A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF
SEPTEMBER 6, 2005
The
Lake County Board of
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Commr. Cadwell gave the Invocation
and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT/PUBLIC
SAFETY
Commr. Hill stated that, before the
Board proceeds with their agenda updates, she would like to ask Chief Jim
Dickerson, Public Safety, who has just returned from the region that was
affected by Hurricane Katrina, to give the Board an update on that situation,
and then Mr. Jerry Smith, Director of Emergency Management, would like to
comment on their participation as a County.
Chief Dickerson addressed the Board
and stated that he and Lt. Charles Blinco were part of the Central Florida Task
Force 4. They left last Wednesday and were deployed into the
The Board members extended their
appreciation to Chief Dickerson and staff for their time and commitment.
Commr. Hanson wanted to know whether
the slide show would be something that could be put on the County’s web site,
and Chief Dickerson noted that staff has been in touch with Mr. Chris Patton,
Communications Coordinator.
Mr. Smith, Director of Emergency
Management, addressed the Board and reiterated the information that was provided
by Chief Dickerson pertaining to those individuals who were deployed from the
County noting that there was also a member of Lake County Fire and Rescue that
was activated for the National Guard to deploy.
The Sheriff sent approximately 12 individuals and equipment to that
region; Lake Sumter Emergency Management Services (EMS) sent roughly three
ambulances and some support staff to the area.
Through the efforts of four American Red Cross Chapters covering 14
counties, a regional shelter for displaced individuals was set up at the
Florida Bible Baptist Camp off of
Commr. Stivender pointed out that
the LASER Team was formed after the last hurricanes, and Mr. Smith noted that
the members of the LASER Team were actually deployed as part of the Florida
Baptist disaster relief.
Ms. Cindy Hall,
Commr. Hill stated that they have
tried to step up as a County to help with requests for assistance, and she
thinks they have done a very admirable job.
Mr. Smith stated that last week he
cautioned the municipalities about it now being September, which is
historically the busiest month for hurricanes, so they have to guard their
resources appropriately. He thinks that
all of the agencies that have participated have done a very good job.
AGENDA UPDATE
Ms. Cindy Hall,
Mr. Sandy Minkoff,
Commr. Cadwell stated that, under
his reports, he has one clarification on a rezoning case, Harbor Hills, because
there had been a question about what the motion included. He stated that this item will require action
by the Board, so he would like to put it on the agenda under his business.
On a motion by Commr. Cadwell,
seconded by Commr. Stivender and carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote, the Board
approved to add to the agenda the request regarding Harbor Hills, as noted.
ELECTED OFFICIALS
Commr. Hill recognized Mr. Ray Goodgame,
City Council, City of
MINUTE
APPROVAL
On
a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Pool and carried unanimously
by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the Minutes of July 12, 2005, Regular
Meeting, as presented.
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 25, 2005, Special Meeting
– Budget Workshop, as presented.
Commr.
Hanson referred to the Minutes of July 26, 2005, Regular Meeting, and noted
that the Board had asked about the septic tank issue in the Wekiva, and Ms.
Cindy Hall, County Manager, noted that staff is working on that item.
On
a motion by Commr. Hanson, seconded by Commr. Pool and carried unanimously by a
5-0 vote, the Board approved the Minutes of July 26, 206, Regular Meeting, as
presented.
On
a motion by Commr. Hanson, seconded by Commr. Pool and carried unanimously by a
5-0 vote, the Board approved the Minutes of August 9, 2005, Regular Meeting –
Board Retreat, as presented.
CLERK
OF COURT’S CONSENT AGENDA
On
a motion by Commr. Hanson, seconded by Commr. Stivender and carried unanimously
by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the Clerk of Courts’ Consent Agenda, Items 1
through 9, as follows:
List
of Checks or Warrants
Request to acknowledge receipt of
list of checks or warrants paid prior to this meeting, pursuant to Chapter
136.06(1) of the Florida Statutes, which shall be incorporated into the Minutes
as attached Exhibit A and filed in the Board Support Division of the Clerk's
Office.
Contractor Bonds
Request to approve the following Contractor
Bonds:
New
1433-07 Daniel H. Judy d.b.a. Dan Judy
Plumbing
5475-06 Jonathon Scott Gordon d.b.a. Gordon
Electric
5765-05 Byron M. Greenlee d.b.a. G. W.
Electric Inc.
5970-06 Paul Bonadonna d.b.a.
6208-06 Winston D. Clark LLC d.b.a.
6397-05 David LeMois d.b.a. Electrical
Maintenance Systems, Inc.
6402-05 Michael Summerfield d.b.a. Advent
Electric, LLC
6403-05 Red Raider Enterprises Inc. d.b.a.
Lee Electrical Technologies
6404-05 Wylie Hamilton d.b.a. Prime Electric
LLC
6405-05 Kevin Paul Huntzinger d.b.a. United
Electrical Contractors, Inc.
6406-05 Robert D. Wright d.b.a. C M Electric
LLC
6407-06 William Herbert Evans d.b.a. All Pro
Roofing USA, Inc.
Rider
5006-07 Gary Heath, Gary Heath Construction,
Inc.
Change Expiration Date from Oct. 1, 2006 to
Oct. 1, 2007
Cancellation
6350-05 Dave Loden d.b.a. Dave Loden
Construction, Inc.
Monthly Distribution of
Revenue Traffic/Criminal Cases
Request to acknowledge receipt of the
Monthly Distribution of Revenue Traffic/Criminal Cases, month ending July 31,
2005: Disbursements due to Board -
$141,697.23; same period last year - $70,998.74.
Annual Report/Five-Year
Plan/Water Authority
Request to acknowledge receipt of
the 2004 Annual Report and 2004-2009 Five-Year Plan from the Lake County Water
Authority, in accordance with Chapter 29222, Laws of Florida.
Florida Public Service
Commission/Progress Energy Florida, Inc.
Notice of Hearing from the Florida Public Service Commission
to Progress Energy Florida, Inc., Florida Industrial Power Users Group, Florida
Retail Federation, AARP, Office of Public Counsel, White Springs Agricultural
Chemicals, Inc., The Commercial Group, Buddy L. Hansen/Sugarmill Woods Civic
Association, Inc., and All Other Interested Persons - Docket No.
050078-EI. Petition For Rate Increase By
Progress Energy Florida, Inc., Issued:
August 2, 2005.
Notice is hereby given that a hearing will be held before
the Florida Public Service Commission in the above referenced docket, at the
following time and place: Wednesday,
September 7, 2005, 9:30 a.m., Betty Easley Conference Center, Room 148, 4075
Esplanade Way, Tallahassee, Florida.
September 8-9, 2005, and September 12-16, 2005, has also been reserved
for continuation of the hearing, if needed.
Any person requiring some
accommodation at this hearing, because of a physical impairment, should call
the Division of the Commission Clerk and Administrative Services at (850)
413-6770, at least 48 hours prior to the hearing. Any person who is hearing or speech impaired
should contact the Florida Public Service Commission, by using the Florida
Relay Service, which can be reached at 1-800-955-8771 (TDD).
Audit/Value Adjustment Boards
Request to acknowledge receipt of Report
No. 2006-007, a Performance Audit of
Lake Community Development
District/Proposed Budget
Request to acknowledge receipt of
The Estates at Cherry Lake Community Development District Proposed Budget
Fiscal Year 2004/2005 (June 13, 2005 – Sept. 30, 2005; and Proposed Budget
Fiscal Year 2005/2006 (Oct. 1, 2005 – Sept. 30, 2006).
Southwest Florida Water Management
District/Agenda
Request to acknowledge receipt of the
Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Agenda for the Governing Board
Meeting August 30-31, 2005, 9:00 a.m.
City of
Umatilla/Ordinances/Annexation
Request to acknowledge receipt from
the City of
Commr.
Hanson stated that she had a question about Tab 7 regarding the Ordinance to
change the Lake County Citizens’ Commission for Children to the Lake County
Children’s Services Council. She stated
that the only thing that concerns her somewhat is that the Commission was never
set up to actually provide services; it was set up to coordinate services or to
be kind of an umbrella. She is not sure
whether this sends a message that they may be going in a different direction,
or helping to provide funding but never providing services.
Commr.
Stivender stated that she is the liaison to the Citizens’ Commission for
Children, and they did discuss this issue and, even though this is the name
they decided on, they are still doing what the Commission was designed to do,
as Mr. Smith can explain.
Mr.
Fletcher Smith, Director of Community Services, addressed the Board and
explained that some time ago the Children’s Commission looked at the concept of
changing their name to Children’s Services Council to fall in line with other
counties that have similar advisory committees.
It also makes the Children’s Commission much more identifiable as a
Children’s Services Council rather than the Department of Children and
Families. There are a number of other
Children’s Commissions in other counties that are set up by Statute, but
Commr.
Hanson stated that the dependent ones do not have a dedicated funding source;
the independent ones do. She does not
have a problem with the change as long as it is clear that they are still not
providing the services but they are supporting those agencies that do.
Mr.
Smith explained that his office has received many calls for Department of
Children and Families, so there is still that communication issue with the
public.
On
a motion by Commr. Hanson, seconded by Commr. Stivender and carried unanimously
by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the County Manager’s Consent Agenda, Tabs 3
through 24, as follows:
Budget Transfer/Department of Public Safety
Request from Budget for a budget transfer – County
Fire Control Fund, Department of Public Safety, Fire Rescue Division. Transfer
$40,000.00 from Professional Services ($10,000.00), Contractual Services
($5,000.00), Communications ($15,000.00), Volunteer Recognition ($5,000.00) and
Fire Station Repair and Maintenance ($5,000.00) to Operating Supplies.
Additional funds are needed to increase the purchase order for fuel to cover a
deficit that is a result of the increase in fuel and oil prices. Funds
available in the accounts listed.
Budget Transfer/ Department of Facilities Development
and Management
Request from Budget for a budget transfer – General
Fund, Department of Facilities Development and Management, Facilities
Management Division. Transfer $225,600.00 from Building Maintenance – Repair
and Maintenance to Energy Management – Overtime ($3,500.00), Utility Services
($214,600.00), and Repair and Maintenance ($7,500.00). Funds needed for
additional overtime due to building projects that were not planned during the
budget process that required after hours assistance for outside contractors.
Funds needed for utility services, as utility rates have increased at an
unpredictable rate this year. Funds also needed to provide mechanical work for
building projects that were not planned during the budget process. Funds
available in Building Maintenance – Repair and Maintenance, as the carpet in
the
Budget Transfer/Department of Facilities Development
and Management
Request from Budget for a budget transfer – General
Fund, Department of Facilities Development and Management, Facilities
Management Division. Transfer $50,000.00 from Repair and Maintenance to
Overtime ($40,000.00), Rentals and Leases ($5,000.00), and Office Supplies
($5,000.00). Funds needed for additional overtime due to building projects that
were not planned during the budget process that required after hours assistance
for outside contractors, and other work that cannot be accomplished during the
hours the buildings are occupied. Funds needed for Rentals and Leases, as the
Mail Receiving temporary building rental was not budgeted. Funds also needed
for Office Supplies, due to expenditures for open office systems for unplanned
department changes that were directed to be paid out of Building Maintenance
funds. Funds available in Repair and Maintenance, as the carpet in the
Budget Transfer/Department of Public Works/Sales Tax
Capital Projects
Request from Budget for a budget transfer – Renewal
Sales Tax Capital Projects Fund, Department of Public Works. Transfer
$2,400,000.00 from Roads to Special Reserve – Facilities. On June 7, 2005, the
Board of County Commissioners approved the transfer of $2,400,000.00 from the
Renewal Sales Tax Capital Projects Fund Special Reserve for additional funding
to complete particular road projects. Since that time accounting has been
changed to accommodate the transfer. The original transfer can be reversed, and
used for facilities projects.
Budget Transfer/Constitutional Offices/Sheriff
Request from Budget for a budget transfer – General
Fund, Constitutional Offices/Sheriff. Transfer $95,021.00 from Contingency –
Sheriff ($83,045.00); Law Enforcement – Operating ($9,388.00); and Juvenile
Court ($2,588.00) to Law Enforcement – Equipment ($83,045.00); Law Enforcement
– Equipment ($9,388.00); and Corrections – Equipment ($2,588.00). The Sheriff
is requesting this transfer pursuant to F.S. 30.49. Sufficient funds are
available in the accounts listed.
Budget Transfer/Department of Community
Services/LifeStream Behavioral Center
Request from Budget for a budget transfer – General
Fund, Department of Community Services, Administration Division. Transfer
$100,000.00 from Medicaid Nursing Home to LifeStream Behavioral Center. Additional
funds are needed to
Resolution/Unanticipated Revenue/Disaster Volunteer
Management Program
Request from Budget for approval of Resolution
2005-129 to amend the General Fund in order to receive unanticipated revenue
for Fiscal Year 2004-2005 in the amount of $7,200.00 deposited into Disaster
Volunteer Management Program and provide appropriations for the disbursement
for Personal Services ($5,710.00), Travel and Per Diem ($750.00) and Office
Supplies ($740.00). Funds were received from Volunteer Florida, the Governor's
Commission on volunteerism and community service, and will provide
appropriations for activities pertaining to the disaster volunteer management
initiative.
Resolution/Unanticipated Revenue/Cultural Affairs
Special Projects/Grant Funding
Start with the Arts Program
Request from Budget for approval of Resolution
2005-130 to amend the General Fund in order to receive unanticipated revenue
for Fiscal Year 2004-2005 in the amount of $200.00 deposited into Cultural
Affairs Special Projects and provide appropriations for the disbursement for
Promotions/Special Events. Funds were received from VSA Arts of Florida
education program support grant funding and will provide appropriations for the
Start with the Arts Program.
Resolution/Hurricane Housing Recovery Program/Grant
Funding
Request from Budget for approval of Resolution
2005-131 to amend the Hurricane Housing Recovery Program Trust Fund in order to
receive unanticipated revenue for Fiscal Year 2004-2005 in the amount of
$209,113.00 deposited into Hurricane Housing Recovery Program and provide
appropriations for the disbursement for Personal Services ($3,888.00),
Operating Supplies ($5,225.00), and Other Grants and Aids ($200,000.00). Funds
were received from the State Hurricane Housing Recovery Grant funding and will
provide appropriations for hurricane housing recovery.
Resolutions/Assessment Rolls/Subdivisions
Request from Budget for approval and authorization for
the Chairman to sign Resolution 2005-132 providing for certification of the
assessment rolls for the Greater Hills Municipal Service Benefit Unit, Greater
Groves Municipal Service Benefit Unit, Greater Pines Subdivision, Picciola
Island Subdivision, Valencia Terrace Subdivision, and Village Green
Subdivision; providing for certified copies; providing for effect of adoption
of Resolution; and providing for an effective date.
Grant Agreement for Patron Self Checkout
Request from Community Services for approval and
signature of grant agreement and accompanying forms for the Fiscal Year
2005-2006 Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Grant Agreement for Patron
Self Checkout.
American Library Association Grant Application
Request from Community Services for
approval to submit an American Library Association (ALA) grant application and
to authorize signature on grant documents for the Let's Talk About It: Jewish Literature Grant.
Advertise Ordinance/Citizens’ Commission for Children
Request from Community Services for approval to
advertise an Ordinance for the Lake County Citizens' Commission for Children's
request to change their name to the Lake County Children's Services Council.
Agreement/Economic Development Tourism/WFTV
Request from Economic Development Tourism for approval
of an Agreement for television advertising service provided by WFTV, Inc. for
Fiscal Year 2005-2006 in the amount of $122,910.00.
Employee Services/Payment of
Invoice/Shaw Environmental, Inc.
Request from Employee Services for approval for
payment of invoice from Shaw Environmental, Inc., concerning an environmental
clean-up after a vehicle accident on State Road 33, in the amount of $20,909.89,
subject to the
Employee Services/Re-activation Contract/CareerBuilder
Request from Employee Services for approval and
signature of re-activation contract between CareerBuilder and Lake County
Employee Services for service dates from October 3, 2005 through October 2,
2006.
Resolution/IBINI TERA/St.
Request from Environmental Services for approval of
Resolution 2005-133 establishing the Board's endorsement of IBINI TERA (also known
as the St. Johns River Celebration) to be held on September 17, 2005.
Interlocal Agreement/Town of Astatula/Building
Inspections and Plan Review
Request from Growth Management for approval to cancel
the Interlocal Agreement with the Town of
Contract/HNTB Corporation/Engineering Design
Services/County Roads
Request from Procurement Services for approval and
execution of the Contract with HNTB Corporation for the engineering design
services for
Bids/Lake County Detention Center/Norment Security
Group
Request from Procurement Services for approval and
authorization for Procurement Services to waive bid requirements and procure
the renovation of the existing security system at the
Surplus Items/Fixed Asset Inventory/Vehicle Titles
Request from Procurement Services for approval to
declare the items on the attached lists surplus to County needs; authorize the
removal of all of the items on the attached lists from the County's official
fixed asset inventory system records; and authorize the Interim Procurement Services
Director to sign the vehicle titles.
Contract/Disaster Debris Removal Management &
Monitoring Services/R. W. Beck
Request from Procurement Services for approval to
award the contract for Disaster Debris Removal Management & Monitoring
Services for
Hazards Analysis Grant Agreement/Department of
Community Affairs
Request from Public Safety for approval and execution
of the Hazards Analysis Grant Agreement for Fiscal Year 2005-2006 between the
State of
Global Signal Lease/Sugarloaf Number 2 Tower Site
Request from Public Safety for approval of the Global
Signal Lease for the Sugarloaf Number 2 Tower Site that provides backup radio
coverage for the countywide radio system.
Resolution/Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day
Request from Public Works for approval and signature
on Resolution 2005-134 recognizing observance of "Put the Brakes on
Fatalities Day" on October 10, 2005.
Certified Budget/Arthropod Control
Request from Public Works for approval and signature
on the Certified Budget for Arthropod Control for Fiscal Year 2005-2006 in the
amount of $38,025.00.
Final Plat/Verde Ridge Unit 1/Letter of
Credit/Developer’s Agreement/Pulte Home Corporation
Request from Public Works for approval and
authorization to accept the final plat for Verde Ridge Unit 1 and all areas
dedicated to the public as shown on the Verde Ridge Unit 1 final plat; accept a
Letter of Credit in the amount of $6,886,597.32; and execute a Developer's
Agreement for Construction of Improvements between Lake County and Pulte Home
Corporation. Verde Ridge Unit 1 consists of 212 lots – Commission District 2.
Final Plat/Verde Ridge Unit 2/Letter of
Credit/Developer’s Agreement/Pulte Home Corporation
Request from Public Works for approval and
authorization to accept the final plat for Verde Ridge Unit 2 and all areas
dedicated to the public as shown on the Verde Ridge Unit 2 final plat; accept a
Letter of Credit in the amount of $9,694,672.79; and execute a Developer's
Agreement for Construction of Improvements between Lake County and Pulte Home
Corporation. Verde Ridge Unit 2 consists of 190 lots – Commission District 2.
Final Plat/Betty’s Place/Letter of Credit/Developer’s
Agreement/William Stosbery
Request from Public Works for approval and
authorization to accept the final plat for Betty's Place and all dedicated to
the public as shown on the Betty's Place final plat; accept a Letter of Credit
in the amount of $12,441.00; and execute a Developer's Agreement for
Construction of Improvements between
Performance Bond/Maintenance Bond/Developer’s
Agreement/GINN-LA Pine Island Ltd., LLLP/Bella Collina
Request from Public Works for approval and
authorization to release a Performance Bond in the amount of $2,548,580.76;
accept a Maintenance Bond in the amount of $231,689.16; and execute a
Developer's Agreement for Maintenance of Improvements between
PRESENTATION:
PROCLAMATION HONORING THE
Commr.
Stivender read and presented Proclamation 2005-105 (approved by the Board on 7-12-05)
to the South Lake High School Girls Softball Team (Lady Eagles) who was the runner
up in the district championship in the Class 4-A Division, and the regional
semifinalists at the State Championship.
Congratulations were extended to Head Coach Beau Jarrell and Assistant
Coaches Benny Pederson and Craig Dent; and players Amber Pederson, Kristin
Gaul, Kaley King, Carly Sewell, Sky Matheson, Shaina Dent, Danielle Thomas,
Amber Paul, Britney Clark, Jessica Anderson, Ashley Hogan, Chelsea McGregor,
Jordan Thomas and Ariana Godwin.
Head
Coach Jarrell extended his appreciation to the Board and asked the co-captains,
Amber Pederson and Kristin Gaul to address the Board.
Miss
Pederson stated that, on behalf of the South Lake Softball Team, they wanted to
thank the Board for recognizing them in achieving this goal.
Miss
Gaul stated that they would like to thank their principal, Mr. Dave Bordenkircher,
the administrators, the athletic director, Coach Whetro, and all of their
parents for their support. They also wanted
to thank Coach Beau, Coach Benny, and Coach Dent for helping them achieve this
goal.
Coach
Kerry Whetro addressed the Board and extended his thanks to the Board for
taking this time to honor these young ladies.
He noted that, because Mr. Bordenkircher is busy at the school, he is
not able to be here, but he sends his wishes and thanks. Coach Whetro stated that
Coach
Whetro presented the Board with the State Championship ball that is going to be
for this year, which had been signed by the team.
PERSONAL APPEARANCES
BOARD/COMMITTEE PRESENTATIONS
Commr. Hill presented the following individuals with plaques
and certificates:
Plaques
Comprehensive
Health Care Committee & Human Services Grant Advisory Committee
Patricia Price for service on the Comprehensive Health
Care Committee from 1994-2005 and service on the Human Services Grant Advisory
Committee from 1997-2005
Comprehensive
Health Care Committee
Richard Wooten for service from 1998-2005 (not
present)
Library
Advisory Board
Chris Bell for service from 1999-2005
Parks and
Recreation Advisory Board
Karen Ellis for service 1999-2005
Certificates
Citizens'
Commission for Children
Dr. Mary Anderson for service 2002-2005 (not present)
EMPLOYEE AWARDS
Ms. Sharon Wall, Employee Services
Director, presented awards to the following:
Presentation
of Award to Employees with Five Years of Service
Michael J. Moran, Field Forensic Investigator, Medical
Examiner
George A. Dehart, Mechanic, Public Works/Special
Services/Fleet Maintenance
Scott N. Amey, Senior Library Assistant, Community
Services/Library Services/East
Raymond W. William, Senior Forensic Investigator,
Medical Examiner
Denise L. Gainer, Public Education Specialist,
Environmental Services/Solid Waste Administration
Larry L. Higgins, Mechanic, Public Works/Special
Services/Fleet Maintenance (not present)
Daniel D. Baldee, Senior Maintenance Specialist,
Facilities Development & Management/Facilities Management/Facilities
Maintenance (not present)
Jeffrey C. Meli, Firefighter/EMT, Public Safety/Fire
and Rescue (not present)
Thomas H. Eicher, Environmental Inspector,
Environmental Services/Solid Waste Administration
Amy Teachout, Employee Benefits Coordinator, Employee
Services/Risk & Benefits Management
Robin J. Bridges, Library Assistant, Community Services/Library
Services/Marion Baysinger Memorial
Joseph P. Davey, Equipment Operator IV, Environmental
Services/Solid Waste Disposal Operations (not present)
Presentation
of Award to Employee with Ten Years of Service
James A. Brown, Survey Party Chief (Non-Registered),
Public Works/Engineering/Survey/Design
Presentation
of Award to Employees with Fifteen Years of Service
Robert C. Baker, Equipment Operator III, Public
Works/Road Operations/Maintenance Area III
William D. Nicodem, Fleet Manager, Public Works/Special
Services/Fleet Maintenance
Douglas L. Conway, Capital Projects Manager,
Facilities Development & Management/Facilities Development (not present)
PRESENTATION -
HEALTH CARE PROFILES
JEFF FELLER, RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR,
WELLFLORIDA COUNCIL
Mr.
Jeff Feller, Resource Development Director, WellFlorida Council,
Mr.
Feller explained that WellFlorida is really an umbrella organization, and they
have two major components, a Direct Care Services component and a Professional
Services component. Their Direct Care
program has a variety of different community partners, with their two largest ones
being Healthy Start and Ryan White, which he explained in more detail. He also explained that
Over
the last fiscal year, under their Direct Care Services, Mr. Feller stated that 1,900
clients in
Mr.
Feller stated that their Professional Services involves a staff of health
planning folks that work with counties, county commissions, school districts,
non-profit agencies, hospitals, and whoever else shares the passion they do for
improving community health in their 16 counties. They work with them to write grants, evaluate
programs, establish programs, conduct research, create programs, etc. noting
that they were involved with the federal grant application to bring the Lake
County Community Access Network program that was awarded. They are still working closely with the
Comprehensive Health Care Committee and will be focusing on some evaluation
activities regarding that grant. He
stated that this summer he worked with the local area Health Education Center
and the University of Florida (UF) through a competitive process, and he was
able to secure two master students from the College of Public Health and Health
Professions at UF through AHAC, and they did free of charge a community health
needs assessment for Hamilton County; starting September 26, 2005 his goal is to
secure two more students so that they might start working in either January
2006 or May 2006 for Lake County. He
will have to make this proposal to the Comprehensive Health Care Committee, and
then to this Board, but he would like Lake County to be the county they target
for the free update on the needs assessment, because Lake County has not had
one since 1999. He would have a four
person team working on the project for no cost to the community, even though
some of the Board members may be giving interviews as community leaders and
things of that nature, but they would like to update the County’s needs
assessment through their affiliation with UF and
Commr.
Hanson stated that the Board appreciates the involvement that Mr. Feller has
had in
Mr.
Feller explained that the needs assessment study will largely follow a somewhat
similar pattern as the 1999 study and, since they have a benchmark from 1999,
they can do some retrospect analysis and comparisons. He has an outline of a comprehensive needs
assessment of what would be included and it would be similar to the 1999 study. Last time they did over a 1,000 people phone
survey, which was clearly the most expensive part of that study, but there has
been some State surveys done since then that they could use and incorporate
into the new study. His goal would be to
bring in a lot of community interviews, with community leaders and focus groups
with at risk target populations, at a low cost to them.
Commr.
Hanson stated that, with the activities that are going on now, they have talked
about perhaps incorporating a healthy communities concept into the
Comprehensive Plan, and she questioned whether there are other counties that
have done that.
Mr.
Feller explained that he started looking into that when the County started
their review of the Comprehensive Plan and nationally there is more impetus to
include that in certain communities. He
has looked at Comprehensive Plans around the country, and there are few
counties in
Commr.
Hanson stated that really all of the elements in the Comprehensive Plan deal
with health, even economic development, and health is what pulls them all
together. She thinks they should look
toward moving in that direction.
Commr.
Stivender asked Mr. Feller if he has been working with Ms. Emily Lee,
Children’s Services Director, because the County has a new group that they have
been working with to have healthier food for overweight children, and they have
been meeting at Lake-Sumter Community College (LSCC).
Mr.
Feller stated that he has not been working with that group, but they, along
with their Healthy Start folks, would be more than happy to be involved.
Commr.
Stivender explained that the Boys and Girls Clubs are involved as well as the
School Board, and they are trying to catch the issues where the Healthy Start
program stops; Mr. Feller noted that he and others from WellFlorida Council
would be available to meet with them.
Mr.
Feller stated that they are going to do a better job of marketing and will be
doing a community health profile, which they will provide to all county
commissions in the form of a CD-Rom, and they will also print a certain amount
of copies to give to them, as he has provided to the Board. The Lake County Health Profile for 2005 shows
the statistics, demographics, socioeconomics, maternal and infant health,
healthcare access, leading causes of death, and hospitalization. He hopes that some of the numbers will be
coming down in the future, and they may be targeting that as one of their
evaluation measures. He also hopes that
they will be able to get this needs assessment process off the ground with no
expenses except for some dedicated time of a few people maybe in the community
and with the Comprehensive Health Care Committee and the Board’s blessing over
the next four or five months. Mr. Feller
reaffirmed his commitment to work with those staff members and everyone in
Commr.
Hanson felt that the information provided in the profile would be appropriate
to do on the internet site for
Mr.
Keller explained that age adjusting usually happens with deaths or total
hospitalizations, because it includes the whole population; all of the other
numbers are really representative of subsets of populations. He pointed out the extensive footnotes on the
profile that contains definitions. He
also explained that the statistics also reflect the County numbers as compared
to the
The
Board extended their appreciation to Mr. Keller for the updated information.
PRESENTATION -
PROCLAMATION FOR TEEN COURT MONTH
Ms.
Stephanie Glass, Teen Court Coordinator, explained the
Commr.
Hill noted that her predecessor started this program, and Commr. Rhonda Gerber
would be very pleased on the results from the program. At this time, she read Proclamation 2005-120,
which was approved by the Board on August 16, 2005, declaring September 2005 as
Teen Court Month and presented it to Ms. Glass.
Mr.
Fletcher Smith, Director of Community Services, stated that Ms. Glass does a
really fine job but not all of the people involved in
APPEAL/REFUND
OF SCHOOL IMPACT FEES/HIGHLAND HOMES
Ms.
Wendy Wickwire, Impact Fee Coordinator, addressed the Board to discuss the appeal
of denial for refund of school impact fees paid on two single-family home
permits by Highland Homes of Clermont, in accordance with Section 22-17 of the
Lake County Code. As noted, in
September, 2003, Highland Homes purchased impact fee prepayment certificates
for lots 40 and 41 in the Hartwood Pines Subdivision. In February of 2004, building permits were
issued for homes on these lots, but Highland Homes did not submit the
certificates at that time, therefore, were charged the school impact fee of
$3,489 for each lot. Ms. Wickwire
explained that in May, 2005, Highland Homes submitted a request for a refund,
but it was in excess of the 180 day requirement, as written in Lake County Code
Section 22-13 (3); therefore, the request was denied. Then they requested that the money be applied
to two other lots in the subdivision, if the money could not be refunded but
there is no provision in the Code to do that.
They have now requested to appeal it to the Board of County
Commissioners.
Commr. Stivender pointed out that she had a
similar request and staff recommended denial because it was past the 180 days,
and she questioned whether this was a similar case. She noted that, after the Board makes a
decision on this case, she will determine whether the other request should be
brought back to the Board.
Commr.
Pool explained that he struggles with these appeals because the Board tries to
be fair to everybody, and staff does not have the leniency to change the rule
and, even though these things happen, he feels that the Ladds are normally
pretty good business people and do not usually make these types of mistakes. He noted that they are not here today, but he
has tried to be fair with each and every individual as they have come forward
if they have paid even though they missed the time line.
Ms.
Wickwire explained that the 180 day requirement is in the Code basically for
liability, and Commr. Pool agreed that staff does not have the latitude to grant
their request, but he knows that, in the past, they have tried to help those
who have paid and then paid again and made a mistake but, at the same time, he
wants to make sure that they do this fairly and equitably across the Board as
they deal with these individuals, and to make sure they are consistent with
what they do. In this case, they are not
asking for the money back; they are asking for it to be applied to other lots.
Commr.
Pool made a motion, which was seconded by Commr. Cadwell, to approve to refund
$6,978 to the Ladds.
Under
discussion and for clarification, Commr. Hanson wanted to know if they wanted a
refund of the newer fee, which was higher.
Ms.
Wickwire explained that effectively the Code precludes a refund of any money
prepaid so the money that was paid for the prepayment certificates cannot be
refunded; however, the second payment they made in February, which was $7,055 for
school impact fees, is eligible for refund.
Mr.
Sandy Minkoff,
Commr.
Pool stated that whatever they do he wants to make sure they are consistent and
he does not want to do something today that they have not done in the past or
would not consider in the future.
Mr.
Minkoff explained that, if they had come back within the 180 days, they would
have refunded the second payment, the larger one; it is now a year and a half
later.
Ms.
Wickwire noted that, if the Board approves this request, they will be setting a
precedent for anybody. She noted that staff
does not have a way of tracking prepayments, but they are working on a system,
and every person that purchased one is specifically briefed that it is their
responsibility to submit the prepayment certificate when the building permit is
issued in order to receive credit.
Mr.
Minkoff explained that the Board did have one case where the County did not
figure the impact fee correctly on a townhouse and charged them too much and,
when they came in later, they discovered it, so it was the County’s error and,
therefore, they waived the 180 days.
Commr.
Hanson questioned how many other similar requests will be coming forward to the
Board, and Ms. Wickwire explained that the majority of people do not challenge
the 180 day requirement in the Code.
Commr. Hanson pointed out that she would support the motion but that
they apply it to future lots, but Ms. Wickwire explained that there is no
provision in the Code to do that.
Commr.
Cadwell explained that the only thing that the Board would be taking exception to
in the Code would be the 180 days.
Ms.
Wickwire noted that these two lots were part of a larger request and all of the
other ones met the 180 day requirement, so their money was refunded on those;
these two did not meet the 180 day requirement.
Discussion
occurred regarding the 180 day requirement and Commr. Pool stated that his
motion stands to refund $3,489 for each lot, which is basically waiving the 180
day requirement. It was clarified that
staff will continue to follow appeal procedures for every request.
Commr.
Hill felt that they might as well take the 180 days out of the Code.
Commr.
Hill called for a vote on the motion, which was carried by a 4-1 vote.
Commr.
Hill voted “no”.
RECESS
& REASSEMBLY
At
10:25 a.m., Commr. Hill announced that the Board would take a 15 minute recess.
Mr.
Jim Stivender, Director of Public Works, addressed the Board to explain the
request to submit a Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program (FRDAP)
Grant application to the State for $200,000.00 with a local match of
$200,000.00 coming out of the north district impact fees. He noted that there is a meeting today at 2
p.m. to discuss the topic with a consultant, and staff has gotten a letter that
they are on schedule and ready to move forward and should have something ready
in some form by the first of the year.
It was clarified that the County’s match would be coming from the Park
Impact Fees.
On
a motion by Commr. Hanson, seconded by Commr. Stivender and carried unanimously
by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved to submit a Florida Recreation Development
Assistance Program (FRDAP) Grant application for a grant of $200,000.00 for
Phase I development of Northeast Community Park in the northeast area of Lake
County; approval to commit $200,000.00
as matching funds to support this grant and approval to provide $400,000.00 up
front project money for which $200,000.00 would be reimbursed upon completion,
if the grant is awarded to Lake County; approval to add Northeast Community
Park Phase II development to the Five Year Capital Improvement Program for
action within two years; and approval for the County Manager to forward a
letter to the Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Recreation
and Parks certifying that the Five Year CIP schedule is officially adopted and
a funding source indicated.
PUBLIC HEARING –
FINAL ASSESSMENT RESOLUTION FOR SOLID WASTE COLLECITON
AND DISPOSAL
Mr.
Regina Frazier, Director of Budget, addressed the Board to discuss the Final Assessment
Resolution for Solid Waste Collection and Disposal noting that the rate is the
same as the current year’s rate.
Commr.
Hill opened the public hearing and called for public comment.
Mr.
Travis Whigham, President of the Forest Hills Association, addressed the Board
and stated that he has discussed with the Board and the Solid Waste Department
the pickup of computer monitors and TVs noting that they have not been picked
up for awhile in his area. The rural
neighborhoods are getting full of them, because people are dropping them off on
the side of the road instead of hauling them to the transfer station. Mr. Whigham stated that, even if they had to
pay an extra $10 or $15 a year on their assessment to get these items picked
up, it would save a lot of grief, as well as pollution, in every neighborhood
in
Commr.
Hill stated that the County has addressed this issue, and it has been included
in the assessment for this year.
Ms.
Blanche Hardy, Director of Environmental Services, stated that the Board did
decide well over a month ago that residents can call for a bulk pickup and, in
the assessment this year, they will be placing containers and adding some
services. If items are not being picked
up it is because somebody is not calling for a pickup service.
Mr.
Whigham explained that there are at least two locations in
Commr.
Hill asked Mr. Whigham to meet with staff and identify those areas.
Commr.
Hill called for further public comment.
There being none, the public hearing portion of the meeting was closed.
On
a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Hanson and carried unanimously
by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the Final Assessment Resolution 2005-135 for Solid Waste
Collection and Disposal.
PUBLIC HEARING –
FINAL FIRE RESCUE ASSESSMENT RESOLUTION FOR FIRE
RESCUE SERVICES
Mr.
Regina Frazier, Director of Budget, addressed the Board to discuss the Final
Assessment Resolution for Fire Rescue Services noting that the rate is the same
as the current year’s rate.
Ms.
Cindy Hall,
Commr.
Hill opened the public meeting and called for public comment. There being none, the public hearing portion
of the meeting was closed.
On
a motion by Commr. Pool, seconded by Commr. Stivender and carried unanimously
by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the Final Fire Rescue Assessment Resolution
2005-136 for Fire Rescue Services, with the modification to change the
assessment rate for fire and rescue back from $63.22 to $56 for a single family
home for the Village Center Community Development District (CDD), as requested.
OTHER
BUSINESS
APPOINTMENTS/TOURIST DEVELOPMENT
COUNCIL
On a motion by Commr. Stivender,
seconded by Commr. Pool and carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved
the request for approval and execution of Resolution 2005-137 appointing Bud
Beucher to a vacant position on the Tourist Development Council to complete an
unexpired term ending December 1, 2008.
APPOINTMENTS/CITIZENS’
COMMISSION FOR CHILDREN
On
a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Hanson and carried unanimously
by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the appointment of Lorrie Ann Simmons to a
vacant citizen-at-large position on the Lake County Citizens' Commission for
Children to complete an unexpired term ending May 14, 2006.
APPOINTMENTS/ELDER
COUNCIL
On
a motion by Commr. Pool, seconded by Commr. Cadwell and carried unanimously by
a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the appointment of Sonya Montgomery to the
vacant District 2 position on the Elder Council.
APPOINTMENTS/BICYCLE/PEDESTRIAN
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
On
a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Hanson and carried unanimously
by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the reappointment of Rich Dunkel to a vacant
position on the Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee.
On
a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Hanson and carried unanimously
by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the appointment of Nancy Lee Hurlbert to a vacant
position on the Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee.
APPOINTMENTS/COMPREHENSIVE
HEALTH CARE COMMITTEE
On
a motion by Commr. Hanson, seconded by Commr. Stivender and carried unanimously
by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the appointment of Tom Grimmer as Hospice of
Lake & Sumter's alternate member representative on the Comprehensive Health Care Committee.
APPOINTMENTS/LAKE-SUMTER METROPOLITAN PLANNING
ORGANIZATION CITIZENS’ ADVISORY COMMITTEE
On
a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Hanson and carried unanimously
by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the appointment of individuals to the
Lake-Sumter Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Citizens' Advisory
Committee (CAC), as follows: Lorraine Johnson, District 1; Brian Herman,
District 2; Stephen Ferrell, District 3; and Donald Griffey, District 4.
REPORTS
–
LEASE
AGREEMENT/COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Mr.
Sandy Minkoff,
On
a motion by Commr. Hanson, seconded by Commr. Stivender and carried unanimously
by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the letter of renewal for lease agreement for
County Health Department, Highway 441 in
SCHOOL IMPACT FEE AGREEMENT/LAKE POINT SENIOR
APARTMENT LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
Mr.
Sandy Minkoff,
On
a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Cadwell and carried unanimously
by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the School Impact Fee Agreement between Lake
County Board of County Commissioners and Lake Point Senior Apartments Limited
Partnership.
JOINT STIPULATION FOR SETTLEMENT AND
Mr.
Sandy Minkoff,
On
a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Pool and carried unanimously by
a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the Joint Stipulation for Settlement and
Easement Agreement between Frank A. and Marilyn K. Wright and
SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS/USE OF COUNTY
BUIDLINGS/POLLING PLACES/
MEMORANDUMS OF AGREEMENT
Mr.
Sandy Minkoff,
Commr.
Hill stated that a couple of years ago, the Board upgraded some sites for the
Supervisor of Elections, and she wanted to know if this pertains to any of those
precincts.
Mr.
Minkoff explained that he suspects that some of these were ones that were
upgraded. As the Board recalls, Ms.
Emogene Stegall, Supervisor of Elections, went to each polling place and determined
whether or not they met the requirements, so some were probably included.
Commr.
Cadwell stated that two of the ones listed in his district also serve for Meals
on Wheels, and they need to make sure that this is coordinated with Mr.
Fletcher Smith, Director of Community Services.
On
a motion by Commr. Pool, seconded by Commr. Stivender and carried unanimously
by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved
for the Supervisor of
Elections to use County Buildings, as listed, for polling places and approved
to execute Memorandums of Agreement.
AMENDMENT
TO PURCHASE AGREEMENT/L. L. SWORN
Mr.
Sandy Minkoff, County Attorney, explained that this request involves the
Furniture Country warehouse; they have requested an additional 30 days, to
extend the closing date, because their new warehouse is not yet complete; staff
is recommending approval. This would put
the closing October 31, 2005 instead of October 1, 2005.
On
a motion by Commr. Hanson, seconded by Commr. Stivender and carried unanimously
by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the Amendment to Purchase Agreement between
L. L. Sworn, Inc. and Lake County to purchase a parcel of property located off
County Road 473 to extend the closing date from on or before October 1, 2005 to
October 31, 2005.
RESOLUTIONS/ACQUISITION
OF CERTAIN LANDS/CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
Mr.
Sandy Minkoff,
On
a motion by Commr. Hanson, seconded by Commr. Pool and carried unanimously by a
5-0 vote, the Board approved Resolution 2005-138 for Reimbursement of Certain
Costs relating to the Acquisition of Certain Lands and Improvements and
Resolution 2005-139 for Reimbursement of Certain Costs relating to the
Capital Improvements within
INTERIM
TAX ROLL
Mr.
Sandy Minkoff,
On
a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Hanson and carried unanimously by a 5-0
vote, the Board approved to place the item regarding the interim tax roll on
the agenda.
On
a motion by Commr. Hanson, seconded by Commr. Stivender and carried unanimously
by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the interim tax roll, as requested.
DISCUSSION
OF SEXUAL PREDATORS OR OFFENDERS
Mr.
Sandy Minkoff,
Commr.
Pool questioned whether legislatively any issues or initiatives are being taken
into consideration statewide in lieu of just county by county.
Commr.
Cadwell stated that he has not heard of anything yet but, with all of the local
governments taking action on the matter, he felt it would certainly be
discussed statewide. No matter what the
Board decides today, he wanted them to have the Chairman meet with the Sheriff
and discuss this because there have been a couple of municipalities that have
basically not changed their ordinance but have upgraded what they do to check
on these people. He stated that the
Board needs to get a cost analysis, because the County certainly does not have
the probation staff to check behind these people to make sure of their
whereabouts. An analysis from the
Sheriff of those costs may be something they need in their decision making
process. Commr. Cadwell stated that he
has told the Board all along that they want to do everything they can to
protect their kids, but he thinks these ordinances will eventually be thrown
out of court. If they want to do one
that sort of mirrors what the cities have done, he would suggest they just do
it in the unincorporated area noting that most of the cities moved forward and
approved ordinances, even after the Board made their request. That way, if the County gets sued, it would
just be them; if the cities get sued, they would pay that cost themselves. He also explained that, in the initial
arrest, the cities, under Article V, would have to pay the court costs whereas,
if it is a countywide ordinance, they would have to pay it for everybody.
Commr.
Pool stated that option 1 just urges cities to have their ordinances conform to
theirs and, if they are going to have their own ordinance, then just asking the
cities to come along would be important; they may or may not agree with their
ordinance, but they need to go ahead and adopt something.
It
was pointed out that, if the Board chooses to adopt an ordinance, staff would
recommend staying as close as possible to the statewide statute with a change
only in the distance, from 1,000 to 2,500 feet.
Mr. Minkoff explained that there are two different state statutes, one
that applies to people on probation where the State is supervising them; and
one that applies to people who are no longer on probation and have completed
their sentence. For the second group,
the ones that are not on probation, current state statute is 1,000 feet from
any school, day care center, park, or playground. The recommendation from staff is to increase
that to 2,500 feet for these and mirror the state statute exactly. The statute for people who are on probation
includes school, day care center, park, playground, designated public school
bus stop, or other place where children regularly congregate, so it is broader
than the state statute. Also, if you are
on probation, the state statute applies when the victim was under the age of 18;
if you are not on probation, the statute only applies if the victim was under
the age of 16. The city ordinances are
all over the board with each taking different parts of the state statute and
applying it to different people. He is
recommending that they use the 794.065 Florida Statute for people who have
served their sentence and are not under probation and merely change it to 2,500
from schools, day care centers, parks, or playgrounds. He has seen from some of the cities that they
included churches and a whole host of other areas as well, but he feels that,
if they are looking for the safest one, it would be to use that state
definition. The statutes apply to people
who are convicted of certain crimes, so the sexual predator designation is
typically broader than either of the two statutes. The state statute has four specific crimes,
sexual battery, lewd and lascivious offenses, sexual performance by a child,
selling or buying of minors, and it would require that the victim was less than
16 years of age. One of the problems,
and they saw it with the Mount Dora arrest, is that the state probation folks
are not arresting people for violating probation because of the ordinances, so
the city bears the initial arrest and has to provide the cost, and then he
violated probation because he was arrested, not because he violated the city
ordinance.
Commr.
Hill stated that she is leaning towards option 3, because she feels that they
should closely monitor the
Commr.
Pool stated that he understands what Commr. Hill is saying but perception is
very important and the Board needs to ensure that they have a countywide standard
that they embrace. He stated that they
want to work with their Sheriff, but they need to adopt an ordinance. If the cities want to come on board, then
that is okay, but they need to have an ordinance, and Mr. Minkoff has given
them some good ideas of how they can do this because, if it is on the books and
publicized, then they know the rules and, if there is a statewide ordinance
coming forward, then it may all be mute, but he thinks that the Board can set
what they think is a standard of acceptable distance for those sexual predators. Commr. Pool stated that he thinks it is more
important that the Board err on the side being more stringent than doing
nothing.
Commr.
Hill stated that she feels that the perception is even greater if they
aggressively do something within law enforcement and make a difference rather
than a grandstanding play but, from county to county and city to city, they are
not confined into an area.
Commr.
Cadwell stated that, if the majority of the Board wants to pass this ordinance,
he would hope that the suggestion made by the Chair about getting with the
Sheriff and doing more with the understanding that it is going to cost them
more, should not be disregarded and that they could still monitor at a higher
level. He stated that maybe the Board
can break those up into a couple of motions, so they can get some positive
votes.
Commr.
Hill noted that the Board does not usually open up their discussion items to
public comment but, if the Board wishes to accommodate those wishing to speak,
she will allow them to do so at this time.
Mr.
Ray Goodgame, City of
Commr.
Hill stated that Mr. Goodgame brought up a lot of serious constitutional
challenges, and one of them was the library, but defending the feet and being
effective are two different issues; it has been very effective in
Mr.
Minkoff explained, if the Board adopts option 1, if a person was arrested in
the unincorporated area, they would have to pay the filing fee, pay the state
attorney and provide the public defender; if it fell within a municipality,
then the municipality would have to do that even if the Sheriff made the
arrest. In terms of ordinances that have
been passed by some of the cities, the first three or four were all
different. Discussions are taking place
nationally and the courts, at this point, have said they are going to bow to
the legislative determination and let that stand. He noted that eventually the Supreme Court
will get it, but it will be several years from now.
Commr.
Cadwell clarified that today the Board would only give permission to prepare
the ordinance, and they would have to vote to advertise it for a public
hearing.
Ms.
Cindy Barrow stated that she would publicly like to thank Sheriff Daniels for
putting out the insert in “The Orlando Sentinel” advising the public of just
who the sexual predators are and where they live. Ms. Barrow stated that she lives outside of
Clermont in the County, and she was present at the Clermont City Council
workshop where the sexual predator ordinance was discussed, and those Council
members had some of the same concerns that the Board has today. She encouraged them to go ahead and adopt the
ordinance. She stated that she is a
licensed clinical social worker, a psychotherapist, and her husband is a
psychiatrist. She stressed that they are
not effective in treating these individuals and these folks relapse and that
means re-offend. She pointed out that,
as with any new law or ordinance, it is not perfect but whatever they decide to
do, they should go ahead and do it today knowing that they may tweak it later;
however perception is everything and, if Lake County is perceived to be an area
that is not friendly to new offenders who are being released, then that is what
needs to happen; it is not the perception that this is the right place to go
and live. She lives outside of Clermont,
and Clermont has the ordinance. She
explained that her son is a first grader at a County school. She does not want sexual predators/offenders
moving into the County area where her child goes to school. She thinks the County needs to go ahead and
do something so that they do not have that situation occurring. She knows that this is not going to stop
sexual offenders from offending; it is just one extra measure that is helpful
in some ways, but they really need to educate the citizens about these people. It is a massive education effort and an
effort that needs to be made by the Sheriff and various police municipalities by
getting together and coming up with some solutions.
Mr.
Travis Whigham stated that he wanted to rebut what Mr. Goodgame had said about
libraries and not letting adults go into the children’s section of the
libraries. He explained that, as a
father, he will be going to the children’s section of the library today to pick
up books and videos for his son, so he definitely feels that they need to
change their outlook on that issue. Mr.
Whigham stated that there are a lot of predators in
Commr.
Cadwell stated that, if the Board moves forward today to have the
Commr.
Hill liked the idea of the Board getting with the Sheriff and maybe developing
a program with a cost and being aggressive and monitoring whether it be visits
or bracelets, or both, or whatever suggestions he can implement in this County.
Commr.
Cadwell stated that he was not sure that the Sheriff is convinced on how they
need to go about this yet but, if the Board is going to ask for tighter
restrictions and monitoring of these folks, he needs to give the Board a cost
analysis to see if they can do it.
Commr.
Hanson and Commr. Pool stated that they would both support option 1.
Mr.
Minkoff stated that, for clarification, he will take the state statute and
change it from 1,000 feet to 2,500 feet but not increase the types of places;
and he has direction to bring that back for approval to advertise.
Commr.
Cadwell stated that, during that time, the Board needs to have that discussion
with the Sheriff.
Commr.
Hill stated that she is assuming that everyone did receive the Judicial
Monitoring Services Report, which gives them an idea about the ankle bracelet
method and, even though it did not give an actual cost, it did relate some cost
revenue avenues they could consider but she wanted them to know that she was
not advocating that method.
REPORTS
–
BOARD
MEETINGS
Ms.
Cindy Hall,
It
was noted that no action was needed by the Board to be cancel that meeting; it
was the consensus of the Board that this meeting not be held.
REPORTS
– COMMISSIONER STIVENDER – DISTRICT #3
PROCLAMATION/FAMILY
DAY
On
a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Hanson and carried unanimously
by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the request for approval and execution of
Proclamation 2005-140 designating Family Day as September 26, 2005.
BOYS
AND GIRLS CLUB OF LAKE AND
Commr.
Stivender informed the Board that she is on the Boys and Girls Club of Lake and
Sumter, and they are having a fundraiser in the Umatilla area for the new
Northeast Lake County Unit on October 6, 2005 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. She has tickets for sale and the money will
be going towards the new building for the Boys and Girls Club.
LEESBURG
PARTNERSHIP
Commr.
Stivender informed the Board that the Leesburg Partnership’s annual awards will
be on September 20, 2005. She wanted to remind
everyone that Leesburg Partnership is part of the hurricane relief efforts, and
information was sent to the Board regarding items that are needed. She stated any items sent will be greatly appreciated
as she is on that board.
RESOLUTION/EMINENT
DOMAIN LEGISLATION
Commr.
Hanson noted that
Commr.
Hanson made a motion, which was seconded by Commr. Pool, to approve and execute
Resolution 2005-141 protecting the private property rights of the residents of
Under
discussion, Commr. Pool stated that it is important when the Board can see how
some communities and counties are taking advantage of the situation, and they
need to show their citizens that they are going to protect private property
rights.
Mr.
Sandy Minkoff,
Commr.
Hill called for a vote on the motion, which was carried unanimously by a 5-0
vote.
REPORTS
– COMMISSIONER POOL – DISTRICT #2
TREE
FARM
Commr.
Pool informed the Board that he had a chance to go through a tour of Dr. Holloway’s
tree farm the other day, and he thought it was very well done and very well
thought out; it is certainly designed to save water for the agricultural
community and save electricity, and the plants seem to grow better. He stated that, if anyone has a chance to
take the tour, it is located off of
WEST
ORANGE/SOUTH
Commr.
Pool noted that, on October 6, 2005, at 9 a.m., the
REPORTS
– COMMISSIONER CADWELL – DISTRICT #4
REZONING
CASE/HARBOR HILLS DEVELOPMENT
Commr.
Cadwell stated that, during the rezoning hearings, on July 25, 2005, he was not
clear enough in his motion. He clarified
that this does not affect the densities for Rezoning Case PH#45-05-5, Harbor
Hills Development; the only thing that was not clear was the setbacks for those
pool enclosures. He stated that they
have had those areas where they go back and handle them individually and grant
the variance and language should have been included in the motion, as follows: setbacks from water bodies for any building
shall be twenty-five (25’) ft. from the normal high water elevation for the
principal structure and 15 ft. for pool/screen enclosures and accessory
structures. Commr. Cadwell noted that
Mr. Sandy Minkoff,
On
a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Pool and carried unanimously by
a 5-0 vote, the Board approved for the following language to be added to Ordinance
2005-63 for Rezoning Case PH#45-05-5, Harbor Hills Development: setbacks from water bodies for any building
shall be twenty-five (25’) ft. from the normal high water elevation for the
principal structure and 15 ft. for pool/screen enclosures and accessory
structures.
VOICE/WATER
Commr.
Cadwell informed the Board that Thursday night he was invited to Clermont, and
he met with the people from VOICE and the Water Alliance, and he appreciated
the invitation.
REPORTS
– COMMISSIONER HILL – CHAIRMAN AND DISTRICT #1
EVALUATIONS
–
Commr.
Hill stated that the Board will now have a discussion on the
Evaluation
–
Commr.
Stivender addressed the
Commr.
Hanson stated that those were her comments.
She rated Ms. Hall higher than Commr. Stivender and recognized her short
term serving as
Commr.
Hill noted that the Board members did consistently mark Ms. Hall high within
the personal and relations with the Board, and with the citizens, which are the
areas that they have seen her in with the previous position. So it was easier to evaluate those than it
was with staffing or supervision, for such a short term in the position, but
she thinks that Ms. Hall is doing very well.
Commr.
Hanson stated that it appears that the moral of staff is much better since Ms.
Hall has been on board as
Commr.
Cadwell stated that he did not have any hesitation in regards to the length of
time because Ms. Hall had been handling so many of the projects the County has
been working on doing before she actually took that job. He has seen her in action in all areas where
they had to evaluate her performance, and his scores were very close to Commr.
Pool’s and Commr. Hanson’s numbers. In
his comments, he addressed the transition noting that they are moving in a
positive direction, but most important, he is very comfortable with Ms. Hall’s
leadership; he does not worry that they are not doing the right thing; and she
understands the direction this Board wants to go and how they ought to conduct
business.
Commr.
Pool stated that Ms. Hall has done an admirable job, and he appreciates that
and he thinks that the overall moral is better and staff is very willing to work
for her. He appreciates that and her
marks were according to the service she is now providing for them.
Commr.
Cadwell wanted to know if the Board was going to have discussion in regards to
a merit raise, with the salary adjustment and merit being two separate issues.
After
some discussion, it was the feeling of the Board that these are two separate
issues, and they would still have the salary adjustment discussion at some
point in time, when they have all of the information from the salary studies.
On
a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Pool and carried unanimously by
5-0 vote, the Board approved a 4% merit increase for the
Evaluation
–
Commr.
Cadwell pointed out that a letter was sent to the editor of “The Lake Sentinel”
from Mr. Rolon Reed, who served at one time as an interim county attorney. The letter addressed Mr. Sandy Minkoff’s
perseverance and patience in his position as
Commr.
Hill wanted to mention that this is Mr. Minkoff’s tenth anniversary, and the
Board has an award to present to him, and they appreciate the ten years of
service he has given them.
Commr.
Hanson wanted to point out that Mr. Minkoff is very involved in the community
and volunteering other than just for the County, and they know that Ms. Hall will
also be more involved once she gets established in her position.
On
a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Stivender and carried
unanimously by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved a 4% merit increase for the
CITIZEN QUESTION AND COMMENT PERIOD
Cindy
Barrow – Rezoning Hearing in
Ms.
Cindy Barrow addressed the Board and extended her thanks for their decision to
go ahead and allow the school rezoning issue to be heard in
Travis
Whigham – Disaster Preparedness
Mr.
Travis Whigham, Forest Hills, addressed the Board and stated that, as they all
know,
Commr.
Hill pointed out that
Commr.
Stivender suggested that Mr. Whigham meet with Mr. Smith because there are
other organizations that may not be included in the plan. The County now has the
Commr.
Cadwell noted that the Board will make sure that Mr. Smith sets some time aside
to meet with Mr. Whigham and give him a comprehensive review of the whole plan.
Roy
Hunter – Storms/Sheriff’s Department/Communication
Mr.
Roy Hunter, Northeast Chamber of Commerce, stated that all of the issues
brought forth by Mr. Travis Whigham are good, and he knows that the County
already has everything in place for any storms that may occur but he wanted to
suggest that everyone take time to buy one more item at the grocery storm, in
order to be prepared, not only for themselves, but to be able to help others in
a time of an emergency.
Mr.
Hunter explained a situation regarding four cows and a bull noting that the
Sheriff’s deputy arrived at the scene in three minutes, and the Sheriff should
be commended. Also he asked that the
Board continue researching the 3-11 system that would be for all non-emergency needs, concerns,
and questions and it would incorporate the 2-11 system.
RECESS
& REASSEMBLY
At
11:55 a.m., Commr. Hill announced that the Board has a public hearing at 5:05
p.m., the first budget hearing, and the Board will recess until that time.
PUBLIC
HEARING: FIRST BUDGET HEARING
At
5:05 p.m., Commr. Hill announced that the Board will reconvene the Board
meeting for the first public hearing on the budget.
Opening
Remarks
First
on the agenda were opening remarks by Commr. Hill who announced that the first
public hearing is for the purpose of amending and adopting the tentative
budget, recomputing the proposed millage rate, if necessary, publicly
announcing the percent by which the recomputed proposed millage exceeds the
rolled-back rate, and discussion of the specific purposes for which ad valorem
tax revenues are being increased. At
this time, she turned the meeting over to Ms. Cindy Hall,
Budget
Overview
Ms.
Hall explained that the proposed 2006 budget that was presented in July has had
some revisions; they include two new positions that were approved by the Board
for the County Attorney’s Office; some increased enhancements for their
Information Technology Department; countywide radio system that will be funded
under the Public Safety Department as opposed to under the Sheriff; two new
positions for Internal Audit that has been requested by the Clerk of the
Courts; and a number of other minor changes.
Ms.
Hall noted that the total budget is $404,169,930 and represents a millage decrease
of .02 mills in the General Fund. The
General Fund also includes 11.2% undesignated reserves. In the budget the Board has before them, $54
million of funds obligated in the current fiscal year 2005 have been carried
forward as re-budgeted items to year 2006.
Of that figure, $56 million are road and facilities capital projects
that span fiscal years. The budget for
2006 focuses strongly on public safety and transportation. The addition of 34 positions for the
Sheriff’s Office and 24 new positions for the Public Safety Department are
included. Anticipated growth in revenue
and transportation impact fees and the one-cent sales tax are budgeted to
continue transportation improvements of $56 million. Other areas of focus in the 2006 budget
include a reverse 9-11 system; adoption and implementation of a new
Comprehensive Plan; public lands acquisition program; permitting and
construction of a new cell on the County’s landfill property; increased funding
for the Jobs Growth Incentive Program; increased funding for Citizens’
Commission for Children; upgrades and enhancements within their Information
Technology infrastructure; funding to review the compensation and benefits
package for employees; and funding to convert all employees under the County
Manager to a 40 hour work week to better serve both internal and external
customers. Ms. Hall stated that they have lofty goals for 2006 to enhance their
provision of basic infrastructure; to increase their attention to customer
service; and to renew their commitment to their own employees. All department directors are present tonight
to address any questions that the Board or the public may have related to their
operations.
Commr.
Hill stated that, at this time, she is going to publicly announce the percent
by which the recomputed proposed millage rate exceeds the rolled-back rate, and
the specific purposes for which ad valorem tax revenues are being increased.
Citizen
Comments
Commr.
Hill opened the public hearing and called for public comment.
Mr.
Buddy Herring addressed the Board and stated that he is here to get an
education having just moved to
Commr.
Cadwell noted that Mr. Herring lives in his district. He explained that the overall budget increase
was 8.6% over last year; the millage rate will be the same. The only reason he will be paying any more is
because of the value change on his house but, now that he has homestead
exemption, that value will only increase 3% a year. Several years ago, the Board went to rollback
a couple of years in a row, and they got themselves in a bind before this
growth started in the County. It does
create more money by the extra property on the tax roll, and it is actually
helping them catch up especially on the public safety side. The Sheriff’s Department is almost an urban
type department that has been growing from a rural department, and the
personnel in public safety and fire department are needed for all of the new
customers coming into the County. He
feels pretty comfortable with the 8.6% increase in the overall budget.
Commr.
Pool explained that, if the Board went to the rollback at the 5.1132, it would
bring in the exact amount of money it brought in the year before noting that
the Board has nothing to do with appraised values. If they went to the rollback rate, they would
have zero increase in health and safety.
Their budget at 8.6% is truly a good budget, when looking at the
additional services that are needed; the millage actually went down .02%
overall.
Discussion
occurred regarding information that was reported in the newspaper that the
County will have $2.5 billion of additional property on the tax roll, with it
being noted that, with this additional property, additional services will have
to be provided for those individuals coming into the County. It was also noted that most of the
development coming into the County has been rooftops and, if the majority of
their growth was in industrial or commercial, they would be looking at lowering
that tax rate.
Commr.
Hanson pointed out that
Commr.
Cadwell pointed out that just one item that the legislature shifted back to the
counties this year was $90 million to house juveniles, which was always handled
at the state level, and Lake County’s share of that is about $1 million.
Commr.
Hanson pointed out that traditionally
Commr.
Stivender explained that last year the County spent $21.2 million just on the
hurricane aftermath. If they had not had
that money in reserves, they would not have been able to take care of everyone,
and the County has only gotten back $8.7 million. In the five years that she has been on the
Board, and she has not been one to raise taxes, she fought to cut back on the
solid waste assessment. Because they
were able to settle with Covanta, they are gradually going back like they
promised the people but they are not actually raising the tax rate.
Ms.
Victoria Oaks, Leesburg, addressed the Board and stated that she is also here
for an education. She is basically
looking at her trim notice and, after owning her house for one year and three
months, she is looking at increases in her taxes including the ambulatory tax.
Ms.
Cindy Hall,
Mr.
Sandy Minkoff,
Ms.
Oaks explained that she is looking at everybody in her neighborhood, which is
an older neighborhood with older homes, and they have been impacted by the
hurricanes as well as everybody else.
Her insurance did not cover her roof or anything else and now she is
looking at the burden caused by the taxes on her trim notice.
Mr.
Travis Whigham addressed the Board and stated that he really has a problem with
Mr. Ed Havill, Property Appraiser, because his property value increased $17,000
this year. He could understand a rate
increase, if they were getting a lot of extra services but, in his area of the
County, they still do not have adequate roads for fire and rescue to get to
homes in a reasonable amount of time. He
could also understand the increase, if they were going to get a lot of extra
services such as a public countywide transportation system for everybody. He noted that
Mr.
Charles (Chuck) Crane stated that he is from Clermont, and he is also a
representative of the Citizens’ Commission for Children. He stated that the budget for this Commission
has remained the same over the past three years, and he has been guiding their
Board of Directors into increasing that by a small amount.
Commr.
Stivender explained that the amount was $50,000; staff put in $25,000; she sent
a memo to all of the Commissioners with the data from the last meeting letting
them know that they need the other $25,000.
Mr.
Crane stated that the children in
Commr.
Hill called for further public comment.
There being none, the public hearing portion of the meeting was closed.
On
a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Hanson and carried unanimously
by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved to adopt a tentative millage, as follows:
Lake
It
was noted that the Board had been presented with a backup sheet with
Outstanding FY 2006 Budget Items.
Commr.
Hanson stated that she had a question about the two additional internal auditor
positions. She questioned whether the
Clerk of Courts could get by with one this year and one next year.
Ms.
Hall explained that she did propose that question to Mr. James C. Watkins,
Clerk of Courts; if that was the decision of the Board, he would certainly work
with that but he felt strongly that the two would definitely work for the County
as a whole, and they apparently do work not only for the Board but for other
constitutional officers. There have been
quite a bit of internal audits that staff has requested them to do, and the
recommendations have been very helpful.
Commr.
Stivender pointed out that the Clerk of Courts is helping do the audit for the
Lake-Sumter Metro-Planning Organization (MPO).
Commr.
Hanson stated that the Childrens’ Commission does an outstanding job, and she
certainly helped create it, and it is important for them to look at the intent of
that Commission, for prevention and intervention. She pointed out that there is not a funding
recipient on that list that should not be funded; however, when the monies get
tight, they need to look at those very basic needs of children for prevention
and intervention. They will never have
enough dollars to take care of all of the needs of the children in
Commr.
Cadwell stated that, in looking at the list of outstanding budget items, he
pushed for the Sheriff to get on the merit program with the County, and this
may be a time that the Board needs to ask him to readdress that at mid-year,
which would give them some use of that money.
He wants to get that done, and the Sheriff has been willing to work with
them either way. Also, even though they
lowered the solid waste portion of the millage, there is still some growth in
that fund that is going to be transferred and he would suggest that they keep
$1 million that was going to be transferred to solid waste and put that back
into the General Fund where it was generated and, at mid-year, they can look at
the solid waste fund to see if those funds need to be replenished. He noted that they were earmarked for
reserves in solid waste anyway.
Ms.
Hall noted that it is a pretty hefty reserve and staff could certainly do that
and look at that during the year and come back to the Board at mid-year and
give them a status of how they are doing in that fund.
Commr.
Cadwell pointed out that the Board adopted the millage, and he is looking at
keeping $1 million in the General Fund instead of transferring it to solid
waste, with the understanding that solid waste, because of some of the changes
they have made, is getting in pretty good financial shape and understanding that,
at mid-year, they may have to look at it and do something else. Commr. Cadwell pointed out, too, that it may
still be the same monies because the Sheriff may want to make it retroactive
but, if they put it off until mid-year, they can find out where they are
financially and, as he has said to them, he may have some additional dollars
that would actually cover that cost and, if it does, then they can implement it
in October.
Commr.
Stivender commented that she called Sheriff Daniels before the meeting and
suggested that same thing, and he said he would definitely be amenable to that
because he does not know the numbers yet, and it could be retroactive at
mid-year.
Commr.
Cadwell stated that, in regards to the literacy program and the library, he
received some paperwork from Ms. Hall and Ms. Wendy Breeden, Library Services
Director, which was copied for the Board members. The position was half funded by the Board and
half by a grant; the grant has gone away so the position was not funded at
all. It would take $49,000 to keep that
program going and, in looking at the statistics in regards to the people it is
affecting, it is an important program.
He would offer an amendment that the Board places that amount back into
the budget.
Adult
Literacy Program
On
a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Stivender and carried
unanimously by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved to amend the budget to include
the Adult Literacy Program that is currently in existence in the library system,
an approximate amount of $49,000.
Childrens’
Commission
Commr.
Stivender made a motion for the Board to approve an amendment to the budget, to
add the additional $25,000 for the Childrens’ Commission, as requested.
Under
discussion, it was clarified that the $25,000 would be the grant amount, which
is offered back to the non-profits.
Commr.
Pool seconded the motion.
Commr.
Hill called for a vote on the motion, which was carried unanimously by a 5-0
vote.
Internal
Auditor Positions
Commr.
Hanson stated that she would recommend that the Board move forward with the one
additional Internal Auditor position. It
was noted that this will be a General Fund transfer to the Clerk of
Courts. She stated that they could look
at this again at mid-year.
Commr.
Stivender was concerned that County audits would be delayed because the Board
did not fund the two positions, but Commr. Hanson did not feel this would
happen.
On
a motion by Commr. Hanson, seconded by Commr. Pool and carried unanimously by a
5-0 vote, the Board approved one additional Internal Auditor position (General
Fund transfer to the Clerk of Courts) this year, with the understanding that
the second one would be funded next year, unless a mid-year review is in order.
Solid
Waste
Commr.
Cadwell made a motion, which was seconded by Commr. Stivender, to approve to
reduce the General Fund transfer to Solid Waste by $1 million, to be placed in
reserve to fund the programs that they are deciding at this point.
Under
discussion, Commr. Hanson stated that, by taking it out of solid waste, the
Board put the millage there for several reasons but, as she recalls, the folks
in the incorporated areas would be participants in the solid waste fund,
whether their garbage stayed in the County or went out of the County. She stated that there are some other options
that they could look at; one would be a franchise fee or a fee for the garbage
that goes out of the County. She stated
that this is one of the reasons that she voted for the millage; it kind of
leveled the playing field between those in the incorporated and unincorporated
areas of the County.
Ms.
Frazier noted that, if the Board approves this transfer, as noted, this would
still leave about $2 million in reserves.
Commr.
Hill called for a vote on the motion, which was carried unanimously by a 5-0
vote.
E-Waste
Position (Environmental Inspector)
Ms.
Hall pointed out that, if there were no changes on Item 1 (Integrated Financial
System Funding - $1,500,000) and Item 2 (Parks Grant Matches - $750,000), the
Board did not need to act on them.
On
a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Pool and carried unanimously
by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the E-Waste Position (Environmental
Inspector), in the amount of $41,530.
Sheriff
Merit Program
It
was noted that the Sheriff’s Merit Program in the amount of $612,986 is not
currently in the budget. It was the
understanding of the Board that the money they put back was to look at this
program.
South
Commr.
Pool explained that Mr. Fletcher Smith, Director of Community Services, brought
forward an idea of a health facility on
Ms.
Hall explained that staff has talked to the owners of the site, a 10,000 square
foot building, and their concern is that this building is being built as a
shell; the lease payments they were given were for the building as a shell. There are some additional costs that they
would incur should they go forward for the furniture and equipment, about $300,000. In addition, they would need to fund, in some
way, building out the interior of it, either through an increased lease or up
front payments, but they do not know what that cost will be. Staff talked with the owners and asked them
to give them some leeway so they can do some programming and schematic design to
get some idea of the cost. They are giving
them the equivalent of about two months lease payments starting in October, to
allow them some time to do this and that would obligate them to about
$40,000. Should the design and cost come
back and be acceptable to the Board, then that payment would be applied to
future lease payments, so they would not really lose it; should the Board
decide not to move forward with it, then they would forfeit that cost. Ms. Hall stated that she felt this was a safe
way to go with that building. Staff also
felt that, in talking with the new Health Director, they could get some ideas
from her as to the direction she wants to go with the health clinic, perhaps to
see if there are other ideas out there, such as locations, buildings, or
different way to approach the issue.
Commr.
Pool stated that he struggles with spending $40,000 and, if the Board does not
like what they see, they would not be able to recoup those dollars.
Mr.
Fletcher Smith, Director of Community Services, addressed the Board and
explained that he really does not have any other ideas except to go forward and
see if they can get a good handle on what the build out and furniture costs would
be.
Discussion
occurred regarding the population that uses the Health Department and the
Community Health Center, with it being noted that there are some programs being
offered at one and not the other and vice versa. It was
noted that Ms. Anacelia Gander,
Commr.
Pool explained that the lease space in the Clermont area is probably 99% to
100% currently occupied but he was concerned about spending those dollars and
coming up with an exorbitant fee and then they do not find those dollars.
Ms.
Hall explained that the Board knew that they would be bearing that cost but
staff just did not know the number to tell them. She noted that $750,000 was just a ballpark number
determined by staff.
Mr.
Minkoff stated that staff has discussed with the owners an option to
purchase. The dollar figure they gave
the County they want to renegotiate, so it will be higher than what they
suggested. The only other alternative to
this is to go ahead and do a RFP for a building much like the Tax Collector did
when they built the Eustis clinic. The
question will be whether they will get a lease rate similar to this one being
offered to them. He is sure there will
be people who will build the building for the County and lease it back for ten
or 15 years.
Ms.
Hall clarified that staff is concerned that they do not know the actual number
to tell them. They can give a pretty
good estimate on the furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E) which is
around $300,000; what they do not know is the cost of finishing out the
interior part of it, and that is going to be a pretty big number. Once again, she explained that the $40,000
would be applied to future rent but, at this point, staff did not feel they
could give them an estimate of the interior construction that would be valid.
Mr.
Minkoff explained that the Clermont Library did an arrangement just like this;
it took them a year to get in; they were paying rent; it ended up costing more
than what they had anticipated; and they are still trying to resolve some of
those costs. It was exactly the same
thing where they did not have a good set of plans at the beginning, because
they did not have time and the library had closed.
Commr.
Stivender stated that she would rather wait and get those hard costs and then
come back.
Mr.
Jim Bannon, Director of Facilities and Management, explained that it is going
to be an estimate; certainly staff could give them a number but it is going to
be difficult for them to guarantee that number; it is going to be on the high
side; and there are time issues associated with closing this deal. It is going to take time to extract the
needs, the programmatic needs, for the building, and they have started to put
that together and bring an architect on board but there is at least a couple
weeks or more before they can come back to them with a decent number.
Commr.
Pool stated that there is a need in
Commr.
Pool made a motion to approve the $40,000 expense, as clarified earlier by Ms.
Hall.
Mr.
Minkoff stated that staff will bring an agreement back to the Board; the issue
tonight is the budgetary; if the Board is going to go forward, then the numbers
given by Ms. Hall need to be in the budget.
Ms.
Hall clarified that staff will need to amend the budget to include an estimate
of what the remaining lease for the year would be and some FF&E, and then
include it, and staff will come back with an agreement for the couple months
rent that they would be paying to give them time to do the study. The estimated amount of the project will be
$750,000.
The
motion made by Commr. Pool died for the lack of a second.
On a motion by Commr. Pool, seconded by Commr. Cadwell and carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved to budget $750,000 for the South Lake Health Clinic.
Mr. Minkoff explained that, unless there are other
amendments, the Board can adopt the budget one by one, or in one motion, at the
pleasure of the Board.
School
Resource Officers
Commr.
Stivender stated that she had asked Ms. Frazier get her some information about
the 17 school resource officers (SROs).
Ms.
Frazier explained that currently the SROs are budgeted at the same rate that
the School Board is paying this year, which is $25,000 per officer; each
officer is going to cost them $70,124 including operating expenses.
Discussion
occurred regarding the ratio paid by the School Board, with Commr. Hill noting
that a meeting is scheduled with the
FEMA
Commr.
Stivender noted that, in terms of FEMA, the County has $15.7 million that is
still outstanding.
Ms.
Frazier explained that the County has projects in the system of $21.2 million;
they have about $3.2 million additional; $2.1 they just worked with FEMA and
they will be getting those projects in the system and will not have to appeal
those; the other $1 million they will have to appeal. Their share of the 5% that the State and FEMA
do not pick up is roughly $1 million so, if they do not get appeal money, they
are looking at $2 million, which will be their costs. She has factored that into estimates on
carried forward dollars in the General Fund.
Commr.
Stivender stated that she asked Ms. Frazier these questions so that people like
Mr. Herring from The Villages realize all of the things that the County has
outstanding. The fuel is another one
and, with the rising costs, the County used $537,000 from October 2004 to July
2005, which is roughly 2,700 gallons, and they paid $1.97 a gallon; they are
currently paying $2.54 and it is expected to go to $3 which would create
another $300,000 that is not expected.
It was noted that the fuel increase cost has not been factored into this
budget.
Commr.
Hill wanted to know if the radios had been factored into the budget, and Ms.
Frazier noted that the infrastructure for the countywide radio system has been
included.
On
a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Stivender and carried
unanimously by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved to budget the additional School Resource
Officer (SRO) for the
On
a motion by Commr. Pool, seconded by Commr. Stivender and carried unanimously
by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved to adopt the tentative countywide budget in
the amount of $404,169,930.
Commr.
Hill announced the public hearing for final adoption of the budget on September
20, 2005, 5:05 p.m., or as soon thereafter as possible, in the County Commission
Chambers at the
RESOLUTION/IBINI-TERA/ST.
JOHNS RIVER CELEBRATION
Ms.
Cindy Hall,
ADJOURNMENT
There
being no further business to be brought to the attention of the Board, the
meeting adjourned at 6:23 p.m.
__________________________
JENNIFER HILL, CHAIRMAN
ATTEST:
__________________________
JAMES
C. WATKINS, CLERK