A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

NOVEMBER 21, 2006

The Lake County Board of County Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, November 21, 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: Welton G. Cadwell, Vice Chairman (acting Chairman); Debbie Stivender; Jennifer Hill; Elaine Renick; and Linda Stewart.  Others present were: Sanford A. (Sandy) Minkoff, County Attorney; Cindy Hall, County Manager; Wendy Taylor, Executive Office Manager, County Manager’s Office; James C. Watkins, Clerk; Barbara Lehman, Chief Deputy Clerk, County Finance; and Sandra Carter, Deputy Clerk.

INVOCATION AND PLEDGE

Reverend Ken Harley, from the Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church, gave the Invocation and Sheriff Gary Borders led the Pledge of Allegiance.

RECOGNITION

Commr. Cadwell, Vice Chairman, recognized various Constitutional Officers, School Board members, elected city officials, and representatives from the Lake County Water Authority, who were present in the audience, at which time he noted that he was serving as Chairman, because he was the current Vice Chairman, and that a new Chairman and Vice Chairman would be selected at the first meeting in December.

INVESTITURE

Newly elected Commrs. Elaine Renick and Linda Stewart were sworn into office by Mr. James C. Watkins, Clerk of the Circuit Court, who administered the Oath of Office.

RECESS AND REASSEMBLY

At 9:15 a.m., the Vice Chairman announced that the Board would recess until 9:45 a.m., so that everyone present could participate in a reception that was being held in honor of the two newly elected Commissioners, Elaine Renick and Linda Stewart.

AGENDA UPDATE

Ms. Cindy Hall, County Manager, informed the Board that there was an Addendum No. 1 to the Agenda, containing one item under the County Manager’s Consent Agenda, a request from Growth Management for approval to execute two Florida Communities Trust Grant contracts, to aid in the potential acquisition of properties in Districts 4 and 5.  She stated that a Public Hearing that had been scheduled for this date, pertaining to an amendment to the Lake County Public Housing Agency Administrative Plan, had been postponed until the Board Meeting scheduled for December 19, 2006.

MINUTE APPROVAL

            On a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Hill and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the Minutes of September 5, 2006 (Regular Meeting), as presented.

            On a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Hill and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the Minutes of October 17, 2006 (Regular Meeting), as presented.

            On a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Hill and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the Minutes of October 24, 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 October 26, 2006 (Special Meeting – State of the County), as presented.

CLERK OF COURTS’ CONSENT AGENDA

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

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.

St. Johns River Water Management District’s Water Resource Development Work

Program

Request to acknowledge receipt of CD containing St. Johns River Water Management District’s Water Resource Development Work Program, updated for Fiscal Year 2006/2007, pursuant to Section 373.536(6)(a)(4) of the Florida Statutes.

Annexation Ordinance from City of Minneola

Request to acknowledge receipt of Annexation Ordinance No. 2006-19, from the City of Minneola, annexing by voluntary petition approximately 1,850 acres located south of the Florida Turnpike, east of US Highway 27, and north of Old Highway 50, said property being contiguous to the City of Minneola.  Passed and ordained the 10th day of October, 2006, by the City Council of the City of Minneola, Florida.

2007 Governing Board Meeting Schedule for St. Johns River Water Management

District

Request to acknowledge receipt of 2007 Governing Board Meeting Schedule for the St. Johns River Water Management District.  Meetings are held at the Palatka District Headquarters, 4049 Reid Street (Hwy. 100 West), Palatka, Florida, on the following dates:

January 9, 2007           February 13, 2007

March 13, 2007           April 10, 2007

May 8, 2007                June 12, 1007

July 10, 2007               August 7, 2007

September 11, 2007    September 25, 2007 (Final Budget Hearing)

October 9, 2007          November 13, 2007

December 11, 2007

Notice of Meeting – Arlington Ridge Community Development District

Request to acknowledge receipt of Notice of Meeting – Arlington Ridge Community Development District – A meeting of the Board of Supervisors of the Arlington Ridge Community Development District is scheduled to be held on Tuesday, November 14, 2006, at 10:00 a.m.             The meeting will be held at the Arlington Ridge Administration Building, 4463 Arlington Ridge Boulevard, Leesburg, Florida.

Excess Fees Returned to Board of County Commissioners from Clerk of Courts

Request to acknowledge receipt of excess fees returned to Board of County Commissioners from Clerk of Circuit Court, in the amount of $1,022,398.29.

Notice Before the Florida Public Service Commission

Request to acknowledge receipt of Notice Before the Florida Public Service Commission – Supplemental Notice of Hearing to All Investor-Owned Electric and Gas Utilities and All Other Parties and Interested Persons, regarding the following:

Docket No. 060001-EI – Fuel and Purchased Power Cost Recovery Clause with

Generating Performance Incentive Factor.

Docket No. 041291-EI – Petition for Authority to Recover Prudently Incurred Storm

Restoration Costs Related to 2004 Storm Season that Exceed Storm Reserve Balance,

by Florida Power and Light Company.

Issued:  November 6, 2006

Public Official Bond for North Lake County Hospital District Board

Request to acknowledge receipt of Public Official Bond for Mr.     Frank T. Gaylord, who was unopposed in his election to the Board of Trustees, North Lake County Hospital District Board, Seat One, for a term ending November 8, 2006.  His second term will be from November 8, 2006 to November 2, 2010.

Annual Appropriation Resolution from Arlington Ridge Community Development

District

Request to acknowledge receipt of Annual Appropriation Resolution No. 2006-11, from the Arlington Ridge Community Development District, relating to the annual appropriations, and adopting the Budget for the Fiscal Year beginning October 1, 2006 and ending September 30, 2007.

COUNTY MANAGER’S CONSENT AGENDA

Commr. Stivender stated that she would like to pull Tab 7, a request from Economic Growth and Redevelopment for approval to be a sponsor of Lake County Days 2007, to be held in Tallahassee, for discussion.

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

Community Services

Request for approval of adoption of the FY 2006/07 Annual Plan of Service and Combined Budget for the Lake County Library System.

Request for approval of the FY 2006/07 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funding Approval/Agreement; authorize the Chairman to sign it; and direct the Department of Community Services to implement the programs covered under the Agreement.

Request for approval and authorization for the Chairman to sign the First Amendment to the FY 2005/06 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Partnership Agreement between the Forest Hills-Lake Mack Association and the County – Commission District 5.

Request for approval to allow the County Manager or his/her designee to approve check requests for the Affordable Housing programs, not to exceed $35,000.00.

Employee Services

Request for approval of the update to the County’s Section 125 Plan (Flexible Spending Program); and approval and signature authorization for Resolution No. 2006-212.

Request for approval of the revision of the Drug Free Workplace Policy.

Request for approval of the revision of the Violence Policy – LCC-74.

Growth Management

Request for approval and execution of a Release of Fine, Property Owner: Shelly and Annie Lou Johnson Hawkins, Code Enforcement Case No. CEB 313-00 – Commission District 4.

Request for approval and execution of a Release of Fine, Property Owner: Charles Donnis McCann, Jr., Code Enforcement Case No. 2002020167 – Commission District 5.

Request for approval and execution of a Release of Fine, Property Owner: Donald K. Lewis, Code Enforcement Case No. CEB 137-99 – Commission District 3.

Procurement

Request for approval and execution of the First Amendment to Professional Engineering Consultants, Inc., to extend the contract through September 30, 2007.

Request for approval to (1) declare the items on the submitted lists as surplus to county needs; (2) authorize the removal of all of the items on said lists from the County’s official fixed asset inventory system records; and (3) authorize the Procurement Services Director to sign the vehicle titles. The items on said lists have been declared surplus by their respective agencies, due to age, wear, and obsolescence.

Request for approval of the contract for Construction Manager (CM) services, in support of the Umatilla Health Clinic, under RSQ No.05-147, to R.D. Michaels, Inc.

Request for approval and execution of a contract with Moffatt & Nichol, Inc., in the total amount of $350,834.25.

Public Safety

Request for approval of (1) the FY 07 Members Project – Special Appropriation 1589A Agreement, in the amount of $1,000,000.00; and (2) Resolution No. 2006-213, authorizing appropriation and expenditure of unanticipated funds.

Public Works

Request for approval to accept public right of way deeds that have been secured, in conjunction with roadway and/or stormwater projects, as follows: one Statutory Warranty Deed, one Quitclaim Deed, two Temporary Non-Exclusive Construction Easement and Perpetual Wall and Grading Easement – Commission Districts 2 and 3.

Request for approval and signature authorization for Resolution No. 2006-214, to advertise a public hearing for Vacation Petition No. 1083, Charles E. Bailes, Jr. – Representative C. David Brown, to vacate tracts and rights of way in the Plat of Monte Vista Park Farms, located in Sections 9 and 16, Township 23S, Range 26E, in the Clermont area – Commission District 2.

Request for approval and signature authorization for Resolution No. 2006-215, to advertise a public hearing for Vacation Petition No. 1099, Marjorie Morphet, to vacate a right of way in the Plat of Groveland Farms, located in Section 9, Township 23S, Range 24E, in the Groveland area – Commission District 2.

Request for approval and signature authorization for Resolution No. 2006-216 , to advertise a public hearing for Vacation Petition No. 1100, A. Tom Harb, to vacate unnamed right of way in the Plat of Plaza Collina, located in Section 25, Township 22S, Range 26E, in the Clermont area – Commission District 2.

Request for authorization to accept the final plat for Harbor Pines and all areas dedicated to the public, as shown on the Harbor Pines plat; accept a maintenance bond, in the amount of $29,754.91; execute a Developer’s Agreement for Maintenance of Improvements Between Lake County and Howard W. Marshall; and execute Resolution No. 2006-217, accepting the following road into the County Road Maintenance System:  Briarcliff Circle (CR 4580F).  Harbor Pines consists of 42 lots and is located in Section 21, Township 19S, Range 27E – Commission District 4.

ADDENDUM NO. 1

COUNTY MANAGER’S CONSENT AGENDA (CONT’D.)

Growth Management

Request for approval and authorization to execute two (2) Florida Communities Trust grant contracts, to aid in the potential acquisition of properties in Districts 4 and 5.

ECONOMIC GROWTH AND REDEVELOPMENT

LAKE COUNTY DAYS IN TALLAHASSEE

Commr. Stivender stated that she pulled this request, in order to give the Board an update on the issue of Lake County Days in Tallahassee, noting that staff changed the process regarding it this year, and that a committee made up of Ms. Dottie Keedy, Economic Growth and Redevelopment Director; Ms. Margo Odom, a member of the Lake County Industrial Development Authority; and Mr. Robert Johnson, representing the Chamber Alliance of Lake County, would be handling it.  She stated that a request came in for $5,000.00, however, noted that, in the past, the County spent approximately $2,500.00 in in-kind services, not $5,000, and that, with the number of businesses that are stepping forward to help pay for Lake County Days, she feels that a more appropriate number would be $2,500.00, rather than the $5,000.00 being requested.

Commr. Cadwell thanked the Chamber Alliance of Lake County for taking over the job, noting that it is a great benefit for the County to have Lake County Days and even better when it does not have to be done in-house.

A motion was made by Commr. Stivender and seconded by Commr. Stewart to approve a request from Economic Growth and Redevelopment, to be a sponsor of Lake County Days 2007, to be held in Tallahassee, on Wednesday, February 7, 2007, and Thursday, February 8, 2007, in the amount of $2,500.00, rather than $5,000.00, as requested.

Under discussion, Commr. Hill stated that she had a problem with the County contributing monetarily in this fashion, noting that the appearance and perception from the public that the County is spending citizens’ dollars to party in Tallahassee gives a different tone to it.

The Vice Chairman called for a vote on the motion, which was carried, by a 4-1 vote.

Commr. Hill voted “No”.

COUNTY ATTORNEY’S CONSENT AGENDA

APPLICATIONS FOR TAX DEEDS

On a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Hill and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved a request from the County Attorney for authorization to make applications for tax deeds by the County on all parcels (except Homestead, on property valued greater than $5,000.00) and Homestead property, where total taxes due are greater than $100.00.

PRESENTATIONS

PRESENTATION OF ANNUAL EDUCATION IMPACT FEE REPORT

Ms. Bonnie Penner, Chief Financial Officer, Lake County Schools, addressed the Board and presented a brief Annual Education Impact Fee Report, stating that what they had before them was a recap of the expenditures from the Lake County Schools Impact Fee Fund for FY 2005/06 and their proposed budget for FY 2006/07.  She highlighted a few points from the prior years, noting that a bulk of the dollars were extended for adding student stations at some existing middle schools.  She stated that they still have some dollars remaining from the zones, which they are pulling and making sure that they are being applied to the appropriate zones, and that they added student stations at Tavares Middle School and Eustis Middle School, which was the bulk of what was done out of last year’s dollars.  She stated that, for the upcoming year, they have a couple of larger projects that are being funded from impact fee dollars, one being Elementary School “H”, in the south end of the County, which should use all the dollars that are remaining from the south zone.  She stated that it will be a $23 to $24 million school and is expected to be open for the upcoming school year.  She stated that another large expenditure for the upcoming year pertains to a community college partnership for a high school to be located on the Lake-Sumter Community College Campus.  She stated that they are finally able to start building whole schools, rather than adding pieces to schools, which they are very excited about. She stated that they have construction underway for Elementary School “H”, as well, so they should be using said revenues significantly in the upcoming year.

COUNTY MANAGER’S DEPARTMENTAL BUSINESS

COMMUNITY SERVICES

NAME THE BUS CONTEST

Mr. Fletcher Smith, Community Services Director, addressed the Board stating that the County is starting to get the fixed route bus system up and running and wanted to have a name for it, so they held a “Name the Bus” contest.  He stated that they presented the names that were submitted to the Transportation Disadvantaged Coordinating Board at their meeting on November 13, 2006, and they selected the top three names that were being presented to the Board this date, for the Board to make the final choice.  He stated that, once the name has been selected, the individual that submitted that name will be notified and invited to participate in the opening festivities, when the County starts the fixed route bus system, and said individual will receive a one year pass to ride the bus free.

Mr. Ken Harley, Lake County Public Transportation Manager, addressed the Board stating that 245 entries were received, but the three that the Transportation Disadvantaged Coordinating Board recommended were, as follows:

Lake Transit Express

Bus Around Lake

Chain O’Lakes Transport (COLT)

A motion was made by Commr. Stivender that the Board approve Lake Transit Express, as submitted by the Transportation Disadvantaged Coordinating Board, but the motion died for lack of a second.

On a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Hill and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved a request from Community Services to select a winner for the “Name the Bus” contest and naming of the new fixed route bus system and chose the name of Lakexpress.

Commr. Stivender stated that, with regard to the “Stuff the Bus” project, letters were sent to the various Walmarts in the County and three out of four stated that the County could locate buses in front of their stores the first two weekends in December, for the purpose of collecting food for the needy.  She noted that it is also a good way to advertise the new bus and its name.

PUBLIC WORKS

ROAD MAINTENANCE DEED AND AGREEMENT

Mr. Jim Stivender, Jr., Public Works Director, addressed the Board stating that, in 2002, the County entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Turnpike Authority, along with the City of Leesburg, to transfer right of way to them for the realignment of CR 470, as part of their interchange work, with the understanding that the realigned portion of CR 470 and the associated right of way would be transferred back to the County, upon completion of the interchange.  He stated that there had been a debate going on between all the parties involved, but they were able to work it out and are now ready to accept the interchange and associated side roads into county maintenance.

On a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Hill and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved a request from Public Works to accept a deed, as submitted to the County, for that portion of CR 470 that was realigned, as part of the interchange work at CR 470, and then accept responsibility for road maintenance, as outlined in the 2002 Agreement that was submitted to the County – Commission District 3.

PUBLIC HEARING

ORDINANCE AMENDING LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS TO ALLOW

FOR RECOGNITION OF FRACTIONAL SECTIONS

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

AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF LAKE

COUNTY, FLORIDA; AMENDING SECTION 14.11.00, LAKE COUNTY

CODE, APPENDIX E. LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS, ENTITLED

MINOR LOT SPLITS, FAMILY DENSITY EXCEPTION AND

AGRICULTURAL LOT SPLITS; ADDING PROVISIONS IN SECTION

14.11.01, MINOR LOT SPLITS, AND SECTION 14.11.03, AGRICULTURAL

LOT SPLITS, FOR FRACTIONAL SECTIONS IN THE CREATION OF LOTS

FIVE (5) ACRES IN SIZE OR LARGER; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY;

PROVIDING FOR INCLUSION IN THE CODE; PROVIDING FOR AN

EFFECTIVE DATE.

Commr. Stewart stated that 10% seemed to be a lot of leeway and questioned whether it could be reduced.

It was noted that it could be reduced.

Commr. Renick interjected that she had some questions about the Ordinance, as well, noting that she assumed it was prompted by the County running into some surveying problems. She stated that her initial reaction was that, when the Board talks about something that deals with land development regulations, they could be changed as they come through the variance process. She questioned staff about the matter, at which time she noted that some people are concerned that allowing this would increase densities and create problems, as far as the County’s Comprehensive Plan is concerned.  She noted that, on Page 2 of the Ordinance, it states that a Minot Lot Split shall not be approved within a platted subdivision, when such lot split changes the character of the subdivision, or where the lot split increases the density beyond the general nature of the subdivision.  She stated that, for those people that were concerned about it, she wanted them to know that it was not a concern and that she would entertain the idea of it being less than 10%.  She stated that the Ordinance talks about creating lot sizes of five acres or larger, however, questioned whether the issue was not that it would be creating some smaller lots.

Mr. Sandy Minkoff, County Attorney, stated that, on Page 2 of the Ordinance, Line 44, it states that, if one is on a clay road, it requires 20 acres, with one acre of uplands.  He stated that he felt it was written that way, so that the 20 acres could be reduced.  He stated that it is not only five acre lots, noting that sometimes it is larger than five acre lots.

Commr. Renick stated that the request indicates the Ordinance was approved by the Local Planning Agency (LPA) on September 21, 2006, and that she would like to see the vote, noting that it was very important to her whether the vote was 5 to 4, or unanimous.  She noted that she would like to see the notes of their discussion, as well.

Commr. Cadwell suggested postponing action regarding the Ordinance until a later date, to allow Commr. Renick to obtain the information she was requesting.

Mr. Minkoff stated that the Ordinance would have to be readvertised and would probably come back to the Board the first meeting in January.

The Vice Chairman opened the public hearing regarding the request to postpone the Ordinance until a later date.

No one was present in opposition to the request.

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

On a motion by Commr. Renick, seconded by Commr. Stivender and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board postponed action regarding the proposed Ordinance amending Section 14.11.00 of the Land Development Regulations, to allow for the recognition of Fractional Sections, for purposes of creating parcels five (5) acres or larger, when created through the Minor or Agriculture lot split process, until the first meeting in January, 2007.

REPORTS – COUNTY MANAGER

CANCELLATION AND RESCHEDULING OF FUTURE BOARD MEETINGS

Ms. Cindy Hall, County Manager, stated that the Board Meeting scheduled for December 26, 2006, had already been cancelled and that staff was scheduling the Zoning cases to be heard on December 19, 2006.  She suggested that the January 2nd Board Meeting be cancelled, as well, however, noted that, due to the length of time between meetings, it may cause the January 2nd meeting to be a lengthy one.  She stated that staff will see how heavy that agenda turns out to be and, if it turns out to be a light agenda, staff may come back to the Board and request that the January 2nd meeting be cancelled.

HISTORIC PRESERVATION GRANT FROM FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Ms. Cindy Hall, County Manager, informed the Board that she had received a request through the City of Mount Dora, for the County to support a $40,000.00 grant that they are seeking from the Florida Department of State, for historic preservation, to conduct a historic building survey.  She stated that, typically, support from other entities contributes to the success of that and asked for a consensus from the Board for staff to write a letter in support of the grant, for the Vice Chairman’s signature.

It was the consensus of the Board that said letter be sent to the Florida Department of State, in support of said grant.

REPORTS – COMMISSIONER HILL – DISTRICT 1

WELCOME TO NEWLY ELECTED COMMISSIONERS

Commr. Hill welcomed the newly elected Commissioners, Elaine Renick and Linda Stewart, stating that she appreciated them being members of the Board and that she looked forward to working with them.

REPORTS – COMMISSIONER RENICK – DISTRICT 2

CHANGE IN POLICY REGARDING EX-PARTE MEETINGS

Commr. Renick stated that, after her predecessor was elected eight years ago, he asked the Board to change the policy regarding ex-parte meetings for land use and zoning issues and asked that the Board consider changing the Code back to the way that it was.  She suggested that staff be asked to bring it back before the Board at a future meeting, for them to look at it again.

Mr. Sandy Minkoff, County Attorney, informed the Board that it would take an Ordinance amendment to change the Code.  He stated that the Board would need to approve advertising the Ordinance, which would then go to the Local Planning Agency (LPA) and come forward to the Board as a recommendation from the LPA.

Commr. Cadwell stated that he felt the Board needed to have a discussion about the matter, before sending it to the LPA.

It was the consensus of the Board that staff not prepare the Ordinance at this time, but to only prepare the Agenda item.

PRESENTATION TO LOCAL PLANNING AGENCY REGARDING FARM TRUST

Commr. Renick stated that, at a recent Local Planning Agency (LPA) Meeting, a presentation was given from a number of agricultural interests and Mr. Richard Dunkel, a member of the LPA, made a motion to ask the Board of County Commissioners to consider the possibility of using the Farm Trust, with regard to preserving agricultural lands.  She stated that, since preserving the rural character of Lake County is a big thing with her, she was very interested in the matter and met with Mr. Dunkel; Ms. Cindy Hall, County Manager; Mr. Phil Leary, a consultant for the Farm Bureau; and Mr. Jody Lee, from the St. Johns River Water Management District, regarding it.  She asked that the County Manager share with the Board what occurred at that meeting, so that they could decide whether or not they would like to have a presentation made to them by Mr. Leary about the matter.

Ms. Hall informed the Board about what transpired at said meeting, at which time Commr. Renick questioned whether the Board would be interested in having a presentation made to the LPA first and then to them about the matter.

Ms. Carol Stricklin, Growth Management Director, addressed the Board stating that it was really an implementation mechanism for policies in the Comprehensive Plan, noting that there is a rural protection strategy emerging as a recommendation to the Board and creating an agricultural land trust, as a means of implementing some of those recommendations.  She stated that the question was the difference between conservation easements and agricultural easements and the idea of a land trust for same, noting that the idea is payment of a limited duration, to keep land in agriculture, where the County might create an easement and keep the land permanently open.  She stated that it would be payment for a period of 10 to 30 years, to supplement the income of the farmers, so that they can leave the land in agricultural use.  She stated that Hillsborough County has a very effective program that could be a model for the County to consider, noting that staff could bring it before the Board, for discussion, in terms of how the program might be structured and the type of study that the County might anticipate doing.

Commr. Renick stated that there are so many people in the County in agriculture that are not doing well that may want to turn their land over to developments and this might be a way to ease that pressure, to allow them to stay in agriculture, thus, helping the County keep more open land.  She questioned, as far as the process is concerned, whether the Board could ask that a presentation be made to the LPA and then to them.

Ms. Stricklin stated that staff would be happy to make a presentation to the LPA and would put policies in the Comprehensive Plan to reflect the LPA’s direction, however, noted that, in terms of putting together a program, it would be something that the Board would have to give them policy direction on.

Commr. Cadwell stated that the LPA could hear the presentation and then decide whether or not to add language to the Comprehensive Plan, however, noted that, in the meantime, the Board could also hear the presentation, so that, when the Comprehensive Plan comes before them, they would be educated about the program and be able to make a decision regarding it.

It was the consensus of the Board that said presentation be made to the LPA.

CHANGE IN LOCAL PLANNING AGENCY MEMBERSHIP

Commr. Renick stated that she would like to have the Local Planning Agency (LPA) membership changed, noting that she realizes the appointments to said Agency will be discussed in January and the new members will be seated in February of 2007, however, questioned whether the Board would consider making changes earlier than February.  She stated that she also realizes the deadline for applications is December 1, 2006, so they would not be able to do it before then, but could do it shortly after that.  She stated that, since the School Board member that currently sits on the LPA will no longer be a School Board member, as of this evening, she was thinking that they could do the changes all at once.  She stated that she was anxious to change the representative for her district to someone that more closely reflects her views on growth management and questioned whether there was any interest in the Board changing the membership of the LPA a little early.

Commr. Cadwell questioned the County Attorney about the matter and was told that the members of the LPA serve at the pleasure of the Board, so the Board could make changes in the membership, should they elect to do so.  He noted that some of the terms expire at the end of January, 2007.

Commr. Cadwell stated that the matter would have to be put on an agenda and the Board would then need to make a motion to remove the individuals in question from the LPA and another motion to appoint their replacements.  He stated that he would assume one of the Agenda items for the next regularly scheduled Board Meeting would be to give the newly elected Commissioners the option to remove members from the LPA and appoint new members, however, asked that he be provided with a list of the applicants, prior to that meeting, so that he can educate himself about them.

REPORTS – COMMISSIONER STIVENDER – DISTRICT 3

WELCOME TO NEWLY ELECTED COMMISSIONERS (CONT’D.)

Commr. Stivender welcomed the newly appointed Commissioners to the Board

REPORTS – COMMISSIONER STEWART – DISTRICT 4

Commr. Stewart stated that one of the reasons she ran for office was because she was concerned that the residential growth in the County was far outpacing the creation of high wage jobs.  She discussed appointing a task force that could bring together the best and brightest minds in the field, so that they can promote economic growth in the County, in an unbiased way, noting that she strongly believes that is what takes the tax impact off the citizens of the County.  She proposed that the Board strongly look into the matter.

Commr. Cadwell stated that the County had started a similar process approximately one month ago and, when they did it the first time, it was called an economic summit, as opposed to a task force.  He questioned where the County was regarding the matter.

Ms. Cindy Hall, County Manager, stated that the County is progressing with the Economic Development Strategic Plan and that was one of the first things that staff was looking at doing – having a plan and then, perhaps, as a part of that process, to bring forward a number of interested parties.  She stated that they could hold a summit, should the Board choose to do so, noting that, if it was something they would be interested in, staff could fold it into the process of the Strategic Plan.

Commr. Cadwell suggested that, until the Board meets in December and makes appointments to those types of committees, staff meet with Commr. Stewart, so that they can start moving forward with it.  He informed the newly elected Commissioners that, in December, they would receive a list of all the committees and the Chairman at that time will make recommendations to the Board for those committees, for approval by the Board.  He encouraged them to indicate which committees they would like to be appointed to, as the Liaison Commissioner.

REPORTS – COMMISSIONER CADWELL – VICE CHAIRMAN AND DISTRICT 5

MARTIN LUTHER KING CELEBRATIONS

Commr. Cadwell stated that, in the past, the Commissioners have participated in Martin Luther King Day celebrations and he felt it would be nice for them to coordinate through Ms. Wendy Taylor, Executive Office Manager, County Manager’s Office, as to who will be attending what celebration, to ensure that there will be representation at every event.

Commr. Hill reminded the Board that the Chairman presents a Proclamation honoring Martin Luther King at a breakfast that is held in his honor.

PARTICIPATION IN THE GIVING TOY BOX AND TOYS FOR TOTS

Commr. Cadwell thanked those employees who have been participating in The Giving Toy Box, noting that it is a project the County has, along with Toys for Tots, and it has been very successful.

LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING

Commr. Cadwell informed the Board that there will be a legislative conference in Walton County on Tuesday, November 28, 2006, and he has an Executive Committee Meeting in the afternoon, as well, so he may have to leave the Board Meeting scheduled for that day a little early.  He informed the newly elected Commissioners that there will be an orientation process for new Commissioners, as well, should they wish to participate in it.

CITIZEN QUESTION AND COMMENT PERIOD

No one present wished to address the Board.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to be brought to the attention of the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 10:33 a.m.

 

 

                                                                        ____________________________________

                                                                        WELTON CADWELL, VICE CHAIRMAN

 

ATTEST:

 

 

__________________________

JAMES C. WATKINS, CLERK