A
SPECIAL JOINT MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
AND
THE MOUNT DORA CITY COUNCIL
AUGUST
28, 2006
The Lake County Board of County Commissioners met in special
session with the Mount Dora City Council on Monday, August 28, 2006, at 6:30 p.m.,
at Mount Dora City Hall, 510 North Baker Street, Mount Dora, Florida.
Commissioners present: Catherine C. Hanson, Chairman; Welton G. Cadwell, Vice
Chairman; Jennifer Hill; Robert A. Pool and Debbie Stivender. Others present for
Lake County: Sanford A. “Sandy” Minkoff, County Attorney; Cynthia W. “Cindy”
Hall, County Manager; Wendy Taylor, Executive Office Manager, County Manager’s
Office; and Judy McAuley, Deputy Clerk.
The Mount Dora City Council was represented by Mayor James
Yatsuk, Vice Mayor James Homich, Council Members Melissa DeMarco, Stewart
Holley, Robert Maraio, Judy Smathers, and Michael Tedder. Others present for
the City of Mount Dora: Michael Quinn, City Manager; Gary Cooney, City
Attorney; and Cindy Sommer, Recording Secretary.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor James Yatsuk called the meeting to order at 6:36 p.m.
INVOCATION AND PLEDGE
Mr. Gary Cooney, Mount Dora City Attorney, gave the
Invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
PURPOSE OF MEETING
Mayor Yatsuk stated that the purpose of the meeting is to share
ideas between the Mount Dora City Council and the County Commission.
LAND USE ITEMS
Employment Center and Access to Wekiva Parkway
Regarding the Wekiva Parkway, Mayor Yatsuk explained that
the City has been working with FDOT to make sure unintentional traffic does not
come into the City. He stated that the employment center will benefit Mount
Dora, the Mt. Plymouth/Sorrento urban node, Eustis and northwest Orange County.
He asked for ideas and cooperation and stressed the need for access into the
area.
Mr. Mark Reggentin, Mount Dora Planning and Zoning Director,
explained that the City has been working with the City of Eustis and the Mt.
Plymouth/Sorrento planning committee to develop a long-range plan in the Joint
Planning Area (JPA) in the areas that cross over into the Mt. Plymouth/Sorrento
area to provide a future for residential growth and job creation. That has been
done through the establishment of the employment center which is being
implemented through the comprehensive plan. The City does not want to develop
this as a commercial center but wants higher-end, corporate office relocations
along with light industrial and commercial warehouse-type activity that will
help create jobs outside of the retail/service sector. The Mt.
Plymouth/Sorrento committee saw the potential that this center can work
together with their Main Street development. The committee’s initial concerns
were that Mount Dora would annex Sorrento. Mr. Reggentin noted that the JPA agreement
agrees not to annex past the JPA boundary.
Mr. Reggentin stated that, as the expressway comes through,
there will be a great opportunity for development. Explosive residential growth
can happen or higher intensity commercial development can be planned for the
area. If developed as employment center uses, the land needs to be reserved
through the land use map and pressures to convert that land to residential uses
need to be resisted.
Mayor Yatsuk explained that the employment center idea was
born about four years ago. Having the JPA in place provides the opportunity to
plan this while working with the County. Mr. Reggentin stated that they would
like to focus manufacturing and warehouse-type uses along the SR 46 corridor where
industrial land use designations exist.
Commissioner Cadwell remarked that he would not like the
County or the City to start taking little bites out of the area unless there
are some definite boundaries set. Mayor Yatsuk confirmed that they have the
vision but not the plan. He reiterated that the City and the County can work
together on the plan.
Commissioner Hanson stated that she has been meeting with
Mr. Keith Schue (Ocala/Wekiva
Conservation Project Coordinator for The Nature Conservancy and a member of the
State Road 40 Collaborative Task Force) and with Dr. Charles Mojock, President
of the Lake-Sumter Community College, on the same concept. She stated that it
would be a great place for a branch of the community college. She agreed that
there should be a master plan for a commerce park. Council Member Maraio added
that, with Burnham Institute for Medical Research coming to Orlando, it is a
golden, long-term opportunity for us. His stated that his first priority has
always been research or a high-end office park.
Mr. Reggentin
remarked that we are at a similar crossroad as was the Lake Mary/Sanford area
fifteen years ago. He stated that, if high-end employers are to be attracted,
incentive packages will be necessary and a revenue source will be needed for
that. One opportunity for a revenue stream is the potential to set up a Community
Redevelopment Area (CRA). He stated that staff would like to get a feel from
the two boards on that idea. Mr. Reggentin confirmed that he has made two
presentations to the Mt. Plymouth/Sorrento planning committee. He has talked to
some of the major property owners in the area who are beginning to approach the
City and the County on residential development. He stated that those landowners
feel comfortable letting things develop and not pushing the residential end of
it. He has not seen any negative push back over the last two or three years.
Regarding how
to reserve land, Mr. Reggentin stated that ideas will have to be taken as they
come. He stated that there are about 900 acres in the area around SR 46 for
development opportunities. He stated that the area is in unincorporated Lake
County and the City would anticipate annexation of their JPA over time. Commissioner
Cadwell reiterated that some real boundaries are needed. Mr. Reggentin stated
that people have been seeking annexation into the City but the City ties
annexation to utility extensions and does not want to overextend to try to grab
something. The City is working with the County in trying to provide utilities
to the southwest corner of the Mt. Plymouth/Sorrento urban compact node. He
stated that the City is not actively seeking annexation even though there is a
lot of activity in this part of the County. Commissioner Hanson remarked that
one landowner owns a significant amount of property in that area and that will
be helpful.
In response to
Commissioner Hanson’s inquiry about working with FDOT to include trails along SR
46, Mr. Reggentin stated that they discuss trails every time they talk. Mayor
Yatsuk stated that the County is partnering with the City to get the CSX rail
line which would be a great conversion to a trail. An at-grade road at the rail
is being considered but that would hamper connectivity for the trail system.
Regarding CRA
financing, Council Member Homich expressed concern with being able to get the
increment in the taxes ahead of time in order to pay for incentives. Mr.
Reggentin stated that the CRA needs to be set up while the property values are
relatively low. Things will begin to develop and the increment starts growing
slowly over the first three to five years. As property values catch up and new
development occurs, it will grow exponentially. Mayor Yatsuk stated that there
are a lot of varying timetables. No one wants to commit to a timetable as to when
that will happen.
Commissioner Cadwell
stated that the City is asking for a true employment center rather than a
retail center.
Regarding a
proposal to the Local Planning Agency (LPA), Mr. Reggentin confirmed that they
would request changing the land use to office/commerce. Obviously, residential
uses will occur in the Mt. Plymouth/Sorrento area and in the City of Mount Dora
so mixed use would not need to be provided in the employment center area
because it is being provided outside of that area. Regarding meetings with the
LPA, he further explained that some draft Land Development Regulations (LDRs)
have been written on how to handle the employment center. Most of the language
from the JPA and draft LDRs has been incorporated into the comprehensive plan
and boundaries have been established. The LPA, at today’s meeting, discussed
limiting floor area ratios. Mr. Reggentin advised that the City’s position is
that, if a corporate user needs a seven-story office complex out there, the
City does not need to be restricted by regulations to do that. True employment
centers need as few restrictions as possible as far as the intensity goes.
Council Member
Homich opined that it is the City’s interest that any reference to high density
or residential should be moved from that land-use category.
Mayor Yatsuk
added that this is a very unique land use category. The piece under discussion,
two small pieces on U.S. Highway 441 and a small piece in Clermont would be under
this land use designation.
In response to
an inquiry by Commissioner Pool, Mr. Reggentin confirmed that he has had
several conversations with the landowner of the largest tract in that area. Mr.
Reggentin stated that the landowner is not under a timeline and that he likes
raising his cows on the property.
Mr. Michael
Quinn, Mount Dora City Manager, referred to the August 23, 2006, memorandum
from Ms. Dottie Keedy, Lake County Director of Economic Growth and
Redevelopment, which is included in the agenda packet. The memo addresses the
fact that the CRA is a major issue and mentioned other incentives such as
impact fees. The City and the County may want to work together in creating
those kinds of packages. Commissioner Cadwell suggested that the Board plans to
discuss economic development after the comprehensive plan is finished relative
to creating jobs and raising the quality of jobs through incentive packages.
FACILITY
ITEMS
Support for
Cultural Facilities - Tourism Development Tax
Mr. Quinn
referred to his June 21, 2006, letter to the Tourist Development Council (TDC)
which is included in the agenda packet. He stated that the City of Mount Dora
supports the penny increase to the room tax to five cents which was proposed by
the Performing Arts Center of Lake-Sumter (PALS), especially if dedicated
toward cultural and art-type facilities. He stressed that the City feels it
should be applied to all eligible projects, whether in Mount Dora, Eustis,
Clermont or elsewhere in the County, if it is to be a countywide increase.
Mayor Yatsuk mentioned that the Mount Dora Community Building, a small 500-seat
hall, is undergoing extensive renovation. Funds have been dedicated through the
City’s CRA and the City has applied for numerous grants. Mayor Yatsuk asked to
share in the tourist revenue. Mr. Quinn explained that the City’s Community
Building project is just over $3 million and a couple hundred thousand dollars from
another resource would help considerably. This project can impact a fair amount
of economic development in downtown Mount Dora, including shops and
restaurants, through coordination of other events.
Ms. Cindy
Hall, County Manager, stated that the County’s financial advisor advised that,
if the extra penny is levied and bonded, it should be bonded on a fifteen-year,
not more than twenty-year, basis. The twenty-year bond issue would bring in
about $6.3 million and the fifteen-year bond would bring in about $5.3 million.
Commissioner Stivender advised that the Tourist Development Council (TDC) will
consider that issue at their September 20, 2006, meeting. Ms. Hall confirmed
that PALS requested $9 million to help build their new performing arts center
at the Lake-Sumter Community College’s Leesburg campus. Commissioner Cadwell
informed the Council that the Board of County Commissioners told PALS to reach
out to the local cultural community to be sure everyone is on the same page
before the Board begins dividing funds. Commissioner Stivender stated that TDC
asked PALS and some of the municipalities for feasibility studies to see what
dollars would be generated. Mayor Yatsuk pointed out that their Community
Building, a more intimate-type of hall, would not be in competition with events
held at the new PALS facility. Commissioner Cadwell stated that the Board is
not considering any operational monies and that this would be capital money.
Mayor Yatsuk stated that the City is looking for assistance with capital
funding and the Community Building is anticipated to be self-supporting. The
City sees this project as an investment in the well-being of Mount Dora as well
as recognition and an investment in the arts.
Coordination
of City/County Park and Trail Facilities
Mayor Yatsuk
stated that the City of Mount Dora has a master parks plan in place. With the
increase in population in the Mt. Plymouth/Sorrento urban node and other areas
of the County, the City is discussing how they can share and provide facilities
for the needs of all of our citizens.
Mr. Bob
Stevens, Mount Dora Parks and Recreation Director, stated that the City’s master
plan parallels the County’s master plan. Both have made trails a high priority.
The City has been in close contact with the County and the Lake-Sumter
Metropolitan Planning Organization (LSMPO). The LSMPO would like to commit to
purchasing lands with assistance from the County’s land acquisition program.
The City understands the responsibility to develop and maintain the corridor
that runs through the City. Mr. Stevens stated that the commitment from CSX is
not there on the entire system. He stated that the City would like to work with
the County in grant writing for some mutual acquisitions.
Council Member
Smathers, a member of BPAC, stated that BPAC asked the cities of Tavares,
Eustis, Mount Dora and Umatilla to get together to create a master plan for a
loop for the trail and eventually hook up to Orange County and Seminole County.
Regarding a source of dedicated funding, Mayor Yatsuk explained that there is
some state funding, generally regional in nature.
Mr. Jim
Stivender, Jr., Lake County Public Works Director, suggested that the City or
the County probably should push the consultants who are working on the Wekiva Parkway
PD&E study to show a corridor for the trail in the PD&E study. He
stated that the consultants have been reluctant to do that. He stated that the
County is conducting a $125,000 PD&E study, $60,000 of which is funded by
the State, for a countywide trail master plan which will tie to West Orange
County. He discussed the Sorrento area parks which include the proposed East
Lake Community Park, the Sorrento Park, Mt. Plymouth Park and Scott Park. The
Board has a potential funding source of one-tenth of a mil for road maintenance
and linear park development.
Further
discussion occurred regarding how many people will use the parks, land
acquisition dollars for purchasing rails and using large power lines as trails.
Commissioner
Hanson asked Mr. Stivender to take a leadership role in having Mount Dora and
Lake County working together on the design concept of the master plan. Mr.
Stivender noted that there will be several public meetings throughout the
County.
Mr. Sandy
Minkoff, County Attorney, stated that the Mount Dora area was included in the
CSX studies. The County made an offer to buy CSX property from Clermont to the
county line but it looks like CSX only owns three or four pieces of that
property instead of three or four miles. After that one is done, other sections
will be negotiated. Most of the Wildwood piece has been purchased by the City
of Leesburg. BPAC and PLAAC are also looking at pieces in Fruitland Park/Lady
Lake and in Mt. Plymouth/Sorrento as well as Mount Dora.
Mr. Minkoff
stated that the property for the East Lake Community Park is under contract and
closing is scheduled for late November 2006. Mr. Quinn stated that about 65% of
the participation in Mount Dora’s recreation program comes from the Mt.
Plymouth/Sorrento area of unincorporated Lake County so it is very important
for the City and the County to coordinate that usage and programming.
Commissioner Cadwell opined that about $7 or $8 million has been distributed
back to the cities over the last few years because the County understands the
cities are providing those services. Commissioner Hanson added that some of
these dollars are coming from pari-mutuel wagering dollars.
Status
Update - Lake Gertrude/Lake John Drainage Project
Mayor Yatsuk
stated that the Lake Gertrude/Lake John Drainage Project has been a great
collaborative effort between Lake County, the City of Mount Dora, Lake County
Water Authority, and the State Legislature. A study several years ago
identified the Lake Gertrude Basin and all the sub-basins and gave recommendations
on how to fix some of the problems that would occur in Lake Gertrude. Lake
Gertrude has an outfall into Lake Dora.
Mr. Gary
Hammond, Mount Dora Public Services Director, stated that they are about 45%-50%
of design. An update meeting will be held later to share the design with the
County and ask for the County’s input. The project is jointly funded by the
City of Mount Dora, Lake County, a State of Florida grant, and a Lake County
Water Authority grant. Mayor Yatsuk pointed out that this is a regional project
because Lake Dora is part of the Upper Ocklawaha. Council Member DeMarco stated
that the City is serious about water quality issues and has committed to
raising its stormwater rates in order to fix some of the problems before they
get to the Lake John/Lake Gertrude situation. Mr. Quinn noted that this is a
$2.6 million project and the City is about $700,000 short at this time.
Commissioner Stivender asked Mr. Stivender to follow through and make sure the
County is getting TMDL monetary credits because Lake County is doing so much
more than some of the other counties in cleaning up the lakes. Council Member
Homich reiterated that Mount Dora is being aggressive with stormwater issues
and Council Member DeMarco added that the City is educating the public
regarding the proper use of fertilizers.
TROPICAL
STORM UPDATE
Mr. Jerry
Smith, Lake County Emergency Management Director, stated that he will monitor
tomorrow’s 5:00 a.m. update by the National Hurricane Center on Tropical Storm
Ernesto. The storm’s track has shifted to the east throughout today and is
predicted to make landfall in the Miami-Dade County area. At this time, it
looks as if Lake County will not be impacted by the storm.
FACILITY
ITEMS (CONTINUED)
Status
Update - Old 441 PD&E Project
Mr. Stivender
stated that the Board of County Commissioners will consider the Old 441
PD&E Project at their meeting September 5, 2006. The City of Mount Dora is
managing that process and the majority of the project is in Mount Dora. Some
sections of the road are three lanes. Some questions are how should it look and
how much traffic capacity can efficiently flow through it. He thinks the study
will take about 12 months and the results of the study will be incorporated
into a capital improvement plan. A trail is included as part of the study and
the railroad right of way is adjacent to a large part of the study area. Mr.
Stivender stated that public meetings will be part of the process. Council
Member Homich stated that the City has been looking for several years at a
trail along the lakefront between the road and the railroad. He opined that is
a critical element that the residents will want included in the plan. Mr.
Stivender pointed out that there are a lot of stormwater issues associated with
this project.
ADJOURNMENT
There
being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:53 p.m.
__________________________________
CATHERINE C. HANSON, CHAIRMAN
ATTEST:
__________________________
JAMES
C. WATKINS, CLERK