A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

and state of the county address

january 18, 2011

The Lake County Board of County Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, January 18, 2011 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:  Jennifer Hill, Chairman; Leslie Campione, Vice Chairman; Sean Parks; Jimmy Conner; and Welton G. Cadwell.  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

Chaplain Bob Woodward from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office gave the Invocation, and Sheriff Gary Borders led the Pledge of Allegiance.

state of the county

Commr. Hill introduced the Lake County Commissioners and then related that the theme for this year’s presentation is “Our Community, Our County, Our Journey,” which she opined was quite fitting because this past year has certainly been a journey for county government as well as their community as a whole. She commented that as a county they have continually examined and re-evaluated many of their priorities and worked to find new ways to be more efficient while continuing to meet the needs of the community, and even with the financial challenges that they have in this environment, the County has been able to offer many exciting enhancements to the programs for their residents and businesses, which will be shown in the presentation later.  She then asked her fellow Commissioners to join her for the presentation of the awards to this year’s inductees into the Women’s Hall of Fame.  She explained that the Women’s Hall of Fame was created by the Board of County Commissioners in 1995 and that 27 women have been given the honor of being selected to join this prestigious group.

Commr. Campione presented one of this year’s awards to Ms. Agnes Berry, commenting that she received her BS degree in education and domestic science in 1946 from Virginia Union University and that she took courses in early childhood education from Hampton University in 1948 and attended Stetson University to pursue studies in administration and supervision in 1970.  She related that Ms. Berry served as an educator for 43 years in both private and public school systems, and after retiring she volunteered extensively for the community on city and county committees and was instrumental in the creation of Berry Park located in the Carver Heights community.  She listed some of the organizations she was affiliated with, including St. Paul AME Church, Lake County Retired Educators’ Association, Lake County Supervisor of Elections Poll Worker, Leesburg Daycare Center, American Association of University Women, Leesburg Planning and Zoning Commission, Leesburg Rails to Trails Committee, and Leesburg Chamber of Commerce.

Ms. Berry thanked everyone who had anything to do with her being nominated and selected, and accepted the award with deep humility and sincere gratitude.

Commr. Cadwell presented the next Women’s Hall of Fame award to Ms. Pauline Yowler, and he reported that she attended school in Chicago, Illinois and Cincinnati, Ohio for studies in general business research and chemistry and that she worked for the Procter and Gamble Company in Cincinnati for 23 years in research development.  He reported that she moved to Eustis in 1976 and joined the Eustis Women’s Club, and in 1986 Ms. Yowler was appointed to the Ferran Park Beautification Committee, where she oversaw fundraising for numerous park projects.  She also worked on several city beautification projects, such as the landscape median on Bay Street and landscaping for Greenwood Cemetery, and received numerous accolades for her beautification efforts, which earned her the unofficial title of “First Lady of Eustis.”  She was also involved in the Eustis Historical Museum and Preservation Society, where she served in several capacities, as well as the Azalea Garden Club, Eustis Main Street, Eustis Code Board, First Presbyterian Church of Eustis, Lake County Historical Museum, and Lake County Horticulture Learning Center.  He summarized that Ms. Yowler is a highly valued citizen of Lake County and has devoted countless hours to her church, her local government, and her community, exemplifying her philosophy of doing something for someone or an organization every day.

Ms. Yowler commented that she appreciated this nomination very much and that it was a real pleasure and honor.

Commr. Hill asked Commr. Parks and Commr. Conner to unveil the new location of honor for those women on the wall in the County Commission Chambers, and announced that they were next going to have the State of the County video presentation.

The presentation noted that the Board understands and recognizes the need of the community and has worked to find new ways to be resourceful, dependable, and attentive to its citizens, businesses, and the community as a whole, while working to ensure a sound economic outlook for the future by frugal spending, organizational restructuring and streamlined services. Lake County was able to leverage programs and services to the community by making use of federal and state grants during the past year, such as the Neighborhood Stabilization Program, which awarded $3.1 million to the county to work with community-based organizations to acquire and renovate over 40 homes to sell at affordable prices to eligible families, and Section 8 funds to help more than 385 with rental subsidies.  The County’s Community Development Block Grant Program provided necessary financial resources to complete road improvements, rehabilitate community centers, and do park improvements in 15 low to moderate income neighborhoods.  Also, federal CDBG funds in the amount of $83,000 leveraged with $70,000 in county funds were also used to assist in providing over 4,000 prescriptions to low income residents through a partnership with the Lake County Health Department.  It was mentioned that the Agricultural Educational Services Division received a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Family Nutrition Program to allow the County to provide instruction on nutrition and food safety to more than 3,800 food stamp eligible students at local elementary schools and that there was a grand opening of a new Horticultural Learning Center at the Agricultural Center’s Discovery Gardens in July which provided onsite facilities for the education, convenience, safety and comfort of citizens participating in programs within the gardens, made possible in part by private donations.  It was reported that the Library Services Division had increased visitation numbers as well as increased total circulation of materials of over 2 million for the 15 libraries in 2010, with participation in educational programs and increased computer use providing access to job opportunities, government assistance, and more.  Lake County was awarded nearly $8 million in funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (stimulus funds) that benefited a lot of transportation and infrastructure projects, including resurfacing of ten roads and construction of new bridges.  The County has begun to implement the energy efficiency strategy adopted by the Board using the $2.8 million of stimulus funds awarded for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant.  It was also reported that the Public Transportation Division, which operates the County’s fixed bus route service, LakeXpress, and the transportation disadvantaged bus service, Lake County Connection, upgraded its scheduling software in 2010 for better management of bus scheduling; and mobile advertising was started in 2010 to allow local businesses to purchase ads on county buses, generating additional revenue for the bus system.  The division also participated in community events such as offering shuttle service during the Leesburg Bike Fest and organizing the annual stuff the bus food drive in November which netted over 4,000 pounds for donation to local food banks, and LakeXpress was also the recipient of $2.4 million in stimulus funds to help purchase three additional buses, additional equipment and maintenance.  It was noted that ridership has increased 48 percent this year to 233,000 passengers.

The presentation reported that the general fund budget was reduced by over $24 million or over 12.65 percent in 2010 from the previous year, while continuing to offer citizens additional amenities and services, such as park amenities, new fire stations, upgrades to emergency 911 service and first responder equipment.  There was mention of the landscape ordinance which the Board enacted that implements Florida-friendly landscaping techniques, encourages water conservation, and incentivizes the preservation of trees.  The presentation specified some cost saving measures and programs which were implemented to help reduce operational costs and offered assurance that the County will continue to carefully assess the return on investment in the fiscal year 2011 for their taxpayers.  The Board took steps in 2010 to spur business growth and assist the local economy by suspending the collection of transportation impact fees and awarding $187,000 to local companies as incentives for creating 54 high-value jobs within the two years with a projected economic impact of over $75 million and anticipated creation of over 180 total jobs.  The Tourism and Business Relations Division implemented programs to help support local tourism-related business, including coupons offering discounts for incentivizing hotel stays in Lake County and video podcasts viewable on the website which feature local attractions, dining, and events.  The final Comprehensive Plan was adopted by the Board in May 2010, found in compliance by the Department of Community Affairs in July, and will go into effect after resolution of any final appeals.  It concluded that the Board is dedicated to protecting and enhancing the community and is poised to work together with the citizens, municipal partners, and businesses to have another year of notable achievements and successes.

recess and reassembly

The Chairman announced at 9:35 a.m. that there would be a fifteen-minute recess.

Agenda update

Commr. Conner stated that he wanted to add a resolution to the agenda thanking Mr. Sandy Minkoff, Interim County Manager, for his service and have it signed, framed, and presented to him.

On a motion by Commr. Conner, seconded by Commr. Cadwell and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board moved to add that item to the agenda under Commr. Conner’s business.

COUNTY MANAGER’S CONSENT AGENDA

Commr. Campione pulled Tab 3 for discussion.

On a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Conner and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved the County Manager’s Consent Agenda, Tabs 1 through 10, pulling Tab 3 as follows:

Conservation and Compliance

Request for approval of removal by Highland Lakes Property Owners Association of invasive vegetation and other vegetation maintenance within conservation easement dedicated to Lake County and St. Johns Water Management District. No Fiscal Impact.

County Manager

Request for approval of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Lake County Implementation Grant awarded under the new Criminal Justice, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Reinvestment Grant program.

Request to participate as a sponsor of the Lake County Days 2011 event to be held in Tallahassee scheduled for February 22-23, 2011, in the amount of $1,000.00.

Request for authorization to fill one (1) vacant Animal Shelter Technician position in the Conservation and Compliance/Animal Services Division. (Fiscal impact is $32,492.00.)

Request for approval of budget transfer for funds from the employee Benefit Fund for the Employee Christmas Breakfast.

Economic Development and Community Services

Request for approval to release Lot 26 at the Christopher C. Ford Commerce Park from the right to re-purchase option. There is no fiscal impact.

Fiscal and Administrative Services

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 Works

Request for approval of authorization to release a maintenance bond in the amount of $22,900.58 posted for a Developer’s Agreement between Lake County and Sorrento Hills Properties, LLC for improvements to CR 437 at SR 44. The project is located in Section 7, Township 19 South, Range 28 East, Commission District 4. There is no fiscal impact.

Request for authorization to award #4756 David Walker Drive, #4956 Mount Homer Road Intersection Improvements, and #4858 Dillard Road Sidewalk Project No. 2011-02, Bid No. 11-0011, to Professional Dirt Service, Inc., in the amount of $258,189.50, and to encumber and expend funds in the amount of $254,857.50 from the Federal/State Grants Fund for the #4756 David Walker Drive and #4956 Mount Homer Road Intersection Improvements, FPN# 423967-1-58-01, portion of the project, and to encumber and expend $44,992.00 for #4858 Dillard Road sidewalk portion of the project from Renewal Sales Tax Capital Projects - Sidewalks. Commission District 3 & 4. Fiscal impact is $299,849.50 (County portion $44,992.00 / Grant Funded $254,857.50.)

Commr. Campione stated that she wanted to get input from the other commissioners on the possibility of having just one department head that would oversee a consolidated department of Economic Growth and Tourism with the Tab 3 reorganization and be in charge of both of those areas rather than having two division directors that would answer to the County Manager.

Mr. Minkoff explained that he anticipates this would be coming back to the Board with a further look at the department, as well as the second reorganization and where those employees would be located.

On a motion by Commr. Campione, seconded by Commr. Parks and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved Tab 3, the request from the County Manager for approval to reassign the Tourism and Business Relations Division and the Economic Growth and Redevelopment Division to report to the County Manager. This change would incur no fiscal impact. Additionally, the Department of Economic Development and Community Services would become the Department of Community Services, and the Fairgrounds employees who currently report to the Tourism and Business Relations Division would remain in the Department of Public Resources.

COUNTY ATTORNEY’S CONSENT AGENDA

On a motion by Commr. Conner, seconded by Commr. Parks, and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved the County Attorney’s Consent Agenda, Tabs 11 and 12 as follows:

Request for approval of Fourth Amendment to Lease Agreement between Lake County and Data Graphics. Fiscal Impact $37,663.

Request for approval of Stipulated Final Judgments between Lake County and Woodlands of Lady Lake, LLC and Lake County and Woodlands Phase II, LLC – Total Fiscal Impact is $95,500.00 ($34,050.00 previously paid, additional $61,450.00 to settle.)

Commr. Cadwell commented that the Board needed to thank Ms. Melanie Marsh, Acting County Attorney, for the great job she has done in that office during a tough time while keeping staff morale up, and recognize everything she has done for the County.

presentations

lake technical center

Ms. Diane Culpepper, Director of Lake Technical Center, stated that she was honored to make a presentation this morning and introduced Mr. Isaac Dees.

Mr. Dees stated that Chief John Jolliff was on the Board for the Lake Tech Charter School, and that they wanted to thank him for the marvelous job he has done and his expertise.

tindale oliver & associates

Ms. Amye King, Growth Management Director, explained that her staff has been overseeing the Energy and Conservation Block Grant and that Mr. Fred Schneider, Engineering Director, would be giving them an update on the travel signal synchronization and system improvements.

Mr. Schneider stated that they were given a certain amount of funds through the Energy Efficiency Block Grant toward achieving their goal of saving energy and money countywide using that grant, and they looked at street lighting, flashing beacons, traffic signals, and meters to see what was best to implement.  He pointed out that the project goal had short range and long range phases, and they had about $309,000 remaining that could be used to purchase equipment or for the design.  He reported that they discussed ITS (Intelligent Transportation Systems) with the FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation) staff, the Lake Sumter Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Advisory Committee, and several of the cities, and they had a good idea of what they were going to do going forward.

Mr. W. T. Bowman with Tindale-Oliver & Associates stated that they were consultants who were brought on board to help the County plan for the energy efficiency money, and they have worked with a variety of stakeholders throughout this process, including District 5, the MPO, and the cities.  He explained that this was part of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant, and the stated goal of this phase of the grant was to analyze their signal and street lighting system to look for ways to assess, document, and create energy savings.  He stated that he wanted this to set the stage for a larger long term plan that looked at a 20-year ATMS (advanced traffic management systems) and ITS strategy, and they looked at a vision for signal retiming.  He noted that there is approval for construction of a new Traffic Operations or Management Center in conjunction with their Emergency Operation Center (EOC), and they wanted to start planning how they could use and build on those facilities that would be in place over time in order to create a signal system or traffic management system that was fully functional.  They were currently in the first phase of looking at the County’s existing infrastructure and how they could make it more efficient using things such as close circuit cameras and congestion management.  They extensively utilized the County’s graphical information system (GIS), which is a database which holds maps and all of the relevant traffic signal information, and they looked at three major areas, which were upgrades to street lighting, upgrades to flashing beacons, and synchronizing traffic signal systems.  He opined that using the money to install new street lighting probably would not show much energy savings, since the County maintains a limited number of those lights.  They looked at converting the flashing beacons from the meter service to a solar power service, which they concluded would break even in about ten years for the cost of the unit versus the energy savings, and they believed that was a good strategy for new installations or when an asset reaches the end of its useable life, but it would not necessarily give the turnaround and energy savings that the grant envisions.

Mr. Bowman opined that traffic system retiming would show the County the most energy benefit of any other strategy that was analyzed as part of the grant with a possible 14 to 30 percent reduction in travel times on some corridors, since current timing plans are significantly out of date, as well as a 6 to 15 percent potential reduction in fuel and gas emissions.  He estimated the cost ratio of 40 to 1 for the one-year return on investment for the money that is paid versus the time savings and dollar value to the citizens, and he explained that they looked at several factors to prioritize the corridors, including the type of roads, congestion, and traffic volumes and narrowed down the candidate corridors to 50 intersections which were located on US Hwy 441, US Hwy 27, SR 44, SR 19, Lake Shore Blvd., and E. Main Street in Leesburg.  He reported that the cost for the retiming effort was $285,000, and a high-end equipment cost estimate was $40,000 to $60,000, for a total project cost of $320,000 to $345,000, which was close to what was remaining in the energy grant of $309,000, and they would work to stay within the confines of that grant by identifying what their important priority needs are for equipment.  He mentioned that a detailed strategic employment plan would be needed for the long term vision to make sure everything is in compliance with federal guidelines and eligible for federal funding.  He also mentioned that the City of Leesburg has just about the entire county covered with a backbone of fiber optics that the County could tie into, which would save them significant cost.  He concluded that the long term vision would also include standardization of equipment and looking at the County’s needs for advanced traffic management strategies.

Commr. Parks asked why SR 50 was not included as a priority corridor.

Mr. Schneider responded that the timing could not be done until the current construction on that road was completed, and that SR 50 west of US 27 was already studied and implemented by FDOT a year ago.  He added that there were 320 signals and beacons that Lake County maintains, and about 200 of them were traffic signals.  He also pointed out that since the County is responsible for the maintenance of signals for 13 cities per agreements with those municipalities, some of the priorities studied were located in a municipality.

Mr. T. J. Fish, Executive Director of the MPO, acknowledged that the Board would be hearing at the next MPO meeting on January 26 as well as upcoming meetings about a new program that this grant has helped the MPO start, and they was taking it to the next level with a new cost-feasible road plan to manage and operate what was already built to get the most out of it.  He noted that they would be attempting to secure state and federal money to accomplish that.

status of pd&e study to re-align sr 50 in groveland

Amy Sirmans, Department of Transportation, District 5, stated that they were kicking off the PD&E study of SR 50 in the City of Groveland, and they met with the City Council of Groveland, the CRA Board, and city residents to get a vision for the realignment.

Ms. Lynn Marie Whately, Project Manager/Consultant, TranSystems, explained the project would be to realign SR 50 to the north side of downtown in order to remove some of the heavy truck traffic that was currently running through Groveland so that the City can reclaim those downtown streets to encourage economic development and revitalization and make it much more walkable.  She related that the limits were basically from CR 565 (Montevista Road) on the east side to 565A (Villa City Road) on the west side of town, and the alignment was about two miles long in length.  She stated that the project was listed by the County, the MPO, and the City as a top priority, and the project started in mid-September of 2010 and had about a 20-month schedule.  She related that their first public kickoff meeting was on Thursday, January 20 from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m., and they were hoping for a good turnout and a lot of citizen input.  She also mentioned that there was a project website, which was www.sr50groveland.com.

Commr. Hill asked if they have any future plans on how they would landscape those two parallel roads once they diverted the truck traffic.

Ms. Whately answered that the landscaping would depend on whether the City would determine if they want to leave them as a one-way pair or convert them to two-way traffic.  She added that the other important part of this project was the South Lake Trail coming into Groveland and planned to be on the north side of SR 50.  She noted that the City was going to discuss the idea of altering the actual trail alignment as it comes into town.

Mr. Fish commented that this project was unique and a priority for the City, and Mr. Jim Stivender, Public Works Director, was very proactive in working with the City to use impact fees.  He pointed out that since County funds paid for the PD&E Study that is underway, DOT was able to go immediately from the study to design, and he believed that acquiring right of way could be accomplished quickly as well.  He opined that this project could be completed in seven years, leaving Groveland able to focus on developing their downtown.  He clarified that rather than traffic congestion, the issue for Groveland was that the roadway has taken away the ability for businesses to thrive, and he believed that making the downtown more walkable and making the trail part of the project would be beneficial to economic development for Groveland.

Public hearings

ordinance amending chapter 22 to extend impact fee suspension

Ms. Melanie Marsh, Acting County Attorney, placed the proposed ordinance on the floor for its first and final reading by title only as follows:

AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF LAKE COUNTY, FLORIDA; AMENDING CHAPTER 22 OF THE LAKE COUNTY CODE ENTITLED IMPACT FEES; AMENDING ARTICLE III, ENTITLED TRANSPORTATION IMPACT FEES, SECTION 22-37, ENTITLED IMPOSITION, TO EXTEND THE SUSPENSION OF TRANSPORTATION IMPACT FEE COLLECTION UNTIL MARCH 1, 2012; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR INCLUSION IN THE CODE; PROVIDING FOR FILING WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

Commr. Hill explained that this was an ordinance that would extend the temporary transportation impact fee suspension for one year, and she opened the public hearing.

There being no one who wish to address the Board regarding this issue, the Chairman closed the public hearing.

Commr. Campione asked the Commissioners to consider over the next few months starting a dialogue regarding how they were going to fund transportation needs in the long term and to discuss that at a workshop.

Commr. Parks mentioned that he sat on the new Impact Fee Committee and that they were meeting on Thursday, January 20.  He hoped the committee could help them go in a new direction to try to solve their transportation problems.

Mr. Stivender pointed out that there would be a transportation workshop in April for all of their revenue sources that are used for transportation.

Mr. Minkoff added that as the Board requested, one of the items on the agenda would be review of the task force recommendations.

On a motion by Commr. Campione, seconded by Commr. Parks and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved Ordinance No. 2011-5 amending Cheater 22, Lake County Code, entitled Impact fees, to extend the suspension of transportation impact fee collection until March 1, 2012.

COUNTY MANAGER’S DEPARTMENTAL BUSINESS

public works

resolution for SR 19 corridor in city of umatilla

Mr. Stivender explained that this was an impact fee project that has already been approved by the City of Umatilla and needed the approval of the Board.

Ms. Colleen Jarrell, Project Manager, HNTB, reported that the project started about 1 ½ years ago in Umatilla and consisted of five intersections along SR 19 that they had looked at throughout the city, which were Mills Street, CR 450A, Cassady Street/Guerrant Street, CR 450W (Ocala Street/Bulldog Lane), and CR 450E (Collins Street).  She stated that their goals for this project were to improve safety and mobility within the city while trying to complement the vision of Umatilla’s CRA and that their objectives were to address vehicular and pedestrian safety, minimize impacts, and preserve neighborhoods. She noted that since all of these intersections are on the state road system, they had to get DOT approval on all of their recommendations.  She related that they started the project with a lot of data collection efforts, reviewing previous studies that were done at each of those intersections, doing traffic counts, doing a right of way investigation, and meeting with businesses and property owners to find out what their concerns were and what they could do to help them.  She specified that there were no capacity issues at the Mills Street and 450A intersections, and their recommendations would be to extend the left turn lane on Mills Street and pulling back the median closure so that cars could turn more easily and to close the median opening at Jim Daugherty Road when future developments come in so that they could focus their traffic to come out on Mills Street and would position them for a potential future traffic signal at that intersection.  She noted that the recommendations did not need to be implemented right away, but was something to keep in mind when developers come in and pay their fair share of these improvements then.  She pointed out that the Guerrant Street/Cassady Street intersection was an unsignalized intersection which did not have any turn lanes when they started this study, and the traffic volumes did not meet the volume thresholds that are needed for a traffic signal.  She related that DOT has recently completed the construction last year of the north bound and south bound left turn lanes.

Commr. Cadwell opined that he did not believe those turn lanes have made that a safer intersection.

Ms. Jarrell explained that it was a first step in working as a partnership with DOT, and she believed that they ultimately would end up getting a traffic signal at that intersection, because of the median closures at the northern intersections where there was so much traffic coming off of Cassady that would divert up to Orange.  She also mentioned that some people expressed concern about that intersection to her at the City Council Meeting.  She stated that they also looked at the overall aesthetics and came up with a Conceptual Redevelopment Plan for the downtown area, along with ways to include more parking around the area to make it a more walkable and inviting area to encourage people to come out and patronize the businesses that are in that corridor.  She then explained that the CR 450W (Bulldog Lane) intersection was a signalized, five-legged intersection; a transition from a four-lane into a three-lane; and the main crossing for all of the schools.  She related that their goal was to optimize the signal timings, modify the access to and from Hatfield Drive, and make sidewalk improvements along Bulldog Lane.  She commented that the Collins Street intersection had also been a challenge within the city, and DOT determined several years ago that the traffic volumes did meet the thresholds for a traffic signal, but they have not done so because of the conflicts of the connection with Hatfield Drive, and they have recommended a four-foot separator so drivers could not turn left into or out of Hatfield Drive, as well as an additional driveway on SR 19 to remedy that to allow people to access all businesses and the church on Hatfield.  She reported that DOT has already approved their recommendations that a sidewalk be provided from Collins to Bulldog Lane and a traffic signal be put in.  She noted that the next item on the agenda would be the JPA to move into the design phase of the project.  She reported about her public involvement efforts, which included newsletters, meetings with property owners, and public hearings.  She concluded that FDOT is funding the design, and then they were going to start construction in Fiscal Year 2012.

On a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Conner and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved Tabs 17 and 18, which were the requests from Public Works for approval of adoption of Resolution No. 2011-3 and execution of JPA Agreement for the Design of Intersection Modifications at SR 19 & CR 450E (Collins St.) with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and acceptance of resolution from the City of Umatilla for the completion of the SR 19 corridor. Commission District 5.

Mr. Stivender mentioned that the money from the state would be available in July 2012, and after they get the design in place, they will see the local funds in the next year’s road program specifically tied to this project.

Local agency program supplemental agreement with fdot

Mr. Stivender wanted to make the Board aware that the next couple of agenda items, Tabs 19 through 23, were from ARRA (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act) money, which represented the last dollars they had coming from that fund, and he specified that Tab 19 was for the resurfacing of CR 48 from the Sumter County line to CR 33.  He showed that section of roadway on the overhead monitor and commented that it had heavy truck traffic and was a main access going southwest out of Leesburg.  He recommended approval of the project.

On a motion by Commr. Conner, seconded by Commr. Parks and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved Tab 19, the request from Public Works for authorization to execute Local Agency Program Supplemental Agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation and supporting Resolution No. 2011-4 for the CR-48 Resurfacing Project, FPN #428519-1-58-01, to revise the schedule of funding, award the CR-48 Project No. 2010-14, Bid No. 10-0023, FPN# 428519-1-58-01, to Hubbard Construction Company in the amount of $1,691,919.90, execute Second Amendment to Agreement between Lake County and Professional Service Industries, Inc. for Construction Engineering and Inspection Services in the amount of $170,493.80 and to encumber and expend funds in the amount of $1,862,413.70 from the Federal/State Grants-LAP Projects fund. Fiscal Impact is $1,862,413.70 (Fully Grant Funded). Commission District #3.

Award to d.a.b. constructors for cr 452 project

Mr. Stivender stated that Tab 20 was for a road project for CR 452 from the fairgrounds to a point where they did some resurfacing last year.

On a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Conner and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved Tab 20, the request for authorization to award the CR-452 Project No. 2010-15, Bid No. 10-0024, FPN# 428520-1-58-01, to D.A.B. Constructors, Inc. in the amount of $331,229.56, execute Second Amendment to Agreement between Lake County and Professional Service Industries, Inc. for Construction Engineering and Inspection Services in the amount of $33,060.40, and encumber and expend $338,131.37 from the Federal/State Grants – LAP Projects Fund and $177,420.59 from the Renewal Sales Tax – Resurfacing fund. Fiscal Impact is $515,551.96 (County portion: $177,420.59 / Grant Funded: $338,131.37). Commission District #5.

award to d.a.b constructors for cr 44 project

Mr. Stivender explained that Tab 21 was for resurfacing of a section of CR 44 in District 1 from the back of Silver Lake toward Radio Road, and he commented that this was the worst section of that highway and was one of the few sections left that they have not already resurfaced.

On a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Parks and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved Tab 21, the request for authorization to award the CR-44 Project No. 2010-13, Bid No. 10-0022, FPN# 428521-1-58-01, to D.A.B. Constructors, Inc. in the amount of $279,703.93, execute Second Amendment to Agreement between Lake County and Professional Service Industries, Inc. for Construction Engineering and Inspection Services in the amount of $37,204.60 and to encumber and expend funds in the amount of $316,908.53 from the Federal/State Grants-LAP Projects fund. Fiscal Impact is $316,908.53 (Fully Grant Funded).

lakeshore drive bridge project

Mr. Stivender stated that Tab 22 was a Lakeshore Drive Bridge project south of Clermont, which they have been planning for a long time.  He thanked the state for working with him to move project money from each of the previously-mentioned projects to put it towards this project.  He reported that this was the third bridge to be completed under ARRA, and it would be completed in about one year.  He mentioned that they had also received a grant for $750,000 from Representative Ginny Brown-Waite’s office two years ago to apply towards this project, and he pointed out that there was minimal impact to the local funds to make this project work, which was also due to the fact that they were able to find a design that did not require any additional right of way.  He noted that a third of the County’s bridges have been replaced in the last 15 years.  He recommended approval of the award.

On a motion by Commr. Parks, seconded by Commr. Campione and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved Tab 22, the request for authorization to execute Local Agency Program Supplemental Agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation and supporting Resolution No. 2011-5 for the Lakeshore Drive Bridge Project, FPN# 428436-1-58-01, to revise the schedule of funding, award the Lakeshore Drive Bridge Project No. 2010-18, Bid No. 10-0033, FPN# 428436-1-58-01, to Emerald Utilities and Site Development, Inc. in the amount of $2,840,433.18, execute Second Amendment to Agreement between Lake County and Professional Service Industries, Inc. for Construction Engineering and Inspection Services in the amount of $321,610.00, encumber and expend funds in the amount of $3,162,043.18 from the Federal/State Grants-LAP Projects fund, and execute a Unanticipated Revenue Budget Resolution No. 2011-6  to receive $740,044 in the Federal/State Grants - Lakeshore Drive Bridge Fund. Fiscal Impact is $3,162,043.18 (Fully Grant Funded). Commission District #2.

sleepy hollow road project

Mr. Stivender related that Sleepy Hollow Road was a smaller project, but it did qualify for federal funds as a collector road, and he was recommending approval to pave it from Sunny Side Drive to where the County did a realignment on US Hwy 441 a few years ago.

On a motion by Commr. Cadwell, seconded by Commr. Parks and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved Tab 23, the request for authorization to award the Sleepy Hollow Road Project No. 2010-12, Bid No. 10-0021, FPN# 428522-1-58-01, to D.A.B. Constructors, Inc. in the amount of $108,102.44, execute Second Amendment to Agreement between Lake County and Professional Service Industries, Inc. for Construction Engineering and Inspection Services in the amount of $13,564.80 and to encumber and expend funds in the amount of $121,667.24 from the Federal/State Grants-LAP Projects fund.

other business

individual to serve on central florida sports commission

On a motion by Commr. Conner, seconded by Commr. Parks and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved the appointment of Mr. John Moore, Chief Operating Officer for South Lake Hospital, to serve on the Central Florida Sports Commission for a term expiring July 2013.

appointments to affordable housing advisory committee

On a motion by Commr. Campione, seconded by Commr. Parks and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved the execution of Resolution No. 2011-7 and appointed the following members to the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee, to serve two-year terms ending Nov. 30, 2012:  Mr. Donald Miller (actively engaged as a real estate professional), Mr. Michael J. Cox (reappointment – actively engaged in the banking or mortgage banking industry), Mr. Carl Ludecke (actively engaged in the residential home building industry); and Mr. James Fischer (reappointment – designated as an advocate for low-income persons).

Commr. Campione commented that it might be beneficial to have two people from the banking or mortgage industry on that committee to work the numbers and to run the amortization schedules, since it creates somewhat of a void at that meeting if that appointee is not there, and she suggested that they have an alternate who would be at those meetings regularly.

Ms. Marsh stated that she would have to look at the authorizing resolution to see if they have to tweak the language to allow them to appoint alternates and bring that back to the Board.

wellflorida council board of directors

On a motion by Commr. Campione, seconded by Commr. Parks and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved the reappointment of Mr. Jonathan Cherry and appointment of Tricia Morrison to vacant positions on the WellFlorida Council Board of Directors to serve a two-year term ending September 30, 2012, and to readvertise for the purchaser position.

REPORTS – COMMISSIONER HILL – DISTRICT 1

appointment to value adjustment board

On a motion by Commr. Parks, seconded by Commr. Conner and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board appointed Commr. Campione to the Value Adjustment Board.

Central florida regional authority

Commr. Hill related that she attended the Central Florida Regional Authority last week, and there was a conversation regarding that group hopefully looking into starting the regional authority for transportation discussion.  She opined that it was received very positively and that she believed that issue would be on their agenda next time they meet.

addendum no. 1-i

recommended employment contract for darren gray

Commr. Hill noted that there was a revision made to the employment contract in the addendum.

Ms. Marsh explained that the salary was increased from the originally proposed salary of $135,000 per year to $147,000.  However, to offset that, the severance pay after October 1 would be reduced from six months to four months.

Commr. Campione commented that the County Manager Evaluation Sheet that they were provided was very comprehensive, but she believed that it would be beneficial to everyone if they individually formulated goals and priorities, discussed those as a group, and got those to the County Manager as soon as possible.

Commr. Parks thought they should add as an addendum or an amendment to the contract some very specific measurable goals about economic development, increasing efficiency, and any other thoughts the Commissioners would have.

Commr. Hill responded that they did tweak this evaluation process about a year ago, and she asked if there were any problems with being able to add those as an attachment.

Ms. Marsh explained that they could always do an amendment as well and attach it to the contract if they made changes.

Commr. Hill commented that she believed that was a good idea and that this was a good time to have that discussion.

Mr. Minkoff stated that they could schedule another offsite retreat and make this a topic at that retreat.

On a motion by Commr. Conner, seconded by Commr. Campione and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved the recommended employment contract with Darren Gray.

reports – commissioner parks –  district 2

internet café gambling

Commr. Parks stated that he had received a letter from a citizen who was concerned about internet cafes that have simulated gambling, and he asked if the Board could have some discussion on that issue in the future, including what other communities are doing to regulate it, whether it was a problem in Lake County, and whether there would be a tax implication.

Mr. Minkoff related that they initially met with the State Attorney, and the Sheriff indicated that it would be a law enforcement type issue.  He reported that the State Attorney has filed charges against two of the internet cafes in Marion County and lost at trial, but Seminole County has recently passed a county ordinance which would prohibit their use.  He suggested that since those businesses do not appear to be in violation of state law, they would have to approach it from a County standpoint by enacting a similar type of county ordinance, which he believed the cities would be amenable to.

Commr. Hill mentioned that the Governor is looking at the issue of the counties superseding state law.

public comment periods at workshops

Commr. Parks asked whether the Chairman would consider allowing public comment periods at workshops and that he has talked to a lot of people who have expressed a desire to be able to speak at the workshops as well as the regular meetings.

Commr. Hill stated that they had done that in the past depending on the issue and that she will consider that.

reports – commissioner conner – district 3

resolution expressing appreciation to interim county manager

On a motion by Commr. Conner, seconded by Commr. Parks and carried unanimously by a vote of 5-0, the Board approved Resolution No. 2011-8 expressing appreciation to Mr. Sandy Minkoff for his services as Interim County Manager, which will be presented to Mr. Minkoff at a future meeting.

Status of pain clinic moratorium

Commr. Conner asked about the status of the pain clinic issue that they had discussed at the retreat.

Mr. Minkoff responded that at the last League of Cities meeting, the cities seemed inclined to allow the County to go forward with the county-wide ordinance, which he explained would be a moratorium not allowing additional clinics, rather than a regulatory ordinance, and he reported that they should be bringing that to the Board in February.

martin luther king jr. breakfast

Commr. Conner mentioned that he attended and enjoyed the Martin Luther King breakfast.

REPORTS – COMMISSIONER campione– vice chairman and DISTRICT 4

possible ordinance to deter scrap metal theft

Commr. Campione passed out some materials regarding the secondary market of scrap metals, in particular epidemic copper thefts, including a Sheriff’s report that shows in the past year $660,000 worth of this material has been stolen from County residents.  She noted that often the targets are those that live in their home part time as well as churches.  She proposed that the Board adopt an ordinance similar to one enacted by Orange County to help deter metal thefts by prohibiting the cash transactions and requiring the sales to be reported electronically.  She was concerned that if Lake County did not have a regulation in place, they would become the target location in which those goods were sold, and she mentioned that State Representative Larry Metz was working on sponsoring a bill that would address this on a state level and would increase penalties.  She asked the Board to bring that forward at the workshop in February.

website for suggestions regarding economic development

Commr. Campione inquired about keeping the website up indefinitely which allows citizens to submit suggestions for economic development.

Commr. Hill suggested that they keep the deadline posted until after the action meeting, compress a lot of the comments into bullet points from the results of that meeting, and then make it an ongoing process by extending it after that with another deadline for the next meeting.

Commr. Campione thought that was a good suggestion, and she wanted residents to feel that they could give them ideas anytime as well as for other departments.

Commr. Hill stated that she would have Ms. Kelly LaFollette, Information Technology Director, look into some ideas of how they could do that on the website.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to be brought to the attention of the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 11:25 a.m.

___________________________

    jennifer hill, chairman

ATTEST:

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NEIL KELLY, CLERK