REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

NOVEMBER 4, 2008

The Lake County Board of County Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, November 4, 2008, at 10:15 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, Chairman; Jennifer Hill, Vice Chairman; Elaine Renick; Debbie Stivender; 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; Neil Kelly, Clerk; Barbara F. Lehman, Chief Deputy Clerk, County Finance, and Ellie McDonald, Deputy Clerk.

INVOCATION

Pastor Michael Sweeney, New Life Church of God, gave the Invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance.

AGENDA UPDATE

Ms. Cindy Hall, County Manager, commented that she had an Addendum to the Consent Agenda and would also like to add an item under her business regarding approval for the Finance Department to make payments in the current year prior to closing the books in the preceding year and stated she would provide more detail in her report.

On a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Hill and carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved placing the above-mentioned items on the Agenda.

Mr. Sandy Minkoff, County Attorney, stated that he would like to withdraw Item A under his report as they were not ready at this time, but would like to bring it back to the Board toward the end of the month.  He also stated that there was a Public Works/County Attorney item that they would like to add to the Agenda regarding Bella Colina Subdivision which would require a vote; as well as adding the Cagan Crossings issue on impact fees to the Agenda in order to clarify the exact action of the Board at previous meetings.

On a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Hill and carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved placing these two items on the Agenda.

Commr. Stivender stated that she would like to add an item to the Agenda regarding the PEAR project which would require a vote by the Board.

On a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Hill and carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved placing the above mentioned item on the Agenda.

MINUTES

Commr. Renick noted a change in the Minutes of October 7, 2008, page 15, line 12, stating that the language should read Spring Valley is “not” an old community.

On a motion by Commr. Renick, seconded by Commr. Hill and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the Minutes of October 7, 2008 (Regular Meeting), as amended; and October 14, 2008 (Regular Meeting), as presented.

CLERK OF COURT’S CONSENT AGENDA

On a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Hill and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the Clerk of Court’s Consent Agenda, as follows:

List of Warrants

            Request to acknowledge receipt of 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

            Request to acknowledge receipt of Monthly Distribution of Revenue Traffic/Criminal Cases, for the Month Ending September 30, 2008, in the amount of $183,088.18.  Same period, last year:  $177,402.97.

            Notice before the Florida Public Service Commission

Request to acknowledge receipt of Application for authority to transfer water Certificate No. 450-W, held by Pine Harbour Water Utilities, from Jim C. Branham to Pine Harbour Water Utilities, LLC, in Lake County.

Docket No. 080269-WU

Order No. PSC-08-0645-FOF-WU

Issued October 6, 2008

Order Approving Transfer

            Lake County Water Authority

            Request to acknowledge receipt of copy of the Lake County Water Authority’s Final Budget for FY 2008-2009.

            City of Groveland Annexation Ordinances

            Request to acknowledge receipt of Notices of Public Hearing for potential annexations regarding the following annexation ordinances from the City of Groveland:

Ordinance 2008-11-47, annexing 25.57 +/- acres.

Ordinance 2008-11-48, amending ordinance 2006-03-19, which annexed 28 +/- acres, by correcting the legal description to include real property inadvertently not included, thereby extending and increasing the corporate limits of the City of Groveland annexing 2.47 acres of unincorporated land owned by Hunt Family III, LLC.

            Southwest Florida Water Management District

      Request to acknowledge receipt of Southwest Florida Water Management District’s CD containing a copy of the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Fiscal Year 2009 Budget in Brief, along with a copy of the transmittal letter to Governor Charlie Crist.

      Town of Montverde

            Request to acknowledge receipt of Comprehensive Annual Financial Report of the Town of Montverde for the Fiscal Year ended September 30, 2007.

            Founders Ridge Community Development District

            Request to acknowledge receipt of Founders Ridge Community Development District Fiscal Year 2009 Meeting Schedule, in accordance with Chapter 189.417, Florida Statutes.  The Board of Supervisors of the Founders Ridge Community Development District does not meet on a regular basis, but will separately publish notice of meetings at least seven days prior to each Board Meeting, to include the date, time, and location of said meetings.  Meetings may be continued to a date, time, and place to be specified on the record at the meeting.  Each person who decides to appeal any action taken at these meetings is advised that person will need a record of the proceedings and that, accordingly, the person may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, including the testimony and evidence upon which such appeal is to be based.

            COUNTY MANAGER’S CONSENT AGENDA

            On a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Hill and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the County Manager’s Consent Agenda, Tabs 3-18, adding the Addendum, and pulling Tabs 4, 7, and 10 for further discussion, as follows:

            Community Services

            Request for approval of recommended library closings for calendar year 2009.

            Request for approval of continued funding to the Lake County Shared Services Network in the amount of $25,000 for FY 2008/2009.  Funding will be taken from the Crime Prevention Fund established by the County pursuant to F.S. 775.083(2). Approve and authorize the Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners to sign the Extension to Agreement between Lake County and School Board of Lake County, for operation of the Lake County Share Services Network program effective 10/1/08 through 9/30/09.

            Request for approval signature of revised policy LCC-7 "Lake County Library System Guidelines and Minimum Standards for Public Libraries Entering the County Library System."

            Request for approval of annual grant funding for six (6) children’s services providers, who have submitted applications for the 2008-2009 County funds through the Children’s Services Council Request for Proposal (RFP) process; request authorization for signatures on subsequent agreements contingent on County Attorney approval; request to encumber and expend funds.

            Request for approval and authorization for the Chairman to sign the FY 2008-09 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Partnership Agreement with the Lake County Health Department in an amount not to exceed $70,720.00 in FY 2008-09 CDBG funding and $70,000.00 from FY 2008-09 County General Revenue funds to provide prescriptions to low income individuals, and to direct the Community Services Department to execute the agreement and oversee completion of the project covered in the Scope of Services.

            Employee Services

            Request for approval of the period July 1, 2008-September 30, 2008 unemployment compensation invoice. This invoice exceeds the County Manager's $25,000 approval threshold.

            Procurement

            Request for approval of recommendation that Gatorsktch Architects, Incorporated be awarded a contract for Architectural/Engineering Services for On Call Roofing Projects.

            Public Safety

            Request for approval and execution of the Emergency Management Preparedness and Assistance (EMPA) Trust Fund Base Grant Agreement with the State of Florida, Division of Emergency Management.

            Request for approval and execution of the Hazards Analysis Agreement between the State of Florida, Division of Emergency Management and Lake County, by the Lake County Board of County Commissioners.

            Request for approval and execution of the Lake County Enhanced Warning System-Education & Training Agreement, with the State of Florida, Division of Emergency Management, and approval of Resolution No. 2008-178.

            Request for approval and execution of the Lake County Enhanced Warning System-Weather Radios Agreement, with the State of Florida, Division of Emergency Management, and approval of Resolution No. 2008-179.

            Public Works

            Request for approval, execution and acceptance of a corrective Non-Exclusive Easement granted by Diane Knight-Cummins. Commission District 3.

            Request for execution of Resolution No. 2008-166 which was approved on October 7, 2008, authorizing the installation of the "STOP" signs with “All Way” plaques on Roper Bv (1048A) and "All Way" plaques on existing stop signs on Caspian Lane (1047) in Spring Valley Subdivision in the Clermont area that was approved by the Board of County Commissioners on 10/07/08.  Commission District 2.

            PRESENTATION

            Mr. Eric Anderson, Senior Land Fill Supervisor, Solid Waste Operations, stated that he was today representing Ms. Sharon Tatum, Public Education Specialist, Environmental Administration.  He stated that a group of third grade children from Tavares Elementary School were here to make a presentation on recycling.  Individual class members addressed the Board asking that November 15, 2008, be proclaimed Lake County Recycles Day.  The children demonstrated recyclable items by way of posters they had prepared and encouraged everyone to recycle.

            On a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Hill and carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved Tab 21 which was Proclamation No. 2008-180, declaring November 15, 2008, as Lake County Recycles Day 2008.

            COUNTY MANAGER’S CONSENT AGENDA

            On a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Hill and carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved Tabs 19 and 20 for approval of the Third Amendment to Lease Agreement between Lake County and Sunnyside Plaza for Clerk of Court office space, and the approval of a Closed Session of the Board on November 25, 2008.

            Employee Awards

            Commr. Cadwell presented the employee awards with Ms. Kasie McAdams, Employee Services Manager commenting briefly about each employee’s service to the County:

            Five Years

Vernon Worsley, Parking Courtesy Monitor

Facilities Development & Management/Facilities Maintenance

            Ten Years

Amy Bradford, Office Associate V

Community Services/Transportation Disadvantaged

Frank Carattini, Firefighter/EMT

Public Safety/Fire Rescue

Tracey Dougherty, Network Technician (NP)

Information Technology/Information Systems

Steven Ellis, Firefighter/EMT

Public Safety/Fire Rescue

Kelly LaFollette, Information Outreach Director

County Manager/Information Outreach

Timothy Roe, Firefighter/EMT

Public Safety/Fire Rescue

Paul Rogers, Fire Lieutenant/EMT

Public Safety/Fire Rescue

Michell Woodward, Fire Lieutenant/Paramedic

Public Safety/Fire Rescue

            Fifteen Years

Leonard Connell, Equipment Operator I

Public Works/Road Operations/Maintenance Area I

            Twenty Years

Richard Miller, Sign & Striping Technician

Public Works/Road Operations/Signs Signals & Striping

Connie Nicholson, Office Associate IV

Employee Services & Quality Improvement

Fletcher Smith, Community Services Director

Community Services

Employee of the Quarter

Cyndee McManus, Office Associate I

Procurement Services\Document Services

Supervisor of the Quarter

Leon Platt, Information Systems Director

Information Technology/Information Systems Division

F.I.S.H. Award

Scott Amey, Senior Library Assistant

Community Services

Library Services

East Lake Library

Presentation to Commissioner Stivender

            Commr. Cadwell asked that Commr. Stivender join him at the podium for presentation of a framed print of the Administration Building containing the Lake County Logo on behalf of the employees and citizens of Lake County in recognition of her eight years of service on the Board.  He expressed appreciation for her service to the community, noting that she had been a strong advocate for all children’s programs as well as parks and recreation.

            Commr. Stivender addressed the Board and employees of Lake County stating that they had worked very well together for the last eight years.  She commented that she began working for the County in 1974 in the Zoning Department, now known as Growth Management, and has become personal friends with many employees.  She directed her comment to the employees and the community by stating that a year ago this month she was uncertain whether she would live through her illness, and that everyone stepped up, visited her, prayed for her and helped her through it.  She stated that she was here today because everyone cared and because of God’s grace.  She remarked that it had been an honor to serve as a County Commissioner and would continue to serve until midnight of November 17 and would like to hear from anyone needing assistance.

            Emergency Medical System of the Year Award

            Mr. Jim Judge, Director of Lake-Sumter Emergency Medical Services (Lake-Sumter EMS), addressed the Board and presented a training video produced by the National Red Cross while in Lake County several months ago.  He explained that the video was what Lake County Public Safety was all about - team work, which exists every hour of every day.  He reported that Lake-Sumter EMS was honored to have been recognized at the local, state and national level; however, the Emergency Medical Services system as a whole was truly outstanding and worthy of the award.  He stated that Fire, EMS, and Law Enforcement work together as a unified team to serve the citizens of Lake and Sumter counties.  He expressed his appreciation to the Board for the continuous support and encouragement they have provided throughout the years and thanked the EMS Board of Directors for their support in the direction of instrumentally guiding them to keep their commitments which has been their motto.  He stated that they also want to remember and honor Mr. Robert Moore, former member of the Lake Sumter EMS Board and Chief April Hoover, both of whom are now deceased, but would always be a part of their system.  He further expressed appreciation to Mr. Neil Kelly, Clerk of Court; Mr. James C. Watkins, former Clerk of Court; and all those on the Board; Ms. Pam Christian, Government Operations Consultant II, Lake County Health Department; and Mr. Jerry Smith with Emergency Management, to name a few, noting that partnerships working together make Lake County a great place to live.

            Mr. Judge then asked Commr. Cadwell to join him stating that they especially wanted to recognize the individual who had a vision of creating a true community based Emergency Medical Services system.  He stated that Commr. Cadwell had convinced the cities throughout Lake County, and others, that this concept could, in fact, work and work well.  He commented further that Commr. Cadwell also provided Sumter County the opportunity to be part of the system and share the costs of providing the service.  He stated that to put it in sports terms, Commr. Cadwell was their “MVP” (Most Valuable Player).  He explained that it was with great pride that they present the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians, Emergency Medical System of the Year Award to Commr. Welton Cadwell, Chairman of the Board.

            Commr. Cadwell mentioned that six or seven years ago when Mr. Bob McKee, Tax Collector, and Mr. Shannon Elswick, Vice-President, Orlando Regional Health Care, sat down with him to discuss Lake County’s situation, he never envisioned the outcome being what they have today.  He stated that he was very proud of the system and the people in it and expressed his appreciation for the award.

            COUNTY MANAGER’S DEPARTMENTAL BUSINESS

            COMMUNITY SERVICES

            SUBSTANCE ABUSE POLICY

            Mr. Ken Harley, Public Transportation Director, stated that Tab 22 was for approval of an amendment to their Substance Abuse Policy.  He stated that the Code of Federal Regulations had been changed by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) earlier this year to acquire direct observations of people performing their alcohol and substance abuse tests as well as direct observation of specimen testing.  He explained that these observations would be made when there had been a diluted test or when a person was returning back to duty.  He stated that this is a requirement of the FTA which is primarily focused on drivers and mechanics of their Para-Transit and Fixed Route system.

            On a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Hill, and carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the Public Transportation Division Substance Abuse Policy as amended by the FTA.

            AGREEMENT WITH LYNX

            Mr. Ken Harley stated that Tab 23 was a request for approval of an Agreement with Lynx to continue providing transportation services in South Lake County.  He commented that the Agreement was for their express service running from Clermont to Orlando, as well as the extension of Route 55.  He mentioned that when the budget was originally presented to the Board they were going to provide three runs on Route 204, but since that time the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) extended the Lynx Service Development Grant allowing the route to remain intact with five runs.  He stated that their annual cost would be approximately $296,083 for both routes.  He explained that Route 204 had seen substantial growth since its inception, and that during its first year of operation there was a 248 percent increase in ridership with more than 108 percent ridership from 2007 to 2008 so far.  He stated that it was a valuable service to the residents of South Lake and receives several calls each week hopeful that the Board will continue to support this much needed service.

            On a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Hill and carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the Agreement with Lynx to provide two fixed route bus networks in Clermont and South Lake County from October 1, 2008, through September 30, 2009.

            PROCUREMENT

            STATEWIDE CONTRACTS FOR PURCHASE OF ROLLING STOCK

            Mr. Barnett Schwartzman, Procurement Services Director, recommended the Board approve the use of various state-wide contracts for the purchase of rolling stock (vehicles, trucks, mowers, etc.) approved in the budget process for Fiscal Year 2008/2009.  He stated that this item primarily implements the budget process.  He commented that they generally use the state-wide contracts because they are based on very high volumes with excellent pricing.  He remarked that this particular item was to impress overall authority to use these contracts whenever market research indicates it appropriate to do so.  He explained that if there was any action for any vehicle or item that was not budgeted, or anytime they did not specifically want to use the state contracts for some specific reason, then that particular award would be presented, individually, to the Board for approval.

            On a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Hill and carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the use of various state-wide contracts for the purchase of the rolling stock (vehicles, trucks, mowers, etc.) approved in the budget process for Fiscal Year 2008/2009.

            OTHER BUSINESS

            AFFORDABLE HOUSING ADVISORY COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS

            Commr. Cadwell referred to Tab 25 appointing members to the Affordable Housing Committee and commented that the present members do a tremendous job.  He stated that the following people were up for reappointment:  Ms. Vicki Zaneis representing the Local Planning Agency (LPA); Mr. Carl Ludecke representing the Residential Home Building Industry; Mr. Mike Cox representing the Banking Industry; and Mr. James Fischer representing Low-Income Persons.

            On a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Hill and carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved Resolution No. 2008-181 for the reappointment of Ms. Vicki Zaneis, Mr. Carl Ludecke, Mr. Mike Cox and Mr. James Fischer to the Affordable Housing Committee.

            PARKS, RECREATION AND TRAILS ADVISORY BOARD APPOINTMENT

            Commr. Cadwell referred to Tab 26 requesting approval of the appointment of an individual to the vacant Commission 2 District seat on the Parks, Recreation and Trails Advisory Board.

            Commr. Renick stated that she had talked to Mr. Rick Roberts with South Lake Little League and she had also heard from Ms. Kathleen Leo who had previous experience with this board.  She stated that she would like to nominate Mr. Roberts to fill the vacancy, but wanted to know if they could have an alternate.

            Mr. Sandy Minkoff, County Attorney, stated that he thought there were no provisions for alternates but would check into it.

            On a motion by Commr. Renick, seconded by Commr. Stivender and carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the appointment of Mr. Rick Roberts to fill the vacant District 2 seat on the Parks, Recreation and Trails Advisory Board.

            LAKE COUNTY LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD APPOINTMENT

            Commr. Cadwell stated that Tab 27 was an affirmation for the appointment of Mr. Charles “Billy” Goodson to serve as the Umatilla Public Library’s member representative on the Lake County Library Advisory Board.

            On a motion by Commr. Hill, seconded by Commr. Stivender and carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the affirmation of Mr. Charles “Billy” Goodson to serve as the Umatilla Public Library’s member representative on the Lake County Library Advisory Board to complete an unexpired term ending February 28, 2010.

            COUNTY MANAGER’S CONSENT AGENDA CONT’D.

            CDBG PARTNERSHIP WITH CITY OF TAVARES AND COMMUNITY

            ENHANCEMENT AREA PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COUNTY

            AND THE FRIENDS OF FERNDALE

            Commr. Stivender stated that with regard to Tabs 4 and 7, she would like to make the public aware of how well the staff; Mr. Fletcher Smith, Community Services Director; Mr. William Gearing, Community Services Enhancement Coordinator; and Ms. Barbara Schamel, Community Services Program Specialist, have worked with the City of Tavares and Ferndale on the Community Development Block Grants (CDBG).

            Ms. Schamel addressed the Board stating that the City of Tavares had been a great urban partner.  She commented that she was unaware of how many people were familiar with Summerall Park but that it had been ignored for many years and that they have now placed trash cans, picnic tables and grills in the park and were in the process of building a fishing dock.

            On a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Hill and carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved execution of Amendment 1 to the FY 07-08 CDBG Partnership Agreement with the City of Tavares, and authorization for execution of the FY 2008-09 Community Enhancement Area Partnership Agreement between the County and the Friends of Ferndale in an amount not to exceed $75,000, allocating Community Development Block Grant funds to purchase, on behalf of the Friends of Ferndale, the property at the southeast corner of County Road 455 and Ferndale Road for use as a community park and to oversee completion of the project as covered in the Scope of Services.

            SPONSORSHIP FOR LAKE COUNTY DAYS 2009

            Commr. Renick stated that she had pulled Tab 10 regarding their involvement with Lake County Days stating that the recommended Level for Sponsorship was Platinum.  However, after reviewing the various Levels, she stated that the big difference between Platinum and Silver Sponsorship seemed to be VIP seating for meal tickets.  She asked if anyone else was interested in offering the Silver Level Sponsorship rather than the Platinum Level.

            Commr. Stewart commented that she thought that was a good idea.

            On a motion by Commr. Renick, seconded by Commr. Stewart and carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved reducing their Sponsorship Level from Platinum to Silver.

            REPORTS - COUNTY ATTORNEY

            Mr. Sandy Minkoff, County Attorney, stated that the first issue added to the Agenda under his report involved the Bella Collina West Subdivision which is a fairly substantial development with a $13 million Performance Bond for improvements; approximately $400,000 worth of landscaping that has not been completed; and four homes nearing completion.  He commented that this comes through Public Works and that Mr. Stivender could verify his numbers.  He explained that they would like to get Certificates of Occupancy (CO) for the homes before they complete the landscaping.  He stated that they had requested Board approval to issue the CO’s, and keep the Bond.  He stated that in terms of overall development, there would still be a relatively small amount of landscape work that would need to be completed.

            Commr. Cadwell commented that they had about $400,000 worth of landscaping remaining to be done, but they would retain the $13 million Bond.  He stated he saw no problem with the request.

            Mr. Minkoff stated that there were no homes, other than the four mentioned, and the CO’s would allow them to sell their homes and close on the properties.

            On a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Hill and carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the issuance of Certificates of Occupancy at Bella Collina West subdivision on the four homes prior to the completion of $400,000 of landscaping, and to retain the $13 million Performance Bond, in order to sell the homes and complete the landscaping at closing.

            CAGAN CROSSINGS - THE GLENN IMPACT FEES

            Mr. Minkoff stated that the second item placed on the Agenda under his report was with regard to Cagan’s Crossing - The Glenn (Cagan’s).  He commented that Cagan’s had come before the Board twice requesting a full waiver of impact fees based upon Affordable Housing which request was denied by the Board.  He commented that they also requested that they be allowed to defer the payment of the impact fees from the time of obtaining the Building Permit to the time of getting the Certificates of Occupancy for the apartments.  He explained that he thought they had Board approval to defer the payment of impact fees, but it was unclear and wanted to confirm same if that was the sentiment of the Board.  He suggested that the Board entertain a motion to clarify the matter.  He noted that this would not keep them from paying anything; they would simply be allowed to pay at the end of construction rather than at the beginning.  He commented that generally the Code authorizes the Board to approve this type of arrangement for any commercial or industrial development allowing them to pay at the end rather than at the beginning.

            On a motion by Commr. Hill, seconded by Commr. Stivender and carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the waiver of impact fees for Cagan Crossings - The Glenn, to allow deferring the payment of the impact fees from the time of obtaining the building permit to the time of getting Certificates of Occupancy for the apartments which would allow them to pay at the end of construction rather than at the beginning.

            REPORTS - COUNTY MANAGER

            PAYMENT OF PURCHASE ORDERS FROM LAST YEAR

            Ms. Cindy Hall, County Manager, stated that the item she had added to the Agenda under her report dealt with payment of bills in the current year prior to closing out the preceding Fiscal Year.  She commented that the Board approved current purchase orders by contract in the last year, but they have not yet been brought forward into the current year because the books were not closed due to some awaiting adjustments regarding account lines.  She explained that bills cannot be paid in the current year until that happens.  She requested approval for the Finance Department to pay bills of that nature against approved purchase orders from last year by a direct pay method which requires Board approval when the amount is over $25,000.

            On a motion by Commr. Hill, seconded by Commr. Stivender and carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved having the Finance Department pay bills against approved purchase orders from last year, which have not yet been brought forward into the current year, by a direct pay mechanism.

            REPORTS - COMMISSIONER RENICK - DISTRICT 2

            GREEN FAIR

            Commr. Renick reported that approximately 1500 people attended the Green Fair last Saturday.  She expressed her appreciation to the Green Team and everyone in attendance and felt the event was very successful.

            Commr. Cadwell commented that they would officially recognize the Green Team for this event at a future meeting.  He expressed his appreciation to them.

            REPORTS - COMMISSIONER STIVENDER - DISTRICT 3

            Commr. Stivender stated that they had discussed the entrance to PEAR Park at a previous meeting and that since that time a check had been received from the State in the amount of $200,000.  She discussed this matter with the County Manager and staff and requested they designate that money back into the completion of PEAR Park at mid-year because by that time the road would be designed and everything would be completed with the City of Leesburg.  She mentioned that when the Parks capital fund and general fund are rebalanced, she would like to see the $200,000 or any surplus and reserves, go to the Parks capital fund, if available, and earmarked for the entrance of the PEAR Park project.

            On a motion by Commr. Stivender, seconded by Commr. Hill and carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved that the $200,000 check received from the State be designated to complete PEAR Park, with any surplus and reserves placed in the Parks capital fund and earmarked for the entrance of the PEAR Park project.

            EXPRESSION OF GRATITUDE

            Commr. Stivender thanked the Board for the pleasure of being one of its members for the past eight years and stated that it had been an honor to serve with them.

            REPORTS - COMMISSIONER STEWART - DISTRICT 4

            MT. PLYMOUTH/SORRENTO ADVISORY COMMITEE

            Commr. Stewart stated that several members of the Mt. Plymouth/Sorrento Advisory Committee were having health issues, one of whom would be absent for sometime due to surgery, and another member would be having extensive surgery after the first of the year.  She commented that the Comprehensive Plan would be submitted soon; therefore, time was of the essence to complete their job establishing the Land Development Regulations (LDR’s).  In order to speed up that process, she requested approval for staff, which was very knowledgeable of the community and its vision, go forward with completion of the project and present it back to the Committee for any necessary changes.  She explained that after meeting and discussing this process with the Committee Chairman and staff, they had all come to this decision.

            Commr. Cadwell stated that he felt this would be a good idea.  He suggested that Commr. Stewart go forward with the project as Liaison to the Committee.

            CITIZEN QUESTION AND COMMENT PERIOD

            Mr. Michael David Perini of 12317 Cypress Bend, Groveland, Florida, addressed the Board regarding an error on his property tax bill.  He stated that he wanted to know why the receipt indicated he had filed bankruptcy.  He explained that they have lived at this address for eight years, have paid their mortgage timely, and have no credit card debt.  He wondered how this could happen.

            Commr. Cadwell asked if he had spoken with the Tax Collector about the tax bill to which Mr. Perini responded that he had not.  He explained that the Tax Collector was a separate Constitutional Officer and it was his job to send out those bills.  He stated that the Board would be glad to contact Mr. McKee’s office and obtain information for Mr. Perini in this matter.

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            Ms. Rae Stewart of 25424 Mardon Circle, Paisley, addressed the Board regarding Embarq, and Florida Cable services, as well as cell phone towers need to serve subscribers, other than Sprint, in Paisley.  She stated that over the past several years many Paisley residents had tried to get companies like Embarq or Florida Cable to bring high-speed internet into the area.  She reported that the only response they had received to-date was that it was unavailable.  She stated that in August she solicited all County Commissioners via email to assist her in getting a better response from these two companies.  She mentioned that she had spoken with Mr. Bruce Thorburn, Communications Systems Director, who communicated with those companies and they advised him that they would look into it.  She presented the Board with a petition which was signed by over 500 Paisley residents and requested it be given to the appropriate people at Embarq.  She asked that the Commissioners use their influence and position to assist their constituents in this regard.  She stated that she was contacted by a reporter for the Orlando Sentinel who had read the story about the petition and that she had actually received calls from Embarq and Florida Cable after the article appeared in the paper.  She stated that it seemed that they would get this new technology in Paisley in the near future.  She commented that only those cell phones with Sprint contracts can receive a signal.  She requested the Board speak with other telephone companies in order to get new cell phone towers in Paisley.  She expressed her gratitude for being allowed to address the Board.

            Commr. Stivender remarked that at the last Board meeting they approved a communication system that would provide additional cell phone coverage in Paisley.

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            Mr. Hamid Mazuji addressed the Board to request reducing the speed limit to 40 miles per hour on roads that have no shoulder, sidewalk, or trail where the only option is to share the road.  He commented that he had called the State and they explained to him that they had performed a study in this regard and that even with a reduced speed limit people would continue to drive at a speed of 55 miles per hour.  He explained that his reason for bringing this matter to the Board was that he got hit on the bridge going towards Howey-in-the-Hills on Lake Harris.  He explained that although a sign there says "share the road," those cars traveling at 55 miles per hour have very little time to react.  For that reason he asked the Board to consider changing the speed limit to 40 miles per hour for shared roads County-wide.

            Commr. Cadwell suggested that the Safety Committee and Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee look into that issue utilizing the County’s inventory of those roads with no shoulders.

            ADJOURNMENT

            There being no further business to be brought to the attention of the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 11:10 a.m.

 

                                                                                                                                                            ____________________________________

                                                                                                                                                            WELTON G. CADWELL, CHAIRMAN

 

ATTEST:

 

 

__________________________

NEIL KELLY, CLERK