A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

APRIL 11, 2006

The Lake County Board of County Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, April 11, 2006, at 9:00 a.m., in the Board of County Commissioners’ Meeting Room, Lake County Administration Building, Tavares, Florida. Commissioners present were Catherine C. Hanson, Chairman; Jennifer Hill; Robert A. Pool; and Debbie Stivender. Commissioner Welton G. Cadwell, Vice Chairman, was not present. Others present were Sanford A. “Sandy” Minkoff, County Attorney; Cindy Hall, County Manager; Wendy Taylor, Executive Office Manager, County Manager’s Office; and Judy McAuley, Deputy Clerk.

INVOCATION AND PLEDGE

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

AGENDA UPDATE

Ms. Cindy Hall, County Manager, advised that Tab 6 (discussion of purchase of 28 acres adjacent to the Dora Canal) will be postponed until next week when the full Board is present. She requested that authorization to advertise and hold a public hearing for the mid-year budget adjustment be placed on the agenda.

On a motion by Commr. Pool, seconded by Commr. Stivender and carried unanimously, by a vote of 4-0, the Board placed said request on the agenda.

COUNTY MANAGER’S CONSENT AGENDA

Commr. Hill asked that Tab 4, regarding membership in the West Orange/South Lake Transportation Task Force, be pulled for clarification and questions.

Commr. Pool explained that the Task Force meets monthly and has been aggressive in securing millions of dollars in funding for the State Road 50 corridor, the Hartwood-Marsh corridor and Old Highway 50 in South Lake County and S.R. 535 in West Orange County.

On a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Pool and carried unanimously, by a vote of 4-0, the Board approved the County Manager’s Consent Agenda, Tabs 1-4, as follows:

 

Budget

Request for approval of very low-income and low-income impact fee waivers as refunds to lenders on behalf of qualified individuals.

 

Growth Management

Request for approval of request to pay contractor $7,293.00 for expense to move two partially built homes due to incorrect zoning clearance given.

 

Procurement Services

Request for approval to award the contract for removal and replacement of dugouts, removal of existing bleachers and removal and replacement of concrete work for Astor Park to The Custom Contracting Corporation in accordance with Bid Number 06-053 for $29,914.31.

 

Public Works

Request for approval of the Request from Public Works for approval of payment of annual membership dues of $4,000.00 to the West Orange/South Lake Transportation Task Force.

 

COUNTY MANAGER’S DEPARTMENTAL BUSINESS

GROWTH MANAGEMENT -MITIGATION SITES

 

Mr. David Hansen, Public Lands Manager, presented the request for approval and authorization to negotiate an agreement to accept ownership of, and maintain in perpetuity, mitigation sites internal to a proposed development in South Lake County (on the east side of U.S. Highway 27, south of the City of Clermont). The approximate 394-acre site was found to have a significant number of sand skinks, a federally listed species, on portions of the property. The owner is proposing five on-site mitigation areas totaling approximately 55 acres. Some restoration will occur and the owner will maintain the areas over the next five years. The owner is requesting that Lake County accept ownership of the mitigation areas after that period at no cost to the County except maintenance. The owner will establish an endowment fund to be used to cover or defray management costs after the County takes over management responsibilities. He noted that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service wants a third party ownership of the mitigation areas. An extensive scientific research project will be done which will provide educational opportunities. Mr. Hansen further explained that some mitigation areas will not be accessible to the public.

Ms. Nadine Foley, Chairman, Lake County Public Land Acquisition Advisory Council (PLAAC), stated that the landowners have been very helpful in mitigating on-site. She remarked that it looks like more and more landowners will approach PLAAC in the future on these issues. PLAAC recommended accepting ownership and management of the mitigation sites at their March 1, 2006, meeting.

On a motion by Commr. Pool, seconded by Commr. Stivender and carried unanimously, by a vote of 4-0, the Board approved the request from Growth Management for approval and authorization to negotiate an agreement to accept ownership of, and maintain in perpetuity, mitigation sites internal to a proposed development in South Lake County.

PRESENTATION

OVERVIEW OF RURAL PLANNING BY GLATTING JACKSON

Ms. Carol Stricklin, Growth Management Director, stated that, in talking with the public about the update of the Comprehensive Plan over the last two years and during discussions of the Local Planning Agency (LPA), one value that has emerged strongly is the regard the community has for the rural landscape and the desire to protect the rural character in some areas of Lake County.

Ms. Frances Chandler-Marino and Ms. Nancy Roberts of Glatting Jackson gave a presentation that demonstrated an overview of rural planning and how three Florida counties (Sarasota, Pasco and Seminole) are using innovative techniques with regard to density incentives, providing for clustering and preserving rural lands. Ms. Chandler-Marino pointed out that the presentation was given to the LPA in February.

The presentation (a printed copy is included in the backup material) included comparison information on Sarasota, Pasco and Seminole Counties as follows: transitions from urban area into a rural area; major issues in the three counties; goals, objectives and policies; four-pronged proposed strategy approach; Comprehensive Plan policies; question of density; conservation subdivision intent; open space standards; residential development standards; conservation subdivision density incentives; transects; defining community character; how to create “transitions” from rural to urban; Transfer of Development Rights (TDRs); village/open space design principles; village design; hamlet design; and implementation tools.

Board members made comments on and asked questions regarding utilization of platted land; privately maintained open space and limiting its use and regulating it; coordination of open space from one subdivision to the next; landscape architects; the uniqueness of Lake County with major waterways and fourteen municipalities; thinking of Lake County’s rural places contextually; buffers such as the Green Swamp, Wekiva River and the Ocala National Forest; TDRs; the desirable percentage of green space and parks and recreation; the decision by Lake County’s citizens to pay 1/3 mill for land acquisition; and connectivity with municipalities and edges of the surrounding counties.

Commr. Hanson stated that the bottom line is that Lake County’s Comprehensive Plan, which was based on density, has not worked. She stated that Lake County is looking at the region and how we can coordinate with adjacent counties and create larger corridors. She stated that Lake County is unique and that takes special folks to come in and look at the area. She stated that Lake County does have large areas of open space, perhaps close to 50%. She opined that most of our dollars for land acquisition will go toward connectivity as well as expanding existing areas. She stated that it is important that we not fragment while recognizing that we have pocket parks and neighborhoods. She commented that she recommended a few years ago that ULI (Urban Land Institute) be brought in to look at the County but the idea was thrown out because of the word “urban.” She stated that we are moving forward with “green printing” which will help with a design but she fears that we will get very refined. She stated that she supports the process but we cannot deal with all of the peculiarities of Lake County without an in-depth study, much like Glatting Jackson did with the other three counties. She stated that the key is looking at what we want to protect, to what extent, and where we want to move those densities. She stated that it is important to decide where we want the 50% open space, assuming that we want the density in the cities or urbanized areas in order to prevent urban sprawl.

Ms. Chandler-Marino discussed buffering of adjacent areas and Joint Planning Agreements.

Regarding the next steps, Ms. Amye King, Deputy Director of Growth Management, stated that pieces of what Glatting Jackson have done in Pasco, Seminole and Sarasota Counties will be introduced by staff to the LPA in the next couple of weeks. Staff’s recommendations will include how the Future Land Use Map will be framed as we begin to look at how the map, not just the Comprehensive Plan, will be approached. She stated that staff is working with the County’s consultants on some of these concepts. Staff will recommend some of these concepts to the LPA and hopes to bring staff and LPA recommended plans to the Board in May. She noted that the LPA recommended bringing today’s presentation to the Board and she is happy the Board and the LPA endorse these concepts.

Ms. King will comply with Commr. Hanson’s request that the Board receive the criteria for the suburban commercial and with Commr. Stivender’s request that she receive a copy of the draft recommendations, including the Board’s comments on suburban commercial, buffering and other issues, before staff takes that information to the LPA.

PRESENTATION

COMMUNITY SERVICES - TRANSIT BUS

Mr. Fletcher Smith, Community Services Director, stated that a Blue Bird Transit bus is outside for inspection by the Board and that fixed route service is planned to begin late this year.

Mr. David Hope, MV Transportation, explained that the County is doing a TOP (Transit Operations Plan) study to decide when to start the fixed route and how that will look. The Board’s decisions will determine when the fixed route starts, how the system is built, where the routes start and end and what buses will be bought. At this time, the fixed route will start in Lady Lake and go to South Lake County on U.S. 27 and to Mount Dora on U.S. 441, with connections to LYNX and Orlando on the south ends (of U.S. 27 and U.S. 441), with links north to Sumter and Marion Counties via Sumter County Transit. Service is anticipated for December 2006. A smaller scale deviated Paisley/Lake Kathryn route to DeLand, with a connection to Daytona Beach, will operate on Fridays.

REPORTS - COUNTY MANAGER

MID-YEAR BUDGET

On a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Pool and carried unanimously, by a vote of 4-0, the Board approved the County Manager’s request to advertise and hold a public hearing on April 18, 2006, to amend the 2006 budget.

DISTRIBUTION OF POPPIES

On a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Pool and carried unanimously, by a vote of 4-0, the Board approved the County Manager’s request to allow the distribution of poppies on May 5, 2006, in front of the Administration Building, in honor of veterans.

CITIZENS’ ACADEMY

Ms. Hall announced that the 2006 spring edition of the Lake County Citizens’ Academy began Thursday, April 6, 2006.

EMPLOYEE PICNIC

Ms. Hall announced that the employee picnic is scheduled for May 4, 2006, at the Hickory Point Recreational Facility.

REPORTS - COMMISSIONER HILL - DISTRICT #1

BOARD AGENDA - MAY 23, 2006

Commr. Hill stated that she will be out of town May 21-26, 2006. Because the Board’s zoning meeting is May 23, she asked that District 1 rezoning hearings be postponed if possible, unless the hearings are on the zoning consent agenda.

BOARD CALENDAR - WEEK OF JUNE 26, 2006

Commr. Hill reminded the Board that the Florida Association of Counties’ (FAC) Annual Conference will be held June 27-30, 2006, in Collier County. Because Commr. Cadwell (FAC President) and other Commissioners will be attending the conference, she asked that staff look at the Board’s calendar for that week.

Ms. Hall stated that staff will look at the agenda to see if any issues can be postponed or brought to the Board earlier.

HISTORIC PHOTOGRAPHS

Commr. Hill explained that a few years ago the Board of County Commissioners agreed to take responsibility for storing and reframing historic Lake County photos that had been displayed in the Historic Courthouse. The Lake County Bar Association and the judiciary wish to proceed with the project and the associated ceremonies. She stated that Mr. James Watkins, Lake County Clerk of Courts, agreed to facilitate the placement of those photos in the Judicial Center.

Commr. Hanson noted that it is the consensus of the Board that the Chairman will write a letter to Mr. Watkins, giving him the opportunity to work with the Bar Association and the judiciary on this project.

Commr. Stivender asked that Ms. Diane Kamp, Director of Lake County Museums, as well as the Lake County Historical Society, continue to be involved with the project.

REPORTS - COMMISSIONER POOL - DISTRICT #2

GROUNDBREAKING - SOUTH LAKE CONNECTOR

Commr. Pool stated that the recent groundbreaking for the South Lake Connector was successful and well attended.

LAKE COUNTY FAIR

Commr. Pool expressed appreciation to staff and the Constitutional Officers for participating in the Lake County Fair.

Commr. Hanson pointed out that much of that participation is volunteer time by employees.

REPORTS - COMMISSIONER STIVENDER - DISTRICT #3

VOLUNTEER RECEPTION

Commr. Stivender reminded the Board that the Volunteer Reception will be held Wednesday, May 3, 2006.

REPORTS - COMMISSIONER HANSON - CHAIRMAN & DISTRICT #4

LAW DAY

Commr. Hanson announced that Law Day is May 2, 2006. The event begins at noon at the Eustis Community Center. Because May 2 is a regular Board meeting day, she has asked the County Manager to make sure the agenda allows attendance by those Commissioners who wish to attend.

TRAFFIC LIGHTS

Commr. Hanson thanked Mr. Jim Stivender, Public Works Director, and the Department of Public Works for the traffic lights at Round Lake Road/S.R. 46 and at C.R. 44A/C.R. 439.

CITIZEN QUESTION AND COMMENT PERIOD

Roy Hunter

Mr. Roy Hunter, Northeast Lake Chamber of Commerce, invited everyone to Paisley on Saturday, April 15, 2006, for an Easter egg hunt sponsored by the Paisley Methodist Church. There will be a free photo shoot with the Easter Bunny, compliments of Walgreens and the Chamber. Events will be held at the Paisley Community Center from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. He presented a copy of the History of Paisley for use by the Lake County Historical Museum. The books are on sale at the Paisley Library for $6.00 each or $10.00 for two.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to be brought to the attention of the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 10:25 a.m.

 

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CATHERINE C. HANSON, CHAIRMAN

ATTEST:

 

 

 

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JAMES C. WATKINS, CLERK