A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
september 21, 2010
The Lake County Board of County Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, September 21, 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; Jennifer Hill; and Jimmy Conner. Elaine Renick, Vice Chairman, and Linda Stewart were not present. 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
Commr. Cadwell gave the Invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Agenda update
Commr. Cadwell requested to add an item to the agenda regarding discussion of a letter to the cities about consolidating services.
On a motion by Commr. Conner, seconded by Commr. Hill and carried unanimously by a vote of 3-0, the Board moved to add that item to the agenda.
MINUTE APPROVAL
On a motion by Commr. Conner, seconded by Commr. Hill, and carried unanimously by a 3-0 vote, the Board approved the Minutes of July 27, 2010 (Regular Meeting) as presented.
CITIZEN QUESTION AND COMMENT PERIOD
Mr. Wolfgang Halbig, after handing out copies of the financial statement and audit of Lake-Sumter Emergency Medical Services (EMS), related that he had come before the Board several weeks ago to recommend that the Board seriously look into consolidation of Fire and Lake-Sumter EMS services, and he was concerned that the Board was thinking of bidding those services instead. He pointed out that the budget book indicated that there was currently $10 million set aside in tax subsidies for the Lake-Sumter EMS ambulance services, and he opined that consolidation of those services would save $11 million. He also suggested that the County hire a new County Manager immediately before hiring a Deputy County Manager and enact a policy that would require all of the County Commissioners to use only the County e-mail system and phones for County business to ensure transparency.
Mr. Ted Arthur asked the Commissioners to look into bringing water and sewer service to the area of his 20-acre property located at SR 46 and Wekiva River Road, and he pointed out that he has paid taxes in Lake County since 1974 for the property. He related that the property was zoned R-1 in 1986, but they have had one moratorium after another since then which has prevented them from pulling a building permit, even though it was an approved plat. He stated that they had a good opportunity at this time with the Expressway coming through, which would take part of their 20 acres for a retention pond, and he noted that he had offered the County and State the property for a County park, since he believed it to be an ideal location for a park with a road that provided accessibility to the river. He pointed out that five agencies have expressed interest in acquiring the property, including St. Johns River Water Management, FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation), Expressway Authority, the County, the State, and the Gator Foundation from University of Florida. He commented that environmental agencies would be amenable with locating sewer and water on the property, because it would eliminate the problem of septic tanks on the Wekiva River, and the state will have to put utilities in the state park across from them. He stated that he would be available any time to meet with anyone in regard to this, and he also requested that the state donate a half an acre to an acre on the 5,500 acres of the nearby park to bury exotic animals.
Mr. Tim Hochuli, a resident of Bradenton, discussed an accident that occurred on November 11, 2009 on Citrus Tower Blvd. in Clermont in which his father was killed and his mother was injured. He related that in approximately May of 2010, the governing State Attorney’s Office notified them that they were not going to pursue charges against the driver of the vehicle that ran a stop sign and caused the accident and that a court decided that the traffic citation against that driver had not been served properly and dismissed it, resulting from the driver not being issued a ticket, not paying a fine, not having his license impacted in any way, or any other form of penalty for his actions on November 11, 2009. He opined that numerous entities have failed his family, and he requested each Commissioner’s assistance in contacting the State Attorney’s Office requesting that they reopen their consideration of the case and proceed with prosecution of the other driver on the appropriate charges.
Commr. Cadwell asked Mr. Hochuli to give the information about the accident to the County Manager’s Office.
Commr. Conner commented that he did not want the assumption made, however, that the State Attorney would necessarily listen to the Board individually or collectively, since he was not sure that their involvement would make a huge impact.
CLERK OF COURTS’ CONSENT AGENDA
On a motion by Commr. Conner, seconded by Commr. Hill and carried unanimously by a 3-0 vote, the Board approved the Clerk of Courts’ Consent Agenda, Items 1 through 6, 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.
Letter from Standard & Poor regarding County Rating
Letter from Standard & Poor’s relating that they have affirmed the “A” rating and stable outlook for the underlying rating (SPUR) for Lake County regarding the Sales Tax Revenue Bonds (Pari-Mutuel Revenue Replacement Program).
Notice from Southwest Florida Water Management District
Notice from Southwest Florida Water Management District of the public meetings for update to schedule for establishment of minimum flows and levels during the period of October 4, 2010 and October 5, 2010 at various locations.
Resolution Identifying FY 2010/11 Greater Lakes/Sawgrass Bay CDD Meeting Schedule
Copy of Resolution 2010-12 identifying the Fiscal Year 2010/2011 meeting schedule for the Greater Lakes/Sawgrass Bay Community Development District, pursuant to Chapter 190, Florida Statutes.
Southwest Florida Water Management District’s FY 2011 Board Meeting Calendar
Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Fiscal Year 2011 Board Meeting Calendar and map depicting the District’s boundaries, submitted as required by Chapter 189.417, Florida Statutes.
Semiannual Investment Report for June 30, 2010
Semiannual Investment Report for June 30, 2010 in accordance with the County’s Investment Ordinance.
COUNTY MANAGER’S CONSENT AGENDA
Commr. Conner pointed out that Tab 6 was a reclassified and not an additional position.
On a motion by Commr. Conner, seconded by Commr. Hill and carried unanimously by a vote of 3-0, the Board approved the County Manager’s Consent Agenda, Tabs 3 through 20 as follows:
Conservation and Compliance
Request for approval of Satisfaction & Release of Lien, Property Owner's Name: Carlos Duarte, Fiscal impact is $200.00.
County Manager
Request for authorization to fill one (1) Regional Branch Manager position within the Public Resources Department, Library Services Division. (The total fiscal impact is $60,062.)
Request for authorization to fill four (4) positions within Public Works/Road Operations Division: two Equipment Operator II positions, one Equipment Operator III position, and one Road Maintenance Operator position.) (The total fiscal impact for these four positions is $141,782.)
Request for approval to create and fill Deputy County Manager Position. ($148,650.83)
Economic Development and Community Service
Request for approval of Resolution No. 2010-109 to amend the Federal/State Grants Fund to receive unanticipated revenue in the amount of $2,000.00 for Fiscal Year 2009-2010 from Florida Healthy Kids Corporation, Inc.
Request for approval of Revenue Resolution No. 2010-110 to recognize the FDOT 5310 Capital Grant proceeds and appropriate funds. Fiscal Impact is $267,543.
Request for approval of Resolution No. 2010-111 to amend the Restricted Local Programs Fund in order to receive unanticipated revenue in the amount of $500.00 for Fiscal Year 2009-10 from Florida Healthy Kids Corporation, Inc.
Request for approval to accept the annual funding from the Federal Transit Administration under grant FL-90-X724-00 and authorization to purchase a vehicle off of the State Bid List. The fiscal impact is $1,953,435.00.
Fiscal and Administrative Services
No action required- Report covering purchasing actions over $25,000 completed within County Manager authority is provided for information only. No fiscal impact.
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.
Public Resources
Request for approval and signature for amendments to extend by one year interlocal agreements between Lake County and municipalities governing nine Lake County Library System member libraries. Fiscal impact is $1,074.233.
Request for approval to submit a Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program (FRDAP) Grant application for a grant of $200,000 for Phase II development of P.E.A.R. Park in the central area of Lake County, and to commit $200,000 as matching funds to support this grant. Approval for the Interim County Manager to forward a letter to the Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Recreation and Parks certifying that the P.E.A.R. Park development is in the adopted Five Year CIP with a funding source indicated and approval for Interim County Manager to sign application documents. Authorization for the Chairman to sign any future required grant documents if the grant is awarded. Fiscal Impact is $400,000.
Request for approval to submit a Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program (FRDAP) Grant application for a grant of $200,000 for Phase I development of East Lake Community Park in the northeast area of Lake County, and to commit $200,000 as matching funds to support this grant. Approval for the Interim County Manager to forward a letter to the Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Recreation and Parks certifying that the East Lake Community Park development is in the adopted Five Year CIP with a funding source indicated and approval for Interim County Manager to sign application documents. Authorization for the Chairman to sign any future required grant documents if the grant is awarded. Fiscal Impact is $400,000.
Public Safety
Request for approval for (1) Acceptance of 2009-2010 State Homeland Security Grant Funds of $9,000.00. (2) Authorization for the County Manager to sign future amendments/modifications that do not involve financial impact.
Public Works
Request for approval of and Chairman’s signature on the attached interlocal agreement between the City of Clermont and Lake County to utilize Lake County's contracted debris-hauling company (s) and monitoring consultant to collect and dispose of eligible disaster debris from the public streets and rights-of-way of the municipality. Fiscal impact is uncertain at this time as it depends on the severity of the disaster; however, only debris eligible for reimbursement from Federal and State agencies will be collected. The municipality will be responsible for their proportionate cost share which is anticipated to result in no eventual fiscal impact to the County.
Request for approval of Amendment #3 amending State Funds (Fiscal Impact is $1,115.90.)
Request for authorization to award Old Highway 441 Intersection with CR-46 Project No. 2010-22, Bid No. 10-0046, to Anglin Construction Company in the amount of $836,561.51, and encumber and expend funds in the amount of $486,073.76 from the Road Impact Fees Benefit District 2 – Infrastructure - Construction Fund and $350,487.75 to be paid by the City Of Mount Dora. Commission District 4. Fiscal impact is $486,073.76.
Request for termination of the Water Atlas Agreement with the University of South Florida, with an effective date of October 20, 2010. (No Fiscal Impact).
COUNTY ATTORNEY’S CONSENT AGENDA
On a motion by Commr. Conner, seconded by Commr. Hill, and carried unanimously by a vote of 3-0, the Board approved the County Attorney’s Consent Agenda, Tabs 21 through 23 as follows:
Request for approval of Agreement between Lake County & Eagle Dunes Homeowners Association for Traffic Law Enforcement on Private Roads. No Fiscal Impact.
Request for approval and execution of the Declaration of Restrictive Covenants for PEAR Park. There is no Fiscal Impact.
Request for approval of Second Amendment to Lease Agreement Between Lake County and the East Lake County Chamber of Commerce, Inc. Relating to East Lake County Library. There is a fiscal impact of $36,000.
presentations
announcement of public hearing of seminole state forest plan
Mr. Chris Otremba, Senior Forester with the Lake County Division of Forestry, announced that the public hearing for the ten-year Forest Management Plan for the Seminole State Forest will be held Tuesday, October 5, 2010 at 6:30 p.m. at Camp Boggy Creek, 30500 Brantley Branch Road, Eustis. He noted that there will also be two additional public meetings, one prior to the previously-mentioned one on October 5 at 6:00 p.m. and one on October 6 at 9:30 a.m., both to take place at Camp Boggy Creek.
th@t company presentation
Mr. Ken Knorr, President of TH@T Company, also known as Buildtelligence Web Solutions, thanked the Board for the economic development grant and support that they provided to their company, which he noted has been very helpful in growing and building their organization and employing people in Lake County. He related that although they started their company in 2007 during a recession, which was a difficult time to embark on building a business, they have continued to grow, have hired 28 employees, and plan to hire another 8 to 10 additional employees before the end of the year. He related that they have also been recognized in Lake County with the Entrepreneur of the Year Award, and recently the State of Florida has recognized their company along with Enterprise Florida with the 2010 Governor’s Business Diversification Award. He commented that investment in small business and economic development can and does work, and he reported that the average wage at their company is over $42,000. He stated that he would be meeting with the Governor of the State of Florida on September 22 to receive the award, and his employees have worked very hard to get that award and to bring honor to their organization. He also credited Lake County, the Board, and the City of Leesburg as reasons that he will be receiving and accepting the award. He encouraged the Board to continue to do what they have been doing and possibly even more.
COUNTY MANAGER’S DEPARTMENTAL BUSINESS
employee services
county’s property, liability, worker’s comp and risk insurance
Ms. Susan Irby, Employee Services Director, stated that Tab 27 was regarding the County’s renewal for the Property, Liability, Workers’ Compensation and Risk Insurance coverages, and they were recommending that they continue with their current levels of coverage and coverage types, with the exception of an increase in the excess property coverage from $75 million to $159 million at a cost of only an additional $16,800. She noted that overall the annual rates coming in with this additional coverage are $115,000 below last year’s premium total. She also recommended that they continue with their flat-fee compensation arrangement with Arthur J. Gallagher, the County’s insurance broker for these coverages, since it was more beneficial this year than the percentage-based compensation would be.
On a motion by Commr. Hill, seconded by Commr. Conner and carried unanimously by a vote of 3-0, the Board approved the request of the County’s Property, Liability, Workers’ Compensation and Risk Insurance coverage effective October 1, 2010 through October 1, 2011 as well as proceed with a flat-fee broker compensation arrangement, and increase the excess Property Insurance from $75,000,000 to $159,000,000. As done in the past, approval is requested to allow the Procurement Services Director authority to sign the appropriate forms necessary to bind the coverage mentioned below and attached. Fiscal impact is $1,091,613.
new rates with symetra for medical stop loss insurance
Ms. Irby explained that Tab 28 was the renewal for the stop loss coverage for the County’s self-funded medical plan, and she noted that the plan was taking into account their increased membership by adding on the Tax Collector and Lake Sumter EMS and by incorporating removal of the lifetime maximum per member of $2 million in order to abide by the federal mandate. She commented that the renewal for the aggregate coverage came in at the same amount per employee enrollment; however, the specific coverage did come in higher because of the upcoming changes. She related that the insurance carrier recommended that the County institute an additional quarter deductible option of $44,200 collectively, and rather than paying that premium to the insurance carrier, they would be able to keep that money in their account She stated that once they have met that, the insurance carrier would begin reimbursing them for coverage. She recommended the renewal for the stop loss coverage with those additional changes and incorporating the quarter deductible.
Mr. Minkoff related that he had gotten the insurance reports, which they would see next week in their reports, and last year’s claims for roughly $600,000 were well below budget.
Commr. Conner commented that the recommendations from the staff and the County Manager were good recommendations.
On a motion by Commr. Hill, seconded by Commr. Conner and carried unanimously by a vote of 3-0, the Board approved the request of new rates with Symetra for the employee medical stop loss insurance through September 30, 2011. As done in the past, approval is requested to allow the Procurement Services Director authority to sign the appropriate forms necessary to bind the coverage detailed below and attached. Fiscal impact is $374,746.
public works
amended interlocal agreement with city of tavares
Mr. Jim Stivender, Public Works Director, stated that Tab 29 was to approve the interlocal agreement with the City of Tavares for the funding and design of Alfred Street using impact fees in the amount of $565,196.68. He pointed out that they have been negotiating this agreement for some time, and they have done a good job getting down to a price that they both could work with. He recommended approval of the agreement.
On a motion by Commr. Conner, seconded by Commr. Hill and carried unanimously by a vote of 3-0, the Board approved the request of the Amended Interlocal Agreement with the City of Tavares for Funding and Design of Alfred Street (Old 441) (Fiscal Impact is $565,196.68).
resolution for put the brakes on fatalities day
Mr. Stivender noted that the annual national recognition of “Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day” on October 11 marked the tenth anniversary of Lake County’s participation in the event, and he mentioned that the theme is “Don’t Be Driven to Distraction, Drive to Arrive.” He added that “Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day” is developed throughout the County for zero tolerance for fatalities on their highways, and the event has been sponsored by the Public Works Department, the Community Safety Action Team, and all local law enforcement agencies. He related that there has been a noticeable decrease in fatalities throughout the country.
On a motion by Commr. Hill, seconded by Commr. Conner and carried unanimously by a vote of 3-0, the Board approved Resolution No. 2010-112 to show observance of annual national recognition of 'Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day - October 11, 2010 and for the weekend of Friday, October 8, 2010 through Monday, October 11, 2010. No Fiscal Impact.
REPORTS – COUNTY MANAGER
FRAUD, WASTE AND ABUSE PROGRAM
Mr. Minkoff recapped that one of the recommendations in the Employee Services audit that was presented to the Board late last year was for the County to create a fraud, waste and abuse program where citizens or employees could file honest complaints that could be looked at to make sure there was no fraud, waste or abuse. He commented that they had taken that recommendation seriously, and he has worked with the Clerk’s Office and Mr. Jeremy Martin from the Internal Audit Department to look at what other counties have been doing and have come up with a program that would be run by the Clerk to establish this hotline. He noted that there would be links for it on both the Clerk and County websites where citizens would be able to anonymously send in issues that they see, and they would respond to them.
Mr. Jeremy Martin, Director of the Internal Audit Department for the Clerk’s Office, stated that they were excited about establishing this fraud, waste, and abuse program for the County and that the purpose of this program is to provide citizens of the County and employees the opportunity and the means of reporting suspected acts of fraud, waste, or abuse of County resources via regular mail, phone, fax, e-mail, or an anonymous reporting form that would be available on the County and Clerk’s website. He stated that their investigations of those reported acts will be limited to the operations that fall under the direction of the County or Clerk’s Office, but if there is a report that is brought to their attention that does not fall under those parameters, they will make every effort to refer them to the correct agency. He added that if there are criminal acts involved, they will immediately get the Sheriff’s Office involved to lead the investigation. He commented that any information that is provided to their office will be objectively and impartially reviewed by their department to determine if there is sufficient facts to warrant further investigation, and they will document all reports that are received by their office as well as any response to those reports.
Mr. Neil Kelly, Clerk of the Court, specified that Mr. Martin is a CPA who graduated from Florida State and has been in the auditing and finance industry for almost ten years. He commented that he was looking forward to working with the Board on this new program and asked the Board to let him know if they have any input regarding it.
On a motion by Commr. Conner, seconded by Commr. Hill and carried unanimously by a vote of 3-0, the Board approved the Fraud, Waste and Abuse Program developed by the Clerk of Court.
reports – commissioner conner – district 3
tdc meeting requests and actions
Commr. Conner reported that the TDC (Tourist Development Council) voted against recommending the increase in the Tourist Resort Tax from four to five cents at their September 15 meeting, and he mentioned that the TDC asked him to work with staff to look for some possible funding for a Fieldhouse down in Clermont that Dr. Dot Richardson brought forward, noting that the National Training Center has had a lot of success there with the softball complex. He also related that Mr. John Drury, Tavares City Manager, brought a request to the TDC for $250,000 per year for three years for a pier at the City of Tavares, and he gave direction to Mr. Minkoff to look into that.
REPORTS – COMMISSIONER STEWART – DISTRICT 4
proclamation for senior corps week
On a motion by Commr. Conner, seconded by Commr. Hill and carried unanimously by a vote of 3-0, the Board approved Proclamation No. 2010-107 proclaiming the week of September 20-24 as “Senior Corps Week” in Lake County.
REPORTS – COMMISsIONER CADWELL – CHAIRMAN AND DISTRICT 5
county manager and county attorney evaluations
Commr. Cadwell stated that the County Manager and County Attorney evaluations were available in the Board office if anyone wanted to see them and that they were very positive. He commented that he is very proud of the job Mr. Minkoff has done during a very tough time, that he has been a calming influence, and that he appreciated it.
Commr. Conner commented that he thought that the reorganization, streamlining, and the way that the staff has stepped up has been impressive to him. He opined that this organization substantively is headed in the right direction, and his expectations have been met.
proclamation of november as “be a hero month”
On a motion by Commr. Conner, seconded by Commr. Hill and carried unanimously by a vote of 3-0, the Board approved Proclamation No. 2010-108 proclaiming the month of November 2010 as “Be A Hero Month” and November 10, 2010 as “Be A Hero Day.”
cagan’s crossing issue with polk county
Commr. Cadwell informed the Board that the Cagan’s Crossing issue with Polk County has been resolved, and Polk County would be honoring the interlocal agreement with Lake County this year. He commented that it turned out to be a positive thing, because they had some great discussions about opportunities for other things both counties could do together in that area, including a huge park Polk County was building across the border with Lake County.
consolidation of services
Commr. Cadwell commented that Lake-Sumter EMS is the only true consolidated service they had in the County with the cities, the County, and Sumter County as members. He handed out a draft of a letter that he requested to be sent out to the city officials asking them if they were interested in discussing the possibility of consolidating public safety services within the county in December. He stated that the Halifax Civic League in Volusia County had done a report which could give them some ideas about what to do regarding this issue.
Commr. Conner opined that he believed they would be forced to streamline services in the future and that this was a step in the right direction.
Mr. Minkoff added that the recommendation was that the cities and the county should explore consolidating all of their fire service as well as the possibility for the fire service to do some emergency transports. He related that the report was just presented to their council in the last few weeks, so they do not know what the County will do. He commented that the report indicated that the recommendations would result in significant savings and increase in the level of service.
Commr. Hill asked to include in their discussion with the cities the dispatch services.
Commr. Cadwell stated that she could bring that forward at the meeting when they discuss that.
On a motion by Commr. Conner, seconded by Commr. Hill and carried unanimously by a vote of 3-0, the Board moved to authorize the Chairman to send this letter to the cities regarding the issues of consolidation raised in the letter and to invite them for a meeting in December.
recess and reassembly
The Chairman announced a recess until the public hearing at 5:05 p.m.
public hearing
approval of millage rates
Mr. Minkoff explained that this was the second of two public hearings on the 2011 budget that are required by Florida Statute, and the purpose of tonight’s meeting was to adopt the final budget and the final millage rates for 2011. He related that they would be discussing the 2011 tentative millage rates adopted by the Board at the first public hearing on September 7 as well as adjustments to the tentative budget that the Board would consider tonight. He noted that at the conclusion of the public participation, the Board will adopt the final millage rates by resolution, discuss and approve any changes to the tentative budget that they deem appropriate, and adopt by resolution the total budget. He mentioned that this meeting was one of a series of Board budget meetings that started back in December of 2009. He pointed out that this year the ad valorem tax revenues were being reduced by almost 11 percent, and the budget has no increases to solid waste or fire special assessments. He added that funding to the Sheriff and other core services to the public such as to the Health Department, mental health programs, and children’s programs have been kept at the same funding level as last year. He reported that the fund balance of the general fund is estimated to be $29.2 million or 23 percent of the total general fund expenditures at the end of the 2011 fiscal year, which is the highest it has been since at least 2003 by a significant amount, and that the tentative budget eliminates 41 full-time and three part-time positions, continues the current hiring freeze, and includes 12 mandated unpaid furlough days for employees. However, he opined that it provides adequate maintenance of their facilities, equipment, and infrastructure and funds all of the current approved projects in the capital program such as the downtown Tavares governmental center expansion.
Mr. Doug Krueger, Fiscal and Administrative Services Director, related that under Florida Statutes he was required to outline their proposed tax rates and identify any adjustments that the Board would consider. He mentioned that the material that was handed out indicated that the public hearing was advertised on September 17, but the Orlando Sentinel made an error in the placement of the ad, so they had to readvertise it on Sunday, September 19. He assured the Board that both days were within the statutory guidelines provided for readvertising, which is not more than five nor less than two days before the final public hearing, and the resolutions that the Board had before them have been updated with the correct advertising date. He reported that the proposed Countywide general fund millage rate is going to be 4.7309 mills per 1,000 taxable value, which is a 10.5 percent reduction from the rollback tax rate of 5.2592 mills; and they also had a Countywide Ambulance MSTU millage which is proposed at .3853, which is a .798 millage reduction from the current rate and a 26.74 percent reduction from the rollback tax rate. He noted that the proposed Public Lands Voted Debt Service millage remains the same as in the current year, which is .1101 mills, and the proposed Stormwater, Road and Parks MSTU millage is .4984 mills, which is equal to the current rate but was an 11.08 percent reduction from the rollback rate. He related that the Fire Rescue MSTU millage was the same as the current year at .3222 mills, but that was also a reduction of 11.2 percent from the rollback rate of .3621. He commented that all of the rollback rates were higher than the current rates because of the tax base reduction that they have had.
He related that the backup material provided three sections, including a synopsis of the recommended budget they received on July 15 and information regarding the first public hearing held on September 7 along with the adjustments that the Board adopted. He stated that the third tab was regarding the public hearing tonight, and they would be discussing the adjustments that he would like the Board to consider that total $657,305, which were identified on pages 25 to 28 of the handout and were basically housekeeping in nature. He noted that they were rebudgeting about $684,356 from the current year to the Astatula fuel cleanup for next year and making some adjustments to grant programs to align the revenues and expenditures. There was also a final adjustment to anticipated purchase order reserves to align them with some new purchase orders that would be carried over next year.
The Chairman opened the public hearing.
Mr. John Harris, Board of Trustee member for the Lake County Water Authority, reported that at their board meeting last month, their board members were surprised to find out that the water atlas was not going to be funded. He noted that their Information Technology Department would be able to maintain it, but it would not be able to be updated. He opined that the water atlas was a very valuable tool and that there was a lot of information that could be used for educational purposes. He asked the Board to keep an open dialogue with them before the budget hearings next year about the value of the atlas and the possibility of continuing their partnership and the funding next year. He reported that the water atlas was started in 2001 and that $462,000 has been invested in it.
There being no one else who wished to address the Board, the Chairman closed the public hearing.
Commr. Hill thanked the Board for including the Miracle Field at Lake Idamere, and she asked if they have reduced their contribution to the EDC (Economic Development Commission) by ten percent.
Mr. Krueger reported that they did not reduce that amount, and it was at the same level as FY 2009-2010.
Commr. Hill mentioned that they were looking at how they would standardize the government partner contracts with the EDC and would have discussions regarding that at a later date. She asked if they have changed the budget to include the Tax Collector’s request.
Mr. Minkoff responded that he submitted a change to lower his budget by about $100,000 with the reduction in health insurance premiums.
Mr. Krueger added that they were waiting for the exact figures from the Tax Collector to finalize that, since they had gotten the letter late in the process.
On a motion by Commr. Conner, seconded by Commr. Hill and carried unanimously by a vote of 3-0, the Board approved Resolution No. 2010-113 and the millage rates for the Lake County general fund Countywide millage rate of 4.7309 mills and Lake County Public Lands - Voted Debt at 0.1101 mills.
On a motion by Commr. Conner, seconded by Commr. Hill and carried unanimously by a vote of 3-0, the Board approved Resolution No. 2010-114 and the final millage rate for the County Municipal Services Taxing Unit for Ambulance and Emergency Medical Services of 0.3853 mills.
On a motion by Commr. Conner, seconded by Commr. Hill and carried unanimously by a vote of 3-0, the Board approved Resolution No. 2010-115 and the final millage rate for the Stormwater, Parks and Roads MSTU of 0.4984 mills.
On a motion by Commr. Conner, seconded by Commr. Hill and carried unanimously by a vote of 3-0, the Board approved Resolution No. 2010-116 and the final millage rate for the Fire Rescue/Emergency Medical Services MSTU of 0.3222 mills.
On a motion by Commr. Hill, seconded by Commr. Conner and carried unanimously by a vote of 3-0, the Board approved the adoption of the changes to the Fiscal Year 2010-11 budget totaling $657,305.
On a motion by Commr. Hill, seconded by Commr. Conner and carried by a vote of 2-1, the Board approved Resolution No. 2010-117 for the adoption of the final budget for Fiscal Year 2010-11 totaling $446,169,338.
Commr. Conner voted “no.”
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to be brought to the attention of the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 5:30 p.m.
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welton g. cadwell, chairman
ATTEST:
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NEIL KELLY, CLERK