A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD
OF
NOVEMBER 18, 2008
The Lake County Board of
INVOCATION
The
RECOGNITION
Commr. Cadwell recognized various Constitutional Officers, School Board members, and elected city officials who were present.
INVESTITURE
Newly elected Commissioner Jimmy Conner and incumbent Commissioner Welton Cadwell were sworn into office by Neil Kelly, Clerk; and incumbent Commissioner Jennifer Hill was sworn into office by the Honorable Mark Hill. A reception was then held in their honor.
AGENDA UPDATE
Commr. Renick stated that she
wanted to add the Scenic Byway Resolution to the Agenda.
On a motion by Commr. Renick, seconded by Commr.
Hill, and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board added that to the
Agenda.
Ms. Cindy Hall, County Manager,
stated that she wanted to make a change on Tab 22 to delete the part of that
item that requests approval for the remaining funds of $12,532 from the
2007-2008 Youth Recreation Assistance Program to go towards the 2008-09 Youth
Recreation Assistance Programs for the municipalities, because they have
already funded that and did not need to do that at this point.
MINUTE APPROVAL
Commr.
Conner stated that the October 21, 2008 Minutes as transcribed were accurate,
but on Page 13, Line 12, he did note that not all of the evaluations had been
done and thought that that should probably be in the record so that it would be
more accurate, and he had a question about the compensation increase and
whether there was a vote or consensus.
On
a motion by Commr. Renick, seconded by Commr. Hill, and carried by a vote of
5-0, the Board voted to add “All but one evaluation was submitted” to the
record.
Commr.
Cadwell responded that there was no motion made regarding the compensation and
that they could discuss that at their Board Retreat.
Commr. Renick stated that she
wanted to make sure that on Page 10, Line 23 and 24 of the October 21 Minutes, that
when they were talking about the temporary fire station in South Lake County,
everyone understood that they were not looking to build another fire
station. She added that they may use the
temporary building that used to be in
Commr. Cadwell suggested
changing the word “site” in that passage to “home.”
On a motion by Commr. Renick, seconded by Commr. Hill, and carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the Minutes of August 19, 2008 (Value Adjustment Board Meeting), as presented; and October 21, 2008 (Regular Meeting), as amended.
CLERK OF COURTS’ CONSENT AGENDA
Mr. Neil Kelly, Clerk of the
Circuit Court, stated that they have received some last minute information
relating that item number 2 was being withdrawn by the City, and item number 3
would be heard by the City’s Planning and Zoning Board on December 1,
2008. He requested approval of the
remaining items.
On a motion by Commr. Hill,
seconded by Commr. Stewart, 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.
Fiscal
Year 2009
Request to acknowledge receipt of Fiscal Year 2009 Meeting Schedule for Pine Island Community Development District.
Fiscal
Year 2009 Central
Request to acknowledge receipt of Fiscal Year 2009 Meeting Schedule for Central Lake Community Development District.
Annexation
Ordinance from the City of
Request
to acknowledge receipt of Ordinance #2008-08-28 extending and increasing the
corporate limits of the City of
Town
of Montverde Annual Finance Report for year ended September 30, 2007
Request
to acknowledge receipt of copy of Annual Finance Report for the Town of
Annexation
Ordinances from City of
Request
to acknowledge receipt of Annexation Ordinance 2008-1023 – Church Property
0-4.34 Acres +/- generally located on State Road 44, North of US Hwy 441,
Request
to acknowledge receipt of City of Mount Dora Annexation Ordinance 2008-1023,
Church Property – 4.34 Acres +/- generally located on State Road 44, North of
US Hwy 441,
Excess
Fees from the Clerk in the amount of $344,401.14 for FY 2008
Request to acknowledge receipt of Excess fees from the Clerk to the Board of County Commissioners, in the amount of $344,401.14, for Fiscal Year 2008.
Draft Five-Year Water Resource
Development Work Program
Request to acknowledge receipt of Draft Five-Year Water Resource Development Work Program, pursuant to Section 373.536(6)(a)(4), Florida Statutes.
Commr. Renick requested pulling
Tabs 4, 9, 16, and 17.
On a motion by Commr. Hill,
seconded by Commr. Conner, and carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote, the Board
approved the County Manager’s Consent Agenda, Tabs 3 through 26, pulling Tabs
4, 9, 16, and 17, as follows:
Budget
Request to approve Budget Change Request and Resolution No. 208-182 to amend the Section 8 Fund in order to receive unanticipated revenue for Fiscal Year 2007-08 in the amount of $38,420 deposited into County Program Revenue (HUD Housing Assistance) and provide appropriations for the disbursement for Housing Assistance Payment for activities pertaining to Section 8 operations.
Community Services
Request
for approval for the
Request for approval and signature
of 3 copies of Amendment 1 to the FY 07-08 CDBG Partnership Agreement with the
Town of
Request for approval and signature
of 3 copies of Amendment 1 to the FY 07-08 CDBG Partnership Agreement with the
Town of
Request for approval and
authorization of the Chairman to sign the Agreement for annual grant funding
between
Request for approval and
authorization for the Chairman to sign the contract between
Request for approval and authorization for the Chairman to sign the Fourth Amendment to the FY 2005-06 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Partnership Agreement between the Forest Hills Association and the County. Commission District 5.
Request for approval of the FY 2008-09 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. The Chairman is requested to sign the three copies of the CDBG Funding Approval/Agreement.
Conservation And Compliance
Request for approval of Release of Fine – Owner’s Name: Scott R. and Tina L. Brockie, Case#2007040047. Commission District 3.
Environmental Utilities
Request for approval of Amendment #2 amending the Arthropod Control FY 07/08 Certified Budget by increasing the budget revenue by $487.54 and allocating $487.54 for the purchase of chemicals; approve Amendment #1 amending the Arthropod Control FY 08/09 Certified Budget by increasing the budget revenue by $487.54 and allocating $487.54 for the purchase of chemicals.
Procurement
Request for approval to (1) declare the items on the attached list(s) surplus to County needs, (2) authorize the removal of all of the items on the attached lists from the County’s official fixed asset inventory system records, and (3) authorize the Procurement Services Director or designee to sign vehicle titles.
Request for approval of purchase and utilization of services through Coleman Technologies in support of the County Wide Radio System support network utilizing Florida State Contract # 250-000-09-1.
Public Safety
Request for approval of lease
agreement with the City of
Request for approval to transfer
funds to Public Works for reimbursement of work completed at Fire Station #21,
25100 CR 44A (Lake Norris Area)
Request for approval of the updated
Interlocal Agreement with the City of
Public Works
Request for approval to pay the City
of
Request for authorization to award
CR-452 Intersection with
Request for authorization to award
CR-452 Intersection with
Request for authorization to accept the final plat for Sugar Hill Estates, and all areas dedicated to the public as shown on the Sugar Hill Estates plat, accept a letter of credit for maintenance in the amount of $30,000.00, execute a Developer's Agreement for Maintenance of Improvements Between Lake County and Grand Island Holdings, Inc.; execute Resolution No. 2008-184 accepting the following road into the County Road Maintenance System: Sugar Court (County Road No. 6544B); accept a letter of credit for construction of sidewalk improvements in the amount of $43,100.75; and execute a Developer’s Agreement for Construction of Sidewalk Improvements between Lake County and Grand Island Holdings, Inc. for the Sugar Hill Estate. Sugar Hill Estates consists of 21 lots and is located in Section 31, Township 18 South, Range 26 East. Commission District 5.
Request for authorization to release a letter of credit for performance in the amount of $5,120.50, accept a maintenance bond in the amount of $13,000.00, execute a Developer's Agreement for Maintenance of Improvements Between Lake County and Richard H. Langley and execute Resolution No. 2008-185 accepting the following road into the County Road Maintenance System: Robbins Ridge Court (County Road No. 2728). Robbins Ridge consists of 4 lots and is located in Section 4, Township 21 South, Range 25 East. Commission District 3.
Commr. Renick commented that the $627,162 figure given in Tab 4 was different than the $517,314 amount that they actually had to pay to Grubbs Emergency Services, and she wondered if they had made an earlier payment of that difference of $109,848 and whether that would go into reserves or returned to FEMA.
Mr. Doug Krueger, Budget Director, explained that they did not have to return that to FEMA, and that was their share of federal FEMA reimbursement for expenses. He noted that the amount that was being paid to the contractor was less than that, but the full amount was actually incurred by the County and would go back into the general fund to reimburse those expenditures.
Commr. Cadwell wanted to recognize Mr. Kristian Swenson, Road Operations Director, Public Works, for working this through the process, and he commented that they would not have gotten this money without his hard work.
Commr. Renick opined that the travel and per diem expense listed in Tab 9 was rather high, but she learned from Ms. Wendy Breeden, Library Services Director, that that was incurred from local travel within the county for library meetings.
Ms. Breeden stated that all of their meeting groups have pared down a number of their meetings, and pointed out that the branch managers and library directors were meeting every other month instead of every month. She also noted that the Festival of Reading Committee was going to be meeting mainly by conference call.
Commr. Renick commented that this was currently in the budget, but she thought that cutting down travel as much as possible was something that they should emphasize for the future.
On a motion by Commr. Renick, seconded by Commr. Hill, and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved Tab 4, the request from Budget for approval of unanticipated Revenue Resolution No. 2008-183 receiving funds from Federal and State Disaster Relief, and approve a Check Request to pay the final invoice for debris removal for Hurricane Frances.
On a motion by Commr. Renick, seconded by Commr. Hill, and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved Tab 9, the request from Community Services for adoption of the FY 2008/09 Annual Plan of Service and Combined Budget for the Lake County Library System.
Commr. Renick mentioned that Commr. Conner had asked to see the other bids for Tab 16 and commented that it was very helpful to see the others. She related that there was a large difference in the per acre price for the hand crews for chain saw clearing, with the range being from $100 to $1500 an acre, and she thought that there might have been a mistake made there.
Mr. David Hansen, Public Lands Manager, explained that they shortlisted the three firms that they were considering putting under contract, which were LPG Environmental and Permitting Services, Eco-Logic Restoration Services, and Wildlands Conservation and then discussed whether they would all be needed. He stated that they currently had firms under contract, including LPG, to do general environmental service type things. He stated that Eco-Logic was the firm that they felt most comfortable with regarding both the units that they described and the cost per the units to do various tasks, and he felt that Eco-Logic’s cost came out lower overall.
Commr. Stewart commented that it was hard to compare the companies, because they all did business in different ways and employed different people, and where one was higher in one area, it was lower in another area.
Commr.
Conner asked if any firms other than LPG were from
Mr. Hansen responded that he thought
LPG was the only
Commr. Renick stated that limiting
jobs just to
Commr. Conner advised the Board that
one of the things that he would be looking at in the future on every issue was
that
Commr. Stewart assured Commr. Conner
that this issue has been raised before and that they have discussed how
important it was for
Ms. Cindy Hall,
Mr. Sandy Minkoff, County Attorney, explained that the two firms that were not chosen refused to lock in and guarantee their rates, but the chosen firm stated that they would keep their rates steady, and that was a large factor in that decision. He added that LPG had several contracts with the County for environmental work and other things, but he did not think the County had a contract for restoration work with anyone else at this point.
Commr. Cadwell stated that if they could not find a way to do that policy-wise, then they would need to find a way to monitor it to see if the local firms were getting enough consideration.
On a motion by Commr. Renick, seconded by Commr. Stewart, and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved Tab 16, a request from Community Services to award RFP 08-0251 for restoration and land management tasks to Eco-Logic Restoration Services, LLC.
Regarding Tab 17, Commr. Renick asked why the broker’s commission went up to 4 ½ percent from 3 ½ percent if there was a second broker involved in selling the property and if that was typical of real estate transactions.
Commr. Cadwell suggested that they postpone this item, since Mr. Barnett Schwartzman, Procurement Director, was not present.
Commr. Conner asked if any in-county real estate brokers applied for this.
Ms. Dottie Keedy, Economic Growth and Redevelopment Director, stated that she did not know the answer to that, but explained that they put out an RFP and turned it over to Procurement, who chose them based on their qualifications.
Ms. Melanie Marsh, Deputy County Attorney, explained that the 4 ½ percent co-broker fee would be split so that each broker would get the 2.25 percent, which was standard.
Commr. Renick pointed out that it would cost them more if two brokers were used.
Commr. Conner commented that there
needed to be a compelling reason not to hire the person from
On a motion by Commr. Renick, seconded by Commr. Conner, and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board moved to postpone Tab 17 regarding the award of RFP 08-0257, Industrial Real Estate Broker to CB Richard Ellis, Inc. (CBRE).
On a motion by Commr. Renick,
seconded by Commr. Conner, and carried unanimously, by a 5-0 vote, the Board
approved the County Attorney’s Consent Agenda, Tabs 27 through 34, as follows:
Request for approval of Third Amendment to Lease Between Lake County and Data Graphics. Commission District 4.
Request for approval to advertise proposed Ordinance relating to Chapter V-A, LDRs, entitled Necessary Public Services and Facilities regarding expiration date for the School Concurrency Ordinance.
Request for approval of Maude Prewett Gap parcel to Ellen Meisse as part of the Purchase Agreement approved on June 17, 2008 and authorizing the Chairman to execute the closing documents. Commission District 5.
Request for approval of Purchase Agreement with Earl A. Ruprecht, Trustee for right-of-way needed for the CR 466, Segment B Road Widening Project. Commission District 5.
Request for approval of Purchase
Agreement with Joy L. Scarborough for right-of-way needed for the CR
Request for approval to disburse the overbid proceeds for Tax Certificate #2163 of May 29, 2002 in the amount of $19,970.83.
Request for approval of Progress
Energy Distribution Easements for the Judicial Expansion Projects that include
the Central Energy Plant and
Request for approval of declaration
of the County owned property, identified as Alternate Key 1402417 located in
PRESENTATIONS
STORMWATER PRESENTATION
Ms. Nancy Fullerton, Vice President
of the
Ms.
Fullerton stated that APWR was asking the County to evaluate the stormwater
management program. She noted that it
was their understanding that the projected stormwater balance in 2006//07 was
$7,173,218, but this year she understood that the County transferred funds from
stormwater to parks and recreation. She
related that they believed it was the County’s responsibility to use the money
levied by the stormwater taxing unit on water quality projects, and they would
like more money spent on the Clermont Chain of Lakes. She also pointed out that there are
approximately 187 outflows of untreated stormwater into the lakes. They would like the Board to engage in
ongoing discussion with the Water Authority and the cities regarding stormwater
solutions. She emphasized that there was
money to be spent on construction, studies have been completed, projects
identified, and it was past time for action.
She commented that everyone needed to work together and that the
County’s lakes and rivers were too valuable to lose. However, she acknowledged that currently
there is an improved focus on stormwater projects both in the County and in the
Water Authority and that the County was partnering with the Water Authority and
the City of
Commr. Cadwell suggested that the Board have Ms. Hall set up a date for a workshop so that they could discuss and get educated about the stormwater plans for the next five years and include the cities and the Water Authority to ask them to bring their projects forward. He added that some of the cities have their own stormwater utilities and have projects that the County coordinates with on a staff level, but not particularly on an elected official level.
Commr. Renick stated that there were some that felt that the County has drifted away from the emphasis on stormwater and that they needed to refocus on that as a major direction that they were going to take. She mentioned that they had the plan in place, knew what they needed to do, and it was just a matter of going forward with it.
NEIGHBORHOOD STABILIZATION PROGRAM
Mr. Fletcher Smith, Community
Services Director, stated that they first came before the Board on October 28
regarding the Neighborhood Stabilization Program, and they obtained permission
to work with Guardian Community Resource Management to help them prepare an
application to HUD (Housing and Urban Development) to use the $3.1 million that
they received. He mentioned that there
were 4100 houses in
Mr. Bill Gearing, Community Enhancement Coordinator, gave a power point presentation on a strategy for the Neighborhood Stabilization Program, where the County would fund, work with, and make agreements with various non-profits, who would be the ones buying and rehabbing the properties and turning them into affordable housing or supportive-housing type facilities. He mentioned that the plan was currently on the website and would be there through November 24 as required by the bill to be available for 15 days for public comment. He related that they basically used statistics from HUD to develop a map with help from GIS, which they were using in their plan. He showed where they believed their greatest destabilization could happen in the County, based on the decline of home values, the percentage of loans that were high cost, unemployment rates, and properties that had been vacant for at least 90 days. He showed a map they made using this data that was color coded to show where the highest risk parts of the County were supposed to be as well as foreclosed properties that he found, which were represented by dots on the map. He stated that they were looking for foreclosed properties that would cost under $120,000 to buy, rehab, and resell them at affordable prices. He commented that most of the foreclosed properties were in the city limits of Leesburg, Eustis, and Clermont, so they would be working with those cities to execute this program. He reported that they would probably be able to do about 29 homes and that they were required to put at least 25 percent of the funds they receive into the low income category. He noted that the goal of the program was to stabilize neighborhoods and emphasized that it was a requirement that they get their plan to HUD on December 1, or they would lose the money.
Commr. Renick commented that the Board did not have to necessarily go with the option of creating permanent supportive housing. She clarified that this program would not be saving people from foreclosure, but would help neighborhoods that were spiraling downward because of vacant homes that were not being taken care of and ruining residents’ property values.
Commr. Hill stated that she was comfortable with working with Habitat for Humanity and those types of organizations to provide affordable housing, but she was a little bit more uncomfortable with community resident housing.
Commr. Cadwell explained that a situation may come along where the purchase of a building by another nonprofit such as LifeStream would stabilize that community. He also pointed out, however, that he thought they would run out of money before they even got to that category. He thought they should give direction to staff of their higher priorities, but to bring things like that back to them for discussion if they see something in another category. He asked if anyone from the public wanted to comment on this issue.
Mr. Vance Jochim stated that he was concerned that this would bring people into a neighborhood that would not have a lot of income into the homes and might not appreciate the values of the neighborhood. He was also concerned that there would not be input from other residents in the neighborhood regarding who these people would be.
Ms. Leslie Campione stated that LifeStream purchased homes like this all the time, and residents did not necessarily even know they were in their neighborhood. She commented that in some instances there may be only two or three individuals living in one of those homes who were supervised. She opined that they would be very good stewards of that neighborhood.
Mr. Jim Fischer with Habitat for Humanity stated that they were very excited to be partners in this program and that it came at a very unique time in the County. He related that they had about 60 applicants recently, and they have boiled it down to 34 applicants who were in the screening process with them right now for their general program. He commented that this would work very well and come from the areas they were specifically talking about.
MINNEOLA INTERCHANGE
Mr. Jim Stivender, Public Works
Director, mentioned that they would be seeing three major stormwater projects
in the next three months totaling almost $6 million. He commented that there has been a lot of
discussion and activity regarding the location of the Minneola interchange and
the interface with the proposed Hancock Road Extension and
Ms. Kelly Peterson of Gladding
Jackson gave a power point presentation and started by looking at the existing
access on the Turnpike, noting that to the north of the proposed location was
the existing interchange with US Hwy 27 and to the south was the interchange at
Hwy 50. She commented that there was not
sufficient access on the Turnpike to allow access from the high growth areas in
Minneola and north Clermont and that the turnpike essentially blocks
north/south movement in the region. She
related that the proposed full-access interchange would be designed and
constructed in coordination with the Hancock and
Commr. Renick commented that she did not think that current residents and landowners in that area were happy with this project and that she thought this was for the benefit of future residents, but she understood that this was the solution for what was there now and appreciated all the work they put in on it.
PUBLIC HEARING
LAKESHORE DRIVE WITH HARDER ROAD
INTERSECTION PROJECT
Mr. Stivender recapped that the
countywide five-year work program was approved in August and mentioned that the
The Chairman opened the public hearing.
Mr. Jim Purvis, a resident of the
City of
Mr. Stivender responded that there was $3.8 million set aside, and the phase that was in operation which cost $1.5 million could still go forward. He added that there was some DOT (Department of Transportation) money available that could extend the project even further. He assured Mr. Purvis that the project he was concerned about would still happen.
Commr. Renick pointed out that the
There being no further individuals who wished to address the Board, the Chairman closed the public hearing.
On a motion by Commr. Renick, seconded by Commr. Hill, and carried by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved Tab 44, the request to advertise for bids for the #1040 Lakeshore Drive with #1039 Harder Road Intersection Improvement Project No. 2009-04 at an estimated cost of $500,000.00 from Road Impact Fees Benefit District 5 Fund. Commission District 2.
RECESS AND REASSEMBLY
The Chairman announced at 11:15 a.m. that there would be a ten-minute recess.
BUDGET
BUDGET CHANGE REQUEST FOR
RECONCILIATION TO ACTUAL EXPENDITURES
Mr.
Doug Krueger, Budget Director, noted that Tabs 38 and 39 were similar in that
they were adjustments to last fiscal year 2007-08 to essentially realign budget
appropriations to match actual expenditures by major category within the fund
in the department. He explained that the
only difference between Tabs 38 and 39 was that on Tab 39, in addition to these
realignments of expenditure for budget appropriations, they were also
appropriating $125,668 in state mutual aid that Lake County Fire Rescue
provided in support to the City of
On a motion by Commr. Hill, seconded by Commr. Stewart, and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved Tab 38, the budget change requests to reconcile budgeted to actual expenditures for all major object codes for FY 2007/08 in accordance with County Policy LLC-36 and generally accepted accounting principles.
BUDGET
ADJUSTMENTS FOR FY 2007/08 - FIRE RESCUE
Commr. Renick expressed concern about the overtime issue and wanted to discuss that.
Ms.
Cindy Hall,
Commr. Cadwell asked Mr. Krueger if his department would be able to track this. He commented that it was the department’s responsibility to make sure they had the right numbers initially at the start of the year. He pointed out, however, that he did not know any fire department that has ever budgeted the right amount of overtime, and every year they have had to adjust the overtime for fire services.
Mr. Krueger assured him that he would be able to track that, and hopefully they would get closer than what they were able to this year to what the actual expenditures would be.
Commr. Cadwell commented that the only way to completely cure any type of public safety overtime issues was to hire more people than they could afford. However, he noted that they needed to keep that in mind and try to budget close to the actual cost. He also thought that they needed to monitor that to avoid a large end of the year adjustment.
Commr. Stewart related that she felt comfortable after Mr. Krueger explained to her the new policies that were put into place to keep this from happening again.
Commr. Conner asked Mr. Krueger to inform them of what the total figures were regarding the issue with the salaries, the overtime, and the remedy he was requesting.
Mr. Krueger specified that the appropriation for overtime was approximately $900,000, and they spent $1.9 million total on overtime. He explained that they were asking adjustments in this budget to move $654,000 out of reserve for operations into their salary line item, because they did not need the full $1 million, since they already had some surplus monies in the personal services category.
Commr. Renick pointed out that the whole overtime issue was really unique to fire services.
Commr. Conner stated that there had to be a better way to manage the overtime, because they had gone from $600,000 in 2004/05 to $1.9 in 2007/08, which was a dramatic increase. He commented that there were probably some budgeting issues, but there were some monitoring expenditure issues that they have to stay on top of. He opined that the solution was for the Board either through policy or some other type of action to require on a quarterly basis year to date expenditures so they could see well in advance where there was a problem.
Commr.
Hill pointed out that the historical numbers could be misleading, because there
were four hurricanes in 2004/05 resulting in a lot of FEMA money, which may
have gone to overtime that may have actually been greater than this year. She also noted that the County currently has
a lot more personnel and stations than they had in 2004. She stated that the
Commr. Renick also expressed concern about the computer program that did not kick out these payments for personnel.
Ms. Hall commented that that should not be an issue, because the overtime component of it needed to be manually calculated, and so it was something that they could build in.
On a motion by Commr. Hill, seconded by Commr. Stewart, and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved Tab 39, Resolution No. 2008-186 to recognize revenue from the State of Florida for the provision of mutual aid to Deland during a declared state of emergency and the attached budget transfer to cover overdrafts as well as budget transfer to cover overtime and operating supplies overdraft; and approval to reduce a portion of the administrative fee paid to the General Fund. This item reflects final budget adjustments for FY 2007/08.
COMMUNITY
SERVICES
PUBLIC
HOUSING AGENCY PAYMENT STANDARDS FOR FY 2009
Mr.
Fletcher Smith, Community Services Director, stated that they were asking for
approval of the public housing agency payment standards for this upcoming year
2009 and that each year HUD publishes and sets forth what is the acceptable
amount of rent that they would pay on one through five bedroom unit apartments,
which was shown on an attachment to their agenda cover sheet. He explained that HUD allowed the housing
agents to pay anywhere between 90 to 110 percent of that rate, and they paid up
to 90 percent of this rate in
On a motion by Commr. Stewart, seconded by Commr. Hill, and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved Tab 40, the request from Community Services for approval of the public housing agency payment standards for fiscal year 2009 effective January 1, 2009.
JOINT
PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT WITH FDOT FOR PUBLIC TRANSIT BLOCK GRANT
Mr. Ken Harley, Public Transportation Director, asked for approval of an agreement with Florida Department of Transportation (DOT) for their Transit Block Grant, which was used to help offset their fuel costs in public transportation. He specified that the amount of the grant was $345,941; they were matching that with $345,000; and their 2008/09 budget was predicated upon receiving this grant from DOT.
On a motion by Commr. Hill, seconded by Commr. Stewart, and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved Tab 41, the request from Community Services for approval of the Joint Participation Agreement between the Florida Department of Transportation and the Board of County Commissioners and supporting Resolution No. 2008-187 for the Public Transit Block Grant.
PROCUREMENT
CONTRACT
WITH COMPDATA SYSTEMS
Mr. Dave Vasquez, Fleet Maintenance, Procurement Department, stated that Tab 42 was recommending that the Board approve the final negotiated contract for a CompData System for the Fire Rescue Electronic Identification System. He mentioned that this was originally approved back on August 19, 2008, but further action to approve the final pricing contract was required and that the cost was $230,000 over a five-year term.
On a motion by Commr. Renick, seconded by Commr. Hill, and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved Tab 42 for approval of the final negotiated contract with CompData Systems for the Fire Rescue Division Electronic Identification System.
PUBLIC
WORKS
FINAL
ALIGNMENT FOR MINEOLA COLLECTOR ROAD PD&E STUDY
Mr. Jim Stivender, Public Works Director, pointed out that there were a lot of issues back in 2003 and 2004 about having a study done, because not all of the properties involved were included in those developments. He related that in 2006 they entered into an agreement with Minneola to manage the project, which was funded through impact fees, and since they were the leading agency and the annexations were occurring in the city, it felt appropriate for the city to manage the overall project. He noted that there were some changes in city administration which delayed the project until June of 2007. He commented that there were a lot of issues that occurred, such as school site location and reprioritization of projects, that were included in the study, and this presentation by HNTB was regarding the recommended project from the City. He also mentioned that there might be some people that would want to speak regarding this project.
Mr.
Luis Diaz with HNTB Corporation stated that they started this project the
summer of 2007 and that he would give them a quick briefing of the whole
project, the process that they went through, and the final selected
recommendation to the Minneola City Council that they were bringing to the
Board for approval. He stated that the
project started at US Hwy 27, went east along
Mr. Diaz explained that they looked at the alternative alignments and evaluated them while keeping in mind the needs and desires of the community, projected traffic volumes and capacity, available right-of-way, and avoidance of sensitive lands. He stated that the alignment they originally came up with started at US Hwy 27, headed east, tied into the improvements that were proposed by Founder’s Ridge in that area, was realigned in order to get rid of some of the 90 degree turns that currently existed, avoided the cell tower, and minimized impacts to existing properties; and he went through the available alternatives. He specified that the recommendation that was made to City Council was Alignment A on the north side and Alignment C on the southern section, but at the September 16 meeting, City Council decided to go with Alignment A in the north section and Alignment C2 in the southern section, which was the one being forwarded to the Board for final approval, including a shifted Hills of Minneola, a shifting in the southern portion, and to have the ponds relocated based on public comment. However, he commented that this alignment was located on the east side of the utility easement and has some impact to some of the property in the north. He related that the next step after approval would be to go into design and right-of-way acquisition when funds become available.
The Chairman opened the public hearing.
Mayor
David Yeager, City of
Mr.
Bruce Bradford, owner and developer of Big Sky Estates, gave a chronology of
events on this piece of property and informed the Board that he purchased this
in December of 2004. He related that
they started their design about May of 2005 and sent the drawings down to the
Engineering Division of Public Works for review, at which time the County
stated that they wanted another 20 feet in addition to the 15 feet already
given along the west boundary to be able to shift the road a little more to the
right. They got their preliminary plat
approved in August of 2005 which reflects the current design. He also mentioned that it took until December
of 2007 to get the road paved by the developer of
Mr. T. J. Fish, Executive Director of the MPO, related that they have been working with Minneola and county staff on the planning of this for several years. He noted that this road and the concept of providing this network to a potential interchange was in the adopted MPO 2025 plan and that once this road and the interchange were provided, it will provide relief on SR 50 and Old 50, which have failed concurrency and were over capacity. He also pointed out that once the engineers were hired to design the road, they would find out if there were flaws with the C2 alignment.
Mr. Sam Oppelaar, City Manager of Minneola speaking on behalf of himself, thanked the HNTB staff for the excellent study they provided for them and offered his support for the Board’s consideration.
Commr. Renick mentioned that the School Board also had a voice in this decision, but that they could still open the school without this road being built.
Mr. Stivender noted that the reason this was on the agenda now was because of the time schedules of what was occurring out there, and they were concentrating from Hancock north to Fosgate, which was the north corner of the school. He stated that their timeline and lack of capital dollars did not allow them to construct this by the time the school would open, but meanwhile they could work on design and right of way acquisition and hope that some of the large developers such as the Hills of Minneola could help fund the construction of this road.
Commr. Renick felt that they should make a decision quickly on this issue, since it has already been going on too long. She did not think there was a large difference in the monetary cost of the possible alignments, but the C2 alternative chosen by the City Council reduced the cost to people of the loss of their homes, which is why they did not go with the preferred change from the engineers. She stated that she believed that this was still a good route, and she recommended approval of the route approved by the City Council.
On a motion by Commr. Renick, seconded by Commr. Hill, and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved the Alignment A in the north section and Alignment C2 in the southern section as the Final Alignment for the Minneola Collector Road PD&E Study.
Commr. Hill inquired whether they were going to rename some of the roads that currently contained confusing names.
Mr. Stivender stated that they were in the process of renaming several roads in that area, and that would all be worked out as part of the process.
OTHER
BUSINESS
APPOINTMENTS
TO TOURIST DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL
On a motion by Commr. Conner, seconded by Commr. Hill, and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved the execution of Resolution No. 2008-189 appointing Mr. Andrew O’Keefe and reappointing Ms. Ann Dupee, Mr. Bud Beucher, Ms. Nancy Howell, and Mr. Vic Donahey to vacant positions on the Tourist Development Council for four-year terms beginning December 1, 2008.
APPOINTMENT
TO LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD
On a motion by Commr. Renick, seconded by Commr. Conner, and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved the appointment of Ms. Joanne Close to the vacant Commission District 2 seat on the Library Advisory Board to complete an unexpired term ending February 28, 2011.
REPORTS
– COMMISSIONER HILL – VICE CHAIRMAN AND DISTRICT 1
SCHEDULE
FOR WORKSHOP
Commr. Hill inquired whether there was a workshop scheduled in December.
Ms.
Cindy Hall,
Commr.
Cadwell noted that myregion.org was going to meet on the 12th with
the entire Central Florida legislative delegation, and
Commr. Renick gave direction to Ms. Hall to invite the Constitution Officers to the workshop.
PROCLAMATION
FOR HOSPICE MONTH
On a motion by Commr. Hill, seconded by Commr. Stewart, and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved Proclamation No. 2008-190 for Hospice Month.
REPORTS
– COMMISSIONER RENICK – DISTRICT 2
On a motion by Commr. Renick, seconded by Commr. Hill, and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved the Green Mountain Scenic Byway Resolution No. 2008-192 to help obtain the national designation.
LETTER
IN SUPPORT OF PROMISE RANCH CONSERVATION EASEMENT
Commr.
Renick directed Ms. Hall to send a letter to
REPORTS
– COMMISSIONER CONNER – DISTRICT 3
EDC
MARKETING POSITION
Commr. Conner mentioned that he recently learned that there was money in the budget in the County’s Economic Growth and Development Department to hire a marketing person, which he did not support. He believed that their EDC (Economic Development Council) Director for the County should be the marketing person, especially since it was listed in her job description.
Commr. Cadwell stated that they had a discussion regarding that position during the budget process, and they were trying to send a message to the business community that they were committed to economic development. He commented that the new employee would be an additional person to reach out to the business community and market to the existing businesses, and he thought there was going to be enough for more than one person to do. He was concerned that not filling that position would send a bad signal to the business community.
Commr. Hill opined that they needed to put the people and the money in place to do this, and economic development would not just jumpstart itself. She commented that there was so much to be done, and she was looking forward to having the second person there. She also pointed out that they have put in place a whole committee which would need to be directed.
APPRECIATION
OF EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE
Commr.
Conner thanked all the employees that helped him transition and mentioned that
the Clerk of the Court, the
REPORTS – COMMISSIONER CADWELL –
DISTRICT 5
PROCLAMATION FOR HUNGER AND
HOMELESSNESS WEEK
On a motion by Commr. Renick, seconded by Commr. Hill and carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved Proclamation No. 2008-191 for Hunger and Homelessness Week.
CITIZEN QUESTION AND COMMENT
PERIOD
Mr. Jim Purvis, a resident of
Clermont, started by strongly complimenting the caliber of the current
leadership and staff of
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to be brought to the attention of the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 12:50 p.m.
____________________________________
WELTON
G. CADWELL, CHAIRMAN
ATTEST:
__________________________
NEIL KELLY, CLERK