A
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
JUNE
6, 2006
The
Lake County Board of County Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday,
June 6, 2006, at 9:00 a.m., in the Board of County Commissioners’ Meeting Room,
Lake County Administration Building, Tavares, Florida. Commissioners present at the meeting were:
Catherine C. Hanson, Chairman; Welton G. Cadwell, Vice Chairman; Debbie
Stivender; Jennifer Hill; and Robert A. Pool.
Others present were: Sanford A.
(Sandy) Minkoff, County Attorney; Cindy Hall, County Manager; Wendy Taylor,
Executive Office Manager, County Manager’s Office; Barbara Lehman, Chief Deputy
Clerk, County Finance; and Sandra Carter, Deputy Clerk.
INVOCATION
AND PLEDGE
Reverend
Jim Lively, from the St. Matthias Episcopal Church, in Clermont, gave the
Invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
AGENDA
UPDATE
Ms.
Cindy Hall, County Manager, informed the Board that there was an Addendum No. 1
to the Agenda, containing two consent items, one regarding World Elder Abuse
Awareness Day, and the other one being a request for approval to renovate some
leased property. She stated that Item
No. 22, under the County Manager’s Consent Agenda, having to do with Alameda
Sandra Road, was being pulled from the Consent Agenda, to be presented by Mr.
Jim Stivender, Jr., Public Works Director; and that Item No. 31, under the
County Manager’s Departmental Business, a request from Procurement Services for
approval of the contract for the Construction Manager for the renovation of the
Judicial Center, Detention Center, Energy Plant, Parking Garage, and the Tax
Collector/Property Appraiser building, was being pulled until a later date,
noting that staff is working out some final issues involving the contract.
MINUTES
On
a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Hill and carried unanimously, by
a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the Minutes of March 28, 2006 (Regular Meeting),
as presented.
On
a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Pool and carried unanimously,
by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the Minutes of April 4, 2006 (Regular
Meeting), as presented.
On
a motion by Commr. Hill, seconded by Commr. Stivender and carried unanimously,
by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the Minutes of April 25, 2006 (Regular
Meeting), as presented.
On
a motion by Commr. Pool, seconded by Commr. Hill and carried unanimously, by a
5-0 vote, the Board approved the Minutes of May 2, 2006 (Regular Meeting), as
presented.
CLERK
OF COURT’S CONSENT AGENDA
On
a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Pool and carried unanimously,
by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the following requests:
Contractor
Bonds
Request for approval of Contractor
Bonds – New and Surety Rider, as follows:
New
6479-06 Demetrio Martinez d/b/a Unico Irrigation, Inc.
6480-06 Clifford J. Gardiner d/b/a J & C Gardiner, Inc. d/b/a
Gardiner Concrete
6481-06 Elliott M. Thomas d/b/a Elliott’s A/C Service
6482-06 Greg Wooley d/b/a Wooley Brothers, Inc.
6483-06 Roger F. Hunt d/b/a C. J. Hunt Construction Co., Inc.
Surety Rider
6479-06 Change name of Surety Company from Old Republic Surety
Company to International Business & Mercantile Reassurance Company – Effective
April 20, 2006
List of Warrants
Request
to acknowledge receipt of list of 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.
Monthly Distribution of Revenue Traffic/Criminal Cases
Request
to acknowledge receipt of the Monthly Distribution of Revenue Traffic/Criminal
Cases, for the month ending April 30, 2006, in the amount of $173,459.18. Same period, last year: $146,171.63.
Operational
Audit from State of Florida Auditor General
Request
to acknowledge receipt of Report No. 2006-173 (April 2006), the Florida Bright
Futures Scholarship Program, Operational Audit, from the State of Florida
Auditor General.
Comprehensive
Annual Financial Report from City of Tavares
Request
to acknowledge receipt of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report from the
City of Tavares, for the year ended September 30, 2005.
Information
Technology Audit from State of Florida Auditor General
Request
to acknowledge receipt of Report No. 2006-171 (April 2006), an Information
Technology Audit of the Lake County District School Board Total Educational
Resource Management System, from the Auditor General, State of Florida.
Central
Lake Community Development District’s Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2007
Request
to acknowledge receipt of the Central Lake Community Development District’s
Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2007, in accordance with Chapter 190.008(2)(b),
Florida Statutes.
Pine
Island Community Development District’s Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2007
Request
to acknowledge receipt of the Pine Island Community Development District’s
Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2007, in accordance with Chapter 190.008(2)(b),
Florida Statutes. The District will
schedule a public hearing not less than 60 days from May 11, 2006, for adoption
of same.
Southwest
Florida Water Management District Governing Board Meeting Agenda and
Minutes
of March 28, 2006 Governing Board Meeting
Request
to acknowledge receipt of Meeting Notice – Southwest Florida Water Management
District Governing Board Meeting Agenda for May 30-31, 2006, to be held at 9:00
a.m., at the Tampa Service Office, 7601 U.S. Highway 301 North, Tampa, Florida;
and Approved Minutes of the Meeting of the Governing Board, held on March 28,
2006.
Annexation
Ordinance from City of Clermont
Request
to acknowledge receipt of Annexation Ordinance No. 552-M, from the City of
Clermont, annexing a vacant parcel of land, contiguous to the present City
boundaries, into the City limits of Clermont. Passed and ordained by the City
Council of the City of Clermont, Lake County, Florida, on the 9th day of May,
2006.
COUNTY
MANAGER’S CONSENT AGENDA
Commr.
Hanson stated that Tab 31 was pulled until a later date; Tab 22 was moved from
the Consent Agenda to the Regular Agenda, for a presentation by Mr. Jim
Stivender, Jr., Public Works Director; and that she would like to have a brief
discussion on Tab 27.
Commr.
Stivender asked that Tabs 4, 5, 13, and 21 be pulled for discussion.
The
Chairman stated that they could be addressed at this time.
Commr.
Stivender stated that she wanted to make sure the public understood what the
County was doing, with regard to Tab 4, and asked that staff explain it.
Ms.
Regina Frazier, Budget Director, addressed the Board stating that the
Resolution under Tab 4 sets the County’s preliminary rates for the Fire Rescue
Assessment that is sent out to homeowners in August of each year on their
annual trim notices, at which time she noted that this year it will indicate a
25% increase in each category.
Commr.
Stivender stated that she would like to have an explanation as to what the
“Disclosure of Lobbying” form is, with regard to Tab 5.
Mr.
Fletcher Smith, Community Services Director, informed the Board that, when the
County files for federal grants, staff has to file said form, indicating that
the County is not using the funds to lobby the legislators. He stated that it
is a standard requirement, when the County applies and receives federal grants.
Regarding
Tab 13, Commr. Stivender stated that this was a request for approval to rename
North Libby Road to Wilson Lake Parkway, at the request of the City of
Groveland, and that she wanted to make sure the residents that live on said
road understand that the name of the road is being changed.
Mr.
Jim Stivender, Jr., Public Works Director, addressed the Board stating that
said section of roadway is new construction that the County paved and that he
does not believe anyone lives on that section of roadway.
Regarding
Tab 21, Commr. Stivender stated that it pertained to the purchase of a CD-Plus
Growth Management Module for Lake County and questioned whether it was for the
Public Works Department, or the Growth Management Department.
Mr.
Stivender stated that it was for the Public Works Department, noting that they
have been limited to what they can respond to and this will allow them to
better respond.
Regarding Tab 27, Commr. Hanson questioned Mr.
Stivender about the interlocal agreement between the City of Mt. Dora and the
County, for the final design of the Lake Gertrude and Lake John Stormwater
Improvements Projects, and as to when they are scheduled to be completed.
Mr.
Stivender stated that the City of Mt. Dora is taking the lead role and handling
said projects for the County and have hired the consultants. He stated that they have started the design
work, but he was not exactly sure of the timeframe, and would have to get back to
the Board with that information at a later date.
Ms.
Cindy Hall, County Manager, interjected that the Scope of Services states that
it will require eight months to complete the design.
On
a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Pool and carried unanimously,
by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the following requests:
Budget
Request
for approval of Budget Transfer – General Fund, Department of Public Works,
Fleet Maintenance Division. Transfer $70,000.00 from Reserve for Contingency to
Improvements Other Than Buildings. Funds needed for the purchase of a jet fuel
tank for the Astatula fuel site and the installation and necessary site
improvements for its operation and use by the Sheriff’s Office. Funds available
in Reserve for Contingency.
Request
for approval of Budget Transfer – General Fund, Office of Procurement Services,
Document Services Division. Transfer $41,401.00 from Operating Supplies and
$13,599.00 from Machinery and Equipment to Repair and Maintenance. Additional
funds are needed to cover maintenance costs for Xerox color copies, due to
actual charges for prints, per month, exceeding the budgeted amount. Funds
available in Operating Supplies, due to cost for paper that the department
ordered being credited to this object code. Funds available in Machinery and
Equipment, as the cost of the document folder/inserter and booklet maker was
less than budgeted.
Request
for approval of Budget Transfer – General Fund, Department of Environmental
Services. Transfer $40,553.00 from Reserve for Contingency to Contractual
Services. Funding is needed for environmental remediation projects at the
following Lake County sites: Minneola Barn initial site investigation -
$6,734.00; SR 33 accident site limited environmental assessment - $13,710.00;
PEAR Park soil sampling - $3,540.00; and PEAR Park excavation - $16,569.00.
Funds available in Reserve for Contingency.
Request for approval of Resolution No. 2006-90, which initiates the
annual process for preparation of the Assessment Roll, authorizes the publication
of the advertisement for the public hearing, provides direction to notice all
affected parties of the proposed rates, and directs the imposition of Fire and
Rescue Assessment fees for the Fiscal Year beginning October 1, 2006.
Community
Services
Request for approval to apply for
Economic Development Initiative (EDI) Special Project Grant, in the amount of
$198,000.00, authorizing BCC Chair to sign and certify “Disclosure of Lobbying”
form, for submission and approval for James Bannon to execute other grant
related documents.
Request
for approval of distribution of Byrne grant funds among local jurisdictions
applying for funding; signature by Chairman on original letters of support;
approval for submission of applications for the Sheriff for School Resource
Officer IV, and the Lake County Detention Center, for Technology Improvement;
and signature on grant documents, including application, certificate of
acceptance, EEO certifications, and subsequent grant related documents.
Employee
Services
Request
for approval of an offer to settle Ms. Nichole Forde’s claim for property
damage (County vehicle accident of 4-27-06), subject to the County Attorney’s
review and approval.
Environmental
Services
Request
for approval of Amendment No. 1, amending State Funds, due to unanticipated
revenue and a mid-year adjustment for cash carried forward from Fiscal Year
2004/2005; Resolution No. 2006-91, to recognize unanticipated revenue from
vehicle sales; and Amendment No. 1, amending Local Funds, due to a mid-year
adjustment.
Request
for approval of Resolution No. 2006-92, constituting
the Initial Assessment Resolution relating to the Collection, Management, and
Disposal of Solid Waste and Recovered Materials for Fiscal Year 2006/2007, and
each fiscal year thereafter, until discontinued or changed.
Growth
Management
Request
for approval of a Satisfaction and Release of Fine for Thomas E. Huffstutler
and Patricia Vinson, Code Enforcement Case No. 2004090010.
Procurement
Services
Request
for approval of contracts with BCI Engineers & Scientists, Inc., Inwood
Consulting Engineers, Inc., and Professional Engineering Consultants, Inc., for
continuing on-call stormwater engineering services; and Camp Dresser &
McKee, Inc., for the Astor Flood Study, in the amount of $144,723.00.
Request
for approval to waive the bidding process and contract through the Purchase
Order process with PCE and Associates on a month to month basis, for the rest
of this fiscal year, in an amount not to exceed $35,000.00, for fulfillment
services and related postage costs; and approval to place advertising with the
Orlando Sentinel for twenty-six advertisements, beginning June 30, 2006 and
ending June 29, 2007, in the amount of $50,000.00.
Public
Safety
Request
from Public Safety for approval of Resolution No. 2006-93, renaming North Libby Road to Wilson Lake Parkway, for the City of
Groveland.
Public
Works
Request
for approval to release a Letter of Credit for Performance, in the amount of
$3,168,074.00, posted for road improvements on Citrus Tower Boulevard, in
conjunction with an Agreement between Lost Lake Reserve, L.C., and Lake County;
and execute Resolution No. 2006-94, accepting the following road into the
County Road Maintenance System: Citrus Tower Boulevard “Part” (CR No.1350).
Request
for approval of the final plat for Biscayne Grove, and all areas dedicated to
the public, as shown on the Biscayne Grove plat; to accept a maintenance bond,
in the amount of $26,159.15; to execute a Developer’s Agreement for Maintenance
of Improvements between Lake County and M/I Homes of Lake County, LLC; and to
execute Resolution No. 2006-95, accepting the following road into the County
Road Maintenance System: Biscayne Grove Lane (CR No. 6549D). Biscayne Grove
consists of 27 lots – Commission District 4.
Request
for approval to release a Letter of Credit for Maintenance, in the amount of
$31,027.00, for Biscayne Heights, Phase III, which consists of 56 lots –
Commission District 4.
Request
for approval to release a Letter of Credit for Maintenance, in the amount of
$40,161.00, for Glenbrook, Phase II, which consists of 92 lots – Commission
District 2.
Request
for approval to release a Letter of Credit for Maintenance, in the amount of
$93,234.00, posted for Orange Tree, Phase IV, which consists of 100 lots –
Commission District 2.
Request
for approval to release a cash escrow, in the amount of $1,650.00, posted for
Lake Nellie Shores, which consists of 38 lots – Commission District 2.
Request
for approval of Resolution No. 2006-96, Facilitating the Supplemental Local
Agency Program Agreement for the Reconstruction of CR-561 Paved Shoulders and
Seawall Damage Caused by Hurricane Jeanne; and execution of the Supplemental
Local Agency Program Agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation
for the Reconstruction of CR-561 Paved Shoulders and Seawall Damage caused by
Hurricane Jeanne (FDOT FPN 418576-2-58-01 and 418576-2-68-02) – Commission
District 2.
Request
for approval to purchase a CD-Plus Growth Management Module for Lake County
from Perconti Data Systems, Inc.; and approval to transfer the funds, in the
amount of $40,000.00, from the Public Works Special Reserve Fund.
Request
for approval of the Agreement between the Lake County Board of County
Commissioners and the City of Clermont, regarding Legends Way, Phase II.
Legends Way is a two-lane collector road between Citrus Tower Boulevard and
North Hancock Road. Phase I of the project has been completed.
Request
for approval of a Purchase Agreement with Mr. Robert E. Allison and Mr. Samuel
L. Allison, for right of way; and authorization for the Chairman of the Board
of County Commissioners to sign any and all documents necessary for closing, in
conjunction with the Lake Shore Drive (CR No. 1040)/Oswalt Road (CR No.
0840)/Loghouse Road (CR No. 0835) Intersection Project, located in Clermont.
This project is located in Impact Fee Benefit District 5, Commissioner District
2.
Request
for approval of a Purchase Agreement with Ms. Kathleen L. Padgett, for right of
way; and authorization for the Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners to
sign any and all documents necessary for closing, in conjunction with the
Edwards Road (CR No. 7009) Project, located in the Lady Lake area, in Section
28, Township 18 South, Range 24 East. This project is located in Impact Fee
Benefit District 3, Commissioner District 5.
Request
for approval of a Purchase Agreement with Mr. Tony Evans, for right of way; and
authorization for the Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners to sign any
and all documents necessary for closing, in conjunction with the Edwards Road
(CR No.7009) Project, located in the Lady Lake area, in Section 22, Township 18
South, Range 24 East. This project is located in Impact Fee Benefit District 3,
Commissioner District 5.
Request
for approval of the Interlocal Agreement with the City of Mt. Dora, to fund the
final design for the Lake Gertrude and Lake John Stormwater Improvements
Projects.
Request
for approval to accept the final plat for Sorrento Springs, Phase 4, and all
areas dedicated to the public, as shown on the Sorrento Springs, Phase 4, final
plat; accept a Performance Bond, in the amount of $286,836.76; and execute a
Developer’s Agreement for Construction of Improvements between Lake County and
EMF Fund 1, LLC. Sorrento Springs, Phase 4, consists of 277 lots – Commission
District 4.
Request
for approval of additional funds, to complete the Minneola Fuel Tank Project,
and the transfer of said funds, in the amount of $5,205.00, from Special
Reserve.
ADDENDUM
NO. 1
COUNTY
MANAGER’S CONSENT AGENDA (CONT’D.)
Community
Services
Request
for approval of Proclamation No. 2006-97, recognizing June 15, 2006, as World
Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
Procurement
Services
Request
for approval of the contract to renovate leased property to Custom Contracting
Corporation, in accordance with Quote No. 06-118, for $27,638.89, plus
$2,362.22 for contingency.
PERSONAL
APPEARANCES/PRESENTATIONS
BOARD/COMMITTEE
PRESENTATIONS
The
Chairman presented the following Board/Committee awards:
Cultural
Affairs Council
Pat
Huizing - for service from 2003-2006 (Not Present)
Stanley
North - for service from 2004-2006
Jennifer
Phillips - for service from 2004-2006
Elder
Affairs Coordinating Council
Sue
Tucker - for service from 2003-2006 (Not Present)
Historical Museum Advisory Committee
Virginia
Barker - for service from 2003-2006
Jacquelyn
Hester - for service from 2000-2006 (Not Present)
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
Jimmy Conner
- for service from 2004-2006 (Not Present)
Sales Surtax Oversight Advisory Committee
Shawn Hill -
for service from 2002-2006 (Not Present)
Thomas
Kelley - for service from 2002-2006 (Not Present)
Dan Robuck,
Jr. - for service from 2002-2006 (Not Present)
Mt. Plymouth-Sorrento Planning Advisory Committee
Tommy Hight
- for service from 2004-2006
EMPLOYEE AWARDS
The Chairman presented the following Employee Awards, at which time Ms.
Sharon Wall, Employee Services Director, gave brief remarks about each
individual and their service to the County.
Presentation of Award to Employees with Five Years of Service
Thomas J.
Schmedes, Senior Building Inspector, Growth Management/Building Services/South
Lake Annex (Not Present)
Jennifer L.
Lowe, Permitting Specialist, Growth Management/Building
Services/South
Lake Annex (Not Present)
David M.
Sumner, Animal Control Officer, Public Safety/Animal Services (Not Present)
Presentation of Award to Employee
with Ten Years of Service
Steve
R. Race, Fire Captain, Public Safety/Fire Rescue (Not Present)
Presentation of Award to Employee
with Fifteen Years of Service
Donald
D. Stewart, Survey Technician II, Public Works/Engineering/Survey/Design
Presentation of Award to Employee
with Twenty Years of Service
Roseann
M. Johnson, Contracting Officer, Procurement Services
Presentation of Award to Retiring
Employee with 16 Years, 3 Months of Service
Deann
C. Schultz, Organizational Development Analyst, Employee Services
Presentation
of Award to Retiring Employee with 13 Years, 11 Months of Service
Allan
Hewitt, Water Resources Director, Environmental Services/Water Resources and Environmental
Programs (Not Present)
NURSING
ASSISTANTS’ WEEK PROCLAMATION
Commr.
Stivender presented Ms. Betty Luckhardt, Ms. Sharon Kofoed, and Ms. Kathleen
Wynn, from the Florida Association of Nurse Assistants, Inc., Chapter 3, with a
Proclamation declaring June 15 through 22, 2006, as Nursing Assistants' Week.
COUNTY
MANAGER’S DEPARTMENTAL BUSINESS
SELECTION
OF ARCHITECTURAL AND EXTERIOR ENVELOPE OF TAX
COLLECTOR/PROPERTY
APPRAISER BUILDING
Mr.
Jim Bannon, Facilities Development and Management Director, addressed the Board
stating that the schematic design of the proposed Tax Collector/Property
Appraiser building has been completed and the architects would be presenting it
to the Board this date. He stated that
the design was developed, in consultations with the Tax Collector and the
Property Appraiser, and they are now asking for the Board’s input and approval,
to allow the architects to move on from the schematic design to design
development. He stated that the Board
will still have an opportunity to tweak the design, as the architects move from
the schematic design to design development and on to the construction
documents, noting that the Board is not approving for the building to be built
at this stage. He stated that they will
come back to the Board at the design development phase, which will probably be
in two to three months, when they will present the Board with some cost
breakdowns, so that they will understand some of the future costs associated
with the project. He stated that the
architects would be presenting the Board with some images of the building, at
which time the Board will have an opportunity to talk about the overall
aesthetic and envelope of the building, as well as the finishes and materials
associated with it, at which time he noted that some of the finishes and materials
that they will propose will be somewhat similar to what they will eventually
propose for the Judicial Center, as the Board looks at that expansion. He noted that they will address the schedule
for the project, as well.
Commr.
Stivender stated that, although the proposed project is a countywide project,
as the District Commissioner, she has had representatives from the City of
Tavares and Community Redevelopment Agencies contact her about said project, stating that they have
not seen anything about it, to date, and, since they are working diligently on
a downtown redevelopment plan, they want to make sure that the building matches
what they are doing. She stated that the
City has not been an integral part of said project and she had a concern about
that, because she feels, if they are spending extensive amounts of money on a
redevelopment project for the downtown area, the County needs to be working
hand in hand with them, in order for the County’s projects to mesh with what
they are proposing.
Ms.
Cindy Hall, County Manager, interjected that she had been in contact with Ms.
Nancy Barnett, with the City of Tavares, and was informed that the City Council
would be discussing the matter at a meeting to be held on Wednesday, June 7,
2006.
Commr.
Cadwell stated that, so far, it has been a County Manager to City Manager type
thing, even though it has been at the Board’s request, but, since the Board is
the one that is going to make the decisions, he feels they all need to sit down
together, as elected officials, and hash things out. He suggested that the Chairman write a letter
to the City, on behalf of the Board, urging them to meet with the Board, rather
than at the staff level.
Commr.
Stivender stated that the Tavares City Council is the one that needs to make
the final decision on whether the project is a go or not and whether Maud
Street will be closed, etc., because the project is going to be in their
city. She stated that the City feels it
is going to be pressured into doing what the Board wants and they want to have
time to review the project first.
Mr.
Doug Kleppin, Project Designer, HLM Design Heery International, Inc., gave a
brief power point presentation on the design for the Tax Collector/Property
Appraiser building, at which time he reviewed the building plans and layout,
with regard to space planning; the exterior building elevations; and 3D
renderings of the building. He stated
that the plan is simple and straightforward, with the Tax Collector’s Office
being located on the west side of the building and the Property Appraiser’s
Office being located on the east side, both of which will be joined together
with a shared lobby space and organized so that the public interaction will
occur at Main Street. He stated that the
public areas are being highlighted with a lot of glass, which makes for a nice
environment, as far as welcoming the public is concerned, and it will be open
and transparent, allowing the public to see what goes on in the offices. He stated that the central lobby area will
have a stairway, as well as elevators, that will lead up to the second floor,
where both the administrative components and support spaces will be
located. He stated that they have gone
through a number of iterations and feel that everybody is satisfied with the
final plans that have been developed, so they are prepared to move
forward. He stated that, with regard to
the exterior of the building, they are hoping to find a brick the scale and
color of that used on the Historical Courthouse and compliment it with a cast
stone masonry unit, to be introduced at the base of the building and on the
colonnade, at which time he noted that their hope is that said materials will
also find a place in the Judicial Center expansion, so that there will be a
common language among said buildings, creating an architectural campus that
will tie them all together.
Commr.
Hanson questioned whether it would not be more practical for the building to
have three stories, rather than two, to break up the scale of the parking
garage (7 stories) and the Administration Building (5 stories), as well as for
future growth of the County. She
questioned whether upper floors could be constructed at a later date and was
informed by Mr. Kleppin that the building’s structure could be designed to hold
additional floors, however, pointed out the fact that, realistically, in order
to do so, the building would almost have to be vacated, in that it is a real
imposition to individuals trying to utilize the building.
Commr.
Stivender stated that they are running out of space in the downtown area, so,
in the future, the buildings are going to have to go up.
Commr.
Hanson stated that a three story building would not be out of place, noting
that she feels it is almost inappropriate to have two stories, when everything
else on either side of the building is going to be much higher, and the third
floor could be utilized by departments that will be placed elsewhere. She noted that she was just throwing the
question out, for the Board’s consideration.
Mr.
Bob Eggleston, Project Manager, addressed the Board and discussed some of the
factors that are going to impact construction of the building, at which time he
noted that the last time they made a presentation to the Board about said
project, they talked about the schedule and there was an interest in moving the
project along quickly enough to where the Tax Collector and the Property
Appraiser could be in the building by July or September of 2007. He reviewed some of the things that would
have to take place, in order to meet an early schedule date for completion of
the project, being acquisition of needed property; surveys, such as property,
topographic, utility, geotechnical, and environmental; environmental
remediation of soil contamination and asbestos abatement; approval of the
planned development, with regard to variances, rezoning, and the vacation of
Maud Street; and the permitting process, which involves the St. Johns River
Water Management District, site plan approval, and the building permit, at
which time he noted that, when all those things are factored together, they are
pushing well beyond September of 2007, in order to complete the project. He stated that, at this point in time, it
would be very difficult to meet that schedule, because there are so many things
that are still outstanding that have not been completed that are out of their
control.
Commr.
Stivender questioned whether, if the acquisition of needed property were to
fall through, or the County was involved in a two or three year battle with the
property owners, in trying to obtain it, the Tax Collector/Property Appraiser
building could be constructed on existing county property and the County could
have some kind of an agreement with the City regarding the issue of parking,
until the matter of acquiring needed property for the parking garage could be
worked out.
Mr.
Bannon interjected that the footprint of the proposed Tax Collector/Property
Appraiser building goes beyond county owned property, onto the Belton property,
so it could not be constructed right away, although it was noted that the
County would only be dealing with one entity, the Beltons, and not with Beef
O’Brady’s, the closing of Maud Street, etc.
Mr.
Eggleston stated that the way the building functions at the present time is optimal,
noting that, in working with Mr. McKee and his staff, it was determined that it
needs to be a long, narrow building, the way the operations are split. He stated that, if they were to scrunch the
building in and try to construct it all on county owned property, it may cause
the Tax Collector some issues in how his office functions.
Mr.
Bob McKee, Tax Collector, who was present in the audience, was questioned as to
how the timeframe would affect his office.
He addressed the Board stating that there had been a suggestion that
August of 2007 would be good timing for his office to move into the new
building, however, noted that it was a gross understatement. He stated that, from August through the first
of the year, neither his office, nor the Property Appraiser’s Office, would be
in a position to shut down their systems, in order to transition to a new
building. He stated that there is an
essential consideration, in terms of a time line – it is not open ended. He reminded the Board that, at their last
workshop, when this issue was presented to them, he was fairly adamant that
there needed to be additional discussion, to nail down how essential that date
was and the ability to meet that timeliness, and was told at that time that it
was doable. He stated that, since that
time, they have had several meetings with the architects and never has this
issue been brought to their attention.
He stated that he was informed by Mr. Bannon on Friday, June 2nd, that
the issue was going to be discussed this date and that August of 2007 was no
longer a realistic date, in terms of completion of the building. He stated that, in answer to the Board’s
question about how said timeframe was going to affect his office, as well as the
Property Appraiser’s Office, it was going to affect them in a very negative
way.
Commr.
Pool questioned whether there was another window of opportunity that would work
for them, if August of 2007 does not work, and was informed by Mr. McKee that there
will have to be, if due diligence does not allow them to use August of 2007 as
a realistic date.
It
was noted that the timeframe between August of 2007 and January of 2008
definitely would not work.
Mr.
McKee stated that they have very small windows of opportunity to actually
transition a move, where their systems can be down, at which time he noted that
the next best date would probably be after the first of January, 2008. He stated, for the record, that he and Mr.
Havill have very strong feelings about the exterior aesthetic design of the
proposed buildings, noting that they feel the Board needs to be the exclusive
determining entity in what all the buildings are going to look like, because,
if the City Council and the Constitutional Officers, inclusive of the Tax
Collector, the Property Appraiser, the Clerk of the Court, and the Judiciary,
all start to suggest what their personal preferences are, the architects and
the Board will never accomplish the goal of having uniformity. He stated that they were deferring to the
Board’s good judgment and feel that everyone else should, as well. He stated that whatever window they are given
to move they will accommodate and are grateful that the Board is addressing their
space needs, but, at the same time, pushing a window out in order to just have
a little more casual time is not acceptable, by any means. He stated that the Board needs to be
vigilant, do due diligence, and get the buildings going, if they are going to
do them at all.
Mr.
Eggleston stated that his firm, too, is ready to move forward, but,
unfortunately, all the things he covered need to take place and it is somewhat
out of their control. He stated that, as
soon as those things are lined up and taken care of, they will try to expedite
them as quickly as possible and can continue moving forward with the project.
Mr.
Bannon addressed the Board stating that the architects had a schedule that he
felt might be worth sharing with the Board, at which time Mr. Eggleston
displayed a chart containing the timeframe for the proposed projects, noting
that the schematic package for the Judicial Center will be done within the next
month. He stated that they are currently
advancing the Tax Collector/Property Appraiser building to have the design
development accomplished this Fall, probably around September, and, at that
time, the County will get some pricing information from Centex for both
facilities, so the Board will have a good handle on the cost of the Tax
Collector/Property Appraiser building and the Parking Garage and will have some
preliminary cost information on the Judicial Center and Detention Center
expansion, as well. He stated that, by
the first of the year, they will have a design development package ready for
the Judicial Center and Detention Center expansion and will have completed
construction documents on the Tax Collector/Property Appraiser building and the
Parking Garage. He stated that, at the
present time, they are pushing out to the first of next year, which means that
construction will start about that time, however, noted that all the activities
will run them out to around March, April, or May, when all the permitting and
city approvals are scheduled to be completed.
He stated that they will have construction documents completed, but have
been told that they need to have the plan development approved, before they
submit to the City for a building permit and site plan approval. He stated that Centex has indicated that they
need approximately 10 to 12 months to complete the Tax Collector/Property
Appraiser building and the Parking Garage.
Commr.
Hanson stated that the Board had talked about the possibility of having some
commercial available, tied in with the proposed buildings, and questioned
whether that was not an option at this point in time.
Ms.
Hall, County Manager, stated that the County had not been proceeding in that
light and that, if they did, it would complicate the financing a little bit,
due to the fact that it would not be purely governmental and would add to the
space and parking requirements, as well.
Commr.
Hill questioned whether the exterior envelope being shown this date was a done
deal, or whether it was something the Board could tweak, as they approve the
other buildings, noting that the Board has not yet looked at any schematics for
the Judicial Center and she would hate for them to be locked in with the
exterior envelope presented this date.
Mr.
Eggleston stated that they would be getting into the aesthetics of the Judicial
Center expansion next week and that the Tax Collector/Property Appraiser
building will probably not be far enough along to where the Board could make
some adjustments, should they wish to do so.
He stated that the building will go through some refinement, as the
design progresses, and, as the Judicial Center comes along, it will be adjusted
slightly. He noted, however, that once
they get past the design development phase, that is almost the point of no
return, as far as having to rework a bunch of design elements.
Mr.
Bannon informed the Board that that was one of the reasons for the presentation
this date, noting that the architects wanted the Board’s blessings on the
direction that they are going with the aesthetics of the building.
Commr.
Hill stated that she was concerned that the Judicial Center may end up having a
pitched roof, while the Tax Collector/Property Appraiser building has a flat
roof, which may look out of character, even though the exterior envelope of the
buildings will have the same brick.
Commr.
Cadwell stated that the architects know the Board wants an architectural campus
type setting for all the buildings, so they will make it all flow together and
look like it is supposed to.
A
brief discussion occurred regarding the possibility of constructing a third
story on the building; however, it was determined that, although it was a great
idea, it would slow the process down and would cost additional money that the
County does not have.
A
motion was made by Commr. Cadwell and seconded by Commr. Pool that the Board
approve the architectural and exterior envelope of the proposed Tax
Collector/Property Appraiser building, as presented.
Under
discussion, Commr. Stivender stated that, while she felt the architects had
done an excellent job, she would be voting against the motion, because the City
of Tavares has not been involved in the process.
The
Chairman called for a vote on the motion, which was carried, by a 4-1 vote.
Commr.
Stivender voted “No”.
Ms.
Hall stated that she felt the County was extremely fortunate to have the
expertise that it has, not only on staff, with Mr. Bannon, but with the
architects, HLM Design Heery International, Inc., noting that they have done an
outstanding job, in working with the building’s occupants and moving forward
with the project. She stated that this
is the County’s first opportunity to do a major construction project and there
are a number of elements involved that take time, but that she wanted to
personally thank them for doing an outstanding job.
PRESENTATION
CEASE
ROAD MAINTENANCE AND REMOVE SECTION OF ALAMEDA SANDRA ROAD
Mr.
Jim Stivender, Jr., Public Works Director, addressed the Board stating that
approximately three years ago the Board placed barricades at two locations on
Oswalt Road, one where it intersects with Alameda Sandra Road and the other one
at The Vistas. He stated that this
request pertains to the barricade located at the intersection of Oswalt Road
and Alameda Sandra Road, in the Crescent Lake Club subdivision, which was barricaded
to prevent traffic from cutting through the subdivision. He stated that the residents have requested
that the County cease maintenance to said section of roadway and install a berm
and, since the County is in the middle of acquisition and closing on a house at
the corner of Oswalt Road and Lakeshore Drive, in order to signalize the
intersection, staff felt it would be the appropriate time to eliminate said
section of roadway and install an earthen berm, as well as cease maintenance on
it, but not vacate it. He stated that
the County would still own the right of way, the road just would not have
vehicular access.
On
a motion by Commr. Pool, seconded by Commr. Stivender and carried unanimously,
by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved a request from Public Works for approval to
cease road maintenance on a section of Alameda Sandra Road, where it intersects
with Oswalt Road, and allow a berm and landscaping to be installed at said
intersection.
COUNTY
MANAGER’S DEPARTMENTAL BUSINESS (CONT’D.)
PLACEMENT
OF ROUND ABOUT OR CUL-DE-SAC ON SULLIVAN ROAD
Mr.
Jim Stivender, Jr., Public Works Director, addressed the Board stating that the
County has been working on trying to find a solution for a problem involving
Sullivan Road and Grassy Lake Road, in the Minneola area, for several years and
has an interlocal agreement that will be going before the Minneola City Council
next week, for approval. He stated that
the City of Minneola is planning to do a PD&E Study from U.S. 27, through
Minneola, south to SR 50. He displayed
an aerial, pointing out a couple of parcels of property that front Sullivan
Road, one owned by the Lowndes (proposed
to be utilized by the School Board for a school) and the other owned by the
Ladds (proposed to be developed into a subdivision), noting that both of said
parcels are proposed to be annexed into the City of Minneola. He stated that, in meeting with the City of
Minneola, North Grassy Lake Road is to be a principal road and Sullivan Road is
to be minimized, to the best of the County’s ability. He discussed what the County has planned for
Sullivan Road, in trying to solve a problem that the residents are having with
through traffic encroaching into their neighborhood. He stated that it is scheduled to be
resurfaced this year, at a cost of $150,000, and staff is proposing that,
should the Board approve to do so, the County could construct a cul-de-sac,
where the road intersects with Seminole Trail, with the understanding that a
portion of it will need to encroach into right of way that is owned by the
Ladds. He stated that he spoke with Mr.
Dale Ladd about the matter, but he was not pleased with the idea, because of
access and the types of homes in the area, noting that he planned to do some
density issues along the road that more matched the area, versus those sections
located to the south and east, however, noted that, since their discussion, Mr.
Ladd seems to be a little more palatable with the idea. He noted that, from a legal standpoint, the
School Board and the Ladds would have access to Sullivan Road.
Commr.
Pool questioned whether the City of Minneola had commented, formally, on the
matter and was informed that they had not.
He stated that he wanted to make sure all parties, including the
property owners, were included in the discussions, noting that, as the County moves
forward, they are trying to do what is best for the majority of the people
involved.
Mr.
Stivender stated that he would like to work with the developers, as they annex
into the City of Minneola and start to develop the property, and incorporate
designs that would minimize Sullivan Road, however, noted that some of the
citizens expressed a concern that that was not adequate enough - that there was
too much flexibility in it, and they wanted a definitive answer sooner than
later on the use of Sullivan Road. He
stated that the road is currently county maintained, with most of it having
prescriptive rights, which means that the County maintains what it owns. He noted that there are some right of way
deeds associated with the road, but not for the entire length of the road. He stated that there is a deep dip in the
road and staff is concerned about its approach to Hwy. 27, noting that it is an
area where the County will have to obtain a large amount of right of way, to
construct, cut, and fill each of the segments.
He noted that it is a clay based road and approximately 300 to 400 cars
travel it per day.
Mr.
Mark Brionez, Attorney, McLin & Burnsed, representing the Lake County
School Board, addressed the Board stating that they wanted to strongly oppose any
action the Board would make this date, which would provide a single access to
the proposed school site. He stated that
there were several reasons for that, noting that there is currently a school
bus route that travels North Grassy Lake Road, as well as the entire length of
Sullivan Road, and, if the County ends that and constructs a cul-de-sac on
Sullivan Road, the bus will have to go to that cul-de-sac, come all the way
around to Hwy. 27 and go back down North Grassy Lake Road, in order to obtain access
to the rest of the student drop-off points, and the existing bus route will
need to be changed. He stated that there
is going to be an increase in travel time for the students and the amount of
time that it takes them to get home, so they will be getting home later. He stated that it increases the travel risk
for the students, as well, because, not only are they going to be on Hwy. 27
once, they are going to have to be on it twice.
He stated that another reason the School Board opposes it is the fact
that they have a proposed school site in the area and there is an increased
possibility that they will not be able to utilize said site for a school, if a
cul-de-sac is constructed at the portion of Sullivan Road in question, because
they will not have the two access roads that they would have had before – they
will only be able to access a portion of Sullivan Road, whereas, at the present
time, they have access to the entire length of Sullivan Road, as well as North
Grassy Lake Road. He stated that, in the
event the School Board is able to gain some sort of release from an agreement
that currently exists between the School Board and the owner of the property,
which states the School Board must utilize said site for school purposes, so
that they can sell the property, if they are not going to utilize it, to
purchase another parcel of property, it is going to effect the property’s
value, because there will only be one road access, as opposed to two.
Commr.
Cadwell interjected that, in discussions with the School Board regarding said
property, they stated that they were not going to use Sullivan Road as an
access back to Hwy. 27.
Mr.
Brionez stated that he understood that conversation took place and that there
was talk that a cul-de-sac would have been acceptable, but that it was in the
spirit of compromise, in hopes that the Board would approve the site for a
school, noting that, at the time, the property was not approved - it was not
approved until later, and, in the meantime, the School Board had prepared bus
routes and other things, which will require access from both roads.
Commr.
Pool questioned staff regarding the fact that, should the City of Minneola
annex said property into the City limits, would it not allow them to make any
changes they so desired.
Mr.
Stivender stated that the City is looking for direction from the Public Works
Department, as well as from the Board, on how to handle said roads.
Ms.
Teresa Bowman, who lives on Sullivan Road, addressed the Board and rebutted the
comment that was made by Mr. Brionez about the school bus going all the way
down Sullivan Road, noting that the school bus pulls onto Seminole Trail, picks
up a student, backs up, and goes back down Sullivan Road – it does not continue
on down the entire length of the road.
She noted that traffic currently flies down Sullivan Road, creating a
very dangerous situation, and something needs to be done to curtail it.
Mr.
Richard Jarzemski, who lives on Sullivan Road, addressed the Board and verified
the statement made by Ms. Bowman about the school bus not traveling down the
entire length of Sullivan Road, but turning onto Seminole Trail, backing up,
and traveling back down Sullivan Road.
He rebutted the comments made by Mr. Brionez about the School Board’s
concerns, noting that the City of Minneola denied their request, so he did not
know why they were still trying to manipulate the City.
Mr.
David James, who lives on Sullivan Road, addressed the Board stating that the
biggest issue involving Sullivan Road is that of safety, noting that the road
is hilly and narrow. He stated that he
did not know what is going to happen, with regard to the proposed school, but
is concerned about what the residents have to deal with at the present time.
Ms.
Lorraine Frankenfield, a resident of Victorian Estates, in Minneola, addressed
the Board stating that she was in favor of just dead-ending Sullivan Road,
noting that it is a non-standard road and there is no need for a major
cul-de-sac on a non-standard road. She
noted that she was speaking not only for herself, but on behalf of five other
residents of Victorian Estates, as well.
She discussed something that students do in the state that she came from
called “hill hopping”, where cars full of students try to wipe each other out,
and she feels Sullivan Road is a prime road for hill hopping. She stated that, once construction starts on
additional homes in the area, traffic down Sullivan Road is going to be worse
than it is now, which is bad. She stated
that the County has got to do something about the situation, before somebody
dies.
Mr. Floyd Almander, addressed the Board
stating that his family recently purchased 15 acres in the area in question,
with approximately 900 to 1,000 feet of road frontage on the north side of
Sullivan Road. He questioned why the
County would cut off another access road, when there are so few access roads in
the area as it is, noting that, if he were injured in an accident, he would
want emergency vehicles to be able to get to him as fast as they could and did
not see how a cul-de-sac would benefit that in any way. He noted that the properties in the area are
not environmentally sensitive and it is an ideal place for future growth.
Mr.
Steve Richey, Attorney, representing Mr. John Lowndes, as Trustee and Agent for
152 acres that Mr. Lowndes owns in the area, and Ladd Development, Inc., which
has the property in question under contract for a proposed development,
addressed the Board stating that, currently, his clients are requesting
annexation into the City of Minneola and are requesting a rezoning for the 152
acres. He stated that they do not
support or oppose the request before the Board this date, because they feel it
is premature. He stated that their major
access out to Hwy. 27 is by way of Sullivan Road and, if they are not
successful in getting development rights on the property, they would like to
reserve the right to be able to use Sullivan Road to get out to Hwy. 27. He stated that Mr. Ladd was not aware of this
meeting and was not happy when he learned that right of way was being extracted
from him, for purposes of helping other people, in their request to limit
access to Sullivan Road. He stated that,
if his client does a development on the property, and is successful in doing it
in Minneola, the City is asking that they be given almost 23 acres of
undeveloped open space, as part of a trail system that they are proposing,
which will take away from the 152 acres of developable land that his client
owns. He stated that, according to Mr.
Stivender, the City of Minneola would like to take 120 feet of right of way on
Sullivan Road, however, noted that that is not what his client has been talking
about, because Sullivan Road would never be their major access point. He stated that it would be North Grassy Lake
Road; therefore, his client would never provide 120 feet of right of way across
the north property line, as Mr. Stivender had indicated.
Commr.
Pool clarified the fact that the southwest quadrant of the proposed School
Board property is where the cul-de-sac would be constructed on Sullivan Road.
Mr.
Richey stated that, once his client gets through the development process, he
might be able to accommodate a limited cul-de-sac situation, for purposes of
Sullivan Road – that he was not saying that his client would not work with Mr.
Stivender to do that. He stated that
what is being proposed, in relation to the approval process with the City of
Minneola, is something that his client would not be in a position to support
this date, however, noted that, in the future, he might be able to support it,
as part of the development process. He
stated that it is premature at this time for his client to commit to give that
kind of acreage, in relation to the development plan that his client is still
going through with the City of Minneola, but, if the project fails and his
client is not allowed to develop his property in Minneola, it is obvious that
he is going to be stuck with the zoning that is currently on the property,
which is PUD (Planned Unit Development). He stated that some density has been approved,
with a limiting factor on it, but it is currently classified as Suburban, and,
over the next several months, as the County goes through the process of doing
away with Suburban, his client’s property enjoys a higher density, under the
JPA that the City of Minneola has proposed to the County. He stated that his client is willing to work
with the County, but is not willing to commit giving three or four acres to the
County this date, in addition to the 20 plus acres that they are already giving
to the City of Minneola, until they get through the process, which he
anticipates will take four to five months.
He stated that they feel staff needs to continue to monitor the situation
and work with the City of Minneola and the residents, to make sure that, if, in
fact, increased density occurs in the area, they are not adversely
affected. He stated that they all
acknowledge the fact that Sullivan Road is an inferior road, with a limited
ability to be improved, however, adversely affecting his client’s property, by
having to take right of way from them, before they know what their development
plans are and their ability to provide it, is premature. He stated that the Board directing staff to
continue to work and bring those back, as the development plans and the
PD&E takes place, makes sense to him and his clients would cooperate with
doing that. He stated that he also feels
it is important that people be contacted and participate in this process and
not have to read about it in the newspaper, which will minimize problems in the
long run, and that is all he would ask the Board to do. He noted that his clients would be able to
accommodate a “T” closure of the road better than they could Mr. Stivender’s
suggestion for a cul-de-sac.
Commr.
Cadwell stated that, knowing the need for a transportation network in the area,
and the fact that, even if the County needs to redo the network, Sullivan Road
is not going to be a part of it, because of the topography when it hits Hwy. 27,
felt the Board should give the residents closure and not go with the
cul-de-sac, but do a “T” type closure instead.
He noted, however, that he would like to have the design come back to
the Board at a later date, for approval.
Commr.
Pool stated that he would like to have the School Board come back to the Board,
as well, and tell them the truth about whether or not their buses go all the
way down Sullivan Road, or just to Seminole Trail. He stated that conflicting statements have
been made regarding the matter and he would like to get to the bottom of it.
Mr.
Brionez, Attorney, readdressed the Board stating that it was his understanding
from the School Board that there is an existing bus route that goes all the way
down Sullivan Road, but whether the bus drivers actually take that route or not
was something that he was going to have to look into. He noted, however, that they should be taking
said route, because it is a platted route by the School Board. He stated that he would obtain said
information and let Mr. Stivender and the Board know what the facts are at a
later date.
Ms.
Susan Hill Brandt, a resident of the area in question, addressed the Board
stating that she had a petition containing the names of approximately 95% of
the residents that live on Sullivan Road, should the Board wish to have
it. She stated that no one had talked
about the issue of eminent domain, noting that there is no such thing as
friendly condemnation. She stated that
it would be very unfriendly and that all the residents have strong feelings
about that issue. She stated that there
is an adequate amount of space to make some sort of a dead end turnaround on
Sullivan Road, where it intersects with Seminole Trail, without having to take
property from the Ladds, as discussed earlier.
She stated that she took a tour of her area, looking for other roads
that had been barricaded, without property being taken from individuals, at
which time she listed said roads and submitted, for the record, a number of
photographs that she had taken of said roads.
She asked that the Board approve to close off the section of Sullivan
Road in question and not wait to find out if the Ladd’s property will be
approved and take right of way from them to do it.
On
a motion by Commr. Pool, seconded by Commr. Stivender and carried unanimously,
by a 5-0 vote, the Board directed staff to proceed with a design for closure of
a portion of Sullivan Road, where it intersects with Seminole Trail, as
discussed this date, to be brought back to the Board on July 11, 2006, for
their approval.
OTHER
BUSINESS
APPOINTMENT
TO PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD
On
a motion by Commr. Pool, seconded by Commr. Stivender and carried unanimously,
by a 5-0 vote, the Board appointed Ms. Nancy Hurlbert to serve as the District
4 representative on the Lake County Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, to
complete an unexpired term ending May 20, 2007.
APPOINTMENTS
TO WELLFLORIDA COUNCIL BOARD OF DIRECTORS
On
a motion by Commr. Hill, seconded by Commr. Pool and carried unanimously, by a
5-0 vote, the Board appointed individuals to vacant positions on the
WellFlorida Council Board of Directors, as follows:
Lake/Consumer
Dr.
Mary Anderson
Lake/Purchaser
Shannon
Elswick
APPOINTMENTS
TO ELDER AFFAIRS COORDINATING COUNCIL
On
a motion by Commr. Hill, seconded by Commr. Pool and carried unanimously, by a
5-0 vote, the Board appointed individuals to two vacant positions on the Elder
Affairs Coordinating Council, for the completion of unexpired terms, ending
January 31, 2007, as follows:
District
2
Barbara
Howell
District
4
Frances
Weston
APPOINTMENTS
TO CHILDREN’S SERVICES COUNCIL
On
a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Pool and carried unanimously,
by a 5-0 vote, the Board appointed one representative from County Commission
District 1 and one At-Large representative to the Children’s Services Council,
to complete unexpired terms ending May 14, 2007, as follows:
Dorothea
Wynter
Barbara
Howell
APPOINTMENTS
TO MT. PLYMOUTH-SORRENTO PLANNING ADVISORY COMMITTEE
On
a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Stivender and carried
unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board appointed individuals to two vacant
positions on the Mt. Plymouth-Sorrento Planning Advisory Committee, as follows:
Clark
Morris (to complete unexpired term ending October 11, 2008)
Jeff
Richardson (to complete unexpired term ending October 11, 2006, and to serve
consecutive four-year term)
REPORTS
- COUNTY ATTORNEY
LEASE
AGREEMENT FOR SPACE AT LAKE SQUARE MALL FOR SHERIFF’S OFFICE
Ms.
Melanie Marsh, Deputy County Attorney, explained that this was a request for
approval to lease space at the Lake Square Mall, to enable the Sheriff’s Office
to have a Public Information Officer and a Victim’s Advocate available there.
On
a motion by Commr. Pool, seconded by Commr. Hill and carried unanimously, by a
5-0 vote, the Board approved a request from the County Attorney for approval of
a Lease Agreement between Lake County and SDG Macerich Properties, L.P., for
the Sheriff's Office to have space at the Lake Square Mall; and approval of the
associated budget transfer, in the amount of $9,450.00.
REPORTS
– COUNTY MANAGER
INTRODUCTION
OF COUNTY’S NEW PLANNING DIRECTOR
Ms.
Carol Stricklin, Growth Management Director, introduced to the Board Mr. Wayne
Bennett, the County’s new Planning Director for the Growth Management
Department, at which time she gave them a brief background history of Mr.
Bennett, noting that he was returning to his Lake County roots, having
graduated from Mt. Dora High School. She
stated that, upon completing his graduate degree at the University of Florida,
his first job in the Planning field was with Lake County. She stated that, during his career, he had
moved to Kentucky, but she was very pleased that he had decided to come back to
Florida and to Lake County. She stated
that he was highly qualified for the position and would be in charge of the
functions involving the County’s Comprehensive Plan.
REPORTS
– COMMISSIONER STIVENDER – DISTRICT 3
COMMISSIONERS
Commr.
Stivender informed the Board that it appears cities in the County are treated
according to which Commissioner represents them, which concerns her, at which
time she noted that the projects involving the various facilities that are
currently being proposed are major projects that will affect the entire County,
they just happen to be in the City of Tavares, of which she is the District
Commissioner, and she feels that said projects are not being treated the same
as projects in other cities. She stated
that the point she was trying to make was how the Board, at a meeting,
addresses each individual.
REPORTS
– COMMISSIONER HANSON – CHAIRMAN AND DISTRICT 4
WORLD
ELDER ABUSE AWARENESS DAY PROCLAMATION
Commr.
Hanson pointed out the fact that there was a Proclamation on Addendum No. 1,
under the County Manager’s Consent Agenda, recognizing World Elder Abuse
Awareness Day and that she felt it was something that was noteworthy. She noted that she appreciated staff putting
it together.
REPORTS
– COMMISSIONER HANSON – CHAIRMAN AND DISTRICT 4
SHETLAND
TRAIL SPECIAL ASSESSMENT
Commr.
Hanson informed staff that she would like to bring the issue of the Shetland
Trail Special Assessment project back before the Board as soon as possible, for
discussion, noting that it has been somewhat of a fiasco and she would like to
have the problem resolved.
Mr.
Jim Stivender, Jr., Public Works Director, stated that the Public Works
Department sent a memorandum to the County Manager’s Office, with the Board
being copied, explaining what their plan is, with regard to the Shetland Trail
project, at which time he noted various reasons why the project was
delayed. He stated that staff is looking
at reformatting some of their bids, to make them more appealing to contractors.
It
was noted that a public hearing will be held on July 11, 2006, regarding said
issue.
REPORTS
– COMMISSIONER STIVENDER – DISTRICT 3 (CONT’D.)
LASHER
FAMILY PROCLAMATION
Commr.
Stivender stated that Lasher Feed, in Okahumpka, has closed its doors, after
almost 50 years of helping the FFA (Future Farmers of America), 4-H programs,
etc. She noted that she has staff
working with some of the residents in Okahumpka, in putting together a
Proclamation to be presented to the Lasher family at a later date, possibly in
July of this year.
REPORTS
– COMMISSIONER STIVENDER – DISTRICT 3
WILDWOOD
TRAIL WORKSHOP
Commr.
Stivender informed the Board that a workshop is scheduled to be held this date
at the Leesburg Community Center, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., regarding the
Wildwood Trail and Phase II of the Tav-Lee Trail, for anyone interested in
attending.
CITIZEN
QUESTION AND COMMENT PERIOD
Mr.
Roy Hunter, Northeast Lake Chamber of Commerce, addressed the Board and distributed
a copy of an old newspaper article that he had cut out of the Boca Raton News,
dated December 24, 1979, containing a story about the possibility of gasoline
rationing in the United States, if the Iranian crisis or production cuts by
oil-producing countries force it, noting that the United States has all kinds
of crisis facing it, currently the gasoline crisis, due to the Iranian
government. He again recommended, as he
had at a previous Board Meeting, that the elderly population in the County
boycott their local gasoline stations and stay home for three weeks, noting
that the working class would not be able to do so, but the elderly and retired
could do it. He stated that he feels it
will send a message to the government that it has got to do something about the
gasoline situation. He suggested that
the public start the boycott July 19, 2006.
Commr.
Hanson stated that the point Mr. Hunter brings up goes beyond what he stated,
noting that there are so many things that can be done in the designing of communities,
making them more walkable and closer to jobs.
She stated that counties need to do better planning, but it goes beyond
that, noting that it also takes the general public accepting that concept.
Mr.
Hunter again thanked the Board for the new Deland Express, a free bus service
that currently runs from Paisley to Deland.
He stated that the residents are trying to participate, so the ridership
is increasing, at which time he noted that he would like to see the bus route
head west, as well as east.
-------------------------
Ms.
Pat Congdon, a resident of Crows Bluff, addressed the Board and thanked them
for “The Smartest Card” library card campaign, however, pointed out the fact
that the libraries’ computers are crowded, because the school children are
using them at the same time that the seniors are trying to use them, now that
school is out for the Summer, preventing the seniors from getting much use out
of them. She stated that she wanted to
thank the residents of Crows Bluff and Forest Hills for repairing some of the
roads in the area, at which time she displayed photographs of some of the
residents doing so. She displayed some
photographs of the Deland Express, alluded to earlier, as well, showing some of
the ridership and signs that were made for the bus and the roads in the area,
with funds donated by some of the residents in the community. She then questioned the status of the
switches that were supposed to have been obtained for the generators for the
septic system for Spring Creek Elementary and was informed that staff would
check into the matter.
Commr.
Stivender requested Ms. Congdon to attend the next Transportation Disadvantaged
Board Meeting and give them the presentation that she gave the Board this date,
noting that they never get to see what they have accomplished, by making the
motions they do.
-------------------------
Mr.
Chris Wagner addressed the Board and questioned the status of Dwight’s Road,
noting that the residents have been trying to get the road paved for the last
15 years. He stated that, from what he
understands, the project went out for bid, but it was going to cost too much to
pave it, so it is now scheduled to be resurfaced by the County.
Mr.
Jim Stivender, Jr., Public Works Director, informed the Board that staff is
working on taking care of the project inhouse; therefore, it is being treated
just like a contract. He stated that the
project will be awarded to the County’s Road Department and will probably be
completed near the end of this year.
Mr.
Wagner questioned whether it included Lake Nellie Road, as well, since it
connects to Dwight’s Road and was informed by Mr. Stivender that Lake Nellie
Road is still tied to the State’s property and he did not know the status of
it, but would get back with Mr. Wagner regarding it.
-------------------------
Mr.
Kenneth Johnson, Assistant Operations Manager, MV Transportation, Lake County
Connection, addressed the Board, in response to some comments that Ms. Congdon
made, earlier in the meeting, about the new Deland Express bus service. He stated that the service is on a trial
basis for 90 days and only runs one day per week, however, noted that they are
getting a good response to it.
ADJOURNMENT
There
being no further business to be brought to the attention of the Board, the
meeting was adjourned at 11:45 a.m.
____________________________________
CATHERINE
C. HANSON, CHAIRMAN
ATTEST:
__________________________
JAMES C. WATKINS,
CLERK