü      One or more MPOs and one or more contiguous non-MPO counties

ü      Multi-county regional transportation authority

ü      Two or more contiguous non-MPO counties

ü      MPOs comprised of three or more counties

 

            Transportation Regional Incentive Program Regional Transportation Plans

§         Regional partners must develop a regional plan that…

ü      Designates regionally-significant facilities

ü      Includes project priorities

 

§         Projects must be linked to growth management

ü      Included in the local government capital improvements element (for concurrency)

ü      Long-term concurrency management system (where significant backlogs exist)

 

§         Local governments must adopt DOT Level of Service standards

 

            Transportation Regional Incentive Program To Be Eligible, Projects Must…

§         Support facilities that…

ü      Serve national, statewide or regional functions

ü      Function as an integrated regional system

 

§         Be identified in capital improvement program (for concurrency) or long-term concurrency management systems (where backlogs exist)

 

§         Be consistent with the Strategic Intermodal System

 

§         Have a commitment of local, regional or private matching funds

 

Transportation Regional Incentive Program Project Priority Criteria

§         Provide connectivity to the Strategic Intermodal System

 

§         Support economic development and goods movement in rural areas of critical economic concern

 

§         Subject to local ordinance that establishes corridor management techniques

 

§         Improve connectivity between military installations and the Strategic Highway Network (STRAHNET) or Strategic Rail Corridor Network (STRACNET)

 

Transportation Regional Incentive Program Implementation Activities

§         Inform and Seek Interest

ü      Identify potential regional partners based on recent regional collaboration

ü      Explain TRIP to MPOs, local governments, and regional entities

 

§         Provide Technical Assistance

ü      Training

ü      Model interlocal agreement

 

§         Fund Allocation and Programming of Projects

ü      Allocate funds to DOT Districts on a population/fuel tax formula

ü      Phase-in project programming based on the readiness of the regions

 

Ms. Moore discussed Senate Bill 360 (Growth Management legislation that passed during the Legislature’s last session), noting that “Pay as You Grow” is the theme.  She stated that what said Bill did was provide some recurring and non-recurring revenue, noting that it is out of General Revenue sources, in addition to some documentary stamp sources out of the Real Estate side of the State’s business.  She stated that there is $575 million in non-recurring funds from General Revenue and $542 million in recurring funds from documentary stamps.  She stated that, overall, there is approximately $7.5 billion in commitments that can be generated for transportation over the next ten years, with said money.  She stated that the funds are statewide and not just for District 5.

Ms. Moore stated that FDOT is funding different transportation programs, one being the “New Starts” Transit Program and the other being the Transportation Regional Incentive Program (TRIP), and have met with a number of Lake County’s representatives on said programs.  She stated that one of the significant regional projects that they feel might be a good candidate is Hwy. 441, however, noted that it also funds a Small County Outreach Program that Lake County is not eligible for and is additional funding for the Strategic Intermodal System (SIS).  She reviewed how the funding is distributed, noting that 10% goes to the “New Starts” Transit Program; 5% to the Small County Outreach Program; and the remaining 85% is split, with 75% going to the Strategic Intermodal System and the other 25% going to the TRIP Program.  She stated that they are designed to be matched with local revenue, on a 50/50 basis.  She stated that the legislation provides for both recurring and non-recurring funds, with the non-recurring funds for 2005/06 being the $575 million.  She stated that $175 million of that is going to go to the Strategic Intermodal System; $275 million statewide goes to TRIP; $100 million goes to capitalize the State Infrastructure Bank; and $25 million will go to the County Incentive Grant Program and, in that, $3 million will be coming to the County, through the County Incentive Grant Program for Hartwood Marsh Road.  She stated that the distribution formula for the additional recurring revenue will be 10% to the “New Starts” Transit Program; 5% to the Small County Outreach Program; and 75% of the remainder of it going to the Strategic Intermodal System, which amount to $345.4 million statewide in FY 2005/06.  She stated that $115.1 million will go to TRIP in FY 2005/06.  She stated that there are a number of eligibility requirements associated with it, noting that all county and Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) are eligible for the program, but they must execute an interlocal agreement that identifies what entity will be coordinating the effort - a plan that delineates the regional boundaries associated with the agreement.  She stated that it has to describe the process by which planning would occur and it has to include a dispute resolution process, as well.  She stated that alternatives for forming the alliances are outlined in the backup material that was provided to the Board, prior to this meeting, noting that there are a great variety of partnerships that can be formed.

Ms. Moore stated that there is some discussion about an alliance between the Lake County MPO and the Marion County MPO regarding Hwy. 441 and, in addition, there is some discussion about the MPO forming its own.  She stated that, for the record, there can be different alliances, however, noted that it makes the administration a little more difficult, because there would have to be separate agreements, plans, etc., but, strategically, for the County’s projects to be at the priority level that the County would want them to be, there might be some benefit to forming the other alliances.  She suggested that Lake County might want to have a discussion with Sumter County regarding the matter.  She stated that the purpose of the TRIP Program was to create an opportunity for regional partnerships and for the partnerships to designate facilities that they feel are regionally significant.  She stated that the partners have to develop an interlocal agreement, identify who coordinates the plan, identify the planning boundaries, and describe the process by which the planning would occur.  She stated that regionally significant facilities that have been designated by the partnership and have been prioritized by the partnership have to also appear in the cost feasible portion of the capital improvements program in the local government’s Comprehensive Plan and, in addition to that, they have to meet DOT’s level of service standards.  She stated that she wanted to make that clear, since lots of different facilities can be eligible for TRIP, but even if they are under the jurisdiction of a county or a city, they have to meet DOT’s level of service standards, which has been a point of confusion.  She stated that all of this is still evolving at a policy level, noting that FDOT designated last year what they felt were regionally significant facilities and, in some cases they matched, from the local government’s point of view, and, in some cases they did not, but, under the TRIP Program, it is entirely under the County’s discretion.  She stated that FDOT is a 50/50 partner in that, funding wise, noting that it is to be a collaborative process.

Commr. Cadwell stated that the County appreciates the monies that were put out there and FDOT’s willingness to try to work through the process with the County, however, noted that his concern is that, at the end of the day, once those projects qualify, a very large portion of them are going to be state roads, so the County is leveraging its local money to help the State build the state road system up to where it can be utilized better, by not even participating in that particular program.  He stated that the County needs to watch that, with regard to some of its local projects, which may be regionally significant, but are not state roads.  He stated that FDOT is going to be making that final decision, so he hopes they will keep in mind the fact that there may be regional projects that are not state roads that are just as important as Hwys. 441 and 27.

Ms. Moore stated that the amount of money that is coming to District 5 is based on a statutory formula, which they think will be approximately $60 million for the TRIP Program.  She stated that they have been asked to hold in reserve 50% of those dollars to roll forward to the following year (FY 2006/07), in order to allow everybody time to get their agreements in place, identify their projects, prioritize them, etc.

Commr. Cadwell questioned whether the County is going to need to reach out, or whether FDOT is going to set up some type of forum to have discussions regarding boundary lines for the St. Johns River Water Management District, the Department of Environmental Protection, etc.

Ms. Moore stated that some blue ribbon committees have been set up to look at that and are supposed to issue a report in January of 2006, so they will know more at that point in time.  She stated that there will be an outreach effort, noting that one of the things they are looking at is the FDOT district boundaries.

Commr. Hanson questioned whether Ms. Moore was stating that, if the County does not participate in the incentive program, it will not be required to adopt FDOT’s level of service standards and was informed by Ms. Moore that, if the County does not receive funding from the Transportation Regional Incentive Program, that is the case.

It was noted that the County is already receiving funding from that source, which will have a big impact.

Commr. Cadwell stated that the County would only adopt the standards on those projects, not countywide.

Mr. Minkoff interjected that Senate Bill 360 applied the concurrency standards for state roads, as well; therefore, when evaluating concurrency, the County cannot degrade the State’s level of service and meet concurrency.

Mr. Stivender informed the Board that he failed to mention to them the fact that staff monitors the traffic counts on all the roads, so they know which ones are growing the fastest, which ones are stable, but high volumes, etc.  He stated that, when it comes to TRIP money or local projects, staff is very much aware of a lot of the situations that are going on in the County.

CITIZEN QUESTION AND COMMENT PERIOD

            Mr. Roy Hunter, representing the Northeast Lake Chamber of Commerce, addressed the Board and discussed the need for a “3-1-1” system in the County.  He stated that he has discussed the matter with Mr. Bruce Thorburn, Lake County Communications Systems Director, as well as Senator Carey Baker and Representatives Hugh Gibson and Alan Hayes.  He stated that, in talking with said officials, he discovered that it will probably take $1 million to start it up, however, noted that there is a possibility that the County could apply for a grant that would cover said costs.  He stated that he knows the County has some very good grant writers that could write a grant for said money, so that it does not come out of the pockets of Lake County directly, and would appreciate it if the Board would direct them to do so.  He stated that the County really needs a “3-1-1” system, noting that he feels it would solve a lot of problems and take a big load off of the County’s “9-1-1” system, keeping it from being overrun with calls that are not true emergencies.

            Mr. Hunter stated that he wanted to thank staff for being so patient with him and the many questions he presents to them, noting that he appreciates all that they do for the County.  He thanked the Board for the services that his community gets and the services that they still want.

                                                                                    ----------------------------------------

            Ms. Nancy Madden, a resident of The Vistas at Lake Louisa, in south Clermont, addressed the Board stating that they voted to temporarily close the road accessing her subdivision, until the residents could get approval for a traffic signal to be installed at Lake Louisa Road and Hwy. 27.  She stated that it was supposed to be a temporary situation, but has been over one year and the traffic signal has yet to be installed.  She stated that, due to said situation, she has seen her neighborhood completely deteriorate.  She stated that, according to their homeowners association, the County has granted another temporary stay for the closure, which will take it up to a three year period of time that the road has been closed.  She stated that she had spoken to the various Commissioners, in trying to get the matter placed on a Board Agenda, so that they can once and for all decide what to do about it, but has not been successful in doing so.  She stated that the County has indicated a concern about the amount of traffic that will be traveling the road, once the barricade is removed and the traffic signal is installed, however, noted that a lot of the traffic will be generated by the residents, in that there are 230 houses, with most of them having two or more cars.  She further elaborated on the matter, at which time she submitted, for the record, copies of Minutes from a meeting that was held on April 15, 2005, by The Vistas at Lake Louisa Homeowners Association; Minutes from their Homeowners Association’s Board of Director’s Meeting that was held on June 21, 2005, both containing discussions about the matter; and a list of homes from BonJorn Realty that are pending, or have sold recently in The Vistas.  She stated that the residents need some answers.

            Commr. Hill stated that she would like to know what the status of the situation is, noting that staff informed the Board that they would be hearing this case again in one year and it has now been one year.

            Mr. Jim Stivender, Jr., Public Works Director, stated that, by September 1, 2005, there should be a flashing light at the intersection of Lake Louisa Road and Hwy. 27, which will be in place from two weeks to one month, at which time the matter will be brought back before The Vistas Homeowners Association.

            Commr. Pool stated that he felt Ms. Madden was in the minority of wanting to have the road opened, versus closed.  He stated that the Homeowners Association has asked the Board to consider extending the closure of the road, because, once the southern connector is installed and completed, it will drastically change the traffic patterns of south Lake County.  He stated that they would like for the closure to be extended, so that the southern connector can begin and allow people to take that corridor, which, once constructed, will benefit The Vistas subdivision.  He stated that the Board will address the issue, however, noted that there are issues that have not been completed and The Vistas Homeowners Association has to come forward, to discuss them.  He stated that he felt it was wonderful for Ms. Madden to come forward, as an individual, but that the Board needs to hear from a majority of the residents, not a minority of them.  He stated that, once the light is installed and operational, the Board can bring the matter back to a full public hearing and invite Ms. Madden and The Vistas Homeowners Association to discuss the issue and make a final decision on whether to extend the closure 12 months, or not at all.

            It was noted that no agreements have been established by the Board, or anyone else, granting an automatic extension of the closure and that everyone involved will be properly notified about the public hearing alluded to by Commr. Pool.

                                                                                    ----------------------------------------

            Mr. Travis Whigham, President of the Forest Hills Association, addressed the Board and questioned whether the Umatilla Health Clinic is scheduled to open anytime in the near future and when the mobile health clinic will be operational, noting that the residents in northeast Lake County have no health care at the present time.  He was informed that the matter was scheduled to be addressed later in the meeting.  He stated that there are still a lot of residents in the Lake Mack area that are flooded and questioned what the County has planned to help relieve those residents from the flooded conditions.

            Commr. Cadwell stated that the County has been pumping water out of Lake Mack and has the lake down pretty good at the present time.  He stated that staff has looked into the matter and has determined that retention ponds are not going to alleviate the flooding situation, because the whole community is in a bowl.  He stated that they are looking at different ways to try to fix the problem, but putting in a retention pond is not going to do it.

            Mr. Whigham stated that, in Royal Trails, some of the wetlands are being filled in and built up, in order to allow houses to be built on them, which he feels has created the flooding problems in the Lake Mack area, noting that, until that occurred, the residents in Lake Mack did not have the flooding problems that exist today.

            Commr. Cadwell stated that Mr. Whigham could notify the County’s Code Enforcement Department, or the Building Department, about any houses that he sees being constructed in the wetlands and they will be glad to investigate it.

            Commr. Pool questioned whether a rib or rapid infiltration basin could be designed for the community, rather than a retention pond, and was informed that engineers have looked at trying to resolve the problem in every way they can, but, due to the fact that the community sits in a bowl and has had more rainfall and has more asphalt than it has ever had, the engineers have not yet figured out a way to resolve the problem.

            Mr. Whigham stated that he looked at the 100 year flood plain and it shows no water having been in some of the areas that are currently flooded for the past 100 years, so he feels that the problem has to be caused by water coming from somewhere else.  He stated that anything the County can do to help alleviate the flooding problem will be beneficial to everybody.

                                                                                    ----------------------------------------  

            Mr. Ray Goodgame, City Councilman, City of Clermont, addressed the Board stating that he has been sending them emails, in trying to persuade them to go forward with the Sexual Predator Act that would mirror what is in some of the cities in the County.  He stated that Sheriff Chris Daniels is very interested in seeing the County go forward with said Act, as well.  He stated that the Board can make enforcement of city and county laws, if they are the same, much easier than they can get cooperation between the Sheriff’s Department and the Police Departments.  He stated that, at the present time, if there is a situation in Clermont, the County has one law and the City of Clermont has another that is quite different, so they need to come together on it.  He encouraged the Board to go forward with the matter and questioned whether something was holding it up that the public should know about.

            Commr. Cadwell stated that he had discussed the matter with Mr. Sandy Minkoff, County Attorney, the previous day and he is willing to bring the matter forward to the Board for action.  He stated that he informed the County Attorney that he thought the Board Meeting scheduled for September 6, 2005 would be a good time to do so.  He stated that he has been trying to look at all the ordinances that currently exist on the matter, because he feels it has become one of those popular things to do, without thinking about the outcome at the end.  He stated that he has read things that concern him, which he has brought to the attention of the Sheriff, who has some concerns, as well.  He stated that he has said all along that the only thing worse than having an ordinance is having an ordinance that is not going to do what it is supposed to do and he is not convinced that these ordinances are going to do what everybody thinks they are going to do.  He stated that he wanted to do the right thing, but does not want the County to rush into it, because it is a politically popular thing to do.

                                                                                    ----------------------------------------

            Mr. Tim Hatfield, a resident of Umatilla, addressed the Board and discussed the boundary lines for CR 452, SR 19, and SR 42 and a problem involving a culvert that exists in the area, which he noted is the only drain for that entire area, that goes through the Lake Yale canal out into Lake Griffin.  He stated that it has caused a considerable number of other people problems, as well.  He stated that he has been trying for two and a half years to get the culvert removed and has gotten nowhere, at which time he asked the Board to try to do something about getting the culvert removed.

            Mr. Jim Stivender, Jr., Public Works Director, informed the Board that a meeting has been scheduled for August 23, 2005, with the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD), the Lake County Water Authority, and county staff, to discuss the existence of the culvert and the future of the whole area.  He stated that staff is looking at direction from the SJRWMD and the Water Authority about how they want to handle the flow of water out of Lake Yale.

            It was suggested that Mr. Hatfield and any other land owner that might have a stake in the matter be invited to attend said meeting.

                                                                                    ----------------------------------------

            Mr. George Wolf, a resident of Leesburg and volunteer at the PEAR (Palatlakaha Environmental and Agricultural Reserve) Park, addressed the Board stating that the PEAR Association volunteers have donated 1,223 hours of their time, from January to August 14, 2005, working at the park, noting that they have worked approximately 10 acres of ground, in addition to continuing work on a Xeriscape Garden, the river trail, the grape section (grapes are now ripe), the dog park, and the birdhouse and feeding stations, in addition to public program development, grant writing, reports, and various other activities.  He stated that the park is attracting an increasing number of visitors and needs additional parking areas at different locations within the park, as well as water for irrigation, noting that they presently hand water 1,400 plants that the volunteers have planted from gallon plastic containers that they have to move from the potting area to the field.  He stated that they continue to wait for the approval of a Master Site Plan for PEAR Park, and they are awaiting the appointment of a Director of Parks and Recreation.  He stated that the budget for FY 2006 is almost ready – again without specific funds for PEAR Park.  He questioned when the County can move forward with the project, noting that they have something to show and it’s time to follow through on the dream.

            Mr. Wolf then referred to a handout that he had distributed to the Board, indicating that a Town Meeting will be held at Hawthorne at Leesburg, this date, at 1:30 p.m., on the subject of homeowners insurance for manufactured homes in Florida and DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) Ruling No. MH C4-01, with the honored guests being Senator Carey Baker and Representatives Hugh Gibson and Alan Hayes, the Legislative Representatives for this district.  He stated that they will be discussing homeowners insurance, noting that Hawthorne at Leesburg is a development of manufactured homes, consisting of approximately 1,200 homes, many of which have received notices that their homeowner’s insurance will not be renewed.  He stated that he does not understand the reasoning behind said ruling, because the County’s Planning Horizon 2025 talks about affordable housing, at which time he questioned what could be more affordable than a manufactured home.  He stated that they anticipate approximately 18 manufactured home communities to be represented at said meeting.

            Commr. Hill interjected that there will be a member of the Florida State Insurance Agency and several local insurance agents present at said meeting, as well, to answer questions regarding the matter.

                                                                                    ----------------------------------------

            Ms. Linda Ballard, a volunteer at PEAR Park and one of the members of a group called “Friends of the Park”, addressed the Board stating that they desperately need water at the park.  A statement was read into the record from a handout that Ms. Ballard had distributed to the Board, indicating the various duties that are performed by the “Friends of the Park” members, as well as what they have accomplished at the park.  She noted that her primary purpose, in coming before the Board this date, was to ask the Board to assist Parks and Recreation, by providing the resources needed to accomplish the following major needs of the dog park in the future, being:  (1) Provide water for dog park, by installing pipe to run well water to dog park site; (2) Remove old rusted fence entirely and install new fence for large dog area (approximate cost $500); (3) Add additional support poles for present fencing; (4) Install appropriate bulletin board (approximate cost $500); and (5) Add additional canopy for shade to the small dog area (approximate cost $150).  She questioned whether funds that were budgeted for the salary for the Parks and Recreation Director could be redirected to cover the above expenditures, since there has not been a Parks and Recreation Director on board with the County since February of this year.  She stated that the secondary purpose for her coming before the Board was to ask for their assistance in helping the volunteers obtain approval from the appropriate authority to use county equipment, such as lawn mowers, or to allow them to provide their own equipment, in order to get the grass mowed at certain key areas of the park, where county staff is not available to do it on a regular basis.  She stated that they wanted the Board to be assured that their requests in no way reflect unfavorably on the County Parks and Recreation staff, noting that they understand that the County has many other parks in which to divide its time, resources, and staff; however, they feel that PEAR Park has urgent and very important needs and that they, as volunteers, want to work with the County’s staff to meet those needs and to ensure that the park is not only appealing visually, but is a safe place for the public to visit.  She stated that, because of the dog park, the public is coming to PEAR Park on a daily basis throughout the day.  She stated that there have been thousands of volunteer hours put in at the park to provide activities for Lake County residents, such as the dog park, nature trail and bird house programs, and, in addition to said programs, there are also the environmental efforts in the grape vineyard and Xeriscape Garden demonstration area, butterfly garden, and scrub restoration projects.  She stated that the Board’s prompt assistance with said requests will ensure that Lake County maintains a positive image, after people visit the park.

            Commr. Stivender asked that Ms. Cindy Hall, County Manager, look into the five items that Ms. Ballard listed in her handout, to see if the County can address them, noting that they are very minor requests.

            Ms. Hall noted that she would do so.

            RECESS AND REASSEMBLY

            At 11:00 a.m., the Chairman announced that the Board would take a 15 minute recess.

            COUNTY MANAGER’S DEPARTMENTAL BUSINESS

            COMMUNITY SERVICES

            APPROVAL OF ADMINISTRATOR OF LAKE COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT

            Dr. John Pellosie, Jr., Medical Director, Lake County Health Department, addressed the Board stating that he was present representing Dr. Bonnie Sorensen, Deputy State Health Officer, requesting their approval of Ms. Pam Steinke as the new Administrator of the Lake County Health Department, replacing Dr. Roger Amon.  He stated that Ms. Steinke comes to the position with a wealth of background in health care and administration, noting that she worked in Orange County, as their Administrator of Health Services, a division of the Health and Family Services Department.

            Commr. Hill stated that she and Mr. Fletcher Smith, Community Services Director, had the privilege of sitting in on the preliminary interview process, which then goes to the State for the final recommendation, to bring back to this Board.  She stated that all the candidates were excellent, but Ms. Steinke rose to the top rapidly, due to her very diverse experience and background.  She stated that the entire committee looked at Ms. Steinke very favorably.

            Ms. Steinke addressed the Board stating that she appreciated the opportunity and looked forward to working with them and to serving Lake County. 

            On a motion by Commr. Hanson, seconded by Commr. Pool and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved a request from Community Services for approval of Ms. Pam Steinke as the Administrator of the Lake County Health Department.

            COMMUNITY SERVICES

            COMMUNITY ACCESS COUNSELOR POSITIONS

            Mr. Fletcher Smith, Community Services Director, addressed the Board stating that the Community Access Counselors are a part of the contractual services provided through the Lake County Community Access Network Program and the HCAP (Healthy Communities Access Program) Grant that the County received last year.  He stated that the Community Access Counselors are going to be the centralized intake and evaluation component of the Lake County Community Access Network (LCCAN) Program at the clinic sites in the County, as there are citizens that do not have insurance, or who are underinsured, who come into the clinics seeking medical help.  He stated that the Access Community Counselors will be working with those people, referring them to specialists care for laboratory assessments and needs and for pharmaceutical assistance.  He stated that they are the front line troops, when it comes to the LCCAN Program, and are very crucial to the process, as are the Disease Managers that will be discussed with the next request.  He stated that staff met with the partners of the LCCAN Program and one of the things that was a consensus among the partners was that, when said individuals are hired, the County needs to have a centralized administrative oversight of what is going on with them, the training that they are getting, and their salary and benefits, so that there will not be any large differences, if they are hired or selected individually by the clinics.  He stated that it gives staff a centralized control over the program.  He stated that there are six (6) positions, but the filling of them will be staggered, if they are approved, based on the growth of the LCCAN Program.

            Mr. Smith stated that the HCAP Grant is a three year grant program that is decreasing each year, noting that the first year the County received just a little over $1 million and the second year the funds, which start on September 1, 2005, will be decreased by $709,000.00.  He stated that, as those funds decrease in the third year, the County is going to be turning to its partners, which are the hospitals, the Health Department, and community health centers, to step up to the plate and help fund the positions.  He stated that it was discussed in detail, when the County had its Comprehensive Health Care Committee Meeting last month, so they understand that when the grant funds start shrinking the partners will step up and work to keep these people on board.  He stated that, hopefully, by that time, the County will see the value of said positions at the clinics, because not only will they be doing centralized intake and evaluations, but will working with the citizens, to get them plugged into the pharmaceutical charity care programs that a lot of the major pharmaceutical corporations have, to address that component of their health care needs.  He reiterated the fact that the grant is for three years and the County is at the end of the first year.  He stated that money that has been budgeted for the second year has been approved by the Federal Government and the County is waiting to see what is going to happen to the third year.

            It was noted that, in the next two years, if the partners do not pick up those costs, said individuals will no longer be employed, but they understand that.

            On a motion by Commr. Hanson, seconded by Commr. Stivender and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved a request from Community Services for approval of Community Access Counselor positions (6) to be hired as full-time, limited term county employees.

            COMMUNITY SERVICES

            CONTRACT WITH LAKE COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT FOR DISEASE

            MANAGERS FOR HEALTHY COMMUNITIES ACCESS PROGRAM (HCAP)

            Mr. Fletcher Smith, Community Services Director, informed the Board that the County has been negotiating with the Lake County Health Department to hire the Disease Management positions of the Lake County Community Access Network (LCCAN) Program, noting that the Health Department has recognized the fact that these are very crucial members of the LCCAN Program that will be concentrating on one major disease that effects a lot of Lake County individuals who are underinsured, or have no insurance, which is diabetes, along with hypertension and asthma.  He stated that they will manage said cases, to make sure that they get the treatment and the attention that is necessary.  He stated that it is anticipated that the Health Department recognizes the fact that it is a decreasing grant each year and that, by the time the grant ends, said individuals will be full-time employees of the Lake County Health Department and, hopefully, they will be offsetting revenue, to cover some of the expenses of those positions.

            Commr. Hill questioned whether the $1 million in seed money that Mr. Smith alluded to earlier was over and above the two grants that will take care of the staffing for the positions that he discussed and was informed that it was.

            Mr. Smith stated that it should save the health care system in Lake County a substantial amount of money, if the County can divert those individuals that he alluded to and get them the treatment and help that they need up front, rather than waiting until they get involved with the Emergency Room system and have to be admitted as patients at area hospitals.  He stated that the County Attorney’s Office has been working with the attorney for the State Health Department and a couple of small changes have been made.  He asked that, if the Board decided to approve the contract before them, they approve it pending final review and approval by the County Attorney.

            On a motion by Commr. Hanson, seconded by Commr. Stivender and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved a request from Community Services for approval to contract with the Lake County Health Department, to employ the Disease Managers for the Healthy Communities Access Program (HCAP), subject to County Attorney review and approval.

            BUDGET OFFICE

            ANNUAL LEGISLATIVE ISSUES SURVEY FROM FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF

            COUNTIES FOR 2006 FLORIDA LEGISLATIVE SESSION

            Mr. Jason Showe, Revenue Coordinator, Budget Office, addressed the Board and reviewed the Annual Florida Association of Counties (FAC) Survey that was conducted on legislative issues for the upcoming 2006 Florida Legislative Session.  He stated that there were two major categories - one where FAC was asking the County for general information and the other where they were asking the County to take a position.  He stated that, with regard to the issues of Community Redevelopment Agencies (CRAs) and eminent domain, the County currently does not have any CRAs and is not aware of any municipalities using eminent domain, to go after CRA lands.  He stated that the survey asked about the County’s use of alternate plans review, which is currently not used, but anticipated to be a future reform.  He stated that the County also anticipates being able to meet the permanent time lines that are specified in the building code bills that were passed last year.  He stated that the survey inquired about the County’s use of Emergency Management funding, which he noted is currently split between the Federal, the State, and the County’s own local sources.  He stated that the biggest items of concern for Emergency Management are providing an adequate Emergency Operations Center (EOC), as well as having sufficient shelter space for the County’s residents, in the event of an emergency.  He stated that, on the Juvenile Justice Detention cost shift, the County detailed its costs, as well as items that went unfunded in the Fiscal Year 2006 budget, because of the cost shift from the State.  He stated that, on the Article V costs, which include the $2.00 recording fee and the $65.00 court fee, the County has spelled out its revenues and expenditures for this year and for Fiscal Year 2006.  He stated that construction and demolition debris recycling is something that the County currently does not contract for, however, noted that, should the State choose to restrict it, it could have an impact on the County’s future revenue source.

            Mr. Showe stated that Lake County was asked to provide a position on several key issues that were either decided last year, or are anticipated to be decided in the upcoming year, such as cable franchises being handled at the State level, which he noted the County finds no reason to oppose, however, indicated that it is still unclear at this time what impact it would have on the County’s revenues, or its operation.  He stated that the County is requesting that a task force be created, to investigate the matter, and that the County be allowed to participate in that task force.  He stated that an issue that is expected to receive considerable attention is the Homestead Amendment, noting that it could either allow for a greater deduction, or portability, when a citizen purchases a home and moves to a new one.  He stated that Lake County does not support these amendments to the Homestead Exemption, because it will continue to erode away the County’s assessed taxable value base and, consequently, the County’s ad valorem revenues.  He stated that, in the 2006 budget, the Board projected ad valorem revenues were reduced by $6.7 million, due to the combined impact of Save Our Homes and Save Our Seniors.  He stated that the School Board reduction is projected at $8.6 million for 2006.  He stated that, should either of these changes be passed, the County is requesting that they be capped, to limit the impact on the County’s ad valorem revenues.

            Mr. Showe stated that the State may attempt to preempt local ordinances, which include Consumer Service regulations, Bingo regulations, Firework regulations, and Floating Vessel Permitting.  He stated that, although the County currently does not have local ordinances on all these issues, it does oppose the State preempting the County’s ability to regulate them.  He stated that, on the topic of Jails, the County would support a maximum number of days, before a violator of probation receives a hearing, and the County is supporting state reimbursement for the housing of state inmates.  He stated that, on probation of pre-trial services, the County would support the additional mandates of the Lunsford Act, as long as sufficient funding is provided – either directly from the State, or in the form of grants.  He stated that process serving is currently an area where it cost far more to perform those duties than the County is statutorily allowed to receive in revenues, so the County would support a statutory increase in those fees, to bring them closer to the actual costs.  He stated that an area that was at the forefront during last year’s legislative session was growth management and it is anticipated that it will be this year.  He stated that one major area of contention is going to be school concurrency, which will require interlocal agreements with the School Board and the municipalities.  He stated that it is important to note that the County thinks this issue will cause growth to slow down in the County, simply because of the complexity of providing school facilities, at the same time as increasing growth.  He stated that the County is hopeful to meet the December, 2008 implementation date.

            Mr. Showe stated that another issue that was allowed last year was proportionate fair share mitigation, as an alternative means of meeting transportation concurrency.  He stated that, in actual implementation, however, the County feels it will only help to a limited extent, in fact, will cause additional challenges, in managing the acquisition, construction, and management of multiple transportation projects and may also cause the County to reprioritize its Capital Improvements Element, in spite of other needs.  He stated that, as far as funding from the State is concerned, the County would be eligible to receive funding for both transportation and technical assistance and, with regard to the boundary study, the County is encouraging the reduction of multiple water management districts, in order to reduce consistency.  He stated that the County is also asking that it be aligned with the Central Florida region, for both the Planning Councils and DOT districts, to better fit with the County’s growth patterns.  He stated that, with regard to a water policy for the County, the County supports the changes made in Senate Bill 444 last year; however, noted that it may be difficult for some municipalities to find the funding to purchase into that program, which would leave them without that resource.  He stated that Lake County does not support Senate Bill 1168, from the last legislative session, which changed the Transportation Disadvantaged Commission membership.  He stated that the County would like to see a new formula established for the equitable distribution of the Medicaid Non-Emergency Transportation funds; have the Agency for HealthCare Administration (ACHA) hold public hearings, before allowing Medicaid HMOs to siphon trips from the coordinated system; require that Medicaid HMOs operate within the provisions of Chapter 427 of the Florida Statutes; and ensure that Community Transportation Coordinators (CTCs) that are operating efficiently are not penalized.  He stated that, on Medicaid reform issues, the County has not identified areas that could be problematic, because the County has not had sufficient information to make a formal position on this issue.  He stated that the County does oppose any caps or reductions on state funded grant programs, such as Affordable Housing and SHIP, and the County is also concerned about trying to find additional funding to help support the County’s population obtain affordable health care coverage.  He stated that these are the issues that FAC feels will likely be addressed in the upcoming State Legislative Session for 2006.

            Commr. Cadwell stated that FAC is trying to poll counties, during its tour of Florida, about the Juvenile Justice issue, to get an idea of what they want to do.  He stated that he has tried to convince counties that a buy-out may be in their best interest, noting that Juvenile Justice has not functioned well for years.  He stated that the State has not been able to run it and he does not think the County can run it, fragmented, any better than they could as a whole.  He stated that it is an issue that the State should run and the only way that the County is going to get out of it is to buy its way out.  He stated that they are trying to put together some options for the Board to look at in October, noting that one of them will be a buy out through growth and revenue sharing with the State that the County would have coming to it.  He stated that he feels the State understands that they have a problem with Juvenile Justice, but just shifting $90 million to the County is not going to solve it.  He asked that the Board think about it, between now and when the State holds its legislative session, noting that he feels it is a way for the County to buy out of it and finally put Article V to rest.  He stated that it is a bad program and, if the County can buy its way out, that is what the County should do.

            Commr. Hanson questioned why, with regard to the Save Our Homes and Save Our Seniors revenues source, Save Our Seniors does not impact the schools.

            Mr. Showe stated that the Save Our Seniors legislation does not apply to the school millage.

            Commr. Cadwell informed the Board that impact fees are coming back, noting that the Impact Fee Committee set up by the Legislature will be meeting in Jacksonville next week.

            Commr. Hanson stated that she would like to have information on per capita spending from the State for the last ten years.  She stated that she knows what it is nationwide, but does not know whether it is being reduced or not, and would like to have that information, per student.

            Commr. Cadwell stated that he felt this survey was a good one, noting that, in the past, the surveys have gone back to FAC without the Board even looking at them.  He stated that he felt the survey was right on point with what the County is trying to do and that the Board having an opportunity to see it was a good thing.

            Commr. Hanson stated that another issue that she feels needs to be looked at on a statewide basis is how over-capacity and under-capacity in the schools is being evaluated, noting that she does not know if it is consistent county to county or not.  She stated that her specific concern was whether or not to include portables, noting that, currently, when the Board says that schools are over-capacity, it is not considering the use of portables.

            Mr. Minkoff stated that Senate Bill 360 requires an updating of the interlocal agreement between the School Board, the County, and the municipalities, and one of the requirements is that they all agree on the level of service for schools, which, by its nature, also requires them to agree on what capacity is, because the level of service cannot be determined without capacity.  He stated that he, Mr. Welstead, Growth Management Director/Deputy County Manager, and Ms. Amye King, Chief Planner, Long Range Planning, Growth Management Department, have been meeting with the School Board’s attorney, the city attorneys, and the School Board’s planner, to start negotiations on that interlocal agreement, which he noted will be brought before the Board at a later date.  He stated that the Concurrency Element is required to be done in 2008 and the State is encouraging them to try to get the interlocal agreement done by the middle of next year.

            Commr. Cadwell stated that there will be damage to the school system, if they do not work with the County to get it done.  He stated that before it did not matter whether they did it or not, but now there are penalties involved.

            Mr. Minkoff interjected that they lose money and the counties and cities lose the ability to process comprehensive plan amendments.

            Commr. Stivender interjected that that only hurts the children and she wanted everybody to understand that, so the School Board and the County need to work together, to get it done.

            The Board thanked Mr. Showe for a very good report.

            On a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Hanson and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved a request from the Budget Office for approval of the annual Legislative Issues Survey from the Florida Association of Counties (FAC), for the 2006 Florida Legislative Session.

            OTHER BUSINESS

            APPOINTMENTS TO PUBLIC SAFETY COORDINATING COUNCIL

            On a motion by Commr. Hanson, seconded by Commr. Stivender and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board appointed Mr. Mike Stone to the Public Safety Coordinating Council, for a four-year term.

            On a motion by Commr. Pool, seconded by Commr. Cadwell and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board appointed Mr. Tennyson Legg to the Public Safety Coordinating Council, for a four-year term.

            ADDENDUM NO. 1

            COUNTY MANAGER’S DEPARTMENTAL BUSINESS (CONT’D.)

            AWARDING OF CONTRACT FOR ARCHITECTURAL/ENGINEERING

            SERVICES FOR SOUTH TAVARES COMPLEX

            Mr. Jim Bannon, Facilities Management and Development Director, addressed the Board and explained this request, stating that the County has two consultants that are looking into the future development of the government facilities in south Tavares.  He stated that the first consultant is the architectural consultant, Starmer Ranaldi Planning and Architecture, Inc., which the County has a contract with, in the amount of $210,000.00; and  the second contract, in the amount of $98,477.66, is with Professional Engineering Consultant, Inc. (PEC), who is doing the site engineering and master planning on the project.  He stated that both contracts are the same, noting that the project consists of two phases, with the first phase bringing the County through the schematic design of the overall master plan of the project, as well as the schematic design of all the buildings that have been slated for that location.  He stated that Phase I will bring the County through the end of December, 2005, which is all that the County has committed itself to, at this time.  He stated that, at the end of December, staff will be bringing before the Board the master plan, showing the design of all the buildings, at which time they will update the Board with a projected cost for the overall project, for the Board’s approval.

            A motion was made by Commr. Cadwell and seconded by Commr. Pool to approve a request from Procurement Services for approval to award the contract for Architectural/Engineering Design for Various Government Facilities (South Tavares Complex) to Starmer Ranaldi Planning and Architecture, Inc., in accordance with RSQ No. 05-097, for $210,000.00; and approval to award the contract for Site Design Services, for a 142 acre site in south Tavares, to Professional Engineering Consultants, Inc. (PEC), in accordance with RSQ No. 05-098, in the amount of $98,477.66.

            Under discussion, Commr. Cadwell asked that staff take into consideration the Constitutional Officers and the nature of their jobs, as to when they have to work and cannot move, when setting up the schedules – to make sure that everybody is on the same page.

            Commr. Stivender clarified the fact that the request before the Board this date was only for approval to obtain a schematic design, which will be brought before the Board in December or January, at which time the Board will decide which buildings get constructed first, second, etc.

            The Chairman called for a vote on the motion, which was carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote.

            REPORTS – COUNTY ATTORNEY

            RENEWAL OF AGREEMENT RELATING TO OUTSIDE LEGAL SERVICES

            Mr. Sandy Minkoff, County Attorney, informed the Board that this was a request for approval to renew the agreement with Mr. Brett L. Swigert, who serves when the County has to have a guardian ad litem in a foreclosure case, or a Code Enforcement case.

            On a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Pool and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved a request from the County Attorney for approval to renew an Agreement between Lake County and Brett L. Swigert, relating to outside legal services.

            REPORTS – COUNTY ATTORNEY

            LICENSE AGREEMENT FOR DOCUMENT DROP BOX TO BE PLACED

            OUTSIDE CENTER STATE BANK IN LEESBURG

            Mr. Sandy Minkoff, County Attorney, stated that this request was for approval of a license agreement between the County and Sun Trust Bank, regarding the placement of a document drop box for the Clerk’s Office outside the Center State Bank building in Leesburg, where citizens can drop off items to be recorded.  He stated that the Clerk’s courier will then bring said items to the Recording Department, in Tavares, where they will be recorded.  He stated that there would be no cost to the County for said drop box.

            On a motion by Commr. Pool, seconded by Commr. Stivender and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved a request from the County Attorney for approval and execution of a License Agreement between Lake County and SunTrust Bank, for a document drop box to be placed outside the Center State Bank building, located in Leesburg.

            REPORTS – COUNTY ATTORNEY

            AGREEMENT WITH REALVEST DEVELOPMENT FOR PURCHASE OF

            PORTION OF LOTS 3 AND 4, LAKE COUNTY CENTRAL PARK, PHASE I

            Mr. Sandy Minkoff, County Attorney, informed the Board that this request was for approval of an Agreement with RealVest Development, for the purchase of a portion of Lots 3 and 4, Lake County Central Park, consisting of approximately 23 acres.  He stated that RealVest Development made a $50,000.00 offer for said parcel; however, the County advertised the property, at which time RealVest Development increased their bid to $75,000.00.  He stated that staff was recommending approval of the request.

            On a motion by Commr. Pool, seconded by Commr. Stivender and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved a request from the County Attorney for approval and execution of an Agreement with RealVest Development, for the purchase of a portion of Lots 3 and 4, Lake County Central Park, Phase 1, for approximately 23 acres, at $75,000.00 per acre.

            REPORTS – COUNTY MANAGER

            ELIMINATION OF MILLAGE FOR VOTER DEBT FOR ENVIRONMENTALLY

            SENSITIVE LANDS PROGRAM FOR ONE YEAR

            Ms. Cindy Hall, County Manager, informed the Board that they have the opportunity, if they so desire, to eliminate the millage for the voter debt for the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Program for one more year, without hampering or hindering the program.  She explained how it would work, noting that the bonds for that program are issued in the second half of the year and the debt service would not happen until the subsequent year, so there would not need to be any millage collected in the upcoming year.  She stated that, if the bond was issued prior to that, which could be done, and, if the County was ready to do that, the payment schedule could be structured in such a way that the first payment would not come until the following fiscal year.  She stated that another item that she and Mr. Sandy Minkoff, County Attorney, have discussed with the County’s bond counsel is bringing forward to the Board a reimbursement resolution that would give the County the opportunity to upfront money to purchase any land that the County might want to buy and pay itself back with the bond issue, once it happened.  She stated that it is an opportunity for the Board to eliminate that millage for one more year, if they desired to do so, without hurting the program in any way.

            On a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Pool and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved to place said item on the Agenda.

            On a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Pool and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved to eliminate the millage for the voter debt for the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Program for one more year, as recommended by the County Manager.

            REPORTS – COUNTY MANAGER

            ATTENDANCE AT TECHNOLOGY BOARD MEETING

            Ms. Cindy Hall, County Manager, informed the Board that she would be in Tallahassee on Friday, August 19, 2005, attending a Technology Board Meeting.

            REPORTS – COUNTY ATTORNEY (CONT’D.)

            ATTENDANCE AT FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES CONFERENCE

            Mr. Sandy Minkoff, County Attorney, stated that he has been attending the Florida Association of Counties (FAC) Conference, looking at growth management.  He stated that a meeting is scheduled to be held in Clearwater later this month, which will be advertised as a Board Meeting, so Commrs. Hanson and Cadwell, who are both on that Committee, will be able to attend the meeting.

            REPORTS – COMMISSIONER HILL – CHAIRMAN AND DISTRICT 1

            LOWNDES REZONING REQUEST/LAKE COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD

            Commr. Hill informed the Board that a letter was hand delivered to her before the start of the meeting this date from the Lake County School Board, regarding the Lowndes rezoning request.  She stated that they have respectfully requested that said case be moved to an evening meeting, at a location in south Lake County, and that they will make facilities available for said meeting.  She stated that the case in question has been advertised and is on the Agenda for the August 23, 2005 Board Meeting; therefore, she feels that the discussion about whether to hear the case or postpone it to another date should be made at that time.

            Commr. Stivender stated that she was the one that suggested at the last public hearing that the Board hold a night meeting to hear the case and that she felt it was the consensus of the Board to do so, however, at the Board Meeting held on August 9, 2005, apparently it was the consensus of the Board to not hold the night meeting and to hear the case along with all of the other zoning cases, as scheduled, because the School Board had not requested a postponement, or come forward with any options.  She stated that she wanted to make it clear to the public that she was still in favor of holding the meeting in south Lake County and that it be held in the evening.

            Mr. Sandy Minkoff, County Attorney, informed the Board that the case could not be rescheduled for another date and time this date, because there are a lot of other people who have due process rights to the meeting that has been advertised for August 23, 2005, when the case is currently scheduled to be heard.  He stated that the case will have to be postponed again at that meeting and readvertised for another time and place, should the Board decide to do so.

            It was noted that the Board could state that it was their intention to move the public hearing to another date and time, but they could not officially do it until the Board Meeting scheduled for August 23, 2005.

            Commr. Pool stated that he wants the citizens to be involved, noting that there are many sides to this issue, and, if the School Board believes it is important to reschedule the meeting, he is willing to accommodate their wishes as best he can.  He stated that, while he likes for the Board Meetings to be held at the Administration Building, there has been an outcry from people on both sides of the issue to have a night meeting, in south Lake County, so that they can be heard; therefore, he feels that the Board should do so.  He suggested, however, that said meeting start between 5:30 and 6:00 p.m. and, hopefully, end by 10:00 p.m.

            Commr. Hill stated that she feels people have lost sight of exactly what this issue is about, noting that it is a rezoning of a piece of property.  She stated that it is not that the Board likes schools, or does not like schools, or that they know schools are needed.  She stated that it is not about schools, but a rezoning, and the Board needs to look at it like they do any other application for a rezoning.

            Commr. Cadwell stated that Commr. Hill was correct in what she was saying, however, noted that that is not the perception of it.  He stated that the case has a life of its own now and the Board probably needs to go ahead and go through the process.

            Commr. Stivender stated that, when the case was asked to be postponed, there was another site to be considered and questioned whether the School Board had looked at said site.  She stated that she had staff prepare very adequate, efficient maps, which she has given to two of the School Board members, for their review, but has heard nothing back.  She questioned whether staff could find out if the School Board was even considering the other site or not.  She stated that the other site throws the case into her district, so she needs to know where things stand and whether that discussion should be made at the August 23, 2005 Board Meeting.

            Mr. Minkoff stated that the Board could not take any action at all this date, however, noted that the other site is not the subject of a zoning case, at this point, so it can be discussed at any time.  He stated that the due process issues only involve the rezoning case.

            Commr. Stivender stated that she would like some clarification from the School Board, as to whether they are even considering the other site.

            Mr. Minkoff stated that the School Board has discussed holding the meeting in question at Minneola City Hall, which is a large facility and will accommodate several hundred people, however, noted that it will have to be at least 15 days after the August 23rd Board Meeting before said meeting can be held, because of advertising requirements.

            Mr. Welstead informed the Board that the School Board’s staff was provided with the same maps that had been provided to the Board.

            It was the consensus of the Board to have a discussion about the case and the School Board’s request at the Board Meeting scheduled for August 23, 2005, with a final decision to be made at that time.

            REPORTS – COMMISSIONER POOL – DISTRICT 2

            CONSTITUTION WEEK PROCLAMATION

            On a motion by Commr. Pool, seconded by Commr. Stivender and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved Proclamation No. 2005-125, declaring September 17 through 23, 2005, as Constitution Week.

            REPORTS – COMMISSIONER POOL – DISTRICT 2

            PLANNING HORIZON 2025

            Commr. Pool informed the Board that a very positive meeting was held in Minneola on Monday, August 15, 2005, for the purpose of discussing Planning Horizon 2025.  He stated that over 100 people attended the meeting, which he felt was a very positive meeting and went very well.  He stated that he appreciated and wanted to thank staff for holding the second meeting, so that more citizens could attend it and give their input.  He stated that he was asked whether the document was completed and wanted to assure everyone that it has not been completed – that it is still in the process, so, if they have any concerns or comments, they still have an opportunity to make them public.  He noted that there will be numerous public hearings, as the County moves forward.  

            REPORTS – COMMISSIONER POOL – DISTRICT 2

            LAKE DAVID PARK PUBLIC FORUM

            Commr. Pool stated that, on Saturday, August 20, 2005, at 10:00 a.m., he and staff will be attending a meeting at Lake David Park, noting that there are a group of concerned citizens that are asking him for some relief, with regard to Millstream Road, so he agreed to hold a public forum for them to voice their concerns.

            REPORTS – COMMISSIONER CADWELL – DISTRICT 5

            FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES (FAC) TOUR

            Commr. Cadwell stated that the Florida Association of Counties (FAC) is on the second leg of their tour and have been invited to the Florida League of Cities, to address them and have a meeting with their President.  He stated that they will end up back in Orlando on Friday, August 19, 2005, at which time they will start the real southern swing of the tour.  He thanked the Board for allowing him to tour with FAC, noting that he is really enjoying being their President – that he has not had a bad day since he got the job, but that he would not be able to do what he does without the Board’s support, which he really appreciates.

            REPORTS – COMMISSIONER HANSON – DISTRICT 4

            MT. PLYMOUTH-SORRENTO TOWN CENTER CHARETTE

            SMART GROWTH 101 MEETING

            Commr. Hanson stated that the Mt. Plymouth-Sorrento Town Center Charette was held last Thursday evening, August 11, 2005, at Round Lake Elementary, at 6:30 p.m., and that Mr. Jeff Richardson, Planning Manager, Planning and Development Services, Growth Management Department, did a great job in coordinating it and facilitating it.  She mentioned various other individuals who participated in the Charette, which she felt did a good job, as well.  She stated that approximately 30 people attended it and she feels that some of their recommendations were right on target on where the County needs to be for a town center, noting that it is building on the original framework study plan that the Board accepted a couple of years ago.  She stated that the next day a meeting was held on Smart Growth 101, which Mr. Gregg Welstead, Deputy County Manager/Growth Management Director, did an outstanding job of putting together, along with staff.  She stated that there was some very good representation from the cities and noted that Ms. Cindy Hall, County Manager, was present, as well as the Sheriff, Chris Daniels; Mr. Bob McKee, Lake County Tax Collector; and Mr. Ed Havill, Lake County Property Appraiser.  She stated that it was a very interesting meeting and they were pleased with the turnout.

            REPORTS – COMMISSIONER HANSON – DISTRICT 4

            CITIZEN QUESTION AND COMMENT PERIOD DISCUSSION

            Commr. Hanson stated that, when the Board originally started the Citizen Question and Comment Period, something that the Board has not always done - it was a new thing that they added to the Agenda, with the idea that those individuals addressing the Board with their concerns would be limited to three (3) minutes.  She suggested that the Board go back to limiting the comments to three minutes, as before, and that the individuals be asked to be concise and, if they feel they cannot limit their comments to three minutes, that they be asked to come back before the Board at a later date.  She asked that the Board reimplement the time limit and enforce it.

            Commr. Hill stated that she appreciated Commr. Hanson’s suggestion and that she might decide to move the Citizen Question and Comment Period closer to the end of the Agenda, because it puts those people who are scheduled to make presentations to the Board at a particular time a little behind.

            Commr. Cadwell suggested that the Board monitor the situation for a while, to see how long people actually do speak and go from there.

            Commr. Hanson stated that some of the comments are lengthy and that she definitely feels the Board needs to limit them to three minutes.

            Commr. Stivender stated that she had a problem with doing that, because the Citizen Question and Comment Period is the time that the public gets to voice their opinions to the Board.

            Commr. Hanson stated that she feels it is important that the citizens be allowed to voice their opinions, but that their comments should be limited to three minutes.  She reminded the Board that, at one time, the Citizen Question and Comment Period did not even exist.

            It was noted that most of the municipalities have their Citizen Question and Comment Period at the end of their Agendas and Commr. Hill indicated that she might do the same.

            REPORTS – COMMISSIONER STIVENDER – DISTRICT 3

            MEETING OF LAKE COUNTY JUVENILE JUSTICE COUNCIL

            Commr. Stivender stated that on Monday, August 15, 2005, a meeting of the Lake County Juvenile Justice Council was held in the Training Room, in the Administration Building, with the Secretary of Juvenile Justice, Mr. Anthony Schembri, being present, and that it was standing room only.  She stated that a lot of people from the Probation Office were present, as well as the Assistant State Attorney, so the meeting was well attended.  She thanked the Chairman for allowing her to be on the Juvenile Justice Council, noting that she is learning a lot.

            REPORTS – COMMISSIONER STIVENDER – DISTRICT 3

            LAKE COUNTY DAYS IN TALLAHASSEE

            Commr. Stivender informed the Board that Lake County Days in Tallahassee will be held February 21, 2006, noting that it was the only time available, during the Legislative Session, where the County could have use of the courtyard.  She stated that it is on a Tuesday, so the Board may need to move that particular Tuesday’s Board Meeting Agenda items to another day.

            It was noted that Commr. Stivender would be taking the lead in the matter and that the Sheriff has volunteered to participate in the event again this year.

            REPORTS – COMMISSIONER POOL – DISTRICT 2 (CONT’D.)

            ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL SITES TO BE CONSIDERED BY SCHOOL BOARD

            Commr. Pool stated that he wanted to acknowledge the fact that he has been given credit for locating the alternative school site that is to be considered by the Lake County School Board, however, wanted everyone to know that Mr. Bob McKee, Lake County Tax Collector, helped him locate said site and he wanted to make sure that Mr. McKee was given some of the credit.  He stated that he appreciates Mr. McKee and his efforts, noting that he is always working hard for the community.

            Commr. Hill stated that it shows that a lot of people are very concerned about the County’s school situation.

            ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to be brought to the attention of the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 12:25 p.m.

 

__________________________

JENNIFER HILL, CHAIRMAN

ATTEST:

 

 

__________________________

JAMES C. WATKINS, CLERK