A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
april 20, 2010
The Lake County Board of County Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, April 20, 2010 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, Chairman; Elaine Renick, Vice Chairman; Jennifer Hill; Jimmy Conner; and Linda Stewart. Others present were: Sanford A. “Sandy” Minkoff, Interim County Manager; Melanie Marsh, Acting County Attorney; Wendy Taylor, Executive Office Manager, County Manager’s Office; Neil Kelly, Clerk of Court; Barbara F. Lehman, Chief Deputy Clerk, County Finance; and Susan Boyajan, Deputy Clerk.
INVOCATION and pledge
Pastor Michael Sweeney from the New Life Church of God gave the Invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
sales surtax committee report
Mr. Keith Mullins, Chairman of the Sales Surtax Oversight Advisory Committee, recapped that the citizens of Lake County voted for a one cent sales tax extension in November of 2001 for 15 years as well as an oversight committee of citizens to ensure that those taxes were spent as intended at the ballot. He related that the committee meets twice a year, and they met last March and reviewed the expenditures for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2009. He stated that the report contained a summary from all the municipalities, the School Board, and the County to assure the citizens of Lake County that all total revenues and expenditures were in line with what was voted on. He was pleased to report that all those entities were all spending their taxes as intended for infrastructure and new things for the citizens of Lake County.
Agenda update
Mr. Sandy Minkoff, Interim County Manager, stated that he would like to postpone Tab 16 on the regular agenda relating to the Picciola Bridge, because during some discussions with DOT, they learned that they may be able to find another funding source to help them complete that project. He related that he would bring that back to the Board at one of the next upcoming meetings. He also informed the Board that there would not be a budget meeting that day, but they would bring back information at the end of next week’s meeting that the Board requested regarding the budget.
MINUTE APPROVAL
Commr. Renick stated that she wanted to make a change to Page 10, Line 20 of the Minutes of March 2, 2010, and she wanted it checked to see if the words, “Green Swamp” should be omitted from the sentence stating “Commr. Renick stated that she received a request from the Green Swamp and Southwest Florida Water Management for the letter of support.”
On a motion by Commr. Renick, seconded by Commr. Stewart, and carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the Minutes of March 2, 2010 (Regular Meeting) as amended and the Minutes of March 23, 2010 (Regular Meeting) as presented.
CLERK OF COURTS’ CONSENT AGENDA
On a motion by Commr. Renick, seconded by Commr. Hill and carried unanimously by a 5-0 vote, the Board approved the Clerk of Courts’ Consent Agenda, Items 1 through 9, as follows:
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.
Notice Before the Florida Public Service Commission
Request to acknowledge receipt of Notice Before the Florida Public Service Commission – In re: Application for staff-assisted rate case in Lake County by BRENDENWOOD WATER SYSTEM, INC.; Docket No. 090346-WU.
Notice Regarding St. Johns River Water Management District’s CAFR
Request to acknowledge receipt of Notice that St. Johns River Water Management District’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for Fiscal Year ended September 30, 2009 is available on the District website at http://floridaswater.com/financialstatements/pdfs/2009_CAFR_final.pdf.
Notice from SECO Regarding Special Meeting
Request to acknowledge receipt of Notice from Sumter Electric Cooperative, Inc. regarding a special meeting on Thursday, April 29, 2010 at Tavares Middle School to elect a new Trustee for SECO District 8 area to the Sumter Electric Board of Trustees.
Audit Report from City of Eustis for FY ended September 30, 2009
Request to acknowledge receipt of City of Eustis’ audit report for Fiscal Year ended September 30, 2009.
CAFR from the City of Umatilla for the year ended September 30, 2008
Request to acknowledge receipt of City of Umatilla’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the year ended September 30, 2008.
VPSD 2009 Annual Report
Request to acknowledge receipt of Villages Public Safety Department’s (VPSD) 2009 Annual Report.
Notice of Public Hearing of Ordinance No. 2010-12 from City of Minneola
Request to acknowledge receipt of City of Minneola Notice of Public Hearing of Ordinance No. 2010-12 to be held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, April 5, 2010, at 800 North US 27, Minneola, Florida to consider a request for annexation and rezoning of approximately 15 acres of property located on the west side of US Hwy 27, south of Bishops Point.
Property Placed on the Lands Available List
Request to acknowledge receipt of Property Placed on the Lands Available List
Fiscal/Budgetary Impact: Lake County has until June 21, 2010 to purchase property from Lands Available List before it is available to the public. Minimum Bid $77,042.63 (plus interest and any accrued taxes).
COUNTY MANAGER’S CONSENT AGENDA
Mr. Minkoff asked to pull Tab 3 to look at that more and bring it back to the Board if it is necessary. He also noted that there was a typographical error on the agenda sheet under Tab 11 that reverses the A and the B, and it should show that Native Land and Tree is awarded Zone B and that DTE Landscape gets Zone A, with Zone C remaining the same.
On a motion by Commr. Hill, seconded by Commr. Stewart and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved the County Manager’s Consent Agenda, Tabs 4 through 11 as follows:
Economic Growth and Redevelopment
Request for approval of budget transfer from Economic Development Reserve to Aids to Private Organizations in the amount of $90,000.00.
Environmental Utilities
Request for approval to award the contract for a forty-eight (48) month operating lease for one (1) bulldozer to Nortrax Equipment Company-Southeast, L.P., in accordance with RFP 10-0604.
Fiscal and Administrative Services
Request for approval of direct pay (check request) from the State Attorney's office for Early Intervention Case Resolution Program.
Request for approval to (1) declare the items on the attached list surplus to County needs, (2) authorize the removal of all items on the attached list from the County's official fixed asset inventory system records, and (3) authorize the Procurement Services Director or designee to sign the vehicle titles.
Request for approval of the request from the Sheriff to retain Weekend Work Program revenues and use the funds for deputy payroll expenses associated with the Weekend Work Detail Program and associated Unanticipated Revenue Resolution No. 2010-35.
Public Works
Request for approval and signature of Resolution No. 2010-43 to advertise public Hearing for Vacation Petition No. 1154, Lake County, to vacate a portion of Ice Cream Road in the Leesburg area. Commission District 1.
Request for authorization to release a maintenance bond in the amount of $155,593.50 posted for Bentwood. Bentwood consists of 91 lots and is located in Section 2, Township 19 South, Range 25 East. Commission District 1.
Request for approval of award in the amount of $172,358.67 for Roadside Mowing and Litter Removal to multiple vendors, Native Land and Tree, Inc., A and G Lawncare and Landscaping Services, LLC, and DTE Landscape, Inc.
presentation – heritage tree designation
On a motion by Commr. Stewart, seconded by Commr. Renick and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved Resolution No. 2010-44 acknowledging the efforts of Mary Gerding to designate a magnolia tree planted by her family as a Heritage Tree.
Mr. Grant Wenrick, Landscape Architect, Division of Planning and Community Design, stated that some time ago they had received word from Ms. Gerding that she was presenting a heritage magnolia tree in her front yard which was planted in 1910 by her great-grandfather, which was located on CR 44A on the east side of Umatilla. He noted that this was also part of the landscape ordinance that was approved in December and that the Board was happy to present Ms. Gerding with this resolution.
Commr. Cadwell read Resolution No. 2010-44 and presented that to Ms. Gerding, as well as a certificate and a sign that will be placed on the property.
Ms. Gerding invited everyone to come and see the tree, which was getting ready to bloom, and she commented that the tree was her mother’s favorite project.
Commr. Cadwell commented that Ms. Gerding did a lot of volunteer work, and she posted signs on the right of way at the location of the tree asking the County Public Works Department not to mow the wildflowers that she plants.
COUNTY MANAGER’S DEPARTMENTAL BUSINESS
community services
agreement with fdot for public transit block grant
Mr. Kenneth Harley, Public Transportation Director, related that the Florida Department of Transportation (DOT) is one of their funding partners in public transportation, and today they were asking approval for the Joint Participation Agreement with the DOT for the Public Transit Block Grant, which could be used for either operating or capital assistance in public transportation. He explained that they currently utilized those dollars for operating the system and added that they were also asking approval of the resolution transferring $7,186 from one line item to another in order to match this grant, since it contained a 50 percent match requirement. He specified that the total grant amount was $748,000, and the funds were budgeted in their current year’s budget in the amount of $366,868, but they would need the transfer of an additional $7,000 to have the full grant amount.
Commr. Conner asked where the 50 percent match was coming from.
Mr. Harley answered that it would come from general fund dollars, and this current year they had a $1.1 million allocation from the general fund that is used for transportation services.
Mr. Minkoff clarified that the funds for the grant were used primarily for the paratransit program, which was funded by the general fund for the matching funds needed.
Commr. Conner asked how the money would be spent.
Mr. Harley responded that it would be used to provide trips on the paratransit program and to help to purchase fuel for the vehicles.
On a motion by Commr. Hill, seconded by Commr. Renick and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved Tab 13, the request from Community Services for approval of the Joint Participation Agreement for the Public Transit Block Grant with the Florida Department of Transportation for the funding of the Public Transportation Division's operating expenses, and approval of the budget transfer and supporting Resolutions No.’s 2010-45 and 46.
economic growth and development
hvjc program award to first class air repair
Mr. Cary Pierce, Department of Economic Growth and Redevelopment, related that this item was a High Value Job Creation (HVJC) Program Award for First Class Air Repair, which was an aircraft component repair business who was currently expanding in Groveland. He explained that the company falls under the recently amended targeted industry of aviation and aerospace, and the company anticipates creating seven full-time jobs that would qualify for the program award in the amount of $26,000. He noted that they were investing approximately $500,000 in new equipment and $100,000 in new construction, and these positions would have an economic impact of over $1.2 million.
On a motion by Commr. Hill, seconded by Commr. Stewart and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved Tab 14, the request from Economic Growth and Redevelopment for approval of a High Value Job Creation (HVJC) Program Award in the amount of $26,000.00 to First Class Air Repair for the creation of seven (7) qualifying positions, approval and signature on the HVJC Program Agreement with First Class Air Repair and the Lake County Board of County Commissioners, and approval of the associated Budget Change Request.
hvjc program award to restor telecom
Mr. Pierce stated that Tab 15 was a High Value Job Creation (HVHC) Program Award for Restor Telecom, Inc., a manufacturing company that repairs, calibrates, and refurbishes electronic equipment, which is expanding in Leesburg. He stated that they anticipate creating 12 full-time jobs, and the program award would be in the amount of $30,000. Also, he reported that the company was investing approximately $300,000 in new equipment, and the 12 new positions would have an economic impact of over $5 million.
On a motion by Commr. Hill, seconded by Commr. Stewart and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved Tab 15, the request from Economic Growth and Redevelopment for approval of a High Value Job Creation (HVJC) Program Award in the amount of $30,000.00 to Restor Telecom, Inc. for the creation of twelve (12) qualifying positions, approval and signature on the HVJC Program Agreement with Restor Telecom, Inc. and the Lake County Board of County Commissioners, and approval of the associated Budget Change Request.
REPORTS – COUNTY MANAGER
approval of funding for cad system software for sheriff
Mr. Minkoff explained that Tab 18 for approval of the request from the Sheriff’s Office to authorize them to purchase some new CAD software was in front of the Board only because the Sheriff needs Board approval to enter contracts that extend for longer than one year. He noted that this purchase did not come through their Procurement Department and that the request was not for any additional funding, since 40 percent of the cost was covered by a grant that was received by the Sheriff, who has indicated that he will budget the rest of the money needed in future years. He clarified that the only approval needed from the Board today was to authorize the Sheriff to enter into this agreement that would run for a four-year period.
Sheriff Gary Borders explained that the CAD system that they currently use has been in operation since 1999, and they had continual issues with it. He stated that with the help of Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite and the award of an $800,000 Law Enforcement Technology Grant, it was a good time for them to seek out a new CAD system. He related that they have been looking at about eight different companies for the last year and a half that have been coming in to show their product, and they have received three official quotes over the last six to eight months. He commented that they feel the company they have chosen is the right company for the Sheriff’s Office, and this was a good time to move forward with that, since they were getting the grant.
Commr. Conner asked what the CAD system was used for.
Sheriff Borders responded that all of their deputies have computers in their cars, and that technology enables them to do several things, such as having the deputies responding to calls that the dispatcher inputs into the system prior to being dispatched, allows for mobile mapping for their vehicles, allows for vehicles location capability to tell them which deputy is closest to the call, and having a records management system. He also noted that currently they use seven to eight different software companies for Sheriff’s business for functions including driver’s licenses and FCIC/NCIC, and this brought it all together into one. He stated that their goal over the next few years is to have one company or one system to operate the Sheriff’s Office efficiently. He commented that he knew the County was in tough times, but his IT Department informed him that the CAD system was a day-to-day uncertainty, and he thought that it was a need that they had.
On a motion by Commr. Conner, seconded by Commr. Hill and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved the request from the County Manager of funding for the CAD System Software for the Lake County Sheriff.
REPORTS – COMMISSIONER HILL – DISTRICT 1
support letter for city of leesburg
Commr. Hill commented that she thought it would be a good idea for the Board to send a letter of support for the City of Leesburg in their pursuit of Google, and the Board gave consensus to do that.
Mr. Minkoff informed the Board that he sent a letter from the County Manager’s Office, but he thought it would be a great idea for the Board also to send a letter.
reports – commissioner conner – district 3
appointments to solid waste alternatives task force
On a motion by Commr. Conner, seconded by Commr. Hill and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved the appointments of Donald Taylor (District 1), Brenda Boggs (District 2), and Gary Hammond (District 5) to the Solid Waste Alternatives Task Force for a term expiring on March 1, 2011. Also, Commr. Cadwell was appointed as non-voting Commissioner liaison.
Commr. Conner commented that he believed that this committee would be tackling one of the most important issues that they deal with over the next two or three years, and the seriousness of this task could not be overstated.
Policy to increase reserves
Commr. Conner informed the Board that he was working with the County Manager to bring forward a policy to increase their reserves from 10 to 15 percent as an agenda item in the future.
REPORTS – COMMISSIONER STEWART – DISTRICT 4
bidding for motorola radio system
Commr. Stewart wanted to point out that the Board considered other companies as well as Motorola for the purchase of the County’s radio system. She commented that the State looked at the process that was used and found it to be above-board and very fair.
Commr. Conner asked if it was a sole-source bid.
Mr. Minkoff answered that the Board actually requested proposals from companies, and two of the companies indicated they were interested, but one of those companies was rejected because they could not meet the technical specifications that the users thought were necessary. Ultimately, the successful bidder had originally been chosen off of another contract that was done in another county.
Commr. Stewart pointed out that the company that was rejected has had a very poor history since then, has changed hands several times, and had many lawsuits brought against them for not living up to what they claimed they could do. She opined that the County definitely made the right choice in choosing Motorola.
REPORTS – COMMISsIONER CADWELL – CHAIRMAN AND DISTRICT 5
law enforcement month proclamation
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 Proclamation No. 2010-49 declaring the month of May 2010 as Law Enforcement Month in Lake County.
occupational safety and health proclamation
On a motion by Commr. Conner, seconded by Commr. Stewart and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved the execution of Proclamation No. 2010-50 declaring May 2-8, 2010 to be North American Occupational Safety and Health Week (NAOSH) and May 5, 2010 to be Occupational Safety and Health Professional Day.
CITIZEN QUESTION AND COMMENT PERIOD
Mr. Vance Jochim, who writes a blog about fiscal activities, related that he spent four hours going through the contract with Motorola, and he stated that the County issued an RFI, which was a request for information, but not an RFP (Request for Proposal), which was a full blown review of all the specs and information. He commented that he believed that the costs were a lot higher for the Motorola project because Motorola did not have towers in this County, but the other company did. He opined that by giving up the opportunity to get a competitive bid, the County probably got the retail rates for that project. He stated that the Board still probably would have made the same decision, but by not going to anyone else with a full RFP package, they ended up with a higher cost.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to be brought to the attention of the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 9:30 a.m.
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welton g. cadwell, chairman
ATTEST:
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NEIL KELLY, CLERK